As a young adult fantasy novel, it is tempting to dismiss Legacy and the Queen as frivolous entertainment, but it’s much more than that. Created by the late Kobe Bryant and written by Annie Matthew, this story combines the competitive spirit of tennis with a magical world where emotions fuel performance. The result is something that feels like a non-violent Hunger Games crossed with a magical world similar to Harry Potter, but make it tennis. That checks off a lot of boxes for me.
It took a couple of chapters to wrap my head around the setting of this book. In this fantasy world, tennis is not merely a sport but an expression of the soul. Once I understood the mechanics of that universe, I was thoroughly hooked. The narrative follows Legacy Petrin, a young girl from a humble orphanage in “the provinces” who earns a place at the elite Academy of Sport and Magic. What began as a dream to help her family quickly evolves into a journey of identity, integrity, and emotional strength.
Though aimed at young adult readers, I found Legacy and the Queen surprisingly engaging as an adult. Its themes include courage under pressure, authenticity in competition, and growth through adversity, each of which resonates far beyond its intended age group. The magical elements, while fantastical, work beautifully as metaphors for real tennis lessons. Legacy’s struggle to channel her emotions into her play mirrors the challenge all players face: finding calm focus amid the chaos of competition.
It is impossible to read this book now without reflecting on the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, which occurred shortly after its publication. His passion for mentoring young athletes and his belief in the transformative power of sport infuse every page. Legacy and the Queen stands as a testament to that vision. It is an imaginative, uplifting story that captures both the discipline of tennis and the beauty of emotional honesty.
Ultimately, this is a book about more than winning points or matches. It’s about what happens when players learn to bring their whole selves to the court. Even though the magic in Legacy and the Queen doesn’t exist in the real world, the lessons it imparts absolutely do.
Legacy and the Queen (<- Sponsored Link)
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