Caraval

I finally dove into the Caraval series after seeing it everywhere on BookTok and while it had its magical moments, I have to admit... it didn't quite live up to the hype for me.

The premise was so intriguing: a mysterious game full of illusions, secrets, and high stakes. To be fair, the atmosphere was enchanting at times — dark, whimsical, and dripping with fairy tale vibes. I also really enjoyed a few of the characters (Legend definitely kept me turning the pages ), and the sisterly bond at the heart of the story was a sweet thread that grounded the chaos.

But overall, I struggled with the pacing and felt like the worldbuilding was more style than substance. There were moments when I wanted to feel more swept away, but instead felt a little... unfulfilled. Emotionally, it didn't always land for me.

That said, if you love high-drama fantasy with a carnival flair and romance woven throughout, this might still be your thing. It just wasn't quite my thing.

Did anyone else feel the same way? Or are you firmly in the Caraval camp? Let's chat