Blood Debts

Thanks to Tor Teen and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I actually had no plans to pick Blood Debts up, and I didn't even know it was a book until I saw it while I was surfing what fun new titles Netgalley had to offer me, and boy am I glad I read it!

I had a great time with Cris and Clem and their quest to take back their family's rightful place in the New Orleans magical community after a lynch mob killed their grandparents 30 years prior to the events of the novel. The character arcs were compelling and I especially enjoyed Cristina's, with her refusal to use magic due to it killing her father. The story itself started off a little slow for my tastes, and I wish the atmosphere and setting had been described a bit more, but the queer representation from Clem and a some of the other side characters was awesome, and I loved the bits of romance scattered in between the search for the truth of what happened to the twins' grandparents. The magic was fun to read about, with the inspiration of voodoo magic taking a part in how it was portrayed, and I found the curses and spells very interesting in what they allowed characters to do, and how magic as a system is tied to heritage and ancestry as an important detail.

This was a solidly enjoyable teen read, and one that I will for sure be recommending to any fans of YA fantasy!

This story is fantastic, from the strong characters to the family dynamics and mystical intrigue. You won't be able to turn the pages fast enough!

I spoke about this book and the audiobook on a bookhaul instagram live. I absolutely loved this book and I'm in love with the cover. I can't wait for the next book and have raved about this on twitter and in person.

4.5 stars but rounding up for the review.

THIS BOOK GOT ME! I really enjoyed this story. In the midst of reading, I was like “why did he add all these characters” then I got to the end and was like “it made sense”. There’s still some loose ends - I didn’t know this was gonna be a series of some sort before reading but I am not at all disappointed. I actually cannot wait for the next book to be announced. I enjoyed the characters, even the ones who were annoying. I liked the writing style and the pacing of the story. There was a lot of drama but I didn’t find it overwhelming. I also liked the different perspectives - there were maybe like 4 or 5 but I didn’t find it challenging to keep up with. About 60% of the way through, I got the audiobook (just to finish the book faster) and it was very well done. The narrator(s) did a great job. This one will probably go down as a favorite from the year.

From the very first page, Benton-Walker's writing hooks you, drawing you into a world where danger lurks around every corner. The author expertly weaves together a complex web of interconnected characters, each with their own motivations and secrets, creating a story that keeps you guessing until the very end. The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the truth.

One of the standout aspects of Blood Debts is its well-developed characters. Each protagonist and antagonist is distinct and multi-dimensional, bringing a depth to the narrative that keeps you invested in their fates. Their flaws and vulnerabilities make them relatable, and you find yourself emotionally invested in their struggles and triumphs. Benton-Walker does an excellent job of exploring the psychological complexities of his characters, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

A story of family, magic, secrets, and power. We follow twins Clement and Cristina Trudeau as they discover that the violence of the past has never really left their family and it's up to them to save their future. There's also a slew of very personal, emotional rollercoasters they each have to get through before they can face off against the evil that's trying to destroy them.
This is one of those books where I want to rave about specific decisions the author made because I loved them but I'm afraid that talking about them might ruin the surprise and/or shock that they actually went there with the story. It has a lot of the elements you'd expect from a YA of this genre while also touching on some dark themes that up the ante on every decision the characters make. It pulled me in, made me care for the characters, and kept me guessing.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume because I am still enthralled by the Trudeau family.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Tor Teen for the brilliantly magical read!

HOLY FUCKING SHIT

This book was so so so so good! I could not put ti down whatsoever? Needed a drink? It could wait. Needed food? That waited too. Needed sleep? I didn't sleep. I tried to put it down to sleep, believe me, but I knew I wouldn't have been able to sleep because I just needed to know what happened after where I would have put it down.

Everybody go read this! GO GO GO!

I absolutely adored this book. The setting and world alone drew me in initially, but the characters kept me there. Thanks so much for the eGalley and the opportunity to read it early. The writing in Blood Debts is both fun, descriptive, and interesting. The multiple POV storytelling really worked for this too! Absolutely adored it! 5 stars!

blood debts by terry j. benton walker: 5 out of 5 stars

i had a blast reading this. i loved every layer that was uncovered by the characters and how history and racism were woven in. i enjoyed seeing clem and cris grow in different directions and learn different lessons while also starting to get close to each other again.

there were a few times i thought there were too many POVs, but overall i had fun reading this and am excited about the sequel. thank you netgalley for an arc that i should have read a while ago!