Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book!!
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
There's a lot of TW's in this story too. Check my storygraph review and/or storygraph in general because it lists all of them.

I also received an ARC of the first story Blood Debt and I remember not liking the plot very much. Magic in New Orleans is great! The political intrigue of a magical society is fun! But the way the story came together in the first book felt convoluted with too many plot points, way too many characters, and a lot of POV's for people I couldn't remember. It felt like the story was this big run around for the characters and nothing seemed like it was connected to the other thing but nevertheless, I decided to read this sequel because I knew it was going to be better. (I also knew I needed to give the ARC of Blood Debt some leeway because it was an old draft that wasn't vindictive of the final product).

So, Blood Justice. There was still A LOT of characters in the story but I was less confused this time around (sort of, I didn't have a family tree to help this time) about who everyone was and how they all knew each other. The plot was also a lot less chaotic. Cris and Clem had one goal, find out who was framing their mom, and they didn't go around and around New Orleans trying to catch the person.

I still don't like Valentina as a person and I don't think I'm meant too? From what I remember of the first book, Cris literally did nothing to incur her wrath and since Valentina always says "This isn't about OZ" then what the hell is it about? Cris did nothing to Valentina that was worth all the bullying, the scheming, the lies, and Valentina plotting to kill her mom, the last parent Cris has. There's nothing that could ever make me like Valentina and I hope she doesn't get a redemption arc.

The whole possession plot line was horrifying in all honesty. I know Zac is an asshole in the first book for what he did but... damn... the trauma that's been given to him is so sad.

I still like Clem and Cris a lot, they're fun characters and I was glad to see them fight less in this sequel than they did in the first installment.

I also was under the impression for some reason that this was a duology and not a trilogy (?). I do think I'll read the next book because I want to know how the overall story ends. I just hope that the last book isn't as long as this one.

HOLY PLOT TWISTS, BATMAN! I loved Blood Debts and book two took things even further. I loved how important topics like racism, xenophobia, greed/power, family dysfunction/relations were woven seamlessly into the plot and world-building. I also really liked seeing and how LGBTQIA+ characters were plentiful and not othered because of it, and how femme characters held and pursued high level positions and were not pigeon-holed. Cris in particular is a fascinating character as readers see both her darker side as well as her deep love for her family and what is just. The only bad part? Having to wait for book three!

I liked the first books plot and the cliffhanger we left off on. This book continues its engaging journey. I like that the author is able to capture how typical teenagers act and feel and it can be easy to get annoyed by the twins decisions but you remember they are teens and then their decisions make more sense.

I really enjoyed Blood Debts so I was stoked for the sequel but honestly I think this one maybe needed to like, put one or two characters/plots back on the shelf. Like I still love Clem and Cris as characters and I think the magical worldbuilding is so cool but this was just...a lil too much for me tbh

full of rage, anger, and revenge. the protagonists got stronger and the plot got more focused, but the mystery was a little weaker. thanks for the arc.

This is the sequel to Blood Debts, a YA novel that follows Cris and Clem and their family’s journey for justice. We are continuing to learn of the magical systems and those who practice them. Cris and Clem’s family may now be leading the magic council, but this does not mean they are safe from harm. Terry J. Benton-Walker continues to give us multiple POVs with Cris and Clem at the forefront. All the POVs are woven together smoothly so that the reader does not get confused nor does it feel like info dumping.

Every new character, magic system/spells, and twists that we learned will keep the reader hooked! Towards the end of the book, I couldn't put it down and had to finish reading to find out what happens next! I had no idea that this was going to have a third book so the ending shocked me in the best way!

This book is a lot darker than the first and the way that Cris is seeking justice had me agree with her at times. Clem, oh Clem, he holds a special place in my heart. Everything he goes through and his sacrifices for those he loves are just heartbreaking! These siblings keep their secrets, but in the end, they will have each other’s back to ensure they save themselves from themselves.

This was one of my top 3 books of 2023! I cannot wait for its release so I can reread the physical copy!

A huge thank you to NetGalley for this E-ARC, it in no way influences my review. Blood Justice will be out in the world on April 23, 2024, so preorder NOW!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this title.

The Trudeau siblings are back, and just as great as ever. Every time I go to read a sequel to a book I loved, I get nervous that the second book won't live up to the first. This book, however, exceeded my expectations. This was such a good sequel. It built upon the story, providing both answers and further questions. I really appreciated that the author included a few reminders at the beginning of the story to help bring you back into the universe and where book 1 left things. I didn't get a chance to reread the first book before starting this, but this helped me feel right back at home in this world. The character development in this was so interesting. I loved the direction that Benton-Walker took with the story. It is the perfect combination of plot and character. It works so well. I enjoyed how we get a bigger picture look at the world in this one, seeing a bit past New Orleans' magical community. I once again thought that the multiple POVs was handled really well. It's often something that's so irritating for me personally as a reader, but I had no complaints with it in this. This series is just so good, and I love the development in Blood Justice. I would definitely recommend this title and the series as a whole to anyone with even the slightest interest in fantasy novels.

An ARC was provided through NetGalley.

This is a spoiler-free review, as Blood Justice is a book that needs to be read without any spoilers provided. The twists and turns are just That Good. Don’t let the length of time I spent reading the book fill you. Real life might have reared its head, but all I wanted to do was sit up day and night and read the book until I was done.

There’s a fine line between justice and vengeance, as the characters in Blood Justice, Terry J. Benton-Walker’s sequel to blood debts find out. Combined with a desire to create and/or maintain family and legacy, these themes make the book a stellar sequel to Blood Debts, one that is even better than the original.

What could be a basic one-note novel about magic and a quest for power is turned into something far more intriguing and spell-binding (no pun intended) in Benton-Walker’s hands. The grief and rage that the Clement, Cristina, and Valentina are feeling only serves to provide more depth to the characters , fueling their motivation and making their choices throughout the book completely understandable, even if those choices break the reader’s hearts in the process.

I was blown away by Blood Debts and the sentiment has only doubled after reading Blood Justice. The way that Benton-Walker creates layer upon layer of characterization and motivation, all fleshed out in the rich history of New Orleans is something to behold. After reading Blood Justice, I could easily make a trip to New Orleans and expect to witness the gods and magical families out there walking among us.

Ohh CLEM!! Omg I was shocked at the things that happened in this book. I don’t know why cause book 1 kept me on my toes just like this one. Truly captivating! I love this author’s writing style and I’m sucked in every time. YOU MUST READ THIS!

Benton-Walker has crafted a mystical New Orleans that pulses with magic. I love Clem and Cris and their stories and am really enjoying the darkness to these books. Blood Debts took me a couple tries to get into, but I ended up really enjoying it. I had no problem jumping right into Blood Justice and enjoying the dark world of it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for an advanced copy of Blood Justice for review. All opinions are my own.

Blood Justice, the second installment, surpasses its predecessor in intensity, delving deeper into the shadows of its magical realm. The characters, now even more morally complex, navigate a labyrinth of subplots and ethical dilemmas, creating a whirlwind of revenge, mayhem, and profound emotional exploration.

The storyline takes a darker turn, revealing an explosive fusion of magic, race, and politics, skillfully interwoven to create a narrative that is both enthralling and thought-provoking. As the sequel propels the reader through its pages, the intricate plot introduces a myriad of twists, keeping them on the edge of their seat, yearning for resolution.

Approaching Blood Justice with uncertain expectations, I found myself pleasantly surprised—it exceeded all anticipations. The narrative's seamless flow and the author's adept storytelling held me captive, urging me to devour each page with eagerness. The vivid portrayal of the characters and their morally ambiguous choices adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it a compelling exploration of revenge, justice, and the human condition.

Blood Justice serves as a powerful reminder that advocacy takes various forms, and the author, Benton-Walker, masterfully employs his voice as a resonant call for transformation. I highly recommend Blood Justice to teens and young adults who appreciate narratives that transcend the boundaries of fantasy, offering a mirror to our own world's complexities. Benton-Walker's narrative prowess shines through, and I eagerly anticipate future stories that promise the same level of unpredictability and brilliance as Blood Justice.

Thank you Tor Teen and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Terry J Benton-Walker is an amazing author and is continuously amazing me with how much he puts into his books! Blood Justice was flipping amazing like edge of your seat wanting to consuming the book and also terrified to finish! Cris and Clem are back and they have rightful taken back what belonged to their family. Cris is struggling though because so many people were involved in wronging the family and they are just getting away with it. Cris won’t allow that if no one else with do what needs to be done she’s got enough justifiable rage to do it herself. Clem is consumed by finding a way to save Yves and overwhelmed with the situation. Valentina suspects Cris’s family was involved with her heartbreak and she is determined to have her revenge on get what she believes belongs to her. When people start turning up dead or missing, Cris and Clem’s family are once again under attack. Can the figure out what’s going on? And just what do the Gods have in store for them? With everyone keeping secrets, including the Gods, Cris and Clem may just in over their heads. Every second of this book had me on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop and my heart to break! Cris’s desire for revenge/justice was absolutely perfect and I was so proud of her for kicking ass!!! I felt every bit of Clem’s heartbreak and his feelings of just being tired. I also get why he made the decisions he made and am excited to see where it takes him! Of course Terry’s dropping bombs right up until the very end and now I need to know what comes next and book two isn’t even out yet! My inner voice does not to these characters justice and I can’t not wait to listen to the audiobook for this one, I think it’ll blow readers away! Highly recommend reading this book of strong black characters that are faced with so much but will not let anyone stand in their way!

Blood Justice, the follow up to Blood Debts, by Terry J. Benton-Walker is the kind of book you want to drop everything else in your life for so you can just binge read it. It is a propulsive, fast-paced, full of interesting magic, thematic subtext, jaw-dropping reveals, and iconic scenes. I love this book, and I cannot wait for the next installment of this Game of Thrones-style YA series.

Blood Justice's plot is super high stakes, cathartic, violent, frightening, beautiful, heart-warming, tender, heart-breaking, and sickening. Terry J. Benton-Walker ran me through the spectrum of emotions.

Just like Blood Debts, Blood Justice has a large, fascinating cast, and it grows a little in this book. Yay! New characters! The relationships between the big cast of characters are so well defined and interconnected, and I loved the chapter-by-chapter POV-shifts. Most often, readers will experience the story through Clem and Cris, the twin main characters. We get their first person point of view. (I’m so loyal and invested in these two it hurts, by the way!) But, we also get treated to 3rd person omniscient viewpoints from Valentina, Oz, Zac, and one other character I don’t want to say here (because it was too moving of an experience to be led into their POV.)

I give the magic in this book 10/10. It has such a central, constant presence, and the writing about it is very beautiful and cinematic. Cris, Clem, and Valentina come into their own as gen magic welders, using their power to great effect for defense, offense, vengeance, joy and art. and more.

Terry J. Benton-Walker made these books ripe for fan theories and discussion. The exploration of justice is deep, tangled, and nuanced. I felt immersed in the messiness of defining and finding justice for self and community. I also found myself scouring the text for clues about the mysteries to be solved in the present and future.

Miscellaneous:
This book is unputdownable after Chapter 37.
I annotated signature colors for places and characters like blue, orange, gold, and green.
I closely followed the motif of string and tether imagery.
Sofia has my whole heart right now.
Ayden Holloway is back in this book too. I love the presences of visual and performing arts in this series.

Thank you netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Teen for allowing me to read this book. Terry has done it again. This man knows how to pull you in and keep you in to the very last page. I will forever be a Terry J Benton-Walker Stan.

The first book in this series? Phenomenal. I was on the edge of seat the entire time. The sequel? I have no words. It builds, and it builds, and doesn't disappoint when you get to the end. It was an incredible journey!

Valentina gripped me in the prologue and I was hooked from there. I love a villain that is sympathetic but also has the most unhinged reactions to things. You made my grandmother upset? I will curse your car so you die in a car accident. You stole my boyfriend? I am going to manipulated him into giving your mother magical cancer. Absolutely wild. And things she does in this one? I won't spoil.

For the emotional side of things, how things were left between Clem and Yves. I wanted this eARC just for that. Poor Clem.

Cris's journey to get in touch with her magic again was emotional, vengeful, and I loved every second of it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Grou for this eARC. I enjoyed every second of it.

Absolutely AMAZING. It is definitely an art to weave social justice issues into a book without it turning into an academic essay or an obvious teaching moment. Terry masters this in Blood Justice in a way that was so validating for me, and would definitely stick with younger YA readers too.

The character development was fire, I felt like I got to know many characters on a deeper level, even if I didn’t like the direction they were going. Loved the focus on Cris & Clem, and their relationship.

I wish the pacing of the mystery in the middle of the book had been quicker, which was a bit frustrating when you saw definitely saw suspicious activities going on *squints eyes*… but then it picks up! And when I say it all comes TOGETHER?!?!

Yeah basically LOVED this sequel!! Now we have to impatiently wait and see what happens next 🥹🥹

A beautiful continuation of the aftermath of the first book. I loved being immersed in the family dynamics and the Romeo and Juliet esque tragedy of it all. Terry has become an auto but author for me.

Blood Justice picks up after Chris and Clem along with their family have regained control of the magical council in New Orleans. However neither are able to actually enjoy this victory. Christina is set on finding vengeance against those that have wronged her and her family. Clement is unable to move on with his life as his love Yves still hangs in limbo after being murdered and resurrected. Valentina Savant has lost everyone that she actually cared for and her family has lost power. The magical community in New Orleans if facing outside threats of groups set on destroying magic and those that practice.

Terry really outdid himself with this book! The magic system and community are so bright and vibrant. I adore all of the characters. I really loved the additional focus on Valentina in this book! She is a really complex character and watching her flex her power was great. I am dying to see where this story goes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Benton continues to explore the themes of injustice, oppression, race, culture and appropriation in this contemporary coming of age story while also touching on subjects like incarceration and the unhoused in a way that enhances the story without it feeling spoon fed to the reader. Next I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss how I enjoyed Blood Debts but Blood Justice really elevated the stakes for me in a way I haven’t read since Catching Fire years ago. We continue on Cristina and Clem’s respective journeys as they try to deal with the consequences of their actions in Blood Debts while also deciding who they want be and just how far each of them will go to get what they want. I’m usually not a massive fan of multiple POV’s (after two characters I just start to lose interest) but the way Benton does is really special and it’s so integral to the story unfolding the way it does. Each character has a rich inner world that adds to the complexity of the story and allows Benton to broach sensitive topics in a nuanced way.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it. The cover art is super pretty and I hope they keep that as well