Another Book Club Podcast, another review. Here are our thoughts about Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, summarised.
From the Blurb:
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 from the night her mother died. 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?
Brigitte Herron: The way Tracy Deonn uses the Arthurian legends in Legendborn is nothing like I’ve ever come across before. Not only does she reinvent a classic, she also ties it to her experience as a Black woman in the USA through Bree. Deonn does a fantastic job overall and I can’t wait to see more of this story! 5 stars.
Saul Marquez: I went into this novel knowing very little about what it’s about. I came out of it stunned and delightfully surprised. Legendborn offers a unique take on the lore surrounding King Arthur. It’s behind this fantasy backdrop that Tracy Deonn so skillfully confronts uncomfortable truths about systemic racism while also exploring grief and trauma through multiple lenses. She pulls it off so well. It’s easily one of the best YA fantasy novels to come along in a while. 4.5 stars.
Chelsea Regan: I cannot stop thinking about this book! Tracy Deonn’s debut is nothing short of spectacular. A deeply personal story, Legendborn follows Bree through grief and trauma, while also introducing it’s readers to a fascinating and unique new world of Arthurian legend. There is something in this one for everyone and I don’t think I am alone in saying that I need the next book to come out as soon as possible. 5 stars.
Eleanor Maher: Tracy Deonn’s ability to weave Arthurian legend, fantasy elements and modern-day issues together is incredible. I was captivated by Bree’s story and, although we see some familiar tropes, the novel felt fresh and unique. I will undoubtedly be reading the rest of the series — I can’t wait to see what else Deonn has in store for us. 4.5 stars.
Want to hear more about Legendborn? Stay tuned for our upcoming Book Club Podcast discussing the novel.
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