《Legendborn》摘要

"Legendborn" by Tracy Deonn is a contemporary fantasy novel that intertwines Arthurian legend with modern themes of grief, identity, and systemic racism. The story is set primarily at a racially diverse university in North Carolina, where the protagonist, Bree Matthews, is a sixteen-year-old Black girl who enrolls in an early college program. After a traumatic event involving her mother, Bree stumbles upon a secret society known as the Legendborn, who are descendants of King Arthur’s knights tasked with protecting the world from demons. This society operates within a framework of magic and ancient histories, blending elements of mythology and modern-day scholarship. Bree, the strong-willed and determined protagonist, becomes deeply involved with the Legendborn as she seeks to understand her own powers and the truths surrounding her mother's death. Throughout the story, she grapples with her grief while also uncovering a hidden history that connects her lineage to the knights. The book explores themes of legacy and belonging, detailing Bree's experiments in navigating her newfound identity and the social dynamics within the elite circle of the Legendborn. The narrative cleverly critiques societal structures, highlighting Bree’s experiences as a Black woman in academia and her struggle against the prejudices embedded in both the magical and mundane worlds. Deonn’s writing incorporates rich, vivid imagery and complex character dynamics, utilizing a combination of urban fantasy and a coming-of-age framework. As Bree delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Legendborn, she discovers not only magical truths but also her own strength and agency, making "Legendborn" a compelling exploration of self-discovery within a fantastical setting.