Review: Legendary by Stephanie Garber
“Other people might underestimate you, Donatella, but I don’t.”
The Basics
Title: Legendary (Caraval #2)
Author: Stephanie Garber
Published: 2018
Publisher: Flatiron Books — Macmillan
Pages: 443
Format: Hardcover
Genres: Fiction — Fantasy, High fantasy, Romance, Fantasy romance, Young adult, Young adult fantasy
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Book Synopsis
To hold up her end of the bargain with her mysterious “friend,” Tella must once again be a part of Caraval. Only this time, she has to be a participant, for her end of the bargain entails uncovering Legend’s true name…and the only way to do that is to win the game. But winning Caraval will come at a steep cost and bring to light a secret that has the potential to shatter her heart.
My Review & Overall Thoughts
TLDR: No second book slump here – Legendary is even better than Caraval.
Legendary is not as good as Caraval. It is better. It has more magic, intrigue, world building, and of course, romance. New characters, including one of the most memorable of the series, are introduced, and our knowledge of existing characters is expanded. In short, it is a thoroughly engrossing story that will have you hooked from the very first page.
One of the most striking aspects of this book is that it is written from Tella’s, not Scarlett’s, point of view. Tella has little screen, or rather page, time in Caraval, so it is a treat to see her take center stage in this book. We gain insight into the inner workings of her mind, as well as witness firsthand just how courageous and selfless she can be. She might have played a supporting role in Caraval, but in Legendary, we see that she is a leading lady in her own right.
Legendary also introduces us to Jacks, one of the most interesting villains I have come across in quite some time. As one of the immortal Fates, he is devilishly handsome but also cruel and cunning. In spite of his fearsome reputation, you get the sense that there is more to him than meets the eye, and this complexity is what makes him so intriguing. Unlike the villains of most stories, he is not purely evil; there are some glimmers of good (or at least, potential for good) in him.
This book also deepens our understanding of another grey character: Legend. After much buildup, the shroud of mystery surrounding his identity is finally lifted, and the reveal is perfectly executed. You will be wondering right up to that moment who Legend is. Is it Julian? Dante? Or someone else entirely?
Other aspects of the plot will also have you frequently questioning yourself. As was true in Caraval, the boundary between reality and make-believe is a bit fuzzy in Legendary. Much like Tella, you will constantly be wondering whether what is happening is actually happening or if it is just a part of Legend’s game. And there are so many twists and big reveals that you are never at risk of boredom; the story retains your interest throughout its entirety.
One of the most captivating parts of the story is the romance between Tella and Dante. The chemistry between them is palpable, and they have a wonderful dynamic, replete with plenty of playful banter and swoon-worthy interactions. It is a slow-burn romance, where you are left wondering if they will end up together right up until the end of the book.
Plot and characters aside, Legendary excels at world expansion. In this book, we journey to a hitherto unexplored part of the Caraval universe: the capital city of Valenda. With “sky carriages” (cable cars to us non-Valendans) and such intriguing-sounding neighborhoods as the Spice Quarter and Temple District, it is a wonderfully magical setting, and through her well-penned descriptions, Garber brings the city to life. As you read the story, you feel as though you, not Tella, are the one getting lost in its labyrinthine streets and alleyways.
The not so good
More Jacks! He is such an interesting character, and I would have liked to have seen more of him in this book. Scarlett is not featured much in this book either, but to be fair, Legendary is intended to be Tella’s story first and foremost. I am sure both Jacks and Scarlett will be back in the next book, Finale, and perhaps they will have larger roles in that story.
Overall
What a delightful read! Legendary continues the Dragna sisters’ story and leaves you eager for more. I will waste no time in picking up Finale.
Have you read Legendary? If so, let me know what you thought of it in the comments section below!
