Caraval
“A spellbinding tale of sisterhood, love, and betrayal.” ― Sabaa Tahir, New York Times bestselling author of An Ember in the Ashes
How far would you go to save your sister?
The Night Circus meets The Selection in 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 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 the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer. 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.
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Stephanie Garber
Stephanie Garber is a name that has become synonymous with immersive, magical storytelling. Known for her Caraval series, she has captivated readers with tales of adventure, wonder, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. Her works are a delicate dance between lush world-building, high-stakes drama, and unforgettable characters, each of whom wrestles with love, betrayal, and their deepest desires.
Born and raised in California, Garber’s childhood was filled with a love for stories—whether those stories came from books, her imagination, or the vibrant tales spun by the people around her. She credits this passion for storytelling as the foundation of her writing career. Like many writers, she began crafting her own narratives in the form of short stories and even plays. It wasn’t until her late twenties that she turned to novel writing, finding a place to fully explore the fantastical worlds that had always lived in her mind.
Caraval
Caraval consists of four books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
