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A review by pagesofplatypus
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
Let me start by saying I have loved King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and Arthurian Legend since I was 6. I love how Deonn explores and expands on Arthurian legend in a modern setting. Both the Scion and Rootcraft magic systems are strongly developed.
Second, I want to talk about how well Deonn explores grief. Bree's rage and want for justice are deftly and poignantly portrayed. I feel like adolescents and girls don't often get to see the anger and bitterness of grief in many mainstream portayals of grief, especially in portayals of bereaved teen girls.
Next, Bree is one of the most amazing protagonists I've had the pleasure of meeting in a long time. Everything about her is just so real. Her grief and also her goofiness, her excitement, her curiosity, her exhaustion, and her compassion. I appreciate that she always advocated for herself and knew her worth. And I love how Bree explored her history and her powers in her own way and on her own terms.
And Sel, I'm going to love seeing more of Bree and Sel. I love that snarky, brooding, charming Merlin. He is such a great companion for Bree in his steady dedication to her and understanding of her pain.
Overall, Legendborn is a terrific series introduction and pays plenty of homage to traditional Arthurian Legend while calling to light and honoring African American history and legend as well. Deonn's writing is exhilarating and powerful and she does a spectacular job of placing reader's into Bree's mind and experiences.
Second, I want to talk about how well Deonn explores grief. Bree's rage and want for justice are deftly and poignantly portrayed. I feel like adolescents and girls don't often get to see the anger and bitterness of grief in many mainstream portayals of grief, especially in portayals of bereaved teen girls.
Next, Bree is one of the most amazing protagonists I've had the pleasure of meeting in a long time. Everything about her is just so real. Her grief and also her goofiness, her excitement, her curiosity, her exhaustion, and her compassion. I appreciate that she always advocated for herself and knew her worth. And I love how Bree explored her history and her powers in her own way and on her own terms.
And Sel, I'm going to love seeing more of Bree and Sel. I love that snarky, brooding, charming Merlin. He is such a great companion for Bree in his steady dedication to her and understanding of her pain.
Overall, Legendborn is a terrific series introduction and pays plenty of homage to traditional Arthurian Legend while calling to light and honoring African American history and legend as well. Deonn's writing is exhilarating and powerful and she does a spectacular job of placing reader's into Bree's mind and experiences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Racism, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape