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A review by deereadstoo
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
5.0
This book really solidified my love for this past year. I couldn't stop talking about it and I will never stop talking about it. Tracy Deonn slander will not be tolerated.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn follows Bree Matthews, a 16-year-old UNC at Chapel Hill's residential program for extraordinary high schoolers, after the unexpected death of her mother. However, what's even more unexpected was Bree bearing witness to a magical attack that left her frightened but more importantly wanting answers. With a failed attempt by a teenage mage at wiping her memory, Bree must now infiltrate Legendborn with the knowledge that there was more to her mother's death. What better way to get into Legendborn than by using Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn. Bree will soon find out that there is much more to this world than her just finding the truth about her mother's death so she'll have to make a tough decision on whether all this is even worth it.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
There is literally so much that I could say about this book because it's so good and I fell in love with so many elements of it. However, I would like to state on the record that there is no love triangle in this I'm very confused as to where y'all go the idea that there was. Anywho, let's start with Bree Matthews herself. Fierce. Dedicated. Black. Vulnerable. Caring. She truly is one of my favorite 16-year-olds that I've ever read about. Did she annoy me at times? Yes. Did I get over it when I realized how badass she was in the midst of grief? Also, yes. I've never felt the pain of losing a parent but I can only imagine the amount of pain and grief she must feel and then want to find answers on her own. Truly an icon.
Then we meet Nick who I loved at first but then I got to know Selwyn and quite frankly, minus all of his murderous intent, is much hotter than Nick. Nick is a very privileged white boy who is keen on not really being aware of how others view and live life so he definitely doesn't get the big picture at times. Selwyn, on the other hand, can relate to Bree in some instances because was too marginalized because of his mother (whom I cannot wait to read about). I think both of these young men added a nice juxtaposition to Bree and created a formidable team.
Now, Bree's grief and her traveling with her ancestors and her experience at UNC at Chapel Hill (because it is very white) were some of the most beautiful parts of the story. I loved how Tracy Deonn structured certain chapters when Bree was traveling with her ancestors because it seemed poetic and weaved deep into her being. It really makes me wish I had root magic so I could meet those before me and pay my respects and love. I thought it was special that she had people helping her heal in the present as well. Her dad, her bestfriend, her therapist. All of these people wanted the best for her and see her heal and it was so beautiful watching her grow and understand the grief and take it one step at a time. Also, Bree never let these white people get away with shit (friend or otherwise) especially that musty, crusty little twat Vance (or whatever his name is). He was so disrespectful and I wanted to gauge his eye out with spoons but I'll leave that to Sel.
Lastly, that twist. Wow. I was sickened and baffled. I knew there was something off but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It always has to be an old white man. Wretched beings they are. Nevertheless, obviously he failed and we get to see what occurs in Legendborn #2 with the magical war just around the corner.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn follows Bree Matthews, a 16-year-old UNC at Chapel Hill's residential program for extraordinary high schoolers, after the unexpected death of her mother. However, what's even more unexpected was Bree bearing witness to a magical attack that left her frightened but more importantly wanting answers. With a failed attempt by a teenage mage at wiping her memory, Bree must now infiltrate Legendborn with the knowledge that there was more to her mother's death. What better way to get into Legendborn than by using Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn. Bree will soon find out that there is much more to this world than her just finding the truth about her mother's death so she'll have to make a tough decision on whether all this is even worth it.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
There is literally so much that I could say about this book because it's so good and I fell in love with so many elements of it. However, I would like to state on the record that there is no love triangle in this I'm very confused as to where y'all go the idea that there was. Anywho, let's start with Bree Matthews herself. Fierce. Dedicated. Black. Vulnerable. Caring. She truly is one of my favorite 16-year-olds that I've ever read about. Did she annoy me at times? Yes. Did I get over it when I realized how badass she was in the midst of grief? Also, yes. I've never felt the pain of losing a parent but I can only imagine the amount of pain and grief she must feel and then want to find answers on her own. Truly an icon.
Then we meet Nick who I loved at first but then I got to know Selwyn and quite frankly, minus all of his murderous intent, is much hotter than Nick. Nick is a very privileged white boy who is keen on not really being aware of how others view and live life so he definitely doesn't get the big picture at times. Selwyn, on the other hand, can relate to Bree in some instances because was too marginalized because of his mother (whom I cannot wait to read about). I think both of these young men added a nice juxtaposition to Bree and created a formidable team.
Now, Bree's grief and her traveling with her ancestors and her experience at UNC at Chapel Hill (because it is very white) were some of the most beautiful parts of the story. I loved how Tracy Deonn structured certain chapters when Bree was traveling with her ancestors because it seemed poetic and weaved deep into her being. It really makes me wish I had root magic so I could meet those before me and pay my respects and love. I thought it was special that she had people helping her heal in the present as well. Her dad, her bestfriend, her therapist. All of these people wanted the best for her and see her heal and it was so beautiful watching her grow and understand the grief and take it one step at a time. Also, Bree never let these white people get away with shit (friend or otherwise) especially that musty, crusty little twat Vance (or whatever his name is). He was so disrespectful and I wanted to gauge his eye out with spoons but I'll leave that to Sel.
Lastly, that twist. Wow. I was sickened and baffled. I knew there was something off but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It always has to be an old white man. Wretched beings they are. Nevertheless, obviously he failed and we get to see what occurs in Legendborn #2 with the magical war just around the corner.