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mallorypen's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.75
The premise and magic system of this novel felt very original, and the voices of the protagonists were strong. This was one of those stories that played out very easily in the mind's eye like watching a television show - I could see the emotions and actions of each of the main characters clearly, and the magic made sense in how it behaved in the world and the consequences of using it.
Racism and classism were also main characters in this novel, and the concept of Gen magic fit into the "real world" aspects of the story in a way that didn't at all feel forced or awkward. If magic did exist, I could believe wholeheartedly that this was how magic came to be, and that this is how it is practiced, demonized, and regulated.
Other things I really enjoyed:
Racism and classism were also main characters in this novel, and the concept of Gen magic fit into the "real world" aspects of the story in a way that didn't at all feel forced or awkward. If magic did exist, I could believe wholeheartedly that this was how magic came to be, and that this is how it is practiced, demonized, and regulated.
Other things I really enjoyed:
- The duality of the gods and how magic could be good or evil - and that even when gods became personally invested,
like Papa Eshu backing Marie, they still have their own agendas. - Chris' story arc away from and back to magic - especially being a badass in her first act back to magic
- The relationship between Clem and Chris as twins
My main qualm with the book was the cast of characters got to be a lot to keep straight; recognizing this is book one of three - and that characters who played smaller roles in this story may have different roles to play later - I still got confused on who was who, and which characters did what as the twins unraveled the mystery of who tried to kill their mother, and ultimately, who set their family up to take the fall for a murder. It also made some of the relationships a little hard to believe - Ursula is meant to have a special connection with Clem, and yet there's so much other stuff from other people happening in between their scenes and Clem's thoughts about her, it doesn't show as entirely as consuming as the characters tell us it is.
I also wanted the pacing to be a little tighter:
- fewer characters and less of the added POVs would have helped with my perception of how the story lagged in some places.
- I get leery of instalove, and though I thought Ives and Clem's relationship was VERY cute and sweet, it got strong WAY fast - I wanted more development in some places, like with their courtship.
- The ending - after allllll that build up - was abrupt. Again, acknowledging this is the start of a series, but the loose ends didn't really feel like "ooh, read on!" cliffhangers
besides the moon god arc and of course, WHATEVER IS GONNA HAPPEN WITH IVEEEEEEES
All told, I enjoyed this novel, but I don't think I'm going to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Cultural appropriation, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
abookdork's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Murder, Hate crime, and Violence
rmperezpadilla's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Alcohol, Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, and Drug use
Minor: Bullying, Sexual violence, and Terminal illness
courtofsmutandstuff's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this! (and the audiobook is fabulous too) This book has a wide scope and feels lived in - despite the book's events taking only about half a month. I loved the multiple POVs - especially Valentina who even though she is so utterly villainous, her mindset is conveyed so clearly and it makes it even more "scary" because she thinks everything is due to her. Clem and Chris have gone through so much shit and it just keeps coming during the book, but they both - especially Chris - are so adamant and capable in their fight for justice for their family. I don't want to spoil the book - I just want to encourage you to read it if you like magic, mysteries, fighting for justice, and seeing that justice served. The author's note at the beginning talked about how the book was a type of catharsis, and I definitely feel that was clear in the book. The climax is very filled with justice - in a very visceral way.
Also, while I read a lot of adult romance, I was surprised there was a sex scene in this - I felt it was handled well and wasn't titillating in the same sense that adult romance is, and showed a loving, consensual, and safe relationship, which I think is valuable for teens to see depicted (but is definitely something to be aware of if you are recommending this book to younger readers).
Also, while I read a lot of adult romance, I was surprised there was a sex scene in this - I felt it was handled well and wasn't titillating in the same sense that adult romance is, and showed a loving, consensual, and safe relationship, which I think is valuable for teens to see depicted (but is definitely something to be aware of if you are recommending this book to younger readers).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
sahramahtab's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-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
4.0
Reading the first few pages had me contemplating to set the book aside and finish it another time. But, boy, am I glad that I gave Blood Debts another chance. It promised justice and more than just delivered in a breathtaking way. I’m glad the story’s not over yet and am excited for the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Death of parent, Violence, Sexual assault, Murder, and Car accident
Minor: Rape, Slavery, and Violence
sarahmayerwriter's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault
ashylibrarian's review
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.0
- Urban fantasy that takes on BIG topics
- Intergenerational, family magic; dark and light
- Attacking white supremacy
- DRAMA and, of course, blood debts
- Sometimes the story felt a bit heavy, but overall, the story was engaging and powerful
*Representation
- LGBTQIA+
- Gay
- Intergenerational, family magic; dark and light
- Attacking white supremacy
- DRAMA and, of course, blood debts
- Sometimes the story felt a bit heavy, but overall, the story was engaging and powerful
*Representation
- LGBTQIA+
- Gay
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Car accident, and Gun violence
taratearex's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This had a bit of a slow start for me in ebook format, but I picked up the audiobook and restarted and the amazing narrators really brought the characters to life, I definitely recommend the audiobook. I ended up reading along with the ebook- this helps me a lot when there's a lot of characters in a book and there are A LOT of characters to follow in this book.
An urban fantasy and murder mystery centered around a magical family living in New Orleans. The plot is thick with a complex history, tense politics, and family secrets. I loved learning about the different magic systems and their history and connection to people and the world- generational, sun, and moon- and the racial dynamics this brings into the world, this was a really interesting take on magic systems layering in conversations about racism and cultural appropriation. The murder mystery kept me interested, while I had some things I guessed correctly, there were so many twists and turns that were unexpected.
This book is dense and rich and at times this works so well- when it weaves in politics of white supremacy, cultural appropriation, generational trauma, homophobia, trust, grief, community care, and a lot more. Sometimes there is also A LOT going on with A LOT of characters that made it a bit hard to follow- there are multiple POVs, multiple subplots, and a lot of people to keep track of. I think the author does a good job of trying to keep you following along by explaining or repeating information, but it can still be a lot to follow and I did lose my bearings here and there.
But overall it's a great story with great worldbuilding and complicated messy characters that you root for.
CW: Racism, Murder, Violence, Sexual assault/coercion, Sexual content (references to and on page scene), Death of parent, Gun violence, Car accident, Bullying
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book to review.
An urban fantasy and murder mystery centered around a magical family living in New Orleans. The plot is thick with a complex history, tense politics, and family secrets. I loved learning about the different magic systems and their history and connection to people and the world- generational, sun, and moon- and the racial dynamics this brings into the world, this was a really interesting take on magic systems layering in conversations about racism and cultural appropriation. The murder mystery kept me interested, while I had some things I guessed correctly, there were so many twists and turns that were unexpected.
This book is dense and rich and at times this works so well- when it weaves in politics of white supremacy, cultural appropriation, generational trauma, homophobia, trust, grief, community care, and a lot more. Sometimes there is also A LOT going on with A LOT of characters that made it a bit hard to follow- there are multiple POVs, multiple subplots, and a lot of people to keep track of. I think the author does a good job of trying to keep you following along by explaining or repeating information, but it can still be a lot to follow and I did lose my bearings here and there.
But overall it's a great story with great worldbuilding and complicated messy characters that you root for.
CW: Racism, Murder, Violence, Sexual assault/coercion, Sexual content (references to and on page scene), Death of parent, Gun violence, Car accident, Bullying
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book to review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Death, Cultural appropriation, Racism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Car accident, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Minor: Bullying
enbyfinley's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The book starts slow, I am gonna be honest that’s why so sorta drug as I read it, but once it picked up I was strapped in.
I know there will be a second because there were not only questions unanswered but there is gonna be some mess and I love it.
I know there will be a second because there were not only questions unanswered but there is gonna be some mess and I love it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Murder, Forced institutionalization, Toxic relationship, Racism, and Mental illness
Minor: Vomit and Toxic friendship
legalplanner's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
Run, don't walk to pick this up if you have not.
I was thoroughly impressed by Benton-Walker's ability to weave a magical realism story in with a murder mystery cold case. The two protagonists are twins, who should be next in line to rule the magical community they are a part of. These 16 year olds felt real to me, especially living in a big city like New Orleans, this didn't feel unrealistic in their sleuthing around like some mysteries feel like.
I loved the dynamics between the characters in that they were messy. They had real issues amongst family and even though they were "close" they weren't perfect and had to work to be family. Even the twins who should have been their biggest allies to each other instead were often failing to see each other in their truest light.
Benton-Walker's writing was beautiful. I felt the heaviness that needed to be present in the tough topics of race relations, political oppression, and many other tough topics. More than that the multiple points of view were excellently well done. They didn't feel forced but didn't make me feel like it messed up the book either. I was invested as soon as I got through the first 30 pages.
I cannot wait for the next book and the series and will be patiently waiting, as much as I can, to read the next installment.
I was thoroughly impressed by Benton-Walker's ability to weave a magical realism story in with a murder mystery cold case. The two protagonists are twins, who should be next in line to rule the magical community they are a part of. These 16 year olds felt real to me, especially living in a big city like New Orleans, this didn't feel unrealistic in their sleuthing around like some mysteries feel like.
I loved the dynamics between the characters in that they were messy. They had real issues amongst family and even though they were "close" they weren't perfect and had to work to be family. Even the twins who should have been their biggest allies to each other instead were often failing to see each other in their truest light.
Benton-Walker's writing was beautiful. I felt the heaviness that needed to be present in the tough topics of race relations, political oppression, and many other tough topics. More than that the multiple points of view were excellently well done. They didn't feel forced but didn't make me feel like it messed up the book either. I was invested as soon as I got through the first 30 pages.
I cannot wait for the next book and the series and will be patiently waiting, as much as I can, to read the next installment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Toxic friendship, Death, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting, Gun violence, Homophobia, Cultural appropriation, Bullying, and Car accident
Minor: Death of parent and Panic attacks/disorders