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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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