I give this a solid 3.7. I still loved it like the first one which I gave a 4 but, it’s always something about the second that always seems like something is missing. The drama in the story just seemed too over the top and a little corny. I did not hate it but, I didn’t love it in the end. Reading through the book was easier and I would still continue the series considering everything.

I was ecstatic to receive an ARC for the sequel to Blood Debts, Blood Justice. Magic, family drama, murder, political intrigue? Blood Justice has it all. The Trudeau family has reclaimed their rightful place as the head of the Gen Council but they are fighting to keep it. Reeling from the events in Blood Debts, the Cris and Clem are dealing with their own issues. Clem is trying to save the boy he loves, but what cost and Cris is tired of the injustices and sets about enacting her own Blood Justice. All while, murders are happening and they must figure out who the murderer is before their family faces the the same injustices that her grandparents experiences. I love the development of Cris and Clem, while they still do not make the best decisions, they are stepping into their own. The plot keeping me going, racing to see what happens and the twists are cliffhangers! I can't wait to continue the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC.

I absolutely adored "Blood Justice" by Terry J. Benton-Walker, the riveting sequel to "Blood Debts." This book is a rollercoaster of black rage and a relentless pursuit of justice, diving deeper into the intricate lives of Cristina and Clement Trudeau. Benton-Walker masterfully expands the lore of this magical world, introducing new and formidable threats that kept me on the edge of my seat. I fell in love with the characters all over again as their stories evolved, especially with Cristina and Clement whose growth and complexity are truly captivating.

The danger in "Blood Justice" is palpable, with enemies lurking around every corner and the stakes higher than ever. The way Benton-Walker weaves together the unresolved issues from the previous book while introducing new challenges is nothing short of brilliant. The ending left me craving for more, eager to see where the series will go next. The themes of vengeance, love, and power are expertly explored, making this book a must-read for fans of urban fantasy. Benton-Walker's storytelling is as compelling as ever, and I can't wait to see what happens next in this thrilling series.

In "Blood Justice," Benton-Walker has crafted a tale that not only entertains but also delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the lengths we are willing to go to for justice and revenge. This book is a testament to Benton-Walker's skill as a storyteller, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

This book was PHENOMENAL. I enjoyed this book way more than the first one. The exploration of racism, white supremacy, THE AUDACITY OF SOME PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY DESERVE SOMETHING THEY DONT, the homophobia, the way money and power are at the core of this book and how everything gets scrambled and crazy real quick do to these factors but so much more.

We go deeper into the magic, the story that our characters are driving by their pain, trauma, secrets, generational trauma and, how everyone deals with it differently. Cris goes through such an escalate of emotions since she lost her father, was wronged by her best friends family and, got her revenge; the way she goes about, it shows us that sometimes we get to a turning point that could either turn us into the worst or best version of ourselves. Clement also goes through so much. He really went through it with everything that happens with his boyfriend and the moon king (also, I loved how they interconnected that to another mystery in the story)

Even though these twins were not my cup of tea in the first book, I got to appreciate them more in this book and definitely could put myself in their shoes because of how much they do suffer. Valentina, girly, you were something else; you are my most hated and liked character. She really knows how to work the power game and is willing to do ANYTHING to get what she wants; I can actually respect that. These books would benefit from having shorter chapters but, still really enjoyed it.

I HOPE WE GET ONE MORE BOOK BECAUSE HELLO THAT ENDING AND ALL WE HAVE TO RESOLVE???????? This was a whole ass ride.

This book was amazing the way the author goes right into the second book where he left off in the first and the way each chapter is action packed. There wasn’t a boring or slow point in this whole book . Loved it 🥰

I hate to say this…but what did I just read. I loved Blood Debts but unfortunately Blood Justice is a no go for me. It’s a sophomore slump in my opinion. The plot was all over the place. I absolutely love the author catching me up on details I’ve forgotten since I read the last book but I feel there was too much retelling and not enough showing. There are a lot of characters and I’m aware of the main characters focus but OMG. For this book’s length, there should be some payoff. I’m sorry but I’m thoroughly disappointed. ARC was provided by Tor Teen via NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

He’s done it again! I love this follow up to Blood Debts. It touches on everything from pain and anger to unconditional love and back again. The fact that Terry J. Benton-Walker can make you feel the emotions of rage and sorrow that are written in words on these pages is a testament to his strength and growth as a writer.

In the background is the beautiful, historic city of New Orleans that adds to the overall essence of Blood Justice. The drama is never ending and the magical elements kick it up an additional notch.

I cannot wait for book 3! I love this series!!

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
I had been waiting for this sequel since reading Blood Debts and it did not disappoint! Book 3 better be getting here sooner rather than later.

The sequel to Blood Debts, Blood Justice by Terry J. Benton-Walker is an addictive drama, full of vengeance, trauma and thirst for power. What makes it so powerful is the way the story delves into the rage and powerlessness of generational trauma and racism, both overt and subversive. It shows how power is abused and withheld from people of color and how the system protects those in power instead of allowing for justice. That powerful message infuses the narrative with authenticity and emotion.
Beyond those themes, the intrigue and drama along with the magical elements are addictive, especially as you see the way the gods stalk Cris and Clem. Their bond and friendship is emotional but also a shining beacon of hope as is Clem’s love for Yves and Cris’ friendships. While nobody in this novel is perfect, it is hard not to side with Cris and Clem. Valentina is equally charismatic as she reconnects with her mother while her desire for power to survive is relatable.
If you love drama infused with supernatural, magical elements where Gods walk among mankind, this is the perfect story to read. The ending whetted my appetite for more and I love how magic is used not just to help but also hinders the characters. The price of power is clear in this novel and justice cannot be taken for granted.

I read BLOOD DEBTS last year, so i did a quick reread to get reacquainted with the world and all the dynamics and magical systems it was comprised of before beginning this book. I'm so glad I did because I was pulled straight back into the world Terry Benton-Walker had created and found myself intrigued all over again like I'd never previously read a word of it.

Like its predecessor, BLOOD JUSTICE has Cris & Clement as its main protagonists (although we get some other POVs to move the story along) and was so masterfully written that I kept forgetting that the main protagonists were teenagers(which I usually avoid like the plague in books).

Also, it had so many twists, turns, fascinating story elements (that just blew my mind) and priceless gems that were super relatable (especially for a WOC like me). One of my faves being:

" …Before, when someone described a man as “tall, dark, and handsome,” I would always imagine someone like Winston Duke or John Boyega; but it was only recently that I learned they really meant white men with dark hair, a five-o’clock shadow, and a face that’s as enthralling as it is untrustworthy—..."

🤣🤣 THE ACCURACY of that alone made me laugh so hard.

Moving on, I must note that BLOOD JUSTICE was a bit on the darker side with more secrets, machinations, death, mayhem and all around chaos caused by magic users across all the branches and interfering gods and their hidden agendas.

This made for a rollercoaster ride I couldn't get enough of. At some points I even had to pause because it got so intense but at NO time was it boring or predictable. I absolutely loved every single thing about this (even when I was frustrated to no end about some of the silly decisions of some characters).

Full disclosure, the ending of the previous book was difficult to forgive Terry for, but I had faith that in this follow up book, things would be sorted out.

I got my wish for the most part , but in what I’m beginning to think is quintessential Terry Benton-Walker style, I was left with another truckload of questions, heartache and with my jaw literally on the floor at the final sentence of this book.

But tell me why I LOVED EVERY SINGLE MOMENT OF IT?? Sigh, I’m apparently a glutton for emotional distress because I shall be first in line for the next installment!

It is going to be so good!! 😩😩

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Teen for the e-arc!
I don't think I have ever been as excited for a sequel than with a series! The first book in the series was an absolute masterpiece and I just could not wait to start this addition! Every time I read this book I remember how impressive the authors ability to weave the secrets and twists is. This book is no exception. This book really takes where we left off in the first book and add so much more detail to the world and the characters. I love that we get to see more from some of our supporting characters!

Blood Justice is, predictably, about justice. But it's about what happens when it's been denied. Or when it's taken so long that you become frustrated and desperation sinks in. How it can twist and boil inside you until it's all you think about. And even when we think it's justice, it can still not be enough. What happens when we pursue it and finally attain it only for it to not be enough?

Blood Justice took me on such a crazy journey! It’s been a while since I read Blood Debts, but I feel the author did a great job integrating the past details with this book that all the previous details came back to me so easily. The secrets, plot twists, and “justice” ran rampant throughout the story. The things the characters did for said “justice”, the ones they loved, and their family was admirable but also concerning. I think the characters were impulsive but I also think with their age, it made sense for them to react with their feelings.

I couldn’t stop reading because I didn’t want to miss a detail. The final 10% of the book literally had my heart racing!! The way Clement and Cristina were so in sync for majority of the story, the new wrinkle in their relationship will be interesting. Like who can *eye* trust?!Awesome job on this one!

Blood Debts was a five star read for me in 2023. I was absolutely enthralled with the world building, the political intrigue, the diversity of the characters, and the commentary on social justice and cultural heritage.So I couldn’t wait to read Blood Justice; however, this sequel fell really short of every standard its predecessor set and it made me so sad.

The world building was mostly done in Blood Debts, but it’s nicely expanded on just the right amount in this book. We get a bit of a deeper dive into some of the supporting characters in the overall storyline too, which is always nice (and Benton-Walker manages to do this without taking away necessary page time from our trio of main characters, which is no mean feat).

Where I ran into some issues was with the political intrigue, which went from genuinely compelling in Blood Debts to feeling a bit closer to something out of a teen drama in this book, and with the pacing of this book. Act one of this book moves so slowly it’s hard to engage with this book at all at first. In act two, a lot of the scenes start to feel repetitive and the book starts to feel like it’s walking in circles. By the time you’re in the middle in the third act, you realize the book is out of surprises and the book has definitely gone on too long.

It’s not that I don’t love this series. I do. It’s a wonderful story that doesn’t pull punches and has a great deal of diversity. It has a lot to say and Benton-Walker has a great way of saying it. This sequel didn’t do the story, as a whole, any favors.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Because of the three star or lower rating this review will not be appearing on my social media.Thank you.

File Under: LGBTQ Fantasy/Urban Fantasy/Book Series/YA FantasyYA Fiction

This was amazing! First off , you might could read as a stand alone but there's so much you would benefit from if you read the first book first. That being said, I absolutely loved this one just as much as the first book. I keep forgetting the series is young adult. Cris and Clem seem older but at times react like a teenager would. It's got a little darker in this book. So much power for Cris to have and she has learned to use it well. The characters are written really well. Some are ones you will love to hate. I'm having trouble writing this because I don't want to ruin anything for others. The position for queen of the Gen council is being fought for and mama is in jail for a crime she didn't commit. Cris steps up and takes responsibility temporarily. Meanwhile, people are being killed and an ancient being may be on the prowl. Were the killings done by him , mama or someone else? There's so many suspects I wasn't sure. There's also some really scary parts. This author is better than Stephen King. The ending blew me away! So much happened in the last few chapters. I never saw any of it coming. Terry's writing makes you feel like everything is real, even the magical so when it gets dark, not just outside, you feel like it's really happening or could. This makes for a good read. All during a full moon too. I slept with the light on.

Thank you to NetGalley , Tor Publishing and the author Terry Benton-Walker for my copy

I loved Blood Debts and was so excited to receive an advanced copy of Blood Justice. I loved the continuation of this story, but struggled with some of the pacing. I felt like some parts dragged and it took me a little while to get fully into the story. I also struggled with some of the choices characters were making. I wasn't the biggest fan of Cris in the first book, and I really struggled with her in this one as well. I know this was intentional and I'm glad to see that towards the end she was turning things around. Of course Valentina was as selfish and delusional as she was in the first book. Then theres Clem and Yves. I love them both so much and it honestly physically pained me to read them struggle so much in this book. I hope we get to see them happy and healthy in the next book *fingers crossed*. The ending left me anxiously awaiting the next installment, can't wait to see what awaits these characters!

This is the continuation from the first book and I felt it went even darker and more unflintching. I felt at one part that it was taking to long to show some consequences of actions but it shows what happens with pent up hurt and rage. I found the second book just as interesting as the first and was happy that we got to see more of what the characters were going to do next.

BLOOD JUSTICE by Terry J. Benton-Walker is a fantastic conclusion to BLOOD DEBTS. The immersive New Orleans setting is always a joy to read, and this sequel delves deep into the politics of the magical world and the characters' psyches as they deal with some dark situations. It's long for a YA book but never loses its drive. The characters go through a lot, and the themes of (in)justice, power, racism, and family are strong throughout. It's a really solid conclusion, and I look forward to see what this author does next in the YA age bracket.

Nine months may have passed since the events of "Blood Debts" (book #1), but this incredible story is just getting started. "Blood Justice" unapologetically and unflinchingly unleashes generations of grief and pain, tip-toeing the morally gray line as justice, in its many shapes and forms steeped in blood, weariness, and pride, begins its mortal and godly reign.

In "Blood Justice," there's another daunting and deadly mystery to uncover on top of everything else coming at Cris, Clem, and their family from seemingly all sides. With very little to go off from, they have a lot on their plates to deal with before it's too late and their family loses the throne again.

Cris is fed up with all the injustices and lack of accountability against her, her family, and black folks for centuries, so feels the only solution is to take matters into her own hands. Anger continues to burn within her even after collecting a blood debt. She still feels her family is owed justice from other people who have wronged them and have gotten away with it.

Clem's anxieties are wearing him thin as he desperately searches for answers to his troubles virtually on his own. Clem is a gentle soul and I wish I could give him the biggest hug, so he'd always know how loved he genuinely is. The end of his storyline stomped my feelings to bits (I tried really hard not to cry).

Valentina takes control of her life and sets her sights on taking back the crown/throne she feels is rightfully hers…by any means necessary.

The contrast between Cris and Valentina's character development was interesting because of how they dealt with their anger and responded to their perceived injustices.

Valentina calmly schemes and forms alliances while slowly reconciling with her past that had negatively impacted her the most. She's finally getting a small taste of the love and attention she should have had growing up that only her paternal grandmother ever gave her. It may affect her but doesn't deter her from her goals nor pierce the new walls she's built around herself.

Meanwhile, Cris stews in rage that she doesn't know how to properly deal with/make sense of, a storm that escalates in dark and otherworldly moments that had me very concerned as the story progresses.

You usually see the opposite pathways happening with two such characters, so it was fascinating how the author flipped what we expect of the good, bad, and gray on its head. This made the story even more riveting.

I also loved that gods have active agency in this story. One in particular who had been a haunting presence behind the scenes throughout the story I was so intrigued and horrified of because I had never seen this type of character characterized in such a way that the author has done. I liked how distinct this character was and how much influence they'll have on the story going further. So well-written!

As for the ending…there are no words that can properly convey just how frightfully epic and chaotic it was. The climactic scene and falling resolution are great examples of how to leave readers an emotional wreckage yet wanting more. I appreciated the bit of comic relief with a certain grandmother after the grisly mayhem that just took place. And the final line of the story - *chef's kiss* - was a perfect and impactful ending.

"Blood Justice" is a beast of a sequel that doesn't hold back. The anger, hatred, and grief was palpable. The unchecked greed and lust for power were bone-chilling and sinister. Several characters speaking their truths filled in missing pieces of the story so far and provided more details about how events led to the current situation. I'm glad I held onto the family tree I made while reading book one because it was very much needed here (at least for me) despite only a couple of new characters being introduced.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story because this series isn't for the faint of heart. "Blood Debts" was a difficult read for me yet it left me in awe of what the author was able to accomplish. "Blood Justice" was also a challenging read but its voice took on a much different tone and was exquisitely complex in terms of the writing and execution of the plot.

Terry J. Benton-Walker's writing is strong. He has created such a deeply compelling, dark, and magical YA contemporary urban fantasy. I look forward to returning to New Orleans in book three!

Thanks again Tor Teen and NetGalley for the e-arc to read in exchange for an honest review!

Phew!!! Y'all this one was a ride that I would do all over again!!! The author put his foot all up and through this sequel and I truly hope there's another book to come!!! We need it!!
If you liked Blood Debts, you're going to love this installment in the series. We pick up a few months after culminating events of book 1 and really get to dive into the consequences of actions and the fallout that happens of both sides. What I loved most about this book is that everything is not clear-cut. Everyone is a bit morally grey and can find justifications for their actions if they either dig deep enough into the past, or not to far beyond the reasons for their own present-day actions. The magic, pain, anger, vengeance, and even love is amped up in this installment and we watch these teens navigate the loss, anger, and, grief, that was haphazardly tossed unto them, without any regard to the long-term effects on their mental. and emotional health. This one is a banger and everyone needs to read it!!!