Bloodspell by Amalie Howard (review #132)

Title: Bloodspell

Author: Amalie Howard

Publisher: Langdon Street Press

Genre: Young Adult

Format: Review Copy

Back when I first started my blog, I used to read and review any and all genres. I have since changed my policy to review only literary fiction, mysteries and memoirs. I still read other genres, I just don't review them. I wanted to have a bit more focus to my blog.

Young Adult has always been a genre that I enjoy, especially in the last few years when there has been so many wonderful novels written. I knew the blog universe had enough Young Adult reviewers so I didn't feel bad not sharing my opinion.

Well, I'm making an exception for Bloodspell!

I am choosing to review Bloodspell not only because I think it is a wonderful debut, but also because I met Amalie Howard at a party in NYC during BEA this year. It was at a little function for JKS Communications, the literary publicity firm that handles Sandra Brannan's books. They also have Amalie as a client. We were placed at the same table, along with a few others and really hit it off! She is an absolute delight and I clicked with her much like I clicked with Sandra the year before. (JKS, they make good authors!!!)

I wasn't able to get a copy while I was in NYC because all of her copies went right away at the morning of the Book Blogger Convention, before my lazy butt got there! Marissa from JKS was kind enough to send me my copy in June.

I finally finished it a few weeks and I really, really enjoyed it!!! I want you all to take a peak at what it's all about and show some support to Amalie. She certainly deserves it!

Here is a description from the book's website:

The spell was simple …

Cruentus Protectum. Defend the Blood.

But what do you do if your blood is your enemy?

Victoria Warrick has always known she was different. An outcast at school, she is no stranger to adversity. But when she receives an old journal for her seventeenth birthday, nothing prepares her for the dark secrets it holds—much less one that reveals she’s a witch with unimaginable power.

What’s more, when she meets the dazzling but enigmatic Christian Devereux, she has no idea how much her life is about to change. Enemies will hunt her. Friends will turn on her. The terrible curse that makes her blood run black will stop at nothing to control her. And Christian has a sinister secret of his own …

Without knowing whom to trust, can Victoria survive her blood’s deadly desires?

Or will she lose everything, including herself?

ISBN: 978-1-936782-11-6 | Langdon Street Press

One could say there are plenty of Young Adult titles that match an "outcast" type of girl with a dark and brooding type of boy. And Bloodspell has that element at the very base of its storyline. But it expands quite quickly as you read on, into almost a historical thriller. Tori's past is sprinkled in, in letter form as we learn of where her powers come from. It is unique. I liked that her power came from her blood. That, to me, was a different twist.

Christian's character was interesting to read as well, in how he develops and how he, as a vampire, reacts to Tori's abilities. I liked the love and rage battle he felt at times. It didn't just feel like the same ol' "I can't love you because I might want to eat you" beat.

Overall, it was filled with the right amount of love, angst, drama, thriller, adventure and fantasy/horror. I think Amalie has created a intriguing beginning to a possible series? trilogy? Though written as a stand alone, the ending does leave you with a question mark. :)

We'll see where it takes us!

Rating: 5/6

I think readers of all ages would enjoy this, meaning teen on up. It has a blend of paranormal, romance and literary thriller that it really could appeal to many different audiences. Knowing the author is a true gem, makes me want more readers to discover it. It is a strong, well written debut.

Author Profile:

Amalie Howard

BloodSpell

Happy Reading and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child