Caraval: the series by Stephanie Garber

You only get an invitation to Caraval once. Scarlett and her sister Tella are finally allowed to take part in Legend's travelling game, and whoever wins gets a wish. But as soon as the game begins, Tella disappears. Is it real, or is it part of the game? Atmospheric romantasy with a riddle underneath. Go on, play along.

Start with Caraval, then Legendary, then Finale. Book 1 is about Scarlett, book 2 about her sister Tella, and in book 3 the storylines come together. Each book builds on the previous one, so read them in order. In 2024 the novella Spectacular was added, set in the same world. It isn't book 4 and you don't need to read it first. A dessert, not a main course.

Looking for the Dutch editions? Then watch out for book 2. Caraval is simply called Caraval in Dutch and Finale stays Finale, but Legendary is called Meester Legende. That's where people get stuck when searching by the English title. This page shows the English and Dutch editions side by side, so you can see straight away which book you're still missing.

Finished Caraval? Then read Once Upon a Broken Heart. That series is set in the same world and is about Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, who already appears in Caraval books 2 and 3. That's why you read Caraval first: then nothing gets spoiled. That series also has three books, all in English. You'll find all titles at a glance under Stephanie Garber.