Legendary (Review: WARNING SEQUEL AND SQUEALING AHEAD)

   Ok, so this review is a little out of place because I never reviewed the first one but I HAD TO because I love this book so much my heart shattered and is somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic. It's Legendary by Stephanie Garber (check out the post on our IG @thepageflippers) and is the sequel to Caraval. Here's the summary you get online for both (just so you have an idea on what the first one is about and aren't completely lost. Totally not to remind myself.)

Caraval:
 Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over. But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor who she has just met, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Legendary:

  A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets...including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval...the games have only just begun.

Both books revolve around Caraval, a magical circus sort of Hunger Games blend game, where players follow clues throughout the game to try and solve the intricate puzzle the immortal Master of Caraval, Legend, has set up. The prize? A wish at the end given by Legend's magic. Let's get started with our pros and cons!

Pros:

• The. Aesthetics. Are. The. Best. Seriously, I can't. The description makes you feel like you're IN Caraval, running through the streets and trying not to die. Fun fun FUN.
• The main character, Tella, is about as flat as a mountain range. She's really complicated, in my opinion, and can never seem to make up her mind on what she really wants. Besides staying alive.
• It keeps you guessing. I thought I had figured out who Legend was at the start, but then they confused me and kept throwing different ideas and manipulating me! Hmph. 
• The backstories to the world of Caraval, the Fates and Valenda are intricate, and interesting. A little foggy and a bit confusing, but then again, what mystical legendary world isn't a little clouded over?
• I love love love love the villains. Not in a 'wow you're awesome and cool and can I be you way'. In a 'wow i'm terrified of you and you are pure evil but at least I KNOW you are and I don't have to worry about feeling sorry for you' way. Disclaimer: I'm not a huge fan of the 'grey area' villain. I like my villains to be dark, evil and detestable. Tell me who to be angry at for being nasty, and I'm happy.
• Now, the main characters-those are grey area. And I actually don't mind when you don't know if the MC is really purely good, because who really is? No one. So it's fun to see them develop and grow. Give me pure evil villains and growing protagonists, pleaseee. 
• I was terrified for EVERYONE half the time, and that means the author is doing a good job of putting them in terrible danger and making me cry. Great. 

Cons:

•  It was a tad bit bloodier than I prefer, but I guess it comes with the terrifying villains.
• OK THE LOVE STORY WAS FRUSTRATING. I wanted more than I got. It was good, but there wasn't enough substance of it. Get me more involved, please!
• The characters morals weren't all there. And I'm not even talking about just the villains. Tella too. As a Christian, I feel the need to point out those things, but it is a secular book, so it's to be expected, sadly.
• It felt a little less...Caravally then the first one. I wanted more about the actual game, the way we got with Scarlett. I get that the circumstances were different, but I miss some of the magic that comes with playing the game!
• I NEED ANSWERS. So many questions were left with no replies. I HAVE QUESTIONS AND I WANT THEM SOLVED, WATSON. *ahem* this is basically a complaint because I don't want to wait for the third book. Leave me to sob in a corner wearing a top hat, please.
• Can we please stop assuming Legend is evil? YOU DON'T KNOW HIM. That bothered me the whole book. Like the WHOOOOLLEEE time. Give the man a break, Tella.

     That's about it, everyone. My rating is below, and I'd love to hear if anyone agrees or disagrees with my opinion on it. 

See you guys next time! And READ THE BOOK!