Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Caraval by Stephanie Garber is one of those books that has had the literary industry, particularly the Young Adult genre, in a state of excitement for a debut author. 

Published by: Flatiron Books

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Tagline: Remember, It's only a game

Rating: *****

Sold to the readers with an exciting blurb of:

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

The Review:

First, of all, I was beyond impressed with this novel. With tickets to meet Stephanie in Manchester, I admit I only read her novel two days prior to the event which meant the book would be firmly in my mind, or erasing the memory of my reading for university. However, this meant that I was forced into a situation I am hardly ever in. The dreaded moment where your best friend had read the novel before me. 


But I found the tale of the two sisters quite entertaining. I had my ups and down, a few moments of messaging said friend for spoilers because it had me on the edge of my seat guessing. All in all, the novel was fantastic. Especially considering all the reviews and positive reception it had, and still is being given.

Yet, I was lucky enough to have met Stephanie on her UK tour in Manchester. Her conversation with fellow readers, writers and bloggers was incredibly inspiring. Different to the some of the authors I've met in these situations, I felt as if hers was probably the most inspiring and relatable. If only my writing career could be as successful as hers.

Additional Information/titbits:

Caraval can be purchased at almost every major bookseller across the world - Stephanie Garber has confirmed this through the recent publications across Europe. Please be aware that there is six alternate covers which makes it super fun to see which one you'll end up with.

The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds #1) by Alexandra Bracken

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian, Paranormal/Sci-Fi
Rating: *****

The Darkest Minds follows the story of Ruby, a now sixteen-year-old girl who's life changed dramatically when she was ten. Unsure of what happened, her ten-year-old self is dragged away from her home and thrust into Thurmond, a place that is eerily similar to the concentration camps of World War Two. However, with the younger generation mysteriously succumbing to various illnesses, and in one case actually dying, the reader is immediately left with questions that can only be answered by reading the series.

I found the book compelling. It had been a long overdue read since fellow blogger and longtime friend, Louise of Reading the Riot Act, recommended the book to me almost two years ago. Yet, it was only after reading Bracken's newest novel, Passengers, that I felt as if I wanted to finally read more of her writing, and the book that had been raved about everywhere.

It's different. I found myself thinking of Yancey's Fifth Wave through how certain elements of the dystropian world were presented to the reader. However, don't confuse the two books as similar. They're completely different and just amazing in their own right.

I find that the more I try and tell you why you should read it, the more I have to stop myself due to the issue of spoilers. That being said, I believe you should all go to the library, or just buy the book and decide for yourself how beautiful this book truly is.

The Darkest Minds can be purchased from Amazon UK now.

Warrior Witch (The Malediction Trilogy #3) by Danielle L. Jenson

Published by: Angry Robot

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, YA, Romance.

Tagline: Sometimes, one must become the unimaginable

Rating: ****

Warrior Witch picks up from the events of Hidden Huntress with a bang. Okay not literally, but you get the point. We're inserted back into the narratives of Cecile and Tristan, something that started in the second book, and it is hard to describe how this book made me feel. It's the last book. Kept continuously on my toes, I tried to force myself to finish this book in the brief slow parts, but when I was past them, then it was straight forward and easy going. 

We start with Cecile who's desperately trying to save the people of Trollus and of course, her husband. She's strong and fierce in one moment, and vulnerable the next. A perfect queen, even if she doesn't know it yet. Tristan on the otherhand comes across as a right pain. There's something about the gap between the books that has made me grow to dislike him. 

However. it's a good ending. A bit different, but good.

You can buy Warrior Witch from Amazon UK now.