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taratearex's review against another edition
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
lsol8tion's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.75
I'm a huge fan of fantasy books about generational magic systems (as long as they're) written well. And lemme tell you, Blood Debts is AMAZINGLY WRITTEN! An entire magic system being based on the Sun and the Moon as the sources of power is isn't a new concept, but Terry J. Benton-Walker's uniaue interpretation invloving the Gen and White mages is soooo unique. New Orleans being the setting of the story and its magic history ties it all together.
Clement, Cristina, and the rest of the Dupart-Trudeau family have been thorugh so much, and they're put the WRINGER in this book like omg?? I teared up whenYves gpt shot defending Clement. Clement deserves to find his true love and he JUST started finding that in Yves & it's so tragic that he had to resort to necromancy & attempt to bring Yves back to life.
I love the themes of history repeating itself in the parallels between Marie & Lenora and Cristina & Valentina is the main example, but Jean-Louise & Auguste and Clement & Yves both share a tragic love storyline that I hope can get a happy ending in book 2.
I NEED ZACH AND HIS BITCHASS DADDY TO GET WHAT'S COMING TO THEM ISTG
TBH the only reason I knocked off 0.25⭐ is because that cliffhanger was CRIMINAL! I'm definitely tuning into book 2 :)
Clement, Cristina, and the rest of the Dupart-Trudeau family have been thorugh so much, and they're put the WRINGER in this book like omg?? I teared up when
I love the themes of history repeating itself in the parallels between Marie & Lenora and Cristina & Valentina is the main example, but Jean-Louise & Auguste and Clement & Yves both share a tragic love storyline that I hope can get a happy ending in book 2.
I NEED ZACH AND HIS BITCHASS DADDY TO GET WHAT'S COMING TO THEM ISTG
TBH the only reason I knocked off 0.25⭐ is because that cliffhanger was CRIMINAL! I'm definitely tuning into book 2 :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Death, Slavery, and Racism
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Homophobia
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
hobbithopeful's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Magic, justice, and racism take center stage in New Orleans, where power struggles and backstabbing are a daily occurence.
To say this book went above and beyond my expectations would be a lie. It BLEW my expectations out of the water! This is one of the best debut novels I've read, and if I could read it for the first time again I WOULD! The storyline was tense and kept me on the edge of my seat, and even though there was a wide and varied cast of characters, it was never too confusing. Each person introduced felt like they were so different and complex, it was never hard to keep track of them. I couldn't even tell you the amount of times I flipped to the family tree to try and suss out the mystery before it was revealed on page. I loved the inclusion of history, of queer characters, and the depiction of intergenerational trauma. This is one of the best magical systems I've seen depicted in books. All the rituals and spells that are shown felt so real, I almost expect to see people harvesting moonlight the next time I look outside at night.
This is definitely a heavy read. Benton does not shy away from discussions of race, appropriation, and injustice. I saw so much of myself in Cris, realizing justice is reserved for the white and privileged has been the hardest pill I've had to swallow. (And it's still stuck in my throat to be honest...) I would burn down cities if it meant getting justice and vengeance for those I believe are truly evil.
The book had the perfect amount of loose ends, not too many where you felt the story wasn't resolved, but the right amount where it sticks in your brain and you wonder what's going to happen in the next book. (I have so many theories it's insane!)
I truly cannot wait for the sequel, I know it's going to put me through the emotional wringer, and I will thank it when it does so!
A must read! SERIOUSLY! READ THIS!
To say this book went above and beyond my expectations would be a lie. It BLEW my expectations out of the water! This is one of the best debut novels I've read, and if I could read it for the first time again I WOULD! The storyline was tense and kept me on the edge of my seat, and even though there was a wide and varied cast of characters, it was never too confusing. Each person introduced felt like they were so different and complex, it was never hard to keep track of them. I couldn't even tell you the amount of times I flipped to the family tree to try and suss out the mystery before it was revealed on page. I loved the inclusion of history, of queer characters, and the depiction of intergenerational trauma. This is one of the best magical systems I've seen depicted in books. All the rituals and spells that are shown felt so real, I almost expect to see people harvesting moonlight the next time I look outside at night.
This is definitely a heavy read. Benton does not shy away from discussions of race, appropriation, and injustice. I saw so much of myself in Cris, realizing justice is reserved for the white and privileged has been the hardest pill I've had to swallow. (And it's still stuck in my throat to be honest...) I would burn down cities if it meant getting justice and vengeance for those I believe are truly evil.
The book had the perfect amount of loose ends, not too many where you felt the story wasn't resolved, but the right amount where it sticks in your brain and you wonder what's going to happen in the next book. (I have so many theories it's insane!)
I truly cannot wait for the sequel, I know it's going to put me through the emotional wringer, and I will thank it when it does so!
A must read! SERIOUSLY! READ THIS!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Racism, Violence, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Hate crime, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Death of parent, and Gun violence
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, Sexual assault, and Bullying
Minor: Domestic abuse and Slavery
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.0
This book had so much potential for me, but I think there were too many narrators and there was too much going on with the plot. Like a few other reviewers have mentioned, I also thought this was going to be more of a historical fantasy than a modern one, given the cover and the description. But it is definitely more urban fantasy.
Anyway! There were some great characters, and I appreciated the family history/mystery aspect of the plot. Those parts were the most interesting to me, and narrowing the focus would have let that part of the writing shine. There's a hook at the end that hints towards another book, but without that, you could mostly read this book on its own.
All in all, this was a book with potential that just fell a little flat for me.
Anyway! There were some great characters, and I appreciated the family history/mystery aspect of the plot. Those parts were the most interesting to me, and narrowing the focus would have let that part of the writing shine. There's a hook at the end that hints towards another book, but without that, you could mostly read this book on its own.
All in all, this was a book with potential that just fell a little flat for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Minor: Car accident, Bullying, and Gun violence
Also a brief mention of lynchingreadwithanne's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, Gun violence, and Sexual assault
eliselerario's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, Child death, Confinement, Violence, Toxic relationship, and Gun violence
Moderate: Mental illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Grief, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Drug use, and Racism
Minor: Car accident
takarakei's review
dark
emotional
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
3.5
I didn't love this as much as I was hoping which is a shame. The magic in this book is really amazing, and there were some truly fascinating parts to read. Also a few 'gasp' moments that surprised me (in a good way). However, there were far too many background characters and their roles were not adequately described, so even though I took notes I was still confused. For example, there are these magical 'councils' that oversee the different types of magic and there are people on these councils who are mentioned ex: 'so-and-so is priestess of etc' but there's no explanation of what that means? So I felt the world-building could have been fleshed out more.
3/5 🌶️ - there is one explicit sex scene
3/5 🌶️ -
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Car accident, Gun violence, Homophobia, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Bullying, Sexual assault, Grief, and Hate crime
Minor: Slavery, Addiction, and Alcohol
SA/rape:amethystandherbooks's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Death, Murder, Toxic friendship, Cursing, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Infertility, Medical content, Alcohol, Sexual content, Classism, Chronic illness, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Car accident, and Gun violence
purplepenning's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
There is a lot going on in this dark, contemporary urban fantasy. It's a great concept, but it didn't end up working for me. (I'm not giving a star rating because I'm definitely not the target audience.) Blood Debts is, as promised, absolutely dripping with generational magic, trauma, and family and community drama. But the cast and scope felt too big, and the characters managed to feel both underdevoped and belabored. I hope it works better for other readers, or that the series as a whole comes together better than this first part.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, Drug use, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Alcohol, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Car accident, Death of parent, Gun violence, Forced institutionalization, Toxic friendship, Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Grief, and Infertility
Digital bullying, necromancy