Reviews

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

jenbergmueller's review against another edition

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4.0

Who TF green-lit that absolutely HORRENDOUS ‘Scottish’ accent in the audiobook?!?!?! Honestly it’s kind of ruining the book for me.

ashleyhansel's review against another edition

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5.0

I will be dying slowly until the next book comes out… This series is to die for. Love love love. Chefs kiss. The characters, the surprises, the romance, the innocence, a black female main character. So happy the author is writing 2 more for this series!!

casey_beth_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

So good! The commentary on grief is amazing. I love that I didn’t see so many of the twists coming.
That ending, though!! Pleasseeee tell me the third book is coming!

yesiamreading's review against another edition

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Not rating since I DNF’d but I might have to go back and downgrade my rating of the first book… as much as I want to like this series, I don’t know if I can do it.

I gave the first book a TON of grace in hopes that this second one would address my major concerns with the first and that I just needed to give more time for development. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be the case.

I rated the first book 4 stars thinking that this second would build upon the things that were done well (esp grief and mental health) and address the things that I hated in the first book (Bree’s internalized anti-Blackness and her prioritization of a white organization that vehemently doesn’t want her there because she Black). Instead, this second book felt too focused on romance with the guy who was bullying her? And I didn’t get far enough before giving up but she also severs ties to her ancestors??

This book gets tokenized a ton and I see why. Other reviewers who said this book is catered to the white gaze are right.

Idk, maybe the changes I want to see in this series will happen with Oathbound. If that happens, then I might give it another try, but right now I just feel like I’ve wasted money on this one.

canishat's review against another edition

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3.0

After finishing Legendborn, I went straight to the sequel with high expectations. The world building in book 1 was great but in book 2 it gave me a headache. The plot was all over the place and the characters had no development. In fact, Bree’s character went backwards and became annoying. Forever putting other characters lives in danger because of her lack of control with her powers and it’s very me me me.

I liked how the books explored the generational impact of slavery, white supremacy and being part of institutions that were designed to not include people of colour. There were moments where I felt Bree took advantage of her black ancestry and powers with the decisions she was making and at some parts it felt a bit disrespectful.

Don’t get me started on the supposed love-triangle. For every step forward that Bree and Sel made, the next chapter they would take 5 steps back.

The book didn’t have to be 500+ pages

ashiar's review against another edition

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5.0

I’m sorry, but I am rooting for Bree and Sel!!!!! This book was so good to me. There was some parts where Bree was really getting on my nerves but everything else overpowered that. I cannot wait for the third book.

caraduggan's review against another edition

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5.0

It’s January 2nd and I already know this will be one of my best reads of the year. The way the author examines race within the fantasy framework is EXQUISITE. She also demonstrated just how possible it is to include characters on a gender and sexuality spectrum without making that the story. And the world building is so engrossing!

Also in book 1 I was totally Team Nick. But now I think I might be Team Sel?!?!?

emlouise42's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

kogrubbs's review against another edition

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4.0

Great sequel but felt a little all over the place. It introduced sooo many new ideas/concepts/plots/characters I honestly don’t remember who some people are. Still enjoyed it and its major plot twists.

kmichellew0711's review against another edition

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5.0

This is why I hate reading unfinished series. I have to wait to find out how all this goes