Tag Archives: Mystery

Caraval

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Caraval book coverEnter the magical world of Caraval, where nothing is what it seems and magic is around every corner. Scarlett Dragna has been writing to Legend, the mysterious game master behind Caraval, since she was a little girl, hoping to receive an invitation to play the game and escape with her sister, Tella, from their abusive father. In order to leave their homeland without their father’s notice, Tella makes a deal with handsome sailor Julian to secure safe passage on his ship to Legend’s island. As the game begins, Scarlett soon discovers it is more than she bargained for. When Tella is kidnapped, Scarlett forms a tentative alliance with Julian to navigate the streets of Caraval, not knowing whom she can trust, and solve a number of clues in order to find Tella and win the game.

I had a major case of TEABS* when I finished this book. I just wanted to stay in Stephanie Garber’s fantasy world and find out what other surprises mastermind Legend has in store for his Caraval guests. Although I found Tella super annoying and sometimes got frustrated with Scarlett as well, I did enjoy the mysterious characters Julian and Legend. As I was reading the book I didn’t quite know what was real and what wasn’t, which made me want to rush through to the end. Recommended for fans of fantasy and romance.

*The End of an Awesome Book Syndrome

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapeña

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the couple next door coverI read The Couple Next Door a few weeks ago and I still can’t get over how intense and thrilling it was! Normally, I’m a very slow reader and it can take me about two weeks to read an entire book, but I read this in less than 3 days! I was so excited to talk about it when I finished it, but a bit hesitant as I didn’t want to give too much away! However, I can’t contain my excitement any longer and must rave about it!

First off, I was a bit weary to start reading this when I found out that a child abduction was at the centre of the story, as this is a very sensitive and emotional topic that I wasn’t sure I could handle. However, I decided to read it anyways, and I’m so glad I did! Yes, there were emotional and heartbreaking moments throughout the story, but these moments made me connect and sympathize with the characters all the more, especially Anne, the distraught mother who will do anything to get her baby back. Continue reading →