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branwen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It is based on Arthurian legends but within a modern setting, and I loved what Deonn did with this folklore. They weren't just the legends re-hashed as we know them, but dealt with and changed in such a unique way that it was like exploring the legends for the first time all over again. There is also a really interesting array of magic systems within the world that also felt very intricate and immersive. And by having a secret society setting, it just added so much more to the atmosphere of the book as well.
The characters are by far one of the greatest strengths of the book. There is a large, diverse cast of characters who all feel well-developed and with distinguishable personalities. I think the author can create a real sense of authenticity in her work, so the diversity or the dynamics and chemistry between characters never feels forced. All of them are interesting and complex, and whilst there is always a few that you just cannot like and you're not supposed to like either, the large majority of them feel real and likeable, because you're given insight into their personalities and the ways in which they work/ think. Bree (the main character) also goes on a particularly incredible journey throughout the book, which is inspiring and emotional, and she gains more character development and depth in one book than some characters gain throughout a whole series. There's also a love triangle, and I cannot explain enough how much I usually despise them... yet this one had me hooked. It's definitely in the early stages of a love triangle, but I love the different dynamics we see between them all and I completely believe in the chemistry that Deonn can create between characters.
Also, as much as there is a mystery being woven and solved, there's a lot of humour as well as emotional depth, which everyone can relate to or enjoy reading in some way.
My only complaint is that the first 100 pages didn't particularly capture my attention, but then after that I was hooked. This book surprised me in so many ways and you get to go on such a journey with the characters (not just the main one) and you can't help but root for them.
Graphic: Racism, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Slavery and Xenophobia
softselkie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Transphobia, Violence, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, and War
Moderate: Rape and Sexual harassment
rebeckareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
- Rated 4.14 using the CAWPILE rating system.
- Read as part of the Books and Tea's discord server's July-August 2021 readalong.
The character development for some of the characters feels natural - I especially loved Sel's arc! - while other feels a bit more stagnant and/or like their actions does not always have realistic consequences.
As mentioned earlier, I struggled with the beginning and most of the middle. This mainly boils down to the worldbuilding and lore - I still haven't fully wrapped my head around what a Squire is or how the bloodlines work. Maybe that's because I know next to nothing about King Arthur (which Legendborn is a re-telling of) or maybe I just haven't read enough (read: any) YA fantasy before... either way, the exposition felt overwhelming and went over my head most of the time, but I felt this made no difference as the worldbuilding slowly felt into place as the book went on.
All in all, the book was okay but unfortunately it did not stand out for me. Again, this might be due to YA fantasy not being a preferred genre of mine. I'm still considering picking up the second book in the series when it comes out though, so that's always something. I've got my hopes up for some character development in regards to Nick, be it positive or negative.
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, and Grief
mindthekat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Racism, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Xenophobia
peachani's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The only thing I am wary of is a potential relationship that could happen in the next book (sincerely hope it doesn't).
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Religious bigotry, War, and Classism
Minor: Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Infertility, Infidelity, Rape, Torture, Vomit, Kidnapping, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria
lauraeerika's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, and Grief
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Xenophobia, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Alcoholism, Sexism, and Sexual content
Best mother daughter relationships I’ve read in a book