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Caraval #3.5
Spectacular
Welcome, welcome back to the enchanting world of Caraval! Return to the legendary magic and the whimsical wonder with this beautifully illustrated holiday novella.
Snowflakes are falling.
Invitations are arriving.
And holiday magic is swirling in the capital city of the Meridian Empire.
It’s Great Holiday Eve Eve. Scarlett Dragna is planning a spectacular Holiday celebration for the city. Donatella is searching for the perfect gift. Julian is looking ridiculously handsome in green. And Legend . . .
Well, sadly Legend is not fond of the Great Holiday. Tella is hoping her perfect gift will change his mind. Unfortunately, she hasn’t found this perfect gift just yet. But it is Great Holiday Eve Eve . . . surely there’s some holiday magic swirling around.
Welcome, welcome back to the world of Caraval, where even holidays are not as they seem.
Set after Stephanie Garber's #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series, this delightful novella will take readers on the ultimate holiday adventure full of clockwork boys, poisoned candy, impish snow globes, merriment, and—if Tella gets her way—love.
Gorgeously illustrated by Rosie Fowinkle, Spectacular is the perfect edition for collectors, readers, dreamers, and lovers of holiday magic.
Snowflakes are falling.
Invitations are arriving.
And holiday magic is swirling in the capital city of the Meridian Empire.
It’s Great Holiday Eve Eve. Scarlett Dragna is planning a spectacular Holiday celebration for the city. Donatella is searching for the perfect gift. Julian is looking ridiculously handsome in green. And Legend . . .
Well, sadly Legend is not fond of the Great Holiday. Tella is hoping her perfect gift will change his mind. Unfortunately, she hasn’t found this perfect gift just yet. But it is Great Holiday Eve Eve . . . surely there’s some holiday magic swirling around.
Welcome, welcome back to the world of Caraval, where even holidays are not as they seem.
Set after Stephanie Garber's #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series, this delightful novella will take readers on the ultimate holiday adventure full of clockwork boys, poisoned candy, impish snow globes, merriment, and—if Tella gets her way—love.
Gorgeously illustrated by Rosie Fowinkle, Spectacular is the perfect edition for collectors, readers, dreamers, and lovers of holiday magic.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2024
About the author
Stephanie Garber
16 books63.7k followersHi! Thanks so much for stopping by this page. I’m only on this site occasionally, so if you’d like to send me a message, please use the contact form on my website: http://stephaniegarberauthor.com.
I can also be found on Instagram, and I love connecting with readers. If you're looking for more information about my books, the most up to date news can be found on Instagram, but I also try to update my website on a regular basis.
I can also be found on Instagram, and I love connecting with readers. If you're looking for more information about my books, the most up to date news can be found on Instagram, but I also try to update my website on a regular basis.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,506 reviews
Want to read
January 14, 2024Did I enjoy Caraval series? No.
Am I gonna read this? You betcha.
Do I hope there will be a Jacks cameo in it? Please God, let there be one 😩
Am I gonna read this? You betcha.
Do I hope there will be a Jacks cameo in it? Please God, let there be one 😩
Want to read
January 11, 2024scarjulian are coming home to me!! now pls give us an evajacks novella next please and thank you🧎🏻♀️
October 31, 2024
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 5 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
No Jacks in this one besties, but plenty of Tella and Legend. Sorry to disappoint if you're looking for a lot of ScarJulian.
I love Tella and Legend more anyway lol so this worked out fine for me. Hoping for a crossover next Stephaniieeee. 🙏😍
I love Christmas, it's so freaking magical - add this world with all of it's whimsy and sparkling magic-ness - perfect. Loved every second of it!
‿︵‿︵‿୨ ୧‿︵‿︵‿
If Jacks doesn't get at least a cameo, we riot 🔪🍏💗🤭 I'll hold off on the rioting for now lol.
Snowflakes, holiday magic and just magic in general? Omg stfu, I'm so obsessed with this universe. Can it even get any better?! A Christmas Spectacular?! 😭
No Jacks in this one besties, but plenty of Tella and Legend. Sorry to disappoint if you're looking for a lot of ScarJulian.
I love Tella and Legend more anyway lol so this worked out fine for me. Hoping for a crossover next Stephaniieeee. 🙏😍
I love Christmas, it's so freaking magical - add this world with all of it's whimsy and sparkling magic-ness - perfect. Loved every second of it!
‿︵‿︵‿୨ ୧‿︵‿︵‿
Snowflakes, holiday magic and just magic in general? Omg stfu, I'm so obsessed with this universe. Can it even get any better?! A Christmas Spectacular?! 😭
November 8, 2024
3.5 stars! This novella was SO magical and has gotten me so excited for Christmas!! My favorite thing about Stephanie Garber's writing is how she infuses every detail with magic from shops to outfits to scenery. This novella is perfect if you love the Caraval trilogy and you want a short read that will instantly get you in a Holiday mood.
The story also had more to it than I expected for a novella! Yes it's a simple and short story, but it had a little romance, a little mystery, my favorite Caraval characters, and lots of Holiday cheer!
Also, the art is STUNNING! Very cool book to own and display on a bookshelf. Overall a simple and fun story.
The story also had more to it than I expected for a novella! Yes it's a simple and short story, but it had a little romance, a little mystery, my favorite Caraval characters, and lots of Holiday cheer!
Also, the art is STUNNING! Very cool book to own and display on a bookshelf. Overall a simple and fun story.
Want to read
September 15, 2024Omggg 2 months left I AM NOT OKAY 😭
___
Okay more now that I've formed thoughts on this 😭
•I was expecting a new series but this is even better.
•I love that jack and Eva art by Rosie thorn so I can't wait to see the illustrations in this book considering Stephanie imagined her art throughout the book.
•I want jack's and Eva scenes though very unlikely I still want them.
•i want Julian and scarlet to be happy. JUST BE HAPPY!
•It said holidays are not what they seem. Seeking in her famous plot twists?!?! Queen behavior.
~~~
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
___
Okay more now that I've formed thoughts on this 😭
•I was expecting a new series but this is even better.
•I love that jack and Eva art by Rosie thorn so I can't wait to see the illustrations in this book considering Stephanie imagined her art throughout the book.
•I want jack's and Eva scenes though very unlikely I still want them.
•i want Julian and scarlet to be happy. JUST BE HAPPY!
•It said holidays are not what they seem. Seeking in her famous plot twists?!?! Queen behavior.
~~~
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT
Want to read
January 14, 2024hoping and praying for an evajacks feature to get the closure we most desperately deserve
Want to read
May 10, 20245/10: i just realized that there's a synopsis, whoops, but IT SOUNDS SO CUTE, i have been separated from my babies for TOO LONG
WHAT IS THIS
apparently this is gonna be illustrated, i'm so happy 😭 i love this series so much
AND THE COVER IS SO PRETTY I LOVE IT
WHAT IS THIS
apparently this is gonna be illustrated, i'm so happy 😭 i love this series so much
AND THE COVER IS SO PRETTY I LOVE IT
Want to read
January 8, 2024we wanted an evajacks novella but i guess this will do 🥲
Want to read
January 10, 2024hoping this will give us more of scarlettjulian rather than the worst character ever tella
Want to read
January 8, 2024BRING BACK SCARLETTJULIAN
Read
November 16, 2024pre-read review
ngl i was expecting a new series so the jokes on me ☠️ but i’ll take any crumbs of scarlettjulian i’m so ready for this
ngl i was expecting a new series so the jokes on me ☠️ but i’ll take any crumbs of scarlettjulian i’m so ready for this
November 1, 2024
ㅤ ✦ . ⁺ . ━ no more and no less than 2 ☆ ━ . ⁺ . ✦
ㅤ ╰┈➤˗ˏˋㅤ 1 star for Julian and Scarlett, 1 for the illustrations
ㅤ Don't get me wrong when I say this, because the bar of my expectations for this was already in hell, but what the actual hell was this?
ㅤ For someone who claims that Scarlett is her favourite character, Stephanie surely likes giving almost nothing to this character and ignoring her entirely as much as possible. Therefore, it was no surprise for me to barely get any scenes of Julian and his Crimson, despite being the sweetest and having the best moments in this book. So yes, I was expecting this to be once again a book fully focused on Tella; my dislike for her character is also not a mystery to anyone. However, I still wanted to give this a chance and hope for a Christmas miracle.
ㅤ I was already annoyed to see Tella's "I know some things are more important, but my wishes should matter more than anyone else's anyway" behaviour once again after the first 30 pages of this book, yet I still held onto a glimmer of hope. But then this suddenly devolved into something like a very cheap Christmas foreplay, complete with dubious and unpleasant words and gestures that had the exact opposite effect of the intended, sensuous, and exciting one and I COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY LOST IT. Are we sure this book is not a Fifty Shades of Gray—very, very tamed Christmas special instead? I have absolutely no words for whatever it is that even happened here.
ㅤ My opinions might indeed be slightly influenced by my sheer dislike for Tella's character and her love story with Legend, which fell entirely flat for me, but the author's constant refusal to provide any kind of development for her character, despite this being the 3rd book where she is basically a main character, is appalling.
ㅤ With this being said, no, I did not feel the holiday spirit while reading this book and I even forgot this was supposed to be this sort of book for about 80% of the time I spent reading it. Nevertheless, I have insanely high praises for the illustrations that adorned the pages, as they were absolutely gorgeous, but unfortunately, they were the only good thing in this entire novel. All my appreciation goes to the person who created them, and I feel genuinely sad that they had to be used for such a disappointing book.
ㅤ My last thought on this book is actually a question; and that is "Why?"
P.S. concerning one of the epilogues:
ㅤ
ㅤ ╰┈➤˗ˏˋㅤ 1 star for Julian and Scarlett, 1 for the illustrations
ㅤ Don't get me wrong when I say this, because the bar of my expectations for this was already in hell, but what the actual hell was this?
ㅤ For someone who claims that Scarlett is her favourite character, Stephanie surely likes giving almost nothing to this character and ignoring her entirely as much as possible. Therefore, it was no surprise for me to barely get any scenes of Julian and his Crimson, despite being the sweetest and having the best moments in this book. So yes, I was expecting this to be once again a book fully focused on Tella; my dislike for her character is also not a mystery to anyone. However, I still wanted to give this a chance and hope for a Christmas miracle.
ㅤ I was already annoyed to see Tella's "I know some things are more important, but my wishes should matter more than anyone else's anyway" behaviour once again after the first 30 pages of this book, yet I still held onto a glimmer of hope. But then this suddenly devolved into something like a very cheap Christmas foreplay, complete with dubious and unpleasant words and gestures that had the exact opposite effect of the intended, sensuous, and exciting one and I COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY LOST IT. Are we sure this book is not a Fifty Shades of Gray—very, very tamed Christmas special instead? I have absolutely no words for whatever it is that even happened here.
ㅤ My opinions might indeed be slightly influenced by my sheer dislike for Tella's character and her love story with Legend, which fell entirely flat for me, but the author's constant refusal to provide any kind of development for her character, despite this being the 3rd book where she is basically a main character, is appalling.
ㅤ With this being said, no, I did not feel the holiday spirit while reading this book and I even forgot this was supposed to be this sort of book for about 80% of the time I spent reading it. Nevertheless, I have insanely high praises for the illustrations that adorned the pages, as they were absolutely gorgeous, but unfortunately, they were the only good thing in this entire novel. All my appreciation goes to the person who created them, and I feel genuinely sad that they had to be used for such a disappointing book.
ㅤ My last thought on this book is actually a question; and that is "Why?"
P.S. concerning one of the epilogues:
ㅤ
October 27, 2024
PRE READ: HELLO GUYS?? WHY AM I JUST NOW HEARING ABT THIS.
JULIAN SANTOS IS COMING BACK???.&/94&2839292&/‘qowowkeoweowk
POST READ:
1/5 ⭐️ (originally rated 2.3)
“only in scarlett’s opinion,” legend muttered
“her opinion is the only one that matters to me.”
“you look devastating crimson”
overview: disclaimer that this novella is for the tellalegend lovers, and unfortunately scarlett and julian were hardly talked about. but i’m sleeping well knowing that they’re still madly in love with each other
i’m not the biggest fan of tella and legend, but the whole like PLOTLINE of this book was actually insane to me??
the only reason i rated it down was because i’ve talked to one of my other friends, steph and we both realized how there was a big problematic thing occurring in one scene of the book that made us super uncomfortable
anyways, I need a long nap now bc what did i just read.
JULIAN SANTOS IS COMING BACK???.&/94&2839292&/‘qowowkeoweowk
POST READ:
1/5 ⭐️ (originally rated 2.3)
“only in scarlett’s opinion,” legend muttered
“her opinion is the only one that matters to me.”
“you look devastating crimson”
overview: disclaimer that this novella is for the tellalegend lovers, and unfortunately scarlett and julian were hardly talked about. but i’m sleeping well knowing that they’re still madly in love with each other
i’m not the biggest fan of tella and legend, but the whole like PLOTLINE of this book was actually insane to me??
the only reason i rated it down was because i’ve talked to one of my other friends, steph and we both realized how there was a big problematic thing occurring in one scene of the book that made us super uncomfortable
anyways, I need a long nap now bc what did i just read.
October 25, 2024
3.75 stars
I fear this was not a win for the scarjulian girlies. It’s Tella’s world and we are just in it… Stephanie clearly has her faves 😢
The scarjulian crumbs were not enough but I clung to what we got. Julian’s obsession with Scarlett was felt even in his brief appearance 😍
P.s if you were hoping for a Jacks appearance… he’s mentioned twice (once in the b&n bonus chapter) 💔
Despite my heartbreak over not getting enough of my faves, I missed this magical world. Stephanie has the most immersive storytelling and I’m glad we got a little bit more. The festive element made me feel like a kid excited for Christmas morning again.
The bonus chapter made me round my rating up >>>
———
lmao not me forgetting this came out.. looks like I’m reading a third book today 👀 tella, girl. behave yourself pls. my slump can’t take it.
——
UM WHAT IS THIS - A holiday novella? Stephanie take my money 💸💸
I fear this was not a win for the scarjulian girlies. It’s Tella’s world and we are just in it… Stephanie clearly has her faves 😢
The scarjulian crumbs were not enough but I clung to what we got. Julian’s obsession with Scarlett was felt even in his brief appearance 😍
”You look devastating, crimson.”
P.s if you were hoping for a Jacks appearance… he’s mentioned twice (once in the b&n bonus chapter) 💔
Despite my heartbreak over not getting enough of my faves, I missed this magical world. Stephanie has the most immersive storytelling and I’m glad we got a little bit more. The festive element made me feel like a kid excited for Christmas morning again.
The bonus chapter made me round my rating up >>>
———
lmao not me forgetting this came out.. looks like I’m reading a third book today 👀 tella, girl. behave yourself pls. my slump can’t take it.
——
UM WHAT IS THIS - A holiday novella? Stephanie take my money 💸💸
Read
January 8, 2024scarjulian are coming home to me.
October 30, 2024
̨ ╭╯ꗃ 10. 29. 24 ˚﹒
┆ “Everyone at the party looked lovely, but Scarlett thought Julian Santos was the most dashing of all.”┆
︵࣪ ˖ ໒꒱ thoughts
╰› 3.5, I think that quote enough explains the main reason I read this book, although it was not the focus of it !! Gosh, it was so much fun being back into the world of Caraval with all these characters, I really got nostalgia 🥹 Caraval was my second romantasy series, and it was one of the books that got me into reading– despite the controversial opinions. Stephanie Garber’s books bring me such comfort and fill me with so much love, I don’t know how to explain it. Her books have to be laced with something because I am ADDICTED. AND HELLO, THE ILLUSTRATIONS?? ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO ROSIE.
I just think the whole plot of this story was a little silly & . And I'm not the biggest fan of Tellalegend, which may explain my bias... but if it weren't for Scarjulian & the nostalgia I felt, I think this book would have been a 2/2.5 because some of this was creepy!
We got two Scarjulian moments 💔 AND I AM HERE TO CRUSH EVERY DREAM OF MY FELLOW OUABH LOVERS WHO HAD HOPE –
There is no Evajacks cameo.
︵࣪ ˖ ໒꒱ characters
┆ “You look devastating, Crimson.”┆
╰› Julian– Julian Santos, the man that you are 😍😍 Julian is actually my first ever book boyfriend, and who can blame me?? This man is one of the most scrumptious men I’ve ever seen in my life, and he’s not even real! HIS ILLUSTRATIONS HAVE ME GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET. HE LOOKS EVEN BETTER THAN I IMAGINED??? HIS PONYTAIL HAS ME SCREAMING INTO MY PILLOW AND CRYING TO GOD. HE'S SO FINE. PLEASE GET ME A MAN WHO LOOKS ABSURDLY DASHING IN GREEN, JULIAN SANTOS, NO BORAX, NO INK ON PAPER.
┆ “Being a ridiculous amount of trouble is not the same as being invincible.”┆
Scarlett– My favorite sister<3 Scarlett is so iconic, and she’s such a bundle of joy, I just love her. I love how she’s doing EVERYTHING she can for the Holiday and how invested and dedicated she issss 🥹 she’s so cute and her illustrations are SO beautiful?? A little gasp came out of me at the first one I saw. And let’s not forget her little role in this story, she fooled everyone like an empress 🤭
┆ “If some group of bandits found you tromping about alone and decided to take you hostage and bring you back to their leader.”
“One could only wish that something exciting like that would happen.”┆
Tella– See, this book gave me a lot more reasons to hate Tella 🫶🏽 I used to love her a lot, but then I realized she was merely a reckless, impulsive girl who seeks entertainment and fun wherever she goes. As I said earlier, And especially when the whole premise of the book was about her trying to keep the love of her life. And ain’t no way this girl asked her sister to change the DATE of a whole HOLIDAY because she didn’t have a gift for her man. Get a grip!! Get some help!! But anyway, she’s pretty too and her little doodle thoughts of her and Legend were cute 😚
┆ “You really think everything is about you.”
“Only because it usually is.”┆
Legend– Sigh, I’m always really conflicted about what I think about this guy. I like him, but then again I don’t? He belongs in a dark romance book– that’s what his vibe and actions give off.
┆ “Everyone at the party looked lovely, but Scarlett thought Julian Santos was the most dashing of all.”┆
︵࣪ ˖ ໒꒱ thoughts
╰› 3.5, I think that quote enough explains the main reason I read this book, although it was not the focus of it !! Gosh, it was so much fun being back into the world of Caraval with all these characters, I really got nostalgia 🥹 Caraval was my second romantasy series, and it was one of the books that got me into reading– despite the controversial opinions. Stephanie Garber’s books bring me such comfort and fill me with so much love, I don’t know how to explain it. Her books have to be laced with something because I am ADDICTED. AND HELLO, THE ILLUSTRATIONS?? ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO ROSIE.
I just think the whole plot of this story was a little silly & . And I'm not the biggest fan of Tellalegend, which may explain my bias... but if it weren't for Scarjulian & the nostalgia I felt, I think this book would have been a 2/2.5 because some of this was creepy!
We got two Scarjulian moments 💔 AND I AM HERE TO CRUSH EVERY DREAM OF MY FELLOW OUABH LOVERS WHO HAD HOPE –
There is no Evajacks cameo.
︵࣪ ˖ ໒꒱ characters
┆ “You look devastating, Crimson.”┆
╰› Julian– Julian Santos, the man that you are 😍😍 Julian is actually my first ever book boyfriend, and who can blame me?? This man is one of the most scrumptious men I’ve ever seen in my life, and he’s not even real! HIS ILLUSTRATIONS HAVE ME GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET. HE LOOKS EVEN BETTER THAN I IMAGINED??? HIS PONYTAIL HAS ME SCREAMING INTO MY PILLOW AND CRYING TO GOD. HE'S SO FINE. PLEASE GET ME A MAN WHO LOOKS ABSURDLY DASHING IN GREEN, JULIAN SANTOS, NO BORAX, NO INK ON PAPER.
┆ “Being a ridiculous amount of trouble is not the same as being invincible.”┆
Scarlett– My favorite sister<3 Scarlett is so iconic, and she’s such a bundle of joy, I just love her. I love how she’s doing EVERYTHING she can for the Holiday and how invested and dedicated she issss 🥹 she’s so cute and her illustrations are SO beautiful?? A little gasp came out of me at the first one I saw. And let’s not forget her little role in this story, she fooled everyone like an empress 🤭
┆ “If some group of bandits found you tromping about alone and decided to take you hostage and bring you back to their leader.”
“One could only wish that something exciting like that would happen.”┆
Tella– See, this book gave me a lot more reasons to hate Tella 🫶🏽 I used to love her a lot, but then I realized she was merely a reckless, impulsive girl who seeks entertainment and fun wherever she goes. As I said earlier, And especially when the whole premise of the book was about her trying to keep the love of her life. And ain’t no way this girl asked her sister to change the DATE of a whole HOLIDAY because she didn’t have a gift for her man. Get a grip!! Get some help!! But anyway, she’s pretty too and her little doodle thoughts of her and Legend were cute 😚
┆ “You really think everything is about you.”
“Only because it usually is.”┆
Legend– Sigh, I’m always really conflicted about what I think about this guy. I like him, but then again I don’t? He belongs in a dark romance book– that’s what his vibe and actions give off.
October 28, 2024
Spectacular, give me 14 of them right now. (frtc maybe 💋)
pre read:
I couldn't be more excited omg Stephanie ily 💖 scarlett and julian are my babies 🥺 also SO EXCITED FOR THE ILLUSTRATIONS 😍
pre read:
I couldn't be more excited omg Stephanie ily 💖 scarlett and julian are my babies 🥺 also SO EXCITED FOR THE ILLUSTRATIONS 😍
Want to read
January 8, 2024I NEED TO SEE MY BABYGIRL JACKS PLS
SCARLETTJULIAN AND TELLALEGEND ARE GONNA COME BACK YALL OMGG
SCARLETTJULIAN AND TELLALEGEND ARE GONNA COME BACK YALL OMGG
November 7, 2024
₊‧ ୨୧ 3 stars ◞♡
there was no jacks. i am sad.
────୨ৎ────
there was no jacks. i am sad.
────୨ৎ────
Shelved as 'fall-24-reads'
October 28, 2024UPDATE!!
THIS IS A SCAMMMM THERES NO JACKS AAAAA!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
first off lets talk about this gorgeous cover 😍 and second this literally comes out around my birthdayokay so like several days later but close enough super excited for this i need more evajacks, scarlian, chaos and lala!! ooo I can already tell this is going to be a good one 🤭 WHO'S W/ ME IF THERES NO JACKS CAMEO!!! 🔪
THIS IS A SCAMMMM THERES NO JACKS AAAAA!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
first off lets talk about this gorgeous cover 😍 and second this literally comes out around my birthday
October 29, 2024
⋆⁺₊❅. post-read
finished 10/22/24
the scarjulian CRUMBS😭😭 the novella shouldn’t been about them fr. But I love tellalegend ofc and the aesthetic was everything!! review to come ❄️
finished 10/22/24
the scarjulian CRUMBS😭😭 the novella shouldn’t been about them fr. But I love tellalegend ofc and the aesthetic was everything!! review to come ❄️
October 24, 2024
*crickets chirping*
the art was gorgeous tho
the art was gorgeous tho
October 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
spectacular: a caraval novella review
note: this review may contain spoilers for the caraval trilogy, proceed with caution!
this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024—despite it only being a novella, i absolutely adore this universe and even just a slight glimpse back into it really made my day so much better. this book felt like a warm hug, like coming back home; i really do think i could read stephanie’s writing for hours and never tire of it. her books aren’t exactly the finest literature, but they are truly something else.
the characters ౨ৎ
ᯓ★ donatella - surprisingly, she wasn’t as insufferable in this novella than she was in the last books. i’m not exactly tella’s biggest fan, but even i can’t help but admire her character development in the later books. even though she made some…questionable choices in the second half of this book, i still found her very enjoyable to read about and really appreciated her character.
ᯓ★ legend - okayyyy so…listen up. y’all i want to preface this by saying i was legend’s number one fan in the caraval trilogy. YES, i know that he’s hate and YES i know that he made some selfish decisions, but idc i still love him so much, he’s so hot and bbg omllll 💌 and while that hasn’t changed, some of the things he did in this book really made me uncomfortable. like to be honest, the entire book just felt really strange and the concept could’ve been…handled better. he still made me swoon but i also…lowkey…got the ick 🙈 i still love him but i wish this book made his actions different because he just wasn’t it tbh.
ᯓ★ julian - MY BABYYYYYYYY ugh we were ROBBED of him in this book, i honestly feel like we got more julian content in the bonus epilogue than in all of this book combined. which is literally criminal—i know stephanie garber has a “soft spot” for tellalegend (which honestly i do too) but she seriously neglects scarjulian in the process! they deserve all of the love in the world, and julian was absolutely priceless in this (he was very handsome in green, i’m sure 🤭)
ᯓ★ scarlett - my soul sister. she is me and i am her. if i see any of y’all hating on her just know you may not live to see another day. end of story.
the plot ౨ৎ
the plot was so nice to read about it! of course, since it was a christmas novella it was very whimsical and lighthearted; and thus, the plot was also heavily romance based. i was perfectly okay with it. more than okay, in fact—stephanie garber could write a thousand pages of tella and legend literally doing nothing and i would eat it up like it was homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. i also love how there still managed to be plot twists sprinkled throughout even though it was only a novella. it was soso freaking cute <33
the ships ౨ৎ
ᯓ★ tellalegend - as i’ve said earlier, they were nice to read about, but some of their scenes were really uncomfortable and almost crossed a line. i’m not going to delve into too much due to spoilers, but i honestly thought a lot of scenes were really unnecessary and could have been handled muchhh better. kind of disappointing if i’m being honest.
ᯓ★ scarjulian - PERFECT AS ALWAYSSSSSSS, they’re literally my children what the actual heck guys?
ᯓ★ evajacks - okay, i know that they weren’t in this book (at all) but i’m still so excited for a potential crossover!! stephanie has heavily hinted at it now and i won’t lie, my hopes are really getting high now. pleaseeeeeee i need more evajacks content AHHHHHHHH
the art ౨ৎ
i honestly need a separate section just for the art bcs honestly—it was amazing. rosie never fails to disappoint—the way i SQUEALED when i saw she was illustrating the novella, it was insane. she drew the characters exactly the way i imagined them; y’all should really check her out if you haven’t already because my gosh, that woman is talented.
all in all: this was the perfect novella to kickstart the holidays, full of cute and swoony moments!
side note: can y’all believe i actually wrote a review within two days of reading the book?! crazy shit guys 😝
spectacular: a caraval novella review
note: this review may contain spoilers for the caraval trilogy, proceed with caution!
this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024—despite it only being a novella, i absolutely adore this universe and even just a slight glimpse back into it really made my day so much better. this book felt like a warm hug, like coming back home; i really do think i could read stephanie’s writing for hours and never tire of it. her books aren’t exactly the finest literature, but they are truly something else.
the characters ౨ৎ
ᯓ★ donatella - surprisingly, she wasn’t as insufferable in this novella than she was in the last books. i’m not exactly tella’s biggest fan, but even i can’t help but admire her character development in the later books. even though she made some…questionable choices in the second half of this book, i still found her very enjoyable to read about and really appreciated her character.
ᯓ★ legend - okayyyy so…listen up. y’all i want to preface this by saying i was legend’s number one fan in the caraval trilogy. YES, i know that he’s hate and YES i know that he made some selfish decisions, but idc i still love him so much, he’s so hot and bbg omllll 💌 and while that hasn’t changed, some of the things he did in this book really made me uncomfortable. like to be honest, the entire book just felt really strange and the concept could’ve been…handled better. he still made me swoon but i also…lowkey…got the ick 🙈 i still love him but i wish this book made his actions different because he just wasn’t it tbh.
ᯓ★ julian - MY BABYYYYYYYY ugh we were ROBBED of him in this book, i honestly feel like we got more julian content in the bonus epilogue than in all of this book combined. which is literally criminal—i know stephanie garber has a “soft spot” for tellalegend (which honestly i do too) but she seriously neglects scarjulian in the process! they deserve all of the love in the world, and julian was absolutely priceless in this (he was very handsome in green, i’m sure 🤭)
ᯓ★ scarlett - my soul sister. she is me and i am her. if i see any of y’all hating on her just know you may not live to see another day. end of story.
the plot ౨ৎ
the plot was so nice to read about it! of course, since it was a christmas novella it was very whimsical and lighthearted; and thus, the plot was also heavily romance based. i was perfectly okay with it. more than okay, in fact—stephanie garber could write a thousand pages of tella and legend literally doing nothing and i would eat it up like it was homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. i also love how there still managed to be plot twists sprinkled throughout even though it was only a novella. it was soso freaking cute <33
the ships ౨ৎ
ᯓ★ tellalegend - as i’ve said earlier, they were nice to read about, but some of their scenes were really uncomfortable and almost crossed a line. i’m not going to delve into too much due to spoilers, but i honestly thought a lot of scenes were really unnecessary and could have been handled muchhh better. kind of disappointing if i’m being honest.
ᯓ★ scarjulian - PERFECT AS ALWAYSSSSSSS, they’re literally my children what the actual heck guys?
ᯓ★ evajacks - okay, i know that they weren’t in this book (at all) but i’m still so excited for a potential crossover!! stephanie has heavily hinted at it now and i won’t lie, my hopes are really getting high now. pleaseeeeeee i need more evajacks content AHHHHHHHH
the art ౨ৎ
i honestly need a separate section just for the art bcs honestly—it was amazing. rosie never fails to disappoint—the way i SQUEALED when i saw she was illustrating the novella, it was insane. she drew the characters exactly the way i imagined them; y’all should really check her out if you haven’t already because my gosh, that woman is talented.
all in all: this was the perfect novella to kickstart the holidays, full of cute and swoony moments!
side note: can y’all believe i actually wrote a review within two days of reading the book?! crazy shit guys 😝
Want to read
October 25, 2024╰⊱ pre-read review:
jacks? are you in here???
╰⊱ edit 1
edit: IM SEEING MY HUSBAND JACKS VERY SOOONNNNNNNNN!
╰⊱ edit 2
ONE MORE MONTH 🙏🏻🙏🏻
╰⊱ edit 3
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? JACK IS NOT EVEN IN THE BOOK. NO I DIDNT READ IT I JUST FLIPPED THROUGH IT. ENOUGH DONTELLA I DONT WANT NO DONTELLA, STEPHANIE MORE JACKS. MORE JACKS. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
jacks? are you in here???
╰⊱ edit 1
edit: IM SEEING MY HUSBAND JACKS VERY SOOONNNNNNNNN!
╰⊱ edit 2
ONE MORE MONTH 🙏🏻🙏🏻
╰⊱ edit 3
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? JACK IS NOT EVEN IN THE BOOK. NO I DIDNT READ IT I JUST FLIPPED THROUGH IT. ENOUGH DONTELLA I DONT WANT NO DONTELLA, STEPHANIE MORE JACKS. MORE JACKS. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
October 24, 2024
⊹˚˖❄️⁺ ₊˚ 5 stars.
STEPHANIE, JUST TAKE ALL OF MY STARS - IM BEGGING YOU. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
࿐ this review does not include spoilers but just for the record, there aren’t any evajacks cameos you yappers!
this review is going to be shorter than my typical ones since this is a teeny weeny novella, which i do not normally write reviews for. anywho..
this novella seriously gave me such a strong sense of nostalgia, not only for stephanie garbers enthralling writing, but for the characters whom i love so much!! it really reminded me of how much i loved reading about this universe (even though its only been a little bit over a year since i was introduced to it) so i was filled with so much awe and sentiment while reading. the way holiday elements like presents, elves, and familiar christmas candy were weaved into the story made it seem even more enchanting, and i was so immersed into the magical worldbuilding in account of stephanie garber’s hooking writing! not only were these two factors excellent, but they were supported by incredible illustrations by rosie fowinkle that presented valenda and the characters so exceptionally.
the sheer amount of giggles that were giggled while reading this was definitely a sight to behold, probably making me look even more bonkers. as a person whos favorite couple in the series was tellalegend—stop booing me, i know they aren’t the favored couple—i found that i thoroughly enjoyed this. this book zooms in on tella and legends relationship, primarily focusing on tella’s character and an ambitious adventure she embarks on here! i personally loved this a lot, and the chemistry between tella and legend induced much needed feet-kicking, blushing, gasping, and more giggling. although it was brief, the way we see scarlett and julian’s relationship presented here was so wholesome, and it was so touching to see their growth in the relationship.
in conclusion, it lived up to my expectations and beyond. the book was very simple (well duh, its a novella) which was a really good feature, since i haven’t read the caraval series in more than a year. when necessary, footnotes were provided that helped me remember a few relevant characters and aspects of the world! adding onto this, it was really lighthearted and cute in content, being exactly what i needed to fully get out of my recent slump. this was the perfect follow-up to finale, and i already miss all the characters *sniffles*. it was so fun to re-escape into the world of caraval even if it was only for 200 pages, and i would like a thousand more books surrounding it, thanks.
STEPHANIE, JUST TAKE ALL OF MY STARS - IM BEGGING YOU. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
࿐ this review does not include spoilers but just for the record, there aren’t any evajacks cameos you yappers!
this review is going to be shorter than my typical ones since this is a teeny weeny novella, which i do not normally write reviews for. anywho..
this novella seriously gave me such a strong sense of nostalgia, not only for stephanie garbers enthralling writing, but for the characters whom i love so much!! it really reminded me of how much i loved reading about this universe (even though its only been a little bit over a year since i was introduced to it) so i was filled with so much awe and sentiment while reading. the way holiday elements like presents, elves, and familiar christmas candy were weaved into the story made it seem even more enchanting, and i was so immersed into the magical worldbuilding in account of stephanie garber’s hooking writing! not only were these two factors excellent, but they were supported by incredible illustrations by rosie fowinkle that presented valenda and the characters so exceptionally.
the sheer amount of giggles that were giggled while reading this was definitely a sight to behold, probably making me look even more bonkers. as a person whos favorite couple in the series was tellalegend—stop booing me, i know they aren’t the favored couple—i found that i thoroughly enjoyed this. this book zooms in on tella and legends relationship, primarily focusing on tella’s character and an ambitious adventure she embarks on here! i personally loved this a lot, and the chemistry between tella and legend induced much needed feet-kicking, blushing, gasping, and more giggling. although it was brief, the way we see scarlett and julian’s relationship presented here was so wholesome, and it was so touching to see their growth in the relationship.
in conclusion, it lived up to my expectations and beyond. the book was very simple (well duh, its a novella) which was a really good feature, since i haven’t read the caraval series in more than a year. when necessary, footnotes were provided that helped me remember a few relevant characters and aspects of the world! adding onto this, it was really lighthearted and cute in content, being exactly what i needed to fully get out of my recent slump. this was the perfect follow-up to finale, and i already miss all the characters *sniffles*. it was so fun to re-escape into the world of caraval even if it was only for 200 pages, and i would like a thousand more books surrounding it, thanks.
November 1, 2024
post read🎄
scarjulian walked so tellalegend could run so evajacks COULD SOAR HIGH ABOVE THE CLOUDS🦅🦅
but YALL!!! in the bonus epilogue they talk abt going to the magnificent north (where once upon a broken heart is set) and playing their version of caraval…
EVAJACKS + SCARJULIAN + TELLALEGEND CROSSOVER 2025???
pre read🎄
i don’t think y’all understand how much i need this…
scarjulian walked so tellalegend could run so evajacks COULD SOAR HIGH ABOVE THE CLOUDS🦅🦅
but YALL!!! in the bonus epilogue they talk abt going to the magnificent north (where once upon a broken heart is set) and playing their version of caraval…
EVAJACKS + SCARJULIAN + TELLALEGEND CROSSOVER 2025???
pre read🎄
i don’t think y’all understand how much i need this…
October 23, 2024
⭑ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒
1.5 stars
Stephanie, honey, I promise you nobody wanted to read a novella about donatella and her fuck ass clown. Save that shit for the circus
Sincerely,
Tellalegend’s biggest
hater <3
1.5 stars
Stephanie, honey, I promise you nobody wanted to read a novella about donatella and her fuck ass clown. Save that shit for the circus
Sincerely,
Tellalegend’s biggest
hater <3
November 12, 2024
so... this is truly one of the most beautiful books i've ever seen. from dust jacket, to naked book, to end pages, to all the illustrations inside, even to how it's formatted - perfection. also, the atmosphere is absolutely perfect, and truly will get you into the holiday spirit! but this actual story? what even did i just read lol >.<
2.5 because i loved the reading experience of this - but mini review to come soon!
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
1.) Caraval ★★★★
2.) Legendary ★★★★
3.) Finale ★★
1.) Once Upon a Broken Heart ★★★★
2.) The Ballad of Never After ★★★★
3.) A Curse for True Love ★★
2.5 because i loved the reading experience of this - but mini review to come soon!
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
1.) Caraval ★★★★
2.) Legendary ★★★★
3.) Finale ★★
1.) Once Upon a Broken Heart ★★★★
2.) The Ballad of Never After ★★★★
3.) A Curse for True Love ★★
October 27, 2024
2★
10/26/24:
Lowering my rating to 2 stars because thinking back on this book I realized that the whole kidnapping thing was not it and was weird like I glossed over it cause I was like trying to pretend it didn’t happen, but I don’t like that this was the focus of the plot at all😃
main thoughts:
I binged this novella in two hours it was fun I won’t lie, but I do think this could have been even better then it was. I ate up the two julian and scarlet crumbs we were given they carried the whole novella for me I love and missed them so much🤭 at least we got to hear the words “crimson”come out of julian’s mouth again. I honestly wish this whole novella wasn’t mostly about tella and legend,but I managed to get through it and her pov wasn’t that bad.
✼
I do think the author could have made it involve other characters and branch out a little more if that makes sense, but this was still a fun holiday time and it’s super easy to read and the pictures were fun to look at.
extra:
Should I maybe have reread the caraval series before this novella? Possibly because I forgot some things about the sisters and I probably would have loved this even more, but it could have been worse so I’m trying not to complain too much here.This definitely felt nostalgic from when I first read about these characters and the magical setting/world they live in.
pre review:
small rtc later
pre read:
omg i’m so ready for this🤭
10/26/24:
Lowering my rating to 2 stars because thinking back on this book I realized that the whole kidnapping thing was not it and was weird like I glossed over it cause I was like trying to pretend it didn’t happen, but I don’t like that this was the focus of the plot at all😃
main thoughts:
I binged this novella in two hours it was fun I won’t lie, but I do think this could have been even better then it was. I ate up the two julian and scarlet crumbs we were given they carried the whole novella for me I love and missed them so much🤭 at least we got to hear the words “crimson”come out of julian’s mouth again. I honestly wish this whole novella wasn’t mostly about tella and legend,but I managed to get through it and her pov wasn’t that bad.
✼
I do think the author could have made it involve other characters and branch out a little more if that makes sense, but this was still a fun holiday time and it’s super easy to read and the pictures were fun to look at.
extra:
Should I maybe have reread the caraval series before this novella? Possibly because I forgot some things about the sisters and I probably would have loved this even more, but it could have been worse so I’m trying not to complain too much here.This definitely felt nostalgic from when I first read about these characters and the magical setting/world they live in.
pre review:
small rtc later
pre read:
omg i’m so ready for this🤭
November 4, 2024
4.5 ☆ ! 💋
"does this mean you actually love the great holiday after all?"
"no, donatella. I just love you."
♫ | all I want for christmas is you
I just want you for my own,
more than you could ever know
☃️ my thoughts!
brb, just cracking myself up over my song choice hahaha. (but let's be so for real, no song fits this book better.) I NEED MORE! that was over way way way too soon helpppp! tella and legend's chemistry is unmatched, and we got scarjulian crumbs per the usual. I wanted to see more of my babies! still, legend is so hot for doing all that for tella. I loved the Christmas vibes too, im deff rereading this in december! all in all this was a perf little holiday novella, many thanks to our queen stephanie garber!
xoxo, Ava <3
⊱✿⊰
quotes:
I might have outgrown toys, but I hope to never outgrow joy and dressing up and giving gifts.
tella had a fleeting thought that the phrase 'tall, dark, and handsome' needed to be changed to 'tall, dark, and legend'. // I CACKLED OMG
"none of your business"
"you're always my business, dontella" // HELP THE WAY HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO CALLS HER THAT
"you look devasting, crimson" // I need someone to tell me I look devasting ahhh
-
🎁 pre read:
babe wake up, Stephanie Garber is releasing a Caraval Holiday Novella 🤭🤍
"does this mean you actually love the great holiday after all?"
"no, donatella. I just love you."
♫ | all I want for christmas is you
I just want you for my own,
more than you could ever know
☃️ my thoughts!
brb, just cracking myself up over my song choice hahaha. (but let's be so for real, no song fits this book better.) I NEED MORE! that was over way way way too soon helpppp! tella and legend's chemistry is unmatched, and we got scarjulian crumbs per the usual. I wanted to see more of my babies! still, legend is so hot for doing all that for tella. I loved the Christmas vibes too, im deff rereading this in december! all in all this was a perf little holiday novella, many thanks to our queen stephanie garber!
xoxo, Ava <3
⊱✿⊰
quotes:
I might have outgrown toys, but I hope to never outgrow joy and dressing up and giving gifts.
tella had a fleeting thought that the phrase 'tall, dark, and handsome' needed to be changed to 'tall, dark, and legend'. // I CACKLED OMG
"none of your business"
"you're always my business, dontella" // HELP THE WAY HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO CALLS HER THAT
"you look devasting, crimson" // I need someone to tell me I look devasting ahhh
-
🎁 pre read:
babe wake up, Stephanie Garber is releasing a Caraval Holiday Novella 🤭🤍
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