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kiwij96's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.25
Perhaps one of the best urban fantasies I have read in a long time. Sometimes urban fantasies are overcomplicated with lore and magic systems, but this book was so easy to read and understand the magic system with zero complications.
The importance of history, community, family, heritage, and love was strong in this. Within the first three chapters, I already knew the characters and fully enjoyed following them on their journey through this book. It was fast paced, and even the longer chapters were quick and easy to read, packed with drama and emotion and foreshadowing to a degree, and not a single page was wasted - it all flowed together wonderfully without filler.
There were a couple of things that I didn't enjoy:
1. The use of informal/slang language is one which confuses matters in books for me (the use of "fire" as a description of bread was one, and "dope" as a description for furniture/aesthetic was another. Obviously, these are words I know work as descriptions in the verbal sense, but I personally don't know how well they hold up in the written sense).
2. Clem oftentimes came across as irritating.I don't love when people are constantly trying to pry information from me in the real world, so when he was consistently begging Ursula and Jean-Louise into sharing their history with him, it was really annoying and incredibly nosy of him. There was no need sometimes.
3. MAJOR SPOILERWas Fab ever told what happened with Yves? Surely she'd notice that her only living family member was missing at least right?
4. MAJOR SPOILERWas there a specific need for Lenora to die in that way? It was massively out of character for these two 16 year olds and their entire adult family to just allow them to have zombies tear her apart like that.
Anyways, 100% a brilliant story and a fantastic read from start to finish. Really looking forward to reading Blood Justice when I buy it! Fully recommend.
The importance of history, community, family, heritage, and love was strong in this. Within the first three chapters, I already knew the characters and fully enjoyed following them on their journey through this book. It was fast paced, and even the longer chapters were quick and easy to read, packed with drama and emotion and foreshadowing to a degree, and not a single page was wasted - it all flowed together wonderfully without filler.
There were a couple of things that I didn't enjoy:
1. The use of informal/slang language is one which confuses matters in books for me (the use of "fire" as a description of bread was one, and "dope" as a description for furniture/aesthetic was another. Obviously, these are words I know work as descriptions in the verbal sense, but I personally don't know how well they hold up in the written sense).
2. Clem oftentimes came across as irritating.
3. MAJOR SPOILER
4. MAJOR SPOILER
Anyways, 100% a brilliant story and a fantastic read from start to finish. Really looking forward to reading Blood Justice when I buy it! Fully recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Death, Bullying, Grief, Slavery, Racism, Rape, and Torture
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Homophobia, Infertility, Sexual content, Gore, and Infidelity
Minor: Child death, Gun violence, Drug use, and Domestic abuse
erinkellyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley & Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the AudioARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story is a WOW! There are so many layers to the story, the world, and the characters, it is hard to know where to start. Add in the narration from multiple fantastic voice actors, and you've got an easy hit in the audiobook world.
I initially knew I wanted to read this story just from the synopsis - I am also from New Orleans, and the queer and mental health rep caught my eye. However, the way that Terry J. Benton-Walker captures the beauty and hardships of the Black spiritual community of NOLA, from the dedication all the way to the final lines of the book, are just gripping and achingly realistic.
Our story is about the Gen-Magic (or generational magic) community in NOLA, in particular the Dupart family. While we do have multiple POV characters (each with unique voices in both writing style and narration), the story is mostly told through the eyes of twins Clement and Christina. I'm usually not a huge fan of multiple POV's beyond maybe three (ala Game of Thrones), but I appreciated the moments where we were able to get the whole picture of what was happening along with getting to know the ins and outs of our twin protagonists.
Clement begins our story as an anxious gay young Black man learning the Gen-magic and grieving the death of his father and illness of his mother (who we later find out is not sick, but cursed). I felt connected to Clement's vulnerability very quickly. His story is one of rage, love, and consequences, and there were many moments that I had my mouth wide open in shock at the twists in his story. I don't want to give any spoilers, but there is one facet of his storyline, something traumatic that seems like maybe a throwaway with Zack, that leads to a massive consequence - I really hope in the sequel that this part is addressed more. I feel like it had to be moved to the backburner to address the Big Bad at the end of the story, but I have a lot of feelings and questions!
Christina starts the story very closed off, even to herself, because she blames herself for the death of her father after using magic to seek revenge. She has sworn off magic, is dating a white boy that everyone in her family is suspicious of, and her walls are all the way up. As her story progresses, we see her walls come down, see her pick herself up again from pain after pain, and eventually see her come into her own power and confidence both magically, and as a strong Black woman surrounded by strong Black women. I grew to feel very protective of Christina, and it was easy to celebrate when she triumphed.
There are many important and interesting side characters in this book from the many Dupart sisters, the darker magic being done by the political scheming inside the Gen-Magic Council, the Gods intervening, and then we have a whole other conflict with the White Mages - magical white people who have had years of conflict with those of Gen-Magic descent. We even have a nod to the evangelical right with the anti-magic folks protesting and the election for mayor - with generations of trauma and fighting between the the communities. I must repeat - the narration with all of these characters is a stunning addition to the audiobook, and I think it sets it apart as a quality piece of art.
Terry J. Benton-Walker's urban fantasy rides the tricky and lovely line between modern day challenges (and this felt very real-world) and the magic its characters carry as a part of their heritage. This is a story about family and revenge, owning your truth and the consequences of our actions, regardless of intentions. I'm very excited for the sequel to come out, and I hope that anybody who loves audiobooks or fantasy will check this one out, especially folks in the upper young adult and new adult range. A definite 5 stars!
This story is a WOW! There are so many layers to the story, the world, and the characters, it is hard to know where to start. Add in the narration from multiple fantastic voice actors, and you've got an easy hit in the audiobook world.
I initially knew I wanted to read this story just from the synopsis - I am also from New Orleans, and the queer and mental health rep caught my eye. However, the way that Terry J. Benton-Walker captures the beauty and hardships of the Black spiritual community of NOLA, from the dedication all the way to the final lines of the book, are just gripping and achingly realistic.
Our story is about the Gen-Magic (or generational magic) community in NOLA, in particular the Dupart family. While we do have multiple POV characters (each with unique voices in both writing style and narration), the story is mostly told through the eyes of twins Clement and Christina. I'm usually not a huge fan of multiple POV's beyond maybe three (ala Game of Thrones), but I appreciated the moments where we were able to get the whole picture of what was happening along with getting to know the ins and outs of our twin protagonists.
Clement begins our story as an anxious gay young Black man learning the Gen-magic and grieving the death of his father and illness of his mother (who we later find out is not sick, but cursed). I felt connected to Clement's vulnerability very quickly. His story is one of rage, love, and consequences, and there were many moments that I had my mouth wide open in shock at the twists in his story. I don't want to give any spoilers, but there is one facet of his storyline, something traumatic that seems like maybe a throwaway with Zack, that leads to a massive consequence - I really hope in the sequel that this part is addressed more. I feel like it had to be moved to the backburner to address the Big Bad at the end of the story, but I have a lot of feelings and questions!
Christina starts the story very closed off, even to herself, because she blames herself for the death of her father after using magic to seek revenge. She has sworn off magic, is dating a white boy that everyone in her family is suspicious of, and her walls are all the way up. As her story progresses, we see her walls come down, see her pick herself up again from pain after pain, and eventually see her come into her own power and confidence both magically, and as a strong Black woman surrounded by strong Black women. I grew to feel very protective of Christina, and it was easy to celebrate when she triumphed.
There are many important and interesting side characters in this book from the many Dupart sisters, the darker magic being done by the political scheming inside the Gen-Magic Council, the Gods intervening, and then we have a whole other conflict with the White Mages - magical white people who have had years of conflict with those of Gen-Magic descent. We even have a nod to the evangelical right with the anti-magic folks protesting and the election for mayor - with generations of trauma and fighting between the the communities. I must repeat - the narration with all of these characters is a stunning addition to the audiobook, and I think it sets it apart as a quality piece of art.
Terry J. Benton-Walker's urban fantasy rides the tricky and lovely line between modern day challenges (and this felt very real-world) and the magic its characters carry as a part of their heritage. This is a story about family and revenge, owning your truth and the consequences of our actions, regardless of intentions. I'm very excited for the sequel to come out, and I hope that anybody who loves audiobooks or fantasy will check this one out, especially folks in the upper young adult and new adult range. A definite 5 stars!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Religious bigotry, Violence, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Classism, Cursing, Death of parent, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Chronic illness, Child death, Colonisation, Grief, Cultural appropriation, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Sexual content, Slavery, Body horror, Bullying, Car accident, Gore, Gun violence, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug use, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Police brutality, and Self harm
amberinpieces's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, and Blood
Moderate: Grief, Mental illness, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Racism, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Homophobia, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Classism, Toxic friendship, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Hate crime, Slavery, Drug use, Stalking, Infidelity, Bullying, Medical content, Vomit, Domestic abuse, and Gun violence
sahramahtab's review
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
xaliax'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
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
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:meganpbell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A Voodo-inspired magic system, queer Black boy love, generational trauma, and messy family drama intertwine in this older YA urban fantasy.
In the wake of their father’s sudden death and their mother’s suspicious illness, twins Clement and Cristina Trudeau struggle to solve a decades-old murder that cost their grandmother her throne.
All of the above are what I appreciated about this book, but I had a lot of challenges: the messaging around eye-for-an-eye violence and vengeance, the family relationships so strained and unloving to the point of having a hard time rooting for the extended family, and ultimately being frustrated that the book didn’t seem as invested in the political depth that the dedication and epigraphs indicated.
In the wake of their father’s sudden death and their mother’s suspicious illness, twins Clement and Cristina Trudeau struggle to solve a decades-old murder that cost their grandmother her throne.
All of the above are what I appreciated about this book, but I had a lot of challenges: the messaging around eye-for-an-eye violence and vengeance, the family relationships so strained and unloving to the point of having a hard time rooting for the extended family, and ultimately being frustrated that the book didn’t seem as invested in the political depth that the dedication and epigraphs indicated.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Car accident, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Grief, Forced institutionalization, Gun violence, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Death of parent, Drug use, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, and Violence
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