Blood Debts

by Terry J Benton-Walker

Bahni Turpin (Narrator), Joniece Abbott-Pratt (Narrator), Torian Brackett (Narrator), and Zeno Robinson (Narrator)

'An extravaganza from start to finish'
Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

'Riveting. Unflinching. Powerful'
Ayana Gray, New York Times-bestselling author of Beasts of Prey

'Sings with hope and barely disguised rage. Fantastic from start to finish'
TJ Klune, New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Cerulean Sea

In New Orleans gods meddle and magic will betray you, but this time justice will reign.

Thirty years ago, a young woman was murdered, a family was lynched, and New Orleans saw the greatest magical massacre in its history. In the days that followed, a throne was stolen from a queen.

On the anniversary of these brutal events, Clement and Cristina Trudeau - the sixteen-year-old twin heirs to the powerful, magical, dethroned family - are mourning their father and caring for their sick mother. Until, by chance, they discover their mother isn't sick - she's cursed. Cursed by someone on the very magic council their family used to rule. Someone who will come for them next.

Cristina, once a talented and dedicated practitioner of Generational magic, has given up magic for good. An ancient spell is what killed their father and she was the one who cast it. For Clement, magic is his lifeline. A distraction from his anger and pain. Even better than the random guys he hooks up with.

Cristina and Clement used to be each other's most trusted confidant and friend, now they barely speak. But if they have any hope of discovering who is coming after their family, they'll have to find a way to trust each other and their family's magic, all while solving the decades - old murder that sparked the still - rising tensions between the city's magical and non-magical communities. And if they don't succeed, New Orleans may see another massacre. Or worse.

(P) 2022 Macmillan Audio

• ISBN10: 1399715909
• ISBN13: 9781399715904
• Publish Date: 4 April 2023
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
• Imprint: Hodderscape
• Format: Audiobook (MP3)
• Duration: 14 hours and 30 minutes
• 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.)