Book Review: Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle, #3) by Tracy Deonn
Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on your toes and make your heart race from the first page to the last, Tracy Deonn’s Oathbound is it. As I dove into this delectable third entry in The Legendborn Cycle, I found myself swept away in a whirlwind of emotions, complex characters, and juicy plot twists that had me grinning like a goruchel. Seriously, I felt like I was tearing through this story with the same delightful fervor as I did when devouring my favorite fantasy series.
Oathbound managed to craft a tapestry of themes both familiar and fresh. At its core, the novel dives deep into grief and trauma, examining how different characters cope with their demons. Deonn’s portrayal of Bree’s journey is nothing short of cathartic and heartfelt, and I found myself emotionally invested in each character’s arc. This installment feels more connected and character-driven compared to Bloodmarked, focusing on the lives and struggles of those around Bree in a way that enriches the narrative.
What truly took my breath away was the masterful balance of multiple perspectives. While I initially worried about how this would play out, Deonn’s ability to weave together various character viewpoints allowed for wonderfully nuanced interactions, especially among characters who had never met before. It was like watching a complex game unfold before my eyes, with tension and humor expertly layered. Oh, the humor! In a book rife with high stakes, the laugh-out-loud moments punctuated the tension, and I appreciated how self-aware Deonn was about her own evolving world. I was chuckling at her playful nods to fan-favorite tropes—it felt like a cozy chat with a good friend who knows exactly what you love.
If I had to pick my heart’s favorite, it would undoubtedly be Erebus. My goodness, the man is chaotic but charming, and I was constantly holding my breath, hopeful he wouldn’t be the main villain (spoiler alert: he’s not, but oh, the twists kept me guessing!). I couldn’t help but root for him, despite the weight of the morally gray territory he navigates as someone who has "consumed the souls of 20 decades worth of people." Somehow, Deonn makes him relatable, funny, and oh-so-entertaining, striking a delicate balance between light-heartedness and dark themes.
Let’s not skip over Selwyn, either—his character was a revelation. I found myself captivated by his chaotic evolution, particularly with the hints of his potential connection to everything. The imagery Deonn uses, especially in moments that parallel earlier books, had me gasping. The writing is intense yet gracefully fluid, causing my heart to stop more than once during climactic moments.
The final chapters left me both excited and breathless, as revelations unfolded and hints about Arawn’s family dynamics set the stage for what seems like delightful chaos in future installments—bring it on! I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely here for every plot twist and character development that is yet to come.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Oathbound to anyone who enjoys gripping tales of magic, nuanced characters, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to Deonn’s world, this book is a treasure that will resonate—just be prepared for some twists that will leave your jaw on the floor and your heart racing! For me, reading this book was not just a journey through a fantastical world, but an exploration of the complexities of connection, sacrifice, and love. Here’s to the chaos ahead—I cannot wait for book four!
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