Caraval

I'm sad to say I was very disappointed by this book after the hype on bookstagram. I enjoyed the idea of a magical island with a mysterious and somewhat crazy man as its puppetmaster. But then I started to get annoyed by things. So many things. The whole cliché of kissing in the rain while wearing a wedding dress, after chapters of “will they won't they”. The bland personality of the main character who is too busy with how she looks to think straight. Add to that the stupidity of hiding from someone in tunnels when you've already encountered this person in there before. And then act surprised when they catch you in there.. it was just too much for me. The general stupidity reminded me of Dan Browns books; the WOW, THIS IS BRILLIANT moments when there is really nothing special happening except the use of common sense. It's supposed to be a book about sisterly love, but I just didn't feel any connection between the two sisters. They were both too busy falling in love with cute boys within a week. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I can't give this more than 2 stars. I thought about adding another star for the magical dress, but since it didn't make another appearance after it was unceremoniously ditched for a regular dress, I couldn't. I did finish it though, so 2 stars it is!