**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**

Caraval is the first book in a new, young adult fantasy series of the same name by author Stephanie Garber. Caraval has gotten so much excellent hype that when I grabbed a copy at ALA last year, I could hardly contain myself. I am always a little weary of books that have so, so much hype surrounding them, but I am happy to say that Caraval certainly delivered. And then some. I loved this book and I cannot wait for book 2 when we get a chance to journey back to this magical world Stephanie Garber created.

Caraval does have a romance in it, and it was a romance that I really enjoyed, but what I liked even more than the romance was that the main characters, and main focus, of this book were the two sisters. It was really refreshing to see such a great bond between them. And trust me, no matter what your initial impressions might be, there is a great bond between the two girls.

At first, I thought the younger sister was the biggest brat on earth. I was totally not a fan. But she more than won me over as the book went on.

Scarlet and Tella grew up admiring the mysterious and grand show of Caraval, an interactive circus where visitors can choose to watch the competition or participate for themselves. I loved the idea behind Caraval. It was part contest, part scavenger hunt, and a whole lot of magical and creepy. The land of Caraval was enthralling. I could not pull myself away from it. Even now, weeks after having finished the book, I still catch myself thinking about it. Part of me wants to run through those streets with Scarlet and part of me thinks I would never have the guts to participate.

All of the characters in Caraval are so multifaceted and super interesting. And I do mean every one is interesting. Even the actors in Carval play awesomely complex roles. A mixture of real and fake that I couldn't get enough of. Julian, who is the slow burn kind of love interest was particularly interesting. The whole book just works so well. I loved seeing the history of Carval, I loved seeing the present, I loved the characters and the world and just getting to be a part of the whole story telling experience. I need more!! Seriously, this better not be a duology. I want a long series of Caraval books! I can't wait to see what the next evolution of Carval, the game, looks like. I am addicted to this book! And I want more!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs