Reviews with content warning for Murder - Blood Debts

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).

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sahramahtab's review

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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.

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sarahmayerwriter's review against another edition

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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

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ashylibrarian's review against another edition

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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

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taratearex's review against another edition

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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.

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enbyfinley's review against another edition

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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.

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legalplanner's review against another edition

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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.

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hobbithopeful's review against another edition

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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!

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