Scan barcode
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: Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, and Racism
Moderate: Vomit, Gore, and Slavery
Minor: Rape, Physical abuse, 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: Grief, Death, Death of parent, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Physical abuse
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: Colonisation, Classism, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and War
Moderate: Alcohol, Bullying, Car accident, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Transphobia
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: Abandonment, War, Violence, Torture, Slavery, Vomit, Racism, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Death, Colonisation, Child death, Cancer, Bullying, and Blood
Minor: Alcohol and Rape
lessthelonely's review
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: Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Hate crime, and Racism
Moderate: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
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, War, Grief, and Racism
Minor: Alcohol, Gore, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Death, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Alcoholism, Bullying, Car accident, Death of parent, Slavery, Blood, and Colonisation
chessakat's review
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 of parent, Death, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Kidnapping, Rape, and Physical abuse
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
Even though I understand Legendborn was not written for me, this book filled such a void in my recent reading. Even in the early chapter, something about it felt warm and familiar. Eventually, I was able to identify that fuzzy feeling - nostalgia. Legendborn reminds me of the types of fantasies I read growing up. World building and writing style evoking Vampire Academy and City of Bones and that whole genre of "young woman discovers magic abilities and is swept away into a secret club where she learns about a hidden world" feel... I loved it, I loved it so much.
Bree is a beautifully complicated character. She has hopes and dreams, but the events of the book have made so many things unclear for her. She struggles with anger and love and loss. There's every shade of emotion in this book and it doesn't quite fall into many of the tropes that plague this kind YA fantasy. I am such a big fan of Bree - but not just her. I'm interested in Alice, William, Selwyn, Felicity... just about every character in this book has a journey and they're all interesting.
And the writing? Tracy Deonn is a brutal writer. Legendborn does not pull punches when it comes to betrayal and heartbreak. There were a lot of twists I didn't expect. Deonn does a great job of keeper the reader rooted in the moment and absorbed in the story - the ending surprised me chapter after chapter and I am looking forward to the next book.
Deonn wove her own culture into this story and carved - literally and figuratively - a place at the table. Books like Legendborn remind us how underrepresented non-white protagonists have been in the past, and how they continue to struggle to be seen, much like the audience for whom they are written. Like my first readthrough of Children of Blood and Bone, I was impressed with the representation, although I am not the appropriate person to say whether or not it is sufficient. Please do read reviews from Black female-identifying readers for confirmation on the rep!
From the magic and mythology to the character arcs, carefully constructed plot, and smooth writing, Legendborn is an easy five-star read for me. There's nothing in this book that I can say is mediocre or lacking - it is entirely enjoyable as a YA fantasy and refreshing from some of the repetitive themes I've seen lately. For me, it's a revival of the style of stories I grew up loving and I can't recommend it enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Death of parent, Blood, Death, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Car accident and Slavery
boredomandwordsofbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Racism, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Slavery, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, and Animal death
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Police brutality, Torture, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Drug use, and Domestic abuse
leahlovesloslibros'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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Tracy Deonn knocked it out of the park.
In an absolutely stunning YA fantasy debut, all I can say is, this is one book that I will absolutely recommend to everyone. The world building, the familial connections, the magic system, the history, the grief....it was just truly incredible.
The first thing that I really have to discuss is the grief. We see Bree attempting to navigate through her grief following the unexpected loss of her mother. Deonn writes this grief in such a painfully beautiful way that you know the experience had to be somewhat personal for her (which it was, as her mother also died when she was around Bree's age). The character's feelings and raw and visceral, and while reading it seemed as though I was feeling Bree's pain along with her.
World building is something that I typically either really enjoy or it totally bores me, often I experience the latter. This book, however, did it in such a way that it kept my attention and actually left me wanting more. The history of UNC - Chapel Hill was thorough without being dry; the Legendborn story woven right into it seemed to fit like a glove. I could easily paint a picture in my mind of the locations on campus, thanks to Deonn's detailed descriptions. While there was a lot of world building in the earlier parts of the book, I enjoyed that it continued throughout the book as layers were added to the plot.
The familial connection was something that I could really relate to, since I am close with some of my extended family. I loved that Bree's connection not only with her mother but with her ancestors was a focal point in the story. I can't say more than that without getting into spoilers, but it was done so well.
While I am not Black, I really appreciated the Black history and the focus on everyday struggles Bree faced due to her race, because I feel it gave non-BIPOC a small but significant view into the struggles, microaggressions, and endless race-related issues that BIPOC regularly face. I am actively seeking out books that will present views other than my own in a genuine way so that I can learn more about others' everyday struggles, and this one absolutely delivered in that respect.
The magic system in this book is complicated, and I can't say much about it without giving a lot away, but trust me when I say it's impressive as hell, an so unique.
Honestly, I was very nervous to read this book, as I was worried it wouldn't live up to all of the hype it has been getting in recent months. I was not disappointed in the slightest. The only thing that was missing for me was that I really think the reader would benefit from a glossary, as there is a lot to keep track of and personally I like to have reference information all in one place. Only because there were multiple points throughout the story where I wished for a glossary, I am taking off .5 star; otherwise, this would hands-down be a 5-star read for me.
In an absolutely stunning YA fantasy debut, all I can say is, this is one book that I will absolutely recommend to everyone. The world building, the familial connections, the magic system, the history, the grief....it was just truly incredible.
The first thing that I really have to discuss is the grief. We see Bree attempting to navigate through her grief following the unexpected loss of her mother. Deonn writes this grief in such a painfully beautiful way that you know the experience had to be somewhat personal for her (which it was, as her mother also died when she was around Bree's age). The character's feelings and raw and visceral, and while reading it seemed as though I was feeling Bree's pain along with her.
World building is something that I typically either really enjoy or it totally bores me, often I experience the latter. This book, however, did it in such a way that it kept my attention and actually left me wanting more. The history of UNC - Chapel Hill was thorough without being dry; the Legendborn story woven right into it seemed to fit like a glove. I could easily paint a picture in my mind of the locations on campus, thanks to Deonn's detailed descriptions. While there was a lot of world building in the earlier parts of the book, I enjoyed that it continued throughout the book as layers were added to the plot.
The familial connection was something that I could really relate to, since I am close with some of my extended family. I loved that Bree's connection not only with her mother but with her ancestors was a focal point in the story. I can't say more than that without getting into spoilers, but it was done so well.
While I am not Black, I really appreciated the Black history and the focus on everyday struggles Bree faced due to her race, because I feel it gave non-BIPOC a small but significant view into the struggles, microaggressions, and endless race-related issues that BIPOC regularly face. I am actively seeking out books that will present views other than my own in a genuine way so that I can learn more about others' everyday struggles, and this one absolutely delivered in that respect.
The magic system in this book is complicated, and I can't say much about it without giving a lot away, but trust me when I say it's impressive as hell, an so unique.
Honestly, I was very nervous to read this book, as I was worried it wouldn't live up to all of the hype it has been getting in recent months. I was not disappointed in the slightest. The only thing that was missing for me was that I really think the reader would benefit from a glossary, as there is a lot to keep track of and personally I like to have reference information all in one place. Only because there were multiple points throughout the story where I wished for a glossary, I am taking off .5 star; otherwise, this would hands-down be a 5-star read for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Blood, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Car accident, Racial slurs, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Torture, and Slavery
Minor: Cursing and Rape