Challenge Corner discussion

Remember, it’s only a game…

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.

Chapter 11: (view spoiler)[This is my first time listening to the audio for Caraval, It's pretty well done and this story is so fun! Even more when you know what happens because you get a broader idea of the whole set up and people's motives. Scarlet really cares for Tella and even Julian, though he's being a dick so far lol (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22 (view spoiler)[ This is so crazy. Are people actually dying? Where is Tella and who is Legendary really? I would love to ask questions about my future (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 33 (view spoiler)[ Oh Julian! Things are so insane right now and poor Scarlet doesn't really know what to do. I also am loving the narrator and the accents (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ It's crazy that Tella and Julian really died and came back to life. The magic of Caraval is so cool! The ending kills me, I just want to immediately read Legendary now (hide spoiler)]

woohoo starting this audio now!

Ch. 12: (view spoiler)[yeesh, she's thinking her sister is that type of girl. ouch. poor tella - even if it seems like something is going on behind that door, scarlett doesn't truly know. (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 24:(view spoiler)[ugh, I love Scarlett and Julian. Also, this hall sounds terrifying. Kind of like the little mind things that they did in divergent. I have no idea what they are called though but it kind of sounds like this is what's happening in the game. Or like hunger games where they reach a certain point and something is unleashed. Also, does Tella fall in love with him? I honestly can't remember. It has been over 2 years since I've read this book.. (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 38:(view spoiler)[good riddance, I hate her dad so much. I also feel super bad about Tella like damn. Poor Scarlett is basically all alone now. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[So is Tella part of the game now? Since they came back after "dying". I'm so happy Scarlett and Julian kind of got their little reunion. Also, what does that little coin me? Which kind of leads me back to my first question - is she part of the game now? Ugh, I need the next book! (hide spoiler)]

Ch 11 - (view spoiler)[ It's been pretty exciting so far but I have so many questions already!! I can't wait to see if they are answered in the course of the "game". Prediction #1 - Scarlett and Julian will fall for one another. He seems more than meets the eye. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 19 - (view spoiler)[ Hmm, could it be the thing she wanted the most was just to be loved? Seems obvious. Also, back to the part where the world turned grayscale - I can't help but think that her ability to see emotions in color is important - could Legend actually need her to infuse his world with some of her magic?? (hide spoiler)]
Ch 33 - (view spoiler)[ NOOOO!!! Not Julian. I really thought they would end up together. I'm so distraught. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 35 - (view spoiler)[ Ok, now I'm confused. Didn't she just have to find her sister to get the wish? (hide spoiler)]
Finished - ooo, ominous epilogue! (view spoiler)[ I'm confused though, I know she said she would die, but didn't she just do that? What payment is Legend expecting now? Will book 2 be Tella's story or will Scarlett and Julian continue to play in a new game/location? Also, thoughts on which character Legend was playing in this round? I think it was the creepy music player by the carousel.
I know, a totally random thought. (hide spoiler)]

30%: (view spoiler)[I'm liking this so far, Scarlett is interesting, but I also don't really get how she's simultaneously super proper and really adventurous. Julian is awesome though, and I'm hoping we get to see more of him as the book goes on. Also, with all the mystery surrounding his experience with Caraval, I'm convinced he's secretly Legend. (hide spoiler)]

79%- (view spoiler)[Well, if I'm up at midnight because I can't put it down, I guess the book has to be good. I'm a little upset that Julian died, but somehow I'm sure he'll come back. The one thing that's driving me nuts right now is how teary and whiny Scarlett is. I get that she's not a super tough fighter or anything, but she reacts to most situations by crying and asking for help. Then she's characterized as a "strong female lead" because she kinda sorta stood up to her father once. Idk, her characterization just feels really inconsistent. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[Tella??? Is? Cool Now??? I'm so freaking happy that Julian and Tella both turned out to be alive, but it also feels kind of like a cheat. If everyone can come back to life at the end of Caraval, it almost feels like the game doesn't have stakes. Whatever though, it was a good book. I'm starting the next one asap (hide spoiler)]