A review by sashana
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

For anyone struggling to connect with a book in one format, my advice is simple: switch it up. I learned this firsthand while reading this book. Attempting the audiobook several times left me stuck in the first chapter. It wasn't until I grabbed the paperback that the story truly came alive for me. Settling in for 45 minutes each night became such a needed escape from my daily life, making it hard to set the book aside at bedtime. The urge for "just one more chapter" lingered until the very end.

This story delves into Merlin mythology, a realm I wasn't well-versed in. What surprised me most was its exploration of "root" magic, weaving together European and Black ancestral magic systems. The conflicts and connections between these worlds, mirrored in Bree's internal struggles, adding depth and tension to the narrative.

While I typically lean towards character-driven plots, the world-building in this book captivated me. There's even a touch of romance, though it didn't sway me strongly either way. However, younger me would've been smitten with Selwyn.

One aspect that occasionally grated on me was Bree's efforts to fit into an organization rife with racial prejudice. I believe in seeking spaces that celebrate us, not merely tolerate us. Nevertheless, the author skillfully explores these themes, enriching the story's layers.