Finale (Caraval #3)

Author: Stephanie Garber
Pages: 478
Overall: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Cheers Factor: 5/5
Pairing: Long Story Short Sauv Blanc 2020
This pairing felt like it was important to use for this title because it felt like I finished the book and explained it to someone by saying long story short they all fall in love.


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​“Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending.”

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Take a Shot: In the final installment of the Caraval series we get a dual perspective look at the Dragna sisters story. Now that the Fates are freed and are wanting to destroy Legend and take his powers the world has never been more unsafe. However, both Tella and Scarlett are grappling with their love over the two men who they have fallen hard for. The question is whether that love is enough and can be reciprocated.


“Fear was a poison that people mistook for protection.”


Setting
We are back in the same locale as we were in Legendary where we are near Elantine’s Castle and at times we are in one of the Fate’s residences so that is interesting and new. I think the setting of these novels is very interesting, but at times it feels confusing to know truthfully where you are and what exactly everything happens. It’s the only gripe I really have with the series in general.


Characters
I loved the dual perspective. It was a really great tie in from Scarlett’s book and Tella’s book. I love getting to see both their love stories from their own eyes.I also really loved legend in this book and the juxtaposition we still get between Jacks and Legend. The concept of the immortal beings being unable to love is such a cool concept to see play out with them all. I enjoy seeing their lust and their obsession being the main topic between both of these characters. I also selfishly love seeing more of Julian. I’ve loved him since the first book and naturally knew he loved Scarlett (Crimson) so much more than she believed him to love her. 


Plot and Themes
There was a slight lack of urgency in a lot of the plot if I’m being honest. It isn’t the kind of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, however that is the style of these books. I did like the nuances we get with the relationships in this book as well as the plot twist that was apparent, but never called out enough that it felt spoiled before we knew it. 


Conclusion
Overall this last book made it worth reading the first two. It was definitely my favorite installment of the series and it did a great job of tying everything in and giving closure to all of our characters. I love a good fantasy based story and this was grounded in more realism than a high fantasy even with the magical aspects so I did appreciate that. 
Reasons to Raise a Glass: Perspectives from both Dragna sisters, clever plot twist
Too Strong: I got lost on where we were and where we were going, I lowkey wish it wasn’t so young adult cause that would have been fun


“Dazzle was a lot like romance- fantastic while it lasted but it never lasted long enough.”


Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk.​

“And Scarlett cried. She cried for the horrors he had been, and she cried for the wonders he could have been instead.”


I meant what I said when I wrote that this book made reading the other two worth it. I loved seeing both sisters get their happily ever after and from their perspectives. I do find it strange that two sisters are dating two brothers. It’s not wrong, but just feels weird. Even though I guess Scarlett is more like a half sister to Tella anyway so it’s even less weird. 
I loved the Legend storyline and how he so willingly gave up being immortal just to love Tella. I mean I knew it was going to happen and I’m glad that it did. I also love Julian and you really see just how much he loves Crimson like he LOVES her so much and I want a love like that. 
I only wish we had more of some of the side characters. The way Legend used his performers as his spies was dope, but I wish we got to see more of how they became this almost gang like entity because they remind me of Six of Crows and Legend reminds me somewhat of a Kaz Brekker if he existed in this magical world. 
Overall, I really loved this book and would recommend the series. I won’t likely reread it or put it at the top of my reread list, but I’m quite glad I did read it.


“Love and immortality cannot coexist.”