Coming out of a book slump can be difficult, especially if you have not read in a few months — or longer. You may not have the motivation to read, choose to do another hobby that does not take up as much energy, etc. Selecting the right book is crucial because going for the wrong one could just make you more prone to not reading. Picking up something exciting allows a reader to feel that spark again. 

“Caraval” by Stephanie Garber is that spark.

Scarlett Dragna has just received an invitation to Caraval: an annual performance in which the audience participates. She is given two additional tickets, taking her younger sister, Donatella, and a mysterious sailor with her. When they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by the mastermind behind Caraval: Legend. Whoever finds Tella first is the winner. It is revealed to Scarlett that everything that happens during Caraval is just a game. As she discovers more about the game, she begins to question what is real and what is fake. If she is unable to find her sister at the end of the five nights, her sister will disappear forever. Scarlett finds herself to be absorbed in a world full of magic, love and secrets. 

Garber published “Caraval” in 2017 as the first book of the “Caraval" trilogy series. In addition to the “Caraval” trilogy, Garber has released a spin off trilogy called “Once Upon a Broken Heart,” with the third book scheduled to release on Sept. 12 this year. 

The author takes the readers on an electrifying experience the entire length of the book. Every chapter inclines you to read more and more. Garber goes into discrete detail to describe each character when necessary to the plot. The plot moves at a satisfying pace, even though the story takes place over the course of five days. You may think at five days the story would drag, but there are many events that happen within that time frame.

The book opens the mind of creative readers to envision various things as the story takes place in a magical, enchanted world. The readers follow Scarlett and her journey to rescue her sister. Scarlett is accompanied with the mysterious sailor, Julian. He helps her in solving the clues that she is given each day. They start to form a romantic bond, but is that just a part of the game? 

The author gives a unique angle on what true love may mean to some people, highlighting sibling love. I was able to learn that true love does not only have to be romantic, but it can also be platonic. The character development within the main character, Scarlett, is obvious. She learns a variety of different lessons throughout the book, and you can tell how those have affected her and how she chooses to make different decisions.

“Caraval” falls under the fantasy genre with elements of romance, magic and mystery present. After reading “Caraval,” I was shocked to say the least. It was a book I thought about for weeks after, and I bought the sequel immediately. Then I bought all of Stephanie Garber’s books. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently trying to get out of a book slump or who is just looking for another book to read in general. “Caraval” is a book that should be, at some point, on your “To Be Read” list.

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