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Caraval Reading Order.

Quick Answer

Start with Caraval (2017).

The complete reading order for the Caraval series by Stephanie Garber. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Where to start

Start with Caraval (2017).

  • •Once Upon a Broken Heart is set in the same world and features Jacks; read Caraval first.

Community Consensus

Low Debate

"Caraval is the first book in a series, likely a trilogy, based on references to 'the next two books.' The first installment is generally well-regarded for its world-building and magic, although the quality of the sequels is noted as being weaker by at least one reader."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with Caraval (Book 1 of the series).

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order3 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Caraval

Pub: 2017

Scarlett must find her sister Tella before the five nights of Caraval are over or lose her forever. (Ages 13 to 17)

2

Legendary

Pub: 2018

Plot details hidden until you finish "Caraval".

Having made a deal with a criminal to save her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage, Tella must win Caraval and uncover Legend's identity, or risk losing everything, including her life. Swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. But Tella isn't yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend's true name. To win Caraval, Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more-- and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets... including her sister's. If Tella can't deliver Legend's name, she'll lose everything-- maybe even her life.

3

Finale

Pub: 2019

Plot details hidden until you finish "Legendary".

Welcome, welcome to Finale, the third and final book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series! Welcome, welcome to Caraval...all games must come to an end. It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne. Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finaly, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all. Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun―with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win...and those who will lose everything.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Caraval in?

Start with Caraval (2017).

How many books are in Caraval?

3 main books, published 2017–2019.

Can I read Caraval out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.