Welcome to the world of Caraval! 
 Since I encountered this pretty book a few months back, the hype was reallllllly scary. 
 BUT C'MON! How often do we encounter carnival-based novels other than The Night Circus???? Plus, this received some pretty awesome ratings, and I couldn't deny it. 
 I went into this knowing nothing, and please do the same!!! 
 This was really weird. It felt historical, but they live of fricken' islands! We've got bustle dresses, lace, tea, and pinkies-- but also waterfalls and mountains..........................? 
 Perhaps without this island concept, I would've enjoyed it more. 
 The characters confused me most. From the beginning to the end, the readers received ZERO character development and ZERO emotion-- save for some crying. 
 From page 1, we learned Scarlett was completely useless for herself and sister Tella, who is basically a more evolved Scarlett with weird tendencies to drink and get cozy with every guy within a mile. 
 OH AND THE PROSE----------> "Scarlett's feelings came in colors even brighter than usual. The urgent red of burning coals. The eager green of new grass buds. The frenzied yellow of a flapping birds feathers." 
 This seemed to have become a very popular style of writing in YA fantasy, but its basically YA authors trying to adapt to Adult writing, it does not work. 
 However, a book such as Caraval somehow utilizes this writing well enough. I thank the author for her bright imagery and details in a book about Carnivals. Yet, it does pass off as incredibly tedious. 
 Did I like it? Sure 
 Did I hate it? Eh. 
 Would I recommend this? No. 
 Try it! If you trust hype enough, give it a go. But I'm at a minority, so take the road you trust more =)