Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

The Blood Gift by N.E. Davenport

8 reviews

kjanet's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 
I will admit the first book had my attention all the way through with no stops. This one kind of lost me in some places. I feel like the buildup of beating these major powerful villains ended too easily (perhaps not for them, as they were fighting) but something about both major fights seemed anticlimactic. Also, the ending did wrap up MOST of the storylines, but left some open, which, was not horrendous. For some reason, the bigger threat at the end of the book reminded me a tiny bit of the ending of Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor.

Also, the main character’s personality also got kind of annoying. I know she is strong and powerful and whatnot, but her attitude did begin to grate on my nerves sometimes. 

Regardless, still a great Duology (and the author leaves it open to perhaps a companion/sequel duology that takes place some time later). 

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lesliehirgelt's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional 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

4.0

I felt that the writing wasn't quite as strong in this book as it was in the first one, and it arguably ends on a cliffhanger, or at the very least has an ending that heavily implies there is more story to tell for these characters. It seemed like an odd choice for what is supposed to be the conclusion of a duology. 
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gaden35's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful tense fast-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? Yes

4.0

I strongly detest unnecessary romances. It added nothing to the plot in my opinion and actually detracted from it. 
I also believe the dialogue and plot felt less polished and a little hokey compared to the first book. And the pacing sometimes felt odd - as though she didn’t want to explain some things.  Which is fine. It was still a fun read and hard to put down.  
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sahramahtab's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

5.0

I am so that sad that this series was limited to a duology. This was a stellar example of black excellence. I loved every second and the beautiful characters. Especially Ikenna and Darius. And I look forward to any of Davenports future projects.
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lqvekanej's review against another edition

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tinyjude's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense 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? Yes

3.75

Very solid sequel. I liked the growth in the interpersonal relationships and the vulnerable moments between the characters. I feel elated that I was so right about Caiman and Greyson asdfghjkl

Some plots didn't get resolved or weren't used at all after being important in the first half of the book. The writing was also repetitive at a lot of points, with the metaphors becoming exhausting and some constant phrasing interrupting the reading flow. At some points it resembled more a typical chosen-one narrative seen in young adult stories, than a new adult one but that's okay as I enjoyed the rage and violence and vindication we got. Not a biggest fan of the chosen-one narratives and unbreakable plot armor, but it was a fun read and for that I might check more from this author in the future.
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shannnne_reads_words's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

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yadira315's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective 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

4.0



Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC. 

HELLO. WHAT DID I JUST READ. This book was AMAZING. Of course just like the first book Ikenna is my absolute favorite character! She has her flaws and had so much growth throughout the book. One of my favorite parts about the book is that is has such a diverse range of characters that all play an important role into this story. The characters were constantly holding each other accountable for their past and mistake and always made sure to support each other when on of the group members was down. This is how you do a found family trope! By the end of the book they have become family. You are definitely going to get frustrated with our mc but have to reflect on the fact that she has so much constantly being thrown at her and you’re waiting for her to just get a win! Reed also had so many good moments where his character shined through but I felt that mostly happened towards the latter half of the book. I love how Ikenna and Reed learn to be vulnerable with each other reaching elevating their relationship to a new level. Davenport did such a great making sure that we had a complex villain that was formidable to our MC.  I cannot stress enough what a great job she did with the layered characters in this book! 



This book is action packed and super fast paced. You’re not going to want to put it down and will have this sense of anticipation with every page you turn. That being said there was so much being thrown at us and our mcs that I felt the ending was lacking. Just when you thought the book was going to finish you get more thrown at you and even some new lore that would have been great is they were better fleshed out. So many of the fantasy elements of the book are under developed and I would have enjoyed getting more details on those aspects.  The ending felt as if there is a promise to a third book and not so much the conclusion of a duology. I cannot talk more in depth about without going to spoilers but I hope she continues to write about this universe in some way! 

In terms of the writ ring Davenport has such beautiful prose and so many impactful line. There are so many lessons learned throughout the book. I have so many quotes highlighted and pages bookmarked because of her exploration of different emotions. Davenport also paints a clear image of everything that was happening and the setting they were in! 


This is definitely an ADULT novel. Davenport does not shy away from violence and we definitely get “our favorite murder girl.” The book also get spicy and in certain scenes! 

Overall I gave this book 4 stars as the pacing was of and the ending was rushed. It also felt incomplete and hinted as if we will be getting another book. If you enjoyed the first book you will enjoy this one! 

TW: Exteme violence, Sexual Assault, War, Torture 









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