Caraval is an elaborate game which takes place over multiple nights, full of magic, wonder, mystery and deception. And every year, Scarlett Dragna writes to Caraval Master Legend, asking him to bring Caraval to the Conquered Isle of Trisda, her home.

She has never received a reply. Until now. 

Her most recent letter to Legend informed him of her engagement, and in response, she receives three tickets, one each for herself, her fiance and her sister, Donatella. But Caraval is not coming to Trisda. Instead Legend is hosting it on his own private isle, two day’s travel from their home. And this year’s prize? A wish. 

The problem is Scarlett doesn’t know the identity of her betrothed, since her abusive father arranged her upcoming marriage, which is the only way for the sisters to escape his violence. Slipping away to attend Caraval would put her future at stake, risking her chance to be wed.

When Scarlett finds Donatella in the arms of a charming sailor offering to smuggle them off the island, she worries her sister had other ideas. With her sister planning to run away, Scarlett tries to intercept them, but they kidnap her. Waking to find the sailor rowing her to Legend’s private island and Donatella already ashore, Scarlett needs to locate her sister and return home before her father realises his daughters weren’t both kidnapped. 

But time on the isle runs fast. Donatella has already entered the game and Scarlett must enter Caraval before the entrance closes at midnight.

As she gets swept up in the game’s mystery, can Scarlett distinguish reality from illusion to identify the clues to save her sister? Or will the confusion of the game drive her to madness?

Full of twists and turns, Caraval is an enthralling tale of courage, trust and sisterly love, written in colourful language (literally!) that brings to life an enchanting world.