Blood Magic – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Monday, 27 June , 2011 at 8:53 pm
Author: Tessa Gratton
Publisher: Doubleday
ISBN: 978-0-857-53020-2
Blood Magic brings us the story of Silla, a girl damaged and lost after finding her parents dead, covered in blood. Everyone believes her Dad lost it and killed her Mom and himself in a murder-suicide, but Silla could never think that of her own Dad. When a spell book mysteriously arrives in the mail, Silla becomes immersed in it, hoping it will help uncover the truth. Then there’s Nick, the new boy in town with his own chilling past. Little does Silla know that he has more in common with her than she thinks.
Blood Magic is one of those books you don’t want to put down. I loved it from the one and only line of the first chapter, right until the very end. There’s one thing though… If blood grosses you out, then this book isn’t for you! As the title may suggest, blood features fairly heavily in this book. I can deal with blood fairly well, but even I felt a little queasy a couple of times while reading this young adult urban fantasy book.
The chapters alternate between first-person narratives of Silla and Nicholas, and diary entries primarily written by Josephine. I’ve read books before that have used this first-person narrative alternation and some of them haven’t worked, so I am often dubious of books that use this style of writing. However, Tessa Gratton has used it very well in this book; story flows perfectly from character to character. What’s more is that this is Tessa’s debut novel. She’s pulled off this tricky style that I’ve seen seasoned authors fail at.
Something else Tessa has excelled at… An urban fantasy novel without angels, vampires or werewolves! The heart of this story is magic that uses blood. Blood magic that has ripped apart more than one family, but can also bring people together.
This book had me teary eyed one minute and happy the next. It’s gripping, dark, chilling and emotional, with a vein of love running through it.
Blood Magic is a fantastic debut book by author Tessa Gratton and one I’d definitely recommend! Even Maggie Stiefvater (author of Shiver) recommends it! I can’t wait to see what comes next from Tessa Gratton.
Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton is released on 7th July 2011. Pre-order your copy here.
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Please note: I received this book from Random House in return for a review. However, this has in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Comments (2)
Category: Books,Fantasy,Paranormal,Reviews,Urban Fantasy,YA Fiction
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Comment by Yvonne
Made Monday, 27 of June , 2011 at 9:53 pm
Hi Nikki,
When I read your previous post about this book and you mentioned that it was an Urban Fantasy, I subliminally closed down to it, as this is not one of my favourite genres. It was only the mention of blood that prompted me to comment….
Now I have read your review however, I am sorely tempted to add this to my reading list, since you say there are no vampires, angels or werewolves involved … The blood issue I could probably deal with, as there seems to be quite a strong underlying story going on here.
Thanks for the recommendation
Comment by Kathleen
Made Friday, 1 of July , 2011 at 11:42 pm
Sounds like a strong debut by the author. I will add this to my list.
