LEGENDARY (BOOK #2- CARAVAL SERIES) - By Stephanie Garber 4.8/5

DISCLAIMER: This book review contains spoilers of Book #1 Caraval, please read the book before you read this review of the next book. Otherwise, it is a spoiler free review of Book #2 Legendary.

SUMMARY: This book is all about Donatella Dragna, her secret plans and fore-sighting. The book, at its core is based on her childhood memory with her mother, and a magical object that changes the course of the whole Caraval world. While Tella, was only a minor character in Caraval, she wasn't idle, she made plans that was set in motion long before she set foot outside Isle of Trisda. She makes a deal with an unknown man to find her missing mother, who also helped her orchestrate the Caraval game in book one. The crew of Caraval set on a voyage to the Meridian City Of Valenda for the Empress Elantine's birthday and for a special Caraval in her honor. But this time it's different, Caraval isn't a game and things are a little too real, the stakes are real, the injuries are real and the emotions are all too real. One MUST get swept away, and the heart must lead when minds can't see. In order to keep the review spoiler free, I really urge the reader to give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

MY REVIEW: First of all, I absolutely loved the book!!

Everything, and I mean everything was an upgrade from the first book. Better Protagonist, Better set up of the Caraval world, A grander & more prettier city, Better Love interests(Yes,plural!), Better plot, Better storyline with lots of unpredictable twists and turns, Better Aesthetics, and a Better theme for the Caraval. The book was interesting and un-putdownable since the get go, with the plot clicking into place since Donatella's childhood. Her personal connection to the story and the grand scheme of things, makes it even more worthwhile to engage with the book. The multitude of characters, each interesting in their own way gave place for diverging plotlines and exquisite world building. While The Caraval world, is still simple in terms of comparison with other fantasy series out there, That also serves as a plus to allow more focus on the wonderful characters.

The Protagonist & Female Main Character- Donatella Dragna- I know there shouldn't be competition among sisters, but she is way more lovely, spontaneous and enjoyable than Scarlett. She is often underestimated to be a reckless silly girl, but she is one of the most Independent, clever like a fox, scheming, complex and mysterious character I have ever read. Even after a whole book of reading about her and in her pov, there is still parts of her left undiscovered and unpredictable. She is truly the master of her own mind. A modern woman, in thinking and actions, in all ways. She is not, at any point a Damsel in Distress, and that is why I LOVE HER.

Like my previous review of Book #1, I will refrain from reviewing The Male Main Character (or should I say Characters) as I really want my reviews to be Spoiler free as possible. But the Characters are absolutely chef's kiss. The buildup, the oozing dark energy, the theatrics and the push & pull, are all amaaazing! It is not exactly a love's triangle, but readers will truly have their heartstrings pulled in either directions. What I love most is that, it is not Hero vs Villain, or the Good guy vs Bad guy. It is a marvelous Game of Villain vs Villain. And can there be something better?

The book definitely corrected its flaws, the story had more depth and complexity than the first book, and I feel the author did a great job in world and character building. There was truly not anything bad to say about the book. My only irks was the way the sisters always stray afar, and one is always doing shady business right under the other's nose, it is illogical and seems forced. And I felt that the climax while decent, didn't leave me with a grand flourish that the book was building upto.

Special mention for the aesthetics and gorgeous gowns of Donattela's. Also why didn't she get a special nickname?

Overall, the theme of the Caraval for this book was significantly better than last book's, and I loved every letter of it. It kept me addicted and I pretty much completed it in a day. This Book does have an unfinished ending of sorts, and I cannot wait to read more in THE FINALE(BOOK #3).

Book name- Legendary (Book #2 Caraval Series)

Genre- Fantasy Romance

Type- Trilogy

Author- Stephanie Garber 

Pages- 312

My review- 4.8/5