Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
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 attend. 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 whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, and her sister disappears forever.
Is Caraval appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
A fantasy romance where reality and illusion blur dangerously during a magical game. Contains mild violence, references to domestic abuse by a father figure, emotional manipulation, and kissing/romantic tension appropriate for older teens.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include domestic violence, emotional abuse, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
A captivating fantasy game where nothing is quite what it seems and love might be real—or just part of the illusion.