Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Image courtesy of Titlewave.com
I received an advance reader's copy 
in exchange for an honest review of this book.

Caraval 

by Stephanie Garber

This is how I described this book to my students; "it's about an enchanted island full of magic.  The participants are playing a game, and at the end, they will be granted one wish.  However, Scarlett is not entirely sure if she is playing a game; she can't figure out what is real, and what is fantasy."

I loved this book!  The descriptions are so vivid, I could see everything as I read.  Caraval is a fantasy world where dresses change color with changing emotions, bridges move from one place to another, currency can be secrets or one day of your life and there are trap doors and hidden tunnels that you can get lost in.

Some of the images from the book:

"Someone screamed.  As hot and bright as fire."

"The world tasted like lies and ashes when Scarlett woke."

"...pillows as dark as nightmares..."

"Behind her a cloud drifted over the moon, covering all but two two points of light, which hovered behind her silver hair like devil's horns."

There are more colors in this book than a 24 box of crayons.  But purples, reds and blues dominate.  The food imagery is delectable and made me crave sugary sweets as I was reading.  It was simply exquisite.

This was a book that I couldn't put down.  Not only was it beautifully written, but the story was so twisty that I would have to read on when I should have been turning off the light!  I sped read the last 60 pages because I had no idea how it was all going to end.  It was the kind of book where you are having a conversation with someone, but what you're really thinking about is Caraval!  

I'm looking forward to the next installment of Scarlett's adventure, and I'm sure you will be too!