Caraval

Caraval is by Stephanie Garber. The first in the Carval fantasy trilogy; this story is deep and dark and a total joy to read. Carval is a mystical performance held yearly by the mysterious Legend. You are invited to join the performance by invitation only, although many come just to watch. Scarlett has always wanted to attend a performance and for years has written to Legend to seek an invitation. On the eve of her arranged marriage to a man she has never met, she receives the long-awaited invitation. Enlisting the aid of a young sailor named Julian, Scarlett's sister Tella arranges for them to sneak away from their abusive father and head to Caraval. The minute they arrive Tella is kidnapped and Scarlett discovers Legend has made Tella a part of this year's performance. The first to find her wins. Scarlett and Julian rush to decipher the mysterious clues that will enable her to win the game and find her sister before it is too late. A magnificently plotted and original work. I can't wait for the next book in the series. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).