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A review by minerva_library
Their Blood Rite by M.J. Lawrie
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I went back and forth between 2-stars and 3-stars because this was a new author for me and I don’t think I fully grasped that she writes DARK novels. The triggers warning in this book shouldn’t be ignored or taken likely. I did finish this book and I’ve started Book 2, but after completing this one - it’s decidedly not quite my style. I liked the premise and I’ve enjoyed Why Choose novels plenty of times before. I had no probably with the sexual nature of the book, rather the level of sexual violence and how casual it was treated.
The premise of the world building was intriguing of which witches of different “factions” exist - kept apart for fear of how powerful they could be together. All of the factions however fear or hate Blood Witches, the originators of the conflict with humans. To most of the witched they’re seen as the reason that witches are looked down upon.
Despite the intriguing lore, the plot and events in the book are too violent for me - particularly too sexually violent to me. I was cringing and skimming over parts, waiting for those moments to end and I hated how casual it was treated.The author’s choice to have sex treated as a obligation and ritual event to the point that women witches in her home aren’t expected to enjoy sex or take personal pleasure was something, but I can’t fathom why it had to also include threat of forced penetration of a knife (which later on is not a threat but actually occurs??)
I did enjoy the relationship between the characters, and the romance as it developed - a sort of amoral Beauty and the Beast captive enemies to lovers. Despite her upbringing, the FMC is portrayed as and continued to develop into a badass.
But I’m really turned off by the level of misogynistic language included. It just isn’t the kind of thing that even if she’s being rescued and isn’t totally a damsel, that I find enjoyable to read in a romance setting. I think dark romances can be sexy and enjoyable without such mentions of sexual violence, not that I don’t know that consensual non-consent is a thing - which this wasn’t not. Sexual abuse doesn’t occur between the love interests, it all an assault by antagonists.
Overall, the author is a strong storyteller and world builder and I enjoyed what I read - I can tell why readers might enjoy what they write - but I found myself skimming various sections in annoyance. I do feel like a little to blame as I didn’t take the tags seriously.
The premise of the world building was intriguing of which witches of different “factions” exist - kept apart for fear of how powerful they could be together. All of the factions however fear or hate Blood Witches, the originators of the conflict with humans. To most of the witched they’re seen as the reason that witches are looked down upon.
Despite the intriguing lore, the plot and events in the book are too violent for me - particularly too sexually violent to me. I was cringing and skimming over parts, waiting for those moments to end and I hated how casual it was treated.
I did enjoy the relationship between the characters, and the romance as it developed - a sort of amoral Beauty and the Beast captive enemies to lovers. Despite her upbringing, the FMC is portrayed as and continued to develop into a badass.
But I’m really turned off by the level of misogynistic language included. It just isn’t the kind of thing that even if she’s being rescued and isn’t totally a damsel, that I find enjoyable to read in a romance setting. I think dark romances can be sexy and enjoyable without such mentions of sexual violence, not that I don’t know that consensual non-consent is a thing - which this wasn’t not. Sexual abuse doesn’t occur between the love interests, it all an assault by antagonists.
Overall, the author is a strong storyteller and world builder and I enjoyed what I read - I can tell why readers might enjoy what they write - but I found myself skimming various sections in annoyance. I do feel like a little to blame as I didn’t take the tags seriously.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Sexual violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual assault, Slavery, War
As listed on the inside cover of the book (but not on the author’s website) the trigger warnings are listed as “Explicit sexual content between one female and three males. Violence. Torture. Graphic language. Dubious consent. Sexual violence (not between the main love interests), Emotional and physical abuse. Past child abuse. Kidnapping. There is blood play. Breath play. Some public claiming and a whole lot of spice.”