Legendary

Description from Goodreads:

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

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.

Review:

Legendary by Stephanie Garber has 416 pages and was published in 2018 by Flatiron Books.

Legendary is the much anticipated second book in the Caraval series. It picks up where Caraval left off and is told from Tella’s perspective rather than Scarlett’s. While this particular book is entertaining, it does not live up to the hype the first book created. At times it seemed as if the author was trying too hard to recreate the magic from Caraval.

Many of the same characters from the previous book make an appearance in Legendary. Of course, Scarlett and Julian make an appearance. However, the main story is Tella’s and if you are looking for more of their story you will be disappointed.

Garber did an amazing job of creating the bad guy you love to hate with Jacks. He is good-looking and witty but also cruel and self-centered. It will be interesting to see how his story unfolds in Finale.

Interestingly enough, there were several plot twists but the ending itself felt rather predictable. Honestly, I don’t think this particular element takes away from the story overall.

Is Legendary a good book?

Yes, it is.

Is it as good as Caraval?

No, it is not.

Would I recommend it?

Yes.

Despite what seems like a negative review, I really did enjoy reading Legendary and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Rating:  4  Plot Monster Spiders

Notable Quotes:

“Every good story needs a villain.
But the best villains are the ones you secretly like.”
― Stephanie Garber, Legendary

“There were shipwrecks more graceful than Tella.”
― Stephanie Garber, Legendary

MDW original review.  Source:  Personal Library.