ALA Booklist (Tue May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Garber's sequel won't stand alone, but that's no problem for those who started the story of sisters Scarlet and Tella in Caraval (2017). Caraval is a magical performance that occurs annually, centered around audience participation. Tella, having saved her sister, Scarlet, from a disastrous marriage to Count Nicolas D'Arcy, arranged by their treacherous, cruel father, now has to discover Caraval Master Legend's true name. Rife with fairy-tale elements, this action-packed and moderately steamy romance features feisty heroines, gorgeous costumes, ridiculously handsome and flirty young men, an intricate card game, secret identities, and sisterly allegiance. Though the prose is sometimes overwrought ("They kissed as if the world were ending, lips crashing together as if the heavens were breaking"), it fits the breathless pace and Harlequin formula, providing romance fans a satisfying romp. With its glossary of "Fates and Terms" and a cliff-hanger ending, fans will anticipate the next title.

Kirkus Reviews (Tue May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Garber returns to the world of bestseller Caraval (2017), this time with the focus on younger, more daring sister Donatella.Valenda, capital of the empire, is host to the second of Legend's magical games in a single year, and while Scarlett doesn't want to play again, blonde Tella is eager for a chance to prove herself. She is haunted by the memory of her death in the last game and by the cursed Deck of Destiny she used as a child which foretold her loveless future. Garber has changed many of the rules of her expanding world, which now appears to be infused with magic and evil Fates. Despite a weak plot and ultraviolet prose ("He tasted like exquisite nightmares and stolen dreams, like the wings of fallen angels, and bottles of fresh moonlight."), this is a tour de force of imagination. Themes of love, betrayal, and the price of magic (and desire) swirl like Caraval's enchantments, and Dante's sensuous kisses will thrill readers as much as they do Tella. The convoluted machinations of the Prince of Hearts (one of the Fates), Legend, and even the empress serve as the impetus for Tella's story and set up future volumes which promise to go bigger. With descriptions focusing primarily on clothing, characters' ethnicities are often indeterminate.Dark, seductive, but over-the-top: Characters and book alike will enthrall those who choose to play. (glossary) (Fantasy. 12-16)

School Library Journal (Tue Feb 28 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Gr 8 Up-Donatella Dragna gets her turn in the spotlight in Garber's follow-up to Caraval. Tella is in a bind. She made a bargain with a mysterious figure and must find out Caraval master Legend's real name. Unfortunately, the only way to learn it is for her to win Caraval. The girls' missing mother, a set of possibly cursed cards, and the mysterious heir to the throne all play a part as Tella races to find clues, solve riddles, and figure out what's real and what's an illusion. While this second installment does not stand on its ownreaders will need to be familiar with the characters, events, and world-building of the previous book to fully understand and appreciate this onefans will be delighted to spend more time with Tella, Dante, and Scarlett, and to immerse themselves again into Garber's magical world. VERDICT Purchase where blockbuster fantasy and the previous volume is popular. Stephanie Klose, Library Journal