Book review on 'Legendary' by Stephanie Garber

 Hey everyone! It’s been a while since I posted anything (sorry about that). Between being occupied with my upcoming exams and the hormonal mood swings, I have been busy. 

Anyway, I finished reading the second book in the Caraval trilogy and wanted to share my review for the same. The novel is titled ‘Legendary’ and it was written by Stephanie Garber.

 

First off, I would like to say that the novel did not live up to my expectations, especially after reading the first book. ‘Caraval’ had a certain charm which I think the second book lacked. Also, I much preferred the world building in the first book in comparison to the second. It felt messy and a bit confusing tbh, the whole mythological representation of the ‘fates’ felt unoriginal, a stark contrast to the first in the trilogy, it did add up to the lore of the world of Caraval tho.

 

But coming to a major point of dislike, I HATED the dynamic between Donatella and Dante. I cringed so much while reading their interactions, it physically hurt. During the latter half of the book where this dynamic was at its peak, I actually considered putting this book down cause the interactions were so boring and cheesy (like I get that Dante was a F-ing sex symbol, get over it please). It was very forced. Especially the temple of stars scene where Tella goes to find out more about her ring, why would you suddenly become y/n Donatella????

 

In my humble opinion, the book could have been so much better without the trashy romance. at least the story of Scarlett and Julian felt somewhat genuine, Tella and Dante were just plain bad. Although some people liked it (I read the reviews on goodreads)

Also, there was an excessive use of imagery and adjectives, like way too much. As an example, let me cite this.

 

“dark green kerosene lamps illuminated pale mint-green glass tables, while velvet green settees cushioned people sucking on glowing cubes of green sugar, or sipping vials of vivid lime liquid.”

 

I am a solemn lover of “show, don’t tell” but seriously, this is too much.

 

AND!! The catalyst for the whole story was also just not IT!! The whole book was based on the fact that Tella was eager and desperate to find her mother, but this mission of hers often felt flimsy and more like a side quest. If the author really wanted to reinforce Tella’s bold and headstrong nature, she should have made her more determined and less dependent on Dante who seemed to spawn randomly (not just inner thoughts but actual actions too). 

 

We are shown that Tella was clinging to a fantasy and a fragment of a memory of her mother to be with her. This is not enough conviction for a person to risk their life upon.  

And when she comes across a revelation which challenges this belief, she is so shook that she considers dropping her whole mission upon which her life hangs. it just did not seem very consistent, especially since any smart person would doubt it. But I guess love does make people blind (it made her dumb tho).

 

And as a side note, how did the empress Elantine of the Meridian empire have such a meagre and useless role, considering the whole story was set on HER capital city Valenda?? 

And I think the story could have delved a bit more into Jacks’ backstory. (he was a semi interesting character)

 

Now that I have trash talked about my grievances, let us now talk abt the parts I actually liked.

 

The storyline was enjoyable in the first half and in some parts of the second. One thing that I commend about this author is her pacing and settings. even though it gets exaggerated sometimes, for the most part, it kept me engrossed and curious.

 

Also, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword, but the generous use of imagery and metaphors do leave a lot of scope for the imagination. Sometimes its excessive, but it does help to imagine the scenery and thus, become invested in the story. Some scenes in this story are extremely well written and I loved the use of the beautiful adjectives in those scenes. For example, the starting of the story begins in one of Tella’s memories. That setting where we are introduced to Tella and her mother was absolutely enchanting and really did give off a dreamlike vibe.

 

Also, there was a lot of appeal in characters like Jacks, Nigel, the fates, and some other side characters that I would have liked to read more about (specifically their lore). But I am guessing that will be in the third book.

 

All in all, I somewhat enjoyed the book. Maybe the review was critical because I compared it to Caraval but it’s not bad by any means. You are welcome to read it, maybe it might just be your cup of tea?

 

Anyway, thank you very much for reading my review, I hope to see you again next time J

Danika