Stephanie Garber’s debut novel Caraval has taken the teen world by storm. The first in a series, Caraval will lead you on an unforgettable, magical journey full of deception, love and family.
Scarlett and Donatella (Tella) Dragna dream of a future outside the grip of their violent, suffocating father. For Scarlett, that future lies in an arranged marriage. Scarlett’s plan is derailed, however, when she receives a long-awaited letter from Caraval Master, Legend.
For years during her childhood, Scarlett wrote to Legend in vain, pleading with him to bring Caraval, a touring interactive performance show, to their island home Trisda. Now, at the worst possible time, Legend invites Scarlett, her fiancé and Tella to experience Caraval as his special guests.
Scarlett initially refuses Legend’s offer, but is tricked by Tella and a mysterious sailor, who cart her off to Caraval despite her objections. Convinced she should make the most of the situation, Scarlett plans to stay for only one night so she can be home in time for her wedding. All of that changes, however, when her sister goes missing.
Scarlett has no choice but to enter Caraval, hoping to find Tella inside. At the start of Caraval, players and spectators alike are warned not to trust anything they see: it’s all just part of the game. The winner will receive the grand prize of one wish, and the object is simple: find Donatella Dragna.
Scarlett finds herself in a race against time — and every other Caraval player — to find her sister. Can she navigate the labyrinth of mystery and deceit that is Caraval? Or will she fall for the illusion?
Caraval is a one-of-a-kind reading adventure. Garber knowingly creates an unreliable narrator in Scarlett: if Scarlett can’t trust anything in her surroundings, how can the reader trust her? “Remember, it’s only a game.”
