Legendborn (The Legendborn Cycle) Hardcover – September 15, 2020

The way this book had me hooked all the way to the end is no joke. Just seeing Bree go through her ancestors memories was an experience that was worth seeing firsthand.

I just cant see how people couldnt get into this book its absolutely amazing. The fact that I could reread this book is the reason why it gets 5 stars!

Let me start with what I enjoyed about this book and **many spoilers! warning**I really loved this modern take on Arthurian legend. The legendborn class system, Aether bloodcraft, Root, Bree's families special take on magic, the American history and cultural anthropology of the South in SC, and the inclusion of Modern Welsh! How fun! I really enjoyed discovering a magical world from a perspective that is entirely different from my own background and experiences growing up in LA, and that there was no way to guess the plotline or 'who did it' because there wasn't much foreshadowing.However...Bree is definitely a manipulative, rude, prejudiced, narcissist. Which made her not much better that her enemies. This made it really hard to like her character. I think Tracy was going for sassy but overshot the mark. I constantly wanted to reach into the book and smack Bree across the back of the head. She has so many great, supportive friends around her, but I don't see reciprocation. The fact that Bree would have found so many good, loyal friends when she isn't a good, loyal friend herself is unrealistic. Be kind, and do nice things for the people around you too chica!Also, when you're dating someone stop flirting with other guys just because you like the attention they're giving you. And stop acting like you don't know what's really going on...And seriously... if I was in that same world I would have been treated the same way by the legendborn community as an outsider not because of my skin color, but because I was in fact an outsider to that world... the victim mentality and constant offense while assuming it was all based on race is wild. Sure, it plays a part but let's be real...White people like every other race aren't one dimensional or have a single culture. A lot of different factors that have nothing to do with race come into play when being accepted by anyone. Religion, political ties, dress, how you treat people, education, diction, hobbies, lifestyle, food, where you grew up, how you are taught to socialize as a child with what behaviors are acceptable... the list is endless.I was happy that Tracy included the aspect of Bree jumping the line by becoming a Page to Nick when she's clearly unqualified from an insiders perspective. That much more realistically portrayed why people in the legendborn community would be angry with her. She's taking opportunities for wealth, prestige, and power away from kids and families that have worked hard and died for centuries to get to where they are. And she did it in a sneaky, selfish, and not cool way through Nick. Glad she felt some remorse for her actions (after developing feelings for Nick) or she would be downright sociopathic!Overall, even though I didn't like it, the fact that the main character is hard to like and selfish is refreshing. Great job Tracy making a very realistic, self-absorbed teenager! I hope Bree has some serious redeeming character growth in the future but if not that's fine. Some people never change.Key side characters could use more development. I felt the focus of the side characters was what Bree was receiving from them and no other real character background or development. Having so many LGBT+ individuals in one book who's setting was a very conservative setting was hard to believe. Very stereotypical tropes for Alice being Asian and Southern White men/frat boys being annoying partiers or racists. While Bree has scathing things to say about the latter, ironically, she falls for the southern frat boy. I found that delightfully hilarious! Maybe it's character development? Maybe it was an oversight in character beliefs by Tracy Deonn? Maybe it's fetishizing the blonde hair, blue eyed, tall, muscular, Southern boy stereotype? Whatever the case... I'm still amused. And the fact that the other love insterest was the tall, handsome, pale, emo, misunderstood type that wants to kill her was equally funny! Edward? Is that you? Tracy. You knew what you were doing with that Twilight reference ahahahaThe white people are racist trope was definitely over done. Especially considering the majority of Bree's friends and supporters in the book were white... maybe they weren't grouped with the other evil white conservative rich racists because they were clearly portrayed as minority, liberal, or LGBT+? With the exception of Tor, of course. It makes me wonder if Tracy Deonn knows many white people who don't share her same beliefs. Or if she's ever given them a chance? Or maybe it was done this way to highlight Bree's stereotyped belief system and not necessarily the authors own? I'd love to pick her brain. If it is the authors own beliefs, I hope she finds healing so person by person we can create a better future for our children by changing our mindsets.Tracy Deonn, thank you for the wild emotional roller coster that is this book! I look forward to reading the next two and anything you write in the future! ✌

Legendborn blew me away! The story follows Bree Matthews, a 16-year-old who joins an early college program at UNC Chapel Hill, where she uncovers her own magical powers and a secret world rooted in King Arthur lore. The plot balances so many elements—grief, family, and self-discovery—while keeping the stakes high and the tension palpable.The setting, grounded in an urban fantasy version of Chapel Hill, feels fresh and immersive, and the magic system woven into Arthurian legend is both intricate and fascinating. There's so much going on, but it never feels overwhelming; instead, it all adds to the intensity and depth of the story.The romance, (in typical YA fashion is complete with a love triangle) felt fitting for a 16-year-old girl growing up. Bree’s journey hit me on a personal level, especially as she grapples with the loss of her mother—a pain I deeply relate to. Some scenes had me in tears, feeling as though Bree’s emotional journey mirrored my own.The ending left me absolutely needing to pick up the next book—I have to see what happens next! This is hands down my new favorite YA fantasy series, and it means so much to see a protagonist who looks like me in this genre. Legendborn is a must read for anyone who loves rich, emotional, and high stakes fantasy.

This book was so well written! A beautiful take about coming of age, facing your fears, knowing your family history no matter how painful and finding your inner power!

This is a full bodied read. Well rounded characters and storytelling. Twists and turns you don’t see coming! This is the best book I have read so far this year.

I liked the story okay. This was my second read to prepare for book 2 and then get book 3 in March but you know, I didn't care a lot for the female character. Bree was just a little brash, rude sometimes and a little annoying at times but I did not hate her. I liked the plot of the story but found it coukd have been shortened a lot. I feel the beginning dragged and everytime ainheard the word Aether I wanted to scream.There were a few characters I did like and my favorite was Selwyn and woukd have loved more about him. Nick was nice and all but I found him a little boring sadly. I loved William the healer. He's a great character and friend to Bree and I hope she appreciates him in book 2.I did like the Black history that was put innthe booknto make it real and for us to understand what they went through many years ago. I found some parts very interesting.As for Bree I want her to develop more in book 2.and with the surprising ending of book 1 I hope I am in for excitement. I also want to see and understand Selwyn. He's such a complex character throughout book 1.As for the narration I really wished there had been two narrators. I felt that she didn't change her voice very much and I don't know, a male should have been able to change all the men's voices better. I have book 2 on audio but not sure I will listen to it unless it gets slow in some parts of the book.

Although the beginning was slow-paced, the conclusion was remarkable. The narrative blended elements of secret societies, oaths, demons, and ancestors. The protagonist’s journey of self-discovery led them to an unforeseen destiny. While the initial pace was deliberate, the story gained momentum as the protagonist became captivated by the newfound world and its hidden secrets. I eagerly anticipate continuing this series.