Yaaaassss! At last, I read the Legendborn sequel. It's been on my TBR list for a hot minute and I finally found a moment to read it. It is definitely a sequel...I needed a moment to reacquaint myself with the characters and storyline as it jumps right in without the preamble that many sequels have. Once I was back on board and ready to go though the story hooked me back in the same way that Legendborn did. Which is to say that while I'm not really a big King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table fan, I am a Bree fan (I'm also a pretty big Alice fan). I love how Tracy Deonn weaves the legend of King Arthur, with African-American folk magic, then adds her own modern day twist. A little love triangle, a little possession and a whole bunch of supernatural ass-kicking. I'm also big fan of diverse representation and this book has it in spades - almost every main ass-kicker is a BIPOC and/or a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

A great follow up to the first book and definitely worth the read.

I would recommend this to your fantasy mixed with historical fiction fans (once they grow out of Rick Riordan send them this way!).

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Tracy Deonn for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved so much about this book and was happy to jump back into this world, especially with Legendborn being one of the books that really got me into reading into 2021.

I found that while Legendborn was a lot of constant action, Bloodmarked was a lot of worldbuilding to set up the rest of the series for hopefully years to come. That being said while this book had lots of actions, there was also many points, especially in the first half where I felt info dumping was occurring (even if it was necessary).

I also appreciated that while the first book made it difficult to remember all of the important characters, this one really narrowed down the core cast, while adding a few along the way. However, care was put into really establishing each existing and new character, leaving no characters or the world to be flat. In addition, there was a chart on the first page to act as a legend readers can refer back to in case you need a refresh on who a character is too.

Overall, I think this book was fantastic and like the first I appreciate how much time and care was put into it. However, this book felt like it served as a pause to establish the world for future books to come which made it slightly duller in pacing than the first in my eyes, which is why it is 4 stars instead of 5.

That being said I will still recommend this book for anyone looking to continue in the series and can not wait to pick up the inevitable 3rd book and many to come after.

4.5 stars
With this being one of my most anticipated reads of the year i’m so happy to say it did not disappoint. Bloodmarked had so many twists and turns that i loved and my love for selwyn kane just grew throughout the entire book!

Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for the eARC!

I initially was a little scared, not only because of the sheer size of the novel, but because I was afraid it would take a long time to get into. With Legendborn, it did take a while to get fully immersed into Bree’s story, but this was not the case with Bloodmarked. In fact, I got sucked right into the book the moment I opened the book, and wasn’t ever able to put the book down.

The plot was so investing from the beginning, thrusting us right into pounding action and suspense. The book was never a bore, and never failed to make me gasp. Every chapter was filled with so many twists and turns, and if it wasn’t filled with action, it was filled with character moments that will make you laugh or cry, and even scream. I thought I knew what was happening but it turns out I was completely wrong.

Bree is perhaps one of the loveliest main characters I’ve ever encountered. I was rooting for her in the beginning and I loved how much she grew over the course of the novel. She is such a strong main character and I just adored reading about her. I loved seeing the side characters too as they were so perfectly fleshed out. Sel, Alice and William all had great dynamics with each other and were so fun to read about. I only wish that we got to see more of Nick since moments with him were so limited.

One of the things I loved the most about Legendborn was the detailed and complex worldbuilding. I love how i’m Bloodmarked, we get to expand so much more on the worldbuilding and exploring many other aspects of the world. It’s incredible to see how everything comes together and connects all the way back to Bree.

Now don’t get me started on the ROMANCE. I’m not usually a huge fan of love triangles, but boy did I love this one. Originally, in book 1, I was a hardcore team nick girl, but now, I’m not so sure. I love the way Sel and Bree’s relationship grew and they were so perfect together. To be honest, now, I think I’m team Bree. Whoever makes her happy.

Once again, thank you so much Simon & Schuster for the eARC as I loved this book. If you liked Legendborn, then you will absolutely devour its sequel, Bloodmarked! An obvious 5/5 stars and I’m excited to see what Tracy Deonn has next in store.

Ahhh...I am not in the majority here unfortunately. So I really enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to this one! Unfortunately, I just could not get in to it. Plot lines felt all over the place and it was LONG. About...500 pages too long. I really wanted to love it and maybe I will go back to read it another day, as I'm sure I'll still purchase a physical copy to add to the book shelf so it stays a series! I still loved Bree as the MC and love how Alice got a bigger role but I don't know..it was hard to feel invested.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review!!!

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review!!!

The Legendborn series has become one of my all time favourites. It's so well written and it's hard to imagine that this is the author's debut series. Deonn's story telling is captivating and even heartbreaking at times. I was obsessed with the first book when it came out and Bloodmarked was one of my most anticipated releases of this year. And it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! This book was amazing right from the very beginning. It is extremely action packed and there is not one dull moment. In fact, it kept me on edge the whole time. So much happened in such a short time. There were so many insane and unexpected plot twists that blew my mind. There was also a lot of Legendborn politics in this one. I was getting so angry on Bree's behalf for how she was being treated after everything she has been through. Bree overall is such a complex, well written and badass character and I adore her! Also Selwyn Kane has my whole heart! The ending was insane and I cannot wait to read the next book.

Overall, this book was a rollercoaster and it gave me such an adrenaline rush. I could not recommend it enough!

Blood marked is the second book in the Legendborn series and I’ve been looking forward to it since I finished the first one and let me tell you it was everything I could have hoped for and more. Magic, friendships, self discovery, and some incredible badassery, Bloodmarked is definitely one of my favourite books of the year.

Bloodmarked picks up shortly where Legendborn left off — Bree discovers she is the descendant of King Arthur, and Nick has been kidnapped. As the rightful king, Bree wants to work with the Order to bring back Nick, and make a positive change. But when someone betrays her, she’s forced to go on the run with her friends, and reevaluate everything. Bloodmarked is just as fast paced as Legendborn, and packs plot twist after plot twist, and written with such grace that leaves you so content and whole after finishing it but also starving for more. @tracydeonn gives us a magical world with such powerful characters and storylines that’s you can’t help but be drawn into completely.

While the first book spent time building the history of Bree’s craft along with the Arthurian lore and the world, this book spent a lot of time focusing on Bree’s family history in connection to her magic. Her abilities allow her to communicate with her ancestors, and we get to see bits and parts of how they used their magic, and how their unique powers truly came to be. It’s a really big part of Bree’s character growth, and in a way, it lets us as readers watch her truly grow into herself before our eyes.

There were so many little things about this book that I loved. All the little plots points and details, all the side characters (seriously, I need William and Sel to have their own books!), and especially the growing relationship between Bree and Sel. This book is such a powerful story of identity, courage, and the love we hold for those around us.

Tracey Deonn is an incredibly gifted storyteller, whose research, and exploration/representation of histories is absolutely stellar. Romance, social justice issues, magic, history - all delivered with some very timely laughs. How does she do it? How? B

Holy crap, this book was absolutely incredible. An excellent sequel to Legendborn, Tracy Deonn certainly delivers in the heart-pounding adventure department, interweaving her masterful world building meant to be a diversity-infused retelling of Arthurian legend. Not only was there fast-paced and anxiety-inducing action, there was also blood-boiling references to slavery and white supremacy, as well as an endearing story of a teenage girl trying to find herself despite being thrust into a situation where she has to deepest shoes to fill and the biggest expectations. Briana is smart and stubborn, passionate and infuriating, and it was amazing following her through this story. The sweet moments with her friends, her family, her ancestors, and herself (via small spurts of self actualization) was so beautiful in its earnestness and made the whole thing feel so real. I was completely engrossed in the novel, start to finish, and I'm so excited to see what else Tracy Deonn has in store for The Legendborn Cycle.

5/5 ⭐️

I have no words for this series (actually I do because I have tow rite a review for it LOL) but this book has left me absolutely speechless. I have to start by thanking NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for allowing me to read this absolute masterpiece of a book before it comes out so I can sing its praises to you and hopefully get anyone and everyone to pick up this series! You will only be doing yourself a favour. Tracy Deonn has masterfully crafted a magical world that you never want to stop reading about.

My girl Bree was put THROUGH IT in this book and getting to read about her journey and to read so vividly about her feelings and how she works through everything was just, ugh, so amazing. Honestly, I’m also just a sucker of the getting to know your power trope and this book had that in spades!

I could tell you more but I feel like I have sold you enough on this book! Please take it in and just experience the amazing book!

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
Legendborn #2
YA Fantasy
Publication Date: November 8, 2022

In Bloodmarked we pick up right where Legendborn left off, with Nicholas missing and Bree’s ascension as King kept quiet for her safety. Bree’s first priority is to find him but the Regents in charge won’t allow her. It becomes increasingly obvious everywhere she turns opponents are in sight.

THIS BOOK. This book will destroy you, put you back together and then repeat the cycle for 576 pages until it leaves you so broken that you will spend the next months (years?!) thinking about The Legendborn Cycle until you finally come to terms with it in time for the next book to do it all over again.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t perfect. Some of the plot points and conversations felt a tad repetitive. At one point between a conversation with Sel and Brie I thought weren’t we at this same place having this same conversation three chapters ago? In all honesty, I didn’t care because I was still having fun reading (probably because Sel was in the scene).

If you haven’t picked up Legendborn yet I highly recommend it and this sequel will not disappoint. Middle book syndrome? Not here! This series is a reimagining of the Arthurian tales featuring a really fresh take,, touching on slavery and racism. Every time I think I can predict the course of this story, Deonn throws a wrench in it all and changes its course. By the end, I wasn’t really sure of anything anymore.

Brie isn’t extraordinary by any means. She has powers she didn’t ask for and a complicated family history. Yet, I’ve never wanted a win for a character in literature more than I do for her.

Kudos to you Tracy Deonn for taking something as popular and good as the Arthurian Tales and making it truly extraordinary.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing an advanced reader’s copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First off, thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC for review!!! This is so unbelievably exciting for me & I cannot even believe that I was able to experience this world again after waiting 2 years!!!!!

Tracy Deonn has done it again folks…… I need book 3 yesterday……. Screaming, crying, throwing up, punching the air… this was amazing & absolutely kept the ball rolling in the series & will be added to the favourites shelf/top reads of the year. Keep in mind while Legendborn is beautiful & so much fun, it is also a really dark story at times with deep rooted trauma and racism in it’s core & this book goes deeper into some of that dark stuff, so be prepared & take care of yourself going into this one

Here are the Trigger Warnings I kept note of throughout my read, if you have read & feel as though I’ve missed any feel free to comment or let me know & I’ll update my review!

TW: Racism (micro-aggressions, Institutional/systemic, graphic medical, Slavery- Mentioned & seen,), Talk of rape/being a product of rape, Kidnapping, Medical Content, Violence, Blood, Car Accident, Colonizer ideology, Confinement, Forced Institutionalization, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical Trauma

Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Thank you so much to NetGalley and S&S for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I still haven’t wrapped my head around the fact that I have now read Bloodmarked. Legendborn is one of my favorite books of all time, and its sequel is – or was – my most anticipated read of 2022. So you can imagine the sheer amount of hype I had going into this book, and let me tell you, it exceeded every last one of my expectations. Stakes were raised, plots were twisted, and the romance went in the exact direction I was hoping (hehe).
Just a heads up, this review contains very mild spoilers for Legendborn only, obviously no Bloodmarked spoilers.
Bree goes through a whirlwind of surprises in Legendborn, and in Bloodmarked she learns how to navigate these newfound changes in her life. The action picks up right away and does not slow down throughout the entire book, making its 667 pages fly by.
Let me just start by saying that Bree is one of the best and most enjoyable protagonists I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about. She is unlike any protagonist I’ve seen to date, without falling into the dreaded “not like other girls” trope. She is hilarious and so relatable. I love how unafraid she is to speak her mind, even and especially to people who could literally murder her. Her confidence is EVERYTHING, as is the way she handles her grief. Legendborn begins in the aftermath of Bree's mother's death, but Faye is still one of the most impactful characters in the series. Themes of grief, love, and healing are prevalent throughout this whole series, and Tracy Deonn writes about them in the most heart-warming, gut-wrenching way.
I was, admittedly, a bit skeptical about the plot of this book before I started it. I find that sequels are often hit or miss on how well they set up the last book in the trilogy (I think it’s a trilogy) but I had no such issue with Bloodmarked. Everything kept me guessing, and each twist was so surprising. None of the reveals in this book felt cheap or like they existed purely for shock value. I usually like guessing plot twists, but I love the fact that I didn’t guess a single one in this book. It made my reading experience so much more incredible.
There are downsides to reading early copies of books, and the absolute worst is when something SO FREAKING AMAZING happens, but you can’t scream about it on bookstagram for 3. Whole. MONTHS. Ever since finishing Legendborn, I’ve been gunning for this romance-related thing to happen, and while it didn’t, it is being heavily hinted at. Honestly, this series has some of the best YA romance I’ve ever read, and whether or not this unnamed thing actually happens, I’m certain I’ll be happy with the outcome. Tracy Deonn knows how to write a damn good love story. And yes, I know that was vague, but that’s really all I can say for now lol. When this book comes out, I will likely be posting an updated review on my IG (@jaspxne) with all my thoughts on the thing-that-will-not-be-named.
This book was phenomenal. The only thing I wish I could change about this reading experience would be not working so I could’ve binged it in a few days. As for the book itself, Bloodmarked is an absolute masterpiece. It truly lived up to the incredibly high standards Legendborn set, and I cannot wait for more people to get their hands on this book.

Bloodmarked picks up right after the events of Legendborn. I have to admit it took me a while to wrap my head around this world again and what had happened in the previous book (I read it early 2021). I was a little lost for the first few chapters which made it a bit difficult to get into. However, I immediately fell back in love with the characters that had hooked me the first time around. The characters are definitely put through a lot in this one which certainly kept the pages turning. The stakes feel a lot higher as the story progresses. Grief and loss are still prominent themes and Deonn does an amazing job capturing the raw emotions.

I did feel like the plot dragged a bit in the middle and could have probably been cut down a bit so I did not enjoy it AS much as Legendborn. But, I still overall really enjoyed the reading experience and look forward to reading Legendborn and Bloodmarked back-to-back to get the full effect.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As far as sequels go for ones I have read, this one is top of my list. Everything that was in Legendborn with the storytelling, character development, high action scenes, edge of your seat cliffhangers and so much more was just amplified in this book. This was my most anticipated read of the year and it did not disappoint.

I love Tracy Deonn’s writing so much. She does such an excellent job at creating these amazing descriptive worlds and characters that make it for someone like me to easily imagined the story in my head as I read along. It adds a whole other layer to reading fantasy books for me that keeps me hooked to the story and wanting to read more. I appreciate and admire the amount of history and black culture she adds to her stories.

It is very eye opening hearing the things mentioned in the book with the stigmatization of who Bree is being a first in the Legendborn world. But oh how I love seeing her exceed and break through the barriers to show the order exactly who she is and why you don’t want to mess with her.

Once again like how Legendborn ended, the ending to this book will leave your jaw on the floor. I love when books have twists and turns you don’t see coming and big grand reveals to set up the next story. It makes my adrenaline rise and leaves me wanting more. Hopefully the next book in the series will come soon and I cannot wait to see what is in store next for Bree and everyone else.

I cannot recommend this book, this series, and this author enough. If you love retellings, medieval fantasy, unique magic systems, strong character stories, great relationships and a descriptive storyline. You need to check out Bloodmarked when it comes out on November 8.

OMGOMGOMG!

This book was so perfect! Everything was there, action, surprises, betrayals, deep discussion and subjects, strength, romance and more. It's rare for me that the second book is as good as the first, and more! I LOVED this one and I can't wait to read more from Tracy Deonn.

Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to review this book in advance.

Ce livre était parfait! Tout était là, de l'action, des surprises, des trahisons, des sujets et discussions difficiles, de la romance et plus. C'est rare pour moi de trouver que le deuxième livre est aussi bon que le premier, et encore plus cette fois! J'ai ADORÉ ce livre et j'ai trop hâte d'en lire plus de Tracy Deonn

Unfortunately, due to owning an older model of Apple's iPod I was unable to view or download the eARC. I did read the first book, Legendborn and highly recommended it. I put it on my Staff Picks! So, I was seriously excited when I requested Bloodmarked and got approved. Tracy Deonn is a fabulous writer. But alas, I'll just have to wait till November to read it!

This is by far one of the BEST books I've read this year. This sequel equals its predecessor and is just as well written and compelling of a story.

Bloodmarked picks up where Legendborn ended. Bree is still navigating the newfound knowledge of her complex and dark ancestry, Sel is still as angsty as ever and Nick is still missing. And no one is listening or even bothering to show an ounce of respect to Bree despite her being their king.

Tracey Deonn does such a fantastic job of writing an all consuming YA Fantasy novel while also tackling the serious and real life topics of grief, generational trauma, and racism.

Bree and her group of friends are complex and well rounded characters that you can't help but fall in love but will also cause a great amount of frustration for you.

I truly love this series, recommend it to everyone I know and will be impatiently waiting for the next book!

Darker in tone than the first volume, Legendborn, fans of this series should be braced for a next instalment that is darker, grittier, and more violent. Difficult truths and choices challenge Bree, who, as the book opens, is poised to step into the leadership role which is her due as a descendant of King Arthur, while she wrestles with self-doubt stemming from her struggles to control her magic.

The organization soon shows, unsurprisingly, that it is unwilling to accept a teenage Black girl in this position of prominence and influence; racism and faction politics mean many view her as an inconvenience, an affront, or a pawn. Allies both old and new emerge to aid and guide her as Bree explores both of her sources of magical power, strives to tease out personal and historical truths from the maze of myths and misconceptions that make up the Order, and determine her own intentions and her path forward as war looms.

The tone of this 2nd instalment is less joyful, with fewer of the touches of humour and romance that leavened the first, suiting a plot where the stakes are higher and the clashes more violent, but which may disappoint some readers who are along for the romantic relationships. Bree and Nick spend very little time together, though readers who have wished to see Bree and Sel explore their connection will enjoy this aspect of Book 2. The pacing seems less smooth than in Book 1, where the emotional and plot beats to fell in place perfectly, and there are some instances of exposition, as secondary characters share their knowledge; this volume takes on a lot of world-expanding work.

For readers looking for more than a magical romp, some rich thematic complexities emerge in Bloodmarked, as Bree comes to face the gulf between her personal values and the cycle of the Legendborn/Shadowborn conflict - violence, which creates fear, anguish, and rage, which begets more violence - and questions her part in perpetuating a power structure that ‘others’ and oppresses any magic-workers who manifest power outside of accepted channels.

Bloodmarked propels this series into territory that best suits a more mature teen reader who appreciates a fantasy setting that reflects contemporary social challenges. This series instalment looks squarely at the way a Black girl’s ascendance inside a racist organization would be received, and is a stronger work for this commitment to realistic representation.

Would I buy this book for my high school library? Yes.
Would I book-talk and promote this series? Yes, with content warnings for racism, enslavement, assault, violence

I was given this E ARC in exchange of a review from Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada. I am bursting with gratitude for this opportunity as Bloodmarked is one of my most anticipated reads.

We are back in the world of Legendborn. The story starts off slow as we get reacclimatized to the world Tracy Deonn created but then things really heat up with Bree wanting to train and harness her powers though isn’t having much luck. How is she going to conjure Arthur’s artifacts to protect herself during the upcoming war Camlann.

Bree is the awakened Crown of Scion the next King Arthur ready to take her oath at the Rite ceremony but chaos ensues and all hell breaks loose. I mean why wouldn’t it when the Shadowborn and several other unsavoury creatures want you dead to end the lines of Arthur including any heirs that Bree may bring into this world! Why should Bree have this stress on her shoulders, she already has the weight of the world on them with a war coming. Especially trying to rescue Nick who was supposed to be the Crown of Scion before Bree was awakened!

I loved being back in this world as Legendborn was my top read in 2021. I love a good King Arthur retelling and this sequel was so good! It was action packed and kept me on my toes the whole time. My favorite quote came from Bree’s dad with words of wisdom “ Knockdowns happen. People say it’s about getting back up again, but I think it’s about how you head back into the ring. Make it count and do it on your own terms. That’s what matters.”

Everyone needs to pick this up on November 8. To see how Bree’s story continues and to see how Camlaan comes to fortune. That ending destroyed me and I need a book 3!