"Legendborn" by Tracey Deonn opens with Bree Matthews, a Black teenager mourning her mother’s death, who enrolls at UNC-Chapel Hill. Here, she stumbles upon a secret society of students practicing magic, linked to Arthurian legends.
As Bree investigates, she discovers her own magical abilities, which connect her to a battle between the descendants of King Arthur and otherworldly forces called the Scions. Themes of grief, identity, and racial history intertwine as Bree grapples with her powers and her heritage. The tension escalates when Bree learns about a dark truth behind her mother’s death, propelling her deeper into the conflict.
Key characters include Bree, who is fierce and determined; Selwyn, her enigmatic guide; and the members of the Order, each representing different facets of Arthurian lore. Relationships evolve, highlighting themes of community and trust amid adversity.
The prologue sets a tone of loss and discovery, framing Bree’s journey as a quest for understandin...