A review by corsetedfeminist
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

challenging emotional hopeful 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

5.0

I think this is the first American fantasy novel l've ever read that actually takes the racist history of this country into account in a profound way that actually affects the plot. That one plot twist at the end? My brain exploded with some combination of horror and wonder. 
The magical world and system itself is probably one of my favorites of all time, just from a magic perspective. I loved the discussions of the differences between the Order's magic and Root magic, and Bree trying to live in both worlds. 
Bree. Look, I love many FMCs, but Bree was an instant favorite. She feels so real and raw and strong, and she actually acts in understandable ways in the various situations she ends up in. I love her depth, and her stubbornness, and her fire. I love the way her grief is shown, and how she finally manages to work through it to the other side. I almost literally screamed at That Moment in the last couple of chapters, when she finally comes into her inheritance. 
Nick is so sweet, so strong, and somehow I care about a straight relationship. I also love that he's 100% there just to love and support Bree, and he didn't want to be here anyway. 
I didn't know what to make of Sel, but, surprising no one, by the end of the book I just loved our angsty, traumatized half-demon baby and I'm looking forward to his relationship with Bree going forward. Cariad? Really? How am I supposed to cope? 
I loved so many of the side characters in this book- Alice, William, Sarah, Patricia, Greer... And also hated quite a few. Besides Lord David and Isaac, when I get my hands on Tor...... 
Also, as someone who is a UNC fan by reason of half my family being alumni, I loved the discussion of the school's troubled history and the repeated appearance of Carolina Blue. 
In conclusion- this book rewrote my brain, I'll be reading book 2 today, and then somehow waiting for book 3 to come out. Also, when do we get a movie, because I badly need it. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings