Blood Slaves

Markus Redmond’s concept - well deserved retribution rains down on racists/white slave owners when the enslaved protagonist Willy crosses paths with a new kind of vampire - is a grabby one, especially in a time of cultural reinterpretation. The debut novelist’s plot concept perhaps owes more to Quentin Tarrantino’s Django Unchained, Kill Bill and Inglourious Basterds than it does Bram Stoker and his spawn, in that it sets up scum of the earth bad guys who deserved to be fully reaped for their evil by a dire reckoning force. There is a passing mention of avoiding sunlight, by Rafazi, last of the Ramanga Tribe in Ghana of the year 1407, and his requisite need for blood, preferably human blood to survive as the undead. There are also glowing eyes and a perplexing bit about a forehead that engorges and extends when the ghoulish creature is supernaturally aroused by blood. Readers know right away that Redmond is dispensing with the usual vampire vibe. 

Pitted between the ancient wiles of Rafazi and the rapacity and casual torture and homicide of the slave owners are Willy and Gertie, sweet, steadfast lovers who hang on to their humanity and inherent decency. Though the premise is strong, the prose and story has deficits.

The opening, media res during a battle in Ghana, could have been very exciting but is marred by clunky expository dumps which overshadow what is happening right now. Deep past expositions explaining how we got here would have better served the heart of the story. Characters are thin; the sneering, menacing tobacco chewing good old boys, trembling, victimized women just trying to keep their head down, the booming voiced, physically large white landowner who feels entitled to everything. They feel less like people with individual goals than blank canvases upon which to etch deep suffering or pure evil. Extended scenes of torture and rape and violence which focus on what is happening to people does not reveal their character further.

During the rape scene especially, women are handled like puppets or props, helpless objects of male gaze. The idea that the rape was happening as much to the unborn child of the victim was a piece I think women may struggle with, as I certainly did. The shorthand plot and character development combined with highly charged emotional scene deposits the book in melodrama. There is a lot of social commentary/instructive fiction out there these days, so even campy melodrama can be a relief, but I feel this book could have been more, gone deeper, been more refined with steady editorial.

Redmond writes using African American Vernacular English, telling much of the story from inside the language of the main characters, in their time and place. However, the deployment of dialog leans generally into declarative, character tropes, lacking nuance or personality. The antagonists especially give into frequent monologuing, telescoping their every action and undercutting what could be even more brutal violence by allowing the acts to exist, blunt, harsh and horrific. When rummaging around in horror, wrestling with evil, less dialog is often more, just as seeing the monster too much breaks the delicious spell of other worlds. All of this may be intentional, though. The breezy high flown description and on the nose dialog from tropey characters put together with the painted claw hand crushing a plantation in its grip on the cover adds up to a rompy B movie vibe. Tarrantino certainly hip-waded in the waters of B movie while adding heft to the pantheon of American cinema. Schadenfreude may well be best served with a side of cheese.

I am of the belief that the vampire myth persists with the tenacity it does because of the potent mix of sex and death - inevitabilities for life. The meat of Blood Slaves however, is revenge and rebalancing power. I frequently wondered while reading it if a better supernatural beast to tear the overseers apart might not be zombies unstoppable and swarming, or atavistic werewolves suggesting we as humans are never far from our animalistic roots, or even a shapeshifter like Carpenter’s The Thing. I think we can all relate to the idea of longing for a huge, punishing force, or being able to appeal to the avenging God of the Old Testament to right wrongs by taking eyes for eyes and teeth for teeth.

I applaud the authors’ urges here in setting up purely evil bad guys so we can really enjoy deep schadenfreude when they get theirs. But the vampire lore-ist in me hankers for what is forbidden and offered in the vampire myth: forbidden sex, forbidden desires, transgressions between the worlds of the living and the dead, possibly some rumination on moralizing, or on the ephemerality of youth and life. Maybe they don’t need to be counts, but encountering a vampire in the trenches of a foul human filth-filled latrine as Redmond shows? This might prove too radical a departure from the genre to still be considered operating within the genre… Some vampire snobs may be turned off. New hybrid vampire/vengeance fans may be born. I predict the book will divide readers on that front.

It's an interesting take on vampire - origin story, based on African Mythology and history. It's a historical horror novel. The novel has a vivid writing style ( especially the fight scenes) and layer of detailed messages. If you're a fan of Stephen Graham Jones's works, especially his latest book, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, you might also like this book even though the two books deal with vampires horror in different way.
Scariness: 2
Unsettling: 2
Intriguing: 3
The book comes out in July.

Thank you for the ARC for the review.

The description of this book had me intrigued especially after watching Sinners.

After reading this book I had to sit on it a few days because it was just that good. It had me questioning myself on what we define as good vs evil and how its not black and white as we tend to think it is as a society.

The question I kept asking myself was : Would I have done the same thing as Kwadzo or be more like Gertie was in the beginning? And honestly I do not know.

The trigger warnings in this book are spot on but I want to add that even though this book is about a slave and it does depict some of the horrors of slavery I didn't have to take a break as I do some books in this time period because of the added vampire element and what it signified.

The way this author organized and wrote this story was phenomenal. The writing was very immersive and I loved loved how everything wrapped up in the end.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC of Blood Slaves in exchange for my honest review.

This book was one of the best books I’ve read all year ! It is now one of my favorite reads of all time. This book is a masterpiece and I don’t care what anyone says. I will not stop raving about this book until the end of time !

There are graphic and gruesome scenes, so please go in aware of that before picking this book up .

The story follows Kwadzo (Willie) as he and other slaves face turmoil and brutalization by their ruthless slave master Big Jim and his overseers. When Kwadzo learns that he will soon be a father to his unborn child, he is driven to find freedom for himself and those he holds dear. Then one day Kwadzo is given an offer that one in his position could hardly refuse, by a seven century old Ramanga (African vampire). Which leads Kwadzo to take on a journey that will change the lives of everyone in his fight for freedom.

“Give me freedom or give me death!”

This story was so gripping and thought provoking! I found myself constantly anxious at what was going to happen next! Kwadzo’s conflict of using evil to fight evil, while also trying to tread the line of morality was the most gripping part of the story. Watching him navigate what he believed to be was right and wrong through his pursuit of freedom was thought provoking and had me questioning what decision I’d make in his position .

I am so grateful to the author Markus Redmond, Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an early copy of this book. I cannot wait until the sequel and I MUST get my hands on a physical copy of this book.

I enjoyed this book very much. I found the characters believable and the pacing well-done, although a couple of chapters in the middle felt slightly slow. However, the story picked up afterward. I recommend reading the trigger warning beforehand due to the subject matter. Despite that, I remained engaged throughout, often feeling on edge. The plot twist at the end has me eager to read the sequel. Overall, I would rate it 3.75 to 4 stars.

I went into this book with conflicted feelings because of the reviews, however this was great!!! This is a story that doesn’t shy away from the brutal horrors of slavery and the author doesn’t sugarcoat it either!
Markus establishes a narrative grip that commands the reader’s attention throughout the story! It’s a beautiful story with purpose. He brings you emotional and powerful plus devasting moments throughout the read, that leave you wanting more. Plus, I love good character development and Markus did not disappoint when writing this story. This will be a 5-star read for a lot of people. The story grabs you and doesn’t let go till the very end of the story. The carnage that comes from this vampire tale will leave you wanting more plus, we all love a good revenge story. Be prepared to feel and go through a lot of different emotions!

Devoured this story! Cannot wait until it comes out on July 29th! I need my physical copy!! We recommend this to everyone!

Vampires from an ancient African tribe, that was lost to time.

A rebirth of that tribe in the New World to help free the people from slavery.

There’s some deep revenge stories and questions of what is good and is there a line.

Willie and Gertie really were a great couple, and lived these themes.

When the gore came it came strong!

Thank you, Kensington Publishing and Netgalley, for the early copy of Blood Slaves. This novel was a lot, but I enjoyed reading it, and vampires were a plus. I like the author's writing style; he is a good storyteller. Thank you again

If given an opportunity to fight for freedom from enslavement, what would you be willing to sacrifice to gain freedom? 

Markus Redmond's exceptional storytelling seamlessly blends American history and supernatural horror in a deeply rewarding fight for freedom. While reading, I found myself telling everyone they had to get a copy upon release, and now I'm convinced this would be incredible as either a movie or a television series. It has everything: love, betrayal, tons of action, and a classic good-versus-evil dynamic.

Blood Slaves is a tough read at times, but a necessary one. It's much more than just a book about vampires and slaves; it's thought-provoking and opens up vital discussions. I appreciated the way Redmond explores the differing opinions among slave owners and the complex arguments among the enslaved. Even though Robert Callowhill, James Barrow’s (Big Jim) house guest, owned slaves, he didn't share Big Jim's particularly vicious justifications for slavery. The novel delves into the difficult question of violence versus non-violence, and the multifaceted nature of freedom and its cost. Gertie's verbal stance, weighing enslavement by white men against enslavement to blood, and questioning if being undead equates to true freedom, is particularly compelling. If you had the opportunity to fight for freedom from slavery, would you do so, and to what extent?

I also appreciated Redmond's portrayal of Rafazi, who admitted his fear and acknowledged that, while not a natural leader himself, he recognizes and respects Willie/Kwadzo's leadership. I like Redmond's inclusion of how the enslaved people honored and shared the land with the Indigenous people. I felt that the violence and revenge in this story were not portrayed as the actions of heartless killers, but of a need to survive and change the narrative of the mistreatment of humans for the color of their skin.

Redmond also raises important points about the significance of identity and heritage, and how profoundly the loss of one's birth name, as experienced by Willie and the other enslaved, can impact a person.

Redmond successfully built the Barrow Plantation, vividly depicting the plantation, the lives of the slaves, and the characters. I found it interesting how little Big Jim valued his chief overseer, Monroe Washington, almost less than his slaves, and how that dynamic fueled Monroe's hatred for Willie. Redmond also provides a rich history of the Ramanga Tribe, and through Rafazi, we learn about the nature of their blood and how humans respond to it.

From every angle, the story maintains a compelling and intriguing pace, building towards the action and rebellion. Readers seeking a traditional vampire story may not find this book to their taste. But those who enjoy historical fiction with an alternative blend of supernatural horror will find Blood Slaves full of depth, entertainment, and characters that readers will both love and hate.

This novel receives my highest recommendation for readers willing to engage with challenging themes presented without sugar-coating. Potential readers should be aware that the story is set in 1710 in the province of Carolina. It contains triggers and content warnings, including violence, blood/gore, murder, abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse, racism, hate speech, racial slurs, and systemic racism.

An enslaved man. An ancient immortal. A revolution forged in blood. Blood Slaves is a high-stakes, action-packed Black vampire epic that redefines survival, leadership, and freedom in the most unforgettable way. Willie, a slave shackled by a brutal system, becomes Kwadzo—a force of power, rebellion, and retribution—when Rafazi, the last surviving member of the Ramangan vampire tribe, turns him immortal. As Kwadzo navigates his new existence, fighting not only for survival but for liberation, love and loyalty are tested. Gertie, his love interest and mother of his unborn child, must come to terms with what he’s become. Deep themes of morality, indoctrination, and religious manipulation run parallel to bloody encounters, culminating in a seismic shift of power. And despite the satisfying ending, the realization that freedom must extend beyond their own plantation leaves us desperate for the next book.
This is a dark historical fantasy and Black vampire fiction masterpiece, fusing action, romance, and deep philosophical themes about freedom, morality, and humanity’s darkest instincts. Markus Redmond writes with a visceral, cinematic style—sharp, fast-paced, and emotionally charged. The action is immediate and relentless from the opening scene to the final page. The themes are never heavy-handed, but seamlessly woven into dialogue, inner conflict, and character arcs. The voice feels raw, powerful, and perfectly matched to the grit and gravity of the story’s setting and subject matter. Black vampire lore is criminally underrepresented, and Blood Slaves gives it the lush, feral, and fiercely intellectual treatment it deserves. The exploration of slavery, religious brainwashing, and survival through the lens of vampirism feels authentic, brutal, and relevant. Every character—from Rafazi’s cowardice to Kwadzo’s rising leadership—is crafted with nuance and truth.
Speaking of characters, Kwadzo’s transformation from a powerless human to a revolutionary leader is masterful. You feel every growing pain, every righteous rage, every victory. Rafazi is a fascinating study in survival through cowardice–he’s not the grand hero of his people, but the last flickering remnant of a proud tribe. Gertie’s character arc from resistance to understanding was beautiful and emotionally satisfying. Her acceptance of Kwadzo was hard-won and authentic. Watching Kwadzo and Gertie's relationship stretch, break, and rebuild across the brutal reality of immortality was deeply satisfying and rich with emotional stakes. I also truly enjoyed Penelope’s role as a quintessential lesson on the parental indoctrination into racism and religious justification for the treatment of enslaved people. I’m immensely interested in her role in the upcoming books.
The pacing of Blood Slave is ruthless and relentless–in the best way. There are no wasted scenes, no downtime. There is a strong narrative backbone with excellent twists and thematic cohesion. The ending left my jaw dropped with a perfect set up to leave us craving the next installment. This story grabs you by the throat emotionally and doesn't let go. From searing grief to intoxicating triumph, the emotional stakes mirror the high-octane action perfectly. You can practically hear the screams, feel the sticky Southern heat, and taste the metallic tang of blood and rage. A masterful, action-packed Black vampire epic exploring slavery, freedom, morality, and immortality through fresh, powerful storytelling, Blood Slaves doesn’t just entertain—it challenges, questions, and ignites something primal in its readers.

Where to start?

This is a story that doesn’t shy away from the brutal horrors of slavery and the author doesn’t sugarcoat it.

This book is a visceral read, the storytelling is so vividly descriptive and immediately knew how to capture my attention from the very first page. The characters are complex and so well written and fleshed out. The plot was very thorough and the Ramangan lore was incredibly well done. The way the author mixed African mythology with history felt very unique and fresh.

I went through so many emotions. Reading about the horrors that were done to the enslaved people made me so angry, sad and even nauseous at times. The white men calling black people savages and uncivilized while they are the ones abusing, raping and killing made my blood boil.

The atrocities of slavery are never easy to read and this is not for the faint of heart. Please check your trigger/content warnings before going in. The story contains vivid description of someone being torn apart by a dog, sexual assault and rape, SA of a child, abuse, racism, racial slurs.

This was a though read but it also had a satisfying ending. I love a good revenge story and this one exceeded my expectations. I think everyone should read this book.

🕯️🩸 Book Review: Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond (@markusredmond)

This book bleeds history, rage, and hunger—in the best, most brutal way.

From the first page, where chains and bloodlines intertwine, Redmond throws you into 1710 Carolina: a world where enslaved Africans seize monstrous power to break their oppressors. It’s fierce and raw, not just a vampire story—it's an uprising wearing a coffin’s grin. Think Django Unchained meets Dracula, carved with a hot iron.

💭 "Freedom ain’t given. Freedom’s taken—even if it costs your soul."

If you love:
📍Horror that doesn't flinch from real-world atrocities
📍Vampires that are ancient, blood-bound, and born of survival
📍Stories where monstrosity becomes a form of resistance
📍Prose that hits like a war drum—loud, furious, unforgettable

This one’s calling your name.

⚔️🩶 Savage, soulful, and soaked in fire and blood.

🌟 5/5 – A blade between the ribs of history. Not just powerful—necessary.

Note: I received this book as an ARC & am leaving this review voluntarily.

#bookreview #historicalhorror #vampirenovels #blackhorror #darkfantasy #gothicfiction #bookstagram #bloodslaves

This was a fantastic historical horror, very graphic and brutal, I thought the character transformations (emotional) were deftly handled, such a good book but not for the faint hearted (or squeamish)

Thank you NetGalley and Markus Redmond for this ARC . When I heard the description of the book I was intrigued. Please take heed to the trigger warnings, that’s what took me so long to read the book. The beginning started off slow but Once I got to about 30% I was hooked waiting for the fight! Shit boy (rafizi)and Willie came together and wrecked them wip crackers lives. Gertie stood her ground and I loved that for her. This story develops well and the ending seems like there will be a part 2 and now that most of the heaviness seems to be over I think I will enjoy it. The revolution was not televised but I would like to see what becomes of the plantation and if they will help others. I didn’t like the ending and not because it wasn’t good but because I wanted them to have this one thing just for them.

I was in love with the concept of Blood Slaves from the jump. It’s ultimately a revenge story. I just felt so satisfied by the end because these characters go through ALOT. TW for graphic violence and torture. I’m not particularly sensitive to violence and gore but I felt that too much emphasis was placed on the slaves various torture scenes and not enough was given to the plot/fantasy aspects. But if you can tolerate that it’s definitely worth the read

Blood Slaves, set in the early 1700s, doesn't ease you in gently, it drops you straight into a world teeming with moral corruption. The story opens with Rafazi, a character painted in deeply unsettling shades, and from that moment on, you know you're not in for a simple vampire tale.

Yes, Blood Slaves is an origin story of vampires in America, but to call it just that would be reductive. It's layered, haunting, and brutally honest. I'll admit, I was nervous going in. But once I began, it became clear this was exactly the kind of story I had been craving: bold, unflinching, and emotionally rich. Redmond doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors of slavery. It's essential to read the trigger warnings because this book confronts the reader with some truly difficult realities.

What gripped me most was the transformation, not just the supernatural kind, but the emotional and psychological shifts each character undergoes. Rafazi's arc and the difficult choices he faces, Kwadzo's evolving mindset, and the complex relationships that grow despite fear and trauma-all of it feels heartbreakingly real. Each character operates by their own moral compass, and that makes the painful moments hit even harder. You come to care for them, and that care makes their suffering more intense.

There's a chilling truth woven through these pages: the kind of delusion it takes to ignore the threat in front of you, simply because that threat doesn't see your humanity. By the end, the book leaves you grappling with unsettling questions: If you were given the chance to take revenge, would you? If faced with impossible odds, what would you give up-your morality, your soul-for justice, or vengeance?

Blood Slaves is entertaining and challenging. It provokes and it lingers and I absolutely devoured this book.

Welcome to the Blood.

Wow.
Set in 1710 in the Province of Carolina we follow the slave known as Willie, who wishes ot freedom from his oppressors. We follow his story as he gains the power to fight back for himself and brethren from an ancient vampire whose tribe was only known as myth.
This story reads like a cinematic masterpiece riddled with history of the the slave trade and the horrendous treatment of the those stolen from their land. Redmond's writing invokes both anger and hope.
We follow multiple povs with Willie and those on the plantation.
This is a powerful tale of overcoming fear and enacting justice.
Be mindful of the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book and the authors not in the beginning because this is more than just a vampire novel.

This book is well written but it was not for me. I will not be sharing a review of this book as I understand my dislike has nothing to with the writing or grammar but the themes were just hard for me to get through.

"Freedom. What had been a way of life for Willie in his younger years was now something he ran through the wilderness in the dead of night for as an adult. As if he were stealing it instead of it having been stolen from him."

Where do I even start with this one?
This is the first time I have read a book where the horrific accuracy of slavery is put on paper. Slavery was not fiction, freedom was not a choice or even an option for many of our ancestors. Blood slaves not only paints the cruel reality of what slavey was but it also did a beautiful job of showing black rage.

How could you not be mad? Whenever slavery is talked about the rage is always missing. Blood Slaves shows us what happens when you decide freedom is the only option for you.. when you remind yourself of you were before someone told you you were nothing, when you remind yourself it is in your blood..

Was it traumatic? Yes
Bloody? Yes
Horrific? Yes

Was this the best horror novel I've ever read? YES!!!!!