If you haven’t read Caraval yet, now is a great time to grab a copy, along with the newly minted sequel, Legendary. Aptly named, this book is bound to delight and astound fans of Gaiman’s “Stardust.”
Greatest Hits:
The carnivalesque atmosphere and heady fantasy elements sweep you off your feet right from the start, just like they did in Caraval. Legendary is told from Tella’s perspective, which I think adds a layer of delight and wonder to the story. Tella is the more as adventurous and headstrong of the two sisters, and so approaches Caraval with a measure more confidence than her sister Scarlet did in the first book.
When I realized the second book featured the characters playing Caraval again, I worried it might read like a rehashing of the first book. This is a trap sequels often fall into, but I need not have worried. The trappings of Caraval may have stayed the same, but the story moves forward, going deeper into the lore and the characters minds than before.
My Conclusion:
If you wish to be swept away, run headlong into this series and let Caraval amaze you.
Happy reading!
-Kat
Kat Pollock 