(2) YA After her stepsister steals her beau, Evangeline seeks out supernatural intervention to stop their wedding. The Prince of Hearts (Jacks, a charismatic Fate whose kiss is deadly to all but his true love) agrees, demanding as payment that Evangeline kiss three people of his choosing. At the ball where Crown Prince Apollo will choose his bride, Jacks assigns the first kiss, and it's with the prince himself. Instantly Prince Apollo is--magically?--smitten. But where do all these strings Jacks is pulling ultimately lead? Garber's (Caraval, rev. 3/17, and sequels) take on a fairy-tale setting is fresh and vigorous, with lush atmospherics, a protagonist who believes in impossible endings, and a magnetic Prince of Hearts whose connection to Evangeline becomes more compelling the more they see of each other, even as she grows to doubt his ­trustworthiness. Political intrigue (both mortal and immortal) adds a swirl of ­exhilaration to the plot.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021

(2) YA Scarlett has always dreamed of attending the fantastical scavenger hunt Caraval. When she gets her chance, Scarlett grows convinced that the clues will lead to her missing sister. The suspenseful story is a bit too twisty-turny, but readers invested in the sisters' fates (and the outcome of steamy tension between Scarlett and companion Julian) will enjoy the ride through this darkly beautiful magical world.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2017