Bloodmarked
Bloodmarked is the second installment in Tracy Deonn's "Legendborn Cycle," a young adult fantasy series that reimagines Arthurian legend through a contemporary lens with a Black female protagonist, Bree Matthews. Following the events of "Legendborn," Bree navigates a complex world where ancient magic, secret societies, and ancestral powers intertwine with modern issues of racism, grief, and identity. The narrative propels Bree into a dangerous quest to rescue her kidnapped boyfriend, Nick, while simultaneously grappling with her burgeoning powers as both a Scion of Arthur and a Bloodcrafter rooted in her ancestral magic. The story delves deeply into themes of power structures, racial injustice, and personal agency as Bree confronts a corrupt magical Order and faces threats from various demonic entities. It continues to explore the profound impact of intergenerational trauma, particularly related to the history of slavery and anti-Black racism, which is central to Bree's heritage and abilities. The book features a fast-paced plot filled with action, political intrigue, and an evolving love triangle, all set against a backdrop of a looming supernatural war. Readers will find a rich world-building that interrogates history and legend, offering a powerful narrative about reclaiming identity and fighting for justice.
Concerns
Violence
HighBloodmarked contains significant and graphic violence throughout, ranging from intense magical battles to explicit acts of physical harm. The underlying plot of an ancient war against demons frequently leads to brutal confrontations, serious injuries, and death.
Bree's foremother, Vera, was raped by a Scion of Arthur, a foundational act of violence that shapes Bree's lineage and powers. Selwyn kills the goruchel demon Kizia after she is tortured for information, an explicit act of fatal violence. Nick beheads Max, a Mageguard, during a confrontation involving Lord Davis, showcasing a graphic act of violence. Bree herself sustains severe internal injuries, including 'lacerated veins, ribs, liver, stomach, and diaphragm' during a battle.
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe book features a prominent love triangle involving the protagonist, Bree, and characters Nick and Selwyn, which includes themes of cheating. While explicit sexual acts are not depicted, intense romantic tension and kissing occur. Crucially, the backstory involves the rape of Bree's ancestor, Vera, which is central to the plot and Bree's powers.
A central element of the plot involves Bree being in an established relationship with Nick while developing a strong romantic attraction to Selwyn, leading to 'straight up cheating' and kissing Selwyn. Bree's ancestral power stems from her foremother, Vera, an enslaved woman who was 'raped by a Scion of Arthur,' directly linking sexual violence to the protagonist's origins. Valec, a demon, is revealed to be the 'crossroads child' of an enslaved woman seduced by an incubus, providing another instance of a sexually charged backstory. Selwyn tells Bree she looks 'devourable' in a moment of romantic tension.
Profanity
HighProfanity is present in Bloodmarked, including moderate curse words and stronger expletives. These are used by characters in moments of heightened emotion, frustration, or anger, contributing to the book's realistic portrayal of intense situations.
Bree exclaims 'Damnit!' in a moment of frustration. A Goodreads review reacting to the book's intensity uses the phrase 'HOLY F*CKING BRUTAL,' indicating the presence or strong implication of such language in relation to the content. A Reddit user refers to Bree as 'a bitch' in a discussion about her character's actions, suggesting such language may reflect the book's tone or direct usage.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighThe entire world of Bloodmarked is steeped in witchcraft and occult themes, including various forms of magic, ancient orders, and demonic entities. Bree wields 'Root magic' and 'aether,' and characters like Selwyn are 'Kingsmage Merlins' with powers such as memory erasure. The plot revolves around a war between demons and the Order, and central to Bree's lineage is a 'bloodmark' resulting from an ancestor's deal with a powerful demon known as the 'Great Devourer' or 'the Hunter.'
Bree is a 'Medium,' 'Bloodcrafter,' and 'Scion,' actively using and learning various forms of magic, including 'root magic' and 'bloodwalking' into ancestral memories. Selwyn Kane is a 'Kingsmage Merlin' who possesses powers like casting 'mesmers' to erase memories, a form of mind manipulation magic. The narrative heavily features 'demons,' such as 'hellfoxes,' 'hellhounds,' and the significant entity 'the Great Devourer' (also called 'the Hunter'), with whom Bree's ancestor made a binding 'bargain' that affects Bree.
Scary & Intense Content
HighBloodmarked is consistently intense and features scary content, including frequent life-threatening situations, graphic descriptions of violence, and the pervasive threat of powerful demonic entities. Themes of historical trauma, such as rape and enslavement, also contribute to the emotional intensity.
The book frequently depicts Bree in mortal danger, such as being attacked by 'an enormous demon made of boulders and green flame' alongside hellfoxes. Bree experiences vivid and 'gruesome' ancestral memories through 'bloodwalking,' including battles and traumatic events. The persistent threat of 'the Hunter' or 'Great Devourer,' a powerful demon connected to Bree's bloodline, creates a constant sense of dread and fear. Bree suffers severe injuries, including 'lacerated veins, ribs, liver, stomach, and diaphragm,' highlighting explicit and intense bodily harm.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect and rebellion are prominent themes, particularly through the protagonist, Bree. She frequently challenges and defies authority figures within the Legendborn Order and even her own ancestors, driven by a strong sense of justice and independence. Reviewers note her stubbornness and argumentative nature.
Bree openly confronts the Regents, accusing them of 'hypocrisy' and anti-Black racism, stating they will 'do whatever it takes to hide the war' and 'claim my power as their own.' Bree disobeys the Regents' orders to remain confined for her safety, instead going 'on the run to rescue Nick' with her friends, demonstrating direct rebellion against authority. Selwyn uses mesmer to manipulate Bree's perception of his deteriorating physical state, which Bree perceives as a violation, akin to the Regents' and Arthur's non-consensual actions. Reviewers describe Bree as 'stubborn and angsty' and prone to 'pick[ing] a fight with someone on her side.'
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe book features confirmed LGBTQ representation through several characters. Sarah, who is the Squire to Tor, is in a relationship with Tor, the Scion of Tristan. Additionally, William, the Scion of Gawain, mentions having had a boyfriend named Dylan. These characters are integrated into the narrative without being the primary focus of the plot, but their identities are explicitly stated.
Sarah, Squire to Tor, is explicitly identified as Tor's girlfriend, with Tor being the Scion of Tristan. William, Scion of Gawain and the Legendborn healer, reveals that he had a boyfriend named Dylan, indicating his same-sex relationship.
Substance Use
MediumThe book contains instances of substance use, including recreational drug use (marijuana) by some characters. Additionally, the protagonist Bree is subjected to non-consensual drugging by Merlins, which temporarily suppresses her powers. Magical substances are also consumed with intoxicating or mind-altering effects described.
A Reddit user notes that 'women smoking weed' is present in the book, indicating casual recreational drug use. Bree is repeatedly 'dosing her for safety' with a drug administered by Merlins, which causes her to pass out and temporarily quells her ancestral inheritances, a form of non-consensual drugging. After an aether infusion, Selwyn experiences a 'drunkening effect,' indicating the intoxicating nature of magical substances used by characters.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowBloodmarked primarily focuses on its unique fantasy mythology, which includes Arthurian legend, ancestral 'Root magic,' and a hierarchy of magical beings and demons. There is no explicit anti-Christian sentiment, mockery, or depiction of sacrilegious acts against Christian symbols or figures within the narrative. The supernatural elements presented are part of the established fantasy world-building, distinct from Christian theology.
The book's magic system and cosmology are entirely centered on 'Root magic,' 'aether,' and Arthurian mythology, including 'Scions' and 'Merlins,' without incorporating or challenging Christian doctrines. The conflict is between 'demons' and the 'Order' within the fantasy framework, not a representation of good versus evil through a Christian lens.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
15+ due to graphic violence, mature sexual themes including historical rape, high-level profanity, complex discussions of race and trauma, and intense supernatural elements. While a Young Adult novel, the content leans towards older teens.
Additional Notes
The book continues to explore complex themes of intergenerational trauma, racism, and the weight of ancestral legacy, which are central to the protagonist's journey and development. The historical context of enslavement and its lasting impact are significant and handled with depth. While a young adult novel, parents should be aware of the mature and often graphic nature of these themes, alongside the other content concerns.
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