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3.75 Dazzling Crimson Stars (rounding up to 4 because of enjoyment alone)

Thoughts:
“Welcome, welcome to Caraval! The grandest show on land or by sea. Inside you’ll experience more wonders than most people see in a lifetime. You can sip magic from a cup and buy dreams in a bottle. But before you fully enter into our world, you must remember it’s all a game.��

Is it all just a game? Is anyone telling the truth? *smirk* *whispers* come find out!

Reasons to pick this up:
>consistent intensity
>constant confusion (in a good way)
>enchantment
>pay-back-can-be-a-b*tch moments
>r.o.m.a.n.c.e.
>danger
>mystery
>magic

WOAH! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this! Let’s just dive right into the love it or list it moments! (chuckling at myself - Iykyk *wink*)

The ooo-la-la moments and things that just hit:
-The introduction into this world is incredibly inviting, and the competition itself is so interesting. The way it is interactive for the players without a single storyline having to be the same for each player made it so exciting. Half the time I didn’t know what could potentially be detrimental.

-The chemistry between Scarlett and Julian. Swoon-worthy at times. Call me biased for loving men/women with an occupation on the seas, but Julian and his confidence and love of banter only made me adore his character that much more. With Scarlett being betrothed, the flirtation was forbidden, and makes it all the more worthwhile. (NOT A CHEATING TROPE FAN THOUGH. THIS IS NOT THAT!)

-This book had a few really good twists with out-of-the-box thinking for some of the plot points, which made it a gripping, nicely paced and clever read.

-There were many villains, but enough was explained about them with a good amount of moments for the hatred of them to be validated.

-The other characters besides the MC really intrigue me, and have me excited for what this world will continue to bring.

The oh-no-no-no moments or things that could be worked on:
-The sister dynamic is more tell then show. Instead of showing me how much they love each other, we are force-fed that they just do. I sense more harbored resentment and selfishness in this relationship and for it in the future (and if not, then that needs to be expressed better)!

-The world-building could use a bit of clean-up and further clarification even if it is supposed to be mysterious.

-The rushed last 20% of it!

-The little touches of insta-love for me, but I still really, really like the couple overall! I can’t wait for more from them.

I had a feeling I was going to really like this, and I did! I still managed my expectations by keeping them low though (as told by others to do so), and I think that honestly helped me. This was a recommended read by many and a must read on my journey to Once Upon a Broken Heart that didn’t disappoint. This isn't my favorite world or characters, but I know the more I read, the more they will grow on me. Did I laugh at some very typically YA-like moments? Definitely, but I knew what I was getting into. Am I looking forward to continuing this series? Abso-crimson-lutely! Am I looking forward to Tella’s story? *no comment*

P.s. This could be really fun to make as a show! Someone good buy the rights!! lol

P.p.s. THE FANART FOR THIS! *heart eyes*

Would I recommend this and to who:
Yes - to YA fans ready for another adventure!
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book
How did I discover this:
Something would have to be wrong with my vision if I didn’t see this book circulating GR time and time again.
Pace:
Medium
POV:
Scarlet

Quotes:
“He's never stared at her like this before. Sometimes he gazed at her as if he wanted to be her undoing, but just then it was as if he wanted her to undo him.��

“She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.��

“No one is truly honest �� Even if we don't lie to others, we often lie to ourselves. And the word good means different things to different people.��

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

“Do you always focus on what you're giving up, rather than what you'll be gaining? Some things are worth pursuit regardless of the cost.��

“Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won't wake up.��

Triggers:
Child abuse, Physical & Emotional Abuse, Death, Suicide, Murder, Violence, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury, Bullying, Toxic Relationships, Torture, Confinement, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual Assault, Drugging, Swearing, Mental illness, Classism, etc.

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Where do I even start?! So much to process, so don't be mad at me with another RTC 🤭! I can say I did enjoy it quite a bit!

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The journey I must take to get to Once Upon a Broken Heart! This better be as good as you say, besties! 👀💕