Release Date: April 4th 2023
Publisher: Hodderscape
Pages: 416
Find it on: Goodreads. Waterstones.
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

Thirty years ago, a young woman was murdered, a family was lynched, and New Orleans saw the greatest magical massacre in its history. In the days that followed, a throne was stolen from a queen.

On the anniversary of these brutal events, Clement and Cristina Trudeau—the sixteen-year-old twin heirs to the powerful, magical, dethroned family—are mourning their father and caring for their sick mother. Until, by chance, they discover their mother isn’t sick—she’s cursed. Cursed by someone on the very magic council their family used to rule. Someone who will come for them next.

Cristina, once a talented and dedicated practitioner of Generational magic, has given up magic for good. An ancient spell is what killed their father and she was the one who cast it. For Clement, magic is his lifeline. A distraction from his anger and pain. Even better than the random guys he hooks up with.

Cristina and Clement used to be each other’s most trusted confidant and friend, now they barely speak. But if they have any hope of discovering who is coming after their family, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other and their family’s magic, all while solving the decades-old murder that sparked the still-rising tensions between the city’s magical and non-magical communities. And if they don’t succeed, New Orleans may see another massacre. Or worse.

Review

Set in a magical New Orleans, the story follows twins Clement and Cristina Trudeau – heirs to an ancient magical family. The twins are still reeling from the death of their father and are trying to care for their dying mother when they discover their mother isn’t sick – she’s been cursed by someone from the magical council their family once ruled. Can the twins come together and discover who is trying to destroy their family before it’s too late?

Blood Debts is a clever, compelling fantasy story that had me hooked right from the very first chapter. The story is thought-provoking, well-paced, and features a really interesting magic system. The story is full to the brim with magic and mystery and I had no idea where the story was going to go. I loved seeing the twins work together in their attempt to uncover who was threatening their family. Blood Debts definitely keep me captivated right till the very end and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Blood Debts features some interesting protagonists and both Clement and Cristina felt well developed. Both are dealing with the loss of their father, trying to find themselves, sort out their love lives, and deal with the magical threat against their family. Blood Debts is an enticing and engaging read, full of drama, mystery, and magic. If you’re looking for a gripping YA read this one should definitely be your next read.