Review of Bloodmarked (The Legendborn Cycle, #2) by Tracy Deonn
As I closed the pages of Legendborn, I found myself utterly captivated by Tracy Deonn’s unique blend of Arthurian legend and contemporary issues. The anticipation for Bloodmarked was palpable, especially after my recent reread of its predecessor. Deonn’s ability to weave themes of resistance, identity, and the weight of history left an indelible mark, and I was eager to see how she would expand the world and deepen the characters. Unfortunately, while Bloodmarked is a bold exploration of power and race, it also wrestles with pacing and character development that left me feeling conflicted.
At its core, Bloodmarked remains committed to addressing the intertwining legacies of slavery and racism. The protagonist, Bree, is back, grappling with the complexities of being Arthur’s scion while navigating a world rife with deep-rooted prejudice. Deonn unflinchingly confronts these issues, illustrating the tension Bree faces with shocking clarity. When Bree declares,
“They will still find a way to claim my power as their own…”
it echoes the struggles many face, making the narrative relevant and urgent.
One of the standout aspects of this sequel is the diversity of characters introduced. Deonn’s commitment to representing a more accurate reflection of society within the Order vis-à-vis the inclusion of BIPOC characters feels both refreshing and necessary. It’s a progressive step in acknowledging the historical underpinnings of the world Bree inhabits, even if it occasionally contradicts some established plot points from Legendborn. The representation is vital—after all, the power of these narratives is often rooted in their authenticity.
Yet, my excitement wavered as I dove deeper into Bloodmarked. The narrative felt plagued by pacing issues, particularly in the middle, where the introduction of new factions and complexities overshadowed character relationships. Bree’s apparent disconnect from her allies, particularly Sel, who once had an intriguing bond with her, left me yearning for more depth. Their relationship falters in ways that feel unearned and unresolved. Instead of feeling like the story’s emotional anchor, Bree at times feels like a mere figurehead of her own narrative. I longed for the clever, witty Bree we met in Legendborn, but she often seemed overshadowed by the plot’s sprawling ambitions.
Deonn’s writing is visceral, and her insights on grief and the need for empowerment standout. The poignant quote,
“This world wants my suffering, and I cannot keep giving it to them,”
sums up Bree’s internal struggle beautifully, though it’s sometimes frustrating to see her hesitate to embrace her powers.
The conclusion left me both intrigued and unsatisfied. While the door is wide open for further exploration in the subsequent books, the sheer volume of introduced threads—Morgaines, new powers, and the ever-ambiguous roles of beloved characters like Nick—means there’s a lot left to untangle. The ambitious scope of the plot made me question whether all these elements could successfully converge in a satisfying way moving forward.
In closing, Bloodmarked is an essential read for fans of contemporary fantasy who appreciate stories that challenge societal norms and delve into rich, complex themes. While it struggles at times with character arc continuity and narrative pacing, it remains an engaging reflection on power, race, and the challenges of legacy. I still hold hope for the trilogy’s continuation, trusting that Tracy Deonn will navigate the complexities of her characters with the same passion she brought to this installment. If you loved Legendborn and crave a story that pushes boundaries, then Bloodmarked is worth the journey—even if it occasionally feels like stumbling along the way.
Rating: 2.5/5, rounding up to 3.
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