I'm not sure if I just really liked this book or if it was because it reminds me of one of my favorite books from my younger days Something Wicked This Way Comes. Ray Bradbury's book and the movie that came out where two of my favorite "scary" tales that still taught life lessons. That was how I saw this book. The idea of not being sure what was fantasy and reality, the fact Scarlett couldn't always tell who to trust, but her own heart, made it worth reading. I like a surprise or two at the end and am ready to read the next one.

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.

Goodreads.