Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
What if the price of your deepest desire was more than you could pay? Legendary: A Caraval Novel by Stephanie Garber, the second installment in the Caraval series, transports readers back to the enchanting and dangerous world of Caraval, where nothing is as it seems, and everything comes with a price. This time, the spotlight shines on Donatella "Tella" Dragna, who, after freeing herself and her sister Scarlett from their father's grasp, finds herself drawn into the heart of a new game—one that could unravel the very fabric of her reality.
The story unfolds in the magical city of Valenda, where Caraval’s grandest performance takes place. Tella’s goal is simple: win Caraval, and she’ll earn the chance to solve the mystery of her mother's disappearance. But to do so, she must navigate a maze of deceit, where alliances are fleeting and the line between friend and foe is blurred. Legendary forces Tella to confront her own past, unearth hidden secrets, and gamble with her life as she faces a game master with a dark agenda.
With the fate of her mother and perhaps the entire realm at stake, Tella must decide how far she’s willing to go and what she’s willing to sacrifice. Garber weaves a tale filled with suspense, romance, and the kind of magic that leaves readers questioning what is real and what is illusion.
Date Published: May 29, 2018
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Young Adult
Fantasy
Romance Fantasy
Adventure Fiction
Magical Realism
Donatella “Tella” Dragna: Bold and resourceful, Tella is driven by her fierce loyalty to her family, particularly her sister Scarlett. Her values center around protecting those she loves, even if it means risking her own life. Her determination to uncover the truth about her mother and her willingness to outwit the dangerous forces within Caraval highlight her bravery and cunning.
Scarlett Dragna: Scarlett is cautious and caring, often serving as the anchor to Tella’s impulsive nature. Her values are rooted in responsibility and love, especially towards Tella. Throughout the story, she shows unwavering support for her sister, despite the dangers they face. Her careful, thoughtful approach contrasts with Tella’s daring, showcasing her as the moral compass of the duo.
Dante: Mysterious and charming, Dante embodies the essence of Caraval’s enigmatic world. He values power and control, often playing both sides of the game to his advantage. Yet, his complex relationship with Tella reveals a deeper, more vulnerable side, showing that he is capable of loyalty and sacrifice when it truly matters.
Legend: The master of Caraval, Legend is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. His values are rooted in manipulation and control, always staying one step ahead of the players. However, his interest in Tella suggests that even he is not immune to the human desire for connection and understanding, making him a deeply complex figure.
Illusion vs. Reality: Caraval blurs the lines between what is real and what is merely a game, challenging characters and readers alike to question their perceptions. Tella’s journey is filled with moments where she must discern truth from deception, highlighting the theme of illusion and its impact on reality.
Sacrifice and Loyalty: Tella’s love for her family drives her to make significant sacrifices, including risking her own life to save her mother. This theme underscores the lengths to which individuals will go to protect those they care about, and the costs that often come with such loyalty.
Power and Manipulation: The world of Caraval is ruled by those who wield power through manipulation and control. Characters like Legend and Dante thrive in this environment, using others as pawns to achieve their goals. This theme explores the darker side of ambition and the consequences of manipulating others for personal gain.
Identity and Self-Discovery: Tella’s journey is not only about winning Caraval but also about discovering who she truly is and what she values most. The theme of identity is central as she confronts her past, her family’s secrets, and the choices that will define her future.
Legendary picks up immediately after the events of Caraval, with Tella determined to find her mother, who has been missing for years. The story takes place in Valenda, where a new game of Caraval is set to begin, and this time, Tella is the central player. Her goal is to win the game, which will grant her the ability to ask a question of Legend, the master of Caraval. Tella believes this is her best chance to uncover the truth about her mother.
As Tella enters the game, she quickly realizes that this version of Caraval is far more dangerous than the last. The stakes are higher, and the lines between reality and the game are even more blurred. Along the way, Tella encounters Dante, a mysterious and alluring figure who seems to have his own agenda. Despite her initial mistrust, Tella finds herself drawn to Dante, even as she questions his true motives.
Throughout the game, Tella discovers clues about her mother’s past, leading her to the revelation that her mother is trapped in the Deck of Destiny, a magical artifact that contains the immortal Fates—powerful beings who once ruled the world with cruelty. Tella learns that her mother was involved in a plot to imprison the Fates, which led to her disappearance.
As the game progresses, Tella faces numerous challenges that test her courage, intelligence, and heart. She makes alliances, uncovers secrets, and navigates the treacherous world of Caraval, all while being pursued by those who would see her fail. The final night of Caraval brings a shocking twist: Tella is forced to choose between freeing her mother and unleashing the Fates upon the world, or sacrificing her chance to save her mother and keeping the Fates imprisoned.
In the end, Tella decides to free her mother, knowing that this act will release the Fates and bring chaos to the world. The game ends with Tella holding the Deck of Destiny, aware that while Caraval may be over, the true battle is just beginning. The book concludes with Tella preparing for the challenges that lie ahead, setting the stage for the final installment in the series, Finale.
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