Reviews

Blood Sworn by Scott Reintgen

nat_json's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.0

Finally finished this book after “reading” if for two years. I basically started this book really liked it but kept not picking it up and so it just stayed on my shelf untouched forever. I will say I forgot a lot of stuff since I didn’t touch it for some long which is why I gave this three stars. Some might think this unfair but I didn’t know how else to rate is fairly. I also don’t have many thoughts since again I took forever to read it. 

theshaggyshepherd's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Bloodsworn // by Scott Reintgen

When I first saw this cover on NetGalley, I knew I had to read the book. I mean, I didn't really have a choice of course. I was THRILLED when my request was approved and promptly used it to buy the first book of the series, which has a cover that is just as amazing. I can't wait to eventually have both of these on my shelves.

I already said it in my review for Ashlords but I have really struggled with YA books this year so while I was very excited about reading this series, I was also a little nervous as well that maybe my expectation were a bit too high going in. Thankfully that was not true at all. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both books and having them available back-to-back was a great plus. Neither one is extremely long, which made for a few fun low-stress days. While I generally like sweeping epics with highly detailed descriptions, it was also a nice breath of air to not have that in this series. Just like book 1, Bloodsworn was packed full with action. There was enough description to easily be able to picture the worlds above and below, but not enough to slow you down and keep you in one spot for too long. Most of the chapters are relatively short, which has you feeling like you're moving at a crisp pace as well. This is not to say that anything feels rushed but rather that this is a book that has constant movement and never leaves you yearning for more action.

While there was not a whole lot more that we learned about the magical system, we did get to see a few more applications of it that were really fun. It did surprise me that sometimes the opposing side was surprised and unprepared for certain attacks as you would think that after having phoenix horses for multiple generations, their utilization would be more studied and prepared for. But overall, the battles were still interesting and fun. While sometimes situations seemed a bit too easy to get through, once you think about it more deeply, it does work well with the history of the populations to work out the way it does.

The multiple point of views continued the same way as in book 1 and I thoroughly enjoyed the cleverness of the author in this later on. While I struggled a bit with the 2nd person POV in book 1, it really ended up growing on me and I did not have any issues at all with it this time. I loved being able to see the war from each characters' view, especially once things got a little more heated and delicate. Several times did I find myself doubting what I was reading because I couldn't fathom the characters acting a certain way but eventually, everything came together perfectly. I am impressed at how well Reintgen played the characters off each other and kept me guessing throughout again and again.

While I personally would have loved to find out much more about this world and especially the phoenix horses, this series is a solid 4 star read for me. I find this a fun read for adults and also very appropriate for YA readers as it has some great themes that can encourage great conversations. I'm not a huge fan of perfect endings and love that this one leaves room for imagination and growth for its characters. Since this is a duology and we won't hear how the characters fare beyond the ending, it does show that things don't always have to be perfect down to the last little detail to be better than before.

Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

scvsofia's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

It was good but not the best, I liked the 1st better and it felt like the war dragged on for ever, couldn’t bring myself to pick it up most times and it caused a major reading slump. The ending was kinda cheesy and predictable but still everyone got heir happy ending so that’s good. Seemed very rushed tho. Not to bad not to good 3/5

ameserole's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blood Sworn was so easy to devour once I got off of work today. I mean, I loved the first book and once my buddy said it was going to be a good book - I was ready. Like Spongebob. Not going to lie to any of you, I had SO many questions in the first 10 chapters. So freaking many and I actually got the answers that I needed. Not sure if I was hoping for them to go like that but I am a-okay with how it all went down. Even if it was a little bittersweet for me.

Now the characters - Imelda, Pippa, and Adrian - grew up a bit form the first book. With war against the gods being on their minds, I wasn't that shocked or surprised with that little fact. I just wasn't mentally prepared when I dove into the first 10 chapters. That's why I had so many questions.

My love for these three grew so much while reading about their adventure. They were challenge constantly and underestimated by so many people. It was kind of amazing to see everything happening for them all and it just made me smile.

In the end, I am so happy that I got to read both books in this duology from NetGalley and I can't wait to own both of these beautiful books.

chrstn's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

elmarie_bassage's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Was immensely more entertaining after the main crew
stopped trying to kill each other and started trying to kill the Gods.
Still not a huge fan of the second person writing in Pippa's chapters. 

linesuponapage's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I am a huge Scott Reintgen book fan and Bloodsworn did not disappoint me at all! I believe it might be Mr. Reintgen's best book yet! There were twists and turns I didn't see coming. I am usually good at timing in my mind where the denouement will be in a story while reading, however, low and behold Scott got me and turned my judgment of his writing skills to a higher plain.

Bloodsworn will draw you in with its gorgeous cover and the fact that you need to know what happened after we left Dividian Imelda, Ashlord Pippa, and Longhand Adrian at the end of book #1 Ashlords. There were so many scenes in the story that made me think wow, this would make a great movie! The action, the world-building of the Gods and their kingdoms in the dark and dreary underworld, the one place that you were curious about the most when it came to Ashlords and little Quinn, Pippa's Gods appointed helpmate in the Races - the land she lived in. I felt as if it might be akin to Hoth - hotter than Hell, dryer than the Sahara, drearier than the Wombat creatures cave that the Millenium Falcon hid in while in the asteroid field, and full of creatures that you just can't imagine but Mr. Reintgen did.

The intriguing part of this book was the Bloodsworn alchemy mix Imelda found and reproduced into her own formula to go beyond just an amazing Phoenix Horse. Without it, this book would be very short and very two-sided instead of a triangular point of view which makes this book very exciting and of course the name of the book. Well done, Mr. Reintgen, well done!

This book is a lesson in writing entertainment, castes, races, and social injustice for any new writer or reader. The need to build new worlds when corruption is at its highest and the need to find light-heartedness even in the dark times make Bloodsworn, not only entertaining but also very worthy for the times we live.

This book is a most excellent read for young adults, (and us adults) that love to use their imagination, a gulp of danger, and want to escape to another world altogether! I know that it will be recommended to those kids I know that love Fantasy, Sci-Fi and unlike Marvel characters who bounce back from danger and the occasional bad wounds, not everyone gets out alive with your favorite characters.

My only negative comment would be that I would've liked more of a detailed taste of Quinn's world when it came to the people who served the gods in the underworld. I would've loved a few pages on that. Nothing else comes to mind in critiquing Bloodsworn.

I was sad that this book is a Duology and I let the author know I needed more! Whenever Mr. Reintgen wants to revisit his three Viceroy friends he needs to share it! I know I will be standing in line with the rest of his devoted and hopefully so many more new readers.

Thank you, Netgalley, Random House Children's Books, and Scott Reintgen for allowing me the privilege of reading the next chapter and sequel to Ashlords. Bloodsworn is my favorite read of the year thus far! The author's Imagination Cable is thick with this one.

introverteddragonscribbles's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Full Review on The Nerd Daily: https://www.thenerddaily.com/review-blood-sworn-by-scott-reintgen/

Right from the start, Blood Sworn is packed with action and intrigue. The story picks back up with Imelda, Pippa, and Adrian months after the end of Ashlords and the bloody war that rages across the known lands. Things have turned darker and much more mysterious as the gods come into play.

Out of all the characters, I’d have to say that I’m extremely loyal to Imelda. I don’t know why but she’s my absolute favourite. Maybe because of her love of the magical, mystical ashborn horses. As a horse-lover myself, I would be totally content with reading an entire book of Imelda travelling across the known world into unknown territories in search of new ingredients to create new horses. I mean, come on, all possibilities are endless! But also because of her steady character, and how she never changes throughout the books. She remains clever, quick-witted, and wild to the core.

Okay, I do like Adrian as well. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and a good sense of when to fight and when it’s better to not. Pippa, however, I felt it harder to connect with. Maybe it’s the point of view the author chose, or her somewhat uppity, snobbish ways, I don’t know. But while I didn’t really like her all that much throughout Ashlords and most of Blood Sworn, she eventually grew on me.

Reintgen’s world building is amazing. While the first book centered around the races and the war brewing just beneath the surface, Blood Sworn starts out with the rebellion well under way and the three main characters each in a different position during the war. But as things progress, Reintgen subtly brings in more and more worldbuilding until an explosive truth is revealed and everything known is turned on its head, giving the world a surprising amount of depth and realism.

Reintgen’s prose is wonderfully beautiful, with sharp sentences and an excellent use of words. I grew sort of jealous of his amazing word mastery, but I digress. Reintgen’s talent is something to be admired, and I hope to one day be able to write like him.

lookingforamandaa's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Blood Sworn is the sequel to Ashlord (which I reviewed here.) In this book, we follow the same three characters, Pippa, Adrian, and Imelda. The way the first book ended left me wanting to know more. I wanted to know so much more about this world, the gods, and where the story is going. I got everything that I wanted from this book. Once again, the story is told in first person for Imelda and Adrian, but Pippa’s story is told in second person. I think Pippa’s story being told in this way was such a creative choice and it really does something to the story.
Pippa’s chapters were absolutely my favorite parts of this book. She has the most growth and change in this series. She starts off so loyal to her people, the Ashlords, but slowly she realizes that everything isn’t as it seems. She finally learns the truth from one of the gods and that’s where this story gets really interesting. I think Pippa is so incredibly smart. I am awed by the plans that her brain manages to create. I think she’s an incredible character and I loved her. I also really enjoyed the way that Pippa’s relationship with Adrian changed over time.
Adrian was an interesting character as well. But I feel like he sort of just went along with Pippa’s plans. I know this isn’t the case, but we didn’t actually see Adrian and Pippa make their plans so, it’s not hard to assume that Pippa (the master strategist) is the one that came up with the majority of their plans. I liked that Adrian did his part to show the Longhands that things could be different if everyone worked together to make a change.
Finally, Imelda. I wanted more phoenix horse stuff, but we got enough that I wasn’t terribly upset about it. I like that Imelda is also super smart, but in different ways than what we see from Pippa. I think Imelda’s part of the story was interesting because the Dividian’s are the underrepresented group of the story, despite having a large population. I liked following Imelda because with Pippa and Adrian working together, their stories were similar, but Imelda’s path is so different from the others. She stumbles into something she doesn’t totally understand, but manages to find herself working toward the same goals as Pippa and Adrian.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. I loved this duology. I will recommend this series forever. Phoenix horses, political drama, characters that are complex and loveable, and a fascinating world and interesting gods, there is everything you could possibly want in a fantasy story.

theoutdoorlibrarian's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Bloodsworn takes place just after the final events of Ashlords. This book takes a dramatic shift from the races to a revolution. Within 400 pages we get to see the three main charatcters figure out how to work together and change the world for the better. It was a hard shift to make for me, jumping from this adventure novel to one about liberation even though that is clearly where the story needed to go.

To be honest, reviews about sequals are always hard for me to write without including spoliers from the first book - but overall Reingten created a story that is easy to emerse yourself in. The magic that is used throughout the story is well done, and provides addition to the story instead of taking it over. This book is very much about the salvation of a dying world and taking back the one's power. If there was going to be a third one, I would read that too, but this is the perfect duology!