Bookish Belle

When I picked up this book, I didn't know what to expect. I knew that the reviews I had read said that it was amazing and extraordinary, but you can't always trust reviews. You have to decide for yourself. So I took the plunge and stepped into the world of "Caraval." Spoilers Ahead..... Immediately I was drawn to the dynamic between the two sisters, Scarlett and Donatella Dragna. I loved that they looked out for each other which is especially evident in the beginning of the book. Their relationship set up the book and the journey that Scarlett would make, defining and redefining herself throughout. As soon as Julian was introduced, I knew that he would be an important character. A roguish sailor with extremely good looks never gets swept to the side in Young Adult literature. I admired his character development throughout the novel and especially at the end. And yes, I believed his character arc which is essential for a book to be a success. Now to the magic...

When I started this book, I was hoping it could be my next "The Iron Fey" or "Wicked Lovely." After reading the first book, I'm not sure if I will continue to read the second. I give the book 3 out of 5 stars. SPOILERS AHEAD: The Roses: - the description of the scenery is gorgeous. It transports the reader to the scene. It makes a reader want to live inside its pages - the humor is witty and not overdone. - some motives of the characters are not predictable which I appreciate. The Thorns: - although this is considered young adult, the romance between Tam and Feyre feels very adult to me by the way it is written - it is a novel based on romance, a theme throughout the novel, which I understand. But sometimes it felt as if the romance were overbearing, extremely so that it distracts from the rest of the novel - I figured out Amarantha's riddle the first time she gave it to Feyre. Not sure if the author meant for it to be solved easily, considering ...