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A review by signebrum
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
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
4.5
This book was a fun read!
People have compared it to a series like the mortal instruments, and I definitely see why. Though it is its own entirely.
Overall, I enjoyed it, however there were some drawbacks.
Spoilers below!
Firstly, the conflict between Alice and Bree in the first half seems rather forced, the fights merely a result of both girls just not communicating - miscommunication trope much?
I also must admit… Bree is not my favorite protagonist. I can’t exactly say why, sometimes she’s just a little too dramatic/self obsessed, but it doesn’t bother me too much - especially seeing as she gets a bit better in the end. Character development ftw!
Now, this book is no stranger to common tropes. I already mentioned miscommunication, but there’s definitely also the chosen one, instalove and I’m smelling a love triangle in the next book (I’m team Sel btw - what can I say, dark, brooding? What more could one ask for?)
I do think the tropes work though, and tbf, I’ve never minded either if only they’re done well, which they are so far.
As for the characters? Well, I’m gonna call it, Bree will end up with Sel - but that might just be my old fangirl-shipping-heart talking.
Bree is strong, caring, and even though she isn’t my favorite protagonist ever, she had her charms, and she is going to make the world listen to her. I kinda had guessed the Arthur-twist, but that said, I’m really excited to see how things will work out.
As for Sel? I adore him. How couldn’t you? I’m guessing Bree and Sel will have some enemies to lovers arc, and honestly, I’m also hoping for it!
Sel on his own is badass, but also very much the mysterious brooding character, who wears a tight façade. So in short, every book obsessed girl’s wet dream.
Now don’t get me wrong, just because I’m team Sel, doesn’t mean I don’t like Nick. In fact I adore him, and I actually don’t mind his and Bree’s relationship. It is a bit insta-love, and I would have liked to bloom a little slower, but they are cute together.
That said, Nick is the perfect opposite to Sel. An unselfish cinnamon roll, and honestly, I understand why everyone wants to protect him!
Him and Sel definitely gives me the infernal devices Jem Carstairs/Will Herondale vibes (without being as close as those two maybe, but hey, Herongraystairs is one of the most beautiful YA love stories, and this series following those footsteps would be AWESOME!)
The rest of the characters are great. There’s quite a lot of them, but all see very real and three dimensional, which is difficult to do, with so many side-characters, so honestly, I applaud Tracy Deonn, because I love it!
The characters are also quite diverse! We have a black protagonist, an asian best friend, we have a character going by they/them, we have a wlw relationship and no characters etc. and I love the way each of these characters are introduced the exact same way as anyone else in the story - as it should be done.
All in all, I liked the story and will definitely read the next one!
People have compared it to a series like the mortal instruments, and I definitely see why. Though it is its own entirely.
Overall, I enjoyed it, however there were some drawbacks.
Spoilers below!
Firstly, the conflict between Alice and Bree in the first half seems rather forced, the fights merely a result of both girls just not communicating - miscommunication trope much?
I also must admit… Bree is not my favorite protagonist. I can’t exactly say why, sometimes she’s just a little too dramatic/self obsessed, but it doesn’t bother me too much - especially seeing as she gets a bit better in the end. Character development ftw!
Now, this book is no stranger to common tropes. I already mentioned miscommunication, but there’s definitely also the chosen one, instalove and I’m smelling a love triangle in the next book (I’m team Sel btw - what can I say, dark, brooding? What more could one ask for?)
I do think the tropes work though, and tbf, I’ve never minded either if only they’re done well, which they are so far.
As for the characters? Well, I’m gonna call it, Bree will end up with Sel - but that might just be my old fangirl-shipping-heart talking.
Bree is strong, caring, and even though she isn’t my favorite protagonist ever, she had her charms, and she is going to make the world listen to her. I kinda had guessed the Arthur-twist, but that said, I’m really excited to see how things will work out.
As for Sel? I adore him. How couldn’t you? I’m guessing Bree and Sel will have some enemies to lovers arc, and honestly, I’m also hoping for it!
Sel on his own is badass, but also very much the mysterious brooding character, who wears a tight façade. So in short, every book obsessed girl’s wet dream.
Now don’t get me wrong, just because I’m team Sel, doesn’t mean I don’t like Nick. In fact I adore him, and I actually don’t mind his and Bree’s relationship. It is a bit insta-love, and I would have liked to bloom a little slower, but they are cute together.
That said, Nick is the perfect opposite to Sel. An unselfish cinnamon roll, and honestly, I understand why everyone wants to protect him!
Him and Sel definitely gives me the infernal devices Jem Carstairs/Will Herondale vibes (without being as close as those two maybe, but hey, Herongraystairs is one of the most beautiful YA love stories, and this series following those footsteps would be AWESOME!)
The rest of the characters are great. There’s quite a lot of them, but all see very real and three dimensional, which is difficult to do, with so many side-characters, so honestly, I applaud Tracy Deonn, because I love it!
The characters are also quite diverse! We have a black protagonist, an asian best friend, we have a character going by they/them, we have a wlw relationship and no characters etc. and I love the way each of these characters are introduced the exact same way as anyone else in the story - as it should be done.
All in all, I liked the story and will definitely read the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Classism, Colonisation, Death, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual violence