This book was great with representation of black women in fantasy I really enjoyed reading about a strong female lead. This book was very very interesting and the world portrayed in this book was surprisingly not boring like a lot of books that try to combine science fiction and fantasy but this was done beautifully. I loved the characters and recommend this book. Thank you so much to net galley and the author for this arc will be buying the book when it comes out and rereading!

"We are forged by adversity. We are tempered in perseverance. We are Amaris. We are as strong as Khanaian steel. We do not bend. We do not break. We do not bow. We do not yield."

The Blood Trials by NE Davenport is an ambitious crossover sci fi/fantasy novel set in the Republic of Mareen, which follows its protagonist Ikenna as she pledges herself to become an elite Praetorian Guard, and as she struggles to solve the murder of her grandfather. This book tackles a lot, and because it reads as a military academy style book for the majority of the books, the characters deal with an intense amount of brutality. Ikenna also deals with the forces of racism and misogyny as she has to prove herself "worthy."

This book is part military training academy, part war story, part murder mystery, and part chosen one narrative, and I loved the interplay of all of those elements. Ikenna is a compelling protagonist because she's brash and brave, and yet she keeps secrets from the people she cares about, which can make her isolated. I liked that she's not perfect, and yet we understand why she makes certain decisions.

One thing to note is that while the characters are fairly young (I believe most are 19), so this does start out feeling younger than some adult fantasy, it quickly ratchets up the violence and brutality, and this is definitely an adult fantasy.

My only critique is that certain reveals felt fairly obvious, and at times, it felt like as readers we were expected to look away from what seemed like fairly obvious hints toward the resolution of the mysteries, while the protagonist took a much longer time figuring them out. HOWEVER, there were so many interesting pieces to the plot going on at the same time that this did not make the book drag for me.

I loved the worldbuilding in this, and the magic, and I'm very excited for the sequel!

So at first this story starts out feeling very YA which makes sense because the characters are teenagers. It's their last night out before they set out for military academy and Ikenna is one edge about the loss of her grandfather. After learning his death was no accident she decides to head to the academy and avenge his death by finding out who his killers are. At this military academy thousands are competing for a spot on the special ops team in a fight to the death.

I really didn't expect this book to go as dark and detail in the violence as it did especially with the type of cover they chose. It's a matter of survive or die for Ikenna and crew as they face a series of harsh challenges meant to kill the weakest of the lot. Levity comes through the modern dialogue with slang familiar to the slang used in our world. Ikenna has a magical gift bestowed upon her from the gods of their enemies, she must hide while also using it to keep herself alive as her mixed heritage makes her a target.

She is hot-headed and quick to move without reflecting on the harm her selfish choices will cost others. But instead of ignoring it this book forces her to face the ramifications of her actions each time.

Easy to read and comprehend, this book is a great transition read for readers interested in reading more adult SFF that still has a young feel to it. I thought the world was interesting and I liked how it was expanding as we got closer to the end. I look forward to book 2. There were several twists and turns I didn't see coming at first.

My only gripe would be be that the author harps on pointing out that everything is either because of racism or misogyny. Readers are able to tell from character actions and don't need the constant reminder.

I'd go with a 4.5/5. The cover and title are awesome and probably would have been my reasons for reaching for the book in a store. The main character is a bad ass with a temper and we get soldiers with biochips that enhance their abilities...what's not to love? I enjoyed the descriptions that made the setting come to life. Overall, I'll definitely support with the audiobook version of this when it comes out.

I do think the first chapter was longer than I would have preferred. Initially, the tension wasn’t really there for me throughout (only in certain parts) and I was given a lot of information to process in the long first chapter without really being invested. If I were just skimming the first chapter from a bookstore shelf, instead of reading an ARC, I probably would have put it back for that reason. But once you get into the story, it's an enjoyable ride.

The writing and descriptions in this novel were really well done and expansive. I enjoyed the world building and the morally gray main character. However, I couldn't keep myself interested in the plot. I was hoping this would be a little less military-focused, since I don't like that, but it is. I ended up putting this down at around the halfway point.

If you liked Star Wars and Military shows, you would love this. I hope this novel finds the reads who would appreciate it for everything it has.

*Spoiler free, 4.5 stars*

I was pulled to this book because of the trials. Basically an initiation of death games where only one quarter of those who go in come out. Plus, the political intrigue and the blood and the secrets only made it sound that much more incredible. Trigger warnings: racism, sexism, blood, gore, violence

This book was brilliant. Brutal, violent, and downright bloody.

It doesn't shy away from brutality at all. It's expected, with what the synopsis explains. It's an initiation where many do not make it out alive. But oh, it goes to a whole other level. It looks the violence and the gore and the pure horror the actions committed fully in the face. It doesn't blink. There are scenes that are haunting, and ones that sear themselves across the page. I mean this as a huge compliment, because it is so, so well written. It's a dark world, with dark actions. It's a dark situation. And boy, does it take that go as dark as it can.

There is also such a complex, intricate world and political system. I loved the lore behind the world, the magic and the gods and what makes everything tick. It's a system that is not kind to people they do not deem worthy, and its flaws are extremely apparent and put of full display. There is corruption filling its corners, and Ikenna commits to rooting it out. This was one of my favorite parts of the book, because it is so incredibly woven that it covers so much space. There seems to be nooks and crannies everywhere for secrets to hide, and the threat of betrayal is always hanging heavy. It's a world that pushes people between a rock and a hard place. It's so brilliantly done, and the way the mystery unfolds and the way that secrets are revealed had my jaw dropping multiple times.

I was not expecting to fall in love with so many characters. Ikenna was a badass with so much rage and feeling coursing through her from the beginning, so I instantly fell in love. I loved her grit, her cunning, and how she was a downright badass. She's tough as nails, and lets absolutely everybody know it. I adore her.

Though, I wasn't so sure about the side characters. But, I truly did come to care for some of them, and I came to absolutely despise the others. And, honestly, that's just true talent on part of the author. I felt so much for them, either to hug them or to strangle them.

Overall, it's a book with a vast world, with blood spilling across it, and a main character ready to claw her way to what she wants. It's brutal and incredibly violent, but in the best possible way. And it's freaking amazing.

I received this advanced reader copy through Netgalley. Thanks!

🩸The Blood trials by N.E Davenport🩸
If you’re an adult that liked #legendborn this is the book for you. I loved every chaotic second of it!

Ikenna, our morally gray protagonist, finds out her grandfather has been murdered. She is anything but subtle in seeking vengeance. To quote her, “I’m starting to realize I have a thing for stabbing people in the neck.” (Very Stabby)

In order to uncover who all plotted against her grandfather, she joins a prestigious part of the army. She is a fighter in every sense of the word while facing discrimination and many assassination attempts.

⚠️Check trigger warnings

Great modern military sci-fi with just the right amount of myth and fantasy to make the history and culture its own!

the blood trials was a solid intriguing debut that i found pulled in with its futuristic imperial war and roman empire lore aspects. we follow kenna who goes into deep grief losing her grandfather one of the elite warriors until she finds out he was assassinated and decides to investigate. by this she goes for the dream she shared with her grandfather with was joining the praetorian ranks, being an aspirant she is then put through trials in order to join. davenport does a stunning job conveying themes of racism, prejudice, truths of war, and classism along with the depth of kenna's grief and how she pushes past obstacles thrown her way constantly. i enjoyed how flawed, impulsive and rash kenna is unapologetically as it leaves room for her development through the story and one we'll get to see up until the next and final book. the forbidden magic element in the society added even more to the plot as kenna's power could be even beyond everyone else's, but keeping it a secret along with dealing with the bigotry thrown away is a lot for her mindset. the story starts out slow with world building taking place as in any fantasy, but once it picks up seeing kenna go through the trials is quite thrilling! after that ending im very much looking forward to where the story goes and how it will all conclude!

In a massively racist, sexist, and pantheon fearing society, Ikenna embodies all of these facets while also being the legacy granddaughter of the man who singlehandedly saved the republic. Verne Amari, in an act of heroism, battled the feared and evil Accacian Blood King.
Years later he is not only the Legatus General of the Praetori, the most lethal and feared warriors or the Republic, but he is also dead. By a supposed heart attack.
Ikenna, upon his death, decides to forgo everything it means to be his granddaughter and legacy- Including the ultimate honor of declaring Praetorian. The only problem, is she thinks his death may not be what is officially claimed; he may actually have been murdered and The Tribunal, The Praetori- the very people he had protected and fought alongside are the ones responsible.
The only way for Ikenna to exact her kin debt is to find undeniable proof, and the only way to do that? Become one of the very beings that left her without her only guide. The trick? Not get killed in the process.. Should be easy right?

First-person present-tense is my kryptonite. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a single time it’s worked for me. I hate it with a completely irrational intensity, and I’ve never been able to explain why, even so myself. But this is why I wish there was an excerpt of every ARC, one you could check out before you hit the request button. I’ve seen excerpts on Netgalley a few times, so I know it can be done… Because really, this is a book I shouldn’t have requested. I can’t come close to judging it objectively.

So take it with a heavy dose of salt when I say: what I read of this read like YA, not Adult. There’s a lot of info-dumping, a hot-headed MC whose behaviour and personality make almost no sense in the context of the upbringing we’re told she’s had, and a world whose premise is interesting, but isn’t really explored – definitely not as much as I would have liked. The male bestie is introduced as a drop-dead-gorgeous lady’s man, and the female bestie is named Selene, even though this is another world – making the reference to a Greek goddess extremely jarring and so, so unnecessary.

(This is a culture that literally kills people for having any connections to any god ever, so WHY IS SHE NAMED FOR ONE???)

I also massively overestimated my ability to handle stories dealing with racism and misogyny. I must have been in a very different headspace when I requested it, but I’ve felt too raw for narratives like that for a while now. That’s not a reflection on the book; that part of my Nope feels is definitely an it’s-me-not-you thing. Your mileage will definitely vary.

Probably a whole lot of people are going to enjoy this, but I am definitely not one of them.

Kenna is a military legacy, and she planned on following in her grandfather's footsteps to become an elite warrior. That is she was, up until he died. Lost in grief, Kenna spent most of the time getting into bar fights and doing everything she could to put off her responsibilities leading up to academy graduation. Once Kenna learns that her grandfather's death may have been intentional, she changes her mind and decides to compete in the trials to earn a place as a warrior, as it will put her directly in line with the prime suspects in her grandfather's murder. Now Kenna must survive the trials to solve the mystery.

The Blood Trials is Hunger Games meets Shadow and Bone. The world setting is futuristic with its weapons and technology, but also has some magic. Kenna is one of the few that have the use of magic, because it is illegal and hunted down. Kenna has magic because she is a descendant of a people that naturally possess and use it, citizens of another country that are feared. Not only does Kenna have to keep her magical abilities a secret or face death, she also has to deal with racism and bigotry due to having physical features from the race that is now hated.

Full of action, mystery solving, magic and kicking ass this was a great start to a new series!

Content warning: racism, violence/gore

Standard fare really but with possibilities. It wasn't for me but I can definitely see why some readers will enjoy it and will recommend it to readers that come to my library.

Action-packed, nuanced, smart, heartbreaking, vengeful, ambitious

The Blood Trials caught my eye initially because of the strong cover but I was drawn in instantly by the strong female main character, Ikenna, and her struggles trying to survive in a difficult world. The world that Davenport creates is full of politics, history, betrayal, magic, and action. It will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time and keep you guessing until the very end. The Blood Trials is a stunning debut from a wonderful new author. I can't wait for book two!

Ikenna has one person in her life that keeps everything stable, her grandfather. He raised her and trained her in secret to be an expert martial artist and, even more secretly, to harness her blood gift. After her grandfather is murdered, Ikenna is bent on revenge and discovering the truth of what happened, so she pledges herself to a deadly initiation test that only a quarter of aspirants survive, The Praetorian Trials, where she is positive she will find answers. Is it worth risking it all to find out who murdered her grandfather? What buried secrets will Ikenna discover on her mission for revenge?

While reading The Blood Trials, I found my heart aching for Ikenna. I related so much to the constant pressure and deep desire to live up to her grandfather's expectations to break the chains of generational poverty but constantly feeling like she is failing to do so. The weight on her shoulders, as a recent graduate, to follow in her grandfather's footsteps for the chance to become a legacy line, so it will be easier for the next generation, broke my heart. So many people from underrepresented groups feel this weight every single day and it can be absolutely crushing. There is a real tension between what you want to do with your life and what will be best for generations to come and Davenport takes this deep pain and pressure and replicates it so well in an entirely different world. The deep burden, expectation, and legacy that Ikenna carries will resonate deeply with so many readers, myself included. It made me connect instantly with Ikenna.

The most important piece from this book that resonated with me so deeply was how much of a discussion there was on the challenges of attempting to fix systematic failures from the inside. Davenport perfectly tackles this issue from so many sides, but I loved the deep look into how it affects someone personally. Readers are able to see the personal challenges that come with working alongside people who have betrayed you and people who do not support you. There is a constant internal battle between knowing you are in the best place to make a difference, the pain of working with people who could be your enemies, and struggling to know if you are even going in the right direction. Davenport wonderfully portrays an incredibly nuanced society and characterization in this stunning debut novel.

The Blood Trials is an ambitious debut by N.E. Davenport that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and constantly guessing. This story beautifully tackles some difficult themes that resonated with me deeply and imagined a main character that I fell in love with.

This book is riveting. I didn’t want to put the book down at all. It is well written, and a fresh breath of air.

It’s all about blood.

The blood spilled between the Republic of Mareen and the armies of the Blood Emperor long ago. The blood gifts of Mareen’s deadliest enemies. The blood that runs through the elite War Houses of Mareen, the rulers of the Tribunal dedicated to keeping the republic alive.

The blood of the former Legatus, Verne Amari, murdered.

For his granddaughter, Ikenna, the only thing steady in her life was the man who had saved Mareen. The man who had trained her in secret, not just in martial skills, but in harnessing the blood gift that coursed through her.

Who trained her to keep that a secret.

But now there are too many secrets, and with her grandfather assassinated, Ikenna knows two things: that only someone on the Tribunal could have ordered his death, and that only a Praetorian Guard could have carried out that order.

Bent on revenge as much as discovering the truth, Ikenna pledges herself to the Praetorian Trials—a brutal initiation that only a quarter of the aspirants survive. She subjects herself to the racism directed against her half-Khanaian heritage and the misogyny of a society that cherishes progeny over prodigy, all while hiding a power that—if found out—would subject her to execution…or worse. Ikenna is willing to risk it all because she needs to find out who murdered her grandfather…and then she needs to kill them.

Mareen has been at peace for a long time…

Ikenna joining the Praetorians is about to change all that.

Magic and technology converge in the first part of this stunning debut duology, where loyalty to oneself—and one’s blood—is more important than anything. - Goodreads

Although this book is considered adult, it was very tame. Do not get me wrong, there are adult scenes in this novel but it was tame compared to some of the adult fantasy books I've read.

There is something I want to note about this book if you are not interested in reading about blunt racism (and when I say blunt, I mean it is mentioned on every page) then this book is not for you. I got frustrated reading this book because of the above. By the 5th chapter, I got it. Ikenna has to deal with constant racism, mistreatment because she is a woman and assumptions based on her family status. Like I get it. But nothing in me felt that it needed to be repeated every page. It was like beating a dead horse. There was no need.

Beyond this, I loved this book. The magic system, the characters, the fighting. . . I thought this book was well written and complicated without making me feel like there was too much information. The pace of the novel was great. At no point did I feel the author was dragging the story along. My hang-up with the romance.

It was not necessary. The sex? Yup, necessary but the enemies to lovers trope could have been way better. The chemistry was missing throughout the entire book. It just fell short,

As mentioned this book felt very YA, maybe more toward NA. Maybe it was the lack of over-complication in the fantasy world. I'm really looking forward to book two as I am sure it is going to pack a punch and just be completely rich in history, character development and more adult themes.

Overall, great start.

3.5 Pickles

As someone who doesn't have to worry about racial discrimination, I'm truly happy I read this. Ikenna is such a strong woman who deserves so much better but her ability to survive, overcome, and conquer is awe inspiring. The Blood Trials is now one of my top shelf favorites!

I just want to thank Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved Ikenna as a main character in this novel. Her gritty and unabashed worldview really made this book an enjoyable read. Ikenna goes through multiple trials throughout the book both mental and physically while enduring the rampant racism and misogyny of her peers. All while trying to find out who her grandfather's murders is. The problems I had with this book. The plot was strung along at some points and, at worst, was easily predictable. Worldbuilding could have been written better. I wanted to see a clear view of the world N.E Davenport had written by instead I got this fogy view.
I still enjoyed The blood trials and after editing I'm really looking forward to the finished copy!

Ikenna is still grieving the loss of her grandfather, and considers taking a reprieve from their shared dream of her joining the elite Praetorian ranks, when she learns the life-altering news. Her grandfather, the former Legatus Commander and highest ranking official in the Republic of Mareen, didn't just die of a heart attack. He was assassinated. Most likely by his own Tribunal.

This information changes the trajectory of Ikenna's life, convincing her to pledge herself as a Praetorian aspirant to get close enough to those responsible for her grandfather's death. Though to become a full-fledged Praetorian, she'll have to face the deadliest trials in the Republic—all while hiding the deadly secret she's been harboring.

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I LOVED THIS BOOK. I could not put it down. This is the perfect book for adults who grew up loving the Hunger Games and Divergent. Davenport brilliantly weaves together fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian themes in her debut novel. And boy are we blessed.

The Blood Trials offers a compelling look at grief, war, race and ethnicity, the patriarchy, and classism in a book that is action-packed, gritty, and fun to read. Ikenna is a heroine who contains multitudes. She's loyal to a fault, fiercely empathetic, stubborn, deadly, and she's on a path for justice.

The cast of side characters are also equally compelling. I love seeing many of the other Praetorians and aspirants grapple with what it means to be a soldier of the Republic. Does a good soldier blindly follow orders, or consider what's best for their nation?

I can already see this being one of the most talked-about books of 2022. Give it all the hype and love it deserves!

I might say more when it gets closer to release, because omg. So good you guys.

Ikenna is one of only a few women and the sole Black pledge to the elite Praetorian Guard, the most revered soldiers who serve the Republic of Mareen. It had always been her dream to become a Praetorian so she could follow in the footsteps of her famed warrior grandfather. But after her grandfather is murdered -- most likely at the hands of a Praetorian assassian -- when Ikenna finally has the chance to join the squad it isn’t to serve the Republic; she’s there to take them down from the inside. But in order to join their ranks and maintain the access she needs for her investigation into her grandfather's murder, Ikenna must first survive a series of deadly trials to determine which of the pledges are worthy of the Praetorian mantle.

One of the best parts of The Blood Trials is its refusal to shy away from the brutality of this world and the trials. Davenport holds no punches when it comes to violence, trauma, and killing off characters, but each of these horrors and hardships is well-earned and the book does a good job of exploring their long-lasting impact on Ikenna. However, while Ikenna is largely a compelling character, she spends far too large a portion of the story stubbornly clinging to one theory when it’s blatantly obvious to readers that she’s on the wrong track, making for a rather frustrating read. Once Ikenna finally changes tactics, the depth and intrigue of the story immediately increases, and the climax of the novel goes to several unexpected places and concludes with a game-changing cliffhanger.