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Blood Price
The law of the gods is those who kill must pay for it in blood.
In the land of Armadin, where nine clans exist in a fragile peace, Ashilde is one of the few chosen to pay the blood price. Through it, she becomes a warrior, capable of killing to protect her clan—alongside her hunters, who provide the essential animal sacrifice, lest they become the next clan to suffer the gods’ wrath.
When an attack wipes out their few remaining hunters, Ashilde must find a way to protect her clan and still appease the gods, despite her shaken faith. But when her monthly bleeding stops, she can no longer kill. Cast out by the gods’ decree, she’s given a single task: travel to the gods' realm, atoning for the failures of the clan and herself alike. If she dies, another will be sent in her place, until the demanded atonement is fulfilled or her clan is wiped out. Entirely.
Bound by a promise to protect her people above all else, Ashilde embarks on a quest driven for answers. Aided only by a pair of animals and a small child she meets along the way, Ashilde must battle the elements, her pursuers and her own mind to reach the gods’ realm.
To save her people, Ashilde’s journey forces her to answer the ultimate is she willing to pay the price asked of her, now that she can no longer pay in blood?
In the land of Armadin, where nine clans exist in a fragile peace, Ashilde is one of the few chosen to pay the blood price. Through it, she becomes a warrior, capable of killing to protect her clan—alongside her hunters, who provide the essential animal sacrifice, lest they become the next clan to suffer the gods’ wrath.
When an attack wipes out their few remaining hunters, Ashilde must find a way to protect her clan and still appease the gods, despite her shaken faith. But when her monthly bleeding stops, she can no longer kill. Cast out by the gods’ decree, she’s given a single task: travel to the gods' realm, atoning for the failures of the clan and herself alike. If she dies, another will be sent in her place, until the demanded atonement is fulfilled or her clan is wiped out. Entirely.
Bound by a promise to protect her people above all else, Ashilde embarks on a quest driven for answers. Aided only by a pair of animals and a small child she meets along the way, Ashilde must battle the elements, her pursuers and her own mind to reach the gods’ realm.
To save her people, Ashilde’s journey forces her to answer the ultimate is she willing to pay the price asked of her, now that she can no longer pay in blood?
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
6 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Evans
1 book15 followersNicole Evans (she/hers) is a queer, disabled SFF writer with an MFA in Fiction who’s been stuck in the Midwest of America since birth, but hopes to escape to a forest someday. Her earliest memories writing stories were from 6th grade, where she wrote an epic tale of her entire class fighting off flying pigs and skeletons with red eyes that carried buckets of bloody-red daggers. (Her creativity has stuck with her, but she hopes she's learned more plot since then.) She has written eight novels, countless short stories and lots of smutty fanfiction. Her ninth novel, Blood Price, made her authorial debut in 2024.
When not writing, she can be found bemoaning the size of her TBR pile, avoiding the main mission in RPGs until every side quest is done, obsessing over trees, watching birds she can’t name, getting another tattoo and eating a lot of sharp cheddar cheese.
She lives with her sci-fi streaming partner, Edward, and their two pets: Sasha the cat and Dovahkiin the dog. You can find her online via her LinkTree.
When not writing, she can be found bemoaning the size of her TBR pile, avoiding the main mission in RPGs until every side quest is done, obsessing over trees, watching birds she can’t name, getting another tattoo and eating a lot of sharp cheddar cheese.
She lives with her sci-fi streaming partner, Edward, and their two pets: Sasha the cat and Dovahkiin the dog. You can find her online via her LinkTree.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 1, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
Blood Price is the first book in the dark fantasy duology Prices Asked and Paid, written by Nicole Evans. A powerful and feminist story inspired by Norse mythology in a world where the power is centered on the bleeding cycles, with a compelling set of characters, and a quest that will defy the own gods.
Our main character is Ashilde, a warrior that would do anything to protect her tribe and her partner; her fierceness leads her to be the leader of the tribe. When a group of unmarked kills the few remaining hunters of the tribe, she will try to get help from other tribes, even if that's showing weakness, as they would perish without sacrificing the monthly tribute to gods; but when she loses her bleeding, she cannot longer kill. Cast out by the gods, she will be sent on a singular task to travel to gods' realm, and atoning for the failures of herself and the tribe. If she dies, another will be sent, until they are worthy of the gods again or the tribe is wiped out.
A travel that she will start alone, knowing that she won't be able to pay in blood in the case of a fight, and which puts on her shoulders alone the destiny of her tribe; all over a person who was already doubting of herself, and that will need to find that fire needed to reach her destination.
I cannot stress enough how well-built Ashilde it: not only the fierce warrior that takes the responsibility of guiding and protecting the tribe, even when she is not sure if the decisions taken are correct, but also the powerful woman that after being cast out by the gods, out of sheer rage will reach their realm. But not only we have those highs, but Evans also makes us share her tribulations and her weakness, those moments where Ash is near to give up, when she's at the border of the collapse. Luckily, in the middle of the journey, she will find some help in the form of two animals which represent the two gods and a small children, whom she will establish a heart-warming relationship, that however, gets muddled due to Ash's previous acts. This supporting cast will play an important role on Ashilde's journey, as she wouldn't reach as far as she did without them, being that cane that helps you walk one more step.
The story is greatly paced, being a bit slower at the start, so Evans can introduce us to the world of Armadin and its mythology; clearly Norse inspired, but queernormative. The only ones allowed are those women that still menstruate, making the tribes to be organized around it, and enclosing in the process an important feminist message about how important feminine health it is and how bleeding is just something natural, a thing to normalize (in this aspect, it remembered me to This Too Shall Burn, by Cat Rector).
Blood Price is a powerful debut, an excellent novel for those that look for a character driven fantasy with excellently painted characters, characters that also struggle to fulfill what they are expected to (and I would totally say Ash might have impostor syndrome); I'm quite curious to see the second part of the duology because I'm so intrigued by the ending. Can't wait to return to Armadin!
Blood Price is the first book in the dark fantasy duology Prices Asked and Paid, written by Nicole Evans. A powerful and feminist story inspired by Norse mythology in a world where the power is centered on the bleeding cycles, with a compelling set of characters, and a quest that will defy the own gods.
Our main character is Ashilde, a warrior that would do anything to protect her tribe and her partner; her fierceness leads her to be the leader of the tribe. When a group of unmarked kills the few remaining hunters of the tribe, she will try to get help from other tribes, even if that's showing weakness, as they would perish without sacrificing the monthly tribute to gods; but when she loses her bleeding, she cannot longer kill. Cast out by the gods, she will be sent on a singular task to travel to gods' realm, and atoning for the failures of herself and the tribe. If she dies, another will be sent, until they are worthy of the gods again or the tribe is wiped out.
A travel that she will start alone, knowing that she won't be able to pay in blood in the case of a fight, and which puts on her shoulders alone the destiny of her tribe; all over a person who was already doubting of herself, and that will need to find that fire needed to reach her destination.
I cannot stress enough how well-built Ashilde it: not only the fierce warrior that takes the responsibility of guiding and protecting the tribe, even when she is not sure if the decisions taken are correct, but also the powerful woman that after being cast out by the gods, out of sheer rage will reach their realm. But not only we have those highs, but Evans also makes us share her tribulations and her weakness, those moments where Ash is near to give up, when she's at the border of the collapse. Luckily, in the middle of the journey, she will find some help in the form of two animals which represent the two gods and a small children, whom she will establish a heart-warming relationship, that however, gets muddled due to Ash's previous acts. This supporting cast will play an important role on Ashilde's journey, as she wouldn't reach as far as she did without them, being that cane that helps you walk one more step.
The story is greatly paced, being a bit slower at the start, so Evans can introduce us to the world of Armadin and its mythology; clearly Norse inspired, but queernormative. The only ones allowed are those women that still menstruate, making the tribes to be organized around it, and enclosing in the process an important feminist message about how important feminine health it is and how bleeding is just something natural, a thing to normalize (in this aspect, it remembered me to This Too Shall Burn, by Cat Rector).
Blood Price is a powerful debut, an excellent novel for those that look for a character driven fantasy with excellently painted characters, characters that also struggle to fulfill what they are expected to (and I would totally say Ash might have impostor syndrome); I'm quite curious to see the second part of the duology because I'm so intrigued by the ending. Can't wait to return to Armadin!
September 13, 2024
Blood Price is a powerful and riveting story inspired by Norse mythology and it immediately sucked me in. We are first introduced to Ashilde in the forest as she watches the back of her friend and partner. It's immediately clear that Ash is a fierce warrior who will leave no stone unturned to protect her tribe and found family. And yet she's also constantly at war with her mind which is always telling her that she's a failure and can never be good enough.
The world-building in this book is just chef's kiss.
I mean, the idea of a power system revolving around women's monthly bleeding cycles? The execution was as thrilling as the concept!
My journey into the world of Armadin was just seamless. It was so exciting to immerse myself in a queernormative world of matriarchy, where only women who have their menstrual cycles can kill and hunt for their tribe. I think the author does a great job of leading us into Ashilde's world and introducing us to the Slatra and her people.
The story weaves in themes of power imbalance, thirst for revenge and justice, a healthy dose of questioning the gods, found family, anxiety, guilt and perseverance.
At its core this book is about Ashilde's thirst for answers that she demands of her gods who want unwavering faith and yet don't seem to care for their loyal people, making decisions that don't make any sense. All that drives her is the love she has for her tribe and its people and the fierce desire to protect them.
All in all, this is a beautiful and refreshing piece of work. If you enjoy fantasy books and are especially fond of the female rage trope this would be the perfect story for you!
You can find the full review on my blog.
The world-building in this book is just chef's kiss.
I mean, the idea of a power system revolving around women's monthly bleeding cycles? The execution was as thrilling as the concept!
My journey into the world of Armadin was just seamless. It was so exciting to immerse myself in a queernormative world of matriarchy, where only women who have their menstrual cycles can kill and hunt for their tribe. I think the author does a great job of leading us into Ashilde's world and introducing us to the Slatra and her people.
The story weaves in themes of power imbalance, thirst for revenge and justice, a healthy dose of questioning the gods, found family, anxiety, guilt and perseverance.
At its core this book is about Ashilde's thirst for answers that she demands of her gods who want unwavering faith and yet don't seem to care for their loyal people, making decisions that don't make any sense. All that drives her is the love she has for her tribe and its people and the fierce desire to protect them.
All in all, this is a beautiful and refreshing piece of work. If you enjoy fantasy books and are especially fond of the female rage trope this would be the perfect story for you!
You can find the full review on my blog.
September 18, 2024
oh hell yes!!!!!!!!!! this was so unique, badass, and engaging. i was so engrossed the whole time i was reading. the characters were very well fleshed out, the premise felt original, and i love that the author didn't shy away from the darkness of the world. which maybe is a weird thing to say, as it is her world that she created lol but i don't know, sometimes authors make "gritty" or dark worlds and then don't actually show that. so i appreciate it when it's done right. also very cool to have a main character with an already established partner!! i don't see that very often. i loved this journey and will be eagerly following along with Ashilde's further adventures (i assume there will be more as the ending was conclusive but left room for more for sure). i will also definitely look forward to anything that the author writes not in this series/world!!
note: the author is a friend of mine, and i received an ARC for review. this has not impacted my review/thoughts in any way
REP: queer side characters (f/f), trans man side character
note: the author is a friend of mine, and i received an ARC for review. this has not impacted my review/thoughts in any way
REP: queer side characters (f/f), trans man side character
September 6, 2024
A warrior too angry to die goes directly to the gods for answers after they take everything she held dear. Blood Price is an epic quest for redemption and a raw journey of self-forgiveness that is at once tense and tender in a richly-imagined, inclusive world full of fraught magic.
October 19, 2024
Originally posted on my blog:
dinipandareads
4.5 stars rounded up
Before I dive into my review though, I wanted to take a moment to say how proud I am of Nicole and that she’s publishing her debut! 🎉 I can’t remember when I first discovered Nicole’s blog, Thoughts Stained in Ink, but it is always a pleasure to visit her blog, and I quickly grew to love her writing. Let’s just say that the wonderful quality of her writing is evident in this story. Congratulations, Nicole! This is a banger of a debut. 😍
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a fantasy with a uniquely developed matriarchal societal system, a world based on Nordic mythology, and a tough-as-nails FMC warrior who is relentless and has a huge bone to pick with her Gods, then look no further than Blood Price. This was a well-written debut set in a richly developed fantasy world with characters, both human and non-human alike, that will grow on you. I’m so curious to see where this story leads and how Ashilde will triumph.
As I mentioned earlier, I truly enjoy Nicole’s writing. Her prose is crisp, her descriptions vivid without being overwhelming, and there’s something about her storytelling that reels me in and keeps me there. There were times when I felt the pacing could have been quicker, but for the most part, I was absorbed by Ashilde’s journey. Now, while the plot is solid, this is very much a character-driven story as, in addition to the physical journey Ashilde makes, we also follow along her emotional and mental journey. Being focused so much on Ash’s internal thoughts and journey, I can see this not being for readers who don’t particularly enjoy character-driven fantasy or ones that involve lengthy journeys.
That said, the world-building was fascinating and I think what made this debut so unique to me is how this matriarchal societal culture is formed around menstruation. I’ve never read anything like it before and I loved how Nicole tackles it through this fantasy world. Menstruation plays a big role in society and dictates what characters can and cannot do, and how they are viewed and accepted by their community. It’s also tied in with their gods and belief system. Sangrild, those who pay a monthly blood price, have power by being either a hunter or warrior in the clan and they are most revered. In addition to this monthly sacrifice for the clan, they are also expected to have children and support the growth of their community. I love how Nicole took this “taboo” topic and created a strong culture around it! Through Ashilde, we explore what it means for someone to “go against the grain” by choosing to not have children despite it being the “duty” of a person who menstruates, and how her society scorns and rejects her as a result. I also appreciated how the author gives recognition to people who don’t menstruate for various reasons and how it doesn’t make a person less than for it.
The story is told solely through Ashilde’s pov and we follow her as she really goes through it. Like, I can’t even begin to stress just how much this warrior is put through her paces. I genuinely can’t remember the last time I read about an MC who is continuously tested without even necessarily triumphing (in the traditional sense) in the end. It was a lot and if I’m being honest, at times, this story wasn’t always the easiest to read because of it. She was a complex character who I empathised with, rooted for and also wanted to give a giant hug to; yet, I also wanted to give her a good hard shake most of the time too! 😂 Ashilde carries a heavy burden and what truly feels like the weight of the world’s guilt on her shoulders. In most situations where things go wrong, she puts the burden of blame on herself even when situations are outside of her control. She repeatedly allows herself to be the scapegoat and punching bag, and does a fantastic job of convincing herself that she’s the villain in her own story.
Her struggle with her faith was another interesting aspect of Ashilde’s character. She is committed to her sacrifice each month for her community, she believes in and adheres to the cultural norms that dictate what you are/aren’t meant to do based on what the gods say. However, she consistently scorns the Ravenmother and Wolffather and their “laws”, and questions so much about the faith her clan strongly abides by. The contrast between what she believes and how she adheres to the rules was engaging to read about. I also love the things that Ashilde experiences throughout her journey—I’m particularly fond of the characters she meets along the way and who worm their way into her heart, whether she wants them to or not.
I think what would have made the world-building even more interesting, is if we got to learn more about each of the clans. While they weren’t the focus of the story, I was keen to learn more about the different abilities they were blessed with and how they lived. Who knows though, maybe this is something we will learn more about in the next book *fingers crossed*!
Overall, this was a solid strong debut. Ashilde was a well-crafted and complex character who made this story engaging to follow. I can’t wait to see what happens next and how Ashilde will adapt and grow with the changes that were introduced in this intense ending!
4.5 stars rounded up
Before I dive into my review though, I wanted to take a moment to say how proud I am of Nicole and that she’s publishing her debut! 🎉 I can’t remember when I first discovered Nicole’s blog, Thoughts Stained in Ink, but it is always a pleasure to visit her blog, and I quickly grew to love her writing. Let’s just say that the wonderful quality of her writing is evident in this story. Congratulations, Nicole! This is a banger of a debut. 😍
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a fantasy with a uniquely developed matriarchal societal system, a world based on Nordic mythology, and a tough-as-nails FMC warrior who is relentless and has a huge bone to pick with her Gods, then look no further than Blood Price. This was a well-written debut set in a richly developed fantasy world with characters, both human and non-human alike, that will grow on you. I’m so curious to see where this story leads and how Ashilde will triumph.
As I mentioned earlier, I truly enjoy Nicole’s writing. Her prose is crisp, her descriptions vivid without being overwhelming, and there’s something about her storytelling that reels me in and keeps me there. There were times when I felt the pacing could have been quicker, but for the most part, I was absorbed by Ashilde’s journey. Now, while the plot is solid, this is very much a character-driven story as, in addition to the physical journey Ashilde makes, we also follow along her emotional and mental journey. Being focused so much on Ash’s internal thoughts and journey, I can see this not being for readers who don’t particularly enjoy character-driven fantasy or ones that involve lengthy journeys.
That said, the world-building was fascinating and I think what made this debut so unique to me is how this matriarchal societal culture is formed around menstruation. I’ve never read anything like it before and I loved how Nicole tackles it through this fantasy world. Menstruation plays a big role in society and dictates what characters can and cannot do, and how they are viewed and accepted by their community. It’s also tied in with their gods and belief system. Sangrild, those who pay a monthly blood price, have power by being either a hunter or warrior in the clan and they are most revered. In addition to this monthly sacrifice for the clan, they are also expected to have children and support the growth of their community. I love how Nicole took this “taboo” topic and created a strong culture around it! Through Ashilde, we explore what it means for someone to “go against the grain” by choosing to not have children despite it being the “duty” of a person who menstruates, and how her society scorns and rejects her as a result. I also appreciated how the author gives recognition to people who don’t menstruate for various reasons and how it doesn’t make a person less than for it.
The story is told solely through Ashilde’s pov and we follow her as she really goes through it. Like, I can’t even begin to stress just how much this warrior is put through her paces. I genuinely can’t remember the last time I read about an MC who is continuously tested without even necessarily triumphing (in the traditional sense) in the end. It was a lot and if I’m being honest, at times, this story wasn’t always the easiest to read because of it. She was a complex character who I empathised with, rooted for and also wanted to give a giant hug to; yet, I also wanted to give her a good hard shake most of the time too! 😂 Ashilde carries a heavy burden and what truly feels like the weight of the world’s guilt on her shoulders. In most situations where things go wrong, she puts the burden of blame on herself even when situations are outside of her control. She repeatedly allows herself to be the scapegoat and punching bag, and does a fantastic job of convincing herself that she’s the villain in her own story.
Her struggle with her faith was another interesting aspect of Ashilde’s character. She is committed to her sacrifice each month for her community, she believes in and adheres to the cultural norms that dictate what you are/aren’t meant to do based on what the gods say. However, she consistently scorns the Ravenmother and Wolffather and their “laws”, and questions so much about the faith her clan strongly abides by. The contrast between what she believes and how she adheres to the rules was engaging to read about. I also love the things that Ashilde experiences throughout her journey—I’m particularly fond of the characters she meets along the way and who worm their way into her heart, whether she wants them to or not.
I think what would have made the world-building even more interesting, is if we got to learn more about each of the clans. While they weren’t the focus of the story, I was keen to learn more about the different abilities they were blessed with and how they lived. Who knows though, maybe this is something we will learn more about in the next book *fingers crossed*!
Overall, this was a solid strong debut. Ashilde was a well-crafted and complex character who made this story engaging to follow. I can’t wait to see what happens next and how Ashilde will adapt and grow with the changes that were introduced in this intense ending!
December 18, 2024
Nicole Evans' "Blood Price" is a bold and exciting start to a new Norse-inspired series. Various elements set this story apart from others in its genre, but the one that stands out the most is how the all-female warriors obtain power and status due to their ability to menstruate. Only women who suffer periods are allowed to fight, as menstruation is seen as being honored by the gods -- to pay the "blood price" and be responsible for the well-being of your tribe.
Due to a traumatic event in her childhood, Ashilde decided to dedicate her life to being the best warrior amongst her peers. She has few friends and a strained relationship with her sister. Yet those she keeps close share an unconditional love. As the story begins, Ashilde is preparing to be honored and elevated for her skills, but tragedy soon strikes, and she is presented with a nigh-impossible task if she wants to save all that she loves.
The book shifts gears into a road story, with Ashilde facing challenges bestowed on her by the gods themselves. The story keeps things fresh by presenting various environmental and otherworldly foes, while also forcing Ashilde to come to terms with suppressed secrets and defiant beliefs.
One would think that the story of a Norse warrior would have a substantial amount of violence, but in reality, there were fewer battles than I expected. I appreciated how Evans' approach to the book leans more toward a character study, while ruminating on gender roles, motherhood, community responsibility, grief and suffering, and found family.
It was difficult for me at times to relate to Ashilde, as she spent the majority of the story taking on so much responsibility for events over which she had little to no control. She had trouble seeing any progress as a win, as she primarily focused on her failures. This changed over time, but there were moments when I wanted to bop her on the head and convince her that she was doing all that she can and a damn good job of it.
"Blood Price" has a satisfying conclusion that made me want to pick up the next book right away. I feel as if we're just scratching the surface of what this story has to offer, and I recommend checking this book out if you're looking for something mysterious, daring, and introspective.
Due to a traumatic event in her childhood, Ashilde decided to dedicate her life to being the best warrior amongst her peers. She has few friends and a strained relationship with her sister. Yet those she keeps close share an unconditional love. As the story begins, Ashilde is preparing to be honored and elevated for her skills, but tragedy soon strikes, and she is presented with a nigh-impossible task if she wants to save all that she loves.
The book shifts gears into a road story, with Ashilde facing challenges bestowed on her by the gods themselves. The story keeps things fresh by presenting various environmental and otherworldly foes, while also forcing Ashilde to come to terms with suppressed secrets and defiant beliefs.
One would think that the story of a Norse warrior would have a substantial amount of violence, but in reality, there were fewer battles than I expected. I appreciated how Evans' approach to the book leans more toward a character study, while ruminating on gender roles, motherhood, community responsibility, grief and suffering, and found family.
It was difficult for me at times to relate to Ashilde, as she spent the majority of the story taking on so much responsibility for events over which she had little to no control. She had trouble seeing any progress as a win, as she primarily focused on her failures. This changed over time, but there were moments when I wanted to bop her on the head and convince her that she was doing all that she can and a damn good job of it.
"Blood Price" has a satisfying conclusion that made me want to pick up the next book right away. I feel as if we're just scratching the surface of what this story has to offer, and I recommend checking this book out if you're looking for something mysterious, daring, and introspective.
Want to read
September 3, 2024I’m seated and excited for this release.
October 5, 2024
Final rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Ashilde is no stranger to sacrifice. Every month, she pays a blood price to the gods so that she can kill without tainting her soul. But when tragedy strikes her village, the gods demand even more of her: she must undertake a harsh and dangerous journey to the land of the gods themselves. If she fails to arrive within a month, an even worse fate awaits her people. But the harsh elements of nature aren't the only thing threatening Ashilde on her journey: dangerous raiders have begun roaming the land, and they claim they're working for one of the gods. One way or another, Ashilde is determined to complete her quest, if only to demand answers from the deities her people worship.
BLOOD PRICE is a brutal atmospheric journey as one woman tries to save her people by going on a quest to confront the gods themselves. While the book's pacing is definitely on the slower side, if you love watching characters battle the elements and grapple with their personal emotional demons, then you'll likely enjoy sinking into Ashilde's story. Those who don't love drawn out journey stories would probably be better off looking elsewhere.
While it takes some patience to get to the meat of the story, I found the central mystery hook compelling: who are these warriors who ignore society's taboos, yet claim to act for the gods? I looked forward to every appearance of the raiders, waiting to see what new clue I could glean about their intentions, even as they hound Ashilde and try to kill her before she can complete her quest. And when Ashilde finally reaches the land of the gods, things really do start coming together in a fantastic way. This was definitely a book where it took me several days to read the first two-thirds, and then I consumed the last third in a single evening.
That's in part due to the great ticking clock introduced part way through the story. Not only does Ashilde have only one month to complete her journey, her monthly bleeding has been taken away from the gods. As a result, every time she kills, she faces a consequence, yet killing the pursuing raiders is sometimes the only way to stay alive. There's great tension in Ashilde trying to thread the needle of avoiding killing and needing to survive, and it was a fantastic addition to the stakes.
From the beginning, I was utterly fascinated by the world and culture that the author created. In writing this book, the author was deeply interested in upending traditional stigmas, making a person's monthly bleeding something to be celebrated instead of talked about with distaste. To that end, BLOOD PRICE features a society where a person's menstrual cycle dictates whether or not a person can be a warrior. Monthly bleeding is seen as both a blessing from the gods and a sacrifice demanded by them that allows a person to kill without tainting their soul. If a person does not make this monthly sacrifice, they cannot be a hunter or a warrior. There are entire celebrations and ceremonies dedicated to a person's first bleeding, and it is a topic of factual conversation, not hushed whispers.
Ashilde herself is a heroine I can empathize with, someone who is grappling with both physical and emotional trauma, yet somehow has to find the willpower to keep going on. It's a cathartic process, watching her put one step in front of the other, refusing to let pain stop her from her quest to save her village. She's a very "weight on her world" kind of character, who shoulders the burden because no one else will. If I had a complaint about the arc, it's that I wish she had found a way to share the burden or to even perhaps let go of some of the guilt that compels her, but that wasn't the character journey for this particular book.
BLOOD PRICE is the kind of story that takes a bit to get going, but is rewarding in the end. Even though slower stories aren't usually my cup of tea, I did find Ashilde's journey compelling, and I really liked how the story came together in an explosive finale. If a slow-burn quest through a harsh world in winter sounds like a good time to you, give BLOOD PRICE a try.
Note: I was provided a free ARC by the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Ashilde is no stranger to sacrifice. Every month, she pays a blood price to the gods so that she can kill without tainting her soul. But when tragedy strikes her village, the gods demand even more of her: she must undertake a harsh and dangerous journey to the land of the gods themselves. If she fails to arrive within a month, an even worse fate awaits her people. But the harsh elements of nature aren't the only thing threatening Ashilde on her journey: dangerous raiders have begun roaming the land, and they claim they're working for one of the gods. One way or another, Ashilde is determined to complete her quest, if only to demand answers from the deities her people worship.
BLOOD PRICE is a brutal atmospheric journey as one woman tries to save her people by going on a quest to confront the gods themselves. While the book's pacing is definitely on the slower side, if you love watching characters battle the elements and grapple with their personal emotional demons, then you'll likely enjoy sinking into Ashilde's story. Those who don't love drawn out journey stories would probably be better off looking elsewhere.
While it takes some patience to get to the meat of the story, I found the central mystery hook compelling: who are these warriors who ignore society's taboos, yet claim to act for the gods? I looked forward to every appearance of the raiders, waiting to see what new clue I could glean about their intentions, even as they hound Ashilde and try to kill her before she can complete her quest. And when Ashilde finally reaches the land of the gods, things really do start coming together in a fantastic way. This was definitely a book where it took me several days to read the first two-thirds, and then I consumed the last third in a single evening.
That's in part due to the great ticking clock introduced part way through the story. Not only does Ashilde have only one month to complete her journey, her monthly bleeding has been taken away from the gods. As a result, every time she kills, she faces a consequence, yet killing the pursuing raiders is sometimes the only way to stay alive. There's great tension in Ashilde trying to thread the needle of avoiding killing and needing to survive, and it was a fantastic addition to the stakes.
From the beginning, I was utterly fascinated by the world and culture that the author created. In writing this book, the author was deeply interested in upending traditional stigmas, making a person's monthly bleeding something to be celebrated instead of talked about with distaste. To that end, BLOOD PRICE features a society where a person's menstrual cycle dictates whether or not a person can be a warrior. Monthly bleeding is seen as both a blessing from the gods and a sacrifice demanded by them that allows a person to kill without tainting their soul. If a person does not make this monthly sacrifice, they cannot be a hunter or a warrior. There are entire celebrations and ceremonies dedicated to a person's first bleeding, and it is a topic of factual conversation, not hushed whispers.
Ashilde herself is a heroine I can empathize with, someone who is grappling with both physical and emotional trauma, yet somehow has to find the willpower to keep going on. It's a cathartic process, watching her put one step in front of the other, refusing to let pain stop her from her quest to save her village. She's a very "weight on her world" kind of character, who shoulders the burden because no one else will. If I had a complaint about the arc, it's that I wish she had found a way to share the burden or to even perhaps let go of some of the guilt that compels her, but that wasn't the character journey for this particular book.
BLOOD PRICE is the kind of story that takes a bit to get going, but is rewarding in the end. Even though slower stories aren't usually my cup of tea, I did find Ashilde's journey compelling, and I really liked how the story came together in an explosive finale. If a slow-burn quest through a harsh world in winter sounds like a good time to you, give BLOOD PRICE a try.
Note: I was provided a free ARC by the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
December 28, 2025
Yo. That ending. THAT ENDING, THOUGH. I'm still hype about it several days after finishing.
This was such a unique and inventive fantasy world. Period-based magic and cultural warrior norms? Yes, please! Such a brilliant idea.
It takes some time to piece together how the world works and what is happening (or rather, why), but I never felt lost in the moment, and my fears that I would fail to understand by the end of the novel were completely unnecessary. Evans knows exactly what she's doing and satisfactorily wraps up every little tidbit that's made you go "Wait, huh?" up to that point.
Also, Ashilde was a badass protagonist; I loved adventuring with her. I loved her skepticism and disdain for the gods, yet her deep, loyal devotion to her people. I can't wait to read the second volume!
This was such a unique and inventive fantasy world. Period-based magic and cultural warrior norms? Yes, please! Such a brilliant idea.
It takes some time to piece together how the world works and what is happening (or rather, why), but I never felt lost in the moment, and my fears that I would fail to understand by the end of the novel were completely unnecessary. Evans knows exactly what she's doing and satisfactorily wraps up every little tidbit that's made you go "Wait, huh?" up to that point.
Also, Ashilde was a badass protagonist; I loved adventuring with her. I loved her skepticism and disdain for the gods, yet her deep, loyal devotion to her people. I can't wait to read the second volume!
July 26, 2025
really interesting take on matriarchal societies! absolutely loved ashilde, can’t wait to read the next book!
October 2, 2024
I’ve been following Nicole’s blog for many years, and have always been intrigued by this novel she mentions from time to time. Of course I jumped at the chance to read Blood Price, and I’m so happy I did because this really delves into so many things, with a special focus on female-centered issues and disabilities, in a unique way. While the world building was a little clunky and the first part fell more on the irrelevant side, though it did offer some good world building information, I really loved the ending and how everything came together. It has a rough start, but it ended in a way I won’t soon forget, and I can’t wait until Nicole finishes the second book.
Long before the start of this story, one clan chose to show their deep reverence to the Wolffather by hunting the Ravenmother’s ravens. The Ravenmother devastated the land, destroying an entire clan, and the remaining clans were forced to live in closer quarters and to equally worship both gods, but it led to war until each clan’s numbers were so decimated they were forced to call a truce. Ashilde is a warrior of the Slatra clan, blessed with a heavy monthly period that deems her such, and has never known war. Just as she’s named the next leader of the warriors, tragedy strikes when Rhuanics, those who have been tainted and cast from their clans, attack and slaughter all of their hunters, leaving the Slatra in dire straits when they can no longer offer monthly sacrifices to the gods. To try to solve the problem, Ashilde and her partner Davyn travel to the other clans seeking help, only to be turned away. Worse, Ashilde has stopped bleeding and is cast from her clan, ordered to travel to the home of the gods across forbidden and cursed parts of the world by her clan’s leader in order to save the clan. On her way, she gathers unlikely companions: a wolf, a raven, and a young girl from another clan who becomes like a little sister to Ashilde. But the way is paved with uncertainties, dangers, and more Rhuanics. The greatest danger, though, may be facing the gods themselves.
Blood Price introduces readers to a fascinating Norse-inspired, queer-norm world where women tend to be the warriors and hunters, where gods have a presence even as Ashilde questions them, and where nothing is quite as it seems. I really enjoyed exploring this world, from its forests to the desert and beyond. I wish there had been a map so I could see this world laid out as a hot and sandy desert next to a forest seemed a little odd, but the gods had a hand in shaping this part of the world so things are odd anyways. I loved getting to know the history of this world, and loved watching Ashilde’s world be turned on its head. The ending was definitely a surprise, and leaves things wide open for an even greater story.
I have to admit, though, I wasn’t Ashilde’s biggest fan. For someone who has trained and worked so hard to become the next leader of the warriors, she seemed young, impulsive, and sometimes too angry. I did like how she questioned the gods, making it a core part of her that ended up being important to the story, but it also became a little too repetitive to the point where the reasoning felt more habitual than substantial. But she’s strong and determined in so many ways, and absolutely makes sense as a champion of sorts. She’s not indoctrinated, and it serves her well. I did think her relationship with the girl, Anora, developed too quickly, but, I suppose when you have to rely on each other, it cultivates a quick rapport. They were lovely together, and I liked how Anora’s presence in her life made Ashilde shift, change, and grow. Ashilde’s growth was slow, especially during the first two thirds, but she was always questioning, and I think that helped her character a lot.
Ashilde’s companions were wonderful, and, while I wished she had more people to talk to as sometimes there just wasn’t a lot of dialogue to break up her internal world enough, I loved that two of them were animals. The wolf often felt like a big dog, friendly and loving, but also proved himself to be quite a weapon. He’s fierce and protective, and I adored him. The raven was, well, a bird, so it helped when it decided to and flew off when it wanted. I think this gave the raven an interesting personality, serving as something of a counterpoint to the more steadfast wolf, which made the ending bittersweet in the best way. Anora was a delight, and I liked that Ashilde carried a secret that involved Anora’s family, making their relationship twist my heart. But Anora was so sweet and so much fun. She felt like a child, with her chattiness, eagerness, and fits. My heart absolutely went out to her, but she held herself so well. I kind of wish Ashilde’s partner Davyn had been a bigger part of the story because I loved that their relationship was long established, but he had a role to play back home, and he served to help keep Ashilde going. His role was primarily off page, and, even though I wished to see more of him, I’m glad most of the story focused on the relationship between Ashilde and Anora.
As much as I adored the last third, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my frustrations with the first two thirds. The first third felt more like a vehicle to introduce the world and how it functioned and Ashilde’s place in it than anything else. It felt like an extended prologue before the actual story started up. It was sometimes a little agonizing to get through as it took a bit for it to get going. It set up a few things, but, between the time when Ashilde is preparing to become the new leader of the warriors and when her period stops, it just felt like a long info dump. The middle third was more interesting as it had Ashilde traveling and having to deal with road blocks, but their trip through the forest felt like it took forever. It was fascinating as only Anora can see in this cursed area, but it just felt too long. I would have loved to get some reveals during this part as the questions just started piling up and repeating and I grew frustrated as a reader. The last third, though, came together beautifully. I loved finally getting all the reveals, and I loved how the story spiraled to its inevitable conclusion. It hurt a lot, and my heart felt for her, but it was wonderfully action-packed and I loved what it did with Ashilde.
My favorite thing about Blood Price, though, was what it was centered on. There’s a great deal of focus on disabilities and female-centered issues. Each clan has a different gift, like Ashilde’s can talk to animals and Anora’s have sight. Except Ashilde could never quite use hers and, when it would be useful, it was completely gone. I would have loved to see her use and rely on it to make the loss that much greater, though. A greater issue, though, was the fact that Ashilde literally could not see in that forest, had to rely on a small child, and eventually had to rely only on herself to get through and save her friends. Worse than that was when her body started to pay the price for killing without being able to pay in blood with her period. Parts of her body literally flickered in and out of being, sometimes leaving her without a useful body part when she really needed it. It was horrifying and spoke to what one might have to do when they don’t have, say, their dominant hand to work with. Ashilde was forced to deal with it and think outside of the box, and I loved her horror at what was happening to her.
What I really loved, though, was the emphasis on periods. There are not enough books that even touch on periods, so I really appreciate a whole book devoted to a world that places importance on them, and the worse the bleeding and pain the better. I didn’t always understand the concept of why some females bled and others didn’t, but loved the idea of how important to the clans they are. Surprisingly, Blood Price also touched on the eternal question of whether women should have babies or not. In this world, it’s seen as a woman’s duty in order to increase each clan’s population, but Ashilde has made the conscious choice to not have a child, bringing certain thoughts about her and some judgement from her clan. But Ashilde holds fast, even if she later questions it now and then, and I loved how her friends didn’t judge her for it. As a woman who did decide to have children, I loved getting this perspective into the other side, and I hope more people can appreciate this choice women are often forced to make, and the ramifications of both.
Blood Price is a wonderful story of a woman trying to save her people. No matter what they’ve done to her, judgments they’ve cast on her, and blame they put at her feet, she is so devoted to the only people she’s ever known. I loved her fierce determination, even if some of it was fueled more by getting answers than saving her people. The things this novel had to say, though, is the beating heart, touching on every part of it from the world building to the characters, and bringing certain issues to the forefront. While parts of the story and some of the world building are clunky and a little too winding, the story really ends on a high note and just offers so much food for thought to the reader.
Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Long before the start of this story, one clan chose to show their deep reverence to the Wolffather by hunting the Ravenmother’s ravens. The Ravenmother devastated the land, destroying an entire clan, and the remaining clans were forced to live in closer quarters and to equally worship both gods, but it led to war until each clan’s numbers were so decimated they were forced to call a truce. Ashilde is a warrior of the Slatra clan, blessed with a heavy monthly period that deems her such, and has never known war. Just as she’s named the next leader of the warriors, tragedy strikes when Rhuanics, those who have been tainted and cast from their clans, attack and slaughter all of their hunters, leaving the Slatra in dire straits when they can no longer offer monthly sacrifices to the gods. To try to solve the problem, Ashilde and her partner Davyn travel to the other clans seeking help, only to be turned away. Worse, Ashilde has stopped bleeding and is cast from her clan, ordered to travel to the home of the gods across forbidden and cursed parts of the world by her clan’s leader in order to save the clan. On her way, she gathers unlikely companions: a wolf, a raven, and a young girl from another clan who becomes like a little sister to Ashilde. But the way is paved with uncertainties, dangers, and more Rhuanics. The greatest danger, though, may be facing the gods themselves.
Blood Price introduces readers to a fascinating Norse-inspired, queer-norm world where women tend to be the warriors and hunters, where gods have a presence even as Ashilde questions them, and where nothing is quite as it seems. I really enjoyed exploring this world, from its forests to the desert and beyond. I wish there had been a map so I could see this world laid out as a hot and sandy desert next to a forest seemed a little odd, but the gods had a hand in shaping this part of the world so things are odd anyways. I loved getting to know the history of this world, and loved watching Ashilde’s world be turned on its head. The ending was definitely a surprise, and leaves things wide open for an even greater story.
I have to admit, though, I wasn’t Ashilde’s biggest fan. For someone who has trained and worked so hard to become the next leader of the warriors, she seemed young, impulsive, and sometimes too angry. I did like how she questioned the gods, making it a core part of her that ended up being important to the story, but it also became a little too repetitive to the point where the reasoning felt more habitual than substantial. But she’s strong and determined in so many ways, and absolutely makes sense as a champion of sorts. She’s not indoctrinated, and it serves her well. I did think her relationship with the girl, Anora, developed too quickly, but, I suppose when you have to rely on each other, it cultivates a quick rapport. They were lovely together, and I liked how Anora’s presence in her life made Ashilde shift, change, and grow. Ashilde’s growth was slow, especially during the first two thirds, but she was always questioning, and I think that helped her character a lot.
Ashilde’s companions were wonderful, and, while I wished she had more people to talk to as sometimes there just wasn’t a lot of dialogue to break up her internal world enough, I loved that two of them were animals. The wolf often felt like a big dog, friendly and loving, but also proved himself to be quite a weapon. He’s fierce and protective, and I adored him. The raven was, well, a bird, so it helped when it decided to and flew off when it wanted. I think this gave the raven an interesting personality, serving as something of a counterpoint to the more steadfast wolf, which made the ending bittersweet in the best way. Anora was a delight, and I liked that Ashilde carried a secret that involved Anora’s family, making their relationship twist my heart. But Anora was so sweet and so much fun. She felt like a child, with her chattiness, eagerness, and fits. My heart absolutely went out to her, but she held herself so well. I kind of wish Ashilde’s partner Davyn had been a bigger part of the story because I loved that their relationship was long established, but he had a role to play back home, and he served to help keep Ashilde going. His role was primarily off page, and, even though I wished to see more of him, I’m glad most of the story focused on the relationship between Ashilde and Anora.
As much as I adored the last third, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my frustrations with the first two thirds. The first third felt more like a vehicle to introduce the world and how it functioned and Ashilde’s place in it than anything else. It felt like an extended prologue before the actual story started up. It was sometimes a little agonizing to get through as it took a bit for it to get going. It set up a few things, but, between the time when Ashilde is preparing to become the new leader of the warriors and when her period stops, it just felt like a long info dump. The middle third was more interesting as it had Ashilde traveling and having to deal with road blocks, but their trip through the forest felt like it took forever. It was fascinating as only Anora can see in this cursed area, but it just felt too long. I would have loved to get some reveals during this part as the questions just started piling up and repeating and I grew frustrated as a reader. The last third, though, came together beautifully. I loved finally getting all the reveals, and I loved how the story spiraled to its inevitable conclusion. It hurt a lot, and my heart felt for her, but it was wonderfully action-packed and I loved what it did with Ashilde.
My favorite thing about Blood Price, though, was what it was centered on. There’s a great deal of focus on disabilities and female-centered issues. Each clan has a different gift, like Ashilde’s can talk to animals and Anora’s have sight. Except Ashilde could never quite use hers and, when it would be useful, it was completely gone. I would have loved to see her use and rely on it to make the loss that much greater, though. A greater issue, though, was the fact that Ashilde literally could not see in that forest, had to rely on a small child, and eventually had to rely only on herself to get through and save her friends. Worse than that was when her body started to pay the price for killing without being able to pay in blood with her period. Parts of her body literally flickered in and out of being, sometimes leaving her without a useful body part when she really needed it. It was horrifying and spoke to what one might have to do when they don’t have, say, their dominant hand to work with. Ashilde was forced to deal with it and think outside of the box, and I loved her horror at what was happening to her.
What I really loved, though, was the emphasis on periods. There are not enough books that even touch on periods, so I really appreciate a whole book devoted to a world that places importance on them, and the worse the bleeding and pain the better. I didn’t always understand the concept of why some females bled and others didn’t, but loved the idea of how important to the clans they are. Surprisingly, Blood Price also touched on the eternal question of whether women should have babies or not. In this world, it’s seen as a woman’s duty in order to increase each clan’s population, but Ashilde has made the conscious choice to not have a child, bringing certain thoughts about her and some judgement from her clan. But Ashilde holds fast, even if she later questions it now and then, and I loved how her friends didn’t judge her for it. As a woman who did decide to have children, I loved getting this perspective into the other side, and I hope more people can appreciate this choice women are often forced to make, and the ramifications of both.
Blood Price is a wonderful story of a woman trying to save her people. No matter what they’ve done to her, judgments they’ve cast on her, and blame they put at her feet, she is so devoted to the only people she’s ever known. I loved her fierce determination, even if some of it was fueled more by getting answers than saving her people. The things this novel had to say, though, is the beating heart, touching on every part of it from the world building to the characters, and bringing certain issues to the forefront. While parts of the story and some of the world building are clunky and a little too winding, the story really ends on a high note and just offers so much food for thought to the reader.
Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 31, 2024
“Ashilde immediately felt blinded, unable to see anything in the paralyzing darkness; a sensation only made worse when she felt something catch on her foot, causing her to trip. Only air met her and she barely pivoted to land on her side, though Anóra still cried out into her chest as they collided with the ground. Together, they rolled down a sloped decline for a few moments, before Ashilde crashed against what felt like the trunk of a very large tree, finally settling in a pile of wet leaves, the girl landing on top of her. Her injured shoulder rang out in pain, but she ignored it, quickly clutching Anóra closer to her, her good arm wrapping around the back of her head.”
It’s an incredible experience to read a book written by someone you know. It’s even more incredible when that person is as kind, warm-hearted and generous as Nicole Evans, and it’s the best experience when the book is just as incredible as you always knew it would be.
Blood Price is Nicole Evans’ debut novel, a fantasy novel inspired by Norse mythology with deep, rich culture and magic and beliefs. I was hooked from the first to the last page, and I was left wanting to keep reading more. Ashilde has been chosen by her clan, the Slátra, to pay a blood price. By paying this price each month, despite the pain and agony she must endure as a result, she can become a fierce warrior who can protect her people from their enemies.
There are nine other clans within the land of Armadin, and they all co-exist somewhat peacefully, but there are outliers, the Rhuniacs, who attack the clans and their hunters as they see fit. When Ashilde’s clan is attacked by the Rhuniacs, she rushes to defend her people, only to be ridiculed by them for her haste after the fact. When she loses the ability to bleed and become a warrior for her people, Ashilde’s faith is shaken, and she finds herself feeling more lost than she ever has before. Yet despite the adversity, she is determined to still save her clan and protect them, no matter the cost.
Setting out into the wilderness, Ashilde searches for a way to protect her clan, driven toward the other clans and the god’s realm, she is accompanied by a young girl Anóra, from whom she is keeping a dark secret, a wolf and raven who don’t speak but seem to be guiding them both through their journey. Ashilde and her newfound group of comrades must face a multitude of dangers in order to protect the people of their world.
This book was just so enthralling. Ashilde grows a lot as a character as the book moves on. From the beginning, she openly questions the god’s involvement in the lives of her and her clan. As the book goes on, she continues to embrace her need for truth. I completely appall her sister, Brynhild, who treated Ashilde like she was the dirt beneath her boots. She was horrible which gives a lot of credit to Nicole’s writing style. She will make you love and hate a character so fiercely. The leap off the page with a realness you feel as if you’ve just met them.
My favorite character though was Anóra. Despite what she faced, losing her clan, her mother, she willingly helps guide Ashilde on her journey. I thought the dynamic between them both was really special. This book wasn’t always an easy read, as in there are some really hard moments to read because this is a world fraught with danger and violence and there are moments of true sadness that ripped my heart out. Needless to say, this is a really fantastic book that I completely loved. I’ve always known Nicole would write amazing books, and now I get to sit one on my shelf, where it belongs. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this debut. I just know Nicole has more wonderful stories to share that I can’t wait to read in the future!
It’s an incredible experience to read a book written by someone you know. It’s even more incredible when that person is as kind, warm-hearted and generous as Nicole Evans, and it’s the best experience when the book is just as incredible as you always knew it would be.
Blood Price is Nicole Evans’ debut novel, a fantasy novel inspired by Norse mythology with deep, rich culture and magic and beliefs. I was hooked from the first to the last page, and I was left wanting to keep reading more. Ashilde has been chosen by her clan, the Slátra, to pay a blood price. By paying this price each month, despite the pain and agony she must endure as a result, she can become a fierce warrior who can protect her people from their enemies.
There are nine other clans within the land of Armadin, and they all co-exist somewhat peacefully, but there are outliers, the Rhuniacs, who attack the clans and their hunters as they see fit. When Ashilde’s clan is attacked by the Rhuniacs, she rushes to defend her people, only to be ridiculed by them for her haste after the fact. When she loses the ability to bleed and become a warrior for her people, Ashilde’s faith is shaken, and she finds herself feeling more lost than she ever has before. Yet despite the adversity, she is determined to still save her clan and protect them, no matter the cost.
Setting out into the wilderness, Ashilde searches for a way to protect her clan, driven toward the other clans and the god’s realm, she is accompanied by a young girl Anóra, from whom she is keeping a dark secret, a wolf and raven who don’t speak but seem to be guiding them both through their journey. Ashilde and her newfound group of comrades must face a multitude of dangers in order to protect the people of their world.
This book was just so enthralling. Ashilde grows a lot as a character as the book moves on. From the beginning, she openly questions the god’s involvement in the lives of her and her clan. As the book goes on, she continues to embrace her need for truth. I completely appall her sister, Brynhild, who treated Ashilde like she was the dirt beneath her boots. She was horrible which gives a lot of credit to Nicole’s writing style. She will make you love and hate a character so fiercely. The leap off the page with a realness you feel as if you’ve just met them.
My favorite character though was Anóra. Despite what she faced, losing her clan, her mother, she willingly helps guide Ashilde on her journey. I thought the dynamic between them both was really special. This book wasn’t always an easy read, as in there are some really hard moments to read because this is a world fraught with danger and violence and there are moments of true sadness that ripped my heart out. Needless to say, this is a really fantastic book that I completely loved. I’ve always known Nicole would write amazing books, and now I get to sit one on my shelf, where it belongs. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this debut. I just know Nicole has more wonderful stories to share that I can’t wait to read in the future!
July 5, 2024
BLOOD PRICE is like taking a walk in a familiar fantasy landscape with brand new glasses. There is something so haunting about this book, somewhere between the flawed nature of humans, the questions about the divine, and the journey our MC takes. BLOOD PRICE creeps in slowly and by the time you realize you've been gripped, it's too late. It would be remiss not to mention how excellently Evans crafts on-screen menstruation as a concept the culture is built around—and within this framework, the ease in which she handles the differences between bodies, sexuality, and identity is beautifully done. BLOOD PRICE has all the complex characters, beautiful description, riveting adventure, heartache, and brutal truth you could ask for.
October 31, 2024
This Norse myth-inspired world has one of the most unique magic systems I've ever encountered — while I'm not usually a high fantasy reader, I haven't stopped thinking about this one since I read it earlier this year. Ashilde is a wonderfully flawed, strong, vulnerable character, and the twists and turns of this book kept twisting and turning until the last page. Looking forward to the next one!
P.S. For full disclosure, I proofread a version of this book, but my enjoyment of the story and the characters is unrelated to that and genuine.
P.S. For full disclosure, I proofread a version of this book, but my enjoyment of the story and the characters is unrelated to that and genuine.
August 30, 2024
Powerful and heartfelt fantasy. This book will sweep you away into a brutal and harsh world, but the author has imbued it with so much heart and depth of feeling.
Ashilde is a deeply empathetic character with endless love for her family and her people, but the unforgiving laws of the land mean she won't ever quite fit in.
But when a new path is laid before her, it sends her on a truly epic quest that will shake the foundations of her whole world, and upend everything she thought she knew.
This is a brave work of fiction that doesn't shy away from portraying the realities of depression, guilt, and PTSD. It also fully shows the pain and suffering that comes with having a period, which is so refreshing and validating. We need more stories like this!
I also really loved the animal companions Ashilde meets on her quest, and being immersed in the matriarchal and queer-norm world the author has created. Please get this book and share it with all your friends!
Ashilde is a deeply empathetic character with endless love for her family and her people, but the unforgiving laws of the land mean she won't ever quite fit in.
But when a new path is laid before her, it sends her on a truly epic quest that will shake the foundations of her whole world, and upend everything she thought she knew.
This is a brave work of fiction that doesn't shy away from portraying the realities of depression, guilt, and PTSD. It also fully shows the pain and suffering that comes with having a period, which is so refreshing and validating. We need more stories like this!
I also really loved the animal companions Ashilde meets on her quest, and being immersed in the matriarchal and queer-norm world the author has created. Please get this book and share it with all your friends!
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