Review by Booklist Review
At the beginning of the second part of Davenport's action-packed duology (after The Blood Trials, 2022), Ikenna and her team of rogue warriors have their backs against the wall, desperately seeking allies and supplies to wage war against an emperor with godlike strength. Thankfully Ikenna is learning to embrace her forbidden power, the ability to manipulate her blood into weapons and shields. Unfortunately, this skill will require calling on gods Ikenna doesn't believe in. As she and her squad face insurmountable odds and shifting alliances, the body count continues to grow. Will Ikenna be able to win against her enemies? Will she be able to open up to her boyfriend and the squad that supports her? The battles are exciting, but Ikenna's strength comes from her rich inner dialogue. Her struggles to communicate make her relatable despite her frightening skills, and readers will keep turning the pages to see what she says next. Fans of Pierce Brown's Red Rising series as well as War Girls, by Tochi Onyebuchi (2019), will enjoy reading the conclusion to Ikenna's story.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Davenport blends science fiction and fantasy tropes in her ambitious, action-packed conclusion to the Blood Gift duology. After having gone rogue with a small cadre of Praetorian Guards in 2021's Blood Trials, Ikenna Amari and her companions now find themselves caught between powerful forces. Hunted by the Mareen Republic, which they once swore to serve, they're determined to bring down the corrupt Tribunal and overhaul the broken, racist system that has exploited their people for too long. Meanwhile, the terrifying Blood Emperor of Accacia sets his sights on conquering Mareen and the rest of the Minor Continent, intent on ruling the world. With potential allies rapidly capitulating to the Blood Emperor, Ikenna's only hope is to join forces with his second-in-command, a warlord seeking to betray and overthrow his master. Along the way, Ikenna must master her magical blood gift, setting her against the banished, malevolent gods. Ikenna is truly a force to reckon with, but her increased power is counterbalanced by lovely human touches, like her fiery romantic chemistry with squad member Darius Reed and her emotional interactions with both friends and foes. Though at times the story becomes so complex as to be unwieldy, Davenport sticks the landing. Fans will be pleased. Agent: Caitie Flum, Liza Dawson Assoc. (Apr.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Ikenna Amari is on the run with her Praetorian squad, hunted by those who want to collect the enormous bounty on her head. Betrayed by the Mareen's Tribunal Council, who are responsible for her grandfather's death and the exposure of her blood gift, Ikenna struggles to find allies. With the Blood Emperor's Warlord in pursuit, Ikenna must find a way to master the power granted her by the Goddess of Blood Rites, for even with her own troubles, she knows that the Blood Emperor's plan to invade Mareen must be stopped. Already under the pressure of promises made to the goddess and her friends, the need for revenge, and her own doubts, Ikenna knows that to take on a near god and stop a war may mean destroying what she wishes to save. Davenport's characters are deeply realized, with feelings and flaws abounding. Her interesting blend of gods, power, and technology, along with classist regimes, support a novel of choices for change. VERDICT "The Blood Gift" duology concludes with a dramatic, action-filled story (a sequel to The Blood Trials).--Kristi Chadwick
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