While I finished this book some time ago, I had to sit on it. Let it percolate in my brain for a time. That's the sort of book Blood Slaves is -- something that you're going to be rolling around in your head for days afterwards. It sticks with you.

To summarize: Blood Slaves is about Southern plantation rice paddy slaves enduring the brutality of the mundanity of their lives, before one of them trips over a vampire from an African tribe of vampires who has been living the offal of the planation on purpose, because of self-hatred and weariness. But he and another slave find common ground and new life when further plantation cruelty puts them close to each other.

I don't want to go into the specifics of some of the plot details as it really needs to be read, but there's a lot thematically I do want to talk about. The horror of the blood is very understated. Yes, someone gets his leg ripped off and beat to death with it, but the real horror is the mundanity of the vile behaviors perpetrated by white plantation owners. There are horrors. Runaways fed to dogs. Four counts of on-page rape, three with male on female violence (one of the victims being a child) and one with female on male. Whippings and beatings and forced labor.

Vengeful vampires don't even rate as high in the 'made my stomach twist.' It part of why I feel like this is less 'horror' and most like a side step from it. A tense historical novel that happens to have vampires in it, because the vampires are not the bad guys here.

The emphasis on the horror of the mundane day to day atrocities is paralleled by the fact that when it comes to welcoming their vampire saviors, the slave village has two sets of voices: one that believes this is evil and no good can come of it, and hat they need to just hold on to hope for a better day, and those who say, 'I'm tired of being a good slave, sign me the fuck up for a set of fangs.'

The village is sharply divided, and the politics of "being nice and hoping things will be better some day" vs "nobody ever got rights by being polite" is what really grabbed me here. I was intensely nervous that this was going to go down a specific path of 'vampire evil, evil bad, no good can spring from evil.' But it ends up a lot more nuanced than that, as we see people betray each other, forgive each other, love each other. That hate is toxic and love is healing.

However, it doesn't shy away from the idea that violence has consequences, some of which are often unseen until far later. Recruitment goes awry when fledglings can't control their appetite for blood and revenge. The oppressed manipulate their fellows to maintain their positions in the slave ranks. And of course, the white plantation owners believe themselves both untouchable and are willing to harm and kill their own for their own imagined superiority to not just their slaves, but that they are superior, indeed, to most white people in turn.

This is what sat with me the longest, and is still sitting with me. Especially in today's political climate where the politics of respectability has led to the rise of fascist government. I feel like this is a book that should absolutely be read, especially by white liberals who sit back and go, 'Well, if they'd just...' and insert a victim blaming statement here. 'Complied with the police officer.' 'Not rejected him.' 'Got down on their level.' So on and so forth.

Being hopeful and kind to each other only gets you so far when you're trapped in a system that dehumanizes you. The rest of the time it takes action, a lot of it ugly and demanding sacrifice and often times, the compromise of morality. But this, ultimately, is why I have a hard time classifying this as a true 'horror' novel - the end is hopeful. It's the first book in a series which will follow the slave village through their work toward their own freedom and independence. Horror usually doesn't end with hope. Sometimes the evil is defeated, yes, or one survivor comes out hardened and gets away, though evil lurks behind them, not truly defeated.

A novel of dread. A novel of horrors, yes. But a horror novel itself... not sure. We'll see if I feel that way when the second book comes out -- because it is a 100% must buy new. I got a NetGalley copy for this but ended up buying it before I even got into it deeply and was lucky that it was in my Twisted Retreat box (and what a gorgeous edition they did with TWO dust jacket colorways!) So I'm happy it's not just on my kobo, but also my shelf.

It feels strange to say that I “loved” a book with such heavy subject matter, but I was hooked start to finish.

Not an easy read by any measure, but reading this tale of retribution and reclamation of power was a journey.

Unflinching and full of emotions, I eagerly await the nezt chapter of the Blood Saga.

This book is well written, but I almost DNF'ed it because of how much violence, gore, and assault took place in this book. I think that the concept of the book was unique, but it just wasn't for me. I think people will enjoy this book; it just felt like I was reading a book only about trauma. It was more about the trauma than the vampires.

Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond is a powerful and haunting read. I was immediately drawn in by Redmond’s descriptive writing style, which brings both the setting and characters vividly to life. I appreciated the fresh take on vampires woven into a rewritten historical narrative. It felt unique and thought-provoking.

At times, the portrayal of slavery and the abuse endured by enslaved people was difficult to read, not because of the writing itself but because Redmond captures the brutality with such realism. It’s a heavy but important layer that gives the story real depth.

While historical fiction isn’t my usual go-to genre, I found myself invested in the story despite some slower sections. The ending, in particular, was incredibly satisfying and made the journey worthwhile.

Overall, Blood Slaves is an intense, original, and memorable novel that blends historical fiction with vampire lore in a way I haven’t encountered before.

I was all in the moment I read the description: Black vampires in the 1700s during the era of slavery? Sign me up. Blood Slaves did not disappoint. This was a dark, powerful, and refreshingly original take on the vampire mythos, grounded in brutal history and layered with thought-provoking questions about freedom, survival, and identity.

The story centers on Willie, a slave determined to protect his wife Gertie and their unborn child from the horrors inflicted by their cruel owner, Big Jim. When Willie crosses paths with Rafazi, an ancient vampire, he’s offered a chilling but freeing choice—embrace eternal life as one of the undead or remain shackled in bondage. The slow-burn pacing may test your patience in places, but the build-up is absolutely worth it. Redmond doesn't rush the narrative; he gives the story room to breathe, which allows the emotional weight to settle in.

What stood out to me most was Willie’s strength and integrity. Even after becoming a vampire and drinking blood to survive, Willie never fully loses himself. His humanity, his love for his family, and his moral compass remain intact—even as he wrestles with what his transformation means for the future he so desperately wants. The emotional stakes are real and gripping.

The conflict between those who embraced vampirism and those who refused was a particularly compelling layer. It raised powerful questions about the nature of freedom, revenge, and sacrifice. Is freedom still freedom if it comes with bloodshed and darkness? At what cost do you reclaim power? These aren’t just plot points—they’re philosophical undercurrents that make this more than just a vampire novel.

This is a story about power, survival, resistance, and reclaiming one’s identity in the face of unimaginable cruelty. Blood Slaves doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of slavery, but it reimagines that history through a bold and supernatural lens. If you're into historical horror with real emotional stakes, this book is a must-read.

🩸 BOOK REVIEW: Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5/5 | Must-Read

Whewww—this book right here?! Blood Slaves is easily one of my top reads of the year. It gave movie vibes in the best way. From the very first page, I was like oh we’re going there. It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s gripping—and I couldn’t put it down.

If you’ve ever watched Sinners or Mississippi Burning and were left speechless... buckle up. This one blends horror, historical fiction, and suspense so seamlessly that it grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s violent, it’s emotional, and it’s powerful.

The character development? On point. I was rooting for these characters so hard. Redmond did not play when it came to making you feel—I was invested from start to finish.

This book is bold. It’s raw. And honestly? It’s a masterpiece. 10/10 recommend. But don’t go in thinking this is a light read—it will sit with you. And it should.

You know a horror novel’s doing something right when the vampires are the least horrifying thing in it.

Firstly, this book is excruciatingly painful to read. If you plan to pick it up, please take care and be mindful of content warnings. I don’t say this lightly. Nearly every major trigger is present here and it’s depicted on page including sexual violence, abuse and 🍇 against both men and women. This is a confronting depiction of life on plantations that came about due to the transatlantic slave trade and it doesn’t sugarcoat or sanitise the truth and the scenes are frequent. There’s also heavy use of the “n” word throughout.

Reading this hurt and it was supposed to I guess, because pain can be a form of witness. Because the historical aspect of this book isn’t exaggeration. It's documented history. And it's paramount to understand how messed up history was, so it doesn’t repeat itself and so we know how far we’ve come and understand the trauma responses still happening.

I learned recently that George Washington stole teeth from a Black person’s body for his dentures, that slave owners used Black skin for lamps and their hair to stuff pillows, that Black babies were used as alligator bait, that people were literally eaten, bred for labor and treated as commodities. This isn’t in Redmond’s book. This is documented reality. And it went on for hundreds of years. And yet, reading fiction that channels even a fraction of that horror hits differently. It forces empathy and reflection in a way mere facts sometimes can’t.

But yeah anyway. Back to the book. I found myself asking how much horror is too much and who gets to decide that? As the reader, your mileage may vary. My interpretation is that it doesn’t shock for the sake of it but it asks us to remember.

There were moments I wasn’t sure I could finish. I had to put it down multiple times because the content made me feel physically ill. It brought me to tears. And yet, that discomfort stems because it's grounded in truth.

Redmond makes no attempt to dilute the cruelty and perhaps that’s intentional. Because it seems it's more important now than ever to explore how hatred spreads and how white supremacy infects, mutates and persists and why it feels especially relevant in today’s climate.

We're seeing the echoes of these ideologies in politics, in celebrities promoting eugenics through denim ads, people who still have their weddings at plantations and in real-world horrors.

I realise I haven’t said much about the plot, because it feels secondary to what the book accomplishes on a thematic level. There is some cool and unique stuff done with the African vampire folklore of Ramanga... If you wanna know more you can just read the blurb.

Just know, there’s catharsis here. Fiction, at least, lets the oppressed fight back.

Blood Slaves is cinematic as hell and someone needs to make it into a horror film immediately.

Do I recommend this book? 100% yes, but only if you’re in the right headspace.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing | Dafina for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a readers copy of this book. My reviews never contain spoilers and are freely provided.
Blood Slaves is a brutal book. It contains violence and heavy use of the N word, as it is a story about slavery. The abhorrent acts that the overseers use against the slaves can only be deemed inhumane.
This is a story of revenge and retribution, not only for a group of slaves, but for the native people who had their land stolen to establish plantations.
Due to the language and violent scenes, this book may not be for everyone. For those who can overlook the controversial language and violence, the ending is a satisfying one.

I had high hopes for this one as I’ve spent time in the last year learning about colonial Carolina, I love history, and have a soft spot for vampires. But despite these aspects, there were many things about this book that didn’t work for me. Probably the biggest issue I had with this one was the characters. They felt more like caricatures than real people, especially the villains. This made it difficult to connect with the story and left a flat feeling overall, which is disappointing. This book certainly should have been emotionally charged, and while emotional things did happen, that feeling wasn’t there.

There were a lot of gruesome and graphic details included surrounding abuse and rape. While I know these were painful and tragic realities, I didn’t really like how they were incorporated here. I think this was partly due to the missing emotional connection, which led to the scenes lacking emotional impact but being brutally graphic. That disconnect just doesn’t work for me, but I don’t think it was the wrong choice to include the graphic scenes. It’s just disappointing that more time was spent on graphic violence than it was on giving the characters the feel of being real people.

I also was looking for more historical details and a stronger use of the setting. I did notice that several of the historical details that were included were incorrect, and there wasn’t any clarification if this was a purposeful choice made by the author or not. I did like the lore surrounding the vampires especially at the beginning, but I would have loved to have more of this aspect.

The premise of this one was promising, but the execution was lacking for me. I am an outlier on this one, though. If you like alternative histories with strong supernatural elements and graphic violence, you’ll probably enjoy this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book is traumatic, visceral, and rageful. But in a way that I really understood. The core of this book is set on a plantation and the horrid dynamic between enslaved people and plantation owners. The author approached the sort of hate and pain in these situations in a way that I found to be very assiduous.
Please go into this book with care for yourself and checking triggers, as this book does include depictions of the heinous treatment and ideas towards enslaved people.
I really enjoyed the perspectives of our main characters. There was a dichotomy within the story revolving how to survive--to fight and risk it all or to stay and persevere. I think this aspect of the story was really compelling--especially as we are allowed into these mindsets and pulled into really confronting the fear and hardships that these people suffered through. And adding in the layer of the unknown (vampires) and what impact this might have on someone's core person-hood.
The relationships and cultural aspects of the story were highlights. I was really invested in the interpersonal side of the story (both between characters and within each character's self). There is a discourse happening between who they were before and after enslavement as well as who they can be again, post liberation.
There's also a debate about whether or not to "turn" as well as who you'll be after and what this means for those who don't turn. These conversations are very interesting to have--especially laced in this context of liberation from enslavement and taking power from oppressors. And I love the complex conversations had and diving into understanding why someone might not want to change.

I will say, we didn't really get to explore a lot of the history or magic behind the vampires. Which I can appreciate given that we aren't expending extra time on any well-known lore. BUT, there were aspects of the magic (particularly post transition) that I would have been interested in seeing more of.
I also felt like some of the pacing was a bit off. And I think I would have liked to spend more time diving into the character development and possibly getting more of a build up to the climax

Overall, I thought this was a really fascinating story and lore. And I think this book did a good job telling this story while simultaneously introducing characters and setting up the next book. I'm really excited to see the indigenous characters play a larger role. And the cliffhanger this book ends on is gearing up to make for a really thrilling and intriguing sequel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing and Dafina for providing me with a digital review copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Different from what I normally read in my free time but I enjoyed it! This was the first book I’ve read by Markus Redmond and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye to see what else they share with the world.

Absolutely!!! Five Stars isn't even enough this book is 6 and a half. The love the revenge the liberation i felt my heart curve in every direction.

Damn this was good!
One of the best revenge/vampire stories I’ve ever read.
Easily became one of my favorite reads.

Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond is a brutal and imaginative fusion of historical fiction and supernatural horror. Set in colonial Carolina, it follows Willie—a formerly enslaved man—who joins forces with Rafazi, the last surviving vampire of the African Ramanga tribe. Together, they transform the enslaved into a vampire army to rise against the violent system that’s consumed them. The premise is bold, and the execution is relentless. Redmond doesn’t shy away from the horrors of slavery—instead, he magnifies them through the lens of vampirism, using blood as both metaphor and weapon. The result is a story that’s as emotionally intense as it is violent, confronting the reader with unflinching depictions of trauma, vengeance, and moral complexity.

The characters are layered and compelling, especially Willie, whose transformation from broken man to a symbol of terrifying resistance drives the heart of the story. Rafazi offers a quiet wisdom and historical weight, while Gertie and Irene complicate the moral landscape in ways that are deeply human. The writing is straightforward, visceral, and emotionally charged—sacrificing elegance for urgency, and that works in its favor. This isn’t a comforting read; it’s raw, furious, and purposefully uncomfortable. But it’s also deeply original and cathartic. Blood Slaves doesn’t offer clean answers, but it forces you to reckon with difficult questions about freedom, justice, and the cost of reclaiming power. It’s a disturbing, powerful novel that lingers long after the last page.

ABOUT

Blood Slaves has a unique twist on vampire lore. These vampires are an African tribe that share the Blood of Gamab and are known as the Ramangan Tribe. Centuries later, when all but one of the Ramanga are dead and gone, their story is a “myth” told to children to keep them in line.

In this story, we follow the violent and historically accurate abuse and daily lives of the enslaved people of a North Carolina plantation. This book DOES NOT shy away from the graphic nature of what enslaved people endured.

When one of the enslaved people comes upon the last surviving Ramanga vampire hiding among them, they realize they have a shot at freedom. And revenge.

REVIEW

I admittedly had to take breaks from this book because of the on page brutality. But I understand why it is there and I do think it’s necessary. Please take the trigger warnings seriously.

Markus Redmond wrote a creative set of vampire rules that borrowed from some of the traditional ones, but added to them. I particularly loved the unique origin of vampires in this story and how that lends itself to the overall story.

You will be filled with rage and very ready for the big battle. I absolutely adored how this book ended and I am glad there will be more.

First off, like many reviewers have stated, there are many depictions of historically accurate atrocities of slavery, so please be aware of this and read the trigger warnings before deciding to read. These parts of the story are hard to read at times, but important context for why what happens next happens.

I love that Redmond took the typical vampire lore and threw it out the window, utilizing the lore of an African vampire tribe, the Ramanga. This is going to make one hell of a horror movie some day with how brutal and bloody things are.

There’s a nice bit of revenge that the enslaved people achieve, giving a voice to the oppressed in this story. Unfortunately in today’s world, it’s easier to see this achieved in stories than in reality.

If you’re in the right head space, I think everyone should read this.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to @kensingtonpublishing for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Now this is a BOOK! Reading this book reminds you why awards for writing and literature were created. This is what it means to be creative. To take such a horrific past and reclaim it in such an inventive way is a testament to just how brilliant a writer Markus Redmond is.

First of all, the book starts with such a powerful Author’s Note. This note felt so necessary and was a frame for the entire book. Redmond discusses the frustration that went into his writing and explains how 2020 was the catalyst for this specific vampire story. I love that this note is included because you can feel this passion, heartache, and determination throughout the story.

I was really in awe at how grounded the story felt. I loved that the vampiric elements added to this story were written in as African folklore. Stories that traveled with the enslaved from their homes in Africa to the New World. Folklore passed down from parents to children to keep them from misbehaving. This was so clearly inspired by real African folklore, which is so rich and vast. It varies from country to country, but I really feel like this book captured that spirit of folklore with the Ramangan ‘myth’. Having the vampires be these legends from their homes that they were stolen from, that they then encounter and get to become, is so powerful.

Folklore feels like such a running theme throughout this book. In a cyclical way, the story in this book feels like it could become folklore. The group of enslaved people who turned into Ramangans to free themselves. Told from generation to generation. A new myth.

I absolutely love it when I can tell when reading a book that the writer took the time to research. This book was an alternate history done RIGHT. The true events and facts woven together with vampires and fantastical power was done so well. It takes extensive knowledge of the events you are trying to tell to be able to balance these things. However, this research never felt clinical. Redmond made these characters real! It felt pronounced through the text that even though these specific characters are fictional and the fantasy elements are not real, these events DID happen. That grief, pain, and empathy you feel for these characters you grow so invested in are feelings that should all be extended to the lived experiences of enslaved people. I feel like Markus Redmond was able to create new characters for this story while still highlighting the fact that their journeys reflect real ones.

On a personal note, the infusion of Ghanaian culture into this meant so much to me. First, I loved having the Ramanga being from the Kingdom of Ghana. Absolutely obsessed with some Ghanaian vampires. Secondly, the moment when Kwadzo returns to his true name was so special to me. This Born on a Sunday girl definitely teared up at that. Another example of Redmond’s excellence in his writing, research, and talent.

Lastly, I have no clue how Pulitzer’s work but this review is me official nominating this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 3
Plot development: 4
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 4

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

This was brutal, bloody, and bold, telling a story of revenge and uprising. The concept was super interesting, and the lore and magic system intrigued me, but ultimately the execution failed to grip me. The build up felt over long, and while it is obviously important to discuss the horrors of chattel slavery, it felt like it became for shock value rather than an integral part of the story and the basis for revenge. I feel like the author could not trust us to come to the realisation that slaves were treated badly and slavery was not okay. For what is meant to be a revenge story, there was therefore a lot less revenge than I would have expected. Honestly, there was a lot less vampires than I would have expected too!

The prose also left quite a lot to be desired, and perhaps could have been slightly more polished. It read clunky and young - besides the graphic nature of the story - and the dialogue read almost like a script, which I guess makes sense considering the author's screenwriting history. As others have mentioned, the slaves' dialogue also reverts from AAVE as soon as they are turned, which seemed unnecessary to me. All round an exciting idea but just an okay book, one I likely won't think about again, and I won't be continuing the series.

I have been wracking my brain to find the words to talk about this phenomenal novel for some time now. I have come to the conclusion that there aren't any words that could fully encapsulate just how truly important and exceptional it is.
Markus Redmond's "Blood Slaves" is truly a masterpiece. Well written and engrossing; it's half "Blade" level vampire action and half historically accurate nightmare. Readers should pay heed to the trigger warnings and proceed on this post with caution. The depictions in this novel of the very real horrors that enslaved Black people faced in the United States rivals many history books.
Stay buckled up, though, because vengeance is sweet. Gory and satisfying vampire rage kept me glued to the pages.
This is absolutely a new favorite and a book I believe everyone should read.