Started reading: 10.11.19

Finished reading: 14.11.19

Pages: 407
Rating: 5 stars
Physical read (library book)
Series: Caraval (book 1)

❝Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world.❞

Synopsis:

In this book, we follow Scarlet Dragna, who lives with her sister Donatella and their cruel father. Ever since she was a young girl when her grandmother told her beautiful and amazing stories about this magical game called Caraval that is played once a year - her biggest wish in life was to finally get a letter from the master of Caraval, see this place of magic and finally participate in the game. And then one day, a few days before her arranged marriage she finally gets an invitation to the Caraval. And so this story begins…

Scarlet, her sister Tella and a young sailor Julian travel to the island where Caraval is taking place to participate in this year's Caraval game and win the prize at the end of the game - a wish. But as Scarlet begins playing the game, she soon discovers that not everything is as it seems.

"What happens beyond this gate may frighten or exite you, but don't let any of it trick you. We will try to convince you it's real, but all of it is a performance. A world built of make-believe. So while we want you to get swept away, be careful of being swept too far away. Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won't wake up."

My review:

I ADORED this book! This was a beautiful story of love, loss, sacrifice, and hope. It was so magical and interesting to me from the very first page. I couldn't stop reading, I was swept away with every page I read. This book was so whimsical, magical, mysterious, enchanting, it had amazing characters, perfect slow burn romance, amazing twists and turns… it had all! I absolutely loved how mysterious the story was. Every chapter had a new mystery and a new twist that shocked my heart. I found myself thinking and guessing what was going on and who the Legend was all the time… and every time I thought I have an answer to these questions - I was definitely wrong.

Writing:

"It looked like a storybook come to life. She peered down at bright pointy rooftops, moss-covered towers, gingerbread cottages, gleaming gold bridges, blue-brick streets, and bubbling fountains, all lit by candled lamps that hung everywhere, giving an appearance of time that was neither day nor night."

Characters:

I loved this book with all my heart and I can't wait to continue with the series!

Favorite quotes and fanart:

"Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything."

"She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out."

"Hope is a powerful thing. Some say it's a different breed of magic altogether. Elusive, difficult to hold on to. But not much is needed."

"Some things are worth pursuit regardless of the cost."

"I think I've made a mistake. -Then make it into something better."

(this image isn't original; source: weheartit /Pinterest)