Scan barcode
A review by universalbookworm
Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter
4.0
Wow. There is so incredibly much to unpack with this read. This novel addresses cultism, blind faith in authority, female empowerment, gender equality, violence against women, and in my mind most importantly how all of the above intersect and build of one another.
Nell, as a lead character, works so well for me because she isn't your typical "strong female lead" found in most modern fiction. Her struggles for independence are real, and have fatal consequences that are realistic even though this is a work of fantasy. Nell's biggest risk isn't being discovered by the government, or losing a romantic interest; no. The biggest risk in Nell's life is being captured by a misogynistic, sadist, and violent cult that she escaped from in her youth. I found these stakes to much more worthy of my attention as a reader that the more typical tropes found in urban fantasy.
The dynamic with her family, revealed closer to the end of the novel, was particularly enthralling for me. It was refreshing in it's surprise factor. I didn't see it coming and felt it added an emotional element to the conclusion that was missing beforehand.
This is a tale of strength. And all of it's various incarnations. From the persecuted, and abused womenfolk of the cult, to the young men in the cult who bide their time to avenge and protect, to Nell who comes into her own surrounded by those she can't trust because she has been so mistreated.
I loved this read, and recommend it to those looking for a read with teeth that will keep you up to the wee hours of the morning.
Nell, as a lead character, works so well for me because she isn't your typical "strong female lead" found in most modern fiction. Her struggles for independence are real, and have fatal consequences that are realistic even though this is a work of fantasy. Nell's biggest risk isn't being discovered by the government, or losing a romantic interest; no. The biggest risk in Nell's life is being captured by a misogynistic, sadist, and violent cult that she escaped from in her youth. I found these stakes to much more worthy of my attention as a reader that the more typical tropes found in urban fantasy.
The dynamic with her family, revealed closer to the end of the novel, was particularly enthralling for me. It was refreshing in it's surprise factor. I didn't see it coming and felt it added an emotional element to the conclusion that was missing beforehand.
This is a tale of strength. And all of it's various incarnations. From the persecuted, and abused womenfolk of the cult, to the young men in the cult who bide their time to avenge and protect, to Nell who comes into her own surrounded by those she can't trust because she has been so mistreated.
I loved this read, and recommend it to those looking for a read with teeth that will keep you up to the wee hours of the morning.