Caraval by Stephanie Garber

◊ CARAVAL by Stephanie Garber

◊ Series: Caraval, Book #1

◊ Narrator: Rebecca Soler

◊ Audio CD: 8 Discs

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 18 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Fantasy, Literature, Fiction

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Macmillan Audio

◊ Release Date: January 31, 2017

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1MZ4BMM8

◊ ISBN-10: 1427279748

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1427279743

SYNOPSIS:

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 far-away, 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.

Author Stephanie Garber writes in such vibrant colors. Sounds weird? Then you’ll just have to experience CARAVAL to accurately understand.

The colors surround you through narrator Rebecca Soler’s delivery of this intriguing story. Her rendering of this tale will hold you spellbound. She gives distinct voices to the various characters as she brings them to life. Her cadence and timing are perfect.

The author has created a mesmerizing story of heartache and hope, despair and dreams, betrayal and trust. Her colorful descriptions and eye for detail bring an enchanted land to life as it envelopes you. Listeners/readers are easily ensnared into this magical atmosphere the author has forged.

The characters are likable (except for a few) and all are well-developed. Scarlett’s devotion to her sister Tella is endearing. Tella’s rebellious streak is a bit contagious. The players of Caraval are magical and mysterious.

The story moves at a good pace keep listeners/readers fully engaged from beginning to end. The clandestine setting of Caraval lends itself to twists, turns and many surprises. This enchanted world will hold you spellbound as the lives of these two sisters unravel and rewinds in ways they never imaged.

CARAVAL is that mystical place we all may want to go to in order to reach our fantasies without knowing the price we’d truly have to pay. An enthralling start to what promises to be a fascinating series.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber, Caraval series (Book #1), Narrated by Rebecca Soler, MacMillan Audio, @2017, ISBN: 978-1427279743, Unabridged, Audio CD – 8 Discs, Run Time: 10 Hours and 18 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. What do you think of Caraval so far? Have you ever wanted to play such a fantasy game?

I’ve included a sample of CARAVAL from Soundcloud below for your listening pleasure and to give you a sense of how magical this story is. Enjoy!!