I really like her first book that was a spin off Jane Eyre but this one just didn’t grab me like that one did. The story felt very repetitive and honestly I ended up more confused and with more questions. However or despite all that the jungle was such a unique idea! The creatures that live there and the jungle were soo interesting.

Inhaled this audiobook so fast that my dreams were all narrated with a Jamaican accent.

I have mad respect for how Blackwood writes her heritage into books you can tell mean a lot to her. First there was the Ethiopian Jane Eyre retelling, and now we have a Jamaican jungle adventure. Wildblood is chockful of jungle spirits and monsters--of the animal and human variety--that made this an incredibly compelling story to read.

Victoria is one heck of a character that I really liked. She wants nothing more than to escape to the jungle she is paid to take tourists and travelers through, but while she gets to spend days beneath its canopy, she cannot be a part of it as she once was. Stuck in a job that will not set her free, she is fully at the mercy of a boss who will never respect her as a Black woman. She is the best Wildblood the company has and knows the jungle like no other, and she's stronger than me. I was *losing* it at some of the people she was escorting for being so damn stupid lol they deserved what they got.

The villains of this story holding Victoria down were many, and I honestly think it's what made this book as strong as it was. Dean is a force Victoria can't quite get past. The history between them is incredibly deep and painful and reading about it is really what cracked Victoria open as a person for me to understand who she is. Too many men tried to knock her down a peg and I loved how she held her own despite being quiet and vulnerable.

I confess, I'm still not sure what a Wildblood is. Victoria is one, as are all the other guides in the company, but I feel as though the proper explanations of who they are and what they can do never came up. They can shape weapons from blood, but is that all? What is the rage we're warned about? Why do they have to work in pairs? Either I wasn't paying close enough attention or it just wasn't there. As such, I don't think it served the story as well as it could have.

The ending though! Gah, I could cry because if that had landed this would have been five stars for me. I had such a good time that I could have ignored every other issue I had. It got from point A to the point B I wanted, but the execution was lacking. I'm not sure if that was what the author wanted or if she was rushed, but it was quite disappointing. I literally said "wait, that's it?" when it ended. So yeah, it's the right ending but it needs a re-do for me.

Wildblood is a book that oozes atmosphere from the very ink on the pages. From the concept of being a Wildblood and the magic from their blood all the way to the dangerous and deadly powers of the forest. I was transfixed from the beginning. Victoria works as a tour guide for tourists - mostly white sightseers - to experience "the jungle". And while she is certainly paid, there's nothing fair about her working conditions, nor those around her and their forced imprisonment in the compound.

So immediately, we are all on Victoria's side. And you just wait. Wildblood is a story which works so well because it's centered on Victoria. On her struggle, her trauma, her story, her agency. The tension is palpable from the beginning. Always trying to just survive, she's on the brink of living, on a chance out, but to get it, she will have to compromise everything she ever thought and just might not make it out alive.

This book was breathtakingly beautiful.. Seriously, I've never wanted to live in a deadly, haunted jungle more than I did while reading WILDBLOOD. I get frustrated by Blackwood's plots at times, becuase they do seem to meander more than I would prefer (which may be a personal pacing preference, rather than a genuine critique of the novel itself, I know), but when it comes to worldbuilding she seldom misses the mark.

I gave this a one out of five stars. I had issues reading this. I didn’t like the writing style. I didn’t care about any of the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this eARC for review.

This was a beautiful story, sad and tragic, and entirely unexpected. I expected less magic, and was pleasantly surprised at the magical quality of the jungle. I love that we got small pieces of Victoria’s history and that it didn’t all come at once (and not easily).

This was quick and easy to read, but had enough meat to the story to be an enchantingly descriptive read while also containing a story that spoke of hardship and sacrifice. Despite the quickness and ease, this story was not fluff.

Wildblood
Lauren Blackwood
Wednesday Books
Pub. Date 7 Feb
YA

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.


Blackwood's latest work is the story of Victoria, a wildblood, practically imprisoned and forced to work for a "travel company." This story has a lot of complex themes: slavery, rape, abuse, death, supernatural, gore, immature romance, and a few others.

There is a lot of fantastic world building in this book. The jungle beautifully comes to life through Blackwood's imagery. Give me more about what happens in this jungle between its inhabitants and I will gladly read it for days. The power and magic that Victoria has and displays is an interesting concept. The idea of this book is also really great, but the execution seemed to missed for me.

The narration is repetitive, seriously how many times can an author use the prose "kiss my teeth", and the protagonist is the most confusing character. Her trauma has prevented her from understanding basic relationships outside of the jungle, and there is no growth or understanding that comes from this, yet readers are suppose to feel for her, root for her, or want to read about her. I kept putting this one down and almost dreading having to come back and finish it.

This one really wasn't for me. I had enjoyed Blackwood's previous book and wanted to like this one. I can see the appeal for others, and I will recommend others to read it.

While the book summary is usually a great help in figuring out what to expect with a book, the summary for Wilfblood barely scratches the surface of this complex story. Much like her debut novel, Within These Wicked Walls, the author beautifully weaves a gripping, tension-filled story with a complex romantic subplot and the protagonist’s inner struggle between what she wants and what is right. Despite the length of the book, the attention-grabbing plot makes for a quick read for any lover of fantasy.

The main character, Victoria, is an excellent narrator throughout the book. She’s strong, but not without flaws, and even though she’s met with one daunting obstacle after another, she remains grounded in her beliefs and confident in her abilities as a wildblood. The author does a great job at doling out pieces of backstory slowly so the reader has to pay attention to subtle hints before the full extent of her trauma is revealed. The supporting characters, including Victoria’s love interest, the rich and powerful Mr. Thorn, are all complex and multi-dimensional, making for some intriguing interactions and development as the story progresses.

One of the things I loved most about Within These Wicked Walls was the richly developed world and the haunting creates that reside in it. And while I’ve never been one for horror, Wildblood accomplishes this goal even better by introducing some terrifying spirits to haunt the jungle and chilling backstories that will stay lodged in the reader’s mind long after the book closes. Beyond the spirits, the author has done an amazing job incorporating real-world elements from early 1900’s American and Jamaican culture with the magical settling to create something very unique and exciting to explore.

Last year, I had the pleasure of reviewing Within These Wicked Walls, Lauren Blackwood’s debut novel. And I’m excited to report that Blackwood’s sophomore novel exceeded the expectations she set with her first. I absolutely loved the protagonist, Victoria, who is simultaneously tough and compassionate, eager to find moments of love in her otherwise bleak life. The story was compelling and I read through the story within a matter of days without realizing it. But the thing that shined through the most for me, was the richly developed world, with unique monsters, real-world elements, and poignant social commentary. I highly recommend this book to any fans of dark YA Fantasy.

3.5 stars

This was a bit different from what I was expecting, but I'm still glad I read it. I really liked many of the characters, including the jungle itself, and the Jamaican folklore was quite interesting, although I'm not sure how much was incorporated into this story. Victoria herself was also a strong character and I liked learning about her past and her strong ties with the jungle that no one else seemed to have. Her desire to protect those she loved made her seem "soft" by other people's standards, but it was one of her strengths.

The attraction between her and Thorn seemed to happen way too quickly (from their initial look) and even knowing that he would listen to her only to a point didn't seem to change this for her. It didn't help that she had still never truly processed what had happened to her the previous year with Dean and the boss man. Still, there were moments between them that I enjoyed, as he worked to process what had happened to her and when she was able to glimpse into his own past pain. Some of those connections were beautifully written.

The plot itself was not really intricate, despite some of the past history that made its way into the story. Pretty much the whole story was Wildblood slaves being charged to bring some wealthy Americans into a dangerous jungle to search for gold. Most don't survive. But this was a story where it was not really about the plot as it was about Victoria (and the Wildbloods as a whole) and her connection to nature.

However, the ending was exactly right and really saved it for me. It was a bit abrupt, but it was still what needed to happen.

After finishing this, I am curious enough to check out the author's first book, and have already requested it from the library.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The whole premise of Wildblood is very cool. And I do love a survival story! I mostly enjoyed this one, save for a few issues, so let's break it down!

The Good:

►Like I said, the premise was definitely unique and kept me entertained. I personally love a "let's survive in the messed up wilderness" story, so that was a huge win. I also liked that it was an island/jungle type setting, because it felt quite unique!

►Very high stakes. I mean, I didn't know if anyone was making it out of this mess alive, let's be real. The author did a great job illustrating that the wilderness was not kind, and that this journey was going to prove harrowing at best, deadly at worst.

►The atmosphere was great. Speaking of a tropical setting being great, this one was on point. The desperately terrifying wilderness, the animals, the whole thing.

►I really liked Victoria as a character. Her life was far from charmed, being held captive as a guide at this messed up tour company. Every day was a struggle to survive, and she had been treated quite brutally over the years. She had her close friends and those she cared for, but she also had been betrayed by some folks and wasn't sure who she could trust. Neither could the reader, which made the journey all the more precarious.

The Not-As-Good:

►I have seen some reviews saying that the writing was repetitive, and this is a good way to put it. I, on the other hand, wrote notes in my Kindle notes like "how many times can a person 'kiss their teeth'"?! Because I started highlighting them, got to seven times the phrase was used, then got bored but I promise it was a whole lot more. And I don't even really understand what it means, but please feel free to picture me trying to make faces that might look like kissing one's teeth in an attempt to figure it out. Anyway, my point is, it started to really grate on me.

►I know a lot of people really liked the ending. I am not one of those people. This is absolutely a personal issue, and may not be a problem for you, so take it with a grain of salt. (view spoiler)

Bottom Line: A really unique premise in an atmospheric setting with a strong main character made this one an overall win.

I had high hopes for this one, but unfortunately this wasn’t for me. The synopsis definitely had me intrigued. The beginning had me interested, but eventually it became difficult to keep reading. There were a few times I debated DNF-ing, but pushed through. I will admit I skimmed a lot. I’d say I wasn’t sure why I bothered, but I did enjoy the authors first book so I wanted to feel the same about this one. With all this being said, I am sure this will be amazing for others, it just wasn’t for me.

I'm quite a bit bummed as this one let me down in comparison to the debut. However, it was still an absolute delight in regard to the characters...just a bit predictable for my liking.

Victoria was kidnapped at the age of six and manipulated by the Exotic Lands Touring Company working as a tour guide. She has a powerful magic running throughout her and she’s determined to prove her worth.

I sadly wasn’t able to connect to the characters and the plot lost me at times, but I still loved the concept the story told. There was a lot of all over the place with the story itself so it was hard to focus. I struggled through this, sadly.

Lauren Blackwood is a master. This story manages to be a fantasy, adventure, some mystery, a little romance, and more wrapped into one. I would LOVE to see this story adapted. Our main character is complex and exciting, but relatable. The plot line is well-paced and engaging throughout.

I had read the author's debut novel and thought it was just ok. This follow up was so much better. I enjoyed the strong female character Victoria and how the jungle itself was a main character. I felt that some characters were not fleshed out enough but still enjoyed the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy of this book! I was instantly drawn in by the characters and the world around them. Victoria is a wonderfully complex character who goes through a beautiful journey of remembering her past and coming into her own. I would absolutely recommend this young adult fantasy novel.

- Lauren Blackwood excels at writing fiery, headstrong young women who are determined to prove their worth and humanity. Victoria is a force, both in terms of her magic and her personality.
- The jungle and the creatures in it were gripping and terrifying. I was also a fan of the magic system in this book, in which certain people, Wildbloods, can manipulate blood into weapons.
- This book does get a bit bogged down in love triangles (literally every boy is in love with Victoria) but if you're willing to accept that, this book is definitely one to check out if you love dark YA/NA fantasy.

Hmm, I really liked the beginning of this, and the ending was pretty solid, but I got lost throughout the middle. I think it was partially pacing and partially me just not connecting that much with the writing style.

That said, this was a really awesome concept, and I think others will like this, but it wasn't for me.

I missed out on Lauren Blackwood’s debut novel from last year, Within These Wicked Walls, and I’m really regretting that right now as I sit here and digest Wildblood, because it took all of maybe two pages for her to wrap me around her finger with some of the most striking and lovely prose I’ve read in this genre in months, and then I was completely swallowed by the intense characterizations and intricate worldbuilding before I had even hit 5% into the book. I don’t know what to call Lauren Blackwood but some sort of dark fantasy enchantress who knows her mission, researches the heck out of it, and then sits down and somehow comes out the other end with intense tales of adventure, love, horror, evil, friendship, and self-discovery set in times past whose morals and other lessons could be applied to current times and not just to the times in which the books are set (in this case it seems to be Jamaica in the early 1900s).

Yes, I do have some complaints about this book: I didn’t like Dean and felt let down by the resolution to his part in the story. I also can both recognize the need (through the time period and where he comes from) for Thorn to be a Christian and to be vocal about it without being thrilled by it. I felt his psalms and prayers took up space in the book that could’ve been used elsewhere. I’m pretty sure I’m in the minority in this opinion. I also wasn’t happy with Blackwood’s decision to not have Victoria contemplate at any point in time what it would mean to leave the compound and go out into a world she’s never been in. She never asked any questions about what it was like out there, or what she would do, or if she would have to wear certain clothing. There were scenes that would’ve allowed for this kind of small talk and intimate conversation between her and Thorn, but it never happened. I don’t know if that’s because Blackwood meant for Victoria to not think about those things because of one reason or another, but by the time I got to the resolution of the book, I found myself facepalming a little because Thorn should have put some thought into matters. Then again, he seems the impulsive type.

The worldbuilding, the setting, the magic, the mythology, the folklore…it all added up to make this book so entrancing at times. If you add in Blackwood’s lovely prose, her ability to tap into her character’s inner narratives and emotions, and her ability to draw from the history her world is built on, it all makes for a bright, emotional, adventurous, fantastical read. I loved it.

I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley and the author. All views and opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Reads/Coming of Age/Folklore/Fantasy Romance/Historical Fantasy/Myth/Standalone/Dark Fantasy

I voluntarily read an early copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my thoughts. Thank you for the opportunity.

After enjoying Within These Wicked Walls, I was really excited to read Blackwood's follow up.. Wildbood has so much potential. The setting within a sentient jungle was my favorite and the most captivating part of the story. I can't say I have read anything like it. I was really intrigued by the science of the Wildboods and found myself wanting to see more about this element of the story. The characters and their relationships but at times it felt like the very insta-love relationship overshadowed all the really fascinating elements of the story. And usually, I am all aboard the insta-love train. I cannot put my finger on it because I was so rooting for them and for Victoria to have ALL the unconditional love but maybe what I think I wanted more of, was being able to see her stand in her power too.

The story itself, took a little bit to get into but I did appreciate the end.

I struggled with this one but you may not! Worth a shot and I will definitely check out the authors next book.

Content warnings: colonialism, colorism, racism, violence, sexual assault (memory of it, talked about and the impact), abuse, and mentions of lynching.