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Legendborn: TikTok made me buy it! (Volume 1) (The Legendborn Cycle) Paperback – 15 Sept. 2020
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"I love the feeling of a magical world existing just beneath the surface of our own and this story gave me everything I wanted: incredible characters, ancient lore and secret societies – all grounded in our very real, very flawed world . . ." –Leigh Bardugo, author of Shadow and Bone
An explosive fantasy debut that is taking TikTok by storm. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas and Cinderella is Dead!
Filled with mystery and Southern Black Girl Magic, Tracy Deonn’s New York Times bestselling Legendborn offers the dark allure of City of Bones with a modern-day twist on a classic legend . . .
After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants to escape. A residential programme for bright high-schoolers seems like the perfect opportunity – until she witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus . . .
A flying demon feeding on human energies.
A secret society of so-called “Legendborn” that hunt the creatures down.
A mysterious mage who calls himself a “Merlin” and who attempts – and fails – to wipe Bree’s memory of everything she saw.
The mage’s failure unlocks Bree’s own unique magic and a buried memory about her mother. Now Bree will do whatever it takes to discover the truth, even infiltrate the Legendborn. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights and foretell a magical war, Bree must decide how far she’ll go for the truth. Should she use her magic to take the society down – or join the fight?
Winner of the Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe for New Talent Author Award, and a New York Times bestseller!
- Print length512 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSimon & Schuster Children's UK
- Publication date15 Sept. 2020
- Reading age14 years and up
- Dimensions3.2 x 13 x 19.6 cm
- ISBN-101398501875
- ISBN-13978-1398501874
Frequently bought together
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What do customers buy after viewing this item?
- And when your people die, you have to listen to strangers speak your nightmare into existence.Highlighted by 273 Kindle readers
- They are past-tensing my heart—my whole beating, bleeding, torn heart—right in front of me. It is a violation.Highlighted by 224 Kindle readers
- “Typical anger can hinder or help. But the kind that burns in your gut? That’s fury. And fury is meant to be used.”Highlighted by 193 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
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A modern-day twist on a classic legend with a dark allure and a lot of Southern Black Girl Magic
LEGENDBORN offers the dark allure of Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones with a modern-day twist on classic Arthurian legend and a lot of Black Girl Magic.
When sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews witnesses a terrifying demon attack she enters the world of the ‘Legendborn’, a secret society descended from the knights of King Arthur. Can Bree embrace her own unique magical powers, unravel a family mystery that she’d rather run away from and choose the right side in the impending magical war…?
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About the Author
Tracy Deonn is a writer and second-generation fangirl. She grew up in central North Carolina, where she devoured fantasy books and Southern food in equal measure. She is the author of Legendborn, a contemporary fantasy novel and ABA Indies Introduce Selection. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication and performance studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tracy worked in live theater, video game production, and K–12 education. When she’s not writing, Tracy speaks on panels at science fiction and fantasy conventions, reads fanfic, arranges puppy playdates, and keeps an eye out for ginger-flavored everything.
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Product description
Review
Legendborn is an enthralling, standout modern fantasy about history and power, and Deonn is an author to watch. -- Kiersten White
Legendborn is intoxicating, electrifying, and resonates with a deep understanding and vulnerable adoration of what it is to be a Black girl searching for the magic of herself. Tracy Deonn captivates you from page one with her perfect pacing, exhilarating plotting, and a command of storytelling that cannot be ignored. This book will hold everything you are hostage until, page by page, you discover how it has actually set you free. -- L. L. McKinney
Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare and Kiersten White, Tracy Deonn's unique reimagining of Arthurian legend is full of magic and heart. A brilliant debut! -- Ashley Poston
It takes a special talent to breathe fresh life into Arthurian legend, but Deonn does it with ease in this fast-paced tale ― i News?
This is the fantasy novel for all once and future fans of suspense-filled storytelling ― Kirkus Reviews
A promising series debut perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones and Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys. This book underscores the movement for more inclusive versions of traditional Western narratives, and will be a favourite of contemporary fantasy readers. Highly recommended ― School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW
explores themes of ancestral pain, grief and love, balancing them with stimulating world-building and multiple thrilling plot twists ― Publishers Weekly
An intoxicating mix of Southern Black traditions, the King Arthur mythos and teenage melodrama. ― Tor.com
Legendborn is a thrilling and tense fantasy that weaves Arthurian adventure with southern Black culture into a story that had me shouting. It will hook readers from the very beginning and leave them breathless until the final, mind-blowing revelation -- Kwame Mbalia
Legendborn is a remarkable debut that should firmly place Tracy Deonn on every fantasy and contemporary YA reader's radar. Deft and insightful blending of Arthurian legend and Southern Black American history make for an engrossing tale of mystery, romance, and finding your place in the world? - an absolute must-read! -- Alyssa Cole
[R]ich and explosive debut. ― School Library Journal, starred review
Legendborn establishes Deonn as an important new voice in YA. ― Bookpage, starred review
Deonn’s contemporary fantasy is a cultural gem that will connect readers with their roots in the most gut-punching, unapologetic of ways. ― Booklist, starred review
Legendborn is about to be your new favorite book. ― Nerdist
I love the feeling of a magical world existing just beneath the surface of our own and this story gave me everything I wanted: incredible characters, ancient lore and secret societies – all grounded in our very real, very flawed world . . . -- Leigh Bardugo
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Children's UK; 1st edition (15 Sept. 2020)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 512 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1398501875
- ISBN-13 : 978-1398501874
- Reading age : 14 years and up
- Dimensions : 3.2 x 13 x 19.6 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 23,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer reviews:
About the author
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Tracy Deonn is the #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Legendborn Cycle. After earning her master’s degree in communication and performance studies, Tracy worked in live theater, video game production, and K–12 education. When she’s not writing, Tracy reads comics and fanfic, dreams up new magic systems, and keeps an eye out for ginger-flavored everything. She can be found online at @TracyDeonn.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings, help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the well-constructed story twists and unexpected turns. They loved the characters and how they were built up over time. The book is deeply rooted in many histories and tackles issues with society. Readers praise the writing quality as beautiful, the pace as perfect, and the budding romance as well-written. They felt the emotional depth and rawness of the grief was raw and true. The realism and originality of the premise were also appreciated.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the well-crafted story twists and unexpected plot turns. They find the magical, complex world engaging and the premise intriguing. Readers appreciate the fantasy elements while keeping them grounded in modern day. The Arthurian magic system is also appreciated.
"...There are wonderful twists and turns, sad ones and happy ones too that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and have you giggling and excited..." Read more
"...I could not put it down. I absolutely love the Arthurian magic system...." Read more
"...a thousandth fold ways, yet in this iteration, still makes me believe in magic and heroes and the goodness of the human heart...." Read more
"...There are tournaments, oathings, magic systems and demon battles with some Welsh thrown in. 2...." Read more
Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book. They find them relatable and well-written, with a relatable story that resonates with emotions. The characters don't get stuck in teenage angst, and Bree's character remains steadfast.
"...I had to squeal again. I loved the connections Bree had with different characters and the things she uncovered that bonded them in specific ways or..." Read more
"The characters, the world building, the sense of black history and community...." Read more
"...It make her character seem realistic and sincere. 3...." Read more
"...I greatly enjoyed the characters, it kept me up late many a night with “one more chapter” syndrome. Loved it." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's development. They appreciate the well-developed characters with well-developed backgrounds. The book explores themes of heritage, love, and power. Readers find the educational elements woven seamlessly into the story. Overall, they describe the book as clever, deeply rooted in many histories, and inspiring.
"...The strong unit they made was awesome and inspiring. The same can be said for those in the Secret Society. You absolutely MUST meet William...." Read more
"...The incredible expansion of African/African-American rootcraft, the rich history and lore of those cultures and how they tie to Bree and her mother...." Read more
"...and I liked that a lot of the story came from African history as that's a completely new perspective for me with these very..." Read more
"...I was kept captivated by Deonn's steady trickle of information and Bree's character remained steadfast...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find the pace perfect, the romance well-written, and the representation in literature amazing. The book is written in first-person from Bree's perspective, with descriptive writing and fantastic ideas. Readers praise the author's writing skills and find the book entertaining, seamlessly incorporating tropes without being cliched. Overall, they describe it as an intricate and suspenseful read that keeps them hooked until the end.
"...But, like I said, the story is so action packed and intricate and suspenseful and captivating that I found myself loving all the scary bits too...." Read more
"...still makes me believe in magic and heroes and the goodness of the human heart...." Read more
"...it still manages to be a fun entertaining read, seamlessly incorporating tropes without being cliche. 5...." Read more
"A good evening read once you get past the beautifully written and painfully heartbreaking first few chapters...." Read more
Customers find the book's emotional depth engaging. They appreciate the author's raw and true approach to grief, allowing readers to feel many emotions. The first few chapters are heartbreaking and leave readers in tears. The book deals with real trauma set in a wonderfully reimagined Arthuriana. Readers praise the author's healing way of tackling grief.
"...There are wonderful twists and turns, sad ones and happy ones too that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and have you giggling and excited..." Read more
"...I can't wait for more. The tackling of grief - so raw and true in its telling - that it resonates with me to..." Read more
"...read once you get past the beautifully written and painfully heartbreaking first few chapters...." Read more
"...Tracy Deon is such a talented author and made this book SO healing with the way she tackles grief and stepping into ones power...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's realism. They find it vivid and original, with real trauma set in a reimagined Arthuriana. The premise and theme are interesting.
"...I think it's stunning. I highly, highly, highly recommend picking up a copy of 'Legendborn' NOW!..." Read more
"...Not really. There's an interesting premise and I like the theme. But I'm not eager to read the next book and nothing blew my mind...." Read more
"...A work of art." Read more
"...is my hero I love it so much it is passionate from the heart beautiful exiting I am reading it again it was so good I was captured by Bree and her..." Read more
Customers find the book engaging with a strong female lead and well-crafted characters.
"...I loved her strength and how many times she felt fear but she stood tall and fought...." Read more
"...I really liked all the characters. Bree was feisty and strong...." Read more
"I absolutely love this book. It’s perfectly crafted and the characters are so well fleshed out...." Read more
"Loved this! Strong female lead and a great plot. Couldn't put it down. Already preodered the sequal...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's magic and romance. They appreciate the author's skill in weaving a magical story with honesty and authenticity.
"...I was literally drawn in within the first few paragraphs at how honest, real and raw Tracy introduced us to Bree and what she was going through...." Read more
"...OH MY GOSH. I’m so glad I got back into fantasy/magical realism bc it’s everything and more...." Read more
"Fabulous, mysterious, mythical, and sparks with romance and magic. Amazing book and one of my favourites this year!..." Read more
"...Magic, mystery and romance, an emotional rollercoaster." Read more
Reviews with images
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What you need to know
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 October 2020I honestly have no idea where to start with this book. I literally finished reading it and then cuddled it to my chest and felt completely distraught that I had finished it so quickly. I truly felt lost and still have, while writing this, an extreme case of book hangover. I don't know how on earth I am supposed to wait patiently for the next in the series or go about my life right now.
I also just had to sit and take a few minutes to close my mouth, as I very much resembled a goldfish once I had read the last few words, for Authors amaze me and I felt stunned at how Tracy Deonn was able to create and weave this magical, magnificent story. Don't you just love it when you read an awesome book and your mind just has to take a second to comprehend that people can create such wonderful things?
I guess I should try and start from the beginning and try to make this review articulate and not me just rambling but eeeek. Ok, my squeal is out of the way now. The prologue had me in tears. I was literally drawn in within the first few paragraphs at how honest, real and raw Tracy introduced us to Bree and what she was going through. My Nanna passed away back in December and I don't think I have ever been able to explain the hurt or fully write down and express the pain I felt. Life moved very fast afterwards and it all felt incredibly surreal and strange. The emotions and how Bree spoke when her mother died really hit me hard and I immediately connected to her on a level that had me hugging the book that early on. The way Bree reacted, her words and responses, I felt them in my heart and loved her and wanted to be there for her straight away.
After the prologue and that heart breaking night, we then follow Bree and her best friend Alice to UNC where on their first night on Campus the best friends attend a party they shouldn't be at. This causes their worlds to flip upside down in more ways than one as Bree and Alice don't see eye to eye causing a rift in their normally solid as a rock friendship and Bree see's something that takes her breath away and that she doesn't quite understand or believe can possibly be real. Enter demons and Selwyn Kane, but more on him later.
There are consequences to the girls actions and the next day the dean of UNC assigns them mentors to keep them on track. Enter Nick Davis...I'm holding in my squeals right now. Bree and Nick immediately connect, though Bree tries not to feel all the feels. She doesn't want a mentor. She doesn't want to need or like Nick. But after another attack on campus that only her and Nick (and Nick's world) are privy to, Bree has to talk to him. She saw something that transports her back to the night her Mother died and she starts to believe that maybe her Mom's death wasn't an accident after all. She has questions and it seems Nick might have some answers or can at least help her find some.
Bree's right to some extent and Nick isn't simply a University mentor, he's part of a secret society, or at least he was, but has turned his back on it all, not wanting any part of it. However, the more Bree learns about the Legendborn and their world, she needs Nick's help and connections to get to the bottom of her Mother's death. She comes up with a plan to infiltrate the Legendborn and Nick can't let her do it on her own for he knows the dangers within. It's an extremely risky plan and one that will test every part of Bree physically and emotionally, not to mention test friendships and create enemies a long the way. But she has to do it. She won't rest until she finds out what really happened the night her Mom died.
Ok, so I really don't want to give any spoilers away so I feel like I have to be careful with what I say and how I talk about the characters within this brilliant book. There are wonderful twists and turns, sad ones and happy ones too that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and have you giggling and excited, but I can't say too much about that, you will just have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about but the relationships...eeeek. I had to squeal again. I loved the connections Bree had with different characters and the things she uncovered that bonded them in specific ways or helped her understand them. Certain misunderstood people captured my heart and I fell in love with them. The banter they shared, the rollercoaster they went on to learn about each other and the feelings they get when each other is near...well...you have to read the book!!!!!
But, I'm trying not to show favouritism because really every single character in this book had a hold on my heart. I adore Nick and love, love, loved how him and Bree connected, how they spoke to each other, that caring, flirting, understanding way they had with each other was just beautiful. Bree herself simply kicked ass and I loved her so much. She was so incredibly tough but you felt her pain and vulnerability and I truly thought she was just amazing, as was Alice. The strong unit they made was awesome and inspiring. The same can be said for those in the Secret Society. You absolutely MUST meet William. I thought Tor was another badass but I hope her relationship with the team and Bree will grow in the next book maybe. I fell in love with Sar because she was just a sweetheart and again, kicked ass and the love she had for Tor made my heart melt. Whitty was awesome and always made me smile and Greer pulled at my heart strings too with their kind nature and ability to really get Bree and be there for her. One of the biggest things I adored about this book was this beautiful cast of characters all belonging in this spectacular world. When reading this book, it felt like everyone was invited to the party and that was such a powerful thing. I could connect with so many different characters for different reasons and I think that was just magical and drew me into the story more. It made me happy, like ridiculously happy.
As I mentioned above, I do have a favourite character but you will have to comment below if you've read the book so we can talk, as I don't want to say their name because then I feel like it gives things away!
As for this action packed story and my fear of scary that I mentioned above, well, ok, there may have been a few gruesome bits when it came to fighting other worldly demons and creatures that had me 'ewwing' out loud, but at the same time I was gripping the book so tight and sat on the edge of my seat during these scenes. By the end of them I just wanted to be Bree and kick some ass too. I loved her strength and how many times she felt fear but she stood tall and fought. But, like I said, the story is so action packed and intricate and suspenseful and captivating that I found myself loving all the scary bits too. I loved every part of uncovering more about the world of the Legendborn and I had to keep turning the pages to find out what and who Bree was and why her magic was so different to the others. Finding out more about her ancestors was fascinating and so important, not just within the pages but I think the way Tracy Deon talks about race, history and what Bree's ancestors had to go through and what Bree herself has to go through daily, feeling like she doesn't belong in certain places, is so very important to read, hear and understand in order for us to keep fighting the fight in the real world and not dismiss this history, or her words, in order to see real change and stand up for change.
The magic, the Legend of King Arthur, the Rootcrafters, the whole premise of this story will have you glued to the pages. It sucked me in so much; I was blown away and fascinated by it all. It was incredible when the pieces of the puzzle started being put together, how the lives, legends and families all intertwined and I could not get enough. Again, I found myself in awe of Tracy and her writing skills and was bouncing on the edge of my seat feeling inspired to write. I've been grinning all week, disappearing into my own little world of the Legendborn, planning Cosplay outfits, watching YouTubers and reading book bloggers reviews, just so I can hear and talk about this book. Ooh and I must mention too...have you just stopped and looked at this cover??? Initially, that is what drew me to this book. I had seen Tracy on Twitter and then when I saw this cover it might have been a situation where I judged a book by its cover and this time totally won because it's truly one of my favourites. I think it's stunning.
I highly, highly, highly recommend picking up a copy of 'Legendborn' NOW! and then telling me that you have read it because we need to discuss it in more detail when I'm not worried about giving spoilers.
So, if you've read it, let's talk. If you haven't read it, go buy it now and also, if you are a fan of Fantasy please will you let me know in the comments below what you would recommend for my next Fantasy read?
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 March 2021"𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘬𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘰. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰." 𝘏𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴. "𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴. 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦."
After her mother passes away, Bree Matthews wants to escape. The Early College program at UNC-Chapel Hill seems like the perfect opportunity to get away, and then she witnesses a magical attack her first night on campus...
I love this book. I love Bree. I love Sel. And Nick is alright I guess, but he's not Sel so 🤷🏻♀️ I honestly can't believe this is a debut, it is incredible. I could not put it down. I absolutely love the Arthurian magic system. It was so well executed, I could picture every single fight scene so vividly.
Whilst reading this, I became totally enamoured with Bree, how she handles her grief, and overcomes all obstacles in her life. The way her grief is portrayed is really hard to read at times, but only because it is so accurate. I love how Deonn weaved the magical elements of the novel, to address very real issues like racism and oppression. I can't really say much without spoiling the book, but how she showed us Bree's heritage was so cleverly done, but so very heartbreaking, it is a scene that will stay with me for a long time.
Something you may not know about me is that I don't get book crushes. 99% of the time romance in books makes me cringe. But I'm a obsessed with Sel. I was just picturing Timothee Charlemet the whole time, but with a gothic twist. The love triangle had me going crazy, and everytime Bree and Sel were alone together I nearly lost my mind. I need the next book now, so I can get more of that please🤣
And that ending!!!! I was just screaming 'Yasssss queen'. If you love fantasy books, and you haven't read this already, what are you doing?!?! Go get it💃
(TW Death of parent, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape)
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 November 2020The characters, the world building, the sense of black history and community. Bree, Sel and Nick... I have to tell you their dynamic rocked my world, and if there is going to be another book(s) (I sure hope so! This legend needs it's continuation) I can't wait for more. The tackling of grief - so raw and true in its telling - that it resonates with me to the point of tears. The portrayal of the constant struggles of systematic and outright racism that real people of colour deal with to this day, the wrongness of it, and the strength of those who fight it's war every waking hour in the hopes that tomorrow will be better, brighter. The honour for the dead, all the names left unsaid, all the horrors they lived as slaves, as servants, even to the here and now, and we never knew, but remembered through their descendants, their legacy; bar the white men - the monsters - who deserve to be forgotten. Laid waste to the dust of time for the unforgivable. And oh the extended mythology, lore and magic new and old!! The incredible expansion of African/African-American rootcraft, the rich history and lore of those cultures and how they tie to Bree and her mother. The women, the bonds of daughters and mother's, and how I had to put this book down to go hug mine for how deeply it made me feel their sacrifice and anger and tragedy... and love! Arthurian Lore, is in itself the outline of human imperfection and hope, and to reflect that in the youth of today is a story that's worth the telling; a story that has been told a thousandth fold ways, yet in this iteration, still makes me believe in magic and heroes and the goodness of the human heart. Bree is my hero, so thank you Tracy for bringing her and her world to life. And to anyone reading this, as a wise Dad once said "Make it about the love."
Top reviews from other countries
- AndreaReviewed in Canada on 21 January 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic fun!
Smart, exciting, and quick paced. Great character and story development. I had a hard time putting it down!
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Isabella SilvaReviewed in Mexico on 29 November 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente calidad
Llego muy protegido y en excelente estado
- Michael J. AndersonReviewed in the United States on 31 January 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars A modern take on Arthurian legend…and much more!
On the surface Legendborn is a modern take on the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table - but for me that was just the foundation, and all of the stories and characters Tracy Deonn built upon that legend are what make this such an intriguing tale and one I highly recommend.
We follow Bree, a very smart 16 year old girl getting ready to enter the early college program at UNC Chapel Hill with her best friend Alice. Her mother died in a car accident the day after she and Bree fought, casting a pall over everything as Bree dissociates into ‘after Bree’ with walls she puts up to protect herself.
From the first night things take an unexpected turn - joining an older friend in a forbidden trip off campus, Bree stumbles upon lights and images and things she cannot explain, and an older teen who is able to do things and produce objects that make no sense to her. That teen powerfully suggests everyone leave, and they do until Bree feels the suggestive fog clear and returns to see the rest of an unbelievable battle. She finds herself in a police car, before the dean, and forced to take on a peer mentor to help her keep on the right track.
Along the way she deals with the racism you would expect for the ‘good old boy’ North Carolina establishment. She also meets characters you will love or hate - Sel, Tor, Nick, William, Davis, Isaac, Fitz, Sarah, Greer, Vaughn, Witty, Patricia, Mariah, and others.
The characters and their relationships - and the way the Arthurian legend is told and wrapped around 21st century life - makes for a fast paced and intriguing read. There are a number of things you simply wouldn’t have seen coming but fall into line perfectly once you know.
A specific goal for me has been improving the diversity of authors and experiences I enjoy, and I love how the book doesn’t shy away from racism in many blunt and nuanced forms, and also shows people as fully formed individuals regardless of background, gender or sexual identity or preference. It celebrates the differences without pretending those differences don’t exist - and I loved that!
My only criticism has to do with ages - Bree is 16 and feels mature for that age but not unreasonable, but some of the other characters who are supposedly juniors or seniors at the university are only 18 while others talk about helping the ‘under 21s’ get served. I feel this was done to not have 16 year olds romantically involved with 22 year olds, but it still took me out of the story a couple of times.
I only found out about Legendborn as people were getting ready for the sequel, and for me that is exciting as I got to finish the first book and dive right into the next one! And Legendborn certainly leaves things wide open for a sequel while closing up many threads. Not a low-stakes book, so definitely be aware of potential triggers, but it is one of the better books I’ve read in the past year.
- Sarah InionReviewed in Belgium on 24 January 2025
1.0 out of 5 stars This was not readable
The font was way too small!
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Laura MachadoReviewed in Brazil on 24 February 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Uma surpresa maravilhosa, complexa e emocionante!
Esse livro foi uma das maiores surpresas da minha vida! Antes de ler, me recomendaram falando que era uma fantasia urbana no estilo de Caçadores das Sombras, que tinha a ver com o Rei Arthur e que era bom. Só isso. Ninguém me disse que eu encontraria um choque de dois mundos mágicos, uma protagonista passando por um luto intenso e se descobrindo enquanto desvenda esses dois mundos e um romance que me deu até frio na barriga! Ninguém me preparou para o quão complexo e cheio de camadas o enredo seria!
Eu já costumo parar e anotar os acontecimentos dos livros que leio, mas confesso que são poucos os que me obrigam a fazer isso para acompanhar todos os detalhes. Este foi assim, mas por uma boa razão. A autora não força explicações sobre o universo e as regras da Ordem do nada, nem faz a protagonista descobrir mais do que é de seu interesse. Tem algumas cenas em que informações foram cortadas e mistérios prolongados, sim, mas nenhum foi sem motivo. Bree está passando por um luto que veio acompanhado de um transtorno que a impede de superar a morte de sua mãe. Fez total sentido ela não ter cabeça para qualquer coisa a qualquer momento.
Acho que ela foi descobrindo tudo devagar como devia ser e o final, ainda que fosse algo que eu já esperava, foi bem interessante! É possível que pessoas que conheçam a história do Rei Arthur se surpreendam e percebam detalhes que eu não percebi, mas conheço muito pouco! Achei que o enredo teve um ritmo ótimo, em nenhum momento cheguei a ficar entediada e só queria ler mais e mais!
Também gostei muito do romance! Acho que a Bree e seu interesse romântico têm muita química e eu gostei demais de vários momentos entre eles! Mas, a partir de um pouco mais da metade para a frente, eles simplesmente viram um casal (do nada). O desenvolvimento da relação entre eles é colocado de lado e esquecido, chegando a fazer com que eu me desapegasse um pouco de tudo que tinha sido cultivado antes. Sei por fato o que aconteceu e como eles se sentem, mas a própria sensação de uma relação que ainda precisa crescer foi esquecida.
Nem sei se estou fazendo muito sentido, mas vamos a algumas outras pequenas críticas? Antes de mais nada, a mais besta: a Bree desmaia demais! Demais mesmo! Acho que ela desmaiou umas oito vezes nesse livro, senão mais. Se alguma coisa impactante acontecia, logo estava ela desmaiando, mesmo que fosse para acordar dali a segundos e voltar à ação. Não tenho a menor ideia do que levou a autora a fazer ela passar por isso tantas vezes, a ponto de quebrar um pouco a imagem de forte e resistente que ela tinha por causa de outros momentos.
Outra coisa que me incomodou foi a Bree entrar para uma competição que exigia muito dela fisicamente quando ela não tinha qualquer preparo ou experiência anterior, nunca treinava direito e, quando treinava, era muito pouco. Seria bem fácil incluir sessões de treinamento clandestinas entre ela e Nick ou qualquer outra pessoa. Não só para aprender sobre a Ordem, mas para preencher essa lacuna entre uma garota comum que nunca teve motivo para aprender a lutar com espada a uma que se dê bem o suficiente para ser a protagonista deste livro. Me fiz acreditar que ela teve um desempenho possível porque eu queria, não porque veio naturalmente.
Outra coisa que me incomodou foi que, depois de um certo ponto, Nick se torna um fantoche completo que só aparece se for para ficar com raiva à toa. Ficou tão caricato, que achei que a autora estava encaminhando apressadamente para um triângulo amoroso, mas não foi bem assim. Aliás, ainda bem que ela resolveu não fazer um triângulo. Ainda tem a tensão entre a Bree e outro personagem, mas teria sido rápido e forçado demais se tivesse se tornado algo romântico. Por enquanto, só poderia ter melhorado a personalidade do Nick e a mantido mais coerente com o que ele apresentou no começo.
Uma coisa que eu tinha esquecido de falar, mas que acho extremamente essencial: o Selwyn é agressivo e até violento demais com a Bree desde o começo e é completamente gratuito. Mesmo que ele suspeite dela, não acho que esse nível de hostilidade é justificado. Por sorte, a autora fez questão de mostrar outro lado dele, mas ainda acho que vou guardar um ranço dele para sempre por causa da sua atitude no começo.
Chega de críticas, porque todas elas são pequenas e em nenhum momento estragaram o livro. Eu adorei os personagens secundários, a terapeuta, a colega de quarto, o pai de Bree e todos os outros personagens que se aproximaram dela durante a iniciação da Ordem, como ê Greer, o Whitty, a Sarah e o William. Gostei muito do Nick também, e no final acabei gostando mais do Selwyn. Mas minha parte favorita foi a história dela com a mãe, do universo do lado de lá e de ver o protagonismo de uma garota negra no meio de uma Ordem fantástica criada por colonizadores com membros que se acham os incríveis maravilhosos e poderosos sem os quais o mundo pereceria, como se fossem os únicos a receberem poderes e salvarem o mundo. Amei também a conexão entre o passado e o presente, ainda que dolorosa.
Estou louca para ver o que vem no próximo livro! Esse foi só o primeiro! Essa montanha-russa de emoções, de acontecimentos, reviravoltas e descobertas foi só o primeiro! Acho que tem conteúdo e pontencial para se tornar uma série longa. A única limitação é por ser escrito na primeira pessoa, então só dá para irmos até onde a Bree for. Mas estou bem ansiosa mesmo para descobrir como vai ser a partir de agora, porque o final foi de tirar o fôlego (como várias outras cenas pelo livro) e a última reviravolta vai abalar tudo a partir do segundo livro!
Recomendo completamente. Eu estava lendo em ebook e ainda fiz questão de comprar em livro físico porque precisava ter Legendborn na minha estante! Estou bem feliz pela Intrínseca ter decidido publicar e fiquei só com um pouco de dó do tradutor, porque esse livro não é fácil de traduzir, nem um pouco. Mas é muito rico, interessante e divertido para não ser publicado aqui! Estou só esperando lançar para fazer ainda mais propaganda e recomendação!
Laura MachadoUma surpresa maravilhosa, complexa e emocionante!
Reviewed in Brazil on 24 February 2021
Eu já costumo parar e anotar os acontecimentos dos livros que leio, mas confesso que são poucos os que me obrigam a fazer isso para acompanhar todos os detalhes. Este foi assim, mas por uma boa razão. A autora não força explicações sobre o universo e as regras da Ordem do nada, nem faz a protagonista descobrir mais do que é de seu interesse. Tem algumas cenas em que informações foram cortadas e mistérios prolongados, sim, mas nenhum foi sem motivo. Bree está passando por um luto que veio acompanhado de um transtorno que a impede de superar a morte de sua mãe. Fez total sentido ela não ter cabeça para qualquer coisa a qualquer momento.
Acho que ela foi descobrindo tudo devagar como devia ser e o final, ainda que fosse algo que eu já esperava, foi bem interessante! É possível que pessoas que conheçam a história do Rei Arthur se surpreendam e percebam detalhes que eu não percebi, mas conheço muito pouco! Achei que o enredo teve um ritmo ótimo, em nenhum momento cheguei a ficar entediada e só queria ler mais e mais!
Também gostei muito do romance! Acho que a Bree e seu interesse romântico têm muita química e eu gostei demais de vários momentos entre eles! Mas, a partir de um pouco mais da metade para a frente, eles simplesmente viram um casal (do nada). O desenvolvimento da relação entre eles é colocado de lado e esquecido, chegando a fazer com que eu me desapegasse um pouco de tudo que tinha sido cultivado antes. Sei por fato o que aconteceu e como eles se sentem, mas a própria sensação de uma relação que ainda precisa crescer foi esquecida.
Nem sei se estou fazendo muito sentido, mas vamos a algumas outras pequenas críticas? Antes de mais nada, a mais besta: a Bree desmaia demais! Demais mesmo! Acho que ela desmaiou umas oito vezes nesse livro, senão mais. Se alguma coisa impactante acontecia, logo estava ela desmaiando, mesmo que fosse para acordar dali a segundos e voltar à ação. Não tenho a menor ideia do que levou a autora a fazer ela passar por isso tantas vezes, a ponto de quebrar um pouco a imagem de forte e resistente que ela tinha por causa de outros momentos.
Outra coisa que me incomodou foi a Bree entrar para uma competição que exigia muito dela fisicamente quando ela não tinha qualquer preparo ou experiência anterior, nunca treinava direito e, quando treinava, era muito pouco. Seria bem fácil incluir sessões de treinamento clandestinas entre ela e Nick ou qualquer outra pessoa. Não só para aprender sobre a Ordem, mas para preencher essa lacuna entre uma garota comum que nunca teve motivo para aprender a lutar com espada a uma que se dê bem o suficiente para ser a protagonista deste livro. Me fiz acreditar que ela teve um desempenho possível porque eu queria, não porque veio naturalmente.
Outra coisa que me incomodou foi que, depois de um certo ponto, Nick se torna um fantoche completo que só aparece se for para ficar com raiva à toa. Ficou tão caricato, que achei que a autora estava encaminhando apressadamente para um triângulo amoroso, mas não foi bem assim. Aliás, ainda bem que ela resolveu não fazer um triângulo. Ainda tem a tensão entre a Bree e outro personagem, mas teria sido rápido e forçado demais se tivesse se tornado algo romântico. Por enquanto, só poderia ter melhorado a personalidade do Nick e a mantido mais coerente com o que ele apresentou no começo.
Uma coisa que eu tinha esquecido de falar, mas que acho extremamente essencial: o Selwyn é agressivo e até violento demais com a Bree desde o começo e é completamente gratuito. Mesmo que ele suspeite dela, não acho que esse nível de hostilidade é justificado. Por sorte, a autora fez questão de mostrar outro lado dele, mas ainda acho que vou guardar um ranço dele para sempre por causa da sua atitude no começo.
Chega de críticas, porque todas elas são pequenas e em nenhum momento estragaram o livro. Eu adorei os personagens secundários, a terapeuta, a colega de quarto, o pai de Bree e todos os outros personagens que se aproximaram dela durante a iniciação da Ordem, como ê Greer, o Whitty, a Sarah e o William. Gostei muito do Nick também, e no final acabei gostando mais do Selwyn. Mas minha parte favorita foi a história dela com a mãe, do universo do lado de lá e de ver o protagonismo de uma garota negra no meio de uma Ordem fantástica criada por colonizadores com membros que se acham os incríveis maravilhosos e poderosos sem os quais o mundo pereceria, como se fossem os únicos a receberem poderes e salvarem o mundo. Amei também a conexão entre o passado e o presente, ainda que dolorosa.
Estou louca para ver o que vem no próximo livro! Esse foi só o primeiro! Essa montanha-russa de emoções, de acontecimentos, reviravoltas e descobertas foi só o primeiro! Acho que tem conteúdo e pontencial para se tornar uma série longa. A única limitação é por ser escrito na primeira pessoa, então só dá para irmos até onde a Bree for. Mas estou bem ansiosa mesmo para descobrir como vai ser a partir de agora, porque o final foi de tirar o fôlego (como várias outras cenas pelo livro) e a última reviravolta vai abalar tudo a partir do segundo livro!
Recomendo completamente. Eu estava lendo em ebook e ainda fiz questão de comprar em livro físico porque precisava ter Legendborn na minha estante! Estou bem feliz pela Intrínseca ter decidido publicar e fiquei só com um pouco de dó do tradutor, porque esse livro não é fácil de traduzir, nem um pouco. Mas é muito rico, interessante e divertido para não ser publicado aqui! Estou só esperando lançar para fazer ainda mais propaganda e recomendação!
Images in this review