You know those sequels that are even better than the first? That’s how I felt about Blood Like Fate. I enjoyed Blood Like Magic, but for some reason, it just clicked here. The elements I loved the most, were only heightened, and new elements introduced. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Voya Thomas may have passed her Calling to become a full-fledged witch, but the cost was higher than she’d ever imagined.
Her grandmother is gone.
Her cousin hates her.
And her family doesn’t believe that she has what it takes to lead them.
What’s more, Voya can’t let go of her feelings for Luc, sponsor son of the genius billionaire Justin Tremblay—the man that Luc believes Voya killed. Consequently, Luc wants nothing to do with her. Even her own ancestors seem to have lost faith in her. Every day Voya begs for their guidance, but her calls go unanswered.
As Voya struggles to convince everyone—herself included—that she can be a good Matriarch, she has a vision of a terrifying, deadly future. A vision that would spell the end of the Toronto witches. With a newfound sense of purpose, Voya must do whatever it takes to bring her shattered community together and stop what’s coming for them before it’s too late.
Even if it means taking down the boy she loves—who might be the mastermind behind the coming devastation.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: side character mentions panic attacks
What I first loved about Blood Like Fate is the responsibility Voya feels. How heavy the consequences are of power. And how she has to sit with the ripples and tidal waves of her past actions. We can think we are making the right decision and then once it happens, be absolutely devastated by those consequences. The sacrifices we make and are forced to choose. Seeing Voya struggle both with her sense of duty and of trying to figure out what kind of leader she wants to be – is the main reason I enjoyed Blood Like Fate.
Every family has its cracks and scars. But in Blood Like Fate the stakes are even higher. A storm is coming and everyone turns to Voya to figure out what’s happening. She feels both the joys of family, but also the pains of family. When it feels like everything is breaking apart, can they come together? Can they create a greater sense of community? So many times we try to help someone, and end up hurting them. How do we reconcile those mistakes? We can never be the person we are trying to replace. And we never should be.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
The mantle of responsibility is an element I wasn’t expecting, but one that stole my heart. I also loved how in Blood Like Fate, Sambury takes the science fiction elements and only increases them. I obviously can’t tell you how, but it gave me such joy to see the ways this book merges science fiction and magic. If you enjoyed the first, definitely check out the second and this is also one of the best examples of SFF merging I can think of! Find Blood Like Fate on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.