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A review by leahlovesloslibros
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Tracy Deonn knocked it out of the park.
In an absolutely stunning YA fantasy debut, all I can say is, this is one book that I will absolutely recommend to everyone. The world building, the familial connections, the magic system, the history, the grief....it was just truly incredible.
The first thing that I really have to discuss is the grief. We see Bree attempting to navigate through her grief following the unexpected loss of her mother. Deonn writes this grief in such a painfully beautiful way that you know the experience had to be somewhat personal for her (which it was, as her mother also died when she was around Bree's age). The character's feelings and raw and visceral, and while reading it seemed as though I was feeling Bree's pain along with her.
World building is something that I typically either really enjoy or it totally bores me, often I experience the latter. This book, however, did it in such a way that it kept my attention and actually left me wanting more. The history of UNC - Chapel Hill was thorough without being dry; the Legendborn story woven right into it seemed to fit like a glove. I could easily paint a picture in my mind of the locations on campus, thanks to Deonn's detailed descriptions. While there was a lot of world building in the earlier parts of the book, I enjoyed that it continued throughout the book as layers were added to the plot.
The familial connection was something that I could really relate to, since I am close with some of my extended family. I loved that Bree's connection not only with her mother but with her ancestors was a focal point in the story. I can't say more than that without getting into spoilers, but it was done so well.
While I am not Black, I really appreciated the Black history and the focus on everyday struggles Bree faced due to her race, because I feel it gave non-BIPOC a small but significant view into the struggles, microaggressions, and endless race-related issues that BIPOC regularly face. I am actively seeking out books that will present views other than my own in a genuine way so that I can learn more about others' everyday struggles, and this one absolutely delivered in that respect.
The magic system in this book is complicated, and I can't say much about it without giving a lot away, but trust me when I say it's impressive as hell, an so unique.
Honestly, I was very nervous to read this book, as I was worried it wouldn't live up to all of the hype it has been getting in recent months. I was not disappointed in the slightest. The only thing that was missing for me was that I really think the reader would benefit from a glossary, as there is a lot to keep track of and personally I like to have reference information all in one place. Only because there were multiple points throughout the story where I wished for a glossary, I am taking off .5 star; otherwise, this would hands-down be a 5-star read for me.
In an absolutely stunning YA fantasy debut, all I can say is, this is one book that I will absolutely recommend to everyone. The world building, the familial connections, the magic system, the history, the grief....it was just truly incredible.
The first thing that I really have to discuss is the grief. We see Bree attempting to navigate through her grief following the unexpected loss of her mother. Deonn writes this grief in such a painfully beautiful way that you know the experience had to be somewhat personal for her (which it was, as her mother also died when she was around Bree's age). The character's feelings and raw and visceral, and while reading it seemed as though I was feeling Bree's pain along with her.
World building is something that I typically either really enjoy or it totally bores me, often I experience the latter. This book, however, did it in such a way that it kept my attention and actually left me wanting more. The history of UNC - Chapel Hill was thorough without being dry; the Legendborn story woven right into it seemed to fit like a glove. I could easily paint a picture in my mind of the locations on campus, thanks to Deonn's detailed descriptions. While there was a lot of world building in the earlier parts of the book, I enjoyed that it continued throughout the book as layers were added to the plot.
The familial connection was something that I could really relate to, since I am close with some of my extended family. I loved that Bree's connection not only with her mother but with her ancestors was a focal point in the story. I can't say more than that without getting into spoilers, but it was done so well.
While I am not Black, I really appreciated the Black history and the focus on everyday struggles Bree faced due to her race, because I feel it gave non-BIPOC a small but significant view into the struggles, microaggressions, and endless race-related issues that BIPOC regularly face. I am actively seeking out books that will present views other than my own in a genuine way so that I can learn more about others' everyday struggles, and this one absolutely delivered in that respect.
The magic system in this book is complicated, and I can't say much about it without giving a lot away, but trust me when I say it's impressive as hell, an so unique.
Honestly, I was very nervous to read this book, as I was worried it wouldn't live up to all of the hype it has been getting in recent months. I was not disappointed in the slightest. The only thing that was missing for me was that I really think the reader would benefit from a glossary, as there is a lot to keep track of and personally I like to have reference information all in one place. Only because there were multiple points throughout the story where I wished for a glossary, I am taking off .5 star; otherwise, this would hands-down be a 5-star read for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Blood, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Car accident, Racial slurs, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Torture, and Slavery
Minor: Cursing and Rape