Oathbound

by Tracy Deonn; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025

In Oathbound, Tracy Deonn continues to build remarkable momentum in Bree Matthews’s journey—deepening both the emotional stakes and the mythic complexity of the Legendborn world. Bree’s exploration of her lineage, her roots, and her unwanted inheritance as the scion of King Arthur unfolds with increasing urgency, forcing her to confront not only who she is, but what she is willing to become. Deonn expands the narrative structure in this installment, shifting from the first-person perspective of the earlier novels to a multi-point-of-view format. This change proves effective and immersive, allowing readers to experience the ripple effects of Bree’s disappearance through the distinct voices of William, Natasha (Sel’s mother), Bree, Mariah, and Nick. Each perspective is clearly defined, emotionally resonant, and thoughtfully rendered.

The use of multiple viewpoints adds depth and texture, offering readers a fuller understanding of how Bree’s choices shape those around her. Bree’s oath to the Shadow King, Erebus—an agreement that sends her into deeper discovery of her powers in exchange for Sel’s reunion with his mother—creates a compelling moral tension that reverberates throughout the novel. Meanwhile, Nick’s quest to find Bree, accompanied by William, anchors the story in loyalty, love, and unresolved grief.

Deonn skillfully portrays Bree’s internal struggle as she wrestles with guilt, power, and identity—particularly her anguish over burning her ancestral plane and her difficulty accepting the full magnitude of her magic. This literal and metaphorical Black girl magic becomes central to Bree’s transformation: a power she must learn not only to wield, but to own. As Bree uncovers more unsettling truths about the inner workings of the Legendborn, the narrative asks increasingly complex questions about legacy, sacrifice, and the cost of protecting those we love.

Oathbound is a bold, emotionally rich continuation of the series—one that deepens its mythology while keeping its heart firmly rooted in Bree’s personal reckoning. Deonn reminds us that coming into one’s power is never simple, never painless, and always political, personal, and profound.