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mostlykenny's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
omg, when I first picked up this book I was expecting some cheesy normal romance book because was focused on the potential with Voya and Luc AND THIS BOOK IS WAYYYYY MORE THEN THAT. I fell in love with this book, so much that I ordered the sequel as I was in the midst of reading the first book! CRAZY! Everything is just beautiful. To the world-building, the unique take on witches and the magic system, the story driven narrative, the twists and turns, the characters, the writing. Ms. Sambury you have wowed me. This book not only is family oriented, which I love and talks about how not only romantic love is the only love you can feel and that platonic love exists, but I connected SOOOO much with Voya. Especially her anxiety about choices and decisions and what she wanted to do in the future. I connected with her about her love for her family and also how her community wasn’t as close anymore and I FELT that. I felt that. Off topic but I LOVE the dedication of this book
“To Black girls everywhere: you can be more than a slave or a lesson for someone else. You deserve to be a witch or a dragon tamer. To fall in love with a vampire or lead your friends against a villain. You are more than the best friend or comedic relief. You are a hero.” It inspired me so much to read this and I love this author so much. This book might have just became my favorite book of all time. I love it so much. I can’t wait to read the sequel !! 🩸🕯️❤️⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Slavery, Murder, Racial slurs, Abandonment, Death, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Blood
bellasbookmark's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really wanted to love this book that had such amazing representation and creative plot but the storytelling fell short.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Abandonment, Addiction, Drug abuse, and Police brutality
Minor: Gun violence, Racial slurs, and Racism
themoonphoenix's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Blood like magic is an interesting mix between fantasy and science fiction. You have cool witches and scientific society.
Voya is 16, she lives with her entire family in a big house, finally, the moment had come, and her magic will be revealed. But oh no! Just what Voya most feared, she feels like failing, her ancestor gives her a difficult task, murder her first love of her or her entire family will suffer the consequences.
She can't believe it, it's almost an impossible task, starting because she still doesn't know her true love ... or does she? Just the other day, she tried a new app, to find her genetic match; he is gorgeous, a brilliant young scientist, also very arrogant and they had a bad start.
World-building: So cool, it's set in Toronto, it feels almost like today, but with more technology, interesting apps, robots, and maybe I need a tattoo, like the ones described here. The story feels a little more sci-fi than fantasy (more than I thought) but it wasn't bad, they talk about scientific projects, and how magic can help.
The magic descriptions are unique, decades ago Voya´s family migrated from Trinidad (There is mention about her family history, like slavery).
Each magic and power is unique, not only among her family, but also in the different clans (they are mentioned a few like Chinese and Latin witches).
Characters: They were great, Voya´s feelings are so relatable, she cares for her family, is afraid of falling and hurting her family. Luc, once you get to know him you understand him better, I love her passion for what he does. The family was messy and very real. This is how many families behave.
Love: Yes, Voya is trying to know more Luc and falling in love, there is romance, but also is about family love and self-love.
In conclusion, great debut, if you want to read about witches and cool magic systems, more diverse characters, and rep, then this is your story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Slavery, and Violence
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