Book Review: Caraval

By Stephanie Garber 

5 Stars 

Caraval by Stephanie Garber whisks readers into a world where illusion and reality intervene in a dazzling, dangerous game, and I absolutely loved it. The story is about Scarlett Dragna, a woman who was controlled by her father. When she finally receives an invitation to Caraval, a legendary performance where the audience participates in the spectacle, Scarlett seizes this moment for a chance to escape. Alongside her spirited sister Donatella Dragna, she enters a realm filled with magic, mystery, and manipulation, where every choice has consequences and nothing is as it seems. Stephanie Garber’s writing sparkles like starlight spilled across a dark sea. The world of Caraval is so seductive and slippery, balancing whimsy and danger in equal measure. Caraval is a story for anyone who loves to be swept away, a feast of magic and romance. Step into the game… but remember, not everything is real. That said, the prose occasionally flirts with excess, swirling into descriptions so rich they nearly drown the plot. The world of Caraval itself is intoxicating, glittering with wonder yet shadowed by secrets. Readers are drawn into its dreamlike atmosphere, constantly questioning what’s real and what’s part of the game. The pacing balances suspense and enchantment, keeping the story both gripping and emotionally resonant. 

Reviewed by Alfina 

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