So, a couple of months ago, I was lucky enough to receive an (two) early proof(s) of CARAVAL by Stephanie Garber. It was, without a doubt, the prettiest proof I had EVER received. Far more prettier than even some finished copies of books. I was in AWE! (If you don't believe me, look at these pictures!)
GORGEOUS, I KNOW!
I was immediately tempted to pick it up and devour it straight away, but then I realised that the release date was quite a while away (Jan 2017,) so I managed to restrain myself...for two months.
I succumbed to the temptation and I DON'T REGRET IT AT ALL! This book was glorious!
After finishing it, I was going to write a review, but it felt too soon for that, so instead I'm going to give you 5 reasons why I loved this book so much and hopefully persuade you to pre-order a copy for yourself.
Before I begin, here's the synopsis:
Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.
Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organiser, Legend.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.
Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organiser, Legend.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.
Reason One - The Premise
From reading the synopsis above, you can learn the basic gist of what this book is about. What really drew me into this book was the whole concept of a magical game where everything seems real, but isn't. I have never read anything like it. I mean I've heard some people (positively) compare it to The Night Circus, but I have not read that book, so this was such a unique and interesting read for me.
While reading I was constantly thinking to myself, 'wow, this is so cool.' 'Why can't this be a real thing?!' I've become so obsessed with the world of CARAVAL, all I want to do is read about previous games and see how they panned out.
While reading I was constantly thinking to myself, 'wow, this is so cool.' 'Why can't this be a real thing?!' I've become so obsessed with the world of CARAVAL, all I want to do is read about previous games and see how they panned out.
Reason Two - Sister Relations
Another thing I love about this book is that although we do have some romance in this book, the main relationship we focus on is between the two sisters, which is very refreshing. In a lot of YA books, I find that the most common type of relationship we focus on is the romantic relationship rather than familial ties and that can sometimes become a bit frustrating. YA characters are usually about 16-17 years old, yet we hardly ever see any family which I don't understand, because strong family relations, like Scarlett and Tella's, are so beautiful to read about.
Reason Three - The Characters
Every character in this book, and I literally mean every character, was brilliant! Whether they had a major or minor role, whether they were a player or performer, they all added something extra to the story and were fascinating to read about. The main protagonist, Scarlett, was especially fantastic! She was brave. She never lost focus of the task at hand. And she was relatable! Everything you would want in a main character.
Reason Four - The Writing
Stephanie Garber has got a way with words. Her writing in this book is pretty much flawless. The story flowed excellently. It had vivid and imaginative imagery. And the world-building was phenomenal.
Also, getting deeper into the story, I didn't feel like I was reading a book, I felt like I was actually part of the game, trying to uncover all the secrets and win, which is such a rare experience for me.
I honestly cannot fault the writing at all!
Also, getting deeper into the story, I didn't feel like I was reading a book, I felt like I was actually part of the game, trying to uncover all the secrets and win, which is such a rare experience for me.
I honestly cannot fault the writing at all!
Reason Five - The Cover
Now, I know people like to say 'don't judge a book by its cover' but let's be honest, we all do it. You're more likely to buy a book if it has an aesthetically pleasing cover because it draws you in and, if buying the physical copy, you want something that's going to look pretty on your bookshelf.
Well let me just say that as well as having a glorious inside, this book also has a glorious outside.
Well let me just say that as well as having a glorious inside, this book also has a glorious outside.
Feast your eyes on the beautiful final covers!!
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| US Cover |
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| UK Cover |
How can you not want this book?!
If you are unable to wait that long to get your hands on the book, here's your chance to win an UK ARC...
GIVEAWAY TIME! [CLOSED]
Since I somehow ended up with two ARCs of CARAVAL I have decided to give one away to one of you lucky people.
This giveaway will unfortunately be UK only, since I will be paying for postage.
To be in with the chance of winning follow me on twitter HERE and RT this tweet HERE
The Giveaway will end on October 14th. GOOD LUCK!