Day’s YA: BLOOD DEBTS

BLOOD DEBTS by Terry J. Benton-Walker
9781250825926
4/4/23
Tor Teen
Ages 13-18

E-galley available on Edelweiss

Sixteen-year-old twins Clement and Cristina used to be close, but lately they are incapable of understanding each other. They come from a powerful magical family in New Orleans, but that couldn’t save their father from dying or their mother from falling ill. As a result, Cris has given up magic for good, and Clem is holding onto it tighter than ever. But when they learn that their mother is actually cursed not sick they have to work together to solve a murder case from thirty years ago and figure out who is after their family, without killing each other along the way. What they discover will reveal decades-old secrets, put their family’s magic to the test, and change the trajectory of their lives, as well as the entire city of New Orleans.

The combination of complicated family drama, excellent worldbuilding, and a beautifully complex magic system made for a truly captivating reading experience. And the social commentary is expertly weaved into the story, making this a debut that is both entertaining and relevant. Bestselling author Nic Stone called BLOOD DEBTS “a conjuring of magnificence” and I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’d highly recommend this to fans of the magic system and southern Black culture in Tracy Deonn’s LEGENDBORN and the ancient family magic of Cassandra Clare’s CITY OF BONES, as well as anyone who is looking to be whisked away to the enchanted streets of New Orleans.

“This page-turning debut demands a sequel. Riveting and relevant.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Happy reading!
<3 Emily

YA Resources:
2023 Books for Teens
Day’s YA Archives
2023 Adult Books for Teens