Book Review: Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Title: Legendary
Author: Stephanie Garber
Series/Standalone: Caraval Series (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 443
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)
First Line: "While some rooms on the estate had monsters hiding beneath the beds, Tella swore her mother's suite concealed enchantment."

"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 fulfil 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..."

My Rating: 3.5/5

So I was expecting a lot from this story and it just was kind of ok. It was alright for me, but it just didn't have the same magic as the original one, but it did have something magical. It was good, just wasn't great. I liked following Donatella and seeing some of her memories of her past and exploring a new world with her, but it just seemed like a lot of elements that weren't in the first book. I did like the change of pace though.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Legendary by Stephanie Garber

This story just wasn't what I expected it to be. I was ready for not knowing what was real, but then everything turned out to be mostly real. And I wasn't ready for that, mainly because the original was all twists. 
I loved that we had a change of setting though, and how it took over the city at night. I also appreciated seeing Donatella's memories of her past with her mother way more than Scarlett's memories.

Characters:
Donatella: I think that she had an odd perspective, she's already died once, she doesn't believe she'll ever find anyone who loves her and the fates have predicted a pretty shitty life overall. I was interested in her relationship with Dante, but now I'm more interested in where her relationship with Jacks goes. And was she really his true love, or just magical enough. What's she going to do about her mother,  was it even worth it?

Legend: What is his long game? Honestly, what does he want from everyone? Is he just going to run a continual Caraval? Does he care about anyone, scared of the fates? Who freaking knows.

Jacks: How is he planning on getting his powers back, is he going to stay close to Donatella? Or is this a love triangle now? Is his kiss still deadly? What now!

Scarlett: What an ass. I understand wanting to see what her original fiance was like, but it just doesn't bode well that Legend has played with their whole life pretty much.

Julian: What's he going to do with Scarlett making a competition for him? And what's his past?

Elantine: I loved her honesty, but was her lost child really Legend, uh I don't know.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny