The book Caraval was a wondrous book filled with classic elements of fantasy incorporated with exhilarating twists by Stephanie Garber. Many counterparts of the novel were beautifully written, and the author was very descriptive.

The plot of the story was detailed and perfectly narrated. The author flowed through sentences without making them seem choppy or run-on. Garber described things very well, especially this certain passage, which is one of my favorites. “No longer dull shades of bland, the dress was now a rich cerise… A stylish row of bows ran down the center of a fitted bodice with a scooped neck, set off by a matching ruffled bustle… Even her boots had changed, from a dull brown to an elegant combination of matching leather and black lace.” This passage gave a vivid image of the protagonists’ (Scarlet Dragna) dress, making me feel as if I could see her before my own eyes. Throughout the plot, there were major plot twists that were unexpected, even for me, a person who can figure things out really quickly.

The protagonists and supporting characters in the story seemed to be dynamic, even if was just in the slightest. The characters changed overtime, and it was clear through dialogue with other characters and the thoughts and actions of each character.

The conflict in the story was innovative. I’ve never read a book like Caraval, where the fantasy seemed so real.

The settings of the story were also described well, and they seemed… “aesthetic” in a way. It made me feel like I was almost a spectator in the book, watching everything happen. Garber’s mind must of been truly creative to come up with all these ideas and places.

I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers, because it truly is a world of fantasy, and for people who like a little bit of romance in their book. It also works for people who enjoy squealing at cute moments or gasping when something that you didn’t see coming occurs, especially without foreshadowing.