Legend by Karina Halle

Dark magic, deeper bonds, and a conclusion that turns the heat all the way up.

Legend wraps up the A Gothic Shade of Romance duology with even higher stakes and a sharper focus on the bond between Kat, Ichabod, and Brom. The mysteries left hanging in Hollow finally come into the light, and their relationship deepens as the danger around Sleepy Hollow Institute intensifies.

I liked the way this book explored the trio’s connection, especially the history between Crane and Brom. Their dynamic felt more layered here, and those emotional beats helped ground the wilder moments of the plot. The spice is dialed way up, though, and it often takes center stage. Because of that, the pacing sometimes slipped, and a few sections felt repetitive. Even so, the story still delivers tension, charm, and a few fun surprises.

The reveals about the coven and the Horseman answered questions I carried over from Hollow, even if the resolution came together a little too quickly after so much buildup. Still, the final chapters hint at future gothic retellings, and that tease was one of my favorite touches.

Overall, Legend is a steamy, dramatic conclusion with enough emotion and intrigue to keep me invested.