She wrote several novels and received many rejections until her fourth book, a space opera, caught the interest of a literary agent.

Caraval received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which stated, "intriguing characters, an imaginative setting, and evocative writing combine to create a spellbinding tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and hope",[6] while Caitlin Paxson of NPR wrote that "ultimately, the message of Caraval ends up muddled.

[11] Kirkus Reviews criticized Legendary's "weak plot and ultraviolet prose" but praised it as "a tour de force of imagination.

"[12] School Library Journal wrote, "While this second installment does not stand on its own—readers will need to be familiar with the characters, events, and world-building of the previous book to fully understand and appreciate this one—fans will be delighted to spend more time with Tella, Dante, and Scarlett, and to immerse themselves again into Garber's magical world".

[13] The third book in the Caraval trilogy, Finale, was reviewed by Kirkus as "overwritten, with overly convenient worldbuilding that struggles nearly as much as the overwrought prose and convoluted plot".