Showing posts with label caraval. Show all posts
Showing posts with label caraval. Show all posts

17 Apr 2023

Review: REVELLE by Lyssa Mia Smith

17 April 0 Comments

REVELLE

Author: Lyssa Mia Smith
Series: N/A
Source: Indigo
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: February 14, 2023

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:

Representation: lesbian side characters, mixed race side characters

Summary:
Inspired by Moulin Rouge! and set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York, Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith.

On the island of Charmant, magic flows like bootlegged champagne, and fantasies can be bought for the price of a gemstone.

Luxe Revelle, star of her family’s fantastical show, knows the splendor is just an illusion. With Prohibition threatening their livelihood, her family struggles to make a living, watering down champagne and patching holes in their sequined costumes. So when the son of Charmant’s wealthiest family makes her an offer—everything the Revelles need to stay in business, in exchange for posing as his girl and helping him become mayor—she can’t refuse.

The moment Jamison Port sets foot in Charmant, he can’t shake the feeling of familiarity. An orphan with as few memories as gemstones, he’s desperate to learn what happened to his parents. But as he delves into the island’s secrets, he risks angering the wrong person and discovering a truth that just might break his heart.

When Luxe and Jamison accidentally meet, the sparks that fly are more than her magical enchantments. But keeping secrets from powerful people is a dangerous game . . . one that could destroy them both.
Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters
Content Warning: Alcohol, Manipulation, Deception, Magical Manipulation, Death, Gun Use, Fire, Pain Depictions, Discussions around Racism

While this gave me a mixture of Caraval and Moulin Rouge vibes, I really enjoyed this novel! I loved the magical depictions, the setting, and the lushness of the world that Smith created. I connected with the characters immediately and loved the shenanigans, magic aspect, and the way that it resolved.

I loved the mystery element that highlighted the behind the scenes and the charm of learning about different elements as the story went on. I thought it was so well done and kept me guessing the whole time.

I laughed, I cried, I gasped. I genuinely had a good time reading this book!! And the cover is gorgeous on top of that.

In my opinion, this is what I wanted Caraval to be - a magical world with characters I could actually stand to be around and stakes high enough that made sense to me.

Have you read this book? Are you going to pick this up?

28 Jan 2019

ARC #Review: LEGENDARY by Stephanie Garber

28 January 0 Comments

LEGENDARY

Author: Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #2
Source: ARC via Publisher
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:


Summary:
A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever...

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . the games have only just begun.
Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters | TBD
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

See my review of CARAVAL!

Wow I'm disappointed. I was hoping for so so so so so much more out of this one but it felt repetitive and boring and took me so long to get through even though I finished it in a couple hours. All of the issues I had with CARAVAL were amplified in LEGENDARY. Nothing about this one felt new, innovative, or even all that fun.

15 Feb 2017

Event Recap: Welcome, Welcome to the #CARAVAL Book Tour!

15 February 9 Comments
On February 13, 2017, I headed over to Schuler Books in Lansing, Michigan to join in on the magic of CARAVAL! I am going to give you an overview of the event plus more information about the book AND a chance to win a signed copy, so make sure you keep scrolling!

First, I was really happy to leave early and get to spend some time with the Michigan peeps that I talk to a lot and really go to the events to see. As well, Stephanie and Elly got to the place early so we got to chat with them for a bit ahead of the event which was really nice as well. 




When the event started, Elly introduced Stephanie and asked her questions about her bio which allowed us to learn that Stephanie has a very supportive and loving family and also took students to Amsterdam which was an interesting experience.