Legend, Karina Halle (Review by Darlene Smoliak)
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Legend is the second novel and the conclusion in the Gothic Shade of Romance series, with Hollow being the first. This is not a standalone novel. It is a must to read Hollow first so you know who everyone is and what is happening at the Sleepy Hollow Institute.
At the start of this novel Kat, Ichabod, and Brom are well aware of who the Headless Horseman is and have set about working together to determine just how they can be rid of him before he leaves more dead in his wake. At the same time they are uncovering more details on why Kat’s mother and the other witches want Kat and Brom to be married and it’s not good. Meanwhile more teachers are disappearing and a student dies suspiciously. Moreover everyone is just acting plain strange and it’s becoming worrisome. The three race to find the answers they need before it’s too late for them all.
Once again I liked the character of Kat and Ichabod and Brom are also good, strong characters. I also appreciated the dynamic between the three as well as the love and devotion both men had for Kat. They would die to protect her and what woman doesn’t love a man like that. These three very much love and desire each other and by this time they are an obvious threesome.
As this story progressed however it didn’t hold the same charm for me that Hollow did. Hollow had a lot of explicit sex but it flowed with the plot. Legend seemed much more geared to the explicit sex and a little short on the plot that had made the first novel so creepy and good. Still I loved the storyline it had and the ending was exciting and action filled and had me quickly flipping the pages. As the story came to its final words I loved where it left Kat, Ichabod, and Brom.
For readers, be aware that there are highly explicit sex scenes in this novel so read the trigger warnings and take care of yourself. For me, I enjoyed both Hollow and Legend in this gothic retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow!
