Caraval

I've been hearing about this one since BEA 2016 and I added it to the TBR list because it promises many of the elements I love in a story: magic, games, smart women fighting for something they believe in, and sister power. Yeah, not so much. It's another romance draped in pretty dresses. And that is okay if that is what you want to read about. I don't. Like, ever. The world building had the potential to be brilliant here, but falls flat. We don't get to see much of the world when the protag is having sweaty pissed off kissy scenes in the alley. Other players? Yeah, we don't get to meet them either. More explanation about all of the cool stuff people are buying at Caraval? Nope. It works off the island? Add that it leaves off on a much predicted sequel cliff-hanger...yawn.Here is what I suggest, leave this one be and read [b:Three Dark Crowns 28374007 Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns, #1) Kendare Blake https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1469265712l/28374007.SY75.jpg 42750582] or [b:The Night Circus 9361589 The Night Circus Erin Morgenstern https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387124618l/9361589.SY75.jpg 14245059] instead. Also, for AMAZING world building, I recommend [b:The Archived 10929432 The Archived (The Archived, #1) Victoria Schwab https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1338729878l/10929432.SX50.jpg 15846509] . I am also guilty of telling 3 people I was reading Carvel, so I now realize my delicious mistake. Sorry!