bookobsessed_emily's review against another edition
5.0
Book Review:5/5
Before i started this book i knew one thing about it: Arthurian retelling. That was all i needed to know to be 100% intrigued. Tracy Deonn did not, in any way, disappoint. This was pretty much my idea of a perfect YA fantasy, and one of the most important books I’ve read this year.
Legendborn is very emotionally gripping, and you cannot help but be pulled in to Brees grief and sadness from the very first chapter. I found her character growth extremely inspiring and her emotional responses incredibly relatable. There were also many side characters I also loved!
The plot takes off immediately and i was on the edge of my seat with every new discovery. I gobbled this book up in about two days and then took a bit of time with the ending because book endings always scare me, especially if I’m going into the book blind. There were many twists i did not expect, even knowing Arthurian legends well, the ending of the book took me by surprise. The magic is also unique and well established. There is a bit of terminology to learn when it comes to the hierarchy of the society as well as their lineages but after a bit, it sticks pretty well, it did not impair my enjoyment of the book at all. I cried and at one point had absolute chills going down my spine from this one creepy moment.
As someone who absolutely abhors love triangles, i found the one brewing between these pages well written and well enough in the sidelines that it did not overshadow the plot, nor did it make make Brees storyline just about choosing between two boys (as many love triangles so often do).
The book is laden with diverse characters, LGBT representation, as well as a nonbinary character. Many times throughout the book Bree is the only black character in the room, which plays into many of the themes in the book regarding racism, generational trauma, slavery,and classism. Many interactions between white characters and Bree display the absolute disregard and ignorance many have towards black culture, history, and perspective. I’ve really been loving the weaving of social commentary and current social issues into fantasy books.
The second book comes on on November 1st so i think this is he perfect time to dive into this book! Also, perfect for your fall reads. I am so very nervous, excited and scared for the second installment and cannot wait to get my hands on it. 100% recommend.
Before i started this book i knew one thing about it: Arthurian retelling. That was all i needed to know to be 100% intrigued. Tracy Deonn did not, in any way, disappoint. This was pretty much my idea of a perfect YA fantasy, and one of the most important books I’ve read this year.
Legendborn is very emotionally gripping, and you cannot help but be pulled in to Brees grief and sadness from the very first chapter. I found her character growth extremely inspiring and her emotional responses incredibly relatable. There were also many side characters I also loved!
The plot takes off immediately and i was on the edge of my seat with every new discovery. I gobbled this book up in about two days and then took a bit of time with the ending because book endings always scare me, especially if I’m going into the book blind. There were many twists i did not expect, even knowing Arthurian legends well, the ending of the book took me by surprise. The magic is also unique and well established. There is a bit of terminology to learn when it comes to the hierarchy of the society as well as their lineages but after a bit, it sticks pretty well, it did not impair my enjoyment of the book at all. I cried and at one point had absolute chills going down my spine from this one creepy moment.
As someone who absolutely abhors love triangles, i found the one brewing between these pages well written and well enough in the sidelines that it did not overshadow the plot, nor did it make make Brees storyline just about choosing between two boys (as many love triangles so often do).
The book is laden with diverse characters, LGBT representation, as well as a nonbinary character. Many times throughout the book Bree is the only black character in the room, which plays into many of the themes in the book regarding racism, generational trauma, slavery,and classism. Many interactions between white characters and Bree display the absolute disregard and ignorance many have towards black culture, history, and perspective. I’ve really been loving the weaving of social commentary and current social issues into fantasy books.
The second book comes on on November 1st so i think this is he perfect time to dive into this book! Also, perfect for your fall reads. I am so very nervous, excited and scared for the second installment and cannot wait to get my hands on it. 100% recommend.
alioliver's review against another edition
4.0
This book was absolutely phenomenal. I loved the may Tracy Deonn incorporated racial issues/tensions without making it the plot of the book. I loved how Bree's anger was handled and the beautiful simplicity of Nick and Bree's romance. The plot twist at the end was definitely predictable but all in all this book was absolutely amazing.
the_arwens_child's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
mrgnjo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
summerleighann7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
badwolfreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Legendborn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First Line: "The police officer's body goes blurry, then sharpens again."
🗡 Secret society
🔥 King Arthur
🗡 Black female main character trying to infiltrate a predominantly white secret society in the south
🔥Fantasy that revolves around lineage, slavery and its effects, racism, privilege, etc. - it was amazing
🗡 Bree is a badass female character - she takes shit from NO ONE
🔥 We have the beginnings of what I think will turn into a love triangle (Team Sel)
🗡 Loveable characters - William rocks and I wish we'd seen more of Alice
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First Line: "The police officer's body goes blurry, then sharpens again."
🗡 Secret society
🔥 King Arthur
🗡 Black female main character trying to infiltrate a predominantly white secret society in the south
🔥Fantasy that revolves around lineage, slavery and its effects, racism, privilege, etc. - it was amazing
🗡 Bree is a badass female character - she takes shit from NO ONE
🔥 We have the beginnings of what I think will turn into a love triangle (Team Sel)
🗡 Loveable characters - William rocks and I wish we'd seen more of Alice
jamsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
Si vous hésitez encore à le lire alors c’est vraiment plus le moment. Parce que quel coup de coeur ce livre ! Il est juste incroyable.
neetarattan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘠𝘈 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 • 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 • 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢 • 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴
𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 🫑
The age old fairytale of 'good versus evil' and 'dark versus light' felt at once familiar yet reimagined to bring a diverse perspective and challenge the status quo. I loved this added complexity which brought freshness to the retelling, highlighting shades of grey with respect to morality, including questioning the veracity of written historical record and Black history in America. Stereotypes are examined, challenged & racism and prejudices laid bare.
The magical system is imaginative and fun. The mystery of the different branches of magic, including the cost and provenance thereof, come together in a coming-of-age story set on an urban college campus, complete with civil war monuments and secret societies. The plot and pacing kept me riveted and guessing at what would be unveiled next. It was well planned and well executed, not at all lacking in complexity, with a touch of romance. I would recommend this to fantasy readers of all ages.
𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 🫑
The age old fairytale of 'good versus evil' and 'dark versus light' felt at once familiar yet reimagined to bring a diverse perspective and challenge the status quo. I loved this added complexity which brought freshness to the retelling, highlighting shades of grey with respect to morality, including questioning the veracity of written historical record and Black history in America. Stereotypes are examined, challenged & racism and prejudices laid bare.
The magical system is imaginative and fun. The mystery of the different branches of magic, including the cost and provenance thereof, come together in a coming-of-age story set on an urban college campus, complete with civil war monuments and secret societies. The plot and pacing kept me riveted and guessing at what would be unveiled next. It was well planned and well executed, not at all lacking in complexity, with a touch of romance. I would recommend this to fantasy readers of all ages.
spinebreaker_101's review against another edition
5.0
4.7 rating
EXTREMELY UNDERRATED??? If this has been sitting on your shelf for ages or you’re hesitating to buy it, then you are absolutely missing out.
I’m so surprised to see that there aren’t that many reviews for this duology and it makes me want to scream because these books are genuinely amazing. I didn’t think I would like contemporary fantasy (though there are a lot of historical ties here) but I was very wrong. It can definitely be done right and the Legendborn cycle backs that up.
Recommending this to those who want a refreshing YA fantasy book, different from the generic cookie cutter stories we usually get in this genre.
Definitely obsessed with the unique and absolutely fitting perspective we see through the eyes of Bree - a strong black young woman lead character struggling with grief - and incorporated into a present-day x King Arthur storyline focused on lineages and ancestry and infused with magic. Not at all what I expected when I read the blurb.
Without spoiling, I have to mention the best bits:
- Loved all the different locations the story progressed through, as well as the time stamp hopping (memory walks)
- Bree’s love interest being actually likeable for their confidence
- The perfectly paced build up of the relationship between Bree and her love interest - that isn’t at the forefront of the story entirely which is a really nice change for once
- Different names/types for magic - so simple but felt so appropriate to the story and gave it a less cringey feel (imo)
- Great plot twists along the way, big and small !
- Wouldn’t usually enjoy present day settings but for the purpose of this story and plot it was absolutely necessary and I still feel like it transports the reader into a completely different world (though mixed with some realities/real experiences)
I can’t say this was a perfect book for the following reasons:
- slightly complex world building, easy to get lost in the terminology and structure at first (eg figuring out who is who’s Scion and Squire)
- Which brings me onto the minor info dumping that becomes necessary but hard to digest and remember all at once
- My most pressing issue being the unimaginative demon creatures depicted throughout - would’ve liked to see something other than normal animals described as big, scary, and magical (?!)
- At times, it felt like Bree and (sometimes) Sel’s characters were completely different from a couple chapters before in the way they spoke/behaved, not overtly but just couldn’t put a finger on their personalities at times as they didn’t seem stable/consistent but maybe that’s just a me issue
- The ‘Jesus take the wheel’ sentence threw me off a lil I won’t lie
A special mention to the gorgeous, vibrant cover as well. Obsessed.
EXTREMELY UNDERRATED??? If this has been sitting on your shelf for ages or you’re hesitating to buy it, then you are absolutely missing out.
I’m so surprised to see that there aren’t that many reviews for this duology and it makes me want to scream because these books are genuinely amazing. I didn’t think I would like contemporary fantasy (though there are a lot of historical ties here) but I was very wrong. It can definitely be done right and the Legendborn cycle backs that up.
Recommending this to those who want a refreshing YA fantasy book, different from the generic cookie cutter stories we usually get in this genre.
Definitely obsessed with the unique and absolutely fitting perspective we see through the eyes of Bree - a strong black young woman lead character struggling with grief - and incorporated into a present-day x King Arthur storyline focused on lineages and ancestry and infused with magic. Not at all what I expected when I read the blurb.
Without spoiling, I have to mention the best bits:
- Loved all the different locations the story progressed through, as well as the time stamp hopping (memory walks)
- Bree’s love interest being actually likeable for their confidence
- The perfectly paced build up of the relationship between Bree and her love interest - that isn’t at the forefront of the story entirely which is a really nice change for once
- Different names/types for magic - so simple but felt so appropriate to the story and gave it a less cringey feel (imo)
- Great plot twists along the way, big and small !
- Wouldn’t usually enjoy present day settings but for the purpose of this story and plot it was absolutely necessary and I still feel like it transports the reader into a completely different world (though mixed with some realities/real experiences)
I can’t say this was a perfect book for the following reasons:
- slightly complex world building, easy to get lost in the terminology and structure at first (eg figuring out who is who’s Scion and Squire)
- Which brings me onto the minor info dumping that becomes necessary but hard to digest and remember all at once
- My most pressing issue being the unimaginative demon creatures depicted throughout - would’ve liked to see something other than normal animals described as big, scary, and magical (?!)
- At times, it felt like Bree and (sometimes) Sel’s characters were completely different from a couple chapters before in the way they spoke/behaved, not overtly but just couldn’t put a finger on their personalities at times as they didn’t seem stable/consistent but maybe that’s just a me issue
- The ‘Jesus take the wheel’ sentence threw me off a lil I won’t lie
A special mention to the gorgeous, vibrant cover as well. Obsessed.
amiereid's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5