With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him. Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time—only those who will win, and those who will lose everything.
“I think the most magnificent things are worth living for.”
First Impressions: The Curtain Has Fallen
Knowing that this was the final installment in the Caraval series, it was a bittersweet experience reading this book. I had grown to love this story and love these characters, and it made me not want to read this book just so the story wouldn’t have to end. But, everything must come to an end eventually, and Finale by Stephanie Garber was truly the best close to this story. Garber’s beautiful writing and fantastic world-building had built up to this final book, and I did not feel unfulfilled by the finale page. My only wish would be that I could go back in time and experience the magic of the Caraval series for the first time again, but I suppose a reread will suffice.
“Just because something is real doesn’t mean you believe in it.”
The Plot: One Final Performance
After the ending of Legendary, I was wondering where Garber would take this story. I was so thrilled to find that we would be diving deeper into the Immortal Fates concept, as that was my favorite part of the plot from the previous book. With that story simply being from Tella’s perspective, I was so glad to see the Dragna sisters together in action in this installment. This plot felt even more intriguing than Legendary, bringing back those mysteries that keep you hooked on every page.
“Love really was another type of magic.”
The Setting: Worlds Made of Starlight
With a new, fast-paced plot came even more settings and Garber’s brilliant use of world-building. Magical places such as the Vanished Market and the Immortal Library further immerse you in the story, and Garber uses such vibrant descriptions that it felt even more fantastical this time around. I was obsessed with the initial setting of Caraval, but with each new book comes even more places to love. What I adore most about this series is how hooked on this story you can get, and not once did I ever find myself wanting to put this book down. Each time I felt transported into this world with these characters, and I am not sure another fantasy book could ever give me this same experience again.
“And Scarlett cried. She cried for all the horrors he had been, and she cried for the wonders that he could have been instead.”
The Characters: Magically Come to a Close
By Finale, we had mainly met all of our characters already, so this book was deeply filled with the development of these characters. We can grow more intimate, emotional connections with these people with whom we have grown to love throughout the series, and I was so happy to see that they were not forgotten in this final installment. From their goals they established in Caraval, we get to see them actually accomplish their hopes and dreams, and grow into the people they wanted to be. They each came so gracefully to a close, which was the perfect way to experience the bittersweet ending of this series.
“I’ve always been yours, Crimson.”
The Relationships: A Lingering Love
If you read my review of Caraval or Legendary, you would know that my favorite couple from this entire series was Scarlett and Julien. After not getting much “page” time of them in Legendary, I was thrilled to be seeing them again in Finale. In fact, I grew to love them even more in this book, and their romance is just perfect. Their entire dynamic has grown so perfectly throughout the series, and I fully believe that their characters were made for each other. On a separate note, I was also hoping for more of the dynamic between Jacks and Tella, and Finale did not disappoint. The love triangle that was playing out between Tella, Jacks, and Dante made to story so entertaining, especially as we watched them fight for Tella’s affection. Though we know who wins in the end, I don’t suppose this will be the last time we see Jacks in Stephanie Garber’s universe.
“Legend did not believe in endings.”
The Ending: The Last Bow
The ending of Finale was so bittersweet because even though I didn’t want the story to end, the way it ended was so beautifully written that I couldn’t help but love it. Each character’s story came so gracefully to a close, and everyone was given their own version of a happy ending. That was all I wanted for these characters that I grew to love, so though I’m upset that it’s over, I’m glad that it ended on a happier note.
“Love was such a fundamental part of what drove her, she didn’t even know who she’d be without love.”
Final Thoughts: Bittersweet
Overall, Finale was a very satisfying ending to an amazing series. Though the story of Caraval is over, I will definitely not be done with Stephanie Garber. I look forward to reading her other works, and I can only imagine the love that will foster from more of the Stephanie Garber universe. Happy reading, everyone!
She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.
“Her heart was still a little heavy, but she’d decided carrying it around would only maker her stronger.”
First Impressions: The Magic Begins Again
I knew that I would not wait long before picking up Legendary after absolutely loving Caraval. It was only a matter of time before I reimmersed myself in the beautiful world created by Stephanie Garber. While part of me was worried that Legendary wouldn’t live up to the amount of love I had for Caraval, this book did not disappoint. It only furthered my love for the series, and this book felt even more special to me. Garber is handling this story so perfectly, and each addition in the series only continues to get better. I am so happy that this book exceeded my expectations, and I cannot wait to finish off the series with Finale.
“Every good story needs a villain. But the best villains are the ones you secretly like.”
The Characters: Faces Behind The Masks
The most exciting part of this book to me was being able to see the story from Tella’s perspective. In Caraval, the majority of the book was told through Scarlett, and while it was great to see the beginning of her story, it felt important to see it from Tella’s perspective as well. Scarlett and Tella have such different dynamics and personalities that it was even more entertaining to see from Tella’s character. Her fierce, determined personality made the story so entertaining, and we get to witness her firsthand as she navigates problems and challenges.
Another amazing character that we meet through Tella’s story is Jacks, and he is one of the most interesting characters in the story. While he is seen as a “villain” throughout the story, he is so complex that you don’t know exactly how to feel about him. On the outside, everything he does appears to be against Tella and the protagonists, but if you look really closely at his character, there seems to be some underlying good in him. What I loved most about his character was that this goodness seemed to stem from Tella herself, and while I loved her and Dante’s relationship, I would love to see more of their dynamic.
“Gold shimmered no matter what, but few people could make darkness glitter the way he did.”
Relationships: Hearts And Fates Intertwined
Speaking of Tella and Dante, I absolutely loved their chemistry. Their playful banter was so much fun to read, and to me, it felt like they became friends before they became lovers. While they weren’t Scarlett and Julien, who are my favorite couple in the series, I still thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I was initially suspicious of Dante, and I didn’t know what his intentions with Tella were. But after spending more and more time with his character and seeing his dynamic with Tella, I quickly grew to love him. Though I said I would love to dive deeper into Tella’s relationship with Jacks, I still enjoy Dante and Tella’s dynamic.
“The air tasted like wonder. Like candied butterfly wings caught in sugared spiderwebs, and drunken peaches coated in luck.”
The Setting: A Magical City
I became obsessed with the setting of this series after reading Caraval, and my love for where this story takes place only grew after reading Legendary. Garber continued her amazing descriptions in this instalment, and you were able to feel even more immersed in this story. With Tella’s perspective came the magnificent city of Valenda, and watching as Tella navigated this setting made it feel as though you were there with her.
One of my favorite things about Caraval was Garber’s brilliant use of world-building, and I was so happy to see more of this in Legendary. With this new city of Valenda, the story felt so much more alive and vivid. With new perspectives from Tella, the world-building felt even more worldful this season, and Garber knows exactly how to hook readers into her story.
“Invite the lie to play until you become so comfortable with it that it feels like the truth.”
The Story: Secrets Spun In Gold
Legendary was an amazing story to follow up on Caraval, and unlike many sequels in media, Legendary only further enhanced the reading experience. I am so obsessed with Jack’s and the Immortal Fates concept, and I found myself even more hooked on this story than in Caraval. With the mystery surrounding Legends’ identity coming to a close, it felt refreshing to still have another mystery in the story. I thought that the ending to Legend’s identity came to a close so perfectly, and I am so excited to see more of the Immortal Fates in Finale. I also hope they bring more tension between what is real and what is fake in Finale, because this is a part of both Caraval and Legendary that I thoroughly enjoyed.
“Every story has four parts – the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending.”
Final Thoughts: The Curtain Falls… For Now
Stephanie Garber did not disappoint with this instalment in the Caraval universe, and I am going to waste no time picking up Finale. I am so excited to continue this story, and I hope you guys enjoyed this read!
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! But before you fully enter into our world, you must remember it’s all a game.”
First impressions: “A Ticket to Wonder”
I was so excited to read Caraval that when I finally got the chance, it felt like fate. Hearing so many great things about this book made me eager to dive in, and the moment I entered its world, I was completely captivated. Stephanie Garber does an incredible job of drawing readers in immediately, creating a story so immersive that putting it down feels impossible. And for me, I really didn’t put this book down for anything. I loved it so much that this review comes after my second reread—definitely a testament to how unforgettable this book is. While it’s not my all-time favorite, Caraval easily ranks high on my list.
“Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.”
The Story: “The Game Begins”
Caraval has a beautifully captivating story that keeps you guessing at every turn. The mystery surrounding Legend and his once-a-year performance is irresistible, and your interest is kept piqued the entire time. The line between illusion and reality adds constant suspense, and as Scarlett and Julian uncover clues, you feel alongside them, trying to decipher the truth. Garber’s prose is vivid and full of imagery, making the world of Caraval feel tangible and alive. Her attention to detail and expert world-building immerse readers in the magical world that unfolds beautifully right before their eyes.
“She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.”
A Love Story: “Enemies, Allies, Lovers”
Scarlett and Julian’s relationship was a standout feature of the story to me from the very beginning. Their slow-burning romance begins with mistrust and tension, as Scarlett doesn’t quite know whether to trust Julien. This made the eventual moments of their connection all the more electric. Watching them navigate challenges and uncover their feelings is both thrilling and heartwarming. Their dynamic is perfectly balanced, and their flirty banter was enough for me to root for them until the end. I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops further in the series (it better be a happy ending!)
“It’s better this way, sister. There’s more to life than staying safe.”
The Characters: Beautifully Enchanting
While Scarlett and Julien’s relationship was beautifully written, their characters were just as perfect. Scarlett was a deeply compelling protagonist, full of backstory and emotional depth. Her relatable vulnerability allowed you to feel every single emotion along with her, and throughout the story, she experienced a wide range of emotions. Julien was the perfect mixture of mystery and wonder, and your love for him only continued to grow throughout the story. Another fantastic character was Tella, and she and Scarlett were so drastically different that their sisterhood bond worked so well. I was delighted to see sisterly love as the main focus of the story, if not the one and only focus. Their bond is filled with commitment and unconditional love for each other, and I think one of the reasons I felt so connected to them was that, in some ways, they reminded me of my sister and me. This made it feel that much more sincere and meaningful, and their journey felt even more engaging.
“Some things are worth pursuit regardless of the cost.”
Final Thoughts: “Until the Next Show”
Stephanie Garber is truly a masterful storyteller. Caraval is the perfect introduction to fantasy for new readers, and an exciting, immersive experience for seasoned fans of the genre. The story is suspenseful yet easy to follow, the characters are unforgettable, and the world-building is nothing short of magical. I can’t wait to continue the series and highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an enchanting, unforgettable read.
In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.
★ “Everything starts with belief. With faith.”
From Arcane to Vicious: An Introduction
I was first introduced to Vicious by V.E Schwab through a series of TikTok book recommendations. These were based on the TV show Arcane, a hit Netflix series inspired by the video game League of Legends. I love Arcane, and right after the second season premiered, I found myself missing the world of Piltover and Zaun, especially the relationships of these characters that I was so fond of.
This is when I came across Vicious. It was recommended for those who missed the morally gray, science-driven aspects of Arcane, along with the promise of a similar Jayce and Viktor dynamic. This was a relationship in the show that I adored, so I was ready to dive in and try out Vicious.
★ “You remember me, and I’ll remember you, and that way we won’t be forgotten.”
First Impressions: Instantly Addictive
This book provided me with everything I needed and more. Despite having to read this book over a long period due to life’s chaos, I was pulled right back into the story as if no time had passed at all. V.E Schwab created a world that you could immerse yourself in so seamlessly, and you could dive right back into the heart of the story. The tone and pacing of the story made reading it a consistently enjoyable and emotionally charged experience; I never found myself becoming bored with the narrative.
★ “You asked me if I ever wanted to believe in something. I do. I want to believe in this. I want to believe that there’s more.”
Victor and Eli vs. Viktor and Jayce
Naturally, I looked for remnants of Arcane while reading. Victor and Elis’s dynamic definitely mirrors that of Viktor and Jayce, and the comparison was shown very clearly. In both stories, they are two bright minds that are obsessed with pushing the limits of scientific innovations. The duos start as very close friends who collaborate while pursuing their interests, only for them to fracture and deteriorate as their ideals and goals become dangerously incompatible.
While not carbon copies of each other, the resemblances are undeniable. Their relationships turn from collaboration to confrontation as their means of using power “for good” become vastly different. Eli and Viktor are driven by the need to use their power for something bigger than themselves, and they acquire a sort of god complex that fuels their actions. Whereas Jayce and Victor have to work against them as they have become the targets of the others’ fight.
While neither of their relationships is explicitly romantic, they both have an emotional complexity that transcends a normal friendship, making them both tragic and intimate. I found myself oftentimes seeing Viktor and Jayce in Victor and Eli, and I was able to get the sense of Arcane that I was looking for.
★ “The absence of pain led to an absence of fear, and the absence of fear led to a disregard for consequence.”
Plot Overview: The Consequences of Obsession
The story begins with Eli Cardale and Victor Vale, two brilliant college students who have a shared obsession with researching ExtraOrdinaries, or EOs. These are individuals who develop superpowers after surviving a near-death experience.
What starts as a simple thesis and research project turns into a dangerous experiment, and now both Eli and Victor find themselves to be EOs. Their once close bond is now broken as they find themselves changed, and as Eli is now on a hunt to eliminate every EO he can find, Victor is on a hunt to destroy him.
The stakes only continue to rise as more characters are introduced: Victor’s friend Mitch, an unlikely ally from prison; Sydney, an EO who can raise the dead; and Sydney’s sister Serena, an EO who has the power of persuasion. You watch as Victor and Eli slowly realize that they can test their theory and see who their true characters are, especially Eli’s, as their theory becomes true.
★ He and Eli were bonded, by blood and death and science.”
Victor and Elis’ Complicated Bond: From Friends to Enemies
Victor and Eli are two sides of the same coin. At first, they help fuel each other’s passions and innovations, pushing each other further through competition and collaboration. But once their curiosities got out of hand and their goals clashed, they each became obsessed with the other’s downfall.
However, even as enemies, their lives still revolve around each other. Even with other characters in the picture, Victor and Eli are each other’s greatest preoccupation. No one else in their lives seems to matter as much to them. They were driven towards each other not just by hatred, but by a shared understanding of one another. Their intimate, toxic, and complex relationship caused them to be dependent on each other, and without Eli, there would be no Victor, and vice versa.
★ “Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.”
Eli: A Morally Gray Masterpiece
While both Victor and Eli are complex characters, Eli stands out as the most interesting character in this story. While at college, he portrays himself as an intelligent, charismatic, and curious student with a hunger for more knowledge. But when he becomes an ExtraOrdinary, we see just how far this hunger goes, and something in him unravels.
He starts to develop a god complex and convinces himself that he is cleansing the world of evil for the good of humanity. He becomes obsessed with tracking down EOs and resorts to violence and murder to fulfill his goals. He is manipulative, self-righteous, and disturbingly convinced that his actions are justified, that he has the divine right. Schwab writes him in a way that is horrifying and magnetic all at once, and you find yourself getting pulled to him and unable to look away.
★ “No one is going to hurt you. Do you know why?” She shook her head, and Victor smiled. “Because I’ll hurt them first.”
Found Family: A Beautiful Trope
One of my favorite tropes is “found family”, and I am so happy that part of this trope found its way into Vicious. Victor, Mitch, and Sydney form an unlikely but deeply connected trio. After Victor and Mitch became friends in prison, and they were released, they came upon Sydney. They were apprehensive of her at first–after all, she was just a kid–but they slowly started to trust each other.
As the book comes to a close, they have sacrificed their lives for each other, and they trust each other more than anyone. One of the most touching moments of the book is when Sydney is told to go somewhere “safe.” Instead of going far away from the danger, she heads right into the heart of it, because that is where Victor was. Victor became her safe space, and that moment said everything about their newfound friendship.
★ “I think we want to prove some things in life more than we want to disprove them. We want to believe.”
Timelines and POVs: A Narrative Style that Works
Schwab’s use of nonlinear storytelling and shifting point of view is an extremely effective way of immersing you in the story. Victor and Elis’ past is seamlessly intertwined with the present, and we watch as their relationship forms, fractures, and then explodes. As their lives go from researching a college thesis to a fight to the death, you can see how their past affects their present, and what will happen in the aftermath.
Another aspect of the book that helps deepen the story is seeing events through multiple characters’ perspectives. One moment, we are with Victor, who is plotting and planning his next move; the next, we are in Eli’s head, watching as he slowly unravels, trying to figure out what Victor is plotting. This was a great way to tell the narrative, and it felt cinematic and engaging at all points.
★ “You must make time for that which matters, for that which defines you: your passion, your progress, your pen. Take it up, and write your own story.”
Final Thoughts: Viciously Good
Vicious is a dark, intelligent, and unforgettable read. The characters are beautifully layered and complex, and they force you to question who (if anyone) is in the right. It was entertaining and attention-grabbing, and V.E Schwab did not disappoint. If you are a fan of Arcane, complex villains, or stories that blur the lines between right and wrong, Vicious will be well worth your time.
I’m excited to continue the story with Vengeful, the next installment in the Vicious universe. If it is anything like its previous counterpart, I will thoroughly enjoy it.
The ghost haunting the house has been murdered, and until he can solve the mystery of how he died, he refuses to move on.
★ “Forever is a gift… and a curse.”
Introduction/First Impressions: A Long-Awaited Read
This book was one that I had on my shelf for a while, waiting for the right time and the motivation to remove this book from my growing TBR list. The time finally came over the summer, and I wish I had read this book much sooner than I did.
I had very little prior knowledge of the story or even the characters, and since I purchased it a while before I got to reading it, I didn’t remember what had intrigued me, what had pulled me in. I figure that it was the name Olivie Blake that convinced me to set some time aside to enter this world, as I have enjoyed all of the other worlds that she has created. Other books of hers, such as The Atlas Six and the books that followed, have always intrigued me, and I was excited to see what else she had to offer.
Seeing as Masters of Death was released in 2018, before The Atlas Six in 2020, I wondered whether or not this book would have the same feel to it, or if it would feel like something else entirely. I am happy to report that Masters of Death did not let me down, even in the slightest.
★ “Everything’s a game if you play it right.”
Plot & Themes: It’s Never Just a Game
The quick summary on the back of the book shows that it begins with a simple real estate agent who has a ghost problem, and she needs to be rid of this ghost to sell the house. However, the book evolves into something much more complex: an epic quest to ultimately save humanity.
The story was one that I had never read before, and the plot was so unique that I was hooked almost instantly. With so much information that is unveiled throughout, your interest is kept piqued the entire time.
Upon my first read, I initially had some confusion on certain elements of the story, especially when the immortal game was being played. I found myself going “what?” more times than I would like to admit. But it is all worth it in the end when the story comes to a close, and all of the information that was presented to you finally clicks into place. By the end of the book, all of the confusion you might have felt was worth it, and you feel as if you had just gone on the journey yourself. There is no shortage of plot twists and fantasy elements to keep you on your toes, and the concept and themes of high stakes will certainly have you wondering what happens next.
★ “There is nothing more telling about a person’s character than the silent wishes they keep to themselves, buried in the little nooks and crannies of their hearts.”
Characters & Relationships: A Cast of the Dead and Undying
One of my utmost favorite things about reading is being able to understand a character: embarking on their journey, living their lives through them, and understanding who they are at their core. Watching a character change as the story progresses and finding out more and more about them until their journey ends at the last page is so rewarding, especially when you can imagine their lives long after that final page. Olivie Blake supplies us with so many characters to follow, each with their own unique stories and personalities that make it almost impossible not to immerse yourself in their journeys.
It is no easy feat to have so many characters and keep them all well-developed, but Olivie Blake does this beautifully and effortlessly. At one point or another, each had their moment to shine, and they are all equally distinct and memorable. With an array of both mortals and mythical creatures– demons, vampires, demi-gods, angels, reapers, and ghosts–there is no shortage of characters to love and root for.
I especially enjoyed the relationship between Fox D’Mora and Brandt Solberg. Their relationship was explored intimately and deeply, but we also were able to see them grow and learn who they are as individuals outside of this relationship. Similarly, I loved the dynamic between Viola Marek and Tom Parker. Their playful banter felt very refreshing, and while they ultimately got together in the end, Viola’s character was never defined by him. She was not tied or restricted to Tom’s story in any way, and she was able to grow and blossom on her own.
Mayra Kaleka and Calix Sanna’s relationship was also very comforting. We got to see them explore their relationship and watch as their love for each other overcame boundaries that kept them apart. Viola’s friend Isis was also a great addition to the story, and her quick and witty humor, as well as her experience as a demon, helped bring a new light to the book. Even smaller characters, such as the Archangels Gabriel and Raphael, and even Death himself, left an impact on readers that left you wanting more time with them.
★ “Brandt Solberg had never been a good man, but what did that matter?
Fox hadn’t fallen in love with his goodness.”
Representation: A Beautiful Portrayal
One element of this book that I loved was the relationship between Fox and Brandt, and how their relationship was portrayed. Before reading, I hadn’t known (or had forgotten) that there was an LGBTQ+ couple in the book. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community myself, it felt refreshing and validating to see their relationship so perfectly handled and well-written. It felt both authentic and natural, and this was so inspiring to see.
Their relationship was not used as a major plot device and was never made out as unusual in the narrative; they were simply just two people in love. This subtle representation made me so happy to see, and so excited to see how their relationship would play out.
★ “That pain you feel? That’s love.”
Writing Style: Blake’s Lyrical Craft
Olivie Blake is such a talented author, and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style in Masters of Death. The dialogue was engaging, and we were able to learn so much about the characters through how they interacted with each other, instead of just through exposition. We saw the characters through the eyes of the other characters, instead of just as a reader.
Each new chapter brought a different character’s perspective, allowing us to see situations through different characters’ eyes, as well as with their different emotional angles. This helped give a deeper look into what they were thinking and their different reactions to these situations. I also love how beautifully and seamlessly Blake was able to bring us to the past while also keeping us in the present. This helped reveal what motivated certain characters in the present and allowed for a cleaner way of unveiling new information about the story’s mysteries.
★ “To glimpse what a person’s heart beats for, though, is to understand who they are.”
Final Thoughts: A Story that Lingers like a Ghost
Overall, Masters of Death was an amazing read, and I loved being fully immersed in this exciting world through Blake’s beautiful writing and intricate storytelling.
With this beautiful writing came equally beautiful artwork on the physical book. The inside cover art–both front and back– and the illustrations woven in some of the chapter breaks made it that much more enjoyable to read. Those small, thoughtful details added so much to the reading experience and made the book memorable long after I turned the final page.
If you are looking for a fun, witty, and magical experience, then Masters of Death is definitely worth the read!
★ “To have lived is, as he tells it, reward enough in itself.”