Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2022), 576 pages
Description
All Bree wanted was to uncover the truth behind her mother's death. So she infiltrated the Legendborn Order, a secret society descended from King Arthur's knights -- only to discover her own ancestral power. Now, Bree has become someone new: A Medium. A Bloodcrafter. A Scion. But the ancient war between demons and the Order is rising to a deadly peak. And Nick, the Legendborn boy Bree fell in love with, has been kidnapped. Bree wants to fight, but the Regents who rule the Order won't let her. To them, she is an unknown girl with unheard-of power, and as the living anchor for the spell that preserves the Legendborn cycle, she must be protected. When the Regents reveal they will do whatever it takes to hide the war, Bree and her friends must go on the run to rescue Nick themselves. But enemies are everywhere, Bree's powers are unpredictable and dangerous, and she can't escape her growing attraction to Selwyn, the mage sworn to protect Nick until death. If Bree has any hope of saving herself and the people she loves, she must learn to control her powers from the ancestors who wielded them first -- without losing herself in the process.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member bell7
*Free e-book ARC received from the publisher through Edelweiss Plus - thank you!*
Also - necessarily spoilers for Legendborn.
Though Bree is now the awakened Scion of Arthur, she's not yet gone through the rite and the Order wants to keep her secret, using Nick's disappearance to mask both of their
Where do I start? The world-building is fantastic, using both American history and Arthurian legend, exploring both through Bree's unique heritage and ability to wield both Root and Order magic and communicate with her ancestors. What was established in Legendborn is broadened as she and her friends learn more about the world they've been thrust into. The characters are realistically drawn and made me care deeply about what happened to them in a fast-paced sequel that lived up to the first book. At the end I was simultaneously annoyed not to know the end of the story but also looking forward to seeing where it leads next.
Also - necessarily spoilers for Legendborn.
Though Bree is now the awakened Scion of Arthur, she's not yet gone through the rite and the Order wants to keep her secret, using Nick's disappearance to mask both of their
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true bloodlines. She's desperate to go after Nick, but can't control her power. Root comes defensively, and she can't form armor out of aether the way William, the Scion of Gawain can. And Sel - well, he's not sure how long he can go without protecting Nick and fulfilling his oath. Then the Regents use the rite to their own ends, and Bree needs to use all her ingenuity to protect herself and her friends from their aims.Where do I start? The world-building is fantastic, using both American history and Arthurian legend, exploring both through Bree's unique heritage and ability to wield both Root and Order magic and communicate with her ancestors. What was established in Legendborn is broadened as she and her friends learn more about the world they've been thrust into. The characters are realistically drawn and made me care deeply about what happened to them in a fast-paced sequel that lived up to the first book. At the end I was simultaneously annoyed not to know the end of the story but also looking forward to seeing where it leads next.
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LibraryThing member Anniik
TW/CW: Talk of sexual assault, fantasy violence, murder, injury, possession, racism, scary sequences, drug use
RATING: 5/5
REVIEW: This book picks up on Bree’s story from the end of Legendborn. There’s a lot I can’t say about the actual story of this book as it would necessitate massive
But I can say that this is an excellent, excellent book – I think even better than the first. It is fascinating to watch Bree’s growth over the time of this book, and to truly feel pain with her as we read.
This is not just a fantasy book, but as with the best fiction books, a look into something far more real than fiction. It’s sad, heartbreaking, and not always easy to read. But Bree’s strength moves it forward for both the character and the reader. Don’t read this book if you want something that’s comfortable and safe because this book is not that in any way.
The characters are real and you feel for them as the book progresses, reading of their strengths and their trials.
I can’t wait for the third book in the series!
RATING: 5/5
REVIEW: This book picks up on Bree’s story from the end of Legendborn. There’s a lot I can’t say about the actual story of this book as it would necessitate massive
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spoilers of Legendborn and I don’t want to do that.But I can say that this is an excellent, excellent book – I think even better than the first. It is fascinating to watch Bree’s growth over the time of this book, and to truly feel pain with her as we read.
This is not just a fantasy book, but as with the best fiction books, a look into something far more real than fiction. It’s sad, heartbreaking, and not always easy to read. But Bree’s strength moves it forward for both the character and the reader. Don’t read this book if you want something that’s comfortable and safe because this book is not that in any way.
The characters are real and you feel for them as the book progresses, reading of their strengths and their trials.
I can’t wait for the third book in the series!
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LibraryThing member PinkPurlandProse
Many thanks to NetGalley, Tracy Deonn and Simon Schuster Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.
This is the sequel to Legendborn and if you haven’t read it, read it first. This series is definitely
What separates out this story from others, in my view, is the many commentaries that are going on while the fantastic tale is being told. So you have the fantasy tale (which in my opinion is always saying something about society), you have the King Arthur legend being reinterpreted and you have Bree and her friends bucking the system. This alone is told really well, the characters are varied and interesting, the adventure is exciting and the magic captivating. You have the trauma that Bree is going through because of the loss of her mother. Through that loss, she has also lost her personal history.
Along side all of these interesting parts of the story you have Bree and everything she is going through told through her eyes, as a young African American girl. From simple things like her saying “Don’t touch my hair” to racist comments to the larger institutional fight of The Order not letting a Black girl be in charge. The Root system connects Bree to a part of her heritage that she never got a chance to learn from her mother. All of this is an added dimension done in such a thoughtful, touching way. It is woven so expertly through the story that it sets it apart.
Deonn is an incredibly talented writer. The world building, the characters, the storyline all crafted expertly. The history that she takes us through accurately telling us how white men got into power and to consider all the ramifications of how that happened is a teaching moment. Also to build on the first book and take us deeper into the story with new things being added creates an excitement and interest. I mean, I thought the first book was great! Now comes the tough part, I have to wait a couple of years for the third book.
This is the sequel to Legendborn and if you haven’t read it, read it first. This series is definitely
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worth it. There are so many layers in this story. This continues from where the first book left off. Bree has come into her power, although she still doesn’t understand it. Nick has been taken and all she can think about is rescuing him. However, the Order has other ideas. Under the pretence of protecting Bree, in order to protect the bloodline, they take her captive. What they really want to do is understand her power and in between drugging her, interrogating her and want to experiment on her, Bree is trapped. No one knows the true story except for a precious few. Luckily they are ready to rescue Bree and go on the run. Bree is torn between wanting to rescue Nick and needing to find out more about her power. The adventure continues and it is a ride! Selwyn Kane is alongside Bree all the way and with Nick missing things really heat up.What separates out this story from others, in my view, is the many commentaries that are going on while the fantastic tale is being told. So you have the fantasy tale (which in my opinion is always saying something about society), you have the King Arthur legend being reinterpreted and you have Bree and her friends bucking the system. This alone is told really well, the characters are varied and interesting, the adventure is exciting and the magic captivating. You have the trauma that Bree is going through because of the loss of her mother. Through that loss, she has also lost her personal history.
Along side all of these interesting parts of the story you have Bree and everything she is going through told through her eyes, as a young African American girl. From simple things like her saying “Don’t touch my hair” to racist comments to the larger institutional fight of The Order not letting a Black girl be in charge. The Root system connects Bree to a part of her heritage that she never got a chance to learn from her mother. All of this is an added dimension done in such a thoughtful, touching way. It is woven so expertly through the story that it sets it apart.
Deonn is an incredibly talented writer. The world building, the characters, the storyline all crafted expertly. The history that she takes us through accurately telling us how white men got into power and to consider all the ramifications of how that happened is a teaching moment. Also to build on the first book and take us deeper into the story with new things being added creates an excitement and interest. I mean, I thought the first book was great! Now comes the tough part, I have to wait a couple of years for the third book.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
Series Info/Source: This is the 2nd book in The Legendborn Cycle. I borrowed a copy of this on ebook from my library.
Thoughts: This second book in the Legendborn Cycle and picks up shortly after the first book ends. I really ended up loving this. So much happens in this book, it started out a bit
Bree wants to rescue Nick but the Regents are determined to both keep the betrayals secret and keep Bree safe. The Regents betray Bree horribly and she is left to run out on her own and try to save Nick. Bree ends up forming her own sort of support group with Selwyn by her side. However, Bree is still struggling with her power and she will have to deal with both Arthur and her ancestors if she is ever going to be in control.
This started a bit slow (with Bree being held away from the action) but really picked after that first part. So much happens in this book and all of the characters grow and change in amazing ways. There is a lot of action here and I loved the characters as well. The story is complex but well done and I am super curious to see where everything is going. The plot definitely kept me guessing.
I also loved the writing style here; this is very easy to read and engaging. The blend of Arthurian legend with more traditional African magic was intriguing. I love that this deals with issues of both race and sex, but not in a compeltely "in your face" kind of way. Rather, these issues are part of the story and part of Bree's day to day struggles. I loved where this book ended as well and am eager to see where the next book takes things!
My Summary (5/5): Overall I really loved this book, it was the perfect continuation of the Legendborn Cycle. It is incredibly well written and fun to read. The story is complex with lots of characters but I never struggled to follow what was happening. So much happens in this book, it really keeps you on your toes and the plot makes some truly unexpected turns. If you are fan of fantasy and an Arthurian influenced contemporary YA fantasy sounds cool to you, I would check this series out. It's very well done and I am eager to see what the third book holds!
Thoughts: This second book in the Legendborn Cycle and picks up shortly after the first book ends. I really ended up loving this. So much happens in this book, it started out a bit
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slow but then really picked up pace about 25% of the way in. Bree wants to rescue Nick but the Regents are determined to both keep the betrayals secret and keep Bree safe. The Regents betray Bree horribly and she is left to run out on her own and try to save Nick. Bree ends up forming her own sort of support group with Selwyn by her side. However, Bree is still struggling with her power and she will have to deal with both Arthur and her ancestors if she is ever going to be in control.
This started a bit slow (with Bree being held away from the action) but really picked after that first part. So much happens in this book and all of the characters grow and change in amazing ways. There is a lot of action here and I loved the characters as well. The story is complex but well done and I am super curious to see where everything is going. The plot definitely kept me guessing.
I also loved the writing style here; this is very easy to read and engaging. The blend of Arthurian legend with more traditional African magic was intriguing. I love that this deals with issues of both race and sex, but not in a compeltely "in your face" kind of way. Rather, these issues are part of the story and part of Bree's day to day struggles. I loved where this book ended as well and am eager to see where the next book takes things!
My Summary (5/5): Overall I really loved this book, it was the perfect continuation of the Legendborn Cycle. It is incredibly well written and fun to read. The story is complex with lots of characters but I never struggled to follow what was happening. So much happens in this book, it really keeps you on your toes and the plot makes some truly unexpected turns. If you are fan of fantasy and an Arthurian influenced contemporary YA fantasy sounds cool to you, I would check this series out. It's very well done and I am eager to see what the third book holds!
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LibraryThing member Black-Lilly
What a page turner!
The story picks seamlessly up from the first book and has you immediately in its grip.
Tracy Deonn has a great way with words, she manages to get the atmosphere with just a few words and not much over explaining. And she is great with catching teenagers mood, brought me right back
The story itself has some great twists and turns, the end is such a mean cliff hanger for example, there is a lot of action but also enough downtime to let you catch your breath as well.
Can't wait for the third book.
The story picks seamlessly up from the first book and has you immediately in its grip.
Tracy Deonn has a great way with words, she manages to get the atmosphere with just a few words and not much over explaining. And she is great with catching teenagers mood, brought me right back
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to my own teenage years.The story itself has some great twists and turns, the end is such a mean cliff hanger for example, there is a lot of action but also enough downtime to let you catch your breath as well.
Can't wait for the third book.
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LibraryThing member quondame
Episodic and loaded with revelations and betrayals this is very much a mid-series book, and there isn't quite enough to make up for the intrigue of encountering a new magic system. The pacing is good and the book is a decent read, though ultimately not satisfying for it length.
LibraryThing member acargile
Bloodmarked is book two, with Legendborn being book one. I always hate saying much with sequels, so this review will be short.
Bree joins the Legendborn in order to discover the truth about her mother and the power Bree inherited from her. She discovers much more. She descends from eight women who
Nick has left to hide, leaving Sel without the person he is supposed to protect. Without Nick, Sel can lose his humanity. Helping Bree and William helps Sel.
The novel has length to it. Bree travels A LOT in her journey to self. She must discover so much about her ancestors and the legendborn. She discovers that she is also a medium, which allows her to get first accounts from her ancestors. Handy. She also has William and her best friend to help.
That's all I want to say. I will say that I really enjoyed listening to the novel. There's a lot of information and a lot happens. When I thought we were at the cliffhanger, I saw that I had two hours left! Yes, there was still a cliffhanger and a major revelation at the end. I eagerly await book three.
Bree joins the Legendborn in order to discover the truth about her mother and the power Bree inherited from her. She discovers much more. She descends from eight women who
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tell Bree how they survived being annihilated by an evil. She's the female who has inherited all of the powers. As Bree descends from slavery, she learns the ramifications of the evils of that time. She, however, has trouble handling the power--she can't form armor or ether very well. Sel tries to help her in lieu of going "monster." They must constantly move in order to stay ahead of those trying to control her. Nick has left to hide, leaving Sel without the person he is supposed to protect. Without Nick, Sel can lose his humanity. Helping Bree and William helps Sel.
The novel has length to it. Bree travels A LOT in her journey to self. She must discover so much about her ancestors and the legendborn. She discovers that she is also a medium, which allows her to get first accounts from her ancestors. Handy. She also has William and her best friend to help.
That's all I want to say. I will say that I really enjoyed listening to the novel. There's a lot of information and a lot happens. When I thought we were at the cliffhanger, I saw that I had two hours left! Yes, there was still a cliffhanger and a major revelation at the end. I eagerly await book three.
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LibraryThing member cwpigg
It’s going to be difficult waiting on the third book to come out! Tracy Deonn is a master at character development and keeping the reader guessing and in suspense. I knew the second book would most likely end in a cliffhanger, and was not wrong. Looking forward to reading the third installment
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and hoping for the best. Awesome read! Show Less
Awards
Ignyte Award (Shortlist — 2023)
Dragon Award (Finalist — 2023)
Lodestar Award (Nominee — 2023)
MISelf in Books (High School — 2023)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2022-11-08
Physical description
576 p.; 9 inches
ISBN
1534441638 / 9781534441637