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Book 1 of 3 in Caraval

Caraval

by Stephanie Garber

Spice 1 out of 5, Sweet1/5 · Sweet: Kisses only

A legendary competition.

A mesmerizing romance.

An unbreakable bond between two sisters.

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her 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. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away.

Spice
1/5
Burn
Slow
Pages
~407
Ending
HFN

KU Is it on Kindle Unlimited? Check on Amazon

How spicy is Caraval?

Caraval is a 1 out of 5 on our spice scale: sweet (kisses only). Kissing, longing looks, maybe a fade-to-black. Nothing on the page.

  • Steam: Glimpses and kisses
  • Burn: Slow burn
  • Pairing: One man, one woman
  • POV: Heroine's POV only
  • Ending: Happy for now

Content warnings

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Show 6 content warnings
  • Child abuse (past or present)
  • Kidnapping
  • Suicide / suicidal ideation
  • Self-harm
  • Torture
  • Murder

Our editorial notes, which may be incomplete. If something is a hard limit for you, check the author's own content notes too.

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    Caraval: quick answers

    How spicy is Caraval?

    Caraval is a 1 out of 5 on our spice scale: sweet (kisses only). Kissing, longing looks, maybe a fade-to-black. Nothing on the page.

    Is Caraval a standalone?

    No. Caraval is book 1 of 3 in Caraval. It is the place to start. The series is complete.

    What tropes are in Caraval?

    Caraval features deadly trials, secret identity, morally grey mmc. It is a slow burn M/F romance that ends with a happy for now.

    Does Caraval have content warnings?

    Our notes for Caraval include: child abuse (past or present), kidnapping, suicide / suicidal ideation, self-harm, torture, murder. This list may not be complete; check the author's own content notes if anything is a hard limit for you.

    What should I read after Caraval?

    If you loved Caraval, try The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi, The Stolen Heir by Holly Black, Lightlark by Alex Aster. They share its deadly trials and secret identity energy at a similar spice level.