Scan barcode
A review by sophiesometimesreads
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-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
Wow… just wow. What a read. And that ending - I am awed and shattered and need some time to process my thoughts before writing a proper review, but all I have to say right now is… how am I going to make it til November before reading the next one?
Okay, it's a few days later and I’ve sat on this book a bit and think I’m in the right headspace to write a review. Slight spoilers ahead, read with caution.
Well, if you hadn’t already realised, I LOVED this book. For a YA book, it definitely didn’t feel obviously YA. Of course, the characters were mostly 16 to 18 year olds, but the writing style and content felt ageless and made it even more enjoyable to read. I think having it set at a college instead of a high school definitely helped with the “older” vibes.
The magic system was detailed but well thought out and I loved how it explored how different cultures used the same magic in different ways and for different purposes.
I loved Bree, she was so badass and I liked her journey of growth through the book. I also loved the dynamic between her and the other characters, and her journey to found family.
I also didn’t see the twist at the end coming, to be honest. I had an inkling regarding certain character's involvement but the big twist at the end took me by surprise. I did have a moment where I thought we were gonna have a Mortal Instruments 2.0 moment but was SO RELIEVED when it was not that (iykyk).
The incorporation of division of race, the subtle ways race plays into societal dynamics, particularly historical institutions in the south of the United States, and Bree’s experience being a minority in a predominantly white society were very well woven into the story. It also shed some important light on these issues to me, being a white person who has been to the south but doesn’t live there (or in America).
I will definitely be picking up the sequel to this book as soon as it drops in November and will be counting the days until then!
Okay, it's a few days later and I’ve sat on this book a bit and think I’m in the right headspace to write a review. Slight spoilers ahead, read with caution.
Well, if you hadn’t already realised, I LOVED this book. For a YA book, it definitely didn’t feel obviously YA. Of course, the characters were mostly 16 to 18 year olds, but the writing style and content felt ageless and made it even more enjoyable to read. I think having it set at a college instead of a high school definitely helped with the “older” vibes.
The magic system was detailed but well thought out and I loved how it explored how different cultures used the same magic in different ways and for different purposes.
I loved Bree, she was so badass and I liked her journey of growth through the book. I also loved the dynamic between her and the other characters, and her journey to found family.
I also didn’t see the twist at the end coming, to be honest. I had an inkling regarding certain character's involvement but the big twist at the end took me by surprise. I did have a moment where I thought we were gonna have a Mortal Instruments 2.0 moment but was SO RELIEVED when it was not that (iykyk).
The incorporation of division of race, the subtle ways race plays into societal dynamics, particularly historical institutions in the south of the United States, and Bree’s experience being a minority in a predominantly white society were very well woven into the story. It also shed some important light on these issues to me, being a white person who has been to the south but doesn’t live there (or in America).
I will definitely be picking up the sequel to this book as soon as it drops in November and will be counting the days until then!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexism, Violence, Racism, Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Slavery and Car accident
Minor: Rape