Huh… Not sure how I’m feeling so far. I feel like the writing is quite cut and dry and makes it feel almost a bit too YA for my taste. I’ve heard a lot of hype for this book however so I am willing to give it chance.

No chicken nuggies 💔

Excited to start this one! I just know it's going to be an absolute banger! And this book is a bit bigger than the other two.

Don’t get me wrong, the world building and magic system of legendborn is brilliant like it’s probably one of my favorite magic systems of all time but I have one problem with the book, Bree. After finishing the book, I realized how much bree ties herself to her racial identity, like every little bad thing that happened in her life is because she is black. When the other vassals tell her that her hair is nice and they touch it she screams at them and asks if they think she’s a pet. Although I think some racist things did happen, I think Bree’s whole personality is her race. And her stubborn, angry black girl character is just pushing her more to the stereotype. So if she could develop a personality outside her race in the next books it would be warmly appreciated. ( btw I am black and my other female black friends have also shared similar opinions.)

Yeah so this is definitely not less traumatizing than the first one

“You drool when you sleep”

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I’ve only included terms that are relevant enough, or mentioned a lot, and not spoilers. I’ve tried to divide terms by topic (eg characters, places) and then alphabetically. Let me know if you have any suggestions :)

Characters

Adelheide - thaumatologist. Heir to Ebul. Broad-shouldered, hardy, tough. Johann - medic. Heir to Herzin. Member of The Hounds, who want a (racially, religiously, etc.) “pure” Bruunestaad. A bully. Heike - astronomer. Heir to Sorvig. Sensitive, beautiful, peacock-y. Lorelei - folklorist. Yevani (Jewish irl). Commoner. Sour, witty, hardworking, walled-up. Ludwig - botanist. New money, not nobility. Fox-like. Charming. Sylvia - naturalist. Heir to Albe. Compassionate, adventurous, sensitive, spirited, vivacious, charming. Wilhelm - king of Bruunestaad. Only ascended to the throne in recent years Ziegler - naturalist, leader of the expedition, and professor at the university. Works for the king.

Character moodboards created by the author: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_8a1_5PzVW/?igsh=MW8xMzE1MGNxeHltOA==

Jobs/roles

Astronomer - studies the stars to navigate (in this case, the ship) Botanist - studies magical plants Folklorist - studies folklore Medic - a doctor, but uses their magic to assess patients as well Naturalist - explores and studies the world, interacts with the wildeleute (aka magical creatures) Thaumatologist - studies and measures magic

Places

The kingdom of Bruunestaad

Bruunestaad - a new country compromising of recently colonised kingdoms, now known as provinces. Apparently shaped like a wheel? (Does that mean circle?)

Provinces

Albe - the largest Bruunestaad province, it takes up most of its southern area. Made up of mountains and forests. Fought the most against colonisation Ebul - eastern province, once renowned for its crops and tulip fields, now basically just dust as a result of several wars Herzin - westernmost province filled with treacherous forests Neide - royal seat of Bruunestaad; location of the capital city, Ruhigburg Sorvig - northern province, along the coast

Other

Ruhigburg - the capital city; home to the king’s palace and the university The Vereist - black river that runs through Bruunestaad Yevanverte - Yevani (Jewish irl) neighbourhoods across Bruunestaad. Lorelei most commonly refers to hers, which is within Ruhigburg. The Ursprung - a mythical spring said to grant unfathomable power

Other countries

Gansland - neighbouring country, north of Bruunestaad Javenor - neighbouring country, enemy to Bruunestaad

Magic and magical creatures

The magical creatures all are based on real folklore - I recommend searching them online or long-pressing on the word if you have an e-reader! I’ve only included magical terms that come up often and aren’t spoilers.

Aether - basically magic. It’s in water, allowing magic-users to manipulate water Nixies - think sirens Lindworm - think a giant reptile/dragon/worm Tarnkappe - some sort of hairy shapeshifting magical creature that hates being looked at Wildeleute - aka magical creatures

Official art of some magical creatures: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCpFYV5yoeh/?igsh=MWM5M3I1ZDQ4eGtnZg==

HERE WE GOOOOO!!!! i never read these as a kid so im excited to finally experience them lol