Legendborn

 Legendborn  

By Tracy Deonn  

Legendborn centers around the life and story of Bree Mathews, a student enrolled in the Early College program at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill. She enrolls shortly after her mother dies mysteriously. She doesn’t remember much about that day and tries to investigate what happened. This book is a story of power and self-discovery. Shortly after arriving at school, Bree discovers she can be a part of a secret magical society where all the members are Legendborn and descended from the Knights of the round table. She soon meets a boy named Nick and they grow very close. Romance is essential to the plot but does not take up the whole of it, which can be a problem in young adult literature nowadays,  Legendborn includes both Celtic mythologies along with stories of slavery and the great migration. Deonn does a great job of intertwining all of these stories. The book is action-packed and engaging and would be perfect for any library to be put in their young adult section. There are some triggering aspects to the book. Particularly with death and dying; readers should be warned beforehand. Bree is a very complex, likable, and fleshed-out character which is very refreshing. The themes of slavery and injustice are deftly explored with care and consideration. The ‘uncomfortable’ subjects are not shyed away from or downplayed. Legendborn would also be very good for a book club or book reading so participants could share their ideas. There are so many plot twists that would make the book enjoyable for this audience. Deonn is an amazing writer, and this book is filled with great worldbuilding and engaging prose among other things. This book won the Coretta Scott King award which is very prestigious. It has a sequel called Bloodmarked that has great reviews.  

BIBLIO: 2020 Margaret K. McElderry Books, Ages14-18, $13.99-$19.99 

REVIEWER: Ella Frey  

FORMAT: Young Adult  

ISBN: 9781534441606