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bex_knighthunter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.75
Incredible, especially for a debut! This plays with familiar tropes of the genre with a chosen one who discovers the magical world through a secret society at college, which made the story engaging and easy to follow, but with a fresh perspective and really interesting worldbuilding interweaving King Arthur myths with black culture and southern US history. My favourite elements were the two conflicting magic systems, and memory walking as a way to include history and the sacrifices of generations of black women especially.
The story was also incredibly tightly plotted with action, twists, and reveals galore. By the point the heavy world building started with all the terminology I felt well primed and just as hungry as the main character to learn more, and the secret society gave lots of potential for mystery. There were a few tiny parts of the 'Order' functioning that I don't feel I understand but that didn't impact my enjoyment.
I loved the main character, who was wilful and strong, while also facing the complexity of her feelings around her mother's death. It was also interesting to see the world through her eyes, including the racism she faced. Some of the side characters stood out but were perhaps underutilised, especially Alice her best friend (hoping to see her more in book 2!). There were a lot of Order side characters introduced but I wasn't always able to keep track and didn't feel as much as I expected when some died, but there was good diversity in the cast in general. The main boys were interesting enough, but kept a little close to standard tropes for my liking (the golden boy: heroic, puppy-energy vs. the dark one: brooding, traumatic past), and the relationship with Nick didn't develop as steadily as I'd like jumping all too quickly to insta-love and wanting to die for each other. I hope the love triangle element isn't leant into for this series, and that more books give opportunity for the relationships to grow organically. Very excited to pick the next book up!
The story was also incredibly tightly plotted with action, twists, and reveals galore. By the point the heavy world building started with all the terminology I felt well primed and just as hungry as the main character to learn more, and the secret society gave lots of potential for mystery. There were a few tiny parts of the 'Order' functioning that I don't feel I understand but that didn't impact my enjoyment.
I loved the main character, who was wilful and strong, while also facing the complexity of her feelings around her mother's death. It was also interesting to see the world through her eyes, including the racism she faced. Some of the side characters stood out but were perhaps underutilised, especially Alice her best friend (hoping to see her more in book 2!). There were a lot of Order side characters introduced but I wasn't always able to keep track and didn't feel as much as I expected when some died, but there was good diversity in the cast in general. The main boys were interesting enough, but kept a little close to standard tropes for my liking (the golden boy: heroic, puppy-energy vs. the dark one: brooding, traumatic past), and the relationship with Nick didn't develop as steadily as I'd like jumping all too quickly to insta-love and wanting to die for each other. I hope the love triangle element isn't leant into for this series, and that more books give opportunity for the relationships to grow organically. Very excited to pick the next book up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Gore, Racial slurs, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Car accident
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
caitlin_bookchats's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well, this was as spectacular a story as everyone told me. Excellent knights of the round table retelling. High stakes and interesting history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, and Car accident
Minor: Racial slurs and Rape
libraryghost's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Slavery, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual violence, Vomit, Car accident, and Alcohol
cemeterygay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The beginning of this book is quite slow and I initially thought it was only going to be a three or four star read but I am incredibly happy I was wrong.
When this book picks up, not only did I not want to put this book down, I grew to love this book so deeply. I was already a big fan of Arthurian inspired stories and retellings and not only did this fulfill that interest but it gave a very interesting take on Arthurian myth.
Bree is such an amazing protagonist. I was rooting for her at every step along the way and was deeply invested in her growth as person. Bree learning to handle her grief and to confront generational trauma was so wonderfully handled and served as such an amazing and steep contrast to the privilege and generational concepts of debt and duty that permeated among the Legendborn students.
I thought many of the side characters were very interesting. While I didn't personally like Sel or Nick that much I think they were both really interesting characters as were most of the mages. I also really liked the therapist and how she really helped not only develop more of the world and Bree's mom but really helped Bree grow throughout the book and confront her grief.
The discussions of generational trauma, exploitation, and systemic racism and violence were so well blended into the main plot and Bree's growth and struggle with grief. The discussions of family dynamics, roots, the relationships between parents and children, and descendants and ancestors was so well handled with all of the characters in which it is brought up but especially for Bree. The ending of this book was absolutely phenomenal, at times almost leaving me in complete tears, and I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
When this book picks up, not only did I not want to put this book down, I grew to love this book so deeply. I was already a big fan of Arthurian inspired stories and retellings and not only did this fulfill that interest but it gave a very interesting take on Arthurian myth.
Bree is such an amazing protagonist. I was rooting for her at every step along the way and was deeply invested in her growth as person. Bree learning to handle her grief and to confront generational trauma was so wonderfully handled and served as such an amazing and steep contrast to the privilege and generational concepts of debt and duty that permeated among the Legendborn students.
I thought many of the side characters were very interesting. While I didn't personally like Sel or Nick that much I think they were both really interesting characters as were most of the mages. I also really liked the therapist and how she really helped not only develop more of the world and Bree's mom but really helped Bree grow throughout the book and confront her grief.
The discussions of generational trauma, exploitation, and systemic racism and violence were so well blended into the main plot and Bree's growth and struggle with grief. The discussions of family dynamics, roots, the relationships between parents and children, and descendants and ancestors was so well handled with all of the characters in which it is brought up but especially for Bree. The ending of this book was absolutely phenomenal, at times almost leaving me in complete tears, and I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gore, Slavery, and Vomit
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
CW: Discussions of past slavery, racial micro/macroaggressions. discussions of systemic racism, elitism, mind control/memory manipulationsfoldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Bree is so badass, she had me crying and cheering her along the way in equal measure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault
moony78's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation, War, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Medical content, Car accident, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
emmasbookshelf27's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
Amazing! Top 5 book of the year. The pacing is quick and the plot is great! If you need out of a reading slump.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape and Alcohol
lessthelonely's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Read my review here: lonelylesspage.wordpress.com
This book will become for me what Joker is for straight men and I would say I'm sorry about it but then again, I'd be lying.
Let me see how I can put my thoughts of this book and expectations for what's to come in simple terms and while keeping my composure. First of all, I decided to read this book because BookTok wouldn't shut up about it. I now understand why. Secondly, this book is absolutely filled to the cup's edge with magic, amazing character interactions between amazing characters, character development so sharp and astute I can't even put it into more words and, finally, it's eventful as all hell, with entertaining and enthralling happenings.
A few of the these are also absolutely brutal, I'd even say earth-shattering.
Other than that, the book's writing is extremely raw and I cannot stress how good it manages to be sometimes, even in times where you'd think it doesn't need to? Yeah, it goes that far to put the nail in the coffin, and I'm glad it does exactly that. But let's start talking about more palpable things and in more specific terms.
This book knows how to keep you entertained. It's action packed but it also knows how to slow down without making it feel like you're going slower - in fact, it manages to make even emotional scenes extremely fast paced, in my opinion. You'll find yourself just going and going, which is something I really enjoyed when I realize this book has chapters with a longer length than I usually pivot for, though the length isn't really set in stone and varies a bit, if my memory doesn't deceive me.
On another note, the characters in this book? Holy shit. Obviously, the main characters are clear highlights but even the side characters are brimming with personality and realism. You will feel for Bree, for Nick and for Sel, sometimes all at the same time. But you will also love William's remarks, the way all antagonists make your blood B O I L. It's top-notch writing and storytelling, my hes, shes and theys.
Along with this, you'll find some amazing themes entwined in this story: Arthurean lore? Incapacitating grief and cope with said grief? Magic framed not as a blessing but as a curse or at something that comes with a price? And two portrayals of magic, at that? Racial issues and very present tension? Search of an outcome and, to be honest, purpose? Love (platonic, romantic and family)? This book's got all that and probably more I can't remember right now.
Now... The romance? OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH. I had never found a book that made me this in love with a straight relationship. I usually never look forward to a straight relationship in a book I'm reading... But Miss Tracy Deonn said Nah, you're going to root for these two and YOU'RE GOING TO LIKE IT. And like them two lovebirds I did. I will, however, say, that there's a lot of potential for a polyamorous trio here. And Miss Tracy Deonn? If you give that to me I shall have children for the sole purpose of making my kids read this series - assuming I won't do that already. You have made Bree a character who I feel for and root for with all my being in her moments I can't fathom as a white guy doused in privilege, but you've made her so utterly relatable, raw and real that I felt everything she felt. I fell in love with the guy she fell in love. I felt her internal strife, I felt it all.
So, Miss Tracy Deonn... You've sold me on everything you write from now on and got me dying for the continuation of this absolute masterpiece. And notice I did not stutter, nor did I use that word lightly.
As for any unconvinced readers? I don't know what to tell you other than that if none of what I said convinces you, all I ask you is to give it a try.
This book will become for me what Joker is for straight men and I would say I'm sorry about it but then again, I'd be lying.
Let me see how I can put my thoughts of this book and expectations for what's to come in simple terms and while keeping my composure. First of all, I decided to read this book because BookTok wouldn't shut up about it. I now understand why. Secondly, this book is absolutely filled to the cup's edge with magic, amazing character interactions between amazing characters, character development so sharp and astute I can't even put it into more words and, finally, it's eventful as all hell, with entertaining and enthralling happenings.
A few of the these are also absolutely brutal, I'd even say earth-shattering.
Other than that, the book's writing is extremely raw and I cannot stress how good it manages to be sometimes, even in times where you'd think it doesn't need to? Yeah, it goes that far to put the nail in the coffin, and I'm glad it does exactly that. But let's start talking about more palpable things and in more specific terms.
This book knows how to keep you entertained. It's action packed but it also knows how to slow down without making it feel like you're going slower - in fact, it manages to make even emotional scenes extremely fast paced, in my opinion. You'll find yourself just going and going, which is something I really enjoyed when I realize this book has chapters with a longer length than I usually pivot for, though the length isn't really set in stone and varies a bit, if my memory doesn't deceive me.
On another note, the characters in this book? Holy shit. Obviously, the main characters are clear highlights but even the side characters are brimming with personality and realism. You will feel for Bree, for Nick and for Sel, sometimes all at the same time. But you will also love William's remarks, the way all antagonists make your blood B O I L. It's top-notch writing and storytelling, my hes, shes and theys.
Along with this, you'll find some amazing themes entwined in this story: Arthurean lore? Incapacitating grief and cope with said grief? Magic framed not as a blessing but as a curse or at something that comes with a price? And two portrayals of magic, at that? Racial issues and very present tension? Search of an outcome and, to be honest, purpose? Love (platonic, romantic and family)? This book's got all that and probably more I can't remember right now.
Now... The romance? OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH. I had never found a book that made me this in love with a straight relationship. I usually never look forward to a straight relationship in a book I'm reading... But Miss Tracy Deonn said Nah, you're going to root for these two and YOU'RE GOING TO LIKE IT. And like them two lovebirds I did. I will, however, say, that there's a lot of potential for a polyamorous trio here. And Miss Tracy Deonn? If you give that to me I shall have children for the sole purpose of making my kids read this series - assuming I won't do that already. You have made Bree a character who I feel for and root for with all my being in her moments I can't fathom as a white guy doused in privilege, but you've made her so utterly relatable, raw and real that I felt everything she felt. I fell in love with the guy she fell in love. I felt her internal strife, I felt it all.
So, Miss Tracy Deonn... You've sold me on everything you write from now on and got me dying for the continuation of this absolute masterpiece. And notice I did not stutter, nor did I use that word lightly.
As for any unconvinced readers? I don't know what to tell you other than that if none of what I said convinces you, all I ask you is to give it a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Racism, Blood, Grief, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Mental illness, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Medical content, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
mayareadsxo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
fantastic.
re-read: this was even better the second time around. one more day until bloodmarked ❤️
re-read: this was even better the second time around. one more day until bloodmarked ❤️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Racism, Grief, and War
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Colonisation
chessakat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, and Kidnapping