Reviews

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

tintengoldseele's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.5

sarah_chapman's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious

4.75

rebecca_h33's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

miltsu's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious

5.0

wispunderthewillow's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

This book felt like a fever dream. A dream in which I was disappointed by every single turn

amandahaas322's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I loved the concept, the world, the magic -- my fairy tale / faery lore loving heart was DELIGHTED! The characters felt... a bit flat. So I averaged my stars :)

I'll be watching her future work with interest!

griskusse's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Honestly, very underwhelming. I just kind of felt like there was this build up to Legend's secret identity and then we got nothing but the little reveal about Julian. I had to take multiple breaks in between reading this cause it just wasn't catching my attention and I switched to audio 40% just to finish it. I am curious enough to read the second because I think the sister would have a more compelling story, I just wanna know who this damn guy is though.

acollectiveofbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

What a wonderfully spectacular read full of twists and turns. I didn't know what was real or a game. I loved everything about the book and I can't wait to read the next.

askaakuliina's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

3.5

bookappeal's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Maybe I hyped this book too much to myself! As one of many ARCs picked up at Book Expo in Chicago, this one really captured my eye. Alas, the book itself does not live up to expectations. Stephanie Garber paints a pretty picture of a magical place but her world-building is too shifty for readers to get a footing. In essence, this world has no rules so the author can make it do whatever she wants. Also, "the game" of Caraval is a combination of truth and deception so the reader can never rely on anything being real. The main character's continuous questioning and doubts about her thoughts, feelings, and decisions is frustrating and, ultimately, the story told is unsatisfying.