"Legendary"

“Legendary”

Written by Stephanie Garber

Reviewed by Diana Iozzia

Just as a quick forewarning, I highly suggest you do not read this review until you have read the first book in the series, “Caraval”. This will contain no spoilers for “Legendary” but will possibly spoil some aspects of “Caraval”, since this is a continuation in the series.

“Legendary” is the second book in a trilogy that follows two sisters in a magical world, as they experience magical competition, deception, and romance. Scarlett Dragna is mainly written about in the first book, as she tries to rescue her sister, Donatella, nicknamed Tella, who is caught up as a prize in a magical contest. Tella is profiled in the second book, as she tries to compete again, to find their mother. Scarlett stays in the background for much of “Legendary”, which was disappointing to me, but it also felt necessary, since she is not the only main character. Tella has a romance with Dante. Scarlett has a romance with Julian. Julian and Dante are brothers, and we know that one must be Legend, a crazy and impulsive villain. However, both of them seem very romantic and normal, but they are very deceptive.

In “Legendary”, we are also introduced to a new villain, Jacks, who has his own motivations for helping Tella. He is cool, calm, collected and always eating a different colored apple. He’s interesting and intriguing.

Unfortunately, I found this book to be less interesting as the first. The first set up all of the interesting aspects of the world and all of the characters, and the second continues the story. However, it lacked a bit for me, when the second story should be very bountiful. We are introduced to problems that will be either solved or ruin the characters, but those problems will be addressed in the third book, as with all trilogies. I felt we did not experience as much fun or intrigue with the Caraval competition. I found some interesting aspects of magic that were introduced, such as the Fates, hidden weaponry in clothing attire, and unlucky coins. Every character is still deceptive and still scheming, but I do appreciate that not every character is sinless. I am excited to see where the rest of the story goes, and if I will enjoy “Finale”.

Although I felt “Legendary” to be less satisfying, I still highly recommend this book series to anyone interested in magic and fantasy. There are elements that remind me of “The Hunger Games”, “Harry Potter”, “Enchantee”, and especially “Pirates of the Caribbean”. I will continue to read this author’s books, as long as she’s writing them.