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A review by kassielovestoread
The Blood Gift by N.E. Davenport
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A dramatic and adventurous conclusion to this duology was delivered in The Blood Gift. Similarly with The Blood Trials, I was entertained from start to finish. There's just something about the plot, cast of characters, and writing style that drew me in and refuse to let go. I'm not complaining though! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I'm genuinely so sad to say goodbye to this world :(
I will say, I wish this had been a trilogy rather than a duology. Of course I want to see more of this world (and Ikenna especially), but there was too much plot and adventure for this novel. Seriously, it was a little overwhelming with the amount of plot there was. I think if the first half of this book's conflict were expanded and turned into book 2 of 3, this would've been a 5 star read for me! I felt that some loose ends were not given enough attention and ended with little to no fanfare. I wanted to see more of the Accacian Empire as well as the Khanian Empire! I also felt that character development fell, a little, in favor for all of the plot advancements. The cast of characters have my whole heart obviously, I just would've liked to see more development and found family shenanigans.
Overall, I recommend the fuck outta this series! I loved it so, so much. I became so emotionally invested in this story and Ikenna's journey. This is a series that will not leave me, it's earned a special place on my bookshelf as a result!
That ending??? Oh come ONNNNN. You mean to tell me that The Blood Gift is truly the last we'll see of Ikenna and the rest of Invictus?? Not to mention the looming threat of Selene out there, licking her wounds. I refuse to believe she's just going to lie low and find a new life out there while she's "denied" what she wants most in the world. And this prophecy detailing Ikenna's upcoming war with the remaining Gods?? Like- we need more! Don't leave us with this open ending, Davenport!!!
ALSO! With all due respect to the author and the artist of this cover...but, who the hell are these people standing with Ikenna?? From what the author gave of these character descriptions....none of the characters on the cover compare to the book descriptions of Darius, Dannica, Haynes, Caiman, Greyson, Dane, and Liim. I'm so genuinely confused! Don't get me wrong though, it's a gorgeous cover nonetheless. I just wished it matched with the actual characters of the book.
I will say, I wish this had been a trilogy rather than a duology. Of course I want to see more of this world (and Ikenna especially), but there was too much plot and adventure for this novel. Seriously, it was a little overwhelming with the amount of plot there was. I think if the first half of this book's conflict were expanded and turned into book 2 of 3, this would've been a 5 star read for me! I felt that some loose ends were not given enough attention and ended with little to no fanfare. I wanted to see more of the Accacian Empire as well as the Khanian Empire! I also felt that character development fell, a little, in favor for all of the plot advancements. The cast of characters have my whole heart obviously, I just would've liked to see more development and found family shenanigans.
Overall, I recommend the fuck outta this series! I loved it so, so much. I became so emotionally invested in this story and Ikenna's journey. This is a series that will not leave me, it's earned a special place on my bookshelf as a result!
ALSO! With all due respect to the author and the artist of this cover...but, who the hell are these people standing with Ikenna?? From what the author gave of these character descriptions....none of the characters on the cover compare to the book descriptions of Darius, Dannica, Haynes, Caiman, Greyson, Dane, and Liim. I'm so genuinely confused! Don't get me wrong though, it's a gorgeous cover nonetheless. I just wished it matched with the actual characters of the book.