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There’s been some noise lately about Legendborn by Tracy Deonn—specifically, the wild claim that Bree Matthews, the book’s fierce protagonist, isn’t relatable. Let me explain why that take is not just wrong, but telling.

Legendborn follows sixteen-year-old Bree as she uncovers a hidden world of magic and danger at UNC Chapel Hill after her mother’s death. The Legendborn, descendants of King Arthur’s knights, hunt demons while hiding their own secrets. When a failed memory wipe awakens Bree’s latent powers, she’s pulled into a battle for truth, vengeance, and her own identity. With the help of a rogue mage, she infiltrates their ranks, facing down a looming magical war and the mysteries of her mother’s past.

Now, about that “unrelatable” criticism. I can see why someone might say it—if you’ve never had to fight for your place in the world. If you’ve never been told you don’t belong, if institutions have always welcomed you with open arms, then sure, Bree doesn't resonate. But if you’ve ever had to push against closed doors, if you’ve ever refused to accept “no” as an answer, then Bree is the most relatable character. She is the protagonist I wanted when I was a kid, but struggled to find.

She’s smart, determined, and unapologetic. She burns bridges to find the truth about her mother’s death. She doesn’t wait for permission or validation. And if that’s not something you connect with? Well, maybe you’ve never had to fight for anything.

I used to think YA wasn’t my genre. Too many passive protagonists, too much romance-over-plot. But this year I read some truly fantastic young adult books. And Legendborn adds to that list. Bree has agency—she doesn’t just react to the world around her; she shapes it. The magic system is rich, tied to cultural histories, and feels earned, not handed out like a reward for existing. The mystery of her mother’s death keeps the pages turning, and the stakes feel real.

This isn’t a book only about romance (though there’s a love triangle). It’s about truth, power, and reclaiming your story.

Legendborn is one of the best books I’ve read in years. It’s long, immersive, and impossible to put down. The series is now a quadrilogy, and it keeps getting better. If you want a protagonist who acts instead of waits, if you crave lore with depth and a heroine who refuses to back down, this is the book for you.

What did you think of Legendborn? Let me know—I’m curious!

You can see the full review on my YouTube channel.

/rae/