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jnbluvs's reviews
15 reviews
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
4.0
TLDR w/out spoilers:
While the first book of this series was from Scarlett Dragna’s perspective, this one is written from the viewpoint of her younger sister, Tella Dragna. Although Tella was able to help her and Scarlett escape from their father, she made a deal with the devil and now has to deliver. While she attempts to give her unknown criminal helper what they desire, she finds herself needing to play the game and sacrifice her life to obtain what he desired. Along the way, she is the subject of a love triangle, faces potential heartbreak and also potential death. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Caraval story without secrets revealed and a journey self-exploration that requires wholehearted sacrifice. If you’ve read the first, read the second and watch as your face morphs into shock, amusement, denial and so much more.
SPOILERS:
This review is going to be way more casual than the first, but here are my thoughts. Dante is Legend (no surprise) but what I AM surprised about is how much I like Jacks. This must be toxic. I love the whole idea that his one weakness is his one true love and UGH it’s just so romantic in an otherworldly way. definitely gives enemies to lovers vibe and at this stage, hoping jacks x tella happens and not legend x tella. BECAUSE WHY WOULD HE LEAVE HER IN THE SNOW ON THE STEPS!! unforgivable. After all, “Every good story needs a villain. But the best villains are those you secretly like”. This book was so much better in terms of pacing but wish we had more Scarlett & Julian content and that more of the backstory was covered prior to Legendary so it didn’t feel forced. Still good though!
While the first book of this series was from Scarlett Dragna’s perspective, this one is written from the viewpoint of her younger sister, Tella Dragna. Although Tella was able to help her and Scarlett escape from their father, she made a deal with the devil and now has to deliver. While she attempts to give her unknown criminal helper what they desire, she finds herself needing to play the game and sacrifice her life to obtain what he desired. Along the way, she is the subject of a love triangle, faces potential heartbreak and also potential death. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Caraval story without secrets revealed and a journey self-exploration that requires wholehearted sacrifice. If you’ve read the first, read the second and watch as your face morphs into shock, amusement, denial and so much more.
SPOILERS:
This review is going to be way more casual than the first, but here are my thoughts. Dante is Legend (no surprise) but what I AM surprised about is how much I like Jacks. This must be toxic. I love the whole idea that his one weakness is his one true love and UGH it’s just so romantic in an otherworldly way. definitely gives enemies to lovers vibe and at this stage, hoping jacks x tella happens and not legend x tella. BECAUSE WHY WOULD HE LEAVE HER IN THE SNOW ON THE STEPS!! unforgivable. After all, “Every good story needs a villain. But the best villains are those you secretly like”. This book was so much better in terms of pacing but wish we had more Scarlett & Julian content and that more of the backstory was covered prior to Legendary so it didn’t feel forced. Still good though!
Finale by Stephanie Garber
3.0
TLDR w/out spoilers: Two sentences sums it up: not the best ending, but acceptable. Read for closure, that’s all.
SPOILERS:
This book was good and bad in multiple ways. I like that we get to see perspective from both Dragna sisters, but it made the plot confusing as each faced their own trials and tribulations. There was too much inner monologue from Tella and so much of the story was just her dreams and love triangle versus the clearly conveyed large-scale problem that was although acknowledged as severe, wasn’t acted on in a way that reflected that feeling. Julian and Scarlett continue to be my favorite couple and the glove scene at the end was the cherry on top. Possibly the cutest romantic thing I’ve ever read. On the flip side, Tella and Legend’s relationship feels rushed. Every time she begs him to love her or feel
something for her he denies her and then suddenly he switches up right before the end? It’s too unrealistic and feels like a forced plotline. What happens to Jacks?? They were tied together under his unbreakable spell and were supposed to spend the rest of their lives together but then it suddenly broke and she got with Legend? This book gave me a mix of “I want more” and “this is too much” all at once in a way that didn’t necessarily sit right with me. I think the ending had so much potential and while it was so close, it just didn’t make it. It reminds me of my favorite quote from
the book:
"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending.”
I feel as though the ending printed is the Dragna sisters’ almost ending. There should be more for Scarlett and Tella. I am happy Scarlett is happy with Julian but for the past three books she has become a woman with more spunk and defiance. Now she’s just taking the throne? A powerful yet limiting position (in regard to rebellion)? It feels as though it’s a step backward—not necessarily a bad option, just a safe one that doesn’t necessarily reflect Scarlett’s character growth over the trilogy. Tella’s written ending is unclear, but it’s provided that she’s off on another challenge with Legend. While this ending does reflect Tella’s character, it is too vague and she deserves more closure. Over the course of the trilogy she has been searching and searching for something or the other and making incredibly difficult sacrifices for those around her. I wish she had that “okay this is it” moment before she embarked on a new journey. For these reasons, the ending was okay at best.
SPOILERS:
This book was good and bad in multiple ways. I like that we get to see perspective from both Dragna sisters, but it made the plot confusing as each faced their own trials and tribulations. There was too much inner monologue from Tella and so much of the story was just her dreams and love triangle versus the clearly conveyed large-scale problem that was although acknowledged as severe, wasn’t acted on in a way that reflected that feeling. Julian and Scarlett continue to be my favorite couple and the glove scene at the end was the cherry on top. Possibly the cutest romantic thing I’ve ever read. On the flip side, Tella and Legend’s relationship feels rushed. Every time she begs him to love her or feel
something for her he denies her and then suddenly he switches up right before the end? It’s too unrealistic and feels like a forced plotline. What happens to Jacks?? They were tied together under his unbreakable spell and were supposed to spend the rest of their lives together but then it suddenly broke and she got with Legend? This book gave me a mix of “I want more” and “this is too much” all at once in a way that didn’t necessarily sit right with me. I think the ending had so much potential and while it was so close, it just didn’t make it. It reminds me of my favorite quote from
the book:
"Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed the most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending.”
I feel as though the ending printed is the Dragna sisters’ almost ending. There should be more for Scarlett and Tella. I am happy Scarlett is happy with Julian but for the past three books she has become a woman with more spunk and defiance. Now she’s just taking the throne? A powerful yet limiting position (in regard to rebellion)? It feels as though it’s a step backward—not necessarily a bad option, just a safe one that doesn’t necessarily reflect Scarlett’s character growth over the trilogy. Tella’s written ending is unclear, but it’s provided that she’s off on another challenge with Legend. While this ending does reflect Tella’s character, it is too vague and she deserves more closure. Over the course of the trilogy she has been searching and searching for something or the other and making incredibly difficult sacrifices for those around her. I wish she had that “okay this is it” moment before she embarked on a new journey. For these reasons, the ending was okay at best.
Never Tell by Lisa Gardner
3.75
[no spoilers]: “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.” WOW, this book was a lot, with hard hitting one-liners and insanely in-depth character analysis. The plot lines are woven intricately, and the complexity of every interpersonal relationship reveals layers of secrets and lies that keep readers guessing. Gardner’s ability to craft morally ambiguous characters and set a suspenseful tone from start to finish makes for an incredibly gripping read. Definitely recommend if you are into psychological thrillers.
Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
[no spoilers] apologies in advance—this review will not be as put together as my past ones
Oh my god, when I tell you the only reason I read this book in its entirety is because I was stuck on a train with nothing to do for 8 hours, believe me. This book was unique in the sense that it was a book inside of a book; yes by reading this, you are actually reading TWO books (good idea, bad execution). The connections between the characters in the mini-book and those in the main plot added another layer of complexity that felt excessive. Despite all this convoluted drama, I still managed to solve the mystery before the end (bad bc what was all the extra fluff for then?!?!) The final 20 pages were satisfying, but they couldn’t compensate for the tedious 100 pages in the middle that could have easily been omitted. Overall, don’t read unless you like unbearable complexity or are trying to work on increasing your patience.
Oh my god, when I tell you the only reason I read this book in its entirety is because I was stuck on a train with nothing to do for 8 hours, believe me. This book was unique in the sense that it was a book inside of a book; yes by reading this, you are actually reading TWO books (good idea, bad execution). The connections between the characters in the mini-book and those in the main plot added another layer of complexity that felt excessive. Despite all this convoluted drama, I still managed to solve the mystery before the end (bad bc what was all the extra fluff for then?!?!) The final 20 pages were satisfying, but they couldn’t compensate for the tedious 100 pages in the middle that could have easily been omitted. Overall, don’t read unless you like unbearable complexity or are trying to work on increasing your patience.
Pack Up the Moon by Kristan Higgins
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I read this while on vacation and went through 3 tissue boxes—I wish I was exaggerating. A heartbreaking story about moving on after the loss of a spouse which is semi-inspiring but mostly still depressing. Personally wasn’t a fan of the ending but wow this book made me CRY.