Bloodmarked (The Legendborn Cycle, #2) by Tracy Deonn: A Journey of Resistance and Complexity
As a devoted admirer of Tracy Deonn’s masterful storytelling, I found myself perched on the edge of anticipation for Bloodmarked, the second installment in The Legendborn Cycle. After devouring Legendborn last year, I had the distinct pleasure of revisiting its pages just before diving into this sequel. It was a vibrant reminder of Deonn’s incredible ability to weave deep social commentary into a mesmerizing fantasy narrative—a skill that still resonates within Bloodmarked, but not without some bumps along the way.
Deonn does not shy away from tackling the intricate threads of racism and slavery, placing these themes at the forefront of Bree’s journey. The struggles she faces within the very Order meant to protect her embody a stark confrontation with systemic racism—one that is both jarring and painfully familiar. Lines such as, “They will still find a way to claim my power as their own,” encapsulate her profound awareness and refusal to be silenced. It’s this powerful embodiment of resistance that makes Bree’s character arc compelling, even if it sometimes feels overshadowed by the narrative’s pacing issues.
The diversity introduced in this book enriches the overall experience, though it feels at odds with some established plot points from Legendborn. Here, we encounter a more multifaceted Order, with characters from various backgrounds stepping into positions of power—a refreshing representation that mirrors our society. However, there were moments when the continuity felt a tad shaky, leaving me wanting more clarity around Bree’s place in this evolving world.
Yet, while I appreciated the world-building and depth of secondary characters, the pacing faltered. Bloodmarked seemed to reset key relationships, particularly the dynamic between Bree and Sel, sending them spiraling into tension rather than building on the affectionate connections hinted at in the previous book. Bree herself occasionally felt like a shadow of her former self—her decision to delay mastering her powers, a frustrating divergence from the clever and proactive character we adored. I often found myself wishing she could assert her agency, especially with new dangers lurking around every corner.
Quotes like, “This world wants my suffering, and I cannot keep giving it to them,” highlight Bree’s struggle, but her lack of action against the very forces opposing her became a sticking point for me. The heart of her character seemed momentarily lost amid too many new plot threads and factions, leaving me disoriented.
As Bloodmarked approached its conclusion, my hope was to feel a sense of closure or direction, yet it leaned heavily on setting the stage for future conflicts without fully resolving current ones. Bree’s bold renunciation of her family line left me grappling with frustration rather than satisfaction, feeling it contradicted the reverence for ancestry that’s solidified throughout the narrative.
Despite these critiques, I respect Deonn’s ambition in Bloodmarked. Her voice is powerful and significant, beckoning readers to confront uncomfortable truths through high-stakes fantasy. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of Legendborn, those who revel in richly woven narratives that tackle socioeconomic realities, and anyone seeking a hero’s journey steeped in cultural significance.
Ultimately, Bloodmarked may stumble, but it is undeniably a worthwhile addition to the series. I’m eager to see how these themes, characters, and tensions resolve in future installments as Bree continues her evolution in navigating both her quests and her identity.
Rating: 3/5 (rounding up from 2.5).
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