Legendary (Caraval, 2)

4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely love this whimsical series! There was more world building in this one which I really appreciated, and some pretty shocking developments! Can’t wait to continue with book 3!

Loved this just as much as the first time I read it!

So apparently escaping a murderous magical circus game wasn’t enough for Donatella Dragna, who immediately responds with: “What if I did it again, but this time with more emotional damage and better lighting?” Honestly, same energy as finishing a horror movie and saying, “That wasn’t so bad,” while still sleeping with the lights on.

In Legendary, Tella enters Caraval again because she made a deal with a mysterious stranger, which is basically the fantasy equivalent of “I signed a contract without reading it because the font was pretty.” Her task? Find the true identity of Legend, the elusive master of the game, who is basically a magician, a cryptid, and your worst situationship all merged into one emotionally unavailable entity.

The plot is a whirlwind of glitter, secrets, and people dramatically fainting over information they absolutely could have just texted. And yet… somehow it works. Like a glitter bomb going off in your brain. You’re confused, mildly concerned, but also kind of impressed?

Tella herself is chaotic in the way that suggests she would absolutely survive a disaster but also cause at least three others on the way out. She makes decisions like she’s being paid per reckless choice, and honestly? Respect.

And Legend. Oh, Legend. This man remains 90% mystery, 10% “I enjoy psychological manipulation as a personality trait.” He shows up, disappears, and emotionally destabilizes the entire cast like it’s a hobby. Therapy would struggle with him. Actually, therapy would file for early retirement.

The romance is equal parts tension and “please communicate like normal humans,” but that’s not really the Caraval brand. Feelings here are less “healthy relationship arc” and more “beautiful emotional chaos arranged for aesthetic purposes.”

At some point I did briefly forget what reality felt like, and not always in a good way. Also, I have questions. Many questions. None of them were answered. I assume the answers are locked in another glitter-filled puzzle box somewhere.

Still, Legendary is addictive, dramatic, and basically the literary equivalent of eating dessert for every meal while someone whispers secrets at you in a candlelit room.

Would I recommend it? Yes. Would I trust anyone in it? Absolutely not.

tbh bored and the whole time while reading it felt like i was only reading about tella's dresses

This book... took me for a RIDE!! I LOVED the addition of the Fates and Tarot Cards. It was less Bizarro this time around which I liked but there was still twists that had me questioning everything. Now to get me some answers and conclusions!!