Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I actually use or genuinely recommend.
There are books you enjoy, finish, and move on from.
And then there are books that, years later, you still remember exactly how they made you feel.
For me, the Caraval trilogy by Stephanie Garber is one of those series.
I’ll start with a confession: it has been quite a while since I read these books. So if you’re looking for an incredibly detailed breakdown of every character, twist, and piece of Caraval lore, this probably isn’t that kind of review.
What I do remember?
I could not put these books down.
I remember telling myself I would read one more chapter and then go to bed. And then another. And another.
Mostly because I had to know who Legend was.
So, What Is Caraval?
The trilogy begins with sisters Scarlett and Donatella “Tella” Dragna, who have spent their lives living under the control of their cruel father.
Scarlett has dreamed for years of attending Caraval, a legendary once-a-year performance and competition run by the mysterious Legend.
Then an invitation finally arrives.
Scarlett and Tella escape to attend the game, but shortly after arriving, Tella disappears. Scarlett discovers that finding her sister is actually part of that year's Caraval.
And that's when everything gets wonderfully confusing.
Because you're told that Caraval is only a game.
Except sometimes it doesn't feel like a game.
People might be performers. Or they might not be.
Something might be a clue. Or a trick.
Someone might be helping Scarlett. Or manipulating her.
And somewhere behind all of it is Legend.
The Mystery That Hooked Me
This was the part that got me.
Who is Legend?
I needed to know.
Stephanie Garber does such a good job of making you suspicious of practically everyone. I would convince myself I had figured something out, only to start questioning it again a few chapters later.
And the deeper you get into the trilogy, the bigger the world becomes.
The second book, Legendary, shifts much of the focus to Tella, and the mystery surrounding Legend becomes even more important. We also get more magic, more secrets, the Fates, and some very interesting new characters.
Hello, Jacks.
By Finale, the story has grown far beyond the original Caraval game. There are bigger stakes, complicated relationships, dangerous magic and plenty of moments where you're still wondering exactly whom you should trust.
But through all three books, Scarlett and Tella—and their relationship as sisters—remain at the heart of the story.
Why I Loved It
For me, Caraval wasn't about complicated fantasy world-building or keeping track of a hundred different kingdoms.
It was about the feeling of being inside this strange, beautiful, slightly dangerous world.
There are elaborate gowns, mysterious invitations, secret passages, magical bargains, romance, beautiful settings and that constant feeling that something isn't quite what it seems.
It's whimsical without feeling childish.
Romantic without being only a romance.
Dark without being the kind of fantasy that leaves me emotionally exhausted.
And there was always another mystery waiting for me.
That's probably why I kept reading when I should have been sleeping.
Would I Read It Again?
Absolutely.
Actually, writing this is making me think I might need to.
There are details I've forgotten over the years, but I think that's part of why I know I really loved this series. I don't remember every twist or every clue.
I remember how much fun I had reading it.
I remember needing to know what happened next.
I remember trying to figure out Legend.
And I remember finishing the trilogy and wishing I could experience the whole thing again without knowing any of the answers.
If you love books with magic, mystery, romance, sisterhood, gorgeous atmosphere and lots of “wait…WHAT?” moments, put Caraval on your list.
And if you do start it?
Just remember:
It's only a game.
Or is it?
Want the whole Series? Find it Here
Prefer a hardcover? Find it Here
Want to try it first in paperback or kindle? Find it Here
