A review by literaryprincess
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

Tracy Deonn, I just want to talk. How dare you cause me this much emotional turmoil AGAIN.

Legendborn became my favorite book of all time the moment I closed the final page. And I waited, and waited, and WAITED for news of a sequel. And then it was announced. Then the release was pushed back. And I suffered for two long years waiting to be reunited with my beautiful, remarkable Briana Matthews. And though the wait was exceedingly worth it, I will need ages to recover from what this book has done to me.

Every theme I adored from the first book was expanded on tenfold: Bree’s experience being given the role of leadership and a legacy she did not ask for while being ousted and underestimated by everyone around her because she isn’t the white male standard they’d come to expect. Her conflict between accepting her new role in this world that does not want her and choosing to stay true to herself and her family’s history. The intermingling of Black history and how the atrocities committed in the past have directly led to the consequences of the present. And through it all, how one Black girl manages to be the brave, heroic, stubborn, impatient hero this world needs. 

Bree is not perfect, and that is what I adore the most about her. She doesn’t have to be, despite the pressures of the world that try and convince her otherwise. She is angry and impulsive and sometimes selfish, and she deserves respect because of those things, not in spite of them. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as the plot of this book, but the characters that ultimately joined Bree for the majority of this book could not have been a better combination. While I knew my love Nick Davis would likely take a back seat (which I’ll come back to later), I was far too happy about Alice and William coming to the forefront. 

Alice works as an amazing foil to Bree, as she was also brought into the Legendborn world against her will and also faces racism and bigotry through it all. Female friendships in fiction, particularly YA, are vastly underrated, and Bree having a childhood friend who has been with her every step of the way is exactly what she needs. 

William Sitterson, my angel, the light of my life, manages to get better and better every time he shows up on page. Watching him deal with the conflict of being a healer during times of active conflict and war was beautifully heartbreaking. Gawain’s power being used as defense and offense was possibly the most badass thing I’ve ever read. 

And of course, it would be a sin not to give Selwyn Kane his own paragraph. What can I say about this loveable asshole that hasn’t already been said? He’s the worst. It’s fantastic. We’re constantly reminded throughout the series of the pressures he has faced since birth - from his role of Kingsmage to the threat of succumbing to his demonic blood to falling for the exact person he shouldn’t and dealing with the way his brain and his heart are constantly at war. His journey through this book is devastatingly perfect. His relationships with Bree and Nick in particular are the forefront of his decision making and we know that even though he’s one of the most powerful characters in this book, he’s still a teenage boy with far too much weight on his shoulders. 

I’m so beyond ecstatic that more black women were introduced and given larger roles in the book as well. Lucille, Hazel, Mariah, Patricia, and all of Bree’s ancestors were a highlight, especially with the larger emphasis on rootcraft and the undeniable Blackness that is the heartbeat of this series and this world. These women create peace, safety, and sanctuary for one another that is unparalleled. The direct contrast between Volition and the Order only solidified this. Tracy really said you cannot and will not forget about the white violence (past and present) that has led to present day Black Strength. I love her for that. 

New characters like Valec, Lark and the Mageguard members are intriguing to say the least, and I have a feeling they’re going to play a much larger role in book three, which I’m very excited to see. 

My only qualm upon finishing this book was that it didn’t have enough Nicholas Davis. His role from the first book is definitely diminished, but upon reflection, what we got from him is exactly the part he needed to play during this leg of Bree’s journey. I miss him dearly, but just like our other protagonists, he’s discovered a lot about his life and his role in the world in a very short amount of time, and I’m highly interested in seeing how it affects the person he is, the person he’s becoming, and the kind of role he will play in Bree’s life. 

I only have one note on the romance storyline in this book - I think it's going exactly where I want it to, and I’m very surprised but not mad. Happy to report that calling Bree terms of endearment to her face in Welsh is a habit that both Nick and Sel share. That is all. :) 

I will talk forever if I’m allowed, but I think I’ve touched on every possible thing I can without spoilers. Needless to say, this series has only further cemented itself in my brain as my absolute favorite. Nothing about it is perfect, and that’s what makes it perfect for me. Tracy Deonn has done it once again, and if you loved Legendborn, you’ll love Bloodmarked even more. This series is a blessing on the world and I will adore it forever.