The Bloodwood Society

by Ainsley Doty

The Bloodwood Society is a heart-pounding dystopian adventure for fans of The Hunger Games and An Ember in the Ashes.

When 17-year-old Everly Dahl is recruited by the rebellion, she's offered the chance to fight back against the tyrannical force that destroyed her family. The rebels are humanity's last hope for freedom, but to join their ranks and become a part of the Bloodwood Society, Everly has to pass their deadly trials first.

The rebels make Everly a deal; if she survives until the Blood Moon, they'll help undue the tragic events that haunt Everly's past. But can the infamous underground society be trusted? The deeper she goes into their strange and dangerous world, the closer Everly gets to the truth—about the dark and twisted roots of the rebellion, and the fate of the only family she has left.

Set in the not-so-distant future, this science fiction / fantasy hybrid explores themes of resistance, love, sisterhood, and sacrifice. Fast-paced, exhilarating, and utterly addictive, The Bloodwood Society is about shifting alliances, impossible choices, and the parts of ourselves we sacrifice in the fight for a future worth saving.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Fantasy

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2024

About the author

An award-winning writer and enthusiastic educator, Ainsley Doty lives in Toronto, ON with her husband, two kids, and a Golden Retriever named Nikita. THE BLOODWOOD SOCIETY is her first novel, but certainly not her last.

Reviews

[Dee Hancocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bloodwood Society is a thrilling YA dystopian adventure. From the start it’s a wild ride, the rebellion and underground society basically take our FMC from her current reality and throw her into gruelling trials. She’s offered a place in the rebellion if she can prove herself. You don’t know who’s alive, who to trust and what will happen next.
The characters are a mix of teenagers, they have their flaws and I enjoyed their interactions as a group. Parts of it were slightly like Lord of the Flies.
There are some details I really loved, her father’s book of research into birds was a lovely addition. There are science fiction elements that are interesting and the cure is to be protected at all costs. The young characters are full of hope to change the world and create a better future with the cure in their protection.
I have to mention the setting, which is gorgeous, who needs lights when you have glowing mushrooms!
This read is fast paced, addictive and full of mistrust. What’s not to enjoy.
Thank you to the author for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

[A Bookworm Crafts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a dystopian future impacted by climate change, this novel sees 17-year-old Everly Dahl recruited by the rebellion and offered the chance to fight back against the tyrannical force that destroyed her family.

This was a fun YA read with lots of action and adventure. In a bid to save her blood relations, the main character ends up joining a found family on the way. The characters all have their own history and secrets, as does the Rebellion.

I hope this turns into a series as there are still questions left unanswered!

Thank you to the author and Hayling Bookstorm for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dystopian debut is a banger!
The flow is constant with information and action. Never a dull moment.

New rebel recruits are brought to a secure and remote island. They must compete in trials of initiation and learn to trust in complete strangers as they work as a team. Everly is pushed to her limits to survive and discover herself and her family secrets. This becomes more complicated when the rebels intel confirms a spy is among them, and for some reason they have targeted Everly and her bandmates. Trust is hard to give, secrets are vast, and death lurks around every crevasse.

All the characters had great individual personalities, secrets to unravel and personal struggles to overcome.

There are subplots of romance, but our FMC is more interested in joining the rebellion and fighting to get her family back.

Tons of mystery and suspense and twists. The ending is grand and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next! No cliffhangers 😅

I would definitely recommend this to all ages. The characters are younger in their teenage years, however, they don’t act like high school children and the characters thoughts and conversations are mature.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bloodwood Society is a YA dystopian adventure that is the perfect read for those who enjoyed titles such as The Hunger Games.

Everly Dahls family and life have been in the hands of tyrannical leaders for too long. When the opportunity arises to join the rebellion and fight back, it's an easy choice. What she doesn't know is that the path ahead will be anything but easy! She can join the rebels and fight for freedom, but only if she passes all their tests and survives until The Blood Moon.

I actually quite enjoyed this, Debut. Dystopian is one of my favorite genres to read. The book does have a bit of science fiction, but it wasn't overdone to the point of making my head ache.

In Bloodwood, there is huge emphasis on personal growth, sister/brotherhood, resistance, and love. The characters were easy to connect with and relate to. And I loved seeing their relationships with each other grow and change through the course of the story.

Overall, I found this book to be a quick and enjoyable read. If you like reading Dystopian, YA, coming of age, or science fiction, this might just be a book you should check out, too!

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Holy crap! This was such an amazing book! My only regret? I didn't pick it up sooner.

You get strong dystopian vibes with this one, and the story is so unique and heartfelt, full of so much drama, survival, and secrets. I never knew who I could trust.

You get a strong found family vibe with this one and it will have you rooting for the underdogs.

You get:
• YA Fantasy
• Dystopian
• In The Future
• Authoritarian Government
• Rebellion
• Secrets & Lies
• Found Family

I can't wait for book two! Available on ebook, hardcover and paperback.

[Sara Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great debut novel from Ainsley Doty!

The Bloodwood Society is a YA dystopian fantasy. This isn’t my typical genre, but I was really invested in this story. The length is perfect for a YA novel. It’s a great fast-paced read with easy to follow world building. My hunger-games-obsessed 15-year-old self was eating this up!

This book has a diverse cast of characters and I enjoyed each one. The dynamic between Katak and Vashti was entertaining. Every character had their own personality and quirks. I love a good found family trope and this did not disappoint.

From the start, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would come next. The overwhelming sense of adventure in the book had me flying through the pages. Looking forward to seeing more of this world in the future!

[Bookaholic MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a yet another reminder for me why I love dystopian literature! A lovely YA novel I’m sure many will enjoy.
The quote “Disguise tyranny as law and order for long enough, and people eventually forget the difference” comes from the beginning of the book and honestly it made me reflect so much on how the world actually works. The dystopia in this book was amazingly written, especially when the “rebellious” order was also being questioned. I wouldn’t say that this was the main point of the book, but it was still thought-provoking and absolutely necessary. As to the main point, for me it was companionship/friendship and generally working together as a team even in the toughest circumstances. The story also focuses on relationships between sisters that become the center of all the adventures happening (and oh this book is the definition of adventurous!)
The characters in this story are amazing - diverse, brave, smart and just incredible. I related most to Vashti, but I loved them all a lot! As to the romantic relationships, they weren’t the main focus (like it should be in a YA novel), but we got some cute moments from the side characters.
I loved loved loved how I couldn’t predict half of what happened throughout the book! I haven’t been fooled like that in a while, so I was surprised by most plot twists in the end of the book. Which brings me to the second part which I really hope is in the process because I would really like to know how the story progressed!

[Estefania Orozco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book made me realize just how much I missed reading dystopian/adventure books. From the very beginning of the story, I was hooked on Everly's character. Learning her backstory as the story continued instantly connected me with her character and I found myself rooting for her.

As I continued reading, I was captivated not only by the descriptions of where Everly was taken but the in depth detail of the trials her and her band mates had to endure in order to be part of the rebellion. I found myself not knowing who was going to survive which trial and how far could they really push these characters.

I loved how each one of Everly's band mates had their own story as to why they were willing to become part of the rebellion and getting to see that flourish really sold the idea of friendship and having someone to always look out for you.

I feel like the ending was a great set up for a second book or even possibly a series but with even that in mind, I did enjoy the ending!

[Nancy MacNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say how much I love a good rebellion? Honestly, nothing brings me more joy than when people decide that they’re done dealing with whatever crap they’ve been handed, and are ready to make a change, come hell or high water. The Bloodwood Society features both hell and high water, alongside a bunch of young people ready to stop at nothing to do what they need to.

These are very relatable teenagers – messy, hormonal, and tenacious to a fault, which is how I still feel often. Vashti was especially interesting, but the whole gang is a great mix of personalities and dynamics. The story takes place in a well-built world I'd like to return to someday. I was left curious about both the history and the future, and wanting to explore other characters’ back stories. The references to the past 50 years (or next 50, if you’re reading this in 2024) seemed eerily on point. You don’t get a good rebellion if you don’t have a good collapse, right?

This book got me thinking about “young adult” as a book audience, and one thing that differentiates YA novels from “old adult” books is hope and determination. Young characters have ambition to change the world, and the sincere belief that they’re gonna do it. I think that’s one reason so much good futurism/dystopia/"saving the world" literature is found in the YA section – you need hope, you need unbridled confidence, and you need the unshakeable belief that the world can be saved, and is worth saving. The Bloodwood Society is about those kinds of people, and it’s for those kinds of people.

I loved this book at 40. I really wish I could have read it when I was 16 and convinced I could save the world, but didn’t know where to start.

[Jode · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author for an arc of this book.

I was surprised by this book, in the sense I couldn’t predict what was going to happen. The whole book took me by surprise and I enjoyed it so much.

It’s a YA book with adventure and new found family, following the main character and her team/group through trials they have to compete in to become part of the society.

The book grips you, leaves you wanting more. The character growth feels genuine and the small snips of the back stories explain how and why they act the way they do, it feels realistic (or as realistic as a fiction book can be).

The last 25-30% of the book tho, you can’t put it down, I just had to finish it, I had to know the ending to it. You wouldn’t understand unless you read it.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!
It was an interesting YA dystopian read with some fantasy elements sprinkled in.
I really enjoyed watching the trials unfold and trying to figure out the Bloodwood Society alongside Everly and the rest of the new recruits.
That ending definitely has me excited for book 2!

[Daisy Booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars.
This was such an entertaining read. Love the trials and following the characters as they were tested. Everly is way stronger than she thinks she is. I love how she was there for the people in her group. She was there for Vashti even when many times she didn't deserve it.

[kneecolereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible debut! I absolutely loved this book and devoured it within 24 hours. It’s been a long time since a story captivated me so thoroughly. While it did evoke some Hunger Games vibes, this book felt like so much more with its emphasis on teamwork and the fact that you end up rooting for all the characters.

The character development was exceptional, with almost every character being lovable in their own unique ways. The mystery surrounding why the kids were chosen to join the rebellion was gripping and kept me turning the pages faster than my toddler running from nap time.

The fantasy elements were a fantastic addition, and I won’t spoil anything because it’s something you really need to experience firsthand. The vivid imagery and descriptive details of the setting, filled with trees, greenery, and water, made me feel as if I was there with the characters—without having to get my hands dirty.

Overall, this book was a delightful surprise, and I can’t wait to see more from this talented author. Kudos to her for being an incredible talent from Canada!”

I will definitely be buying this for my wall of fame.

[Spencer Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler-Free Summary: Ainsley Doty's first novel is a promising addition to the annals of Young Adult dystopian fiction. Filled with moments of highly-quotable prose and compelling plot twists, this book will scratch an itch that readers familiar with the Hunger Games have been looking to satisfy.

Breakdown: my more in-depth review focuses on 3 scoring categories - Setting, Characters, and Plot

Setting: Doty provides readers an enchanting and immersive depiction of the mysterious island most of her novel takes place on, as well as the towering bloodwood tree that serves as core pillar of the environment. She also includes some allusory details about Nova Scotia that should serve as nostalgic for any Atlantic Canadian readers and otherwise whimsical for other readers.

Doty attempts to tow a fine line between fantasy and near-future sci-fi with her world building. She does so quite well for the most part. However, there are some elements of the setting that are established for the sake of supporting the plot that threaten the reader's suspension of disbelief at times, particularly the existence of a "force field" that supposedly protects the island from the technologically-advanced, omnipresent authoritarian regime that has been desperately searching for years. The island's water, which is presented to the reader as a sort of cureall, is also a bit difficult to imagine existing in a world meant to be a near-future reflection of our own that is also been ravaged by the impacts of man-mad climate change. Apart from these relatively minor issues, however, the world Doty has created for us is otherwise quite believable.

Characters: Doty has clearly put in a great deal of effort in assembling a diverse cast of characters meant to reflect the diversity of Canada. Though Everly herself is a a bit of a Katniss Everdeen clone, her companions and peers encompass a broad range of ethnicities, genders, and sexualities, all of whom are quite believable. My one qualm with her presentation of these characters is the decision to have her Hispanic female character commit the tropey tendency of speaking "spanglish", intermixing the occasional "oy dios mios" and other such phrases with her regular speech. Though this is more of a personal peeve, and one that's much worse in tv and movies, I find writer's tendencies to present Hispanic characters this way a bit cringe. However, it is small issue, as Doty otherwise does an excellent job of making her characters feel real. I was particularly impressed with her ability to humanize the surprise antagonist of the story, which served as a deft demonstration of her ability to unpack the complex motivations that can underlie otherwise villainous behaviour.

Plot: In my opinion the strongest element of the novel, the plot of the Bloodwood society does a great job of hooking the reader and keeping them invested in story. Breadcrumbs are expertly left for the reader to follow to gradually learn more about the background of Everly father and the bloodwood society, and the trials that Everly and her companions overcome serve as effective mechanisms for deepening their relationships and unpacking other plot devices. There are a couple good twists and that come with later chapters as well, and though the logic behind some of the actions taken by certain characters in these scenarios was at times difficult to follow, these difficulties did not ultimately serve to negatively impact the reader's suspension of disbelief.

Overall I was very impressed with this book and I hope it is able to get the traction necessary to allow Doty to finish was clearly appears to be intended as a series. Here's hoping she will be able to see it to her envisioned conclusion in the future!

[Amy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Bloodwood Society is like Divergent and Lord of the Flies had a baby - and I mean that in the best way. It's got all the classic YA Dystopian feels with a dash of "we're stuck on this island and not everyone is friendly."

Everly Dahl hates the Dust - the unified government that formed after climate change led to worldwide societal collapse. Her dad's in jail for being a rebel ... i.e. a scholar ... and her sister is sick and there's no medicine to be had. So when she's given a chance to join the rebellion, she's all in. And then she wakes up in a coffin on a spooky island and is told she needs to prove herself. Her spot in the rebellion depends on passing a mysterious and grueling initiation with her new bandmates. But she'll do almost anything to be granted her greatest wish.

This book was pure escapist fun. It's best if you don't think too hard - I can't imagine any actual political rebellion recruiting teenagers and then putting them through these absurdly complicated trials. Everly's experiences on the island reminded me of Tris's time in Dauntless--more in their tone than the actual details. But those trials were clever and kept me turning pages! Even though I've read a fair bit of dystopian this felt fresh to me, with some twists I didn't see coming.

I also loved the found family element. Everly is paired with three culturally diverse "bandmates" and it's great to see them start to gel as a team. Their backstories also give a glimpse into what's happening in other parts of the world.

I would have liked a bit more backstory and world building about the world beyond the island. Because Everly is so focused on completing her trials the setting becomes pretty insular. However, I'm hoping there's another book or two to come in this series that delves into that.

The Bloodwood Society is a fast paced adventure with well drawn characters and setting. If you like books like Maze Runner, Divergent, or Hunger Games, or found families out of necessity like Six of Crows, I strongly recommend you give this a try!

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review - The Bloodwood Society
Ainsley Doty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When 17-year-old Everly Dahl is recruited by the rebellion, she's offered the chance to fight back against the tyrannical force that destroyed her family. The rebels are humanity's last hope for freedom, but to join their ranks and become a part of the Bloodwood Society, Everly has to pass a series of deadly trials first.

The rebels make Everly a deal; if she survives until the blood moon, they'll grant her a wish. Anyone that fails the trials will have their memory wiped and be banished back to the world they knew before.

But can the infamous underground society be trusted? The more involved Everly gets, the closer she gets to the truth about the dark and twisted roots of the rebellion.

I love a dystopian novel, so I jumped at the chance to get my hands on an ARC copy of this book. I was drawn in by the beautiful cover artwork and instantly hooked with the plot.

This is aimed at YA but I'm pretty sure any adult that likes Dystopian themes or a fantasy read will love this one. The trials reminded me a little of The Hunger Games but in its own unique way and a little bit like The Traitors. I love anything that involves a game/challenge/riddle, so this ticked that box.

The character development was great. The world building was descriptive enough to set an in-depth scene in my mind, without dragging on and becoming boring like some fantasy books can do.

The ending is a perfect cliffhanger, leaving it open for a second book/series. The only thing I wish I had more of was more information on the war/what had happened to cause the world to be what it had become, but I think that also leaves it open to a prequel book in the future.

A fantastic debut novel from this author, I really hope this book goes far for her.

[shays reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dystopian adventure is for fans of ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Divergent’, beginning with our 17-year old main character, Everly Dahl. After her dad is arrested, her and her sister become orphans who must look after themselves. Her world suddenly turns upside down when her sister is then arrested, and Everly escapes by trusting someone she doesn’t know. After being drugged to not remember anything, Everly wakes in a wooden coffin, and she’s offered a shot to join the rebellion, to fight again the force that tore her family from her. In order to join the Bloodwood Society rebellion, she must face their deathly trials and fight for her chance, and a single wish will be granted upon entry. The closer she gets to the final trial, the closer she gets to this new world and memories her past, but can this society be trusted?
-

This dystopian, highly addicting novel has my interest from the very beginning. I never knew what to expect next, twists and turns were everywhere, and riddles that kept my mind guessing were fantastic. The attention to detail in the characters and the plot was outstanding. Ainsley really has the attention to detail to make sure her reader is engaged at every point throughout the novel. This was a great adventure, showing that even when you think you know what’s happening, not everything is what it seems.
It’s a narrative that explores the complexities of trust and betrayal in a society where allegiances are as fragile as they are crucial. The diversity throughout the book was one of my favourite parts, it gave meaning to the characters relationships. It’s a story that’s easy to follow yet rich in complexity, ensuring that every word holds the weight of discovery.
I found this book medium-to-fast paced. I am absolutely looking forward to the sequel, following more of the Bloodwood Society!!

[Book Obsessed Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am excited I was chosen to do another ARC! This time it was an ARC for @
This one is a YA, Dystopian Adventure with a Found Family. Now this is outside of my norm lately (I use to read these a lot) but I was super excited to read it!

I just really enjoyed the adventure these wonderful characters went on. I never quite knew what was going to happen next which was greatly appreciated because I'm use to being able to predict everything haha.

The main character was a strong female character who wanted to help everyone. Each character brought their own strengths and their own secrets. I wanted to hug everyone and keep them safe throughout the entire story. I'm still a little hesitant about trusting the rebellion fully but I'm glad we joined them.

They learn together they can do anything. Each trial could mean death and each decision could change their life forever. So many intense things happened that had me on the edge of my seat. I can't say much because it will spoil everything. But wishes do come true and believing in what feels right is important.
This book may turn into a series which has me excited to see what happens next but it ends in a way that could be the end as well.

It being entirely in 3rd person messed with me slightly since I've been reading multi POVs lately but it was done really well. I have some unanswered questions but again things that could be answered in the future but if not they are more just possibilities and what ifs for fun.

The author did a great job with creating the characters and having different events all tie together. The characters were all so unique and I loved all of them so much.
I am what I am. I am the Moon Tracker!

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely stunning dystopian read! The world building is spectacular, the characters are multifaceted and intriguing, the plot is filled with heart racing intensity, secrets, and deceit, and you can't help but find yourself completely enthralled and immersed in the outcome of a rebel society, the tyranny they're trying to usurp, and a girl named Everly Dahl, who is far more than she seems, and what appears to be, a hero in the making.
Blurb:
The Bloodwood Society is a heart-pounding dystopian adventure for fans of The Hunger Games and The Grace Year.When17-year-old Everly Dahl is recruited by the rebellion, she's eager to fight back against the tyrannical force that ruined her life, but to join the rebel ranks, she'll have to survive their deadly trials first.
Set in the not-so-distant future, The Bloodwood Society explores themes of resistance, love, sisterhood, and sacrifice. Utterly addictive, this exciting and emotional page-turner is about about the people we lose, the family we find, and the part of ourselves we sacrifice in the fight for a future worth saving.
I kid you not when I say that this read is one of the best YA dystopian reads I've ever read! The characters are somehow both likeable and untrustworthy, forced to look out for themselves but still recognize that together they are stronger, the Bloodwood Society is equal parts brutal and terrifying, and brilliant and brave, and I was completely hooked on the plot, the outcomes of the trials and the little band of newbies called the Naked Mole Rats. If you at all liked The Hunger Games or Divergent this is a must read

[Tiffany K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bloodwood Society tells the tale of a not so distant future in which there has been a mysterious worldwide war, and society at large is being repressed and controlled by an organization referred to as The Dust. Everly Dahl, is a young woman whose family has been ripped apart by these oppressors, and who is offered the opportunity to join an enigmatic rebel group known to all as the Bloodwood Society. In order to save her sister from a mysterious illness, Everly agrees to join this movement and wakes up on a remote island run by a group of young rebels and their leader Tazneen.

What follows is Everly’s initiation into this group through a series of death defying trials that very much brought to mind books such as The Hunger Games, with a Lord of the Flies twist. The author created a vivid and immersive world, and it was very easy to imagine what the island and its famed Bloodwood tree might look like. The other characters, such as Katak, Vashti, and Ines, who are brought to this mystical place from all over the world to train as rebels, are all fascinating, and I loved discovering more about them and their varied backstories.

This is a wonderful YA debut, and you will find yourself rooting for Everly and her newfound friends as they face harrowing trials and tribulations. The one thing I would have liked to learn more about is the story behind the war, and the tyrannical Dust, but I am hopeful that the author has more planned for us!

[Cal | slug wife reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ The Bloodwood Society by Ainsley Doty✨

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you to Ainsley Doty and @haylingbookstorm Author PA & PR Services for including me in the ARC Team for this book!

I had SO MUCH fun reading this book. Despite being almost 30, I always love a good YA story, and this one was really well done - I had a hard time wrapping my mind around this being a DEBUT novel.

From the first chapter, I knew this wasn’t like any other YA dystopian fantasy I’ve read, which isn’t an easy feat! Sometimes dystopian fantasies take a while to launch for me, but this one had me hooked and needing to read more from the start.

Everly’s character - her motivations, her backstory, her strengths and weaknesses - all felt really developed and robust to me. I liked the attention to her character growth and how she interprets the things happening around and to her almost as much as I liked the side characters in her band.

The dynamics of The Bloodwood Society as a rebellion were really captivating, and I can’t wait to learn more about the intricacies of their structure and history in following books! I have a lot of questions and things I want to see play out, and I’m really excited to see where this series goes.

Hats off to Ainsley Doty for absolutely crushing this debut release! I recommend this read if you like:
🍄 YA stories
🍄 Dystopian fantasy
🍄 Backstabbing and mystery
🍄 Found family
🍄 Family trauma
🍄 Teamwork & challenges
🍄 Regimes & rebellions

[Lisa Spofford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank @haylingbookstorm and Ainsley Doty for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Bloodwood Society by Ainsley Doty is the debut novel for this author and I predict great things. This is a Dystopian YA Fantasy novel which is novel was fresh, original, and very well written. The descriptive passages make the reader feel like he/she/they are right there with the characters. It includes the emotional struggles of teens as they gradually open up to each other and bond as a team. I never knew quite what to expect as the author described a world I would never have imagined myself. The story had me enthralled and I read the whole thing in about 24 hours! It was so different from the books that I have been reading and reviewing lately that it was a breath of fresh air. This is a closed door novel. There are references of intimacy, but nothing is written on the page. There are several budding or possibly budding romances in this book, which I am interested to learning more about in the future. The book is well written, well paced and the perfect length. It ends in a cliffhanger which will really stick with me while I wait for the next novel to be released! I cannot emphasize enough that if you like YA fantasy/dystopian novels, you should rush to buy this novel soon or you will be missing out.

[kailesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Bloodwood Society" is a debut YA dystopian fantasy by Ainsley Doty! Now, this isn’t my typical read, but I did enjoy it a lot once I got started.

The story follows 17 year old Everly Dahl, a strong protagonist who lives in an oppressed society. When she is asked to join the rebellion, The Bloodwood Society, she agrees to save her sister and is then thrust into initiation (which definitely reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games!)

Found Family is a big trope in this book and definitely one of my favs! I loved getting to know the characters and Everly’s new friends, and seeing them all grow together. These relationships add a touching layer of emotional depth, making Everly’s struggle and sacrifices all the more impactful.

From the start, I was always left guessing what would come next and Ainsley did an immaculate job of keeping me on my toes. I do hope that she will write a prequel on what went on and how their society came to be, but for a debut I was very happy with the outcome of the story and definitely recommend a read if you enjoy dystopian fantasy and books like The Hunger Games and Divergent!!

[Mary E Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloodwood Society is a YA dystopian novel set in the not-too-distant future. Seventeen-year-old Everly Dahl is recruited by the rebellion and given the opportunity to fight against the tyrannical force, The Dust, responsible for her family's destruction. However, joining the rebellion is no easy task. Everly and her group of recruits are pitted against other teams in a series of deadly trials. As with any dystopian novel, there is a gray area regarding which side is the right one to be on.

I loved the setting of this novel! I want to be transported to this remote jungle island to explore the raging rivers, step inside the magical bloodwood tree and underground tunnels, and walk barefoot while bioluminescent mushrooms light my way.

In the end, I was left wanting more because the recruits' story was not quite over. I can’t wait to read where Everly’s next adventure takes her.

The Bloodwood Society is an excellent choice if you enjoyed The Maze Runner, Divergent, and The Hunger Games.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a not-so-distant future, Everly Dahl is risking it all to join the rebellion known as the Bloodwood Society. Her and her bandmates face challenge after challenge that pushes them to physical and mental limits. Trust is on the forefront of them all - trusting yourself, trusting your team, and trusting the rebellion.

I flew through this very quickly! It was an easy, captivating read. It was reminiscent of dystopian YA from when I was a kid - fans of Hunger Games, Divergent, or the Maze Runner will be a fan of this too!
My only critique-that’s-not-a-critique is that I wanted more world building! I found myself wanting to know more backstory about the rebellion and how the world came to be. But tbh - based on the ending, that just may mean I have to wait for the next book 🤪
Strong characters, who form a found family of sorts (Ines was my fav 💖) - even the ones you may be inclined to dislike a redeemed in the end.
The Bloodwood Society is out June 20!

[Madeleine Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting and not what I expected, in a good way. I did get the Hunger Games vibe but, for me this was more mysterious and there were more interesting things going on. It’s not just a war and sisterhood, it’s about finding yourself and learning that there are no boundaries when it comes to protecting family.
I did have to go back here and there to remember the terminology because it was also fantasy with dystopian so I was getting lost here and there. I don’t really understand why the names are a bit out there, I feel like it made it more confusing. It was a perfect time for me to read this book, I felt like I was in the book and it fit my in the woods/adventure vibe.
Amazon said 11-18 for ages and personally for I think 13 and up and I think people in their early 20’s would like this book, it should say 13+. It’s a great dystopian and the mix of fantasy makes it even better. This is normally not my go to read but, I still enjoyed it. At the end it did seem this will be a continuing series but, I could not find any evidence, I’m hoping it’s in the works. It is a book I would like to see what comes next.

[TJ | TheEclecticBookFairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spys, rebellion, secret society, hidden worlds in the future and trials that can kill you.

Congratulations Ainsley on a tale with twists and unsuspecting villain's that captivates the reader and leaves them wanting more!

Told from FMC POV as she goes on a journey after the union takes control of everyone and everything after the war making them all prisoners essentially under laws restricting their everyday lives. Until they take her sister and she is left with the option to be saved and join the rebellion or be captured by the union and possibly die.

On this journey she meets and forms bonds with three people who she is teamed up with to ensure they all survive and make it through the eight trials alive, but what they don't suspect is someone is out to destroy the rebellion from the inside out.

This is definitely an incredible book and i can not wait to see what happens next!

Definitely one to add to your list for reading!!!

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️
☆Dystopian Adventure☆
17 year old Everly gets recruited by the rebellion. She finally has a chance to get revenge on the ones who hurt her family. Unfortunately, gaining a spot with the rebels is extremely difficult. She now has to face a series of dangerous, life-threatening trials to succeed. Eventually, they make a deal with her, but is Everly truly able to trust them?
I had an absolute blast while reading this book! I must say that I'm super impressed by the fact that this is a debut novel! The author wrote such an intense journey. It was so easy to find myself lost in the pages, I never wanted this book end! Everly was such an amazing character and truly a strong individual. To be able to endure what she has is something that's completely astonishing!

Tropes:
YA Dystopian Fantasy
Divergent and Hunger Games vibes
Fast-paced
Romance
Found Family

Thank you so much to the author and @haylingbookstorm for the ARC copy!

[Literacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant read. I loved our main Everly as she embarked on her journey. I saw her grow in strength, and courage was really nice.
To see a main female character continuously fight back for what she believed in, representing a strong female lead at her finest. The sense of found family within this book is so wholesome, with each character caring for one and another in different ways. Alongside the blooming romances was bittersweet, as I saw this group of friends challenged and separated throughout the course of the story.
The plot-twist at the end had my jaw on the floor as I binged the last 40% 😂 I stayed up all night because I was so enthralled within the pages.
The conclusion joyful ending was played out in such a wholesome way, you couldn't help but smile.
Overall, I think any lover of distopian fantasy should give this book a go! ☺️

[Ammna Durrant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read the ARC of The Bloodwood Society by @ainsley.doty.author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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This was such an easy read with some great character and world building. It’s a dystopian YA fiction and gives Hunger Games, Divergent, Maze Runner vibes and is based in the not so distant future. Any fan of these books would absolutely love this novel! It has adventure, found family, good banter between characters and that feeling of needing to know what happens next. The trials and tribulations of the characters help you build a bond with them as the book progresses and you can’t help but love all the characters. Ines de la Rosa is definitely my fave character even though I do have more Vashti vibes.
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Pick this book up when it comes out and give it a read! You won’t regret it!