"So while we want you to get swept away, be careful of being swept too far away. Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares"
Whether it's your first time at Caraval or you know it well enough that you might as well work there, come for the game and stay for the mystery and excitement!
Only a select few get to experience Caraval, a magical and mysterious game which promises to be full of magic, adventure and everything your heart desires. Deep down you know it's only a game, but this time it centers around two sisters, Scarlet and Tella, and the only prize that matters is the one that changes their reality. This wonderful 3 part series increases the stakes at each installment, building mystery, magic, and heartbreak every step of the way.
The Caraval series by Stephanie Garber includes Caraval (2017), Legend (2018), and Finale (2019), plus the upcoming novella, Spectacular (2024). Once Upon a Broken Heart, also by Stephanie Garber, is a companion series, containing Once Upon a Broken Heart (2021), The Ballad of Never After (2022), and A Curse for True Love (2023).
Already read all of Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart? The following recommendations are especially for you!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011)
“You are not taking this as seriously as you should.” “It’s a circus,” Celia says. “It’s difficult to take it seriously.” “The circus is only a venue.” “Then this is not a game or a challenge, it’s an exhibition.”
If you like the competition, magical and romantic vibes of Caraval, you'll love the Night Circus! Full of whimsy and magic, the rules are just out of reach and the world is the game board. Celia and Marco are wonderfully skilled magicians, but their instructors haven't told them the full terms of their competition, and the truth just might throw everything into chaos.
The Night Circus is a stand-alone magical adventure featuring found families, a magic competition, a traveling circus, intriguing characters and some romance.
Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor (2022)
"Besides luggage, the only thing guests returned with was a feeling of devastating happiness."
Like Caraval, the Hotel Magnifique can't always be found in the same spot and is very exclusive to enter. You sign up knowing something will happen, and it may or may not be real, but you're there for the experience so reality doesn't matter so much. Unlike Caraval, with Hotel Magnifique you know you won't be able to retain any of your memories after you leave. Jani, like Scarlett in Caraval, is willing to do whatever it takes to make life better for her younger sister. Can a magical hotel really be the saving grace they need? And what about the cute yet grumpy bellboy?
This stand alone adventure is full of whimsical magic with Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle vibes. Come visit Hotel Magnifique and see if the magic is truly marvelous or what dark secrets are hiding inside.
Heartless Hunter (Crimson Month) by Kristen Ciccarelli (2024)
“This is a game, he reminded himself, his chest tight. It means nothing. But if that were true, why did he feel like he was walking straight off a cliff, hoping he wouldn't fall?"
If you like the banter, scheming, and romance in Caraval, be sure to check out Heartless Hunter! The main players are Rune Winters, frivolous socialite by day, cunning vigilante by night, and Gideon Sharpe, infamous witch hunter and captain of the guard. In a society that currently shuns witches, the Crimson Moth is a wanted vigilante accused of helping witches and murdering guard members. Rune and Gideon find themselves in a game of cat and mouse, but just who is the cat, what can they trust, and does anyone ever actually win the game when the stakes are life and death?
Heartless Hunter is a romantic fantasy with intriguing characters full of witty banter, and hijinks. There's a bit of a twist towards the end, but don't worry, the conclusion to this adventurous duology, Rebel Witch, is scheduled for release in February 2025.
Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles (2020)
"A good trick amazes, leaves everyone breathless in that moment. But a great trick truly deceives, keeps the audience wondering what happened, long after the performance."
If you love the magic and glamor of Caraval, you'll love Where Dreams Descend, book 1 in the Kingdom of Cards duology. Full of romance, magic and suspense, this duology is one not to miss. The glitzy town of Glorian hosts a competition of magical feats, but when the competing magicians start disappearing, there's more questions than answers and tensions run high. What is real, what is magic and what is simply a manipulation? Kallia, a showgirl from the town over, is determined to make her dreams come true and be recognized as a strong female magician, but is this competition worth risking everything she has?
Described as Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge, this story is full of romantic tension, magic and secrets. The duology consists of Where Dreams Descend and When Night Breaks and is ready for you to binge!
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson (2019)
"You unmanageable, contrary creature. You have made me believe in something at last. It feels as wretched as I imagined."
If you love the whimsical magic and romantic vibes of Caraval, you'll love Sorcery of Thorns! Elisabeth has grown up in one of the Great Libraries surrounded by magical books and can't imagine her life without them. Nathaniel is a sorcerer, capable of powerful magic, who finds his path crossing Elisabeth's on more than one occasion. When the libraries are in danger, they must figure out the mystery behind the threat and how to save what they love most.
Sorcery of Thorns is candy for book loving fantasy readers. If you find yourself wanting more from this wonderful stand alone tale, you're in luck as a novella, Mystery of Thorns Manor (2023), is now available and lets us spend a little more time in this world.
The Nest App
⚪️ The app is 100% free and all are welcome!
⚪️ Created for the bookish community and powered by OwlCrate!
⚪️ We have exclusive live events always happening in The Nest, so download the app and join the community today!
