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Caraval & Legendary – Spoilers Ahead

In this double feature review, I'm gonna talk briefly about Caraval and Legendary. It might be a bit messy, apologies in advance!!

I read these two books at the end of last year. I have a friend who's absolutely obsessed with this series so I thought I'd give it a chance.

I must confess I had low expectations with Caraval, as it seemed a bit corny at first glance. And though I wasn't completely proven wrong, I mostly had a good time reading it.

I've seen some people dislike Scarlett, but honestly I think she's fine. I don't particularly love her either, but I understand her actions and struggles. The main issue I have with her and Donatella is their age. The book mentions it at the beginning, but I completely forgot about it. Then sometime later it's Tella's birthday and she's turning 17. I was shocked and taken aback, because they're not written as teenagers at all. I also personally think there is absolutely no reason for them to be this young. What's the obsession authors have with making the female protagonists be teens when it is not necessary for the story? Your life doesn't suddenly end by 20. And while I believe there is an element of suspension of disbelief when it comes to fantasy romance with big age gaps (e.g. Twilight), it's kinda weird that the book has so much sexual tension with a sixteen year old. Anyways~~

I really enjoy the premise of the story. I find the concept of a travelling crew that hosts fantastical games every year very appealing. I also think that the places and scenery are quite creative and immersive. I had a pretty good time imagining all the streets, buildings and stores.

The mystery itself and the search for clues got me pretty hooked on, and I kept wanting to read more despite the book's flaws. I too, just like Scarlett, was doubting my senses and trying to discover what was real and what was just a game.

About the things I don't like about these books. First of all, I'm a fan of detailed descriptions and metaphors. However, I believe they should be done with purpose. At many times the author DRAGS a description that doesn't make much sense or it's just bad in my opinion. And it's SO overdone. Almost every single page has some corny metaphor and it gets tiring.

I also dislike the characterization of the male characters. I feel like they're written in a way that's *supposed* to make me feel attracted to them instead of giving them actual interesting traits. Most of their actions are done to bait the reader into thinking they're hot or romantic. Also, Dante is so edgy.... I can't get past his ugly ass tattoos. Oh, a dark rose?? Yeah that's very deep I'm sure. I also dislike the fact that he is Legend. Why is the Immortal Master of The Games™ just some random brat?? And if that was the point/intention, it's not really fleshed out enough to justify it.

Side note: why does almost every single fanart of Julian and Dante picture them as white men with straight hair???? The books clearly says they're not white and also have wavy/curly hair 😭

I was also disappointed to see that Scarlett and Julian are BARELY present in the second book. I did enjoy reading Tella's POV and adventures, but I felt underwhelmed not to have a proper conclusion to the main couple of the first book. I was so curious to know how Scarlett was going to deal with the fact that Julian is an actor. Their story had so much potential to explore themes of trust, forgiveness, anger, etc. and we just didn't get to see any of that.

I still have to read the final book of the trilogy, so I'll give my final review when I get to that. I think Legendary has the same issues as Caraval, so I don't think things are going to change drastically in Finale. However, I was gagged and genuinely invested in many chapters.

That being said, I honestly don't know if I'd recommend this series to anyone. While it is enjoyable, I don't think you're missing out on anything by not reading it. Does that make sense? Yeah it's fun, but that's it. If you have it in your list, I believe that there are better books to prioritize. If you just want some '"light" plot to pass time, yeah sure, go ahead, read it! If you don't have high expectations you'll probably have a good time.

[julesbookshelf]

“The Angel Maker” by Alex North ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I enjoyed yet another suspenseful read by North. You had the past coming and meddling in the present and causing all kinds of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Katie can’t get past the fact of not being there when her brother was attacked years ago so when called he’s missing she’s on the case. Laurence the detective on the case years ago is now on a murder that has some alarming similarities and the history of a serial killer is emerging making him wonder what the connections may be. The weaving of this story and characters is done so well and left with this sense of eerie all the way through that had you racing to finish. *thank you Celadon books for this beautiful arc. 🔥 #julesbookshelf #celadonbooks #alexnorth #bookstagram #netgalley #theangelmaker #arc #goodreads https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpgw-9Auz0Q/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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“Secretly Yours “ by Tessa Bailey was my first read by her. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 It was a predictable romcom book but I can see why she is recommended. Easy and fun read. #julesbookshelf #romcombooks #secretlyyours #arc #netgalley #goodreads #bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CpgvKgWOoEY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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“In the Woods” ~ Tana French Suspenseful whodunnit from the view of a detective with his own mysterious past. Story had tons of detail and potential but dragged on and I started to piece some together early on. When it finally ended I didn’t like that we didn’t have full closure on things either. ⭐️⭐️ #julesbookshelf #bookstagram #goodreads #inthewoods https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnrwso7Oxho/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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“A Good Girls Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson was a clever read. Pip decides to do her senior project on a murder and a missing person case from 5 years ago. She just had a hunch that the “ murderer” just wasn’t possible he was too good a guy but painted terribly in the media. She dives full in and makes connections the police never bothered with. Well thought out novel and writing. I enjoyed the writing and the preceptive along with the details the author included making it not your normal whodunnit! #agoodgirlsguidetomurder #hollyjackson #julesbookshelf #goodreads #cleverread #38 https://www.instagram.com/p/CE8B73AJ_CB/?igshid=1homffgwj8459

[julesbookshelf]

What a thought provoking, smart story. “ The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennet is a novel I picked up due to lots of talk and great reviews but didn’t know much about. Little did I know that “The Vanish Half” was referring to the other twin who vanishes by choice into the white race leaving her black sister and life behind to have a life of privilege. I over and over kept thinking I can’t imagine but then again, I’m white. I also kept thinking is it worth it but again, I’m white. So if you are looking for a fictional read that provides a very realistic portrayal of different perceptions and the relationships formed around race during the passing of decades this is a great, intelligent read. #thevanishinghalf #britbennett #julesbookshelf #34 #goodreads https://www.instagram.com/p/CEIr2gfp8kd/?igshid=1lefcx6b42mtp

[julesbookshelf]

“When we believed in Mermaids” by Barbara O’ Neal was a beautifully, tragic story of two long lost sisters. I enjoyed how the story tells you about their sad, dramatic past in both points of view and intertwines the present. They both handled circumstances differently and so sad to me that Josie hated herself so much she “ killed her” to later become Mari in a new country and leaving her past and sister behind. At times I felt the story was anticlimactic considering all they went through but still worth the read and journey. #whenwebelievedinmermaids #barbaraoneal #julesbookshelf https://www.instagram.com/p/CEIpKNlpX7F/?igshid=123o3lhiuj5e

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