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rokinjaguar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The concept is so cool, and I think it delivers well enough for what it is, but I often find YA books annoying and hard to get invested in. I often don’t find the characters and their problems relatable, and it’s rare that YA characters are truly clever or wise, which is fine cause they’re young, but it’s just often not for me.
That’s kind of the critique I had for this book, the characters could be reckless and unwise in ways that made it difficult for me to get really invested, but that’s kind of a given with many books in this genre. What makes this book unique was done pretty well. The concept is cool and plays out satisfactorily, although that’s rather subjective and others may find the ending unsatisfying. Overall it was worth the read, but I probably won’t buy it for my collection. I may check out other books by this author though! She has some good ideas!
That’s kind of the critique I had for this book, the characters could be reckless and unwise in ways that made it difficult for me to get really invested, but that’s kind of a given with many books in this genre. What makes this book unique was done pretty well. The concept is cool and plays out satisfactorily, although that’s rather subjective and others may find the ending unsatisfying. Overall it was worth the read, but I probably won’t buy it for my collection. I may check out other books by this author though! She has some good ideas!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Slavery, Blood, Death, Misogyny, Cursing, and Murder
Minor: Car accident, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Animal cruelty, Alcohol, and Sexual content
lethukhanyile's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Murder, Car accident, Hate crime, Racism, Blood, and Death
vaniavela's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is your South African urban fantasy filled with prophecies, generational curses and angry girls.
Seventeen-year-old Savannah is cursed: a blood curse that has haunted her family for centuries. But Savannah doesn't plan to die like the countless women before her; instead, she plans to break the curse, and sets out on a journey that takes her into a world of secrets and hidden magic.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but it is absolutely magnificent. Mary Watson blends a magical story with the history of slavery in South Africa, while navigating the themes of generational trauma, anger, and sexism in the narrative.
It is a fast-paced, fascinating and captivating book. The world building is also incredible. The characters are complex, full of personality and secrets; they have anger and flaws, making them human and believable.
There were some twists at the end that I really wasn't expecting. When the identity of the antagonist was revealed, I was gobsmacked. It wasn't what I expected, but now it all makes sense.
That said, I didn't like the romance. I didn't feel that tension that I love so much between them. It didn't really add to the story, and I would have been even happier without it.
I would recommend this book, overall I really liked it.
TW:
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Racism, Sexual content
Minor: Death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Death, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
mjscooke's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received an advanced reading copy of this novel via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and...
There is so much to love about Blood to Poison by Mary Watson. The novel is a fantastical take on come of age and coming to terms with your emotions. Savannah has all the typical teenage drama with the added weight of the familial curse. Throughout the novel she learns more about her curse, her family, and herself in deeply engaging well-paced story that at its heart is a tale of generational trauma that addresses tough issues through the lens of magic and mystery. I'd highly recommend this any fan of YA fantasy particularly those looking for novels without an Afrocentric view. And while you can't judge a book by it's cover... I'd buy this just to have the artwork on my self as it is stunning!
There is so much to love about Blood to Poison by Mary Watson. The novel is a fantastical take on come of age and coming to terms with your emotions. Savannah has all the typical teenage drama with the added weight of the familial curse. Throughout the novel she learns more about her curse, her family, and herself in deeply engaging well-paced story that at its heart is a tale of generational trauma that addresses tough issues through the lens of magic and mystery. I'd highly recommend this any fan of YA fantasy particularly those looking for novels without an Afrocentric view. And while you can't judge a book by it's cover... I'd buy this just to have the artwork on my self as it is stunning!
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Death, and Sexual harassment
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