Title: The Blood Trials
Author: N.E. Davenport
Genre: Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Pages: 400
Release Date: 14 April
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Hello fellow book lovers and welcome back for another review for by spot on Random Things Tours Blog Tour for The Blood Trials, which is an action packed sci-fi fantasy that perfectly blends magic and technology in this deliciously gritty, vengeance-filled debut (a first in a new duology) from the exceptionally talented N.E Davenport.
My Tour spot is actually over on my instagram @natashaleighton_ (so do head on over there and check it out) but I wanted to share my slightly longer review with you guys here.
I also wanted to say a huge thank you to Anne from Random Things Tours and Harper Voyager for the wonderful finished copy.
Synopsis
It’s all about blood.
Blood spilled long ago between the Republic of Mareen and the armies of the Blood Emperor, ending all blood magic.
Now there is peace in the Republic – but there is also a strict class system, misogyny, and racism. Her world is not perfect, but Ikenna survived in it. Until now.
With the murder of her grandfather, Ikenna spirals out of control. Though she is an initiate for the Republic’s deadly elite military force, Ikenna has a secret only her grandfather knew: she possesses the blood magic of the Republic’s enemies.
Ikenna throws herself into the gladiatorial war games at the heart of her martial world: trials that will lead her closer to his killers. Under the spotlight, she subjects herself to abuse from a society that does not value her, that cherishes lineage over talent – all while hiding gifts that, if revealed, would lead to execution or worse. Ikenna is willing to risk it all to find out who killed her grandfather…
So she can end them.
Magic, technology, and rebellion meet in this stunning debut – part one of a duology that sees a young Black woman rise through misogyny and racism to become an elite warrior.
Perfect for fans of RED RISING and AURORA RISING
Review
I have to admit I’m a bit of a sucker for books centred around revenge seeking, badass female warriors especially when there’s magic or forbidden abilities involved and I can honestly say this did not disappoint. The action was thoroughly gripping and the constant threat of death to our impulsive protagonist.
As someone used to the gut wrenching plot twists after years of reading S.J Maas’ work, I have to say I was not expecting to feel so emotionally invested in soo many characters so early in the book, not all of whom make the last page unscathed. I’m in awe of Davenport’s skill, I can’t believe this is only a debut!
I would also like to state that this is an Adult Fantasy and NOT a YA - and contains some really dark and graphic scenes of violence that might put some people off. But, if you like your fantasy with a side of danger, bloody skirmishes and backstabbing —then you’re going to absolutely love this!
Davenport’s attention of detail in the world building and richly drawn characters was incredible. We’re introduced to a world (and society) that has developed through bloody wars, racism and oppression which, despite the fantastical creatures, forbidden magic and alien (planet) setting still feels all to familiar to the real world — with racist, misogynistic and classist attitudes that oftentimes mirror aspects of our own society, with characters whose experiences and motivations are incredibly easy to relate to.
I really liked Ikenna, our badass but reckless protagonist, who definitely kept me on the edge of my seat with her unpredictability. Her friends (Selene and Zayne) were just as likeable and I really enjoyed getting to know them and the other characters she becomes friendlier with during her training —in particular Dannica who’s personality really begins to shine in the second half of the book and Reed, Ikenna’s Byronic frenemy/ love interest.
Speaking of Reed, I really liked the development of his character and thought his dynamics with Ikenna were tension-filled and thoroughly enjoyable, I can’t wait to see how things develop in the sequel.
The plot was honestly really well developed and I honestly loved the mystery aspect of things, trying to work out who murdered Ikenna’s grandfather and we are given quite a few suspects which I definitely felt kept things interesting and you’ll be pleased to know the culprit is eventually revealed and the outcome for it is really satisfying.
Overall, this is an undeniably addictive and plot-twisty book that will definitely appeal to fans of The Gilded Ones and Blood Scion or anyone new to the adult sci-fi fantasy genre. After how things wrapped up (in explosive plot twisty fashion) I’m now desperately eager to get my hands on the sequel!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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