I actually really wanted to like this, but unfortunately the writing was too immature and basic for me to be able to enjoy it. Very disappointing since the cover and synopsis were really promising.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

An absolutely stunning and magical debut I was enraptured from start to finish! Cannot wait for the sequel!!

The representation in this is excellent in its discussion of mental health, trauma, systemic racism, LGBTQ+ romance, and family dynamics, and I love the introduction of a new magic system; however, the book feels bloated in an effort to cover all of these topics. For me, it became tough to engage with the story because of how much the book jumps from one plot point and theme to another.

While I wish the execution had been better, I do appreciate the topics the book covers, and for that alone I'd recommend trying it.

Blood debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
“Our family can’t peacefully coexist in the same room for five minutes. We’re all going to die.”
~~
Y’all, 30 (or so) year old murder mystery, New Orleans magic, family, representation, “payback is a witch.” I ate this book up!!
Murder mysteries aren’t really my cup of tea, but this one flavor made me drink the who thing. (Don’t judge me for my words.)
Let’s also point out the fact that how much Benton-Walker brought to light the amount of social injustice. There is a lot to unpack in the this book. It maybe fictional but we got a lot of realism here yall.
But I finished this in a day. I loved the FMC coming into her power, and then that cliffhanger. Yeaa, that was… Imma need to be reassured that there will be a second book. Cause that ending!!
🩸Blood Debts releases April 4,2023! Preorder now! 🩸

A super fun AND thoughtful YA fantasy. It reminded me of the witches of The Originals, so if you've ever been into the TVDU, this book will be a perfect read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The story follows 16 year old twins Clement and Cristina Trudeau. The twins are still dealing with the death of their father when their mother starts to fall ill. After finding out the real reason their mother was sick the twins come together to work to reconcile their family that has become estranged. before this Clem was embracing his family’s magical powers while Cris wanted nothing to do with them. I was instantly drawn to this book because of it being in New Orleans. I did enjoy the story and the fact that it’s left open that there could be a second book.

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillon-Tor/Forge Publishing for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Macmillian Publishers for sending me this e-arc in return for an honest review.

Honestly this book was for me, the pacing of the writing wasn't my style, the bickering between the two siblings was frustrating. And what seemed to be promising storyline did not hold up for me. If all the writing was hard to get into it most of all.

I was so excited to read this book and it definitely did not disappoint. I enjoyed everything about this book: the characters, the atmosphere, the magic and the mystery. It all accumulated together to create an incredibly interesting story.

I especially appreciated Benton-Walkers take on magic and I loved the setting of New Orleans. Clem and Cris were such interesting characters and although I didn't always agree with their decisions; I was still rooting for them to succeed. You also had some classic characters you just love to hate (*cough cough* Lenora and Valentina) so it's just so satisfying when they get finally get their comeuppance. I will say the story ended on a but of a cliff hanger so I am now anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

Blood Debts was a fantastical YA debut with lots to love and lots to look forward to. Can't wait to see where this story goes!

Honestly this book was really difficult to get into. I was so excited to read it because of all the representation and diversity however there was so much going on I was confused. I could not focus and what was happening and it was like a brain overload. There was also a lot of unnecessary moment that could have been taken out. I am so sad because I really wanted to enjoy this book

Okay let’s talk about what I DID love: the rep! There is diverse rep, queer rep and even mental health rep which is amazing.

The depiction of generational trauma and racism is present throughout the story and it’s portrayal was well done. Something that is not seen as often as should be in YA books, or just doesn’t do it justice. The implications of such trauma is prevalent in every interaction and is a very important discussion to have at the fore front of the book. I mean just read the dedication:

“For every child of color who was denied the justice they deserved. You always matter.” Perfection.

However, while that remained the core theme/issue there were so many other themes competing that it became overwhelming at points to figure out what to focus on. (Family dynamics, sexuality, vengeance, etc…) I became lost in the multiple themes and characters that it was hard for me to engage with the story lines and truly invest in the characters because of how much it jumped around. I was never allowed to ‘simmer’ and fully digest an idea before moving on. NOTE: I am fully aware that this is a ‘me’ issue and not necessarily something other readers had a hard time with.

While this book may not have been for me it may be for you if you enjoy:
—diverse rep
—queer rep
—mental health rep
—siblings/family relationship dynamics
—intricate magic systems

I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Teen for giving me the opportunity to read and give my own opinions on the advanced reader copy. If you're into a revenge story featuring New Orleans magic and family feuds, then this might be the book for you!! Our two main characters are Cris and Clem, twins who can practice Gen magic and are working through two different problems but are still trying to bring their family together.

I really liked the different POVs that we get in this book. Obviously our main ones are Cris and Clem, but we get a few different ones that give another perspective of other important characters in the book, like Valentina and Lenora. You really get a feel for how Cris and Clem process what's happening around them and how they're dealing with their father's death. Benton-Walker really made an effort to ensure that the main characters are unique and have their own flaws; that they feel real. I enjoyed meeting them and spending time getting to know them and how they do magic.

The magic system, while a little confusing, was very interesting and something extremely unique. I've never read a book with a magic system that's as tied to New Orleans as this book's is, and so it's great to get the exposure of the different ways the characters do magic and cast spells. The world building was a little lackluster, but the world wasn't so complicated that it needed a lot of world-building for the book to make sense anyway, so that's neither here nor there.

My one complaint is that this book is a little wordy and some of the plot points could've been rearranged to make the wordiness make more sense. Like, you'll be reading a certain section of the book that when you finish, you'll think that it could've fit better in a later portion of the book.

I'm glad that Cris did that explanation at the end of the book of what went down between the different families, because lemme tell you I was so confused and it took me a second to really understand what went down and the whole revenge thing. Though it might be seen as cliche, but I don't really care because it helped me make sense of the plot and the mystery being solved.

I just want to say, that with Cris' boyfriend? I fucking called it and I knew that I was right. He's gross and I don't like him.

I really enjoyed this book!! The beginning was a little slow and the different ways that characters were keeping secrets bothered me, but once we hit the middle point there was no stopping it!! We just sprinted towards the end and the ending was quite the performance!! I can't wait to read the next installment of the series, if there is one, and get more time with our characters.

This was disappointing. I had such high hopes for this story but I was bored by chapter two and had to skim the last 60% because no way could the mystery be that easy to solve… it was, in fact, that easy to solve. There wasn’t even a red herring.

There was so much potential but with the odd pacing, hard to understand magic system, and the constant repetitive inner monologues this book was underwhelming.

There were also so many povs and unnecessary moments in this book that I’m mad just thinking about it.

I was not a fan and honestly I’m more disappointed we never got to meet any vampires even tho they are mentions multiple times.

I could not believe that this was a debut novel for this author. This story weaved magic realism with a coming to age story, using magic as a metaphor for issues sounding grief, family and transition towards adulthood. The character development is the best part of the reading experience. This author may become my next auto-buy.

Thanks to NetGalley & Tor Teen for the copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I did not finish the book and left off at 20% of the way through.

I think the promotions/marketing was way off with this book. First off, it's not remotely a historical fiction book. It's set in modern times with modern slang with magic--so it's urban fantasy. Second, it's a revenge story with extremely unlikable characters who make the worst possible decisions.

I love Young Adult books in general but these YA protagonists were driving me up the wall with their ridiculous petty arguments! Can't tell if they're 18- or 10-year-olds! It reminds me of how I couldn't get through Atlas Six, so if you liked that book then you'd like this one.

Don't get me wrong, I usually like morally grey characters, but the decisions these characters made only 20% of the way through were pretty *bad*. Especially with Christina...you'll have to read and see.

Another nitpick, Clem & Christina were the twins and their POVs dominated and we got other POV chapters as well but for some reason their POV were written in third person while the twins had first person? I'm not sure what the thought process on that but it was very jarring.

UPDATED REVIEW:

Just making it to 3-stars

Blood Debts is brimming with magic, political intrigue, family dynamics and curses. I really liked the twins and both the magic/political systems here however, I did feel there was too much info dumping at times which meant the pacing faltered. I also wasn't a fan of how many POVs we had - it made the story jolt in places. The saving grace for me was the vibe of the book. It was dark in places, funny in others and there were real moments scattered throughout. A strong premise with okay execution, there is definitely an audience for this book and I think it will find its feet in the YA fantasy genre. Even though I didn't love this as much as I had hoped, I will still pick up any sequels or something else this author writes.

Siblings, Clem and Chris, are still grieving their father's death when their mother becomes ill. No treatment - magical or otherwise - has been able to save their mother from her ailment.

After a grim medical check-up, they discovered their mother wasn't ill. She'd actually been cursed.

Left reeling the from the betrayal, they're determined to discover who could and would set out to destroy their family.

The level of deceit and hatred amongst the characters and community is twisted over the generations into a raw and tangible thing about to combust.

I really wanted to rate the book higher, but there's so many point of views and loose threads that are condensed into such a short timeframe, that it's a lot to unpack and doesn't necessarily flow smoothly.

DNF
Let me begin by saying I love the atmosphere of this. The plot/premise is incredibly interesting as well. The witchery with the New Orleans setting will nearly always get me excited. Unfortunately, the characters felt one dimensional almost and very, very immature - even the adults. I know it’s YA and was prepared for it to read as YA, so I expected some level of immaturity. But this was hard for me to read. I made it 46% through before I DNF’d and still feel a bit as if I should finish it eventually, but then I remember how I just didn’t care about what the characters had going on because it made 0 sense. It read similarly to a poorly done CW show.

Cristina and Clement are the grandchildren of the former Queen of the Magical and Spiritual Coalition (MASC) who was lynched after being found guilty of murdering the mayor's daughter. Now, 30 years later, someone is after the twins' mom after they discover that her illness is due to a hex. Cristina is determined to clear her grandmother's name though she has eschewed the use of magic. And Clement wants to find the person who crossed his mom and his family.

Told from the POV of Clement and Cristina, with also some POV from side characters...There were too many perspective, which also changed in tense (from first-person-present-tense with the twins to third-person-past-tense with the side characters). I really wanted to love this book: the cover is gorgeous, the premise is intriguing, and the setting is New Orleans. With more character development and focus, I think the twins could have been awesome MCs with distinct voices and strengths. I was intrigued by the family lore and the differentiation of all the magical types.

Unfortunately, this book fell utterly flat for me. There was no sense of setting (or maybe there were far too many settings that nothing seemed central) and too many characters that did not have a significant focus, but played a significant part to plot development (I found myself highlighting and writing "WHO" because the introduction of the character and any action was so distant). The voices of the characters were not distinct enough, which was also frustrating as many of the adults sounded like angsty teens (Queen Mother/grandmother saying "That part, Gabriela") and the the teens are mouthy as hell. The revelations are only revelations to the twins because readers are told information within the side character narratives. I found myself sighing and saying "of course" whenever something sketchy happens but the MCs are clueless. There was just way too much going on (and somehow, not enough) and this could have easily been split into two separate books. 1.5 stars. It's not that I didn't like it...it has SO MUCH potential and could easily be a cool witchy teen TV series, which is frustrating that the writing itself felt like it needed another once-over for editing, focus/scope, and character development.

Blood Debts is an intense, fast-paced magical mystery. Twins Cristina and Clement, descendents of a long line of practitioners of Generational magic, must come together with the help of their family to find out who is trying to kill them and why. I loved this book so much. One of its main focuses is on family dynamics and the power of family, taking us through the feuds of multiple families of New Orleans practitioners of magic. It also makes sure to emphasize the importance of Black joy, which is not portrayed often enough in books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a side of atmosphere with their YA fantasy books. This is a must read, and I can’t wait for it to be published on April 4th!

🦇 Blood Debts Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❝ It's there, as we walk down the center aisle between the opposing crowds with raw energy, that I finally think I might've figured out the meaning of life. The sea of people, entangled in body and thought, two sides of the same coin, screaming for change—this is the epicenter of social disruption. Yet, they're but a small part of a much larger world, comprising a vast collection of people whose lives crash into one another in peace, love, or anger—like me, like everyone around me. ❞

🦇 Sixteen-year-old twins Clement and Cristina Trudeau are heirs to a magical throne once ruled by their grandmother, Cristine Dupart. Her title as Queen of the Generational Magic Council of New Orleans and Chair of the Magical and Spiritual Coalition of the entire magical world was stolen the night Cristine and her husband were brutally massacred in front of their family home. 30 years later, Clement and Cristina discover their ailing mother isn't sick, but rather cursed, leading them to uncover two mysteries: who is after their family now, and who stole their legacy 30 years ago.

💜 Terry J. Benton-Walker's contemporary fantasy debut is a powerful conjuring of magic, social justice, and the force behind family. This spell-binding story draws from New Orlean's history of Voodoo, Southern mystic, and urban fantasy while shining dazzling moonlight on social injustices of our past and present. Benton-Walker does a skillful job of exploring topics like inequality, justice, grief, morality, mental health, and cycles of violence—cycles that extend down bloodlines. Racist mobs, lynchings, and drive-by shootings aren't easy topics to broach, but Benton-Walker does so with respect for the past while pushing for peace and equality in the future. He also breathes life to the New Orleans many of us only visit through page and ink with exquisite detail. When the same home is shared through generations, it becomes more than a place; it becomes part of a family's history, their legacy. Clement's anxiety and Cristina's therapy are beautiful, realistic touches as well, and I'm grateful to Benton-Walker for normalizing the topic of mental health. I also appreciated the concept of history repeating from one generation to the next, though I'm eager to see how the twins break from such unhealthy cycles in future installments.

🦇 To be completely honest, I wanted to give this story five stars, but there's still so much potential for growth in the plot, characters, and prose. For starters, I wish there was more suspense (everyone is keeping secrets, but since the readers know most of them, there's no real tension). The story's murder mystery lacks twists and turns that could otherwise build that suspense, too. Details regarding the different forms of magic were a little vague as well, making it difficult for readers to fully immerse themselves in this world. While the cast is diverse, there are so many characters (past and present) that it's a little difficult to keep track, especially during Cristina's investigation (her bullet point recaps helped). The story's POV switches to other characters more than once, and while their perception of past and present events could have added depth to the story by providing details the twins lacked, it didn't. However, it does remind us that people are interconnected, their stories threaded together in unperceivable ways. Given it's only the first book in a series, I'm eager to see how the details we were given from Zachary Kingston and Valentina Savant weave into the shared tapestry of this tale.

🦇 Recommended to any fan of YA fantasy, magical mayhem, and social justice. Blood Debts is an enchanting, enthralling urban fantasy and murder mystery; a series with potential to become an on-screen legacy.

⚜️ Social Justice
🩸Murder Mystery
💀 Multiple POVs
🌙 Magically Queer Characters

⚠️ Trigger Warnings: Racism, lynching, anxiety, depression, homophobia, bullying, murder, grief, sexual assault, alcohol and drug use, car accident.

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.