Legendary by Stephanie Garber

series: Caraval #2

publishing house: Flatiron Books

publishing date: 2018

language: English

number of pages: 451

genre: Young Adult / Fantasy

A mood board I had fun with creating for Legendary, the second Caraval instalment

Happy Monday! 

Today, I’m finally here to talk about Legendary by Stephanie Garber, which I finished reading last week.

Every good story needs a villain. But the best villains are the ones you secretly like.

Legendary is the second book set in the magical universe created by Stephanie Garber, and the sequel to Caraval, the first instalment of the trilogy. The protagonist of this new adventure is Donatella "Tella" Dragna, sister of Scarlett, who was the lead character in the first book. Following the events of Caraval, Tella becomes entangled in a new round of the game orchestrated by the elusive Legend. However, this time, the stakes are even higher: Tella is determined to uncover Legend's true identity in order to pay off a debt to a mysterious benefactor who has promised to help her find her missing mother. As the lines between reality and illusion blur once more during the long nights of the game, Tella faces perilous challenges, tough decisions, and conflicting emotions—especially when her heart is torn between the magnetic actor Dante and the infuriating crown prince of Valenda, Jacks.

This was why love was so dangerous. Love turn the whole world into a garden, so beguiling it was easy to forget that rose petals were as ephemeral as feelings, eventually they would wilt and die, leaving nothing but the thorns.

Garber’s poetic prose remains enchanting, painting a world so vividly that you can almost see the colors, smell the scents, and feel the atmosphere alongside the characters. Compared to the first book, Legend takes on a darker, more mature tone; the author skillfully explores themes of destiny, trust, and the power of choice. Each chapter adds new layers of complexity to the story, leading to a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eager to dive into the third book.

I enjoyed Tella’s character far more than Scarlett’s, who often irritated me throughout Caraval. Tella is bold and daring—a protagonist well-suited to the plot. The character of Legend, whose identity remains a secret to all, continues to exude an irresistible air of mystery, while Dante—with his sarcasm, strength, and charisma—makes for a perfect romantic lead.

Legendary is one of the rare instances where the second book in a series outshines the first for me. Stephanie Garber successfully expands the Caraval universe while preserving the originality that captivated readers in the debut novel. With well-developed characters, an intricate plot, and a world brimming with wonders and perils, this book is a delightful and magical journey that keeps readers hooked.

I wish I could join the next edition of Caraval!