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Description
An Instant New York Times Bestseller! Winner of the Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe for New Talent Author Award Filled with mystery and an intriguingly rich magic system, Tracy Deonn’s YA contemporary fantasy Legendborn offers the dark allure of City of Bones with a modern-day twist on a classic legend and a lot of Southern Black Girl Magic. 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. Read more
Publisher : Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication date : September 15, 2020
Edition : Later Printing
Language : English
Print length : 512 pages
ISBN-10 : 1534441603
ISBN-13 : 06
Item Weight : 1.5 pounds
Reading age : 16+ years, from customers
Dimensions : 6 x 1.7 x 9 inches
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Top Amazon Reviews
Format: Kindle
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.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2023 by Michael J. Anderson
Format: Kindle
The best retelling of King Arthur I have ever read! Honestly 5 stars does not do this book justice at all! This was a very powerful read! I’m not a huge fan of YA and honestly haven’t read YA in a couple years but I had to pick this up and enjoy all that was offered from this story. We have a black FMC and then we have so much black history mentioned in here and it’s honestly what drew me in the most. Finally a book that’s fantasy and have a black main character it doesn’t get much better than this. Bree is our FMC and she is honestly learning more and more about herself as the book goes on. Every time she gets closer there’s another covered story behind another story. Bree is so strong, brave, and just an amazing character. The emotions she goes through throughout this book felt real and like my own. I could feel her pain and her strength! Nick our MMC is a good character as well! He shows nothing but sympathy for Bree when needed and love as well. He falls hard for Bree and fast but I love him more for that. Selwyn 😍 let’s just say I always have a thing for the “bad” guys and sel has worked his way in my heart and I just can’t let him go. There’s so much suspense and drama in here I suggest picking this up and having no errands on your to do list because this is a read you want to sit down for, get trapped in the story and never leave. Every single character was well written and I have no complaints for any character even the ones that are the “villains”. The love triangle with Bree, Nick, and Sel drive me insane because I want them all to be together and I just don’t know how it’ll turn out. I can’t wait to read Bloodmarked
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Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2023 by Valencia N
Format: Audiobook
One must be ready to embark on a quest both thrilling and emotional when diving into Tracy Deonn's debut novel, 'Legendborn.' Taking the familiar threads of Arthurian mythology and infusing them with the vibrancy of modern youth culture and the poignant underpinnings of grief and self-discovery, Deonn weaves an engaging tale that pulls readers into a vibrant, living tapestry of magic, mystery, and adolescent awakening. 'Legendborn' draws us into the world of Bree Matthews, a smart, resilient sixteen-year-old dealing with the painful loss of her mother. A summer program for bright high school students at the University of North Carolina provides her with the opportunity to escape her past. However, it soon becomes clear that Bree’s journey will be more than academic exploration. Encounters with a secret society, the Legendborn, who claim to be descendants of King Arthur and his knights, introduce Bree to a world where magic and myth are dangerously real. The strength of Deonn's novel resides in its characters. Bree is undeniably captivating, a beacon of tenacity and determination. Her story is emotionally charged, providing a raw and honest exploration of grief and identity. We cannot help but admire her, not simply for her courage in the face of the supernatural, but for her heart and resilience in navigating the complexities of everyday life as well. The supporting cast is equally commendable, each one distinctly drawn, providing a nuanced, diverse backdrop that gives the tale its pulsating life. Moreover, Deonn's fusion of history, mythology, and contemporary issues is commendable. 'Legendborn' is not simply a thrilling tale of magic and mystery; it serves as a nuanced exploration of systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and the struggle of reconciling personal identity within a world that seems so intent on classification and marginalization. There are moments when the pacing could have been tighter, and some plot twists are visible from a distance. However, these minor shortcomings don't significantly detract from the novel's overall appeal. 'Legendborn' stands tall as a compelling young adult fantasy novel, one that doesn't shy away from presenting its readers with thought-provoking themes and intricate emotional landscapes. The ending is both satisfying and tantalizing, tying up enough loose ends to satisfy, while leaving enough unanswered questions to have us eager for the sequel. 'Legendborn' is a page-turner that demands to be devoured but deserves to be savored. In 'Legendborn,' Tracy Deonn has woven a story that is at once richly fantastical and piercingly real. This is a novel that pulls no punches, is unafraid to delve into the complex realities of its characters' lives, and does so with a compelling blend of magic, mythology, and heartfelt human connection. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate tales of magical realism woven with threads of poignant human narratives. Don't let this book pass you by. Grab your copy of 'Legendborn' and get lost in the spellbinding world Tracy Deonn has conjured. Let the legend continue and live on in your heart and mind long after the final page is turned.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023 by The YA Gazette
Format: Kindle
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.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2025 by Dani
Format: Hardcover
***5.00*** Wow, just, honestly after finishing this book I was speechless because of how much I thoroughly enjoyed it. Medium-paced a 16-year-old Bree finds herself at UNC- Chapel Hill in an early college program just months after her mother passed away suddenly. What ensues is a maze of twists and turns, secrets and lies that will keep you guessing until the end. While I had an inkling of the final major plot twist at the end, it did not ruin the rest of the book for me. Bree is everything you want from a reluctant hero sort of character. She is smart and strong willed. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. She grows as she finds out more details of her families past and throughout the book she is struggling with grief and sadness and pain and anger which just feels so incredibly real. The book is set in contemporary times and is based of Arthurian legend. Tracy Deonn puts a really interesting twist on the time-honored tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book also deals with some really heavy topics that much of the plot is based around. I would not call this book dark, I would call it dipped in the realism that is this countries history and facing the sad honest truth with steel in its eyes. I really want to comment on one other thing but it doesn’t feel right coming from me (a white woman) so I will just say this. This book is important. Its heroine is a triumph and I for one am so glad I had the chance to read about her. Cover Stunning, anyone interested in YA would be drawn to the beautiful illustrations of a girl doing magic on the cover. It helps even more that the girl looks beautiful and stong. This cover absolutely draws the eye and made me want to look deeper into what the story is under the cover. Recommendation I will recommend this book to everyone and anyone who will listen to me. If you are interested in YA contemporary fantasy based on myths and legends then this is the first book I would recommend to you. If you will read anything with a little magic in it, I would recommend this book to you. Honestly like I said I would recommend this book to almost anyone. Just read it. Tracy Deonn wrote a character who feels so real and nuanced and I sincerely cannot wait to read not only the next book in this series but whatever she comes out with next.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2022 by AGlitterCobra
Format: Paperback
I don't know what I was expecting..... but it wasn't that. The way my annotations look right now is insaneeeeeee 😂😂 the ending caught me COMPLETELY by surprise bro!! Bree... babygirl.. is legendary literally 😭 she is so much stronger than I would've ever been at 16!! Cause huh?? You said demons?? The devil is a lie I want no parts of y'all world lmaoo I was stuck choosing between Sel and Nick... my toxic traits wanted to love Sel so bad but Nick was so adorable and always down for her. But their relationship always seemed like best friendly to me... it felt like more passion between her and Sel. Now this book did take a miniteeee to get into because of the massive world building and plot details in the beginning... so most of this first book was all of that. But baby once the story picks up.... IT PICKS TF UP!!! And the ending?! I wasn't ready 😭😭 like I said Bree is legendary and Tracy is legendary for creating her 💯 Starting Bloodmarked tomorrow (or tonight after the football game😂)
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Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2026 by Ari's Fiction Fix
Format: Kindle
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.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2025 by scrappygirl
Format: Kindle
There was a lot in the book, but let's focus on the Black Girl Magic. I'm a ripe 27 years old, and I have been reading novels since age 9. Never in the 18 years in between have I found a story that related so heavily to me. Never in those 18 years have I seen the struggle of being Black and only able to trace my lineage only 3 generations back written and described so wonderfully and painstakingly in ANY book, historical, educational, or otherwise. Never in those 18 years did I find a Black character as any more than a faithful friend or companion or love interest. My heart ached as I read this, for Bree, for myself, and for all the history I have tried (and failed) to find. As far as any website, book, or system knows, my genealogy began on a ship bound for France in the late 1800s. Most of the history before Grandma in 1951 is gone. To be so immersed in White supremacy, in White culture, and everything that White America is suffocating when you aren't even allowed to feel as though you have a foothold in the country your own people built, and this book delves so far into what so many Black men and women feel that it was shocking...to say the least. To see myself on a page, to see micro-aggressions so well described...it was jarring. The book itself is well-written, paced well, and absolutely one of the most engaging tales that I have ever had the privilege to read and bear witness to. Author Deonn showin' out!! Bree's story is all-consuming, and I have never been more impressed with the depth, deliverance, or culmination of a novel. Black Girl Magic is, as always, the most enthralling, captivating, and compelling force of nature that I have ever had the honor of being apart of. Well done.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2022 by KCP