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Caraval cover art

Caraval

Written by: Stephanie Garber
Narrated by: Rebecca Soler
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Publisher's Summary

This program includes a bonus interview with the author.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval - Stephanie Garber's sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game. 

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful - and cruel - father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the faraway once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over. 

But this year Scarlett's long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner. 

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. 

©2016 Stephanie Garber (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

What the critics say

"Actor Soler's lively narration swiftly draws listeners into the magical spectacle at the center of Garber's YA novel." (Publishers Weekly, best audiobooks of 2017)

What listeners say about Caraval

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

The story isn't as magical.

The story could have been amazing but the end... not so much. I liked the performance but overall I have conflicting thoughts. Caraval is supposed to be this amazing magical reality and all we got was... nothing really.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Riveting world building

Absolutely stunning! The narration was flawless, and I loved listening. Excited to read the next one

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good story, but narrator ruined it a little

I really enjoyed the story and world building, but i didn’t really like the narrator, mostly when she was voicing the characters. I will continue the series but read the books myself

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

After reading the other series by this author, this audiobook/book was so much better. Loved the twists and drama of it! The performance was great - she did a good job with all the voices.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed the story, but the narrator was meh

The narrator pulled me out of the story more times than I care to admit. Her over the top accents were cringe, and the way she read like the listener is a child and she is their babysitter reading a bed time tale was even moreso. I would have likely enjoyed it if I were 11-13, but as it was I couldn't wait to be done with it and move on to something else.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

not what I was expecting

I expected something more magical and whimsical. something less confusing. not as much of a twist ending than anticipated.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Lots of twists, romance and drama

I honestly had such a hard time getting through this book. It stressed me out also the main character was so naive I really question some of her decisions too. Not too predictable but somewhat cliche. Mostly likeable characters the romance wasn’t my favourite but it was good if that’s what your looking for. I think most people would like this book, though it was written a little too whimsical especially paired with the narrators voice for me..

I might still read the second book just because I’m weak to curiosity.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I really liked it!

I loved this book. I like magician/circus with a dark side to it aesthetics and this book satisfied that. I love the mystery and the secrets and I he world building was amazing. I also do really like the sisterly bond that was shown and how driven the MC was to protect her sister, it was nice

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Liz
  • 2021-02-06

Magical Escapism

This series is a great pick if you are into YA romance. The story is pretty good, but the world the author has built around the story is gorgeous: her descriptions (especially of all the dresses) are so colourful and vivid.
If you enjoy The Night Circus and/or Baz Lurhman movies, then this book is for you.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Fast paced and intriguing

Fast paced and interesting, but beyond that, not much more. The prose is odd, often in a good way, and occasionally hilariously purple. The story moves fast and compellingly, and it's definitely enjoyable…however, upon closer reflection, some things come out of nowhere, and certain events and explanations are varying degrees of arbitrary.

The characters, at least the main two, are engaging and relatable, and I would argue really make the story.

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