I know its not a positive experience for you to read a bad book but your Gripe's are my absolute favorite video's to watch. They are so funny, and witty and just hilarious. And the eye-rolling and the little dismissive noises. I was laughing the whole time... So I kinda wish for more bad books. Sorry. :-).
I think what most bothered me with Caraval is that the main character goes through this whole traumatic event to rescue her sister (like watching pretty much everyone she loved die in front of her) to then have them be like 'it was fake ahahahahah' and she just rolls with it and forgives everyone. Her goal for most of the book was to escape her father's physical and emotional abuse but then she gets manipulated and abused AGAIN by her sister and Julian and shes just cool with it (ESPECIALLY HOW QUICK SHE WAS TO FORGIVE JULIEN). Its super problematic bc what they did to her was super shitty and manipulative and it just shows people that if people do that and you love them its alright!! I hope that in the later books she brings that up and gets angry
Exactly! This girl could be suffering from PTSD. And all they have to say for it is, well We GaVe YoU a WaRnInG. She just watched not one, not two, but three people die! This book just gave me extreme pranking RUclips channel vibes. Like hahahahaha I'm gonna be a complete a-hole to innocent civilians all in the name of pranking or a social experiment. What if she killed herself? What if she ended up killing the actor playing Legend? What if her dad killed her? So much more shit could have gone wrong! Don't even get me started on how many times Julian's character changed, it was like the book kept adding plotwists as it went along just for the sake of it.
OH MY GOSH THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!! I was so mad after reading the book because of this that i was whisper yelling to my sister who was in bed trying to sleep! I haven't seen many ppl talk about how much Scarlet is traumatized and how HORRIBLE Tella is...and don't even get me started on how she just forgave Julian...I seriously wanted to rip my hair out
I think Scarlet's narration was the biggest problem, she was so drab and miserable that she didn't take note of any of the caraval stuff that was going on, she only thought about how tragic her life was and how hot Julian was... which is dumb considering caraval was supposed to be her biggest passion. Also the twist at the end basically invalidated everything that had happened before, everything that had happened wasn't even real. I hate endings that make the whole book seem pointless.
It's so funny because I actually liked Caraval as a whole, but I agree with literally everything you've said XD It was a bizarre book, but I still found it enjoyable for what it is :)
(I know this is an old comment,sorry) Same! I had so much fun reading it, despite many things that could have been done better, most of them the ones Sam mentioned.
Yeah, I did an amazon review on this as soon as I read it. I was expecting it to be a little dark and full of tricks and magic circus stuff, but what Scarlett goes through in Caraval is terrible, horrifying, and manipulative. She is lied to by *everyone*, watches Julian be killed, watches her sister fall to her death, then is led to some grand party at the end and everyone pulls a 180. It's "just a game" and everyone is alive again. No stakes. Fine. It really didn't resolve anything for me. Scarlett just accepted the manipulation with a shrug, especially from her sister. Dude. Scarlett experienced things. It was real to her. I was surprised she took it all so calmly.
Omggg this is so accurate! Also they had the option just to be a spectator rather than a player in the game.... but never once in the book did I notice a point where people could be watching???? I was hoping maybe the balconies did something but NOPE NOT REALLY.
I am so glad someone else felt this way about this book! I felt like everyone else was raving about how wonderful it was but I just really didn't feel it at all.
BookishSarahT yes! This is one I just don't understand the hype for. I can understand people liking it or thinking it was fun. But LOVING it and being so defensive of it I don't get.
never read the book, never planned on reading the book in the first place. that being said, I am LIVING with how done you are with this book. A+ entertainment XD
I wasn't following the pre-release hype about this book but where did it ever say this was supposed to be a circus? All I ever knew was that it was a performance. Just curious about the circus aspect.
I have to say, I really appreciate your gripe videos, because it shows that you have the personal integrity to give your honest opinions (and because they are hilarious!). There are so many booktubers who extoll the virtues of every single book they read to the point that I am just not able to take their opinions without a heavy dose of caution, especially when I hear that their videos are being sponsored. I've gotten to the point where I've unsubscribed to certain channels because every other video they post is being sponsored by someone else. It just doesn't feel quite right to me. I understand that it is part of the business, and maybe if I saw more critical reviews in sponsored videos I wouldn't be as wary of them...but that has not been the case in my experience. Anyway, about Caraval, I didn't hate it quite as much as you did, but it was a serious disappointment for me. It had so much potential and the marketing leading up to the release was so intriguing. That, coupled with the endless glowing reviews that after I actually read the book I thought that I must've missed something. I went in expecting a story filled with magic and sisterhood...I hated the sister's relationship. The magic didn't make any sense, and I was seriously annoyed by all the talk of her seeing emotions and all that nonsense. I also didn't like the romance aspect. The worst thing is, I have two copies of this book. I pre-ordered it and then it also came in the owl crate...oh well.
Thank you :) I think the marketing actually did this book an injustice because it was so hyped up, that it ended up failing for so many people based on the comments I'm getting.
How did they decide to give this book a glorious cover when its insides are clearly not? Was it to hype it? I mourn for beautiful books with poor covers. :(
I feel like my bias towards magical circus settings overshadows everything else in this book. I loved the mystery and the performance aspect but maybe the ending and Scarlett’s reaction ruined it for me
OMG THANK GOD! You just gained a subscriber in me! I felt the exact same way! I thought I was the only one. I hated this! I was pretty disappointed... The entire story was forced. As a writer, I feel it was probably suffered from being edited to death, causing for possible character development to be cut. The ending was trash. No only was there no valid explication for anything, besides 'just cause' or 'that's just things are'. I heard in an author interview, she said she had a notebook of all the cool things she wanted to see in a book and put it in this one and it felt like that- Like she just threw shit together. The story would have been better if the sister stayed dead honestly. On a scale of likable/relate-able females characters on a scale of Hermione -to- Anastasia Steele, Scarlet and her trollop of a sister aren't quite as irritating as Steele of Fifty shades, but they could all be related.
I was interested through the first 1/3 or so, but all the retcons really started to bother me and pull me out of the story. We spent almost the entire book with Julian and basically know nothing about him! Really on the fence about continuing this series.
I was looking for a gripe-y review of this and loved watching your video! You made so many good points - the lazy writing, the weak plot lines, the romance, the sisterly 'bond'...super cathartic to watch, so thank you! I was so excited for this since last year and with all the hype (*cough* excellent PR campaign *cough cough*), I felt so disappointed at the end! Boo hiss.
I actually did enjoy this book, but your opinions are reasonable. Even though I happened to like this book more than some people, I do agree with a some things you said! There were parts of the book that had me thinking like..... What? Also, I love how you're honest about the book.
What I think makes a good protagonist amazing is if a writer puts a piece of themselves, and a piece of what they had experience throughout life. what they had lack growing up, be part of that story, like the loss of a parent (or parents), the death of a sibling (or siblings at all), lack of a stable home (either they were moving around due to one of their parents being in the military, or they were poor). An antagonist, probably the negative things they see in their lives, what they feared that this will do to them and their loved ones, or have a major figure from history and wished what they could had done to that evil person if they lived around that time.
7:33 this!!! There was such a lack of characters in the story, like the competitors!!! even the main characters there was no deep insight what so ever. even scarlett was flat as hell. it felt so depressing, there was simply nothing 'interesting' about this book. even the setting was so weird, just a town that was similar to alice in wonderland except even more lacking when it comes to that magical 'atmosphere' ... like whaat? I felt the relationship between the sisters so flat, everyone was so flat... i didnt understand what was going on the way it was written was soo childish to me ? idk. I really wanted to like this book, i wanted it to be more about the CARAVAL rather than the forced love going on between julian and scarlett, not to mention how annoyiiiinnnnnggggggg tella was ... totally one dimensional.. everyone really.. idk i did like how they didnt reveal legend. but even legend didnt feel all that scary.. her father's role was stupid and not scary at all..
I went to Barnes and Nobles and I started looking for The Night Circus (you talked about it so much I NEEDED it), but I forgot what it was called. I almost got this book, but I realized that it wasn't the correct cover. Good thing I noticed that!
I know this video is 2 years old but I just finished Caraval and I just wanted to chuck it across the room. So glad I found this video. I really wanted to like this book.
I'm kinda amazed by how well the marketing department did with hyping this up. It makes me apprehensive about any new book which has been circulating around RUclips as an ARC.
Great review! I finished listening to Caraval on audiobook right before I went to bed last night, and as soon as I finished the book last night, I immediately gave it 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. However, after sleeping on it and thinking about Caraval some more, I find myself having quite a few problems with it, so I changed my rating for the book on Goodreads to 3 out of 5 stars. Like you, I didn't feel a sisterly bond between Scarlet and Tella, which definitely isn't a good thing since that's supposed to be a major part of the book. As you said, the book didn't feel like it was taking place at some kind of circus, and it didn't feel like there was actually a game going on, due to there not really being any other players that were actually present in the game/book. I could definitely go on when it comes to commenting on the problems that I have with this book, but I won't. Suffice to say, I definitely have a lot of the same issues with this book as you do. However, I will say that since it sounds like this series is only going to be a duology, I will definitely read the other book when it comes out, even though this book is far from perfect.
I totally felt the same way as you but I actually liked some of the plot twists. I hope the next book has stronger writing. I'm hoping it will feature Tella heavily and basically drop Scarlet because she was dumber than a box of rocks. Do you think you will have to read the sequel for review?
I love your Gripes even when they're on books I LOVE, like this one! Idk what it is...I've seen this gripe before...and suddenly yesterday I went to Barnes and picked the book up....immediately was hooked lol the letters got me at the beginning xD but I agree the dad was super lame
I do think that the marketing of this book was wrong calling it "The YA version of The Night Cirucs" and stuff. The tagline says that it's a game. People need to go into it knowing it's a game, not a circus. I actually think that Scarlett grew to stand up for herself better than in the beginning. But I can agree that it wrapped up too nicely; the epilogue could've been much shorter and the sister bond could've been strengthened too. Maybe a few flashbacks that extended that bond could've helped. I still liked it. I couldn't predict what was going to happen as far as plot. But I can totally see where you're coming from. Your gripes videos are top notch :)
The colours thing is explained in Finale. It was put there for a reason. You have to finish the trilogy to make the connections and btw, Caraval is my least fave book out of all three but Legendary and Finale more than make up for it. Esp Legendary. It was epic. And Tella's POV is definitely more interesting in the other two books.
I don't think someone should have to read a whole series to get something like that. that's just messy writing to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it but its not a series for me and thats fine.
Very sad I was looking forward to this book ( I may still pick it up at the library but meh) also have you ever done a Circus theme book rec video? I feel we are on the same wavelength when it comes to circus love and besides the night circus I haven't found/read many.
I liked this book, but I love your Gripe for it! You`ve pointed out so many things that I didn`t notice or didn`t really pay attention to. Love your reviews!
I know I’m commenting 5 years too late but I read an online book called Iridian. I didn’t realize it at the time but Iridian was a retelling of Caraval and it was a 1000 times better! I wonder if you’ve come across it and how you feel about it?
I personally enjoyed this series despite its flaws but I just finished the last book in this trilogy (Finale) and it actually did explain why Scarlett is always describing emotions as colours but tbh it felt kinda forced like it was an excuse to downplay the backlash previous books got for the flowery writing 🙃 either way I love your videos and it’s a real breath of fresh air to hear someone just say it how it is with books that aren’t worth their hype ^.^
I'm glad this showed up in my recommended! I felt all these things and I found myself making excuses cause no one seemed to agree. I'm so happy to have at least seen this now! (I should really follow people I subscribe to on twitter INSTANTLY cause I somehow miss videos all the time on YT)
I didn’t hate the book, but scarlet just bothered me. I quit about half way through and sometimes I think I should have given her another chance, but idk, every time I thought about picking it up again, I remembered the exasperation I felt while reading again and I was just: ...No.
Literally agree with everything you said here. I actually got really hyped for this (yes, I made the mistake of thinking it might be the Night Circus) so was very disappointed. I'm glad you thought that the writing was trying too hard- cos I thought the *exact* same thing.
I put it down after 50 pages. I've never been so close to throwing a book in anger then with Caraval. Nothing was believable, the characters were boring, everything felt forced, it was cringy, I just couldn't deal with it.
I picked this book up at random from the library, and I had it finished by the end of the day. Not in a "Wow, this is so compelling, I can't put it down!" way, but a "This is much more average than I was expecting but I'm already halfway through after one hour and may as well keep going" kind of way. It was a nice, zippy summer read, but I can't think of anything that would make me pick up the sequel, or even come back to this one for a reread. Also, might just be my opinion, but Scarlet got over everybody's lying WAAAAY too quickly. The last chapter or two felt like such a cheap wrap up without any satisfaction.
It was over hyped and I honestly cannot understand anyone raving about it unless they were paid to do so. Love this video - I was nodding in agreement so many times
Hey IDK if you will ever read this, but when I tell you that this video literally makes me laugh out loud, I MEAN it. I love this freaken video. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
THANK YOU. Their dad being a villain made no sense to me either. It's mentioned that he was kinder before their mother left and then he just turns into this evil man who beats and sells his daughters? To PROTECT them? I felt the same way about Scarlett's fast attraction to Julian too. I got so tired of her descriptions of him. I also found it laughable that she criticized Tella for her Insta-love when Scarlett did the same thing. And... where are the other players? Dante and his sister got like 2-3 lines. The other ones we saw where just there and didn't really add anything to the story. YES TO THE DESCRIPTIONS. That's exactly how I felt! It was trying too hard and it was painfully obvious. It was so out of place too when ridiculous sentences came up. I also love that she just knew where Julian got injured. Like oh, looks like a fractured lung there. I hated the so-called sister bond because it felt so shallow/fake. The wish was also so underwhelming in how it worked. I didn't even care about the Epilogue. I pretty much rolled my eyes and shut the book haha. I didn't expect it to be like The Night Circus either and it's such an insult when people say it's like TNC or better. Loved this video, Sam. Kudos to you for still managing to be pleasant throughout. I wrote a review for this and got mad the more I wrote it haha.
I totally agree with you! I just finished Caraval and immediately looked for reviews that I can relate to and rant with. I tried not to compare Caraval to the Night Circus as I was reading it, but it disappointed me. The circus-y feel is completely missing. I was just laughing and agreeing with you the whole time as i was watching your review.
I just want to say that I really appreciate you Sam! I have a positive review of Caraval on my channel and I got some really hateful comments attacking you for this video. In no way what they were saying okay. I hope that they at some point realize everyone has a right to their opinion, end of story. I respect you as a reviewer and I hope that the backlash on this video will not stop you from making your gripe videos. They are awesome and booktube needs them even if some people don't get that.
Oh, come on. It was a little frustrating but honestly, Legendary and Finale are amazing books. I would have regretted it if I hadn't read the entire trilogy based on some bad reviews. I didn't like Scarlets POV but Tella's POV in the other two books are great. Give it another shot.
As someone who actually enjoyed the book, I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts as well. I read the book in a different way but can see where you are coming from. Like, for the setting- the word "game" was emphasized so much that I actually thought of the hunger games which made me think it was going to be an arena type thing, so when they were actually exploring a whole town I was very happy. And then for the villain, although I do agree he should have been fleshed out more I think the dad was just a plot device for Legend so that he could save the girls and be the hero. I think it's in the letters in the end, Tella tells him that she knows he turns into whatever role he plays in the games and because he was the reason that woman had killed herself he should become a hero to save himself. So reading about Legend throughout the book wondering if he did kill that woman, was he tricking Tella, who was he, where was he, etc. I thought he was a really interesting villain. Again though, I do think the dad should be better explained instead of "Oh he just beats his kids because his wife left" and I'm hoping that is helped with the second book. Where I do 100% agree with you though is with the main character. One of my biggest pet peeves in YA books is when there is a main character in a dire situation and yet only cares about themselves and who they should love. Her constant inner struggle with her feelings towards Julian vs her fiance was just so ridiculous and drawn out for way too long. And then her constantly putting pretty much everything else above saving her sisters life and also constantly trusting every single thing that happened and was said to her. No thanks. Personally, I do think I'll continue in the series in hopes that the things I didn't like get better, but I really enjoyed and appreciated hearing your thoughts :)
First off, I really appreciate this comment because although you disagree with me, you're actually having a discussion with me instead of telling me I'm wrong. I've had a few comments today that are the opposite so I appreciate your discussion even more. I was thinking it would be more of a game too, which is I think one of the reasons I was disappointed. I really felt like it didn't have much sense of direction and that the marketing and synopsis were very misleading. I'm glad you enjoyed it more than I did :)
I haven't even read the book yet and I too thought that Caraval would be more like THG than The Night Circus (I've never read TNC). So hearing a lot of disappointing reviews makes me sad. :(
I totally agree with you on this entire thing I will go as far as to say that this is the worst book I ever read... I am considering lowering my rating even more, because the more I think about it, the worse the book actually feels to be
I just finished this a few hours ago. This had so much potential but it just got worse and worse with every chapter... I totally agree with all the things you said. Some things I just overlooked because I wanted to like this so much. But then when this whole "Julian is Legend oh no he's not or is he?" thing started I was just like nope! And yet she falls in love with him even though he's lied to her the whole time and has been working for Legend who's made her life so miserable the last few days? Then this scene where she finally finds Tella 😩 it was just so annoying Tella just got on my nerves soooo much I really thought about stopping right there. But of course I continued on and well surprise it all wasn't real! Nothing that happened was real which was something we were told from the start but something I understood differently... if this all would've really been real in a way and not just Tella's doing it would've been a bit better or maybe not we'll never know.
Ugh YES I agree with all of this! The Scarlett/Tella bond was so weak when that was supposed to be one of the main points?? And Scarlett dead ass considered saving Julian over Tella?? Like actually really thought about it?? And barely ever thinks of Tella during Caraval?? And the writing was so, so cringe-y. I rolled my eyes and said "WHAT?" out loud several times. And the insta-love was just SO ridiculous. Julian and Scarlett had like, no connection, mostly because they knew each other for, what?, 7 days? Maybe? Though Caraval definitely wasn't a circus by any means, the creepiness and whimsy of it was pretty cool. I would only consider maybe considering reading the 2nd one if it was from Tella's POV, because Scarlett drove me nuts. Just because the concept of Caraval was cool, and even then it wasn't that special. But pretty much this video is spot on and this comment was way too long but thank you for putting my thoughts into words on this book!
I just finished it and I am so annoyed. The ending was so stupid. Spoilers: Like what the heck. I was so like what the heck when Scarlet literally just watched two people she loved die, was kidnapped and physically abused and hers sisters just smiling and giggling about it. THEN FORCES HER TO GO TO A PARTY LIKE WTHHHH GIRL SHES TRAUMATISED. How- I just don’t understand what sister does that.
I agree so hard with this. I was going to film this weekend but won't because you literally took every word and thought out of my mouth! So disappointed after the recent hype
I actually like this book but there are some points that I agree with you... The romance. Just from the boat I knew they were gonna end up with each other and I swore my life with it. The game and caraval. The game! Damn... I really thought it was close to hunger games but NAHHHHH. The mystery hyped me but the atmosphere of it being like a carnival of some sort and a competition or game is lost. Its like a village full of magic and mysteries to me. I like the characters but I don't love them. When Dante died I was just like "Gross..." When Julian died I was just like "Woah.." When Tella died I was like "What...?" There's no big sadness in me that they 'died' It was really supid of them to be alive again... The villains. I don't like the father but he really wasn't seemingly scary or anything. Don't get me wrong child abuse is scary but like it's a book! There's gotta be something more than. "Oh I lost the love of my life so Im gonna hurt the fruits of our love because well I'm 'complicated'" Legend though is interesting to me. Though now I question... why he's like that somehow. Julian as well being the brother of Legend. Makes no sense. I would've been interesting for me if he was Legend though LOL. Tella, she was the root of everything. I kinda like her way more than Scarlett because she's not 'flat' I don't know... Scarlett isn't that interesting for me. The reason I like this though is because it was so funny. LOL I know it wasn't meant to be that way but it was for me! The way they did the romance, the drama, the family and basically the writing. It was sort of overdone and it was hilarious. So yea... Imma read the 2nd book LOL
I think the reason that some people aren't liking Caraval is that it's being compared to The Night Circus. The Night Circus is an amazing, beautiful, inspiring ADULT read. So I think that when adult readers, who have read TNC, go into this book, they expect the same things. Caraval is a YA version of Night Circus, you know? It's not adult, and so there will be a lot more YA themes, for YA readers. I actually really like your gripes! That sounds bad, but you drag books so well, that I find it very entertaining XD
Every time I finish a book I search for your gripe or gush video especially if I didn't particularly enjoy the book. The minute I finished Caraval... I checked for your review. OMG .....this book is seriously OVERHYPED!!! I agree with everything u said and more. The writing was trying too hard and characterization seemed so one dimensional & the plot seemed to be convenient writing device and nothing more. There were things mentioned in the book just was not needed or explained. Like Dantes sister where did she go? why did she even disappear? How did Julian get the letter from Dante better yet why ??? If he was a player in the Caraval all along... wouldn't Julian have known Scarlett's father was there already and not be surprised by it in the caves. Nothing in the book made sense. One minute Scarlett be like have to save Donatella... next minute she'll be like Ooh I like Julians Abs. He is so pretty & Confident and the very next minute he is a sailor I am engaged, my father abuses me I am a scardey cat, I have to go home in 2 days... So on and so forth!!!
I'm subscribing, honestly thank you for being a booktuber that employs critical thinking when reading. I can relate to you on most, if not all of your points.
I almost physically threw the book across the room when Scarlett willingly accepted to sleep in a stranger's room just because "the Count will treat me this way", just because he looks affluently dressed. Even the characters are calling out her bs.
I agree 100%. Everything from the underdeveloped characters, to the unnecessary romance to the 'flowery' writing, to the one- dimensional villains to the 'cliffhanger'. I was just so done like near the end and I can forsee not reading the sequel. Other than the execution of the book, the hype and the way it was marketed killed it for me. :(
Thank you for this! I DNF'd the book after 130 pages. The whole time I was reading I could see the potential for character growth etc....but I'm glad to know my putting the book down was justified. And that ending just sounds ridiculous!
robert - please don't be rude to others in my comments like this. Just because you don't agree with their opinions doesn't mean you have to try to be insulting. There's no real reason to tell someone you are unsubscribing from them except to try to get a rise out of them. It's petty and uncalled for.
Welp. Scratching this off my list. I loved The Night Circus, so I was excited for this even though I wasn't expecting The Night Circus. I just love your Gripe videos Sam! And the comments under your videos are always... interesting lol.
Haha omg Sam!! Listen I love roasting books. I know that sounds bad but it can be so fun! Great humor in this one :) I hope your next read doesn't suck as bad haha
I wrote a mini review on this book and it sounds an awful lot like this video! lol I love everything you mentioned because it was exactly what I thought about the book.. I got soooo confused towards the end, and that "cliffhanger".. Jesus, I need to get rid of this book from my shelf asap
I was hoping for an immersive experience in a magical world. I felt like I didn't get to see the world at all. I like books that pull me into the world and allow me to "see" it and Caraval didn't do that because there wasn't really even a world to see.
Everything you said speaks to me! I just finished this book and there is so much frustration in me because of it, just... no. No, no, no, NO. Scarlett was stupid and I hated her and that stupid cliffhanger. I feel personally offended by that cliffhanger. Because I just went through 400 pages of crap just for it to end on a cliffhanger that tries to force me to read the next book. What? Just no. I'm so annoyed.
I actually enjoyed your experience about the book and hearing your opinions on it. I actually enjoyed reading the book. I will admit that the book has its issues.
I loved this book so much but after watching this review I'm totally seeing it in different lenses. Although I disagree with some of what you shared, most of the points you made were totally true like about the father and the carnival circus that wasn't even a carnival circus at all 😂 super funny video and great points made
I was so happy to hear somebody voice the exact thoughts I had while reading this book. So perfectly exactly identical. Amazing. But I dont like the word gripe somehow it sounds like a mix of grape and ripe and both are not my favourite. I don't like grapes and when fruit is ripe it is usually too ripe and too sweet. I am sad you didn't read Legendary and Finale, cause even though I didn't like Caraval, I kind of said I would read everything by the author, so far. And I am regretting it so much. This story is so boring. But there was one tiny little improvement in the last third of the third book. But still not enough to turn the entire thing around for me. And there are two more books to go still :-(
Oh WOW, thanks for this thorough and honest review. I won't be wasting my money on this book, though I admit I was so tempted by that gorgeous cover and tantalizing blurb. Sigh... Another publisher marketing scheme working far TOO well and basically scamming genuine readers :( How disappointing.... This has been happening far too much and I'm actually scared of taking a chance on a new author or book series because of this misleading practice. I mean, WTF??
Amazing video Sam! I was also dissapointed by this. I thought It was going to be about sisters bonding, maybe a magical realism tale for Scarlet to face her fears, but no. It was so lame. You covered up nicely my exact feelings for this book.
I have a rule with descriptions, if you can't whisper it without laughing or sounding like a serial killer stop. do not pass go you have crossed over into weird territory
For me, the only kind of redeeming quality was Scarlett and Tella's relationship. However, I admit it fell flat. I just, was so disappointed. I noticed how flowery the writing was right away. The writer was trying to hard to make it beautiful and it just annoyed me. She used a lot of smilies in the first few chapters and right away I told my boyfriend that I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I still need to read the night circus. It's gotten mixed reviews from the girls in my book club so I've been putting it off. But, I own it and I think I'll give it a try this month (if I have time) or next month.
I'm very glad I found this book for 50 cents at my local thrift store (and an advanced readers copy at that which is just cool) and didn't spend $20 on it, because it is not worth it lmao the most I give it is, it was captivating enough that I wanted to finish it, not enough to want to read the rest of the series. SO glad there are other people who agree lol
I just got into reading I just finished the book and I LOVED THE ENDING but now I’m realizing I didn’t rly care about any of the characters BUT TELLA. Cuz she badass. But meh
I know its not a positive experience for you to read a bad book but your Gripe's are my absolute favorite video's to watch. They are so funny, and witty and just hilarious. And the eye-rolling and the little dismissive noises. I was laughing the whole time... So I kinda wish for more bad books. Sorry. :-).
I wholeheartedly agree *=)*
Britta Böhler haha you aren't alone! I've gotten comments like that a lot! 😂
I think what most bothered me with Caraval is that the main character goes through this whole traumatic event to rescue her sister (like watching pretty much everyone she loved die in front of her) to then have them be like 'it was fake ahahahahah' and she just rolls with it and forgives everyone. Her goal for most of the book was to escape her father's physical and emotional abuse but then she gets manipulated and abused AGAIN by her sister and Julian and shes just cool with it (ESPECIALLY HOW QUICK SHE WAS TO FORGIVE JULIEN). Its super problematic bc what they did to her was super shitty and manipulative and it just shows people that if people do that and you love them its alright!! I hope that in the later books she brings that up and gets angry
Same!!
She actually doesn't, it becomes a thing in Legendary
Exactly! This girl could be suffering from PTSD. And all they have to say for it is, well We GaVe YoU a WaRnInG. She just watched not one, not two, but three people die! This book just gave me extreme pranking RUclips channel vibes. Like hahahahaha I'm gonna be a complete a-hole to innocent civilians all in the name of pranking or a social experiment. What if she killed herself? What if she ended up killing the actor playing Legend? What if her dad killed her? So much more shit could have gone wrong! Don't even get me started on how many times Julian's character changed, it was like the book kept adding plotwists as it went along just for the sake of it.
YES! EXACTLY THIS! YOU SUMMED MY WHOLE PROBLEM WITH THE BOOK
OH MY GOSH THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!! I was so mad after reading the book because of this that i was whisper yelling to my sister who was in bed trying to sleep! I haven't seen many ppl talk about how much Scarlet is traumatized and how HORRIBLE Tella is...and don't even get me started on how she just forgave Julian...I seriously wanted to rip my hair out
I think Scarlet's narration was the biggest problem, she was so drab and miserable that she didn't take note of any of the caraval stuff that was going on, she only thought about how tragic her life was and how hot Julian was... which is dumb considering caraval was supposed to be her biggest passion. Also the twist at the end basically invalidated everything that had happened before, everything that had happened wasn't even real. I hate endings that make the whole book seem pointless.
Amy R yes yes yes! It's not a good twist if it just retcons everything.
It's so funny because I actually liked Caraval as a whole, but I agree with literally everything you've said XD It was a bizarre book, but I still found it enjoyable for what it is :)
(I know this is an old comment,sorry)
Same! I had so much fun reading it, despite many things that could have been done better, most of them the ones Sam mentioned.
"He's not a boy. He's a grown ass man."
I choked on my spit loooooool
I HATED IT WITH A PASSION TOO.
Urgh. I don't get why people love it so much. The only good thing about it is the cover. The end.
Subverso Literatura If you see my edition, you woldn't that the cover is beautifull😂😂
YES I've finally found A RUclipsR that is very honest to realize that this book is really not worth the hype. I did not even finish the book. Ugh.
thank you :)
I love watching the gripe videos for books I don't want to read. It's hilarious.
Ashley Marshall thank you :)
Yeah, I did an amazon review on this as soon as I read it. I was expecting it to be a little dark and full of tricks and magic circus stuff, but what Scarlett goes through in Caraval is terrible, horrifying, and manipulative. She is lied to by *everyone*, watches Julian be killed, watches her sister fall to her death, then is led to some grand party at the end and everyone pulls a 180. It's "just a game" and everyone is alive again. No stakes. Fine. It really didn't resolve anything for me. Scarlett just accepted the manipulation with a shrug, especially from her sister. Dude. Scarlett experienced things. It was real to her. I was surprised she took it all so calmly.
Omggg this is so accurate! Also they had the option just to be a spectator rather than a player in the game.... but never once in the book did I notice a point where people could be watching???? I was hoping maybe the balconies did something but NOPE NOT REALLY.
'It was blue, like midnight desire'😂
I am so glad someone else felt this way about this book! I felt like everyone else was raving about how wonderful it was but I just really didn't feel it at all.
BookishSarahT Agreeeed. It was so plain in many aspects
BookishSarahT yes! This is one I just don't understand the hype for. I can understand people liking it or thinking it was fun. But LOVING it and being so defensive of it I don't get.
This was so cathartic to watch. Thank you for voicing all of my annoyances so eloquently!
I'm so glad! It seems like a lot of people are saying the same thing.
never read the book, never planned on reading the book in the first place. that being said, I am LIVING with how done you are with this book. A+ entertainment XD
lifeamongbooks haha thank you
I wasn't following the pre-release hype about this book but where did it ever say this was supposed to be a circus? All I ever knew was that it was a performance. Just curious about the circus aspect.
Gwen Lavender Mud I know it was the OwlCrate 'Run Away With The Circus' theme book, don't know what else
YES, YES, YES! I love all your gripe videos, but this one especially - I agree on every point and won't be continuing the series either.
I have to say, I really appreciate your gripe videos, because it shows that you have the personal integrity to give your honest opinions (and because they are hilarious!). There are so many booktubers who extoll the virtues of every single book they read to the point that I am just not able to take their opinions without a heavy dose of caution, especially when I hear that their videos are being sponsored. I've gotten to the point where I've unsubscribed to certain channels because every other video they post is being sponsored by someone else. It just doesn't feel quite right to me. I understand that it is part of the business, and maybe if I saw more critical reviews in sponsored videos I wouldn't be as wary of them...but that has not been the case in my experience.
Anyway, about Caraval, I didn't hate it quite as much as you did, but it was a serious disappointment for me. It had so much potential and the marketing leading up to the release was so intriguing. That, coupled with the endless glowing reviews that after I actually read the book I thought that I must've missed something. I went in expecting a story filled with magic and sisterhood...I hated the sister's relationship. The magic didn't make any sense, and I was seriously annoyed by all the talk of her seeing emotions and all that nonsense. I also didn't like the romance aspect.
The worst thing is, I have two copies of this book. I pre-ordered it and then it also came in the owl crate...oh well.
Thank you :)
I think the marketing actually did this book an injustice because it was so hyped up, that it ended up failing for so many people based on the comments I'm getting.
Thoughts on Tomes I agree 100%.
How did they decide to give this book a glorious cover when its insides are clearly not? Was it to hype it?
I mourn for beautiful books with poor covers. :(
I feel like my bias towards magical circus settings overshadows everything else in this book. I loved the mystery and the performance aspect but maybe the ending and Scarlett’s reaction ruined it for me
Everyone I talked to was like "OMG I love Caravl its like my favorite" so glad I'm not the only person that hates it with a passion
OMG THANK GOD! You just gained a subscriber in me! I felt the exact same way! I thought I was the only one. I hated this! I was pretty disappointed... The entire story was forced. As a writer, I feel it was probably suffered from being edited to death, causing for possible character development to be cut. The ending was trash. No only was there no valid explication for anything, besides 'just cause' or 'that's just things are'. I heard in an author interview, she said she had a notebook of all the cool things she wanted to see in a book and put it in this one and it felt like that- Like she just threw shit together. The story would have been better if the sister stayed dead honestly. On a scale of likable/relate-able females characters on a scale of Hermione -to- Anastasia Steele, Scarlet and her trollop of a sister aren't quite as irritating as Steele of Fifty shades, but they could all be related.
I was interested through the first 1/3 or so, but all the retcons really started to bother me and pull me out of the story. We spent almost the entire book with Julian and basically know nothing about him! Really on the fence about continuing this series.
I was looking for a gripe-y review of this and loved watching your video! You made so many good points - the lazy writing, the weak plot lines, the romance, the sisterly 'bond'...super cathartic to watch, so thank you! I was so excited for this since last year and with all the hype (*cough* excellent PR campaign *cough cough*), I felt so disappointed at the end! Boo hiss.
that's exactly how I felt! The PR hype totally got to me.
You have a way of insulting books that is just so so funny
haha thank you
I actually did enjoy this book, but your opinions are reasonable. Even though I happened to like this book more than some people, I do agree with a some things you said! There were parts of the book that had me thinking like..... What? Also, I love how you're honest about the book.
thank you
Also: You're makeup is on point! Between your makeup and your hair it brings out your eyes wonderfully!
What I think makes a good protagonist amazing is if a writer puts a piece of themselves, and a piece of what they had experience throughout life. what they had lack growing up, be part of that story, like the loss of a parent (or parents), the death of a sibling (or siblings at all), lack of a stable home (either they were moving around due to one of their parents being in the military, or they were poor).
An antagonist, probably the negative things they see in their lives, what they feared that this will do to them and their loved ones, or have a major figure from history and wished what they could had done to that evil person if they lived around that time.
7:33 this!!! There was such a lack of characters in the story, like the competitors!!! even the main characters there was no deep insight what so ever. even scarlett was flat as hell. it felt so depressing, there was simply nothing 'interesting' about this book. even the setting was so weird, just a town that was similar to alice in wonderland except even more lacking when it comes to that magical 'atmosphere' ... like whaat?
I felt the relationship between the sisters so flat, everyone was so flat... i didnt understand what was going on the way it was written was soo childish to me ? idk. I really wanted to like this book, i wanted it to be more about the CARAVAL rather than the forced love going on between julian and scarlett, not to mention how annoyiiiinnnnnggggggg tella was ... totally one dimensional.. everyone really.. idk i did like how they didnt reveal legend. but even legend didnt feel all that scary.. her father's role was stupid and not scary at all..
yep yep yep exactly
I went to Barnes and Nobles and I started looking for The Night Circus (you talked about it so much I NEEDED it), but I forgot what it was called. I almost got this book, but I realized that it wasn't the correct cover. Good thing I noticed that!
I know this video is 2 years old but I just finished Caraval and I just wanted to chuck it across the room. So glad I found this video. I really wanted to like this book.
I'm kinda amazed by how well the marketing department did with hyping this up. It makes me apprehensive about any new book which has been circulating around RUclips as an ARC.
I feel like you're one of the few RUclipsrs who will thoroughly discuss what you find problematic in popular books and I love it!
thank you!
Great review! I finished listening to Caraval on audiobook right before I went to bed last night, and as soon as I finished the book last night, I immediately gave it 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. However, after sleeping on it and thinking about Caraval some more, I find myself having quite a few problems with it, so I changed my rating for the book on Goodreads to 3 out of 5 stars. Like you, I didn't feel a sisterly bond between Scarlet and Tella, which definitely isn't a good thing since that's supposed to be a major part of the book. As you said, the book didn't feel like it was taking place at some kind of circus, and it didn't feel like there was actually a game going on, due to there not really being any other players that were actually present in the game/book. I could definitely go on when it comes to commenting on the problems that I have with this book, but I won't. Suffice to say, I definitely have a lot of the same issues with this book as you do. However, I will say that since it sounds like this series is only going to be a duology, I will definitely read the other book when it comes out, even though this book is far from perfect.
I totally felt the same way as you but I actually liked some of the plot twists. I hope the next book has stronger writing. I'm hoping it will feature Tella heavily and basically drop Scarlet because she was dumber than a box of rocks. Do you think you will have to read the sequel for review?
I love your Gripes even when they're on books I LOVE, like this one! Idk what it is...I've seen this gripe before...and suddenly yesterday I went to Barnes and picked the book up....immediately was hooked lol the letters got me at the beginning xD but I agree the dad was super lame
I do think that the marketing of this book was wrong calling it "The YA version of The Night Cirucs" and stuff. The tagline says that it's a game. People need to go into it knowing it's a game, not a circus. I actually think that Scarlett grew to stand up for herself better than in the beginning. But I can agree that it wrapped up too nicely; the epilogue could've been much shorter and the sister bond could've been strengthened too. Maybe a few flashbacks that extended that bond could've helped. I still liked it. I couldn't predict what was going to happen as far as plot. But I can totally see where you're coming from. Your gripes videos are top notch :)
I agree! I think flashbacks would have been great to give us a better picture of their relationship.
I HATED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I completely agree with everything you said!
The colours thing is explained in Finale. It was put there for a reason. You have to finish the trilogy to make the connections and btw, Caraval is my least fave book out of all three but Legendary and Finale more than make up for it. Esp Legendary. It was epic. And Tella's POV is definitely more interesting in the other two books.
I don't think someone should have to read a whole series to get something like that. that's just messy writing to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it but its not a series for me and thats fine.
Very sad I was looking forward to this book ( I may still pick it up at the library but meh) also have you ever done a Circus theme book rec video? I feel we are on the same wavelength when it comes to circus love and besides the night circus I haven't found/read many.
So glad I'm not the only one who felt this way!
I 100% agree with you, especially on the topic of Scarlet seeing emotions as colours being used to "improve" the writing.
I just finished reading this today and my FIRST thought was, "Oh MAN, I hope there's a gripe for this book."
Your gripes are the best.
Marybeth Buskirk thank you :)
I liked this book, but I love your Gripe for it!
You`ve pointed out so many things that I didn`t notice or didn`t really pay attention to.
Love your reviews!
I just read the book. Was it ever explicitly described as a circus in story?
I know I’m commenting 5 years too late but I read an online book called Iridian. I didn’t realize it at the time but Iridian was a retelling of Caraval and it was a 1000 times better! I wonder if you’ve come across it and how you feel about it?
If you want a good sisterly bond, I would suggest "Mist" by Kathryn James
I personally enjoyed this series despite its flaws but I just finished the last book in this trilogy (Finale) and it actually did explain why Scarlett is always describing emotions as colours but tbh it felt kinda forced like it was an excuse to downplay the backlash previous books got for the flowery writing 🙃 either way I love your videos and it’s a real breath of fresh air to hear someone just say it how it is with books that aren’t worth their hype ^.^
I'm glad this showed up in my recommended! I felt all these things and I found myself making excuses cause no one seemed to agree. I'm so happy to have at least seen this now! (I should really follow people I subscribe to on twitter INSTANTLY cause I somehow miss videos all the time on YT)
I didn’t hate the book, but scarlet just bothered me. I quit about half way through and sometimes I think I should have given her another chance, but idk, every time I thought about picking it up again, I remembered the exasperation I felt while reading again and I was just: ...No.
Is it weird that I love to watch Sam complaining about stuff.
lol you aren't alone
Thank you!!!! Finally someone that saw the issues of these book! I thought I was the only one ....
you aren't alone :)
Literally agree with everything you said here. I actually got really hyped for this (yes, I made the mistake of thinking it might be the Night Circus) so was very disappointed. I'm glad you thought that the writing was trying too hard- cos I thought the *exact* same thing.
I put it down after 50 pages. I've never been so close to throwing a book in anger then with Caraval. Nothing was believable, the characters were boring, everything felt forced, it was cringy, I just couldn't deal with it.
You know Legendary and Finale are wayyy better. You should give them a shot.
Your spoilery gripe videos are my actual favorite thing 👏🏻👏🏻😝
I picked this book up at random from the library, and I had it finished by the end of the day. Not in a "Wow, this is so compelling, I can't put it down!" way, but a "This is much more average than I was expecting but I'm already halfway through after one hour and may as well keep going" kind of way. It was a nice, zippy summer read, but I can't think of anything that would make me pick up the sequel, or even come back to this one for a reread.
Also, might just be my opinion, but Scarlet got over everybody's lying WAAAAY too quickly. The last chapter or two felt like such a cheap wrap up without any satisfaction.
It was over hyped and I honestly cannot understand anyone raving about it unless they were paid to do so. Love this video - I was nodding in agreement so many times
Lotte Lovin Books Claridge thank you!
Hey IDK if you will ever read this, but when I tell you that this video literally makes me laugh out loud, I MEAN it. I love this freaken video. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
THANK YOU.
Their dad being a villain made no sense to me either. It's mentioned that he was kinder before their mother left and then he just turns into this evil man who beats and sells his daughters? To PROTECT them?
I felt the same way about Scarlett's fast attraction to Julian too. I got so tired of her descriptions of him. I also found it laughable that she criticized Tella for her Insta-love when Scarlett did the same thing.
And... where are the other players? Dante and his sister got like 2-3 lines. The other ones we saw where just there and didn't really add anything to the story.
YES TO THE DESCRIPTIONS. That's exactly how I felt! It was trying too hard and it was painfully obvious. It was so out of place too when ridiculous sentences came up.
I also love that she just knew where Julian got injured. Like oh, looks like a fractured lung there.
I hated the so-called sister bond because it felt so shallow/fake.
The wish was also so underwhelming in how it worked.
I didn't even care about the Epilogue. I pretty much rolled my eyes and shut the book haha.
I didn't expect it to be like The Night Circus either and it's such an insult when people say it's like TNC or better.
Loved this video, Sam. Kudos to you for still managing to be pleasant throughout. I wrote a review for this and got mad the more I wrote it haha.
I totally agree with you! I just finished Caraval and immediately looked for reviews that I can relate to and rant with.
I tried not to compare Caraval to the Night Circus as I was reading it, but it disappointed me. The circus-y feel is completely missing.
I was just laughing and agreeing with you the whole time as i was watching your review.
I just want to say that I really appreciate you Sam! I have a positive review of Caraval on my channel and I got some really hateful comments attacking you for this video. In no way what they were saying okay. I hope that they at some point realize everyone has a right to their opinion, end of story. I respect you as a reviewer and I hope that the backlash on this video will not stop you from making your gripe videos. They are awesome and booktube needs them even if some people don't get that.
Thanks for the warning. I was about to read this book. Removing it from my to read list on GoodReads right now.
Oh, come on. It was a little frustrating but honestly, Legendary and Finale are amazing books. I would have regretted it if I hadn't read the entire trilogy based on some bad reviews. I didn't like Scarlets POV but Tella's POV in the other two books are great. Give it another shot.
I LOVE this! You are just so funny when you gripe about books! Thank you for posting this and saving me money! :) :) Love from Florida!
Your gripes always give me life!
I was curious about this book and the blinding amount positive reviews seemed pretty suspicious.
As someone who actually enjoyed the book, I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts as well. I read the book in a different way but can see where you are coming from.
Like, for the setting- the word "game" was emphasized so much that I actually thought of the hunger games which made me think it was going to be an arena type thing, so when they were actually exploring a whole town I was very happy.
And then for the villain, although I do agree he should have been fleshed out more I think the dad was just a plot device for Legend so that he could save the girls and be the hero. I think it's in the letters in the end, Tella tells him that she knows he turns into whatever role he plays in the games and because he was the reason that woman had killed herself he should become a hero to save himself. So reading about Legend throughout the book wondering if he did kill that woman, was he tricking Tella, who was he, where was he, etc. I thought he was a really interesting villain. Again though, I do think the dad should be better explained instead of "Oh he just beats his kids because his wife left" and I'm hoping that is helped with the second book.
Where I do 100% agree with you though is with the main character. One of my biggest pet peeves in YA books is when there is a main character in a dire situation and yet only cares about themselves and who they should love. Her constant inner struggle with her feelings towards Julian vs her fiance was just so ridiculous and drawn out for way too long. And then her constantly putting pretty much everything else above saving her sisters life and also constantly trusting every single thing that happened and was said to her. No thanks.
Personally, I do think I'll continue in the series in hopes that the things I didn't like get better, but I really enjoyed and appreciated hearing your thoughts :)
First off, I really appreciate this comment because although you disagree with me, you're actually having a discussion with me instead of telling me I'm wrong. I've had a few comments today that are the opposite so I appreciate your discussion even more.
I was thinking it would be more of a game too, which is I think one of the reasons I was disappointed. I really felt like it didn't have much sense of direction and that the marketing and synopsis were very misleading.
I'm glad you enjoyed it more than I did :)
I haven't even read the book yet and I too thought that Caraval would be more like THG than The Night Circus (I've never read TNC). So hearing a lot of disappointing reviews makes me sad. :(
That abuse part hurt me. Come on, eight years ago I came out of such a situation and I am still dealing with it. Where did that go?
I totally agree with you on this entire thing
I will go as far as to say that this is the worst book I ever read...
I am considering lowering my rating even more, because the more I think about it, the worse the book actually feels to be
If the love thing with Julian wasn't a part of it and they were just platonic, I feel like the book would be so much better
YES
I just finished this a few hours ago. This had so much potential but it just got worse and worse with every chapter... I totally agree with all the things you said. Some things I just overlooked because I wanted to like this so much. But then when this whole "Julian is Legend oh no he's not or is he?" thing started I was just like nope!
And yet she falls in love with him even though he's lied to her the whole time and has been working for Legend who's made her life so miserable the last few days?
Then this scene where she finally finds Tella 😩 it was just so annoying Tella just got on my nerves soooo much I really thought about stopping right there. But of course I continued on and well surprise it all wasn't real! Nothing that happened was real which was something we were told from the start but something I understood differently... if this all would've really been real in a way and not just Tella's doing it would've been a bit better or maybe not we'll never know.
Ugh YES I agree with all of this! The Scarlett/Tella bond was so weak when that was supposed to be one of the main points?? And Scarlett dead ass considered saving Julian over Tella?? Like actually really thought about it?? And barely ever thinks of Tella during Caraval?? And the writing was so, so cringe-y. I rolled my eyes and said "WHAT?" out loud several times. And the insta-love was just SO ridiculous. Julian and Scarlett had like, no connection, mostly because they knew each other for, what?, 7 days? Maybe? Though Caraval definitely wasn't a circus by any means, the creepiness and whimsy of it was pretty cool. I would only consider maybe considering reading the 2nd one if it was from Tella's POV, because Scarlett drove me nuts. Just because the concept of Caraval was cool, and even then it wasn't that special. But pretty much this video is spot on and this comment was way too long but thank you for putting my thoughts into words on this book!
your hair and eye makeup color is gorgeous 😍
Thank you :)
I just finished it and I am so annoyed. The ending was so stupid.
Spoilers:
Like what the heck. I was so like what the heck when Scarlet literally just watched two people she loved die, was kidnapped and physically abused and hers sisters just smiling and giggling about it. THEN FORCES HER TO GO TO A PARTY LIKE WTHHHH GIRL SHES TRAUMATISED. How-
I just don’t understand what sister does that.
I agree so hard with this. I was going to film this weekend but won't because you literally took every word and thought out of my mouth! So disappointed after the recent hype
It was Not supported to be a Circus I don't know WHO told you that. It literally an Arena with actors and Players.....
hun you should work on your capitalization of random words it's a bit much
@@ThoughtsOnTomes not American or english. And autocorrect
@@ThoughtsOnTomes learn my language before you bitch around
you came here writing bitchy comments. people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
@@ThoughtsOnTomes people with bad book taste neither.
I actually like this book but there are some points that I agree with you... The romance. Just from the boat I knew they were gonna end up with each other and I swore my life with it. The game and caraval. The game! Damn... I really thought it was close to hunger games but NAHHHHH. The mystery hyped me but the atmosphere of it being like a carnival of some sort and a competition or game is lost. Its like a village full of magic and mysteries to me. I like the characters but I don't love them. When Dante died I was just like "Gross..." When Julian died I was just like "Woah.." When Tella died I was like "What...?" There's no big sadness in me that they 'died' It was really supid of them to be alive again... The villains. I don't like the father but he really wasn't seemingly scary or anything. Don't get me wrong child abuse is scary but like it's a book! There's gotta be something more than. "Oh I lost the love of my life so Im gonna hurt the fruits of our love because well I'm 'complicated'" Legend though is interesting to me. Though now I question... why he's like that somehow. Julian as well being the brother of Legend. Makes no sense. I would've been interesting for me if he was Legend though LOL. Tella, she was the root of everything. I kinda like her way more than Scarlett because she's not 'flat' I don't know... Scarlett isn't that interesting for me.
The reason I like this though is because it was so funny. LOL I know it wasn't meant to be that way but it was for me! The way they did the romance, the drama, the family and basically the writing. It was sort of overdone and it was hilarious. So yea... Imma read the 2nd book LOL
I think the reason that some people aren't liking Caraval is that it's being compared to The Night Circus.
The Night Circus is an amazing, beautiful, inspiring ADULT read. So I think that when adult readers, who have read TNC, go into this book, they expect the same things. Caraval is a YA version of Night Circus, you know? It's not adult, and so there will be a lot more YA themes, for YA readers.
I actually really like your gripes! That sounds bad, but you drag books so well, that I find it very entertaining XD
Your gripes are so entertaining!
Every time I finish a book I search for your gripe or gush video especially if I didn't particularly enjoy the book. The minute I finished Caraval... I checked for your review. OMG .....this book is seriously OVERHYPED!!! I agree with everything u said and more. The writing was trying too hard and characterization seemed so one dimensional & the plot seemed to be convenient writing device and nothing more. There were things mentioned in the book just was not needed or explained. Like Dantes sister where did she go? why did she even disappear? How did Julian get the letter from Dante better yet why ??? If he was a player in the Caraval all along... wouldn't Julian have known Scarlett's father was there already and not be surprised by it in the caves. Nothing in the book made sense. One minute Scarlett be like have to save Donatella... next minute she'll be like Ooh I like Julians Abs. He is so pretty & Confident and the very next minute he is a sailor I am engaged, my father abuses me I am a scardey cat, I have to go home in 2 days... So on and so forth!!!
That prosy voice of yours and beautiful! The sisterly bond thing I just didn't see it. What sisterly bond?
Exactly! What bond?! Where!?!
HAHA, laughed so much. I agree❤ Love your sincerity
Laura Entre Mundos Literarios thank you 💜
I'm subscribing, honestly thank you for being a booktuber that employs critical thinking when reading. I can relate to you on most, if not all of your points.
thank you :)
I almost physically threw the book across the room when Scarlett willingly accepted to sleep in a stranger's room just because "the Count will treat me this way", just because he looks affluently dressed. Even the characters are calling out her bs.
I agree 100%. Everything from the underdeveloped characters, to the unnecessary romance to the 'flowery' writing, to the one- dimensional villains to the 'cliffhanger'. I was just so done like near the end and I can forsee not reading the sequel. Other than the execution of the book, the hype and the way it was marketed killed it for me. :(
Aishah Ali yes! The hype and marketing definitely hurt this one.
Thank you for this! I DNF'd the book after 130 pages. The whole time I was reading I could see the potential for character growth etc....but I'm glad to know my putting the book down was justified. And that ending just sounds ridiculous!
bye!
robert - please don't be rude to others in my comments like this. Just because you don't agree with their opinions doesn't mean you have to try to be insulting. There's no real reason to tell someone you are unsubscribing from them except to try to get a rise out of them. It's petty and uncalled for.
yeah it didn't end up living up to its potential unfortunately.
I swear I fucking live for your gripe videos!
Welp. Scratching this off my list. I loved The Night Circus, so I was excited for this even though I wasn't expecting The Night Circus. I just love your Gripe videos Sam! And the comments under your videos are always... interesting lol.
Haha omg Sam!! Listen I love roasting books. I know that sounds bad but it can be so fun! Great humor in this one :) I hope your next read doesn't suck as bad haha
haha thank you :)
I wrote a mini review on this book and it sounds an awful lot like this video! lol I love everything you mentioned because it was exactly what I thought about the book.. I got soooo confused towards the end, and that "cliffhanger".. Jesus, I need to get rid of this book from my shelf asap
I was hoping for an immersive experience in a magical world. I felt like I didn't get to see the world at all. I like books that pull me into the world and allow me to "see" it and Caraval didn't do that because there wasn't really even a world to see.
Everything you said speaks to me! I just finished this book and there is so much frustration in me because of it, just... no. No, no, no, NO. Scarlett was stupid and I hated her and that stupid cliffhanger. I feel personally offended by that cliffhanger. Because I just went through 400 pages of crap just for it to end on a cliffhanger that tries to force me to read the next book. What? Just no. I'm so annoyed.
I actually enjoyed your experience about the book and hearing your opinions on it. I actually enjoyed reading the book. I will admit that the book has its issues.
I loved this book so much but after watching this review I'm totally seeing it in different lenses. Although I disagree with some of what you shared, most of the points you made were totally true like about the father and the carnival circus that wasn't even a carnival circus at all 😂 super funny video and great points made
haha thank you :)
I was so happy to hear somebody voice the exact thoughts I had while reading this book. So perfectly exactly identical. Amazing. But I dont like the word gripe somehow it sounds like a mix of grape and ripe and both are not my favourite. I don't like grapes and when fruit is ripe it is usually too ripe and too sweet. I am sad you didn't read Legendary and Finale, cause even though I didn't like Caraval, I kind of said I would read everything by the author, so far. And I am regretting it so much. This story is so boring. But there was one tiny little improvement in the last third of the third book. But still not enough to turn the entire thing around for me. And there are two more books to go still :-(
Oh WOW, thanks for this thorough and honest review. I won't be wasting my money on this book, though I admit I was so tempted by that gorgeous cover and tantalizing blurb. Sigh... Another publisher marketing scheme working far TOO well and basically scamming genuine readers :( How disappointing.... This has been happening far too much and I'm actually scared of taking a chance on a new author or book series because of this misleading practice. I mean, WTF??
Lisa Johanna I know! The marketing really killed this one for me. If it wasn't so hyped, maybe I wouldn't have been quite as disappointed?? Idk.
Amazing video Sam! I was also dissapointed by this. I thought It was going to be about sisters bonding, maybe a magical realism tale for Scarlet to face her fears, but no. It was so lame. You covered up nicely my exact feelings for this book.
I have a rule with descriptions, if you can't whisper it without laughing or sounding like a serial killer stop. do not pass go you have crossed over into weird territory
For me, the only kind of redeeming quality was Scarlett and Tella's relationship. However, I admit it fell flat.
I just, was so disappointed. I noticed how flowery the writing was right away. The writer was trying to hard to make it beautiful and it just annoyed me.
She used a lot of smilies in the first few chapters and right away I told my boyfriend that I wasn't sure I was going to like it.
I still need to read the night circus. It's gotten mixed reviews from the girls in my book club so I've been putting it off. But, I own it and I think I'll give it a try this month (if I have time) or next month.
I honestly love Carval, and I think you should read the whole series because it mikes more sense
I loved this book, but boy your gripe videos never disappoint haha
I'm glad you can enjoy them even when you disagree :)
I'm very glad I found this book for 50 cents at my local thrift store (and an advanced readers copy at that which is just cool) and didn't spend $20 on it, because it is not worth it lmao the most I give it is, it was captivating enough that I wanted to finish it, not enough to want to read the rest of the series. SO glad there are other people who agree lol
At first I got annoyed by the constant color references to make the flowery writing, but then realized I guess thats her "thing" lol ..but still lol
I just got into reading I just finished the book and I LOVED THE ENDING but now I’m realizing I didn’t rly care about any of the characters BUT TELLA. Cuz she badass. But meh