I received this book for free from Netgalley, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #1
Published by Hodder & Stoughton on January 31st 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 402
Format: Arc, E-Arc
Source: Netgalley, Publisher
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Welcome to Caraval, where nothing is quite what it seems.
Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.
Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.
When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.
A mesmerising, magical and stunningly imaginative debut novel for anyone who loved The Night Circus and Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

When I first heard about this book, I was so excited to read, and despite not really knowing what this book was about my excitement levels were sky high. When I finally got my hands on a copy and started reading, all my expectations and theories fell away. Caraval was nothing like I was expecting, but it was so much more.

Caraval  was full of magic that managed to distort reality and put a spin on the facts. Nothing in Caraval is simple and nothing is as it seemed. It was hard to know what was correct and what was a lie. Who could we trust? And who was taking us down the rabbit hole?

I loved reading Caraval, and I’m so excited to see what the next book brings because I honestly don’t know what to expect. Except good things. Obviously. But this is a treacherous game that is being played and its hard not to loose yourself in the story. There were times when I felt like I was a player. That I was in the game to win. Scarlett has her eyes open throughout, everything she learns we learn. There is no point trying to guess what will happen in the future till it happens.

There is also a hint of romance in this tale Not enough to overwhelm the story. But enough to get a little bit excited to see how the relationship between Julian and Scarlett develops over time.

Caraval is a magical, fairy tale ride of a book. This is a wildly intelligent read that will pull you in with its uncanny and treacherous story and misleading world.

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