Reviews with content warning for Violence - Oathbound

Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

78 reviews

bookishmillennial's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad 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: Yes

"For the girls that face the unknown, and leap anyway."

Overall Thoughts:
This was SUCH AN EXCELLENT THIRD BOOK in a series! There was action, longing, angst, uncertainty, and a great set up for the next book. I love each of the books in the Legendborn cycle for different reasons, but this one really surprised me. I tend to reach for books within the 300-400 page range, and haven't been reaching for as much fantasy or science fiction as much lately, so I admittedly was intimidated by a 600+ page book where I'd be returning to the fantasy genre again. HOWEVER!!!! I sped through this book, and found that 98% of it was easy enough to follow along, even though it'd be a while since I read book 2, Bloodmarked. Tracy Deonn does exposition SO well, and the way she reminds you of what happened in books one and two were masterful and weaved naturally into the narrative seamlessly. I literally said out loud and wrote an annotation, "THIS is how you do exposition!"

I am SO excited for book four, and am devastated I must wait another year or so for it. Tracy Deonn knows how to keep you turning the pages, and to be absolutely wrecked when you close the book. I am actively rooting for all of these characters, and can't wait to see where the narrative takes them next. Whew!

Thoughts on Bree's headspace during this book

Bree often does not see protecting herself as a worthy cause. For example, she begins chapter one with:

"There have been so many fights and losses, just to keep me safe. Volition, a haven destroyed because I took shelter on its ancestral grounds. Lu, Hazel, and Mariah's Rootcrafter refuge, compromised because they offered me sanctuary. Alice, in a coma after I struck her down in the throes of possession. Selwyn, succumbed to demonia after consuming my power to bring me back to myself. And Nick, risking his life by returning to the very same Order that sent Merlin assassins to kill him. Too many fights. Too many losses." (3-4)

I recognize that many of us can relate to this sentiment of, "I'm not special. I'm not unique. I'm not someone anyone should look up to." The entire "I'm just a girl" meme/trend is very relatable. HOWEVER, I wonder if this goes beyond Bree simply feeling that, and if she genuinely does not feel she deserves to be protected and/or cared for like this?

As I read that, I saw a young woman who feels guilty that others have been essentially "doomed" (in her eyes) if they're associated with her. But she has NOTHING TO FEEL GUILTY FOR! On one hand, yes, this is totally about her and her identity as a King, as a young Black woman in a predominantly white space. But on the other hand, this is about something greater than her too, so everyone fighting to protect her is also fighting against the evil forces and systems at play. I know I'm rambling, but it makes me so sad that Bree doesn't think she's worth the pain that has transpired ... because she IS, and I would argue she maybe hasn't felt this kind of fierce protection (which translates to her feeling uncomfortably with it initially & also possibly not wanting to be blamed later for this?) besides from her dad in a long time as a young Black woman in this world.

I don't know how long I keep drawing more from a well that is so deep that I cannot sense its end. (241)

And it also pisses me off, because she's 17!!!! She shouldn't have the weight of the world on her shoulders, and yet? This is fantasy but that doesn't mean the feelings she feels are fictional. Idk my point but I think everyone deserves to feel fiercely protected, especially young Black women! And it shouldn't feel so foreign that they begin blaming themselves for any bad thing that happens! The way that Bree is just pushing and rallying through this nightmare willingly, shows how resilient and self-sufficient she knows she is, but I wish she didn't have to be.

"Even though I've run away from the Order, I am still the same Onceborn-raised teenage girl held at the mercy of a snarling, laughing opponent. Still. After everything." (27)

I hate how relatable this is lol. Like, regardless of our own achievements and lore, we are often still tugged back to a version of ourselves that we are trying to grow out of, or simply don't identify with anymore.

Thoughts on the theme of sacrifice

"What's more human than sacrifice?" I snap. (38)

"You are not just the Scion of Gawain!" Larkin interrupts..."For God's sake, you are a person. A good person who has sacrificed any semblance of a normal life to protect others!" (262)

Almost every one of these kids holds this mentality and almost resignation of sacrifice. I recognize this is a YA fantasy, and that the premise is kids saving the world. However, every single teenager in this has zero problem sacrificing themselves, and I wonder what that says about the state of the world right now. Something that comes to mind is that we often agree that "kids are the future," and we see so much potential in what the younger generations can do to help the world as they grow. However, I'm going to argue that leaving the work up to the next generation is problematic, harmful, and deeply deflecting of our own accountability and power right now. There's a difference between believing in and empowering youth, versus expecting them to wholly clean up our messes. I feel deeply for these teenagers, who are grappling with the pains of the past, all while trying to take care of each other and survive.

Thoughts on the racism both in and out of this book

"They're experimenting with Bree's blood."
"And the blood of actively working Rootcrafters." (566)

I just read Black Men & Racial Trauma by Yamonte Cooper, so just revisited the horrors that were the Tuskegee Experiments, so my mind couldn't help but go there. I hate this idea of experimenting on Black people, & the inhumane treatment of them as "tools".

Thoughts on intersectionality, and loudly & actively being an ally

Did I ever name the forces that Bree faced? Did I ever call them what they were, full voiced in front of her? Or did I hope that she would understand that I knew them? Did I hope she would know my heart without seeing me declare it before others? (129)

Love this self-reflection because ally IS a verb <3 I like the way Tracy has characters self-reflect on if they've done enough to stand up for Black women, and if they have fostered spaces that feel safe for the Black women in their lives, RATHER THAN forcing the Black women around them to reaffirm and/or validate that they are a "good" person. Nothing is more exhausting than white/non-Black tears being weaponized and demanding to be reassured that they're a "good" person.

"I tend to be more furious at humanity for cultivating and perpetuating said bigotry and apathy," Elijah says with an air of finality, "so no." (227)

I appreciated Elijah saying this, because yes, it is ahborrent that young Black women are being targeted, but it's not this singular issue. He is bringing attention to the fact that this is systemic and goes beyond the Shadow King. The Shadow King should answer to his unethical and gross practices, for sure, but this is not exclusive nor unique to him.

I grew up with boys like Donovan. I was raised by a man like Donovan, who grew up with other boys and men like Donovan. They -we- don't ask real questions. Not questions that have answers that could possibly knock us off our expected paths or betray our vulnerabilities. (349)

I love this recognition that toxic masculinity ALSO hurts men. Like, we are literally all suffering under patriarchy (no one is safe! it's not just AFAB who are harmed by this).

Thoughts on the love triangle & my bid for polyamory

"Look at you. Incredible. You're a gorgeous, powerful, violent little enigma who would stab me in front of all these people just to make a point." (387)

Again, I am veryyyy much Team Sel at this point .......but why is Nick acting so hot right now? Like stop???? Before the audience falls for you?!?!?! I MEAN IT *knife emoji*

"I'm drowning in you, Bree. I shouldn't want to. I should fight it. But I can't."
...
So drown." (484)

Bree is THAT girl. Get your man hhehehehehehheeh.

All of pages 510-511, I just said, "fuck you Nick!!!" but also, he is noble and is not wrong (i.e."...the weight of which you bear without your consent" (510) & "I was born to thrive in this machine, Bree. It was built with me in mind. It's my responsibility to take it apart." (511)

okay yeah so I might be a Nick simp now......... (if you bring this up to anyone, I will deny it)

Regarding the sex scene: I have to remind people that YA is *for* YA (target audience), and like I hate to break it to people, but.... some teenagers have sex. Nick and Bree are 17, and at 17, some people are having sex. There is a difference between a sex scene in a YA novel, and *smut*. Learn the difference (because we shouldn't be upset that there's a sex scene in a YA/NA book, because again....... some teenagers ARE having sex..... so cry about it to your mom or journal, not me)...... and please keep your moral high ground purity culture crap out of here. Thanks!

"Thanks for the light. I do want to get a good look at her." (617)

HEHEHEHEHEHE SEL IS BACK AND I'M BLUSHING

"A king, a kight, and a prince." Sel's smile spreads slow across his face, like thick blood flowing from a wound. "What....shall... we... do?" (642)

KISS! THREE WAY! POLYAMORY! YOU ALL LOVE EACH OTHER!

I hosted a readalong for this if you wanna read the comments & add your own thoughts too! https://app.thestorygraph.com/readalongs/82625d04-ca8a-45ed-b38d-9b595a39be4e

Content Warnings

booktalkwithrae's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense slow-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

This book was an amazing read. I won’t go into too many details, mostly because so much of what I loved about Oathbound mirrors what made the first two books in the Legendborn series so special for me. Tracy Deonn continues to deliver powerful storytelling with deeply emotional undertones, rich worldbuilding, and characters that feel like real, complicated people.

Just like the previous installments, I absolutely loved the characters. I was especially thrilled to see that this book included multiple POVs—it was exciting to step into the minds of other key characters and get a broader look at the world beyond Bree. That said, even though I appreciated the varied perspectives, I did feel like some side characters lacked the development they truly deserved. I wanted just a little more depth to make their stories shine the way Bree's always has. Still, that didn't take away from my overall love for the book.

Unfortunately, my favorite character wasn’t as present as I’d hoped. Their limited screen time was a little disappointing for me personally, but the role they played was still impactful to the story, which I appreciated.

Oathbound definitely has the feel of a "set-up" book—a necessary bridge to an epic finale. And while that’s not a bad thing, I did feel that parts of the story moved a bit slowly. I can’t help but wonder if my personal bias (missing my favorite character!) made those sections feel longer. But even with a slower middle, the worldbuilding remained vivid, the emotional stakes high, and the thematic threads deeply resonant.

Now... the ending. WOW. I reread the last three chapters three times. That’s how good they were. Intense, emotional, and fast-paced—the kind of ending that punches you in the heart and leaves your mind racing. A part of me thought it was a bit rushed, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe it felt that way because so much information was coming at once, and I was trying to absorb every word.

I read books two and three back to back (which wasn't my original plan), thinking waiting for just one more book would be manageable. But after that ending? Torture. I need the final book immediately.

This series is honestly so underrated. It’s become one of my all-time favorites. Waiting for the last book is going to be bittersweet—on one hand, I’m beyond excited (and nervous!) to see how everything wraps up, but on the other, I never want it to end. Compared to Legendborn, this book shows just how far the characters have come and how much the world has evolved. At this point, I have zero predictions. Everything feels wide open—and I love that. I trust Tracy to do this story justice.

Also, I listened to the audiobook version. Just like in the previous books, the narrator for Bree (Joniece Abbott-Pratt) delivers an incredible performance—emotional, powerful, and engaging. However, I wasn’t the biggest fan of all the additional narrators brought in for the new POVs. I appreciated the effort to differentiate voices, but some just didn’t land for me the same way. Still, the overall experience was great.

If you’ve loved the Legendborn series so far, Oathbound is absolutely worth the read. It sets the stage for an unforgettable finale, and I already know I’ll be counting down the days until it arrives.

Content Warnings

erinofthehills's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was...well worth the wait. It was thrilling, infuriating, romantic, heartbreaking and so full of twists and turns I spent many a night reading way past my bedtime. Please tell me another is on the way because this cannot be the end. If you love richly crafted hidden worlds, villains that make you want to hurl the book across the room and loving relationships that make you want to hold it close and never let go...give this one a try (after reading the first two). Another book which has reminded me of the awesome power of literature to awaken our deepest emotions. If I could rate it 10 stars I would.

Content Warnings

zhanae_j's review against another edition

4.75

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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: Complicated

I initially finished Oathbound back in March. I zoomed through it, had too many thoughts to gather, and then decided to jump back into the chaos by taking my time to listen to the audiobook.

After finally being able to gather myself, I have to say this is the book I wish I had back when I was trying to decide whether I was Hufflepuff House or what Godly Cabin I'd be in or shit even imagining myself in Forks, Washington. This series means so much to me, even at my big age.

I was not prepared for this story to acknowledge the ways in which Bree, Sel, and Nick are on dark paths and in states of metamorphosis, experiencing loss and being lost to themselves. A sort of anti-self-discovery. Who are they, what they are capable of, and who will they become while divorced from the people they love?

And then tie that in with how missing black girls are mistreated and overlooked. GUT PUNCH.

With excellent character development, richly layered character dynamics, and a deeper dive into the lore of this world, particularly on the demon side, Oathbound is a critical entry into this series. The Bree, Sel, and Nick that exist in this story have changed exponentially from the characters we first meet in Legendborn, for better or worse, and they still manage to hold to their core beliefs and missions. Tracy is a master at building up to emotional bombshell reveals that leap off the page. The decisions that the trio are forced to make and the information that comes to light about each of them had me ready to throw my book across the room several times. They each get their moment to shine and so do many of the supporting characters. Loved the addition of new characters like Zoelle and Elijah.

Quite of few of my qualms about the first and second book are addressed in Oathbound. The use of Alice's character continues to make my butt itch but we'll see where things go in the next book.

Content Warnings

kaitlynnnng's review

4.5

adventurous 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

I never got the memo that there would be a fourth book in the series, so the ending really threw me for a loop.

This was the most interesting and exciting book in the series, though it was exciting for different reasons than the first two books were.

It was cool to see a character with my middle name!

Content Warnings

readingwithkaitlyn's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Content Warnings

taryn_g's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous challenging 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

Content Warnings

piprigsby's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny 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

waiting for book 4 will be impossible like omg. this book was so good i love this series so much. seeing bree get stronger was amazing but i literally feel like i can't even talk about this book without spoiling so i will be continuing in the spoilers section.

Content Warnings

laurenju90's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

wackly93's review against another edition

4.0

Content Warnings

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