Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Caraval is part fantasy, mystery, and romance all within a young adult wrapper. It is the first book of a series and, be warned, you are left with a huge cliff hanger on the very last page. If you hate cliff hangers you might want to wait until the sequel is out to read this one. That aside, this book is a suspense ride worth taking. It is full of twists that will keep you guessing all the way to the end.

Scarlett and her sister Tella live with their cruel father on a small remote island. Not only is he a cruel man, but he is a powerful man and they are desperate to escape his clutches. Scarlett thinks by going through with an arranged marriage she will finally be free of him. Then just days before her wedding a letter arrives with three tickets to the fabled Caraval. A yearly dramatic performance/game in which members of the audience can participate, if they so desire, with the winner receiving a magical prize.

Scarlett has long dreamed of going and even written letters to the head of Caraval, the mysterious Legend, in order to obtain one of the coveted tickets. With her pending marriage, Scarlett has put aside that dream for the safety of herself and her sister within the sphere of her soon to be husband.  Unbeknownst to Scarlett, Tella has arranged for a sailor to take them to the mysterious place where Caraval is held.  Upon their arrival Tella is kidnapped by Legend and Scarlett is forced to play the game in return for her sister’s life. Player beware, not all is what it seems at Caraval.

Ms. Garber had me guessing throughout the entire story, I never really knew what was going to happen. Just when I thought I had everything figured out she would throw another curve ball. In addition, I loved how she pulled the reader into Caraval so that you too forgot, “it is only a game.” She did a suburb job with the story line and just think this is a debut novel. I am sure we have lots more to look forward to from her.

On to the not so happy stuff. I almost hate to mention this because I loved the story so much, but I really missed the world building that I feel is so necessary to a great fantasy novel.  Just this one missing detail caused me not to put this novel over the top. Still, I can see this book appealing to so many different audiences. The story is good enough that I think it will transcend into genres other than just fantasy or young adult.