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saltylane's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.25
The two books in this series (so far??) are full of emotions and plenty of drama & action. There are many mysteries intertwined, and by the end, most are buttoned up nicely… Others are left to either set up for an additional book or to give readers something to think about after.
It’s rough listening to some scenes, especially because the reader is excellent at inflecting intense emotions in their voice acting. There are heartbreaking moments, as well as moments that will leave you mentally yelling at the very-much-flawed characters when they make questionable decisions.
The author has a good method of fleshing out characters in a way that makes them very three-dimensional and making their interconnected relationships really show in the best and worst ways. The twist endings and plot points are also ones that make sense and aren’t there only to mess with the reader expectations. The end of this book especially makes me want to know the answers to the many questions left by the last words. If there’s not an additional book in the series, the ending still works, even with threads hanging in uncertain directions.
It’s rough listening to some scenes, especially because the reader is excellent at inflecting intense emotions in their voice acting. There are heartbreaking moments, as well as moments that will leave you mentally yelling at the very-much-flawed characters when they make questionable decisions.
The author has a good method of fleshing out characters in a way that makes them very three-dimensional and making their interconnected relationships really show in the best and worst ways. The twist endings and plot points are also ones that make sense and aren’t there only to mess with the reader expectations. The end of this book especially makes me want to know the answers to the many questions left by the last words. If there’s not an additional book in the series, the ending still works, even with threads hanging in uncertain directions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Murder, Car accident, Grief, Medical content, Racism, Medical trauma, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Confinement, Bullying, and Colonisation
Minor: Misogyny, Vomit, Transphobia, Sexism, Racial slurs, Self harm, Mental illness, and Pregnancy
marippe's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
“That I am Arthur’s heir not by choice or honor, but by violence.”
Bloodmarked didn’t fail to impress me~
Sel’s screentime and rizz was CHEFS KISS.
That ending was criminal… Can’t wait till book 3!!!
that CARIAD SPEECH. got me KICKING MY FEET!! AND SCREAMING!!!!!
Bloodmarked didn’t fail to impress me~
Sel’s screentime and rizz was CHEFS KISS.
That ending was criminal… Can’t wait till book 3!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Xenophobia, War, Racism, Violence, Colonisation, Death of parent, Slavery, Death, Confinement, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, and Racial slurs
mimo_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
tracy deonn, you have done it again, constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly.
i am shaking and crying
i want pg 479 printed onto my forehead and framed above my bed
ALSO WHY DID IT END LIKE THAT PLZZZZZZZ
i am shaking and crying
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Grief, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Rape
martin27's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
I had a lot of high expectations set by the first book, and this sequel goes above and beyond. The characters from the first book are just as enjoyable and easily remind me why I love them, and the new characters fit in seamlessly. I especially love that Alice got to be a main member of the cast for this one, since she spent the first book mostly as a background player.
The world building is incredible and the different real world inspirations are balanced so well. And Deonn is especially good at writing hooks that keep you reading just one more page, just one more chapter… until you’re halfway through the book in one sitting. The twists are wonderful.
Most of all, Bree is just such a wonderful protagonist. It’s impossible not to root for her (pun not intended). She’s a complex character with a lot of hopes, dreams, and fears, and she’s… well, as Valec likes to call her, a powerhouse. It’s so satisfying to see Bree call out hypocrisy and to push back when others want to make her choices for her. She’s a joy to read about, and I’m very patiently awaiting the next book in the series (well, sort of patiently).
The world building is incredible and the different real world inspirations are balanced so well. And Deonn is especially good at writing hooks that keep you reading just one more page, just one more chapter… until you’re halfway through the book in one sitting. The twists are wonderful.
Most of all, Bree is just such a wonderful protagonist. It’s impossible not to root for her (pun not intended). She’s a complex character with a lot of hopes, dreams, and fears, and she’s… well, as Valec likes to call her, a powerhouse. It’s so satisfying to see Bree call out hypocrisy and to push back when others want to make her choices for her. She’s a joy to read about, and I’m very patiently awaiting the next book in the series (well, sort of patiently).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Gaslighting, Murder, Racism, and Blood
Moderate: Rape, Torture, War, and Medical content
Minor: Vomit
Tagged “torture” because that is specifically what it’s called in the book, but it’s more similar to magical gaslighting, I guess. Tagged “medical content” because while most of the healing in the book is magical, the guy doing the healing is also a med student and usually describes what’s going onluminescify's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
Just like the first book, this one made me so ANGRY for my girl Bree. Despite using her brain, wanting to protect the people she loves and learn to harness her powers…NOTHING good happens to her. Okay, some good things do, but for the most part it’s a bunch of crap and people trying to kill her with their powers or kidnap her because she’s “gone rogue”. I know this is the point of good characters but I’m so sad for her. Justice for Bree!
I’ve also always been Team Sel, I think I wrote that in my first review. I really don’t like where this book ended but that’s ALSO THE POINT. Gah, I just hope this has a happy ending at the end of it all.
Now my anger has shifted to the fact that I’m going to have to wait a ridiculously long time for this next book to come out!!!
I’ve also always been Team Sel, I think I wrote that in my first review. I really don’t like where this book ended but that’s ALSO THE POINT. Gah, I just hope this has a happy ending at the end of it all.
Now my anger has shifted to the fact that I’m going to have to wait a ridiculously long time for this next book to come out!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Racism, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Minor: Rape
katlynann's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
this book is genuinely one of the best things ever written - this is like genre defining ya fantasy everyone in the world should study this and take notes
also Sel was in his edward cullen era wdym jump on my back let’s go through the forest 😭 i loved it though i was giggling
this is truly beautiful, I am so happy that I was able to read it with my own eyes. Bree is one of the most remarkable and strong protagonists ever
All I can say is WOW WOW WOW
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Racism, and Blood
boba_n_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
What an epic continuation of the Legendborn Cycle!
In this installment, we get to learn more about Bree’s powers and her ancestors. Each reveal had me audibly gasping in surprise.
I loved how Deonn effortlessly continued to build the magic system. But that cliffhanger?! I need book 3 right now. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.
In this installment, we get to learn more about Bree’s powers and her ancestors. Each reveal had me audibly gasping in surprise.
I loved how Deonn effortlessly continued to build the magic system. But that cliffhanger?! I need book 3 right now. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Slavery, and Rape
bookthief's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
Wowowowowowowo!!!!! Soooo much just happened in this book I don’t know where to begin.
Firstly, I was super shocked that the regents turned on Bree and took her away and was constantly mesmering her and asking questions repeatedly days on end. I thought that was very cruel considering Bree is still young and she is literally their king.
I loved the scene where she finally escaped the regents with the help of her friends and that she was clever enough to figure out that the poison was in her food.
I originally thought Sel was being really sweet and kind for helping Bree even though that meant going against his oath. I was super mad at him when Valec revealed that Sel had been mesmering Bree into thinking he wasn’t giving into demonia.
Throughout the majority of the book, they had been looking for Nick since he was kidnapped by his father at the end of Legendborn. And when they finally found him he ran away. I was in shock considering I thought he would be eager to get back with the gang since they got on soo well and spent so much time and energy trying to find him.
When Bree was at Volition I thought she would master her powers and that would be that, but instead her ancestors didn’t help her and the regents found her.
When she asked Arthur to help her and to possess her I was stunned as Bree did not trust Arthur at all. I felt very betrayed when he would not give the control back to Bree and locked her up in a dream prison.
I felt so bad for Sel at the end when he turned demonic since he spent so much time trying to help Bree and ended up folding.
The ending was shocking. I did not expect Erebus to be the demon king or Bree to make a bargain with him.
The book ended so suddenly I was in shock. I cannot wait for the third book to come out ( I hope that’s very soon)!
Firstly, I was super shocked that the regents turned on Bree and took her away and was constantly mesmering her and asking questions repeatedly days on end. I thought that was very cruel considering Bree is still young and she is literally their king.
I loved the scene where she finally escaped the regents with the help of her friends and that she was clever enough to figure out that the poison was in her food.
I originally thought Sel was being really sweet and kind for helping Bree even though that meant going against his oath. I was super mad at him when Valec revealed that Sel had been mesmering Bree into thinking he wasn’t giving into demonia.
Throughout the majority of the book, they had been looking for Nick since he was kidnapped by his father at the end of Legendborn. And when they finally found him he ran away. I was in shock considering I thought he would be eager to get back with the gang since they got on soo well and spent so much time and energy trying to find him.
When Bree was at Volition I thought she would master her powers and that would be that, but instead her ancestors didn’t help her and the regents found her.
When she asked Arthur to help her and to possess her I was stunned as Bree did not trust Arthur at all. I felt very betrayed when he would not give the control back to Bree and locked her up in a dream prison.
I felt so bad for Sel at the end when he turned demonic since he spent so much time trying to help Bree and ended up folding.
The ending was shocking. I did not expect Erebus to be the demon king or Bree to make a bargain with him.
The book ended so suddenly I was in shock. I cannot wait for the third book to come out ( I hope that’s very soon)!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Racism, Torture, and Violence
wackly93's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Blood, and Drug use
Moderate: Racism, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Minor: Sexism
arobear's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book wasn't perfect, but I still fell in love with it. The characters are a strong point, and this direction away from the university setting was an improvement from the last installment in terms of deeper characterization and fleshing out the lore. It does strike me a funny that no one cares Bree (an unaccompanied minor) and a bunch of other students left the school with no warning, but I can let that slide lol.
In terms of what was not perfect, I continued to get new characters mixed up, and the ending also left me confused. The action leading up to it was interesting, but the resolution fell a bit fast and flat to me. I'm hoping we'll explore the emotional effects more in the next book. I'm also pretty fucking salty about what happened to Alice. Please don't kill all my gays!! :'(
On a more personal note, as a queer person and leader I connected with Bree's struggle to be the "first" of everything and follow a legacy that she didn't have a hand in creating, but still felt beholden to. The themes explored helped me look at my situation in a new light and reflect on what my goals are not what they "should be" according to others. I think the author does a great job interweaving the complex themes and relationships with a strong narrative when in other books it can easily become disjointed. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
In terms of what was not perfect, I continued to get new characters mixed up, and the ending also left me confused. The action leading up to it was interesting, but the resolution fell a bit fast and flat to me. I'm hoping we'll explore the emotional effects more in the next book.
On a more personal note, as a queer person and leader I connected with Bree's struggle to be the "first" of everything and follow a legacy that she didn't have a hand in creating, but still felt beholden to. The themes explored helped me look at my situation in a new light and reflect on what my goals are not what they "should be" according to others. I think the author does a great job interweaving the complex themes and relationships with a strong narrative when in other books it can easily become disjointed. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, and Racism
Moderate: Grief, Blood, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture, Rape, Death of parent, and War