Description

An immediate New York Times Bestseller and winner of the prestigious Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe Award for New Talent Author!

Tracy Deonn delivers an immersive and suspenseful YA contemporary fantasy, weaving elements of mysterious magic and Southern folklore with Black Girl Magic into a powerful, modern retelling of the legend of King Arthur. Bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles) described it as a vivid exploration of grief, strength, and personal empowerment.

At sixteen years old, Bree Matthews is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of her mother. Wanting no reminders of her painful past and childhood home, she enrolls in a residential academic program for gifted high school students at UNC–Chapel Hill, hoping for a fresh start. But her first night quickly spirals out of control when she witnesses a terrifying magical encounter—a flying demon consuming human energy. Soon enough, Bree discovers a hidden society called the Legendborn, students who secretly protect humanity by hunting down these dangerous creatures.

Even more troubling, Bree encounters a mysterious young mage who identifies himself as a “Merlin.” He attempts to erase her memory of the supernatural attack, but when his magic fails, it triggers Bree’s own latent magical abilities, as well as a deeply buried memory: there was another Merlin at the hospital on the tragic night her mother died. Bree realizes there is far more to her mother’s accident than what is detailed in the official police report.

Determined to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death, Bree infiltrates the Legendborn as a new initiate. She enlists the aid of Nick, a former Legendborn member turned exile who harbors his own grievances against the secret society. Together, they navigate danger and intrigue, learning the group’s dark secrets and forming an unexpected bond along the way. Just as Bree draws closer to the truth, the Legendborn unveil themselves as descendants of the legendary Knights of King Arthur, warning that a magical war is fast approaching. Bree must confront a difficult choice: use her newfound powers to dismantle the society from within or stand beside them to fight the looming threat.

This paperback edition of Legendborn also includes an exciting preview for its anticipated sequel, Bloodmarked, and features an exclusive short story from the perspective of fan-favorite character Selwyn Kane.