Blood Debts

by Terry J Benton-Walker

• ISBN10: 125082592X
• ISBN13: 9781250825926
• Publish Date: 4 April 2023
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 416
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Thirty years ago, a massacre ripped apart the streets of New Orleans. In the modern day, the very same thing is likely to happen again. That is, assuming Clement and Cristina Trudeau can't find a way to prevent history from repeating itself.

It all comes back around to magic, family lines, and royal blood. Oh, and a curse. Can't forget the curse.

My Review:

Blood Debts is a magical and emotional debut novel for Terry J. Benton-Walker. I loved the setting and the magical complications this world brought to the forefront. It also hits pretty hard (see trigger warnings to understand why).

The twins (Clement and Cristina) are vastly different from one another. This helps build the world, adding layer upon layer while giving us different views of the plot. It also gives readers a chance to find a perspective they resonate with.

I'm not always wild about historical fantasy (I prefer my fantasy to have its setting – usually), but I did enjoy the setting of Blood Debts. A historical fantasy fanatic would fall head over heels for this tale.

Highlights:
Magical New Orleans
LGBTQ+

Trigger Warnings:
Murder
Racism/Lynching
Homophobia

Thanks to Tor Teen and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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[writehollydavis]

3.5/5 stars. Hear my thoughts during the Diversity is Lit Discussion and Review: https://www.youtube.com/live/lnH34NnXnOA?feature=share

[Inkslinger]

This book has all the earmarks of a great story.. a family steeped in tragedy, rich culture, a regional setting that always draws my attention, and plenty of societal intrigue. Well-written and moderately-paced, it moves well without leaving the reader behind.

 

Cris and Clem, the twins at the forefront of the Trudeau family, are both likable, easily relatable characters. Though they have strongly differing opinions at times and tend to bicker like only a brother and sister can, it's easy to see the bond between them. Their priorities align. Family comes first.

 

Both of the siblings have something they're struggling with and I found them to be sympathetic, but never weak.  

 

The magic system is well thought out, inspired obviously by known ritual magics, but presented in an interesting way. Generational magic is a gift, not a guarantee by birthright. Not everyone can conjure and certainly not as strongly as everyone else, which leaves for some very vengeful rivalries.

 

The familial warmth is honestly my favorite part of the story. I had really hoped for more of that New Orleans feel, but what little ambience of the fabled city existed.. was a little late to the party for me and not a frequent enough visitor. Though it resulted in me being less immersed and invested, it was still enjoyable.

 

(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)