Review: 'Caraval' a dark fantasy novel

Five out of Five Stars

By Chloe Gregg
Editor in Chief

I am currently on vacation, enjoying the sunshine and a light breeze by the pool with a book in hand. Well, really lots of books in hand because of my cute little kindle.

This week, I got a new book to read, “Caraval.”

“Caraval” is a dark fantasy novel set in an alternate universe circa early 1900s. The story follows Scarlett Dragna and her sister, Donatella. They both live essentially captive by their father on a secluded island in the ocean.

For years, all they have yearned for is freedom, and for the island to be visited by the otherworldly show, Caraval.

Although they have never attended Caraval, they grew up learning about all of its magical performances from their grandmother. From that moment on, every year Scarlett would write a letter to the Caraval Master Legend, begging him to come to their island or whisk them away.

She never dreamt he would respond, until one day he wrote back with tickets enclosed.

This starts an insane journey where Donatella becomes the object of the Caraval show, and Scarlett must win the game in order to get her back. This book is full of twists, turns and beautiful descriptions of the magic that is the Caraval.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good fantasy and romance novel, especially one with just a touch of horror and mystery.