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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
cedmnds's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
a bit of a complicated plot . you kind of have to be fully paying attention because there is a lot going on . the plot was really interesting . i lo be the main characters, but i kinda feel like the relationship was a bit forced ? maybe just me but i think it would have been better if it were purely platonic . i really liked this book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Medical content
Minor: Racial slurs and Slavery
amandalorianxo's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- 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
3.25
I’m still undecided if I want to rate this a three or 3.5 star rating. I did enjoy the fact that this was a diverse read and putting a woman of color as the main character in a fantasy / King Arthur variation retelling was awesome. It gave a refreshing take on some of the blander versions over the years. The grief, pain and sadness Bree feels was relatable over the course of the novel. Even the therapy discovery & acceptance had a note of familiarity to it. Speaking of, I’m also glad that Bree’s dad & Bree have the discussion albeit brief, about how families of color aren’t as receptive to therapy as most would assume.
In spite of all the positives, I did wish that the world building didn’t make me feel so bogged down & overwhelmed. Too many characters to keep up with. There were times there were pages of it & I had to take my time to understand who was who & how this system played out as far as rankings go. Not a big fan of insta love. I also wish Bree’s love interest was a boy of color. Nothing against inter racial relationships but it would have been such a positive impact if teens / young adults could feel & read about two people of color in love in a fantasy space we normally don’t have.
The pacing was fine, I preferred it be slow for better understanding. I hope the sequel picks it up a bit.
In spite of all the positives, I did wish that the world building didn’t make me feel so bogged down & overwhelmed. Too many characters to keep up with. There were times there were pages of it & I had to take my time to understand who was who & how this system played out as far as rankings go. Not a big fan of insta love. I also wish Bree’s love interest was a boy of color. Nothing against inter racial relationships but it would have been such a positive impact if teens / young adults could feel & read about two people of color in love in a fantasy space we normally don’t have.
The pacing was fine, I preferred it be slow for better understanding. I hope the sequel picks it up a bit.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Medical content, and Death of parent
emmeline's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Medical content, and Car accident
caoimhe9876's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Slavery, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and Colonisation
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Medical content, Dementia, Cultural appropriation, and Alcohol
sfbookgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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
The reviews don’t lie; this book is PHENOMENAL! I sensed some Ninth House (Leigh Bardugo) vibes relatively early on and was pleased that it didn’t feel too similar. Dark fantasy academia is my favorite genre so I knew coming into Legendborn that there was a 99% chance that I would love it. The book is about a high school student named Bree Matthews who enrolls in an early college program at UNC-Chapel Hill a few months after her mother’s death. After witnessing a magical demon attack on her first night at UNC, Bree discovers her own magic and is eager to determine if this is at all tied to her mother’s death.
Legendborn is Tracy Deonn’s first novel and I can’t wait to read what else Deonn writes. The character arcs, family histories, and legacies are so spectacularly executed and bring forth important issues like inherited grief, slavery, and racism. It also speaks about the power of Black women, strength, and self-discovery. Because Legendborn loosely revolves around the legend of King Arthur, I suggest brushing up on that story before diving into the book. And while it’s a hefty 500 pages, I never found Legendborn to be slow; it caters perfectly to my preference for plot-based stories. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
booksandmo's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Blood
Minor: Racial slurs, Sexism, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Cultural appropriation
kimi72714's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
I absolutely loved this book.
This book reminds me what great YA fiction should be like, and took me back a decade to when life is hectic, and confusing, but wonderful as a 16 year old.
There are difficult themes in this book that everyone will grapple with differently, but the acknowledgement that a country was built on slavery is an important issue for everyone to work through.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to smack some characters, my chest tingled at the romance scenes.
This book was such a great YA SFF book and I'm so glad teens gave books like this to read now. Thank you so much Tracy Deonn!
This book reminds me what great YA fiction should be like, and took me back a decade to when life is hectic, and confusing, but wonderful as a 16 year old.
There are difficult themes in this book that everyone will grapple with differently, but the acknowledgement that a country was built on slavery is an important issue for everyone to work through.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to smack some characters, my chest tingled at the romance scenes.
This book was such a great YA SFF book and I'm so glad teens gave books like this to read now. Thank you so much Tracy Deonn!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racism, Slavery, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexism, and Alcohol
These themes are handled well within the text, and are appropriate for a YA novel. None are particular unexpected when thinking critically about the book and it's premise as a young black girl living in the American South, and a re-imagining of Arthurian legend.tea_coffee_sam's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Racial slurs, Slavery, Blood, and Medical content
Minor: Rape, Car accident, and Alcohol
achingallover's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
oh boy oh boy i was not expecting to love this and it has torn my heart out and stamped on it and i didnt realise it wasnt a standalone and now im dying
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy