Reviews

<i>Blood Like Fate</i> was quite an enjoyable read–we jump right into the story of Voya struggling to gain the respect of her family and reconcile important relationships we lost in the previous book. This book was a great improvement on the previous one, which I found to be frustratingly repetitive.

I am generally not a fan of prophecies in stories, especially when those prophecies or visions are guiding the story. However, I thought this was a nice twist on the traditional prophecy trope. I still didn’t love it, but I didn’t find it as insufferable as I usually do. I found myself much more frustrated with the Thomas family & witch community instead, as I was supposed to be.

Overall a great conclusion to this duology; it covers generational trauma, becoming, and community building in an important way, especially for younger readers.

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challenging emotional tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The sequel was pretty nice. Voya does have to pay for actions from the first book and yet at the same time trying her best to lead the family. Also she’s still a kid and the family (the adults) were not much help for much of the book. That’s a lot to ask of a kid when everything is happening at once. It’s okay to ask for help.

It was nice once again to get the food and culture side of things. Helped break up some of the heavy stuff and how voya was feeling. On the other hand this still may be a family of witches but it’s good to see that magic can’t fix everything. Bonds between family members are still being tested. Eating disorder and possible drug use.

The whole “getting your lick back” for Justin was messed up. Justin did some not so nice things in the first book and has to pay. However, i understand somewhat because his sponsor kids are being loyal. Oh yea johan, smh. You sir are trifling.

Lastly, i see you Luc.

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3.0

3.5/5

I liked this a little better than I liked the first one. I think this was a perfectly good wrap up to a good duology. What I loved the most was Voya’s growth. I think I was annoyed at how her family treated her, but the treatment was understandable even if it was harsh. I think Voya had to find a way to stand on her own separate from who she was in book 1 and I see that a LOT. But i also think all the characters grew a lot and we got insights to new characters like Aqua, Iliana, etc. I wish there were a third book as I loved the vibes of this one, but the duology is perfect as it.

What I didn’t like

Literally why do they keep Justin alive? He’s AWFUL and a MURDERER. HELLO???

Second - I’m trying to understand why they are still keeping Johan around also. Like I’m supposed to believe that someone who killed his brother and mother is just going to get his magic taken away and it may or may not get back & he’s still invited to the family function??? be serious. that was v unbelievable.