Scan barcode
A review by archaicgambit
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.75
There was a lot to love about this book. The representation was excellent, especially in regards to the LGBT rep, which was incredibly natural. Although the protagonist is straight (?) many of the side characters were casually queer.
I thought the main themes were brilliantly done, from Bree's pride in her blackness to her sense of loss regarding not fully knowing her family/their history. The ongoing theme of the relationship of bree to her ancestors, foiled with both Nick and Sel was executed in a really powerful way. This and her character arc involving her grief and how that paralleled her to Sel was the most compelling part of the story.
There were some things that were set up that I initially thought were insufferably YA (particularly how detailed all the love interests smelled to her) that actually ended up having a really satisfying payoff. Also, a genuinely good love triangle??? when Sel admitted he was also in love with nick I was shocked in the best way Someone told me the book had Gail Carson Levine vibes before I read it, and the most I felt that was in how deeply charming and sincere the romance felt.
There were a lot of minor characters in the Order and I've gotta be honest a lot of them had trouble sticking to my brain. I think that's mostly fine though.
I wasn't a big fan of the EC device and honestly felt Bree could've been a normal freshman without it altering the plot. I think the book is in an awkward cusp YA/NA space, and that it would appeal to YA readers who are maybe 16-17, looking forward to college and ok with reading an 18 year old protagonist.
I thought the only big failing was the reveal of the villain. I’m not opposed to the choice but wish it had been foreshadowed better. I felt like some of it was being given to us by Sel but there were so many other interesting things happening in that scene that my brain just glossed right over it.
Also But I just LOSE MY SHIT when a girl becomes king and I am definitely going to read that sequel as soon as it drops.
I thought the main themes were brilliantly done, from Bree's pride in her blackness to her sense of loss regarding not fully knowing her family/their history. The ongoing theme of the relationship of bree to her ancestors, foiled with both Nick and Sel was executed in a really powerful way. This and her character arc involving her grief and how that paralleled her to Sel was the most compelling part of the story.
There were some things that were set up that I initially thought were insufferably YA (particularly how detailed all the love interests smelled to her) that actually ended up having a really satisfying payoff. Also, a genuinely good love triangle???
There were a lot of minor characters in the Order and I've gotta be honest a lot of them had trouble sticking to my brain. I think that's mostly fine though.
I wasn't a big fan of the EC device and honestly felt Bree could've been a normal freshman without it altering the plot. I think the book is in an awkward cusp YA/NA space, and that it would appeal to YA readers who are maybe 16-17, looking forward to college and ok with reading an 18 year old protagonist.
I thought the only big failing was the reveal of the villain. I’m not opposed to the choice but wish it had been foreshadowed better. I felt like some of it was being given to us by Sel but there were so many other interesting things happening in that scene that my brain just glossed right over it.
Also
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, and Vomit
Minor: Police brutality