Stephanie Garber

There are very few YA books that I can get into, but something about Caraval (first book of the series) sucked me in. Maybe it was the romances, the magical circus aspects, the relatable characters (love the family ties).

Overall, very well-written, if the prose is a little purple and flowery, and well paced, each new revelation being revealed, layer by layer. And it was darker than I thought it would be. I did feel a sense of urgency with Tella and her predicament, but a part of me still knew she would make it out okay. I liked Tella, but not as much as Scarlett. And I did feel more chemistry with Scarlett and Julian than with Tella/Dante/Jacks. The ending was a little predictable.

I loved all the colorful, quirky characters and the introduction of the Fates definitely kept my attention - I wanted to know more about them and what they were. The alternate endings at the end of the book, with Ms. Garber's comments, was a cute touch!

The story is written entirely in Tella's POV in third person, similar to Caraval.

Ended on a cliffhanger, but I look forward to reading Finale, and see how this story ends.… (lisätietoja)

I am so glad i picked up the second book despite the first one having little flaws. Because, oh damn. The romance and the characters definitely improved, that's for sure. Yes, i still hate Evangeline, BUT the book is still amazing despite her being insufferable. Though, all those scenes at the Hollow Inn made me giggle like crazy. Jacks is incredible, i love him and i'd do anything for him. He litteraly went back in time so she wouldn't die. And then, the amnesia trope for the last book, i know will have me on the edge on my seat waiting for her to remember Jacks. I am so hyped up for A Curse for True Love !!!… (lisätietoja)

Let's say i'm a little conflicted. I'm pretty sure i liked this book quite a lot, but there are also minor icks.I liked Jacks a lot, even though his past was rarely mentionned or developped in the book, he seemed really intriguing and i hope we'll learn more about him in The Ballad of Never After. Although, Evangeline is another story. Of course she had to be one of those 𝐼'𝓂 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒 kind of characters. She is so overly naive and over-trusting. An example, throughout the whole book, she keeps doubting her step-sister's loyalty, but still ending up trusting her. In the end, we all knew Marisol was gonna betray her. But, at Stephanie Garber's defense, i'm pretty sure she was meant ot be like that, it's just not really my thing. For the plot, i really liked it ! The story is all about curses, poisons, magic and weddings. I think my favorite aspect of this novel is the vibes and the world-building. I felt like in a fever dream most of time. Litteraly my dream to visit Evangeline's father's oddity shop. I think the vampires were an odd thing to add in a magical story like that, but i didn't really mind it all that much. Although i have to say rethinking about it, it was really random. The story ends on a cliff-hanger, and it intrigued me so i'm definitely picking that up!… (lisätietoja)