I 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?
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Popular highlights in this book
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
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…?
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.
About the author
What you need to know
1. Legendborn is a continuation of the Arthurian legend, set 2000 years after Arthur's death featuring the descendants of the knights of the round table. There are tournaments, oathings, magic systems and demon battles with some Welsh thrown in.2. The thing about fantasy/science YA protagonist you can always count on them having one dead parent or being an orphan. They usually mention the dead parent once or twice to show depth and maybe used as a plot point to establish how evil the villain is and that's that its never mentioned again.With Bree you can actually feel her loss, pain and anger. It make her character seem realistic and sincere.3. I've heard claims of insta love but personally I don't feel like the romance was rushed. Nick and Bree are attracted to each other, they make out and is extremely protective of eachother with a bit of angst thrown in that's it, all the hallmarks of young love. Plus Their bond is explained thoroughly towards the end.4. Even though Legendborn covers various real world topics it never felt out of place or overwhelming. it still manages to be a fun entertaining read, seamlessly incorporating tropes without being cliche.5. Legendborn is set at north Carolina Gimghoul castle.
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 October 2020
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 March 2021
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 November 2020
Top reviews from other countries
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- Michael J. AndersonReviewed in the United States on 31 January 2023
A modern take on Arthurian legend…and much more!
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Laura MachadoReviewed in Brazil on 24 February 2021
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!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!
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