CARAVAL - REMEMBER IT'S ONLY A GAME

So here I am, in my fluffy PJ's with a cup of tea writing my first post about this incredibly beautiful book. I've decided that I can't contain my love of talking about books I'm reading and the urge to talk/type about it is too damn strong. And what better way to start than a first thoughts post on Caraval by Stephanie Garber.

What's it all about - I'm loving the idea behind this book so far & I can't wait to dive in to the game. Everything has a price - A voice, a truth, making the game exciting and complicated for the players. I'd really like to see more sacrifice from the main characters, this will expose us (the readers) to the dark side of the game!

Scarlett

Thoughts on Scarlett - Overall nice kinda girl, that strives to do the right thing. She has a great love for her younger sister which I can relate to. At this point, I'd love for Scarlett to live a little. Her fear and over analysis of every situation is really holding her back as a character and it's difficult for me to read at times. I'm practically shouting, just do it Scarlett & deal with it later *laughs*.

Tella

Thoughts on Tella - I really like this young gal, she is a ball of energy. Tella clearly lives for the moment and likes to embrace life. Although I suspect said characteristics will lead her into troubled waters soon. I've a slight annoyance with Tella, she takes advantage of her sisters love and protection. I don't think it is out of malice but rather naivety. No ships in sight for this little lady yet, but I'd like her to meet a guy just as wild as she is.

Julian

Thoughts on Julian - Although Julian is playing/acting the typical don't care attitude male, I think there is a lot more to him that we will uncover. Scarlett or should I say 'Crimson' describes Julian as the most attractive boy she has seen (or something along those lines). I get good chemistry vibes from these two, but I'm not sure if they are a potential ship just yet.

Dante

Thoughts on Dante - Seriously strange guy, I'm not getting good vibes from him but I kinda like it all the same (standard evil guy obsession business). There's clearly a reason Julian does not trust this guy and I cant wait to find out why!

Updated March 27th Well, that was an intense ending! I literally don't know where to start because so much has happened since my initial thoughts that I posted last week. I freaking loved this book and it's a strong 4.5/5 for me.

Lemme talk to you about some of the things I liked; The whole idea of this book is the winner for me, its circus'y & magical, what's not to love.

Journey to Caraval - To start we follow Scarlett and Julian's journey to reach Caraval and these two make an interesting duo. On the way they get in to a little trouble when the boat capsizes, which I wasn't to sure what this is about, like surely you'd check the boat before you leave? Anyhow, Scarlett struggles to swim for some reason or another & Julian the absolute hero saves her. I think this is when we first see how reliable Julian can be.

S&J - When they get to the gates of Caraval they decide that in order to get Julian through the gates, he must pretend to be Scarlett's fiancé as he (the Count) was invite along side Scarlett. They carry this relationship status throughout the Caraval and it makes for some interesting scenes.

The dress shop - This scene had me speechless! In order to receive access to an important journal as part of the game, Juliette must purchase three dresses. However, at Caraval everything comes at a price. The price of each dress is a desire and a fear, but Juliette doesn't answer the truth in her heart meaning she must use an alternative method of payment. Two days of her life. I automatically assumed this would be taken from the end of her life, nope, wrong.

The book itself is sectioned into maybe 4/5 sections (correct me if I'm wrong, I'm too lazy to count), which adds an element of structure and excitement for me. When you turn the page and you get Night One of Caraval, I let out a 'eeeeek'.

Finally, I'm going to talk about that ending, like wowza! When Tessa (adorable/annoying typical sister) jumped, I threw the bloody book across the room. I couldn't believe that shit, I was like no no no no! You do not get to die in the first book! But then we find out, it's all part of the game. I mean they do tell you throughout the whole story 'Remember, it's just a game' however, come on surely I wasn't the only one fooled by Caraval.

I'm really excited to see whats next from the characters and especially Legend. There is clearly more to him than meets the eye. I have a sneaky feeling he may become a potential love interest.

#Caraval