Caraval

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'Caraval', by Stephanie Garber and published in 2016, is a YA fantasy novel that will have you so transfixed you won't able to put it down. This book tells the story of 2 sisters who are swept up into the world of magic and high-stakes while escaping their controlling father. Scarlett, the responsible and cautious older sister is left searching for her reckless and thrill-seeking sister Donatella 'Tella'. Scarlett, with the help of a "shipman" named Julian, must navigate the wonderous game of Caraval for 4 nights in the hopes of finding Tella before their father or another player and unmasking the game creator, Legend, himself.

This book had me both confused and wanting more, I was putting pieces together in my head and then breaking them apart again when another piece was discovered. Stephanie Garber's use of metaphors (focused on sensory/tactile) and foreshadowing created a world of wonder, a game that seemed so amazing that no one ever looked deeper. When reading her description's, you can't help but imagine it. But you're never left in wonder for too long, there are plenty of mysteries and puzzles that Scarlett and Julian must solve if they hope to find Tella in time. I found that both the Scarlett and I were so focused on the beautiful world the game had created, therefore ignore or misreading certain clues that were left by foreshadowing. I can't tell you how many times when I re-read this book I felt disappointed in myself for missing a certain clue or ignoring a riddle. 'Caraval' is a great read for teenagers and adults alike, anyone who wants to read about a world where anything can (and does) happen.