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boba_n_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I went into it believing it was just a book about a girl who goes to a school and finds a secret society. While that is part of the premise, this book is so much more than that. Its central focus is on grief, generational trauma, and choosing to overcome the odds.
Bree is an extremely self-aware main character who grows exponentially as she navigates being on a college campus and discovering more about her ancestry and her abilities. I’m excited to see where her character goes in the next book.
In short, don’t put it off—READ THIS BOOK. If you’re a fan of fantasy, dark academia, mythology, or just have good taste; this book is for you.
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Car accident, Slavery, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
graceev's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Car accident and Slavery
directorpurry's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Racism, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent and Slavery
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
zarhara's review
- 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
Graphic: Blood, Car accident, Colonisation, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Murder, and Racism
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Rape, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Infidelity, Kidnapping, Medical content, and Torture
mozimmerm'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
4.25
I found Bree inspiring and relatable. Even though I haven’t lost someone that close to me yet, i could feel her emotions and at least somewhat grasp her grief.
Each character was so different, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I have a favorite character 💕 and I can’t wait to read the second book!
Graphic: Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
Moderate: Xenophobia, Pregnancy, Bullying, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Kidnapping, Addiction, Car accident, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Sexual harassment, and Physical abuse
mikilah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Slavery, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Racism, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Violence, and Death
wackly93's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
campisforever'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
Taking on Arthruiana (stories of King Arthur and the Round Table) is no small feat in itself. Doing so in a mode that centers a Black girl's existence is monumental and so, so, so important. Tracy Deonn has made a place for Black women among the heroes of Arthurian legend without bowing to its inherent assumptions about who can and should be considered "legendary." At the same time that it reanimates the legend of King Arthur, Legendborn resonates with ideas and approaches visible in other Black Feminist work (e.g., N. K. Jemisin, Octavia Butler, M. NourbeSe Philip, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Katherine McKittrick, Dionne Brand, Saidiya Hartman, etc.).
If you were a fan of Dark Horse's Once and Future Queen (which didn't get the run it deserved), Legendborn is for you. If you are looking for a fantasy novel that actively challenges and resists the inherent whiteness and racialism of "Tolkienist" fantasy and Western fantasy stories in general, I encourage you to read this book. If you're looking for something like T. H. White or Mists of Avalon, this book is not what you're looking for, but you should read it anyway.
Graphic: Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Rape, Slavery, and Child abuse
All content warnings are given in degrees: "Graphic" means that they're prominent elements of the story and are the most detailed. "Moderate" means that they're world building elements--specifically, "racism" refers to depictions of the kinds of casual racism (e.g., hair touching, comments about affirmative action/diversity, one use of a phrase used to refer to Black hair types, etc.). "Minor" means that these things are referred to, but not depicted explicitly or in an extended manner. This book deals with the legacies of enslavement in American history and its attendant generational trauma. It does not shy away from these realities, but also does not allow them to take up more space than warranted.bookthief'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
Bree was a fantastic character. She was strong, brave and resilient. I loved how throughout the book she accepted her grief for her mother and used it to discover the story of her origin through her ancestors. I was so surprised at the end that Bree was actually the Scion of Arthur. But I’m so glad that she is because she would be a great leader and king. Her powers are incredible and awesome and super strong. I can’t wait to see what type of king she will become in the next book!
Nick was an incredibly kind and determined person. The way he helped Bree when they had only known each other for less than a day was very sweet, and putting his life on the line several times for her. I would love it if Nick and Bree got together and stayed together as they work so well together. However a small part of me wants Sel to swoop in and be with Bree:)
The writing of the book was brilliant. The organisation was done perfectly as everything flowed smoothly and leaving mysteries at the perfect time.
I would definitely recommend this book to those of you who like fantasy and retelling of Arthurian Legend.
Graphic: Cursing, Grief, Kidnapping, Medical content, Murder, Sexism, War, Car accident, Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Blood, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Slavery, and Violence
rosenau's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Car accident, Kidnapping, Slavery, Classism, Medical content, Misogyny, Murder, Rape, Cursing, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol, Transphobia, War, Bullying, Rape, Slavery, and Sexual assault