Finale: A Caraval Novel (Caraval, 3)

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

Both Donatella and Scarlett must race against time once again as ancient powers wreak havoc on their world. Will love be enough to keep them alive or will it become deadly? Finale is the third and final book of the Caraval series, and it was quite the ride. As I have mentioned in my previous reviews of Caraval and Legendary, the author has a talent for making the reader expect certain outcomes only to flip those expectations on its head. There were many moments where I was unsure of how our heroes would come on top and I was surprised by the outcome. Surprised in a… not so good way. I was not as impressed with how the main issue of the book was resolved. Although it was a unique approach, I was not a fan of the logic nor the execution of the characters’ plan and felt like the ending was a little rushed. It felt like the author was trying to get past the overall conflict so that the sappy ending could happen. However, with that said, I did not hate the book. Despite my other issues with Scarlett’s plotline in the beginning, I did actually enjoy Finale a lot. I think it is because I was in love with the characters and I am a sap for a good romance. And boy was the romance so good! My heart still aches for a certain character I shall not name but I was really pleased with both Scarlett and Donatella’s endings. The magic in this book was still just as charming and mysterious. There was so much uniqueness about the world that I became just as entranced as I did the first and second time. Not only that, the author is gifted with writing complex characters that grow and learn in all of the best ways. It was a sweet ending to a magical series. So, overall, I had a great reading experience and gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars but rounded up to 5 stars because I love the series as a whole so much.

The Story: Scarlett and Donatella take us on one final adventure where there are many challenges awaiting them. They must use their knowledge of the world and the ability to think like the people around them to solve problems. The sisters fight for love, possibly even losing or find new love, and pushing themselves to a point where they are not the same people anymore at the end of their journey. Their finale for the readers is one struggle after another, but they keep fighting for what they believe in. They are not afraid to make a sacrifice of themselves to see their sister or lovers live through these trials and tribulations. In order for them to have a future, they also have to go into their past, and the past of their mother to defeat an enemy that is immortal, that they have to discover and sacrifice to find a way to kill him. Scarlett and Donatella have to be willing to team up with those who are their natural enemies in order to save the human race from tyranny and suffering. This saga of darkness will either be the end for the sisters, or the beginning of a new and more hopeful life. The sisters must be able to see past the black and white way they see the world if they and their friends want to survive. My Thoughts: 4 Stars When the first book came out, I ignored it due to all the hype it was getting. As you can see from previous reviews, I can be a bit...picky when it comes to what I read. There are simply too many books I want to read and I cannot afford to waste my valuable reading time on a book that will not live up to my expectations. I want adventure, fantasy, an escape from the reality of being a boring adult that must do adult things (something my dog, our mascot, Abenji would never understand since he lives a spoiled life). After a while, I caved and picked up a copy of Caraval from my local library and promptly read it in a matter of 24 hours. I was officially hooked! From there, it has been a delightful ride full of emotional rollercoasters that Stephanie Garber takes us on and now it has come to the end. Our adventures with Legend, Donatella, Scarlett, and Julian are over. “Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending.” The story is broken down in different sections of the book starting with “Before the Beginning” and the follows the beginning, the middle, the almost end, and the end as stated above. I love how Stephanie Garber did that! It helped ease the story into nearing the end in a gentle way, even when the book started to take darker turns where difficult choices were being made by the characters. One thing I love, even though the characters are self-sacrificing, you can also feel their struggle as well with what they are about to give up for their cause. One theme that was woven through the story was that of love. It is shown how love can often be seen as a weakness or, at one point, a curse. However, love also has tremendous power and helps people do things they thought that they would never be capable of. Scarlett and Donatella’s love for one another is one thing that does not change throughout their story over the last three books, and their mother encouraged the bond when they were just little children. “A true queen’s power isn’t in her crown, my little love. It’s here.” Her mother placed a hand over her heart, “....I would actually say your greatest treasure is sitting across from you. There is nothing quite so precious as the love of a sister.” The love of another person outside of familial bonds is also a strong theme in the book. Donatella and Scarlett each have a love of their life, but both are willing to give their significant other up in order to protect them. There are times when they feel as if they must let them go, and others where they want to hold on to the bond and never let go. “Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them, and this was one of them. People don’t get pauses like these very often. Some people never receive them at all.” “Tella imagined wanting someone without loving them was like an endless hunger— even if you managed to hold the person you wanted in your grasp it would never be enough, and letting them go would be even worse.” “She told my sister that when you loved, you did it as fiercely as you lived. You were willing to do whatever it took to protect the ones you love, even if it hurt you or them in the process.” The final theme that I feel compelled to touch on was that of fear. The power of fear could have been built up more in the story to flesh it out more. It would have been a five-star book if it the topic of fear was not as glazed over as it was. There were parts of the book where the fear of the people involved should have been felt more than it was. However, all I really felt was indifference. I felt horrible for the characters that were being tormented, but the depth simply was not there. Fear is a powerful emotion. Fear can take the courage and power away from someone in a difficult situation, or it can build them up to be so much more than they ever thought they could. “Fear was a poison that people mistook as protection. Making choices to stay safe could be just as treacherous.” Congratulations! You have reached the end of my long-winded review of Finale by Stephanie Garber! I could have gone in deeper on my feelings and observations of this book, but I thought it best to try to keep it short and sweet. My final thought is this; give this book a try if you have read the previous books in this series. I do not believe you will be disappointed. The beginning may be slow at first, but trust me when I say that it does pick up and take you for a wild ride.

"I think the most magnificent things are worth living for." 4 STARS CW: violence, murder, loss of a loved one, gore, body horror The conclusion of the Caraval series is finally here, and that was NOT what I was expecting. For the most part, though, it wasn't what I expected in the best of ways. In a lot of ways, Finale is a nice change of pace. We get to explore new areas of Valenda that fell by the wayside during the events of Legendary. We also get to learn more about the Deck of Destiny (MORE LORE! MORE LORE!), and the stakes shift radically. Plus, both Tella and Scarlett serve as POV characters, rather than one sister at a time, and we finally see a lot of secrets out in the open alongside their consequences (namely Legend's identity, the story behind the Deck of Destiny and the Fates, and who Paloma Dragna really is at heart). I really enjoyed most of all the little hidden places of Valenda, the ones tied to the Deck. They recapture a lot of the unsettling magic from Caraval that teeters on the edge of real, but also brims with sinister magic in a way that inspires wonder and caution at the same time. A full setting, one that feels like it has a life of its own, matters a lot to me. That alone can help draw me into a book, and for this series, the care taken in the setting has really gone above and beyond, doing a fantastic job of sucking the reader in. I also loved all the encounters with the Fates, and the interactions between them. They're not all on the same side, and I'm personally pretty fascinated by the divisions and the reasons behind them. It's hard to manage a large cast like that, and yet it's done well here, without revealing too much at once. Then again, this comes with the major pitfall of Finale, the reason I've actually rated it lower than Legendary: sometimes, it reveals too little. The big bad is actually pretty shallow in terms of motivation, and some of the other Fates don't seem to have any real reason for the allegiances they've pledged. Additionally, there are whole plot lines that go under-explored. Spoilers here for those of you who aren't all the way caught up, but how Paloma got into the cards (humans have to replace someone willingly, so why did she do it and who did she release? who knows!), exactly what secret Tella sold to the sisters, why certain Fates chose certain sides, the brief and underwhelming appearance of Nicolas D'Arcy, and more. Essentially, it felt like the story was trying to cram in too much in order to create an explosive ending, and as a result, some really important things were left by the wayside with far too little exploration and elaboration. Additionally, I still hate the love triangle. I usually hate love triangles, but I really don't like this one. Everything I liked about Dante and Tella has vanished, and I never liked Tella and Jacks much to begin with. Neither one of them makes a particularly good romantic choice in my eyes, and watching Tella pinball around between them when there were also some very big and very different things at stake drove me up the wall. I much preferred Julian and Scarlett's relationship overall, since they actually talk about things and address their feelings and complaints and problems without misleading each other half as much at all. But hey. Maybe I just hate love triangles and all the drama that comes with them. It's very possible that'll just never change. Altogether, Finale made for a reasonably strong conclusion. It kept the most important elements of the series in place, like the sinister nature of Caraval magic, and the importance of the bond between the Dragna sisters and what they'd do for one another. It did, though, drop the ball in terms of how tightly it was plotted, and I have to say that I'm disappointed in that aspect. It would have been a stronger, more explosive close to the series if everything had been addressed more fully. But all games must come to an end, right? And this is it.

This was a tedious and overwrought disappointment. I enjoyed Caraval and I mostly enjoyed Legendary but this book was a hot mess. The immaturity of the main characters becomes very apparent in this book and it makes it difficult to persevere through all the purple prose surrounding ‘love. I’m not in agreement with the author or the 16 year old Tella as to what constitutes love and therein lies the crux of the matter. Having to slog through discourse about what love is by one of the most annoying and whiny voices I have read in recent memory (Tella) made me put down the book multiple times and ultimately made me question if I would be able to make it through to the end. Other reviewers have already discussed the ridiculous love triangles so I won’t go there. But I will say that it strains credibility to have not one but two immortals fall (not ‘in love’ as the book painfully reiterates without much sense) into ‘obsession’ with Tella. She possesses neither bewitching beauty nor any personality beyond that of a spoiled unintelligent teenager. What ruined Legenary for me is that I didn’t buy who Legend was as a character. An immortal being who behaves like he’s twelve??? And it just gets worse in this book.

I'm torn on what to think about this. I enjoyed Caraval and Legendary, but for some reason, Finale didn't capture me and make me want to keep turning the pages the way the first two installments did, and honestly, it took me quite a long time to get through, but I wanted to finish it and see how everything tied together and came to an end. I didn't quite enjoy reading about Scarlett and Tella the way I did when I read the first two books, and I can't really pinpoint why. I understand this is a YA novel, but I'm generally not a big fan of love triangles, and both sisters have them in the story (though Scarlett's ended faster than Tella's). I would have liked to spend more time with their mother, Paloma/Paradise. And I felt like the ending was too rushed, and was a bit of an unsatisfying climax after so much build-up. I'm also not a fan of HEA with everything tied up into a neat little bow, but I'm generally someone that prefers bittersweet endings, to begin with. I feel like nobody really lost anything or had to sacrifice anything (considering the events and plot are darker than the first two books), and that makes the ending a little less meaningful. But that's my personal opinion. That being said, I enjoyed the action, the prose, and I still love the way that Ms. Garber describes emotions in colors. I loved all the magic and learning about all the Fates. It's certainly easy to get lost in the world that Ms. Garber has created! I'd still recommend this to Caraval fans. Overall, liked it, but I didn't love it the way I hoped I would.

Finale by Stephanie Garber This is the third and last installment of the Caraval series. All the pieces get to come together in this book. From leaving their father behind in the first game, to battling the fates and learning more about their past and their mother in this book. We have watched both Scar and Tella grow and learn about themselves in more ways than one. This book was a fantastic ending to the series and I'm sad it is over. This book focuses on altering viewpoints between Tella and Scar. Both are so integral to the story and it's progression. The trials they both face and life altering decisions they face show their tenacity as well as unwillingness to allow certain things to happen. But they are still young at heart and naive and that plays a huge factor in all their roles and decisions as well. By the end, the world is either in chaos at the hands of the Fates or they are able to kill the Fallen Star and put an end to the destruction. The world looks a little brighter having read this book and watching how much 2 sisters are willing to sacrifice for each other and for love. Sure, they make stupid and selfish mistakes, but who hasn't when young. This book is an adventure waiting to be had and it will be over before you realize it. Enjoy the ride and enjoy the promises of tomorrow scattered throughout the entire book.

This book, was a breath of fresh air meant to be savored. When I first picked up this book, I accidentally read the first five or six chapters without even realizing it, and knew I had to make myself put it down so I didn't rush right to the end missing details that deserved to be noticed and appreciated. Garber has a talent for knowing when the story needs more from the perspective of each of its characters, which results in no fluff, and all story line. The beginning of the book is mostly from Donatella's perspective, and then switches to Scarlett towards the end. She does this in a seamless way that you don't ever feel like you're missing out on what the other characters are doing, because what they are actually doing is not as important to the plot as what you're currently reading. There are some threads that get left behind, which I can't go into too much detail without spoiling the plot. Though the loose threads feel far enough in the future that they don't feel loose, but rather an option left open in case the author ever decides to continue stories in the world of Caravale in the future. All in all, one of the best conclusions to a trilogy of any series that I've ever read.

I admit, i am late to the "Caraval" world. I was gifted book 1 for Christmas this year and I blew through it so fast, I couldn't order books 2 & 3 fast enough! Seriously, sitting by the window waiting for the mailman to park down the street so i could grab them off the porch as soon as they arrived. Caraval was 5 Stars, it was fresh, i loved Scarlett. I loved her romance arc. I loved her never wavering goal to save her sister. Legendary was closer to 4 stars. I did not love Donatella nearly as much as Scarlett. and the plot was wayyyy too similar to Caraval. Literally use the very same excuse to gain Tella entrance to the royal palace. I still plowed through it because the writing was so beautiful and i wanted to know what Scarlett was up to, honestly. Finale was set in alternating POV between both sisters... tho i think Tella got a bit more "Screen time" over Scarlett. This book had so many love triangles... it was getting old, and maybe its because i read all 3 in one week, but i also thought all the overly descriptive writing style was getting old. I loved it at first but by Finale, i found myself skimming over the page and a half it took to describe the dress Tella received as a gift. Which happened to both sisters at least once or twice each book. The ending seemed strange to me. what started out as a series about a game (which was totally rigged and if i had the opportunity to gain entrance to caraval and THAT was how it ended i would want my money back..) turned into a Saving the world- story. It was our main characters fault that the world was in Chaos BTW and i didn't get the feeling of guilt at all from anyone. and they mentioned spectators... but i have no idea what they were watching. watching people ransack a bedroom and run around with no clue what they are doing seems kind of boring to me... In the end, this was a beautiful series, i will absolutely pick up anything else Stephanie Garber writes in the future. Give it a read- but make sure your in a romance heavy mood. :)

Nooooo!!! I don’t want this series to be finished. Caraval is over, but the game is still being played. Only this time it is real and deadly. This book takes place 2 months after Legendary, the Fates are waking up and all hell is about to break loose. I really don't want to say anything else because I am afraid that I will just start going off and spoil things. I will say I thought this was an awesome ending to an awesome series. But you know if the author wanted to write more I would not protest lol This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I could just feel the tension building in me as I was reading. I was so afraid for Tella, Legend, Scarlett and Julian. There were many spots where I was literally holding my breath until I found out an outcome. And then breathed a sigh of relief LOL I loved the growth that Tella and Scarlett had from the first book to this book. They have grown into some strong, kick ass women. This book is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s POV. Stephanie Garber’s writing is so vivid, I could picture all of the magic in this (and the other 2) books. And the Fates, OMG the made me cringe a couple of times lol

This is a great series. While I'm sad to see the Finale, I've been anxious to see how it ends! The writing is great, keeping you glued to the book. You can't help but get enthralled by the world Garber has created. From the first book, Caraval, through Legendary and now Finale, you get invested in the characters all the twists and turns they go through during and after the games. In Finale, the game may be over, but now there are much bigger challenges for Scarlet and Tella as well as Legend and Julian. As Garber wrote in the beginning, "Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed most. Only those who presevere can find their true ending." Finale takes you through til the true ending, and it's quite a ride!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

Finale gave a great ending to a magical, crazy series. And while I don't think it held the same magic and wonder as the first two books, I feel that it was needed to tie everything up and give us the answers we needed to part with this world. Overall, Caraval was a thrilling series. I devoured the first two books in a matter of days, and was so impressed with the talented writing, magical world building, and fascinating characters. I think I'll be rereading this series in the future, but this time, I'll savor them and appreciate every detail. I really think the greatest strength to this series is the mystical world and the writing. I got lost in these books, especially the first two. It's a great series that I would recommend to all fantasy lovers. Ratings for Finale: Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5 Plot/Movement: 3.5 Character Development: 4.5 Overall: 4 Ratings for the Caraval series: Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5 Plot/Movement: 4 Character Development: 4 Overall: 4

For starters, this was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I ADORE Caraval and Legendary, so I downloaded the Kindle version of Finale at around midnight the day it came out and proceeded to read it in less than 24 hours. It was AMAZING. Here's the thing, if I'm being totally honest with myself, I was worried the first half of the book. Not because I didn't like it but because the atmosphere and the stakes felt a little off. I was concerned that it was going to be a 3 or 4 star book for me, which isn't bad, but... with this being my favorite series and all, it would've been disappointing. But if there's one thing I trust Stephanie Garber to execute well, it's the ending. Seriously, Caraval and Legendary both had FANTASTIC endings. With this one, she certainly didn't disappoint. Once I got into the second half, it was like a rollercoaster ride that had me screaming and shrieking and laughing and exclaiming (at one point, even threatening to throw the book even though it was an ebook I was reading on my phone). Let's just say that I love, love, LOVE Julian. He is such a sweetheart. And Legend is so mischievous but I love him too. AND THE ENDING. Oh, my heart. I reread the last three chapters more times than I can count. That's how much I love it. While I admit that there were some plot elements I wasn't so sure about, and I would've liked to see more of Paloma and also Legend and Julian's backstory, I still rate this 5 stars and consider it my favorite book of the year because the EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER this book sent me on was wild. I had such a great time reading this one. I just have one question: Can I please join Tella and Legend's next adventure?

I purchased this book from Barnes and Noble to read with my bestie Christina. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Finale by Stephanie Garber. This is my signed copy of the book and my deck of Caraval playing cards in the photo. I lived this series and I waited as long as possible to read the ending. I have to say.....IT CAN NOT END THIS WAY. This just can't be the end!!!!!! What happened???? I wanted a gushy ending with all the characters married to their perfect matches. This wasn't the way it was supposed to end. Legend stole our hearts and minds in book 1 and the Prince of Hearts showed his true colors in book 2. Julian was too sweet through the entire series and the war for Scarlet and Donatella by all these men was so dramatic and I want more. So Stephanie if you read this......we need one more book. The Fates are begging for it!!!!!

Disclaimer: I received this book as an advanced copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own. It breaks my heart that this series is over, but I couldn’t have asked for a better finale (ha). This book was exactly what I needed it to be that I never knew I needed it to be. This is undoubtedly a series I will come back to time and again and suggest to everyone I possibly can. It was expansive and magical and overwhelming in a way that anyone could lose themselves in. And I don’t think anybody could ever be disappointed with this conclusion. Garber had a plan from the beginning and the way that her plans come to fruition by the end of this book makes it one you certainly won’t want to miss. If you’ve read the earlier two books in this series, Caraval and Legendary, you’ll be familiar with the tone you can expect from this book. But this final book in the series takes everything from the first two and elevates it all to a whole new level. It encompasses everything the other books were working towards and brings it to a beautiful finish. The most obvious proof of that is the perspectives of each novel. Caraval was told entirely from Scarlett’s point of view, and Legendary was told entirely from Tella’s point of view. Finale literally combines them and we get alternating perspectives from both sisters. The single perspectives worked very well in the other books. There were twists and secrets that would have been spoiled had we seen both sides of the story all along. Those books wouldn’t have worked any other way. But here they come together and let us get a wider sense of the story throughout the book. The plot has developed to the point that the games we see are of an entirely different nature compared to the games we saw in the first two books. Our Dragna sisters aren’t keeping the same kinds of secrets from each other and they’re playing for a lot more than just a Caraval victory. The games they are in now have much higher stakes, and losing will mean more than disappointment. They may just lose their lives. Garber’s writing is really extraordinary, and the story she weaves will leave you awestruck. At this point in the series, you should know to expect surprises and blow-your-socks-off twists. And yet, it’s so easy to get caught up in the magic of this world that you forget to anticipate them. You get swept away, and no matter how many times you tell yourself not everything is as it seems, no matter how many times you remember there are always games afoot, you will be surprised. I never could have anticipated some of the twists Garber had in store here, and that is a high compliment. I know I’ll be able to reread this countless times because I’ll always hold on to that feeling of shock that I had on this first read-through. Even though I’ll know all of the surprises, I’ll be able to remember what it felt like to not know. Sometimes knowing the end makes you feel finished with a book. You’ve figured it all out and there’s no need to go through it all again. But this is a story that you will never be fully finished with. The world is so complex, the mythology so fascinating, the characters so compelling, that you won’t want to ever leave it fully behind. As much as I love our characters of these books, I would equally love a different story in this world. The Fates we began to learn about in Legendary are major players in this book, but I would still love to learn more about them. A prequel about this world during the centuries that the Fates ruled the land would be amazing. And until we get more, if we ever get more, I will absolutely be happy to read this series over and over. The ways that our well-loved characters truly come into their own during this book is one of the most beautiful aspects of the story. There is so much action and intrigue going on, that the personal development could have gone under the radar, but Garber didn’t let that happen. Scarlett, who has always had to be both sister and mother to Tella and always put her own wants to the side, recognizes and uses her inner strength to become a force to be reckoned with in a way that I always wanted for her but never would have expected from the beginning of the series. She was so cautious, so unwilling to believe herself capable back in the first book. She has grown so much since then, having gone through two Caravals, but here is where we get to see her explore what she is really capable of. The stakes are so high that she really doesn’t have any other choice. There is nothing and no one to fall back on, so she really has to put her faith in herself, and it inspires such a feeling of triumph to see her even try. And Tella has grown in a very complimentary way. She was so reckless in the first two books because it was Caraval, and Legend wouldn’t let anything actually bad happen, at least not irreversibly. She is so used to playing games that it’s hard for her to get out of that mindset, to stop playing. But she has never been one to give up, and her determination to get the outcome she wants is the driving force of this novel. She will fight tooth and nail for those she loves, and without her tenacity it would have been all too easy for everyone else to take the easy way out. She may make mistakes, but she’s young and you can’t expect her to be perfect. She never stops though, and it is her persistence that keeps everyone else going. The sisters’ strengths all stem, most importantly, from the strength of their love. Their love for each other, for those around them, for their world. It’s what keeps them going and what makes them the perfect candidates to save everyone. Their love is its own kind of magic. And it pairs well with the actual magic in the world of this series. Magic is tricky and always comes with a price, but it is also enchanting and capable of making dreams come true. It is almost tangible, the way it’s written. As you read, the magic in the books lifts off the page and surrounds you in a constellation of sparkling stars, sweeps you off your feet and transports you somewhere else entirely. The magic system here is not easy to control, and the price for using magic to get what you want can be steep, but it can deliver you exactly what you need if you know how to ask, and that’s what makes it so tantalizing. It is not without consequences, so you never feel as though the use of magic is a cop-out like it can in other magic systems occasionally. It is a measured use, sometimes a reckless use, but it is never a deus ex machina, solve all of our problems use. Half the time using magic causes as many if not more problems than it solves, and that helps give this story, and the other novels in the series, such great depth. But when it works, you can’t pull yourself away, because it is just so magical. At the conclusion of this story, all I can say is I never wanted it to end. Not this book, not this series, none of it. But I can also say that it ended exactly the way it needed to, whether or not it fits into all the visions I had of what I wanted to see happen. It was still the correct ending for this narrative. So be prepared to lose yourself to this book. Be prepared to grow ever fonder of Scarlett and Tella. Be prepared to fall ever more in love with Julian and Legend. Be prepared to be fascinated by the Fates and Valenda and their entire world. You will want more, but you will be so happy with what you have that it will almost make the fact that this is the last book in the series bearable. Almost. Let the magic of Caraval and Legend and all they have to offer sweep over you once more. It’s your last chance, and you won’t ever want to let that magic go. I know I don’t.

I'm so absolutely in love with this beautiful series!!! These mesmerizing words have become some of my forever favorites!! I dismally dislike the idea of parting from these characters... they've woven their way deeply inside of my heart. I truly did not want to put this last precious book aside and I both longed for and dreaded reaching the end. I loved the conclusion! It gives us such hope and maybe more will be written one day!! There are still stories to be told for these unforgettable characters! I don't know how you could choose favorite characters when they each have been so wonderfully created. It's impossible for me. I haven't read a new to me author that has blown me away quite this much in a long time. Ms. Garber is stunningly ah-mazing!! She is so much more than a master storyteller!! Words just cannot describe how much I adore her writing. Don't hesitate to begin Caraval!! You're seriously missing out if you haven't begun this game yet!!!

No frilly picture of the cover with lights and decorations here. Just basic details. 1. Plot flows well. 2. Good balance of inner monologue and plot development. 3. Additional layering of character development from first two books is incorporated well without endless backstory. 4. Straight cut pages. 5. City map to help visually orient yourself. 6. Images show font style/size and spacing. 7. Plot twists, magic and action peppered with some romance.

Caraval was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. I fell in love, had my heart shattered, felt it pieced back together with magic only Stephanie Garber could wield. In Legendary, the stakes were raised and villains became my most beloved characters. Betrayal tore me apart and yet I smiled at how cunningly that betrayal was crafted. And in Finale, at every twist and turn, Garber holds your heart, squeezing until you’re certain you’ll die. And you do. In the world you dive into and follow sisters so closely, it’s as if the magic is real, and Legend has created the illusion that you are there with them. When the last page turns, the illusion is broken. So beware. Do not turn the final page. But if you do, you can absolutely find this world again. Disguised in the pages, is a world that you will lose yourself in, and there are people there that you will continue to love long after the story ends. <3

I have many feelings about this book, many many. I may come back and edit this review once some time has past but I think the best compliment I can give to the author is that I want to go back and reread Caraval to remember everything again. Stephanie Garber has a way of creating worlds that couldn’t possibly exist but that we can imagine must because she writes them so real. I eagerly away her next imaginings.

I just have so many [good] feelings about this book and this series! I would re-read this series over and over again! I loved the world that was created. I loved the characters, especially Legend and Tella. This book was all story line and included perspectives from both Tella and Scarlett. I felt it was pretty seamless in carrying the story along. I'm curious about what happened to some of the other characters (some threads unfinished), but I don't think it takes anything away - leaves it open I guess if the author chooses to continue Caraval. Great conclusion to the series.

An amazing ending to a wonderful story. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but let me just say I'm heartbroken that the story is over. I've become so enthralled with the characters that the final page feels like the loss of a dear friend.. but that is the beauty of an expertly woven tale - it feels real, the magic feels real. Stephanie Garber is an incredibly talented writer, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

Spotlight Given to This Amazing Read This book was truly an epic read and has now found itself as my new favorite series. A perfect ending to a truly epic series. I love Garber's writing, her world building, and her build up of characters. This book had the perfect amount of love, heartache, strife, action, split decision making, action, twists and turns, and thought provoking themes. I was constantly gasping to myself, smiling, and on the verge of tears throughout its entirety. I would recommend this book and this series highly. It's nothing like you have ever read before with a refreshing plot and terrifically solid characters. READ THIS SERIES

This was a perfect ending to a great trilogy! It's got a little bit of everything I love in it; magic, romance, mystery and cunning. This series is always going to have a special place in my heart. I recommend the Caraval Trilogy for fans of: - Sibling Stories - Clever plots, infused with mystery - Slow Burn Romance - Complex and Charismatic Villains - Magical and Whimsical World Building - Atmospheric Reads such as; The Night Circus, Strange the Dreamer or Stardust

I thought since the first one Scarlet was the main character and her sister was in the second, we would get to see them work together. Also, the focusing on the fates instead of what made it interesting which was Caraval made it a bit of a let down and also the focus on the mother was barely played out in this book which does not make sense because it was a big focus in the previous. It became a little too soap operay. I do not mind love stories but it was not necessarily always the focus in the other two.

I LOVED the first book, the second was interesting, but the third was tiresome...I struggled to get through it - it took me over a week to finish it. The sisters were painful to read, the backward and forward of whether the girl loved Legend, then not, then she did, then she didn't - I mean come on... And all the love triangles...it's not always necessary. Anyway, this was just my opinion - others may love it.

I really struggled with this one. On the one hand, I wanted to read it to find out the details, but on the other it just drug on and on. Parts of it were confusing and hard to follow. It's definitely YA and this particular installment in the series felt more juvenile than the others. I really continued to dislike the mixing and blending of the male characters that was very confusion and I still really dislike Tella. I liked how Scarlet's story line was concluded and resolved. The narration was good on Audible, too.

The first two books are better. There’s just too much going on. It’s disorganized and the story falters just as soon as it gets going over and over. The characters are still interesting and the world is enchanting, but it’s hard to understand what’s going on.

This series helped me find my love for reading again. I remember coming home to this book on the counter just asking to be read. I picked it up and got lost in Stephanie’s magical world of Caraval. I finished the first book and couldn’t wait for the second one to come out. I pre ordered it and anticipated its arrival forever. It was Finale though that really pushed me over the edge. Between following Stephanie’s journey on Instagram to rereading the other books in the series over and over I was dying for Finale to come out. I just finished the book and couldn’t be happier with the way she wrapped everything up. Thank you Stephanie Garber for helping me find my love for reading again.

Never has there been a more perfect example of when authors tell people things instead of showing them. This series tried to cram every page full of as much fantasy and magic as possible. It was too over done and nothing was really give any feeling which made none of it impactful. The words felt empty and they didn’t elicit any imagination because there was no imagery. I would not recommend.

5 Show more Review This is one of my favorite series and I loved this final book! I am still the biggest Scarlett and Julian fan. I loved having both girls points of view. I still felt myself torn right along with Tella between Legend and Jacks. It was interesting and a little scary to see what the Fates could do. I loved the very ending. It was just perfect and very apropos for each sister.

I loved them. And sometimes you need a just plain happy ending! Would I like to go back to the Meridian Empire? Well, yes, and there are many other lands in that world to explore... And Tella did ask Legend to kidnap her... Anyway, I found the characters sweet and compelling and there were enough plot twists to keep me interested while I fell in love with each of them. Enjoy!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

I bought Caraval at Barnes & Noble on an impulse. I hadn't even read the back cover. I was barely halfway through when I ordered the second and third in the series. Such good books! Kept me interested and was super hard to put down. I've already given Caraval to two friends as an early Christmas gift. Couldn't recommend enough!

Constructed with the precision of a jigsaw puzzle, Finale did not disappoint with all the twists and turns I came to love in Caraval and Legendary. To say I enjoyed these books is an extreme understatement. I love the ending but I want more, as in the fourth part as mentioned in the books. Let there be an Encore very soon! xoxo

It just keeps getting better and better with the Caraval series. I'll admit, book one was only a 3 star read for me, but I love the premise for these books and desperately wanted to keep reading, so I did. Legendary was a 4 star read, and Finale was just so so good!! I can only hope that it wasn't truly the final book in this world!

I've adored this series from beginning to end. I reread Caraval and Legendary in preparation for Finale after preordering, and both books were just as fantastic the second time around... But Finale truly blew me away!!! I was not prepared for such an incredible finish to this epic series, and having just finished it minutes ago I'm already having withdrawals from the magical world Stephanie Garber created! Thank you so much Stephanie for creating this world and inviting us into it, it's truly been a delight.

I have loved this series with every part on my being. I had waiting a long time for the 3rd, so it took me a little bit to be thrown back into the story, but once I was in, I was hooked. I loved the love, or shall I say “obsession” triangle between jacks, Donatella and Legend and the places this book took you. But above all, my favorite part of this series is the love between Scarlett and Donatella and the bond of sisterhood. Well done Stephanie!

Amazingly good series! It's hard for me to not guess what's going to happen next in a book. This book kept me on edge and constantly guessing. I love a book that surprises me with each page. This author built a great world that you want to live in. Absolutely magical. Do yourself a favor and read this series.

Best book of the series! Loved it!!! Love the Fates, and the plot twists thrown in, and I felt the characters finally got fleshed out a bit more. Wonderful story and fun plot for this whole series. I would like to mention, I did notice a few typos while reading this. Was slightly disappointing in that reguard. And the author still likes to repeat phrases, esspecially close together. But I felt her writing improved with this book as well. I'm interested to see what she comes up with next

I have never stopped reading a book or a series, but I was so tempted with this book. The two sisters are totally flat and playing out the same love triangle story line. Too many characters are tossed in without having their motivations adequately explained. Really disappointing ending to a series that seemed promising.

It's hard for a third book in a series to live up to the first but Stephanie Garber wrote this final chapter brilliantly! The stories of Scarlett and Donetella with Legend and Julian we're thrilling to the very end! Even small details, like what happens to the magic dress (I won't spoil it), sent me to tears and made me smile. This is a must read!

I remember reading the first book in this series entitled, Caraval, and being Thoroughly Enchanted and Fully Entertained by the story. I eagerly awaited the second book, Legendary, but was skeptical that it could be as Fabulous as Caraval. I was wrong - I Loved it, maybe even more! I just finished the third book, Finale, and I have to say “Bravo, Well Done and Congratulations” - I Absolutely Loved this book and the whole series! Thank you SO much Stephanie Garber!!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

Honestly, all books should just end like this in my opinion. It's sad to see one of my favorite series ending but so glad it didnt drag on like most of the other series have or it might have lost my interest. Just like book 1 and 2, book 3 had the perfect amount of on the edge of your seats excitement. I've always been interested in magic and tarot cards so this book has definitely peeked my interest. it's a must read. Book came on time and not damaged.

I fell in love with this series, it's enchanting and enthralling. The description is amazing, especially when you see how it all ties together in the end. There are some moments that took my breath away. I think though really beyond all the beautiful imagery the story of the sisters is fantastic. Both of their personalities were strong and unique and they fought for each other like only sisters who love each other can.

I loved the first two books in this trilogy so much that I was disappointed to find that I would struggle to finish this last one. I felt that for much of the book there was a lot going on without anything t actually happening and then it was just all over. Sigh....I feel let down by the author and wanted so much more for the ending of this story.

This book is everything you wanted and more. Stephanie Garber is an amazing author. Who keeps you turning pages. Her books are filled with adventure, romances, fantasy and more. You never know what is coming next. Caraval has become one of my favorite places to live, it is a bright magical world that once I entered I never wanted to leave. I fell in love with all the characters. Her book are a must read and I recommend them all. Thank you Stephanie Garber for such an amazing series. I hope you continue writing more amazing story's.

Such a fun read. There are many things I love about these books, but for Finale here is what stands out: the contrast between love and obsession, the whirlwind of delightful details, and the magical characters. Stephanie’s writing is playful and transports you to different fantastic worlds. Have fun reading!!!!

If you haven’t read the first two recently, I recommend rereading them. It’s been several months for me, and I have a feeling I would’ve enjoyed this more if I was still wrapped up in the magic of them. That being said, I loved this book, and I plan on reading all three of them again soon!

I enjoyed Finale and thought the ending was satisfying. I might have preferred the ending to be a little less perfectly wrapped up with a bow (I tend to like endings that are happy but not perfect), but overall I enjoyed the story. Tella and Legend’s story is still my favorite!

I enjoyed it. It was fun great satisfying ending. I loved the first book. This felt a bit rushed. There was a magic missing and the descriptions felt like screen directions at times. I have so much respect for keeping a story this varied going. It is well worth the read all the way. I can’t wait to see what her next books will be.

The writing style is still okay in this final one, but there was way too much emphasis on the romance for me. The love of Caraval is what made the first two so interesting, and that's completely lost in this third novel.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book in the series, but the last two were much better. I just wish they weren’t YA, more mature content would have been nice. Especially so they could have made the sisters a little older. Fun read though.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

The last book in the Caraval Series doesn’t disappoint. It keeps you turning pages until the very end. Garber’s world building is masterful. My only regret is that I read it too quickly...I suppose it’s time to start over again at the beginning. :)

They saved the best for last - expertly woven plot twists, fantasy thrill ride. Complex yet not boorishly so - engaging - not a dull moment. Simply a brilliant and enchanting escape. Enjoyed every morsel of this supernatural feast.

Another magical, mysterious, intriguing book and wonderful finale!! So sad to see this game end, wouldn't mind a few more!

This is a great addition/ending? to an amazing series. I loved every moment of it, every twist, every turn. The only reason I say ending with a question mark is because of the final part from Legend’s point of view and I wouldn’t mind more of these amazing, lovable characters.

If you loved Tella in Legendary, you’ll devour Finale!! I couldn’t read it fast enough, yet wanted to constantly slow down and savor every delicious scene. Can’t stop daydreaming about these characters... intoxicating!!

The product itself was perfect. The story line fell a little short. I was so excited to finish the series with the final book but I wasn’t nearly as invested as the first two books.

I really can't put this book down. Stephanie Garber has outdone herself. It wasn't what I was expecting and it keeps me guessing at every chapter. I love it so much and can't wait until i finish it.

This is a disappointing finish. I didn't 3xpect much but I expected more than a half hearted attempt at a story. While the second book finally fulfilled promising character development, this one plummets face first into a shallower puddle of characters and plot than the unfortunate first book.

When I got into this series, I was apprehensive. Yet it was for naught. I was whisked away into a world that kept me on my toes. The twist the turns of the plot. What I thought was going to happen that didn't. Characters that I thought I wouldnt like I felt for. I have laughed, cried, gotten angry, felt the betrayal. In the end, I remembered how amazing love can be. Thank you for this adventure. It's a beautiful masterpiece and I wont forget.

This series has revived my love of YA literature! Each book is like a precious gem to be savored and read over and over. Finale is the spectacular conclusion with such a satisfying ending that I was grinning as I read the last page. A must read for lovers of romantic fantasy of all ages!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

I didn't want this story to end. I loved the whole series. It was well written and had a great ending that wrapped up well. I don't like when a book jumps to an end or wraps up hurriedly...this did not. The whole thing flowed so well with lots of twists and turns.

Such a good ending to a great series. Usually I can figure out how a book is going to end halfway through, but I couldn’t figure this one out. I also couldn’t put it down. I so wish there was another book coming out!

This book didn’t really seem to do it for me like the others did. It seemed to drag and then really pick up at the end, and then it was the last few ending chapters that really did it for me and reminded me why I love these books. I just feel like the author hit a wall with this one, but then hit a bit of inspiration at the end.

The story kept your attention. I enjoyed the twists in the plot. I have always enjoyed the character development and her imagery is delightful to read! I have enjoyed this trilogy.

It's beautifully written and tells a wonderful story. An engrossing and captivating read. I recommend this to anyone looking for a little magic in their life.

This is the 3rd book in the serious and you don't want to miss the first two! Great books that keep you captivated in a magical place.

Excellent-just like the first two! Bittersweet to know our time is over while reading it, but was highly satisfied with the plot and ending!

Took a while to get the story going. The first two were complex and this book did not do much to review the events of the last two. Got better after the first parts.

On the whole, I enjoyed the series. However, I was a bit disappointed in the last book. It seemed to ramble at times. Too little action followed by too much talk.

The last of the "Caraval" trilogy! Brain candy! Didn't like it very much at all, seemed like she kind of phoned it in, and it lasted WAY TOO LONG!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

Great finale to a great series! The game is over, but a new game has begun! The twist and turns of this series continues in Finale, where the Dragna sisters are trying to stop the terrible fates and save the world.

You've never guess that an entire series would have a solid 5 stars, well, this one does. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it!

This series is amazing. I couldn't put it down. Felt like i was in the world with all of them. I loved it. Just wish it would of been longer.

I have been mesmerized by the Caraval series since they came out. This book did not disappoint. In fact, I was a little sad in knowing that the story had ended. I don't want to give anything away, but I highly recommend the Caraval series. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

I really did enjoy this book, the story and the characters. I'm almost disappointed in the ending though. No spoilers, but it seemed to fall into place a bit too sweetly.

This book and series both were so very captivating from the beginning to the very last sentence. I am so glad I bought them so I can re-read them over and again again.

Great ending to a great series. So sad this wonderful story had to end. This was so much fun to read over the years.

I really enjoyed this series. It's a breath of fresh air for YA fantasy. Original and intelligently written but it still has the romance and quirky writing that i love about the genre. Very impressed with the concept and execution of it. Well done. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Stephanie delivers another page turner. I could not put it down. I love the way she integrated the story to wrap up this series. I recommend it.

The book was fun to read, but I didn’t like it as much as the other two. The plot was fairly predictable, and despite my fondest hopes, it ended exactly like I expected.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

Delivered in perfect condition with dust cover Great book but kind of a left unfinished ending for the series as a whole

I fell in love with these characters and would love to read about the future hinted 😜 absolutely loved the whole series and a lovely ending hopefully not for long

One of my most favorite series. It’s absolutely nothing like anything that I’ve ever read from the begging to the end especially with how it takes your imagination on a wild and adventurous ride! The Finale does not disappoint!

Hoping there's an Encore. the book kept me on my toes the entire time. I loved the ending but I feel like it left itself open in a way

The only bad part about the book is that it had to come to an end. The love, the magic and the imagination are consuming!! A must read!

Oh how I loved this series. This is the kind of book that you when you finish, you don't know what to do with your life.

I didn’t like the ending:/ it just left me hanging for the most part. I didn’t hate it but I wished I read how it all happened instead of a summary.

A fantastic ending to a whirlwind adventure that keeps you guessing until the very end! I love these characters and the world they live in, and didn’t want to be finished reading!

I have this copy and then I bought the Barnes and Noble exclusive because there is bonus content

Thank you Stephanie Garber for giving us such a Finale. I can't describe my love and passion for this series. You've given us marvelous characters, beautiful settings and a very beautiful story <3

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s almost hard to believe it’s in the same series as Caraval, as the plot grew so much, but you can tell with the magic in every line. Each book in the series grew, and taught the reader more about the world we were transported to. Finale ended this series beautifully, and every word was a taste of true magic.

To say that I love this book and series would be a gross understatement. It has taken everything and I am not even sorry! This trilogy is magnificent and magical, just overall fantastic!

Reviewed on Goodreads. While I think the author relies too heavily on creative metaphors and similes, all in all I think the entire set is great, and written well for its target audience.

I love the Caraval series and an excited to finish reading this book; life has kept me from getting it read quickly but I will finish it soon; it's such a good book

This book had a perfect ending and was well paced. I truly enjoyed it and I would recommend the series to anyone.

Great series for those who love Young Adult Fiction. Great love stories and creative writing.

Prepare for laughing and crying. The ending was Wonderful. I was smiling 😃. All I can say is Love conquers all!

This series is full of beauty, magic, and love. For all the romantics out there, I implore you to indulge!

Have really enjoyed this trilogy. Fast paced books with elements of magic and mythology. Hope to see more books from her.

Love love love. Best series to read this summer. Awesome story with great characters. I have yet receive an invitation from Legend!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

A joy to read from cover to cover. I never got bored or felt the author getting lazy. I hope she will decide to write more books based on this series. I would love to learn more back story of the Fates, their places and objects.

Great ending to a really fun series. It keeps you interested the entire time.

I loved the first book but the second one started going downhill. This was a disaster

Caraval is definitely my favorite series and this my favorite book, but it did feel a bit rushed in the end. So many unanswered questions. One of my favorite things about this book is that I honestly felt like I was part of it. I felt real anger at characters, real sorrow, happiness, and I just loved it.🎩❤️

Entertaining the whole way through. You both hate and like the characters. It makes you wish you could control some of the dumb choices they make. But that's how you know I've become invested in the story being told. You want to start shaping them and wishing for what you want. I really liked the prince of hearts, better then the main character.

Absolutely love the story and the series ~ but am disappointed that several pages are not bound and fall out of the book. If this problem is fixed (replacement) I will up the stars to 5!

I'm left happy but already missing the world of legend. It was a beautiful ride. When we began Caraval we could have gone one-way , but I'm glad we took the less predictable route.

It was a very great and interesting ending. So engaging and exciting! I loved it! I'm only sad there arent more!

I loved this Trilogy! I am not usually interested in Young Adult reads but this was awesome. It sent me back to my youth and had all the feelings of how to be in love when you are young. I loved every book!

I wanted it for myself it is the final in a series.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

I was so excited to read the last book in the trilogy and I was not disappointed! The characters are compelling, the storyline keeps you guessing, and everything is wrapped up nicely so the reader is not left feeling empty at the end.

I love this series so much!! It was beautifully written and really engulfed me from the moment I started reading the first book. I can honestly say that this is my favorite book series and I am so sad that it has ended. I wish I would have read slower, but I could not put the book down! I would recommend this series to anyone!

Love in all its forms, mother and father, mother father and daughter, servants and royal, brothers, sisters, among thieves , and mainly between man and woman is expertly expressed with all the sorrow and joy a reader could ask for

Very much enjoyed it! A nice wrap up to the series!

I'm not really a fan of romance novels,but I sure devoured these three! Call me greedy, but I would like a novel dedicated to Dante/Legend and previous Caravals.

Such an amazing book!! Really intriguing and I couldn’t put the book down till I finished!!

I don’t know whether I should give this book 4 or 5 stars. I truly loved it, and I will most definitely read ANYTHING ELSE Stephanie Garber writes, but I don’t know if it was 4 or 5. I’ll side with 5 and see if my mind changes.

I really enjoyed this series and the final book, Finale, was full of adventure and excitement. Would definitely recommend this series!

I really enjoyed this series, so I'm glad it had what I would consider a good ending. This series has a good, unique storyline, and I'm glad I got to go on this journey. I'll be waiting to see if Stephanie Garner makes any continuations! Thanks for the great book!

The beautiful descriptions in this book take you to Valenda. Wish there were more to this series! Bravo, and thank you!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

Great story and ending to this trilogy.

Fantastic finish to the series. Loved every book. Thank you Stephanie Garber!

This was an interesting finale. It wasnt close to a favorite, but I enjoyed the story even though it felt repetitive of the first two. I felt like I read the same thing 3 times, but with different side stuff happening. Others love it though

Wow! I loved this ending so much! What a great conclusion to the trilogy!

Love this series!

I loved the original caraval, but found the two sequels to be a bit juvenile.

This was the best conclusion to one of the best, most original stories I have ever read. Well done Stephanie Garber. This series is a masterpiece.

My mom left this book

Looks perfect!

Amazing series. So sad when I finished 😭

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

A beautiful romance

This is the last book in the Caravel series. I enjoyed how all the questions are answered and problems resolved. Great ending!

I was happy to see both sisters POVs in this finale and there was a never ending supply of twists and turns throughout the novel. While I wish there had been more closure at the conclusion and perhaps some POV from the male characters, this series was a fun read!

A FANTASTIC conclusion to the series. I am absolutely smitten with Dante and I loved how it all turned out.

I really loved this series and this book was the perfect ending. The characters are amazing and the magical elements add to the story so much

A great final chapter to a three part story. I wish there was more. In a world saturated with YA books and similar stories this one stands out and still gives you the ending you want. Wish there was more; she could easily write a fourth book! Did I mention, I wish there was more?

Item was in perfect condition.

Loved the whole series!!

Bought this book as gift, but it arrived damaged, looks like box cutter was used to the front cover of the book and 13 pages. We got replacement without any problem.

A wonderful conclusion to the trilogy. Absolutely adored this book and getting to visit the world of Caraval and the charming characters once more.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

It still has me left with questions and wondering if there will be another or a spin off about certain characters! All and all it was a great series!

I really enjoyed reading from both sister’s point of view! And I Loved the ending! Perfect conclusion to a great series.

I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in a day. The magical world that Stephanie Garber is full of life, love, and perseverance! Every story has a beginning, a middle, an almost ending, and a true ending. How I wish this were not the true ending, because I never really wanted it to end.

Great fun time reading.

:)

I love this book series. The shipping was faster than expected. I was so excited to get this book.

This book was marvelous. The ending to this incredible series is exactly what my heart needed. Only fault I can find is that it's over and I'm sad that I have to leave the world of Caraval. Thank you Ms. Garber for creating this world, I never want to leave it.

Such an amazing series! If you're wondering if you should read this series then this is your sign! It was so good I devoured all three books

The book is truly an adventure. I don't want to finish it because I don't want the story to end.

I devoured this YA series. It was a captivating storyline that got better in each book.

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

The book arrived quickly and undamaged. However, the cover is backwards so when you open what should be the front cover, it is the end of the book and the words are upside down. Interesting error but easy enough fix to just turn the book around to read.

This made a great Christmas gift for our granddaughter . She loved it

Loved all the books

This book was great it definitely explained some of the questions from the first two. Highly recommend the whole series.

The plot kept changing and kept the reader on their toes. The twists were unexpected and had the right dose of description

Talented author! Great storyline!

I typically abstain from giving a rating but I feel this series deserves some recognition. I thought this series was fantastic, I still miss the characters and the magical Caraval. I would love to read more!

I’m not a fan of happy endings. This book does have a happy ending, but it leaves you with a little bit of a cliff hanger. The author definitely has enough to write a 4th book.

Amazing!! Loved this!!

A great ending to the series. Sad to see the series come to an end, but I couldn't have asked for a better finale!

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

This book is just as spectacular as the others. What an incredible ending to a truly riveting series, just fantastic!

It tied the trio loft up perfectly. I love that she rotated points of view between the sisters. I really missed Scarlett’s view in the second book.

Stephanie garber is a fabulous author. She paints a beautiful picture with words

Absolutely love everything about this series!! I definitely wanted more and a slightly different ending but it was wonderful! A very magical and not predictable ending :)

What a great way to end this series! I devoured this book in a day, and was hungry for more. I love Garber’s use of language and especially color. Reading her books are like walking through a Wonderland of words.

I hope Stephanie continues to write and that I can find and read everyone! GREAT JOB! I LOVE YOUR WORK!

Amazing ending to the trilogy

My daughter enjoyed reading this series.

I loved absolutely everything about this series except that it is now over.

I just finished Finale and oh my word. It is a masterpiece!!! I laughed, I cried and I fell in love with the characters all over again. This was the perfect ending to an incredible series. ❤

"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending." This is definitely a review I never thought I'd be writing. I've been fangirling over the Caraval series since an arc landed in my lap in 2016, and I had no reason to believe that Finale would be any less enjoyable for me than Caraval (5 stars from me) and Legendary (4 stars from me). Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me the way that the other two did, and instead of bashing this book, I'd like to take a few minutes to detail below WHY this book didn't work for me, so that as a reader you can decide for yourself what to think. I do encourage you, if you're a fan of the series, to pick this up for yourself and come to your own conclusion, as my opinion is likely unpopular and in the minority. Caution for minor spoilers below for the previous two books in the series. Finale picks up in the wake of where Legendary left off. Tella is still pining after Legend, yet playing coy as he visits her in her dreams, and Jacks is still in play, so we have a bonafide love triangle up until the very end of this novel. Unfortunately, this was a big part of my problem with the book. Donatella is such a strong female in the previous novels, and I felt she was reduced to a simple love interest in this final installment. Sure, she does one big thing at the end of the book, but for 99.9% of the novel, there's a slow, repetitive narrative of inner monologue and whiny dialogue that grated on me. I'll admit that this could be because I'm an adult, and this is YA fiction, but I also think other readers will pick up on this and have a hard time processing that this is the same adventurous heroine we came to love in the first two books. At the same time, Scarlett is mad at Julian because he has abandoned her for 6 weeks, and in the meantime she has been exchanging letters with the real count, her former fiance, and their correspondence has resulted in Scarlet deciding to pit the two men against each other in, yes, another competitive love triangle! Hooray for all of the love triangles! Thankfully this one doesn't last as long as the one listed above, and honestly felt like filler to make the book have a padded page count. Scarlett does play an arguably more important role in this installment, and I do applaud Garber for attempting to give this girl a strong character arc, but it felt a bit forced and politically correct. I want strong female leads as much as the next person, but a total personality change in the final book of a trilogy felt a little off for me. I think my favorite part of this book though is that we finally get a deeper look into The Fates, and while it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for, I found myself fully engaged in these sections. I loved the "history" and folklore surrounding how they were created and what role they have played, past and present, in the shaping of their fantastical world. I can't say too much about this, but Finale does hinge it's plot on one of the fates, and how this particular one ties Scarlett, Tella, and Paloma to the story. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be rushed, skimmed over, and tidy beyond all reason, which really works for some readers, but is tough for me. I'm a masochistic reader, and I want my characters to be cost something, so when everyone shows up flawlessly alright with all their dreams come true, I shake my old lady fist at the sky and wonder why I bothered reading this if no one had to survive any form of loss? Maybe I was supposed to find this in Paloma/Paradise (who, let it be known, ALSO HAD A LOVE TRIANGLE YES WE'RE UP TO THREE NOW), but her portion is so slim that I didn't really get a chance to know her. I know it sounds like I didn't like any portion of this book, but I truly did love the concept and still remain a huge fan of the series/author. Overall I found this particular installment just didn't flow with how the first two were written. This could be because this is the first book that didn't have the suspenseful backing of the mystery of Legend's identity or a game of Caraval to keep the pace racing, or maybe it's the fact that I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, slow burning, repetitive descriptions, and endings that so neat and tidy that they are beyond happily ever after. I'm definitely interested to see where the author chooses to take us next, and I sincerely wish her all the best and success in her future endeavors!

Scarlett and Donatella Dragna are no strangers to magic. Spirited away by a roguish sailor and her sister’s schemes, Scarlett doesn’t just play in Caraval. She wins. During the game she sees time traded as easily as coins and the dead brought back to life; she finds true love and discovers the power of a wish made in earnest. Perhaps even more importantly, in winning Caraval, Scarlett learns how to be strong after years of thinking she could settle for being safe. Tella has always been brazen, maybe even reckless. She easily barters away kisses, her sister’s stability, and is even willing to risk her own freedom if it means getting what she wants. Weeks later when Tella plays her own game of Caraval even her daring plan to unmask Caraval Master Legend may not be enough to win when the Immortal Fates return to the Meridian Empire. Long rumored to be myths, the Fates are closer to gods with the magic and the cruelty to prove it. The stakes have never been higher as the Fates try to reclaim the empire they once ruled and two sisters race to stop them. Scarlett will have to do the impossible and Tella will have to risk everything and this time it’s definitely not just a game in Finale (2019) by Stephanie Garber. Finale is the final book in Stephanie Garber's Caraval trilogy. This review contains spoilers for books one and two. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning with Caraval (which relates Scarlett's story and in many ways functions as a standalone) and Legendary (Tella's story and a direct sequel to Finale which begins two months later). This installment alternates close third person chapters following Tella and Scarlett with the return of several other favorite characters along the way. Both sisters know that anything is possible with a bit of magic and a lot of determination but even with help from Legend and Julian, it's unclear how immortal beings can be stopped--especially when the Fates' only weakness is something completely antithetical to their existence. In a series that consistently amps up the tension and the stakes, Finale is a high action, nail-biting conclusion as both sisters are forced to make to make perilous choices that will change their lives--and the Meridian Empire itself--forever. Garber's lush prose, vibrant descriptions, and, of course, swoon worthy romance serve as elegant counterpoints to the dangers that Scarlett and Tella face throughout. Finale is a satisfying conclusion and an apt farewell to the richly imagined world of Caraval and, of course, to Scarlett and Tella--our heroines who together learn the power of magic, love, and a game well-played. Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi, Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

5/5 Stars "Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them." ~Stephanie Garber FINALE was my second most anticipated read of the year (right after KING OF SCARS) and it did not disappoint even a little bit. By page 55 my heart was thumping, and I was in a frenzy. I squealed in glee, I gnashed my teeth in anticipation, I growled in frustration. I would put the book down so I could savor it only to start twitching, desperate to pick it back up. I read it, naturally, in one sitting. I was frustrated with myself for being unable to read faster yet irritated with my need-to-know nature because I knew I would be devastated by the time the book was over and my hands were empty. Predictable. I am so, so very predictable. Because I did read it too fast, and I was upset when I had no more book. I felt like that inquisitive yet sad character in one’s mind who picks up the book and shakes its pages a little, hoping more story will fall out. Sadly, this was the end of the legend of Legend and Donatella and Scarlett. But I look back and realize that I loved every single moment of following them, which is surprising considering (in my humble opinion) it is hard to pull off a good close. This was a good close. Yet it left enough open that I thought about it and thought about it and considered reopening my fanfiction.net account for some good old fashioned wish fulfillment. Because, I don’t do spoilers here, but there was one someone I wanted to see more of. (As an aside, when you want to write fanfiction about a book, the author has done it right). The world of Caraval has been magical, but the thing that pulled me back every time were the characters. Especially Tella. Fierce, stubborn, brilliant Tella. When I read Caraval, I loved Scarlett so much I could barely contain myself. I loved her because she was something you don’t see often in YA fantasy: she was soft and cautious and agency came slowly to her. Tella, in a nutshell, is a girl like me. So when I opened up Legendary, I was nervous at first to see it was from Tella’s point of view. But then I realized Tella was amazing in a different way. Tella was the girl I want to be. And seeing them both evolve and shift and grow and change has been a complete joy. Stephanie Garber is the kind of writer I aspire to me. The kind of writer who is unapologetic and honest. Whose characters draw you back time and time again. I have no idea what is in store next for Stephanie, but whatever it is, you can be sure I’ll be lining up to get my hands on it.

"I think love is another type of magic. It makes everything brighter, it makes people who have it stronger, it breaks rules that aren't supposed to exist, it's infinitely valuable." Oh my heart. I'm so sad this series has come to an end. This book (series) has enchanted my heart with it magical mood-changing dresses, angsty romances, endless games and tricky bargains. Not to mention the captivating scenery. It had me so swept away, that when I would have to pause to come back to the real world, everything seems extra boring. I absolutely LOVE this series. This was a beautiful ending. Finale take off with a bang right where we left in Legendary. Which I really enjoyed but I think that fact that we got both sisters POV in this one made me love it when more. Scarlett is my fav and I missed her in Legendary. But boy do I love and adore Tella She's so feisty. Their sister bond is so special. I like that they both have their own adventures though I do wish they did a few more things together. I couldn't put this book down. I tried to pace myself but I swear the book was actually enchanted cause time moved so quickly!!! The plot was so fast paced and exciting. While I missed the actual Caraval games it was so thrilling to see how they were going to end things! And the romance!! SO FLIPPIN' good. This book constantly had me swooning with these hot, trickers bad guys. You just don't know who to trust. Julian is for sure my fav. I mean him and Scarlett from the beginning have always been the couple I rooted for the most. But for Tella I was more torn. However, I was more Team Legend, Jacks really had me second guessing myself. But the romance in this plus all the exciting magical adventures made this book absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough and am SO sad it's over. My only wish is that we got just a little more of an epilogue. The ending felt a little too quick. I wanted to see more of a future with both couples! This author has some of the most magical and brilliant writing that literally takes you to a whole new world. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

3.5 stars This was a hard one for me. There were aspects that I absolutely love and things that made me so frustrated. I have to say it's probably the slowest of all three books with a little too much repetition in certain aspects. As the previous books, I loved the magical atmosphere. Every time Legend created an illusion, or even when the Fates did something dangerous, I loved the description of the magic. The storyline was interesting and I really loved meeting all the different Fates; both their personalities and their abilities were well created. The pacing was a little varied, some parts I wanted every single detail, and some felt like there wasn't enough action or rush for the situation. I did enjoy that it did have a small bit of "Caraval"-esque to it, because there were things that needed finding and secrets to reveal. I still love the characters very much, but Tella did get on my nerves (as usual) and I wish we got even more of Scarlet. Sometimes I got confused by Tella's storyline - was she in a dream or reality? Scarlet's new identities and all that she discovers about herself was amazing and she is absolutely my favorite of the series. I also really appreciated that we seemed to get a new side of Legend and I have to say my feelings about him have changed a lot. If you love romance than you will LOVE this book. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but a lot of it just seemed to spin in circles. There was IMMINENT DANGER in this book and horrible things were happening everywhere. Maybe it's just me, but after seeing a loved one die, does not seem like the best time for a romantic rendezvous? Both sisters are involved in love triangles which just frustrated me, because it was obvious who each truly loved. But I did appreciate that in the end, both sisters were able to look past their fears and jump in heart first. I still very much enjoyed this series. Anything with magic is going to lure me in and even though some things drove me a little nuts, the overall story was dramatic and interesting.

Review taken from bookish blog Literary Weaponry ~“Tonight he was smiling like a wicked prince, escaped from the stars, ready to spirit her up into the heavens.”~ Here I sit, once again, trying to come up with the words to talk about a book that was, well, just alright. The plot was alright, the characters were alright, and the ending was alright. It was just…alright. If I dislike a book it is easy to sit and describe what didn’t work for me. When you like a book, it is easy and even fun to tell others why you loved it. But when you can’t elicit more than “meh” from the experience, writing a review feels a lot like a chore. The story picks up a few months after the end of Legendary. Tella and Scarlett are living in rented rooms near the palace were Legend/Dante is set to be crowned emperor. The game of Caraval that encompassed the first two books does not exist in this story in any form which is a large departure from the plot we’ve come to recognize. Instead, the Fates have been freed from their cards (along with the girl’s mother) as well as the head honcho of the Fates who is huge jerk. Mr. Big Bad Fate wants to take over the world, as most Big Bads do, and wipe out mankind in the process. You know, no big. Scarlett is still just as boring as she was in the first book except she is more Proper Princess boring than she was before. The girl loves to pretend she is always in the right and doing the right thing and blah blah blah. Reading about her is like eating overcooked chicken, dry and lifeless. She makes one dumb decision after another while pretending that love conquers all and it is just the more annoying character trait I can possibly fathom. SPEAKING OF the “love conquers all” nonsense, that seemed to be the theme of this whole book and it bored me. Everything tied back into one character or another’s love story instead of any kind of plot and just…it was dull. I enjoy a good romance subplot, really, I do, but this was a romance novel with fantasy elements that seem to be meant only to further the romance. It got very tiring, very quickly. One thing I will never fault Garber for is her descriptions. I love how she describes things. The picture she can paint with words is vivid and flowing and I love the images it conjures in my mind. That being said, it was probably the only thing in this entire book I could say that I truly enjoyed. Before this turns into a rant, and I do feel it quickly brewing beneath the surface, let me wrap this up. This book was disappointing. The plot felt rushed, everything revolved around a love story, some characters did not get a proper end (JACKS), parts of the plot didn’t make sense, and in case I didn’t mention it EVERYTHING WAS REALLY RUSHED. This could have been a great book but almost everything I loved about Legendary had disappeared. As it is, this conclusion was okay at best. Garber is capable of better writing, she has shown that, and I will still read what she writes in the future but I must say, my expectations will be lower. ~“He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.”~

Let it be known that Caraval was a good book. It was exciting, had drama, magic, mystery, etc. The second book was not nearly so good. The third installment, Finale, is worse than that. First, the only thing I enjoyed about this book, the only thing that was interesting, were the Fates. I would read an entire series dedicated to the Fates, their origins, their powers, their history, their history with each other, and their interactions with the world. They're like a magical mix of Tarot card creatures and the 13 ghosts from the 2001 movie "Thirteen Ghosts" with a little bit of the fae about them. I loved that movie, I love the fae, and I love tarot cards. I have two sets of my own. The Fates and the mythology surrounding them would be infinitely more interesting to read about than what we got in this book. What I didn't like: 1) the WHINING. Tella whined throughout this entire book. About Legend. Scarlet whined throughout almost this entire book. About Julian. Jacks whined about Tella and magic. Legend whined about not being able to love Tella. Julian whined about Scarlet. I mean, my God, so much whining. 2) I'm not really a fan of love triangles and I'm even less a fan of forced love triangles for drama's sake, and this book gave us not one, but two. Two love triangles. Shoot me. 3) the ending was way too neatly wrapped up. I like nice endings where everyone makes it out alive, but this...the entire book was building to a certain someone needing to be defeated and it was over in like two seconds. Literally. It was very anticlimactic and just kind of pointless. The main obstacle just didn't even end up being an obstacle. The main obstacle, in retrospect, was the girl's figuring out their love lives. I can admit that this book probably isn't for me. I'm an adult, I know life isn't all magic and rainbows, I like my books to be more than fluffy bunnies with happy endings, and I like my characters to be more dimensional than cardboard cut outs. This book tried to make the girls seem dynamic and interesting and it just didn't work. They are every cliche rolled into one: hung up on the men in their lives and almost unable to function without that male attention they so desperately want. I'm not sure what happened between book 1 and book 3, but I would have preferred reading about these girls were they less concerned about Legend and Julian and more concerned with taking matters into their own hands and conquering. They tried to do this, but it just came across as false. Too little, too late, ya know? This last book also sets up a possible spin-off, and I am pretty sure I won't be checking that out.

First, before I get into my review, If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Caraval, and its sequel, Legendary, stop reading here! This series definitely can’t be read out of order, and reading past this warning will definitely spoil things for you! Now, onto the good stuff! I think Finale was probably my most anticipated book of 2019! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I fell absolutely in love with Caraval and Legendary, and have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy! Finale is told from both Tella and Scarlett’s point of views (but mostly Tella’s), which I loved. Both women were part of the same larger plot-line, while also maintaining their separate storylines, largely involving their love interests. I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster while I was reading the book – neither love story was easy, and I felt so much love, pain, hope, and disappointment in reading the book until each story was resolved. As usual, Garber weaves complex stories with beautifully descriptive words. Her writing style is so unique, and I find it so pleasing to read. I absolutely get lost in the story, and was utterly consumed by the book. When I wasn’t reading the book, I spent my time wishing I was, and thinking about the story and how it would end. Most of the book is spent building up to the resolution, and even with 5% of the book left, I was still trying to piece together how she’d pull off the resolution! That said, I love how the book ended. Our storylines were resolved, but open enough for a sequel, though that might just be my wishful thinking 😉 Finale is full of themes of love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and independence. It’s full of action and scheming from beginning to end, and I couldn’t get enough of it. All in all, I absolutely loved the book and cannot WAIT to see what else Garber writes in the future. If you’ve read and loved the first two books in the trilogy, you wont want to miss this one! I have a feeling it’s one that everyone will be talking about this summer.

As I read about the Caraval series and people around me rave about it, I had a feeling it would be something I would like. And I was correct. It’s become one of my favorite book series, with the magical immersion, the twists and turns, the characters, it feels like one of those stories you don’t want to end, but sadly, all games must end. But Stephanie Garber brings us yet another immersive magical adventure where we discover the true meaning of love and gripping from start to finish. While the first two books dealt with different iterations of Caraval, Finale drops the game and gives us a new plot, which deals with a greater threat that was hinted in Legendary. It builds on the first two books and keeps the momentum going the entire way through with a great pace (though there isn’t as much of a ticking clock, it’s still there), not meandering with throwaway deviations. Everything meant something in building on the story and the characters. Many times, I complain in reviews about unneeded love triangles and romance shoehorning (this happens a lot in YA), but it’s usually because in those cases, the romance detracts from the story and doesn’t add much outside of extra drama and shipping fuel, and many times, it feels predictable. Not the case here. Since love and what it means is a major theme of the series and this installment especially, the love triangles and added romance element enhances this quite a bit. Scarlett and Donatella’s journey is about discovering what love really is, romantic and otherwise, and with some aspects that get revealed here, it’s more important than ever to know where they stand on love and to get their true ending, instead of just their almost ending. Even the cover drives the theme home. We get the PoVs of both Dragna sisters this time around, and it’s switched off well, where it doesn’t feel like arbitrary cut offs like some other books I’ve read. It focuses the most on the sisters’ character growth since they left their father’s mansion. What does it mean to live and love? The relationships between each other and those they met on this journey? I love watching their growth, especially Donatella (but then again, she’s my favorite). Some of the revelations blew me away as well. My heart swelled for the sisters and how they have grown in just a few months time. Three books in and the world building still surprises me, with the little bits and pieces throughout and the big plot relevant aspects. Again, it feels like a real character and a world I don’t want to leave (outside of the parts where there’s great danger a foot). While I didn’t mention this part on the previous reviews, I do love the magic system where it feels like a deal with the devil type of thing, where nothing is free, and that it hasn’t deviated away from that path. Magic is mysterious and intriguing still. Again, Garber’s prose brings an extra layer of richness and immersion, while being easy to read, and now it brings on the emotional intensity on certain places, especially in the last few chapters. I also laughed a few times, which helped with some of the intensity in a lot of the story. The climax was intense and satisfying, with some unexpected twists. I loved the extras that came in the edition I had, and apparently, there might be more Caraval to come? Even if it’s not coming (and while the story ends with the main plot wrapped up, there’s lots of things to explore in the world), I won’t be forgetting this ride for a very long time and I look forward to what Garber has in store next.

This book sits somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. I expected so much more from this book than what I got. Some parts were incredible and explosive, but the majority was just fine... I'll start with a couple of notes I wrote down while reading this: • Why is Legend so charming! dangit! • Yes, Julian! GO OFF I'll first start with Legend. Wow. He just...wow. Why is he so charming? How is he so charming? I feel so in love with him in this book. And for that, I am disappointed in myself. Julian though...We didn't see much of him in the second book and I somehow forgot how sweet and kind and completely in love with Scarlett he is. This book reminded me how wonderful he is and there were so many moments that I just had to sigh in complete content-ness at him. To sum up this paragraph, I love Julian and Legend. Moving on, I was starting to feel like Tella had a bigger role in this series than Scarlett did, but this book really evened out their roles for me. I felt like they were in things together and both had important jobs that needed to be accomplished. Now, onto some of the less satisfactory parts. Garber has a way of making every detail seem important. It's only once I get to the end that I realize how much was fluff and how little was actually needed. I'm not sure if I like this or not. On one hand, it makes me question everything, which is nice and nerve-wracking. On the other hand, why the heck is it included? Also, this book kinda got boring about halfway through. They had a bunch of problems to solve...Okay? Well, solve them! I was tired of seeing them run in circles and throw out puzzles that didn't even need to be solved. Lastly, there was so much unresolved in this book. I really hope there is going to be a spin-off series or something to answer all these questions. I just thought things would be wrapped up better, but I guess they can't be if there will be more books added to the Caraval universe. Overall, this was not my favorite ending to a series, but it did have some satisfying parts. I'll read more of what Garber writes, but I'll be skeptical.

I love this author to death! But this book did not feel the same and was a pretty unsatisfying ending to me. The rest of the series was fantastic though!

To a great series. I loved it!

Disappointing, boring finale.

Love this series of books! It is captivating and such a fun read! Couldn’t wait for this 3rd book to come out!

I am absolutely in love with this series. This was a perfect ending!! I can't wait to see what Stephanie writes next.

Just wow....my eyes flew through this book and it broke my heart when it ended, really wanted it to continue

My daughter read this book in a week! All of the books in this series are good.

Absolutely wonderful. A beautiful ending, and yet I still want more!