Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can turn into nightmares if you don’t wake up. If you are looking for magic, mystery, and more, and you think the book will always be better than the movie, you should read Caraval by Stephine Garber. This is a book that casts a spell over readers, compelling them to keep reading for hours at a time. With its diverse span of characters and interesting plotline, the story remains unpredictable and engaging till the very end.
About The Book
The book Caraval is about a girl named Scarlett Dragna, whose goal in life is to go to Caraval. When she finally escapes the tiny island her father has kept them on, she and her sister manage to escape with help from a sailor named Julian. When they arrive on the island, Tella goes missing, and the performance turns into a life-or-death game to find Scarlette’s sister. She must go through a world filled with deception, fantasy, and mystery to find her sister and the real motives behind this game before it is too late.
What Type Of Readers Would Like This?
This young adult book would be mainly enjoyed by 12 and up who have a love for magic, fantasy, mystery, and more. Fans of storytelling with intricate plots and complex characters would find this book the perfect fit.
About The Author
Stephanie Garber, the author of Caraval, is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series, which was on the list for 15 weeks, and her Once Upon a Broken Heart Series. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages, and she has written many books, YA and Adult. She was born July 8th, 1987, and was a college resident director when she wrote her first book.
Mixed Reviews
Carval, yet a New York Times Bestselling book, has gotten mixed reviews. Caitlin Paxton of NPR wrote that, “ultimately, the message of Caraval ends up muddled.” But Caraval has gotten many great reviews as well. A starred review from Publishers Weekly stated, “intriguing characters, an imaginative setting, and evocative writing combine to create a spellbinding tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and hope”. Caraval has also been offered to be made into a film by the studio Twentieth Century Fox.
I personally enjoyed Caraval and the rest of the series and hope that many more will enjoy it too! It had the perfect mix of fantasy and mystery for me, offering a perfect book to get lost in on a lazy day. You can find this magical book in most places, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I hope you enjoy it!
Works Cited
Dahle, Tiffany. “Caraval Book Club Kit.” Peanut Blossom Book Club, October 2023, https://peanutblossombookclub.com/caraval/. Accessed 9th October 2025.
“5 Reasons to Read Caraval by Stephanie Garber.” readingonastar.ca, 11 November 2023, https://readingonastar.ca/2020/11/23/5-reasons-to-read-caraval-by-stephanie-garber/. Accessed 17 October 2025.
Garber, Stephanie. “Stephanie Garber (Author of Caraval).” Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14137787.Stephanie_Garber. Accessed 22 October 2025.
