Legendborn
#1 in The Legendborn Cycle Series
on Goodreads (149,968)
What’s inside...
After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape—until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus.
A flying demon feeding on human energies.
A secret society of so called “Legendborn” students that hunt the creatures down.
And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a “Merlin” and who attempts—and fails—to wipe Bree’s memory of everything she saw.
The mage’s failure unlocks Bree’s own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there’s more to her mother’s death than what’s on the police report, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates.
She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society’s secrets—and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she’ll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down—or join the fight.
Why read this book
- Engaging blend of fantasy and contemporary settings.
- Offers strong themes of empowerment and self-discovery.
- Encourages resilience and confronting challenges.
- Enhances understanding of folklore and cultural heritage.
Character compass
Bree Matthews
Alice Chen
William
Selwyn Kane
Nick Davis
Patricia
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Bree to join the Legendborn Order and how do you feel about her decision?
How do the themes of legacy and heritage influence the characters' actions and motivations in the story?
In what ways do the characters in the book show strength and resilience? Can you recall a time when you had to be strong?
What do you think about the magical elements in the story? How do they compare to other fantasy books you have read?
How do Bree’s experiences in the book mirror real-world issues?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and plot developments without interrupting them, to promote open communication.
Ask your child how they would act if they were in Bree’s shoes, fostering empathy and a deeper connection to the character's challenges and triumphs.
Discuss the historical and cultural elements woven into the fantasy, which can be an excellent bridge to discussions about real-world history and personal heritage.
Highlight Bree’s moments of growth and invite your child to share personal experiences where they learned something significant about themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Legendborn,' the protagonist, Bree, demonstrates resilience after the loss of her mother. She navigates the challenges of a new environment and battles ancient magical forces.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cope with personal loss and difficult situations by developing resilience, helping them to rebound from setbacks and continue moving forward in their lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-discovery
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bree embarks on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering her own powers and history, which teaches her about her true identity and capabilities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own strengths and passions, leading to a better understanding of themselves and fostering a strong sense of self-worth.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating cultural heritage
Explanation: The novel intertwines African American folklore and history, presenting a rich background that adds depth to its characters and setting.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to learn about and take pride in their own heritage, and also respect and appreciate the diversity in the cultures around them.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Bree learns to work with the other Legendborn members despite their differences and conflicts. This collaboration is crucial for their success against common foes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that cooperating with others, often despite differences, can achieve greater results and solve problems more effectively.
Example Lesson: Confronting and challenging systemic inequality
Explanation: The story addresses issues of systemic inequality and the fight for justice, as Bree navigates a world riddled with arcane and societal rules that marginalize others.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of standing up against injustice and learn ways to advocate for equity and fairness in their communities.