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Caraval cover art

Caraval

Written by: Stephanie Garber
Narrated by: Rebecca Soler
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Publisher's Summary

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 faraway 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.

©2016 Stephanie Garber (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

What the critics say

"Actor Soler's lively narration swiftly draws listeners into the magical spectacle at the center of Garber's YA novel." (Publishers Weekly, best audiobooks of 2017)

What listeners say about Caraval

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Riveting world building

Absolutely stunning! The narration was flawless, and I loved listening. Excited to read the next one

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed the story, but the narrator was meh

The narrator pulled me out of the story more times than I care to admit. Her over the top accents were cringe, and the way she read like the listener is a child and she is their babysitter reading a bed time tale was even moreso. I would have likely enjoyed it if I were 11-13, but as it was I couldn't wait to be done with it and move on to something else.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Good fantasy audiobook

I enjoyed the characters but sometimes I feel as I zoned out and found myself having to go back a bit to retain it. It didn’t hold me completely engaged at times. The story was good and took many twists and turns.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Lots of twists, romance and drama

I honestly had such a hard time getting through this book. It stressed me out also the main character was so naive I really question some of her decisions too. Not too predictable but somewhat cliche. Mostly likeable characters the romance wasn’t my favourite but it was good if that’s what your looking for. I think most people would like this book, though it was written a little too whimsical especially paired with the narrators voice for me..

I might still read the second book just because I’m weak to curiosity.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

After reading the other series by this author, this audiobook/book was so much better. Loved the twists and drama of it! The performance was great - she did a good job with all the voices.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Cliché and bizarre

Opened this one up because I was interested in a simple listen, and because I’m helpless to the tease of a good romance plot line in a fantasy/action packed book.
What was delivered was a strange mix of carnival magic (good most of the time) and very painful, cliché coming of age plot happenings that lacked originality and wanted for more feminist-oriented views.
There were definitely times where the story was good, however I felt the storyline generally strayed from what the reality would have been with characters faced with trauma, which mostly means the ending was just so bizarre.
The ideas were interesting, and there was a lot of potential, but I felt things fell a little flat.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!

A fantastic story. Beautifully written. I can't wait to read LEGENDARY and FINALE! Stephanie Garber's imagination must be experienced.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

not what I was expecting

I expected something more magical and whimsical. something less confusing. not as much of a twist ending than anticipated.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Original and deliciously magical

Caraval is a traveling troupe of actors led by the enigmatic magician Legend who put on the greatest performance ever to be experienced; a magical game where guests must follow clues to win the ultimate prize: One wish! Such an intriguing story with so many twists and turns within a magical game where you never can be certain what's real and what's part of the game. I really liked this audiobook, although the main character Scarlett was frustrating at times. The second novel where Tella is the protagonist is fantastic.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I really liked it!

I loved this book. I like magician/circus with a dark side to it aesthetics and this book satisfied that. I love the mystery and the secrets and I he world building was amazing. I also do really like the sisterly bond that was shown and how driven the MC was to protect her sister, it was nice

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