Reviews with content warning for Racism - Blood to Poison

Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Blood to Poison by Mary Watson

6 reviews

cecetomas's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense 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? It's complicated

4.5

I am completely enamored with this book. First off, I think the Author's Note in the very beginning is essential to really understand the Savannah's perspective and the environment she's been raised in. There is also a glossary in the back to help if you're not familiar with Afrikaans.

I think that in the fantasy realm, there is no shortage of books that revolve around a MC's "curse" and trying to undo or solve that curse before it undoes them. This book however stands out in the way that Savannah's curse is steeped in generational trauma and folklore and the perfect avenue to explore her feminine rage in a world that has put her and her ancestors down countless times. The way that she goes about learning about her rage, and using her intuition to evolve and shape her role in this curse impressed me at every turn. There were a few twists and turns that I found a little predictable, but it had no hinderance on my enjoyment or the impact of the book.

I think this is one of the few books that I have read that I have deemed an essential read, especially for anyone who struggles with or wants to understand generational feminine rage.

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thalia_r's review

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adventurous dark 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

4.25

Watson's use of anger in this book is great. She really gets across the build up of rage Savannah feels from the injustices she's faced in her life, mostly due to racist and sexist attitudes. It was also great for me to read a story from a South African author, it's a perspective I haven't read before. I also enjoyed the magic in this world. The curse and it's origins was something I don't feel like we often see and I liked the nuance that was involved in the magic system as the story progressed.

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lethukhanyile's review against another edition

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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

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vaniavela's review

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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

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cereads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

4.25

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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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adventurous challenging informative 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

4.5

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