Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval, #2
Genre/Age: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads
A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.When I read Caraval, I absolutely fell in love with the magic of the world, as well as the swoon-worthy romance. Legendary did not let me down in delivering the same magic and romance, and much more!
After being 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. The girls should be celebrating, 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.
The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so 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. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.
Welcome, welcome to Caraval...the games have only just begun.
While Caraval follows Scarlet's journey at Caraval, Legendary follows Tella's journey at the next Caraval - this one taking place away from Legend's island with far bigger stakes. While I found Tella mostly reckless and untrustworthy in Caraval, I really enjoyed her perspective once the book got into the swing of things. Where Scarlet is logical, Tella follows her heart, even when it might not be the most wise decision. Tella is bold and headstrong, which lead her on a far different kind of journey than Scarlet's. I really enjoyed Tella's attitude throughout the book and the magic that came with it.
Speaking of magic, while Caraval focuses on Legend's magic and cunning, Legendary takes it a step farther and explores more of the history of Legend, particularly the Fates and how he got his powers. I really enjoyed diving deeper into this history and how it unfolded throughout the book - it certainly set up a lot of exciting things for the next book! Besides the literal magic, I found the romance absolutely magical as well! I loved watching it unfold and I'm really excited to see what happens next.
While Scarlet wasn't the main focus of the book, she was present and had her own storyline throughout. Honestly, I kind of would have liked to have more of Scarlet's storyline revealed since she seemed to be up to some interesting things. Hopefully those secrets will be revealed in the next installment!
Overall, I really enjoyed this second installment in the Caraval series. This series is so magical and filled with wonder, and it's so easy to read. While some may be turned off by the fact that it's a fantasy book, it's not as complex as a traditional fantasy novel - it kind of reads a bit like romance with magical realism. I'm a huge fan of circus-esque books and this one is no exception. I definitely recommend this series to readers looking for a bit of magic and intrigue mixed with romance.
If you could create a constellation, what would it look like?
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How fun to see a review from you, Kiersten! :) Glad to hear that Legendary was such a worthy follow-up to Caraval (no second book syndrome!). Tella sounds like the opposite of Scarlet so that had to make it a different kind of story, with her being much more headstrong. Great review!
ReplyDeleteTanya @ Girl Plus Books
It was definitely a strong sequel! The girls are really different, so I think the final book with both POVs is going to be super interesting.
DeleteI loved Legendary too, especially the way the Fates were incorporated into the story and into the overall history of Caraval. Can't wait for the next book. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThe Fates was such a cool and unexpected addition to the world!
DeleteI am so glad that you enjoyed this one. I ended up DNFing it because I was just not feeling it. I might go back to it at some point. It gives me hope to see that you found it enjoyable. :)
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see how it might not groove for everyone - I think it takes a little while to get into and you have to be in the mood for it. Hopefully when you're feeling it more you'll enjoy it!
DeleteI need to start this series. I hear good things.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it! It's really fun and magical.
DeleteI want to check out this series so badly. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteKrystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Yes! You definitely should. I'm a huge fan of like witchy carnival-esque things, so this was right up my alley.
DeleteI have Caraval sitting on my audible account and I know I need to get to it! Glad to hear the follow up was good too!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it when you get around to it!
DeleteI'm excited for this one, I actually wanted more of Tella in Caraval. I'm glad the author dives more into the history in this one.
ReplyDeleteWell you'll definitely get more Tella in this one! The history is so cool, I'm really happy that she went deeper than just the magical game theme from book one.
DeleteI've been reading good and not-so-good reviews of this, but I still find myself curious about the circus!
ReplyDeleteYea, I think you definitely have to be in the right mood for this one. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a shot!
DeleteI can't wait to learn more about Legend! I'm hoping to get to this one this summer!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it!!
DeleteI cannot wait to read this book.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have been seeing only positive things about this book, a lot of the reviews I have read make it clear it isn't as good as the first book. But you sound so enthusastic and seem to love it, so I am pleased to hear that! I have yet to read Carval but it is on my TBR :D
ReplyDeleteHow have I still not read Legendary? I really enjoyed Caraval and I think it's made me to read the nest book, and then learning it's no longer a duology put me off some more. I am intirgued by Tella's sotry though and your review is reminding me the reasons I wanted to read in the first place.
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