I haven’t written a book review in ages, but this year I want to get back into it and ‘Legendborn’ by Tracy Deonn will be the first (of hopefully many).
Legendborn was the first book I read this year and let me tell you, that it did set a good pace and high standards!
It was Deonn’s debut novel and I was pleasantly surprised by the world Deonn created.
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After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape—until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus.
A flying demon feeding on human energies.
A secret society of so called “Legendborn” students that hunt the creatures down.
And a mysterious teenage 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 with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there’s more to her mother’s death than what’s on the police report, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates.
She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society’s secrets—and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she’ll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down—or join the fight.
Legendborn is a fantasy novel that will transport you in the world of a secret society battling demonic forces. It navigates the deep injustices of the system and slavery. Bringing in also the reality of being Black in a racist society.
After losing her mother in a tragic car accident, Bree Matthews enrols to an early college program at UNC-Chapel Hill. Sharing this new adventure with her best friend Alice Chen, in order to escape the grief from her loss.
While attending an unauthorised party in the woods, Bree stumbles into something she has never experienced filled with magic. This encounter will initiate a series of events that will bring Bree closer to the society. When she discovers some memories about. her mother, Bree decides to infiltrate the society to discover the truth.
After recruiting Nick, a member of the society who distanced himself from his destiny, Bree will discover something for herself. She also holds some magical powers that need hiding.
Unveiling more and more links between her mother’s death and this newfound world, Bree tasks herself to find the truth. But between her and the truth stands Selwyn. The Merlin who is in charge of keeping safe the heir and that constantly doubts Bree’s motives for being there.
While participating in trials to join the ranks, Bree and her companions will have to face imminent war. At the same time, Bree will have to face her own grief and the generational trauma from the past.
But will Bree be able to face the truth and what truly runs in her veins?
Legendborn was a powerful read. It highlighted not only slavery but also the struggle of Bree and other characters to fill the ranks of white society. A society where change is not welcomed.
Deonn had the ability to enthrall the reader in a mythical world mixed with the current reality. An absolute must read for fantasy lovers.
In conclusion, if not already evident, I truly loved ‘Legendborn’. It’s setting high expectations for the following book which should be published this year.
You can get your copy of the book from Book Depository or the library nearest to you.
Have you read ‘this book? If yes, what did you think about it? Hope you enjoyed this review and have a look at some more here. Also if you’re looking for inspiration about your next read, just head over here.
Sounds like a very interesting boom! Will have to keep my eye out for it next time I’m book shopping!
Absolutely Kristin! Hope you enjoy it x
I’ve been seeing this one turn up a lot lately. Great review – it sounds like a really engaging read. Thanks for the recommendation!
Indeed it is Lindsey! thanks for reading x
This novel sounds intriguing, as it addresses hugely important social and political issues within a fantasy framework. Fantasy is often an amazing way to explore real-world issues. Thanks for the review – I’ll check it out!
It is indeed Kate, couldn’t agree more with your words! Hope you get to read it! x
Legendborn was already on my wishlist but thanks to your review, I want to read it way more than I wanted before! Your review was great and honest. I can’t wait to read this one!
Thank you so much for your words, Loïne! Hope you get to read it soon x
I am not usually into fantasy style books, but this one sounds a little different and a great read.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts…I will have to have a look into reading this!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Thank you for reading, Aimsy! Hope you like it if you get to check it out x
Although fantasy has never really been a go to genre fore, this sounds a little different. Sounds like an engaging read. Thanks for sharing!
It was indeed Graham! Thanks for reading!
Lolx @Christina’s bio. About the book, seems like a very enthralling plot. Will recommend it to my friend who loves fantasy novels. <3
Isa A. Blogger
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Thanks for sharing your review. This isn’t my normal genre either, but your review has me intrigued!
Thank you so much Charity x
Fantasy is my all time favourite book genre and Legendborn sounds amazing! And a black MC (especially in fantasy)? Yes please! Being added to my TBR pile immediately xx
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/
I was so excited when I read the blurb of this book and a black MC in fantasy, it’s so rare! Really hope you like it x
This book sounds so interesting and powerful, I’m really glad you enjoyed it! x
It truly is! Thank you so much Della x
This book is a perfect read for February – Black History Month. I like that this is fantasy and will give you escapism while reading! Well written review as always, Cristina! x
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It truly is! It was a very powerful read to start the year. Thank you for support and kind words Lynn x
I’ve not heard of this book before, but wow it sounds like a great read. I definitely need to add it to my TBR xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
It is truly great Hannah! Hope you get to read it x
This book definitely sounds like something I’d read! I’ve been looking for fantasy recommendations, thank you for sharing 🙂
Em – https://earthlyem.co.uk/
Hope you get to read it Em and let me know if you like it x
While this isn’t my usual genre, I appreciated the love of this book that came through in your review. Thanks for sharing a great review!
Thank you so much, Jodie, really appreciate your words!! x
I am 100% back into reading this year already. I love your snaps in this post, this might not be normal genre but your opinions have swayed me!
Rosie
I am so happy you’re back to reading Rosie! Thank you so much for your words xx
I haven’t read it but it seems pretty interesting and I also love the vibe of the cover of the book 🙂
It’s truly great Renata! Hope you get to read it x
I absolutely love the way that you write, this sounds super intriguing and like a great read. Thank you for going into the depths of the book! All the best, Amy at amymarshment.com xx
Thank you so much, Amy! I am glad you liked it xx
Sounds like a really good read.
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much x
I also have this on my tbr and reading your review makes me want to pick it up next! Thank you!
It’s really great! Hope you will like it x
Great way to start the year. I have recently started more reading as well. This book looks interesting.
Glad to hear that you started reading more Francis! Thanks for reading!
This is not my ususal reading genre but it certainly sounds like a great read.
Thank you for reading Rosie!
I’m not always into fantasy but this book sounds pretty legit!
It truly is! Thanks for reading!
I’ve been looking forward to reading this since it was first released and now I have it officially planned on my March TBR. I’m really excited to form my own thoughts on it, since I’ve only heard great reviews. So glad to read your thoughts!
It’s truly great, I am glad you’re going to read it soon! I will wait for your opinion on it x
This book sounds so interesting! I think I’m going to add this in my reading list. Thank you so much for sharing this review! ❤️
Thank you so much for reading, Jocelyn! Hope you like it x
So Merlin is a class of mage? Does that relate to their spells type or how powerful a mage they are? Also, is the book stating that King Arthur’s knights were actually mages to have mage descendents, because if so, what would be special about Merlin?
Basically, Merlin’s have powers, while the descendants of the Round Table get some powers when they get called, which happens when they are close to getting into a battle with the demonic forces. I don’t want to spoil anything in case you might read it. There are loads of details from the legends and then more rules added by the author. Thanks for reading x
I really wanted to get back into reading this year too, and so far I’m gradually getting into a routine haha! Lovely review, thank you for sharing x
It takes so long to get back into it! Thank you for reading Eleanor x
It sounds like a classic fantasy plot and formula, but it is one that works unfailingly every time! I do enjoy dark twists into worlds we can fully immerse ourselves in, and imagine ourselves as magical beasts. I’ll have to check it out!
It is, but I truly loved the Arthurian twist behind and the fact that it’s very relatable to the events happening now. Hope you like it 🙂
Love your photos in this post! This sounds like a great read. The cover drew me in almost instantly. Will be adding this to my TBR! x
Thank you so much, Jenny! I wanted to try some different pictures and glad you like them x Hope you like it!