I ultimately didn't love Blood Debts but I will say that the audiobook was really well done. There are multiple POVs and each character had a different voice actor which I always enjoy. I think the audiobook is a good way to enjoy this story, especially since you get some of the New Orleans accents as well that helps provide a nice atmosphere. The story itself just didn't really work for me unfortunately.

Set in modern day New Orleans, Blood Debts gives it's listener the feel of the history with the context of modern day. I thought the narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Twins Clement and Cristina are faced with their mother's crippling illness only to discover that it is not a natural illness. As the two work to unite their estranged family members to save their mother, they learn more about their family's tragic history. This is a tale that twines around the racism of the past while helping one family heal and move forward, resetting some of the tragedies of their past. I feel like Benton-Walker did a good job dealing with the racism of the past intruding on the modern day, but not being overbearing. The author's note at the beginning mentioned that he was using this as a way to work through somethings in his own life, and there were definitely some raw moments, especially with Clement. As a story, I enjoyed this very much but would love to have seen more of the magic. In some ways it felt like you needed to have some inside knowledge in order to fully understand mechanics. This book could have been amazing with a little more polishing and I look forward to seeing what else Benton-Walker gives us in the future.

3.25 Stars

I love the idea, concept, and setting but couldn't fully immerse myself into the story. A lot was going on but it wasn't as flushed out as I would like, especially with the side characters.

Overall, a decent read. If you're a fan of YA novels and NOLA settings with voodoo and hexes, give this novel a try.

***I would like to thank NetGalley, Terry J. Benton (the author), and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

Chris and Clement are twins blessed with Generational magic that's been passed down from their ancestors. Their story is set in modern day New Orleans (which is very dear to me), and there is... a lot going on.

I was so excited for this book-- a story about magic, family ties, and politics from the perspective of Black teens. The magic system was interesting, and the scenes involving it were really beautiful. And it was nice to watch the teens pull their fractured family back together to push back against the dark forces trying to destroy them. I also love the queer and mental health representation.

However, some other things fell flat for me. I feel the story took on a little too much. There were so many things happening to so many different characters that I had some trouble keeping it all straight. The general pacing of the story and the big tangle of plot lines left me feeling a little frazzled.

Some of the relationships felt rushed, and it made the intensity of their feelings seem less realistic. And the inner thoughts of some of the POV characters were really repetitive.

Overall, this was a solid, well-written read that kept me engaged throughout. The ending of this boon clearly sets up an equally action-packed sequel, but I'm on the fence about whether I'd pick it up.

The narration of this audiobook was fantastic. I ADORE that the different POV characters have very different voices, and I thought they were all really well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in return for my honest review.

I really liked the magical system and world building in this book! The family secrets were interesting to unravel and the characters were super interesting and realistic! I loved that the audiobook had jazz to introduce each part of the book too.

I have been waiting for a witchy book set in New Orleans for a while now and I am sooooo happy to say this delivered. Loved the feels of this book; the atmosphere was great and got you immersed in no time, the intro music announcing a new part of the book was spot on and the narrators were perfect. Story wise, this has a bit of a slow start but the family dynamics and intrigue were interesting and get you invested and then the next thing I knew, pace picked up and I was fever reading. I loved that the twin MCs, Clement and Christina, were two very different people and that they have different strengths in terms of magic. I also really enjoyed the fact they were close, yet still went through some trials throughout the book, and came out stronger in the end. My favourite part? Definitely the interactions between the witches and the Gods. All in all a very fun and quick read and I can't wait for the sequel!!

Content warnings: Racism, violence, murder, death, homophobia, sexual content, sexual assault, death of a parent, grief.

A huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an early copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!

This is a stunning debut about intergenerational curses, family legacy, and the fight for justice in a world that wants anything but. From the very beginning, it gets into the depths of justice and the nuances of generational and systemic racism. It is beautifully woven into a world full of generational magic, and I really loved the parallels that this gave and the opportunity to show that justice and fight from different perspectives.

I felt like there was just a lot going on in this book, and it was a lot for me to keep up with. It felt like the author was trying to do too much, and with the audiobook, I had issues following along with all of that.

I also wanted to mention that I felt I couldn't rate it higher because, though it is marketed as a young adult book, there is a rather descriptive sex scene that felt as though it was not at all of the young adult genre, and that made me a little hesitant with the promotion.

If you are looking for a book that will broaden your perspective and break down such heavy topics into a beautiful world full of magic, definitely check this book out!

Ahhhhh i was obsessed with this one I couldn't stop listening! the narration was great, the story was super original and new and i easily sunk into this world and the characters.

Quick thoughts: Wow. Absolutely fucking brilliant.

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

With a dedication like this, I just knew that this book was going to rip me apart, and it absolutely did.

This is a story that follows the Dupart family, a Black magical family in NOLA that has been torn apart thanks to racism, betrayal, and deceit. 30 years later, twins Clement and Cristina are determined to uncover the truth behind their grandmother’s death while hoping to bring their family back together.

I can’t even begin to describe all of the emotions that I went through while reading this book.

I absolutely loved Clem and Cris even when they were making the dumbest of decisions. I couldn’t help but root for these Black babies to keep them protected at all costs.

I LOVED the magic system and the magical communities. We see magic of the Black ancestors that of course the white folks are trying to get their hands on and even the underpinnings that take place within the Black magical community itself.

The Dupart family is MESSY, but I was here for it. I think I secretly just wanted to drink some bourbon alongside Ursula while she was cussing folks out. Honestly, this family is just top notch.

There were so wild twists in this book that made me set the book down and just go “WTF just happened”. I was hooked. I don’t want to give anything away, but this one is definitely a roller coaster ride.