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Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Book 1 in a series: Scarlett Dragna has spent her life dreaming of seeing Caraval, a magical performance that involves the live action of the audience. But when she and her sister Tella are personally invited by the master of ceremonies, she knows their cruel father will never allow them to leave their isolated island home to attend. The two sisters defy their father and sneak away to the event with a sailor named Julian. But when Tella is kidnapped and used as bait for the event's hunt, Julian and Scarlett find themselves in a race against time to find Tella first before she's gone forever. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.
Review from Booklist Reviews:
Scarlett and her sister, Tella, have grown up on stories of Caraval, a magical game run by a magician named Legend-stories that helped them momentarily escape their grim existence with their abusive, controlling father. Now, weeks away from marrying a man she hasn't met, Scarlett receives an invitation to the enchanting palace, and Tella is determined to go, even if it means kidnapping her own sister to get there. When they arrive, they get separated, and driven by both the enticing candy-colored magic and her urge to find her sister, Scarlett plays Legend's seemingly innocuous game. Of course, all those flying creatures, enchanted ball gowns, and miraculous estates hide something sinister, and with the help of a handsome, rugged sailor, Scarlett uncovers secrets about both her own past and the true dangers of Caraval. While Scarlett is sometimes a frustratingly inept protagonist, Garber's rich, vivid scene setting and descriptions make for entertaining reading, and the conclusion hints at a sequel focused on Tella. A colorful, imaginative fantasy with some steamy romance for good measure.
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