wow i loved this

I did indeed read it in the wrong order (i read the spin off series, once upon a broken heart, first) but i honestly think it was fine and sorta thought it was cute how i could see the connection to characters retroactively.

Scarlett and her twin have sent a letter to an annual festival runner, 'Legend', every year since they were young. The festival is fantastic and magical but exclusive and full of tricky riddles and mazes but if you win the festival you receive a wish. This year, they finally receive a response and invitation but it feels too late for Scarlett. She's the responsible sister and her arranged marriage is only days away, it's too late now for her childish dreams. However, her twin, Donatella, is carefree and wild and demands they escape their horrible father and situation. Donatella arranges a kidnapping with her most recent man, a sailor named Julian, and they whisk Scarlett away to the festival against her will but when they arrive they're separated and now Scarlett yet again has to be the responsible one and get them out of trouble. Can she find her sister and win the festival before it's too late?

I loveedddd this book! This is what YA used to be!!! The magic! the mystique! The drama! I love the high fantasy vibes and fancy dresses, it's very disney fantasy-esque with wishes and curses and true love and I! Ate! It! Up! I loved the mystery and riddles of the festival. I loved the carnival vibes and spooky threat of it all. I was surprised with every twist and turn and honestly will now read anything Stephanie Garber writes this was delicious.