Reviews

The Blood Gift by N.E. Davenport

flightyreads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful 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

This series deserved a trilogy, and I think it was set up to be one. Making such a story into a duology was a big strugglebus for fitting all of the plot in. Realistically, the war with the Blood Emperor could have filled this entire book, and we could have seen more of the squad’s bonding. Instead, Caiman’s character development feels forced, Kenna and Darius are kinda just there, and Dannica is just the Selene replacement. It made it really hard to enjoy every moment because it all just felt too rushed. 
Especially with the Gods playing a larger part- the speed at which they are introduced and then left at reminded me of the Fever series, but Moning at least had a reason for that. I think Davenport’s editors did her a disservice in forcing a two book series for such a large plot. 
However, I enjoyed the fight scenes greatly. Davenport is great at writing an epic battle scene, which was definitely ideal for a book about super soldiers. I would still recommend finishing this series, it was just way too much jammed into one book. 

janiceinwonderland's review against another edition

library loan lapsed

kelsie17's review against another edition

dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

tortilla_lea's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad 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

Once again, a good and quick read. I maintain the same critiques I had of the first book. I felt like this is something I would write albeit there was way too much winking and repetitive use of annoying inner monologue. But it was fun and achieved a lot in two books. Will be tuning in if there’s a spin off series in the future. 

emilydaisies's review against another edition

5.0

This book was a "on the edge of your seat, sneaking paragraphs in at work, thinking about it when you aren't reading it, fist pumping and crying" damn good time. I loved learning more about the world and the gods and the character growth of Kenna and her coming into her power. The author has mentioned she wants to maybe do more in this world and I can't wait to see what she does next!

urbanesunset's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective 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

3.75

jascu's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

booksnthreads's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Oof, this needed another set of eyes in the editing process...incorrect word use, combersome and convoluted sentences. I kept reading hoping the story itself would make up for the poor writing, but no. This was marketed as a duology, but ends with an unresolved plot.  Very unsatisfying.

whimsyandwitt's review against another edition

3.0

Like the first book in this duology, The Blood Gift delivers when it comes to action packed brain candy. Davenport excels here. Violence (and romance) aside, this story continues to feel very messy and childish with the banter between Ikenna, her team, and the often cheesey, drawn out exposition from various villians/threats throughout. In contrast, the ending was wrapped up (at warp speed) a tad too tidy, for my preferences.
Still a solid okay, fun duology.
Thanks to NetGalley For the eARC.

jody_diou's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark reflective tense 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

3.5