Photo taken by Emboss&Spine
Title: Finale
Author: Stephanie GarberGenre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Source: Hub City Bookstore
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: May 7th 2019
Summary:
"Welcome, welcome to Caraval...all games must come to an end.
It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.
Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finaly, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all.Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun―with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win...and those who will lose everything. . . "
Review:
I have been enamored with the world Garber has spun since the debut of Caraval. She’s created magic, transporting readers to a gambling den and a marbled palace dripping in crystals and jewels. With Garber, enchantment is never far away.
Finale was written with great attention to detail and description. I was able to vividly imagine the color of magic (how is that even possible?!) and the shimmering scales of a mermaid’s tail! As I read, I kept stopping and wishing that I could be a part of this world that’s full of magic, whimsy, and a sprinkle一or rather a handful一of mischief and trouble.
Finale is told in the alternating point of view of Scarlett and Donatella. Each sister is on their own journey to overcome obstacles. I must admit that when I first started reading the Caraval series, I wasn’t a huge fan of either sister. I thought Scarlett was easily influenced by other people and Tella was stubborn and always causing trouble, but by this third book, I have grown to love each of them individually. Scarlett has grown into an independent woman who isn’t afraid to make her own choices and follow her heart. Tella, who I found most relatable, is torn between two men who offer her completely different things. Legend, whom she loves, and Jacks who always seems to be there when she needs. I always have gravitated to Tella’s storyline because it had more action, but Scarlett’s path really took me by surprise in Finale. She is fearless, bold and independent. She stands up for herself and the ones she loves despite the risk. I loved seeing them stick by each other’s side no matter what. It was liberating and admirable.
Most importantly, I have to touch on the topic of the man we have all swooned over! The man, the myth, the Legend himself! In Finale, we see how determined and selfless he can really be. In Caraval and Legendary, Legend was always been somewhat of a question mark. Why would he do that? Why won’t he kiss Tella? (Like, please kiss Tella already! We are all needing that intensity in our mundane lives.) Now we get to see a side of Legend we have all been waiting for. I have to say, I was always Team Jacks (I can’t help it, I like a bad boy) but by the end of Finale I was completely Team Legend!
The whole of Finale is a perfect ending to a series. I didn’t feel like anything was missing一apart from my soul and the heartache that it had come to an end! Get ready to ride an emotional rollercoaster as you witness the complexity of Legend, the fearlessness of Julian, the courage of Scarlett and the selflessness of Tella in this spellbinding world of Finale!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐~ 5 stars ~ MUST READ!
Please follow my Twitter and my blog Emboss&Spine as I will be hosting a Caraval themed giveway for the release of Finale as well as a celebration for the restart of my blog! Details soon to follow!
