Mesmerising

Caraval by Stephanie Garber is the first book in a magical and whimsical fantasy series that I really enjoyed. It’s fun, enchanting, and full of mystery, though I know some people have mixed opinions about it. The story follows Scarlett Dragna, a cautious and responsible girl who has always dreamed of attending Caraval, a legendary, immersive performance where the audience becomes part of a magical game. When Scarlett and her adventurous sister, Tella, finally get the chance to go, Tella is kidnapped by the mysterious Master of Caraval, Legend and now Scarlett must navigate the ever-changing, dreamlike world of Caraval to find her sister before the game ends. Scarlett teams up with Julian, a charming but mysterious sailor, and together they unravel clues and face challenges that confuse the distinction between reality and fantasy. The world building is vivid and surreal, filled with illusions and fantastical settings that keep you wondering. The story explores themes of sisterhood, love, and self-exploration, and while some twists and romantic elements might feel divisive, I found it to be a delightful escape.