ALA Booklist (Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Scarlett and her sister, Tella, have grown up on stories of Caraval, a magical game run by a magician named Legend ories that helped them momentarily escape their grim existence with their abusive, controlling father. Now, weeks away from marrying a man she hasn't met, Scarlett receives an invitation to the enchanting palace, and Tella is determined to go, even if it means kidnapping her own sister to get there. When they arrive, they get separated, and driven by both the enticing candy-colored magic and her urge to find her sister, Scarlett plays Legend's seemingly innocuous game. Of course, all those flying creatures, enchanted ball gowns, and miraculous estates hide something sinister, and with the help of a handsome, rugged sailor, Scarlett uncovers secrets about both her own past and the true dangers of Caraval. While Scarlett is sometimes a frustratingly inept protagonist, Garber's rich, vivid scene setting and descriptions make for entertaining reading, and the conclusion hints at a sequel focused on Tella. A colorful, imaginative fantasy with some steamy romance for good measure.

Horn Book

Scarlett has always dreamed of attending the fantastical scavenger hunt Caraval. When she gets her chance, Scarlett grows convinced that the clues will lead to her missing sister. The suspenseful story is a bit too twisty-turny, but readers invested in the sisters' fates (and the outcome of steamy tension between Scarlett and companion Julian) will enjoy the ride through this darkly beautiful magical world.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

At the start of Garber-s magnificent debut novel, the mysterious Master Legend invites sisters Scarlett and Donatella Dragna to attend Caraval-a magical multiday event that is part spectacle, part treasure hunt. Although their tyrannical father has threatened death if they leave home without his permission, Tella strikes a deal with a roguish sailor named Julian for transport to Legend-s private island-a plan that essentially involves kidnapping the conflicted Scarlett, who is weeks away from marrying a man she-s never met. Upon arrival, Tella is taken, and it-s revealed that she is the subject of this year-s hunt. Scarlett and Julian join forces to find her, but in a game in which secrets are currency and appearances deceive, Scarlett has no way of knowing whether she-s a Caraval player or Master Legend-s pawn. Intriguing characters, an imaginative setting, and evocative writing combine to create a spellbinding tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and hope. While the search for Tella drives the narrative, Scarlett-s quest for self-empowerment is equally captivating. Scarlett and Julian-s chemistry intoxicates, and Garber-s tantalizing conclusion will leave readers hungry for a sequel. Ages 13-up. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency. (Jan.)

Kirkus Reviews

Magic, mystery, and love intertwine and invite in this newest take on the "enchanted circus" trope. Sisters raised by their abusive father, a governor of a colonial backwater in a world vaguely reminiscent of the late 18th century, Scarlett and Donatella each long for something more. Scarlett, olive-skinned, dark of hair and attitude, longs for Caraval, the fabled, magical circus helmed by the possibly evil Master Legend Santos, while blonde, sunny Tella finds comfort in drink and the embraces of various men. A slightly awkward start, with inconsistencies of attitude and setting, rapidly smooths out when they, along with handsome "golden-brown" sailor Julian, flee to Caraval on the eve of Scarlett's arranged marriage. Tella disappears, and Scarlett must navigate a nighttime world of magic to find her. Caraval delights the senses: beautiful and scary, described in luscious prose, this is a show readers will wish they could enter. Dresses can be purchased for secrets or days of life; clocks can become doors; bridges move: this is an inventive and original circus, laced with an edge of horror. A double love story, one sensual romance and the other sisterly loyalty, anchors the plot, but the real star here is Caraval and its secrets. Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations. (Fantasy. 14 & up)