This review has been a long time coming! I started this book in January and I just barley finished it. I am so happy I finally get to share my thoughts with you and move onto the third book into this series. Make sure to check out my full review of the first book in this series Caraval.
“Every good story needs a villain.
Stephanie Garber, Legendary
But the best villains are the ones you secretly like.”
About The Book
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Published Date: May 29th, 2018
Page Count: 451 Pages
Main Genres: Fantasy, YA, Romance
GoodReads Rating: 4.20
Format: E-Book
Synopsis
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.
“Every story has four parts – the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending.”
Stephanie Garber, Legendary
Rating
Review
At the end of last year I finished Caraval and I said it was my favorite book of 2023 and honestly looking back I can’t say that I agree with that. I really did love the first book but I read so many other amazing books last year that saying Caraval was my favorite just doesn’t feel right anymore.
I immediately started this book after I finished Caraval thinking I would ride the high and devour this one, but it was quite the opposite. I did enjoy this book but I am just not someone who leans towards reading fantasy so it was harder for me to pick up and read.
The over all storyline was really great and I enjoyed the plotline of trying to find the girls mother. However I really wish we were following Scarlet still or just started following Tella from the beginning because I just didn’t care for Tella as much as I cared for Scarlet and I didn’t get much of Scarlet in this book.
I am excited to finish the Caraval Series but I can’t say I am going to jump right into it. But I also really do want to finish it as soon as possible so I can start the break off series “Once Upon A Broken Heart”. So I am sure you will be seeing some more Stephanie Garber Reviews from me over the next year.
“Not everyone gets a true ending. There are two types of endings because most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, where the situation feels hopeless. But that’s when hope is needed most. only those who persevere can find their true ending.”
Stephanie Garber, Legendary
QOTD: What Fantasy Novels do you recommend?
“Her heart was still a little heavy, but she’d decided carrying it around would only maker her stronger.”
Stephanie Garber, Legendary
World of Bai 