A review by musingsonliving
The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

 
If you have been looking for an amazing adult sci-fi fantasy novel with a vibrant strong Black female lead, then this is the book you need to read! 

While grieving after the death of her beloved grandfather, Ikenna learns that he was murdered. Seeking revenge she enters the Praetorian Trials in the hopes of uncovering the people behind the murder. The more she gets close to the Praetorians the more she has to hide, for if they discover her forbidden secrets, she will be marked for death. 

These trials are dark and not for the faint at heart, there is violence, blood, death, gore, backstabbing, political intrigue, racism, misogyny and more. I was really impressed that when these things happen whilst it was shocking, it never felt forced or added in just for a dramatic impact. The plot was incredibly impressive and fast paced, exactly what you want in SFF! 

The book is full of a bunch of interesting characters and it all starts with Ikenna who is head strong, impulsive and laser focused on getting her revenge. At times, all of her jumping to conclusions really got on my nerves and was quite frustrating but that didn’t stop my enjoyment and when we discover her secret magic abilities, it adds a whole new amazing dynamic to this wild action packed story. Ikenna has such a fun group of friends (and enemies) around her, who all have fully fleshed personalities and make you root for them (or not) throughout these trials. And the budding romance, yes! Give me more! 

This world is one that I want to explore further, I wish this series was more than a duology but I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book! This is a fantastic debut for Davenport. 
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