Review: Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

Legendary
(Caraval #2)
by Stephanie Garber

May 29, 2018

416 pages

Goodreads     Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval

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

Once in a while I read a book where after finishing it I realize I can't find the proper words to voice my thoughts. Legendary is one such book. My whole reading experience felt out of this world. I'm not sure I can adequately convey what I felt but I will try my best to describe it.

When I read Caraval last year I thought it was a magical and enchanting read. I had absolutely no idea what to expect with Legendary and that worried me up until I read the first page. I must say the sequel turned out even better than its predecessor. The whole premise to the story was surreal and so imaginative. I never knew where the story was going to take me. Legendary transported me into its otherworldly depth. Not to mention we got to find out Legend's real identity. Or do we? ;)

This time around Donatella is taking on the game. The one game that cannot be more different than the one her sister played. I believe most people disliked Tella to some degree in Caraval and I will be honest and say I was one of them. I found her selfish and annoying then but in Legendary she was anything but. Tella was bold and brave. She always held herself well in public though she was not without any vulnerabilities. We got to see the real her through her fears and as she fought hard to save those she loves dearly. I couldn't have been happier for Tella's growth!

Oh Dante~ I remember him being nasty in Caraval but the tortured bad boy thing 1000% worked on me in Legendary. He completely captured my heart. I loved having him pop up everywhere around Tella. Their light and casual banter was adorable AND they gave off some blazing heat in the more serious moments. Tella and Dante were a swoon-stastic pair! I'd like more of them please.

Of course Scarlett and Julian makes an appearance in Legendary. They actually had bigger roles to play than I imagined. The change in Scarlett was awesome to see. She's a lot more certain and confident with what she wants. It would be lovely to the sisters work together in the final book.

Legendary ends not quite on a cliffhanger but I am dying for Finale (I love her book titles!) after finishing this gorgeous sequel. If Stephanie Garber is not on your TBR, she should be! You will definitely want in on all the Caraval action!

*I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way.