I loved this book because of its fantastic, dreamy, evocative scenes and descriptions. The world felt strange and mysterious and magical and very much as if every day rules did not apply. The only other book I can recall having the same feeling is "The High House" by James Stoddard - mysterious and a bit Victorian and full fo hidden secrets. If you're not into flowery descriptions and magical mysteries though give this one a miss.

The story centers around two sisters, Scarlett and Donatella Dragna, whose mother mysteriously vanished when they were young and whose father became increasingly cruel and abusive after that. Scarlett has an impending arranged marriage with a count she hopes may provide a route for her and her sister to escape from her father, but before that wedding happens, the sisters receive tickets to attend Caraval - a magical annual game and competition that takes place over 5 days. There is only one winner, and this year the winner receives one wish. Nothing within Caraval is real, they are cautioned, and nothing unwraps as they expect. There are plenty of surprises and unexplained mysteries, and when 'Tella vanishes and it turns out the challenge of this year's Caraval is to be the first person to find her before she is killed, the stakes become suddenly darker.

The only reason I can't give this 5 stars is the YA factor felt too intrusive - I don't mind YA books but Scarlett constantly refers to the cute "boy" and there's so much teen longing and stubbornness that it was a bit hard to stomach at times.

Slight creepiness factor and trigger warnings: threat of rape at one point, and father is both physically and mentally abusive, though neither is graphic or dwelled on at unecessary length. Also, given the age differences between a couple of the love interests, there's some slightly creepy romance dynamics at one point between a teen and someone who could probably be her great grandfather, if you actually think about the logistics.

Nonetheless, stayed up to 1am finishing this book and will likely pick up the sequel!