Caraval (Caraval #1)

Author: Stephanie Garber
Pages: 401
Overall: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Cheers Factor: 4/5
Pairing: Crimson
This drink turns out a little purple but I think it’s how I see the color of Scarlett’s dress.


“Like poison dressed up in an attractive bottle.”

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Ingredients 
2oz whiskey (I used Buffalo Trace)
1oz chambord
¾oz lemon juice
2oz cranberry juice
Blackberries (can be frozen or fresh)
Ice

Instructions
-Combine blackberries (around 5) and lemon juice in shaker and muddle
-Add whiskey, chambord, cranberry juice and ice to shaker
-Shake well
-Double strain over glass with ice
-Garnish with blackberries
-Enjoy

“The words ‘I’d rather die’ passed Tella’s lips far too often.”


Take a Shot: Scarlett has been writing letters to Master Legend of Caraval for years in hopes of getting a reply and somehow securing a ticket for herself and her sister. The last letter she sent she mentioned her upcoming nuptials to a secret Duke and Master Legend sends tickets for Scarlett, Donatella and Scarlett’s fiancé. However, this year's Caraval is different and Scarlett is about to find out just how much Master Legend likes to play games.

Setting
I thought the setting was quite cool. I liked the concept of a Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire style tent deal where Caraval takes place. I felt it was a little lacking in overall world building and my understanding of where everything was. I did however, love the names being in Spanish that was a nice touch to read those. 

Characters
I felt annoyed at times with our protagonist and her naivety because it was slightly cumbersome. However, it makes sense with the story we are telling. I did really love Julian and the way that he was fleshed out. Overall, the characters are compelling and you do root for them.

Plots and Themes
I liked the main plot and the arc our characters follow. I did get a little lost by some of the sub plots as I was reading, but I have a feeling they will be addressed in later novels so I’m not knocking it too hard.

Conclusion
I really liked this book. It was a super easy read and didn’t take me very long at all. It was smooth in the way the writing is done. If you liked Panic by Lauren Oliver then you will definitely like this title. The stakes feel very similar between both novels. 
Reasons to Raise a Glass: sexy Julian, fun descriptive outfits, easy to read
Too Strong: character’s are a bit naive, some plot points lost me.

Click read more for more of my thoughts and spoilers! You have been warned spoilers are after the read more.​

“Scarlett now felt as if she were trying to rescue herself as well as Tella.”


    Overall I really loved this book. The addition at the end of the paperback version with the playlist Garber made was awesome. I too love Hans Zimmer and Melanie Martinez and the songs fit so well. 
    I at times felt a little lost with the storyline of the grandmother and the elusiveness of Master Legend. I also didn’t love the ease with which Scarlett was able to figure out all the clues. Those two plot points were either annoying or slightly confusing in my opinion.
    I did really love Julian and I think that’s partly why I liked this book so much. He’s just adorable and I imagine him to be this sexy man. By about chapter 2 I knew he was not some random soldier though. Like clearly he was a plant and that was clear from the beginning, but I wasn’t sure the extent until a way in. By the time Scarlett was assuming he was Legend, I was already thinking he was a sibling because of the “well connected" comment. 
    This is definitely a YA series and I wish that it was more adult because imagine how fun that would be. I’m not complaining though because even though it wasn’t adult I was still entranced by our main love story and very invested. I’m really glad I picked this one up and can’t wait to read the next one.

“Don’t be too sure about any of that. Legend doesn’t do anyone favors.”