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A review by nschweitzer21
Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I generally liked this book but there were definitely some sticking points. First, though the book features a fantastically diverse cast of characters, this diversity features as a plot point that isn’t always handled well.
For instance, though multiple main and supporting characters are trans, Voya (our main character and narrator) seems content to assume gender and be corrected later, rather than simply read their pronouns on their easily accessible “feed” profile before making judgements. Gender neutral pronouns are not featured in this book, despite Voya’s insistence that trans and non-binary individuals are accepted. Similarly, descriptions of characters are sparse, rather than describing physical characteristics, style, or the way someone holds themselves, Voya’s narration frequently only introduces characters by race/ethnicity. Characters are introduced by saying “a Black woman with distinctly East Asian eyes” which 1) sometimes reduces characters to stereotypes and 2) doesn’t do much to paint a mental picture of the characters.
Speaking of trans people, the book also seems to push a very medicalized version of trans identity. All trans characters are insistent on getting the genetic treatment that alters their DNA to replicate transition surgeries “naturally” and Voya questions whether or not certain characters have had the procedure. Characters don’t really discuss their identities or feelings beyond the very “physical” aspect of trans identity. While this isn’t a bad thing, I feel that by having trans characters (and their feelings/needs surrounding transition) feature heavily in the book, the author could have either done more to explore this or allowed trans characters to exist separate from their “transition status.”
That being said, I enjoyed the plot of this book and the insistence Voya has on her family and her ancestors, and her desire to protect the people she loves while maintaining her sense of self. The Thomas family traditions and Trinidadian culture also features heavily and are really great additions. The magic system is well defined and has strict rules. I found myself simultaneously hating Voya and sympathizing with her. Luc is a fun character with layers. The family is well fleshed out and I never had trouble remembering who was who, despite the extended supporting cast.
Overall, this is a good book. I just wish some of the characters and identities featured in the book were more fleshed out.
For instance, though multiple main and supporting characters are trans, Voya (our main character and narrator) seems content to assume gender and be corrected later, rather than simply read their pronouns on their easily accessible “feed” profile before making judgements. Gender neutral pronouns are not featured in this book, despite Voya’s insistence that trans and non-binary individuals are accepted. Similarly, descriptions of characters are sparse, rather than describing physical characteristics, style, or the way someone holds themselves, Voya’s narration frequently only introduces characters by race/ethnicity. Characters are introduced by saying “a Black woman with distinctly East Asian eyes” which 1) sometimes reduces characters to stereotypes and 2) doesn’t do much to paint a mental picture of the characters.
Speaking of trans people, the book also seems to push a very medicalized version of trans identity. All trans characters are insistent on getting the genetic treatment that alters their DNA to replicate transition surgeries “naturally” and Voya questions whether or not certain characters have had the procedure. Characters don’t really discuss their identities or feelings beyond the very “physical” aspect of trans identity. While this isn’t a bad thing, I feel that by having trans characters (and their feelings/needs surrounding transition) feature heavily in the book, the author could have either done more to explore this or allowed trans characters to exist separate from their “transition status.”
That being said, I enjoyed the plot of this book and the insistence Voya has on her family and her ancestors, and her desire to protect the people she loves while maintaining her sense of self. The Thomas family traditions and Trinidadian culture also features heavily and are really great additions. The magic system is well defined and has strict rules. I found myself simultaneously hating Voya and sympathizing with her. Luc is a fun character with layers. The family is well fleshed out and I never had trouble remembering who was who, despite the extended supporting cast.
Overall, this is a good book. I just wish some of the characters and identities featured in the book were more fleshed out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Addiction, Eating disorder, and Racism
Minor: Abandonment, Kidnapping, and Slavery
The book does go into graphic detail regarding a whipping scene in the context of slavery. There is also graphic descriptions of blood and violence.