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What Blood Remembers
How far would you go to save the thing you cannot lose?
Violent seeds grow bloody trees.
In an instant, with a choice he never had the chance to make, Cole Traeger's life was ripped apart. Now, set on the path of revenge, he must reckon with his past, mistakes made, and games still to be played. But more than Cole's life hangs in the balance.
This brutal story of family, grief, and revenge will take readers on a journey from grimy city streets and shootouts between rival gangs to the sprawling southwest and into Mexico.
Violent seeds grow bloody trees.
In an instant, with a choice he never had the chance to make, Cole Traeger's life was ripped apart. Now, set on the path of revenge, he must reckon with his past, mistakes made, and games still to be played. But more than Cole's life hangs in the balance.
This brutal story of family, grief, and revenge will take readers on a journey from grimy city streets and shootouts between rival gangs to the sprawling southwest and into Mexico.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2025
6 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
C. William Phillips
1 book5 followersC. William Phillips was born and raised in the hills of Kentucky, and has been telling stories as long as he can remember.
He resides in Louisville, with his wife, Tana, and their brood of children.
He resides in Louisville, with his wife, Tana, and their brood of children.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 2, 2025
4.5 rounded up.
One of my best reads of the year. Holy shit.
An absolute freight train of a novel that smashes you to pieces. It's dark. It's gut-wrenching. I read the ending in public and struggled to hold my emotions back.
I hope Phillips gives us many more novels like this. As a fan of stories like Breaking Bad and Peaky Blinders, this story punched my stomach in all the right ways.
One of my best reads of the year. Holy shit.
An absolute freight train of a novel that smashes you to pieces. It's dark. It's gut-wrenching. I read the ending in public and struggled to hold my emotions back.
I hope Phillips gives us many more novels like this. As a fan of stories like Breaking Bad and Peaky Blinders, this story punched my stomach in all the right ways.
December 23, 2025
I went into this completely blind and holy cow, I could not stop reading. I found myself gripping the pages the entire time. What Blood Remembers is violent and unforgiving, but at its core it’s about grief, family, and the impossible weight of choices made when there is no good option left. Marcus and Cole’s story feel grounded and painfully real, especially how his past and family shape every move he makes.
The way C. William Phillips writes is so visceral you can practically feel the heat, dust, and grime of Mexico. The pacing is relentless, moving from brutal street-level violence to something much bigger without losing its emotional center. It gives serious Breaking Bad energy, where bad decisions stack up and consequences always follow. Dark, raw, and deeply human, this one stayed with me long after I finished.
I highly recommend the audiobook. Boyd Barrett absolutely nailed the narration. There’s a very specific voice this story needs, and he is completely believable from start to finish.
10/5 stars ⭐️
The way C. William Phillips writes is so visceral you can practically feel the heat, dust, and grime of Mexico. The pacing is relentless, moving from brutal street-level violence to something much bigger without losing its emotional center. It gives serious Breaking Bad energy, where bad decisions stack up and consequences always follow. Dark, raw, and deeply human, this one stayed with me long after I finished.
I highly recommend the audiobook. Boyd Barrett absolutely nailed the narration. There’s a very specific voice this story needs, and he is completely believable from start to finish.
10/5 stars ⭐️
December 7, 2025
4.2 stars!
What a fascinating debut novel from this author! 🤩 I would definitely recommend others to read. By the end of the novel, my stomach was in knots and I had tears in my eyes. Excited to see what this author writes next!
What a fascinating debut novel from this author! 🤩 I would definitely recommend others to read. By the end of the novel, my stomach was in knots and I had tears in my eyes. Excited to see what this author writes next!
October 23, 2025
I beta read an early version of this book for Will and let me tell you that even in its raw state this story hit all the right crime thriller spots.
This story is unflinchingly violent, and it will show you. Like right out of the gate. In all the gory detail. What made it such a compelling read to me was the dichotomy of the fallout from the inciting violence at the opening. The story deftly flipped between the gritty, splinters-in-your-fingers, gunpowder-burn reality of violence begetting more violence and the echoing pain of coping with the loss and absence caused by said violence.
What I enjoyed was that no character was written to be a cardboard hero or villain. I found myself dreading and cheering for every single POV character in this book (including the ones you ride shotgun with for horrific acts). I can only chalk that up to an author who understands humans are never fully black and white and commits to displaying that in his fiction.
I am a huge Elmore Leonard fan and this book reminded me of his works in all the right ways. If you are looking for a compelling plot with twists and turns you’re in the right place. If you are looking for riveting, grounded action sequences grab the popcorn. If you’re looking for a book that will make you ponder how you yourself would react to unspeakable violence then get out your philosopher’s cap. What Blood Remembers does all of these in fair measure.
I look forward to getting my hands on the final, completed version of this story.
This story is unflinchingly violent, and it will show you. Like right out of the gate. In all the gory detail. What made it such a compelling read to me was the dichotomy of the fallout from the inciting violence at the opening. The story deftly flipped between the gritty, splinters-in-your-fingers, gunpowder-burn reality of violence begetting more violence and the echoing pain of coping with the loss and absence caused by said violence.
What I enjoyed was that no character was written to be a cardboard hero or villain. I found myself dreading and cheering for every single POV character in this book (including the ones you ride shotgun with for horrific acts). I can only chalk that up to an author who understands humans are never fully black and white and commits to displaying that in his fiction.
I am a huge Elmore Leonard fan and this book reminded me of his works in all the right ways. If you are looking for a compelling plot with twists and turns you’re in the right place. If you are looking for riveting, grounded action sequences grab the popcorn. If you’re looking for a book that will make you ponder how you yourself would react to unspeakable violence then get out your philosopher’s cap. What Blood Remembers does all of these in fair measure.
I look forward to getting my hands on the final, completed version of this story.
October 3, 2025
Very enjoyable. The pacing was very good, nowhere did the book feel like it got bogged down. There's a nice balance of dialogue, description, and action which really kept the story going. The characters were believable and relatable. The only thing I think could have been done better was giving the reader a little more about each of the main characters, giving them more depth. It was a pleasure to receive the ARC and review it. Overall 3.75 stars.
October 31, 2025
When I say this book grabbed me from page 1, I am not exaggerating even a little. Every single scene was so so good. The pacing was excellent and at no point did I feel like it lagged. The story is brutal, the writing is clear and concise, and the characters are relatable. I loved that the characters were a mix of normal and straight up bad guys. It’s an excellent mash up of thriller, crime, and family drama. Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book!
November 23, 2025
(4.5/5)
I love, LOVE a feel bad story. And this is probably my favorite feel bad book of the year.
No punches pulled and very few moments to let you breath. Phillips locks you into a chokehold of momentum from the jump. And it never let's up, not until the final chapter. It's heartbreaking, it's tough to read in spots, and it is exactly my kind of read.
I need a shower, or a whiskey, or a 100 cigarettes. Damn.
I love, LOVE a feel bad story. And this is probably my favorite feel bad book of the year.
No punches pulled and very few moments to let you breath. Phillips locks you into a chokehold of momentum from the jump. And it never let's up, not until the final chapter. It's heartbreaking, it's tough to read in spots, and it is exactly my kind of read.
I need a shower, or a whiskey, or a 100 cigarettes. Damn.
December 18, 2025
I was incredibly grateful to receive the audiobook for What Blood Remembers directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. The timing could not have been better, as I had a very long drive ahead of me, and as someone who listens to audiobooks at 2.0x speed, I was able to finish this in about six hours. All thoughts below are my own, completely unfiltered, and shared with zero bias.
At its core, this is a story about a father and son with a fractured relationship who are pulled into a violent, revenge driven path shaped by crime, loyalty, and loss. Set in a modern world that feels raw and unforgiving, it explores how far people will go to protect what matters most, and what that choice can cost them.
I want to start with the audiobook narration because it truly deserves special recognition. The narration was fantastic! Each character had a distinct voice, and it was always clear who was speaking. The pacing, tone, and emotional delivery were handled so well that I was completely immersed for the entire listen. As an audiobook experience alone, this is an easy five stars.
As for the story itself, if I could give this book more than five stars, I absolutely would!
This was very different from what I have been reading lately, and that was part of what made it so impactful. The best way I can describe the overall feel is Breaking Bad meets Lonesome Dove, but set in modern times. It is gritty and emotionally charged.
I had been warned that the opening chapters are dark, and they are, but even knowing that, I was fully invested almost immediately. What surprised me most was how deeply connected I felt to every character in the story, which does not happen often for me. The relationship between the father and son was especially powerful. Watching them attempt to reclaim their bond, without giving anything away, was heartbreaking and beautiful in a way I did not expect. There is a quiet emotional depth to this story that genuinely hit me hard.
The author’s writing style completely pulled me in and never let go. I went into this book not fully knowing what to expect beyond some content warnings from other readers, but I am so glad I did. This story exceeded every expectation I had and then some.
This is definitely not a cozy or feel good read. It is a gritty, bloody, revenge driven story that does not shy away from difficult themes or emotional weight. If that is something you enjoy, this book delivers in a powerful way.
This was an incredible way to close out the year, and What Blood Remembers has easily earned a place among my top reads of 2025. It is also very likely my top audiobook listen of the year. If you are going to read or listen to one indie book this year, make it this one.
At its core, this is a story about a father and son with a fractured relationship who are pulled into a violent, revenge driven path shaped by crime, loyalty, and loss. Set in a modern world that feels raw and unforgiving, it explores how far people will go to protect what matters most, and what that choice can cost them.
I want to start with the audiobook narration because it truly deserves special recognition. The narration was fantastic! Each character had a distinct voice, and it was always clear who was speaking. The pacing, tone, and emotional delivery were handled so well that I was completely immersed for the entire listen. As an audiobook experience alone, this is an easy five stars.
As for the story itself, if I could give this book more than five stars, I absolutely would!
This was very different from what I have been reading lately, and that was part of what made it so impactful. The best way I can describe the overall feel is Breaking Bad meets Lonesome Dove, but set in modern times. It is gritty and emotionally charged.
I had been warned that the opening chapters are dark, and they are, but even knowing that, I was fully invested almost immediately. What surprised me most was how deeply connected I felt to every character in the story, which does not happen often for me. The relationship between the father and son was especially powerful. Watching them attempt to reclaim their bond, without giving anything away, was heartbreaking and beautiful in a way I did not expect. There is a quiet emotional depth to this story that genuinely hit me hard.
The author’s writing style completely pulled me in and never let go. I went into this book not fully knowing what to expect beyond some content warnings from other readers, but I am so glad I did. This story exceeded every expectation I had and then some.
This is definitely not a cozy or feel good read. It is a gritty, bloody, revenge driven story that does not shy away from difficult themes or emotional weight. If that is something you enjoy, this book delivers in a powerful way.
This was an incredible way to close out the year, and What Blood Remembers has easily earned a place among my top reads of 2025. It is also very likely my top audiobook listen of the year. If you are going to read or listen to one indie book this year, make it this one.
December 18, 2025
An exceptional novel from an indie author - I highly recommend the audiobook
Are you a Breaking Bad fan?
Then you will love this!
Drug lords + western + a family caught in between + regrets + The lengths you will go to save what you love OR save yourself.
I knew this was a gritty & emotional read prior to starting... but man, I teared up throughout and sobbed at the end of this.
There are some really heavy themes dealing with estranged family, violence/murder and loss. One thing I did not expect was to feel sympathy for the antagonist. This was such a raw and devastating example of how your actions - even when not intended to be bad or evil - will have consequences.
This audiobook was incredible Boyde does a fantastic job & the author's writing is immersive and very clear to follow.
One of the best books I have read this year!
Are you a Breaking Bad fan?
Then you will love this!
Drug lords + western + a family caught in between + regrets + The lengths you will go to save what you love OR save yourself.
I knew this was a gritty & emotional read prior to starting... but man, I teared up throughout and sobbed at the end of this.
There are some really heavy themes dealing with estranged family, violence/murder and loss. One thing I did not expect was to feel sympathy for the antagonist. This was such a raw and devastating example of how your actions - even when not intended to be bad or evil - will have consequences.
This audiobook was incredible Boyde does a fantastic job & the author's writing is immersive and very clear to follow.
One of the best books I have read this year!
November 11, 2025
There is a moment during the second chapter of C William Phillip’s What Blood Remembers in which my eyebrow climbed high enough to get clipped by the ceiling fan. This book is a true noir, and while the actual definition of what makes a noir novel has been hotly debated over the years, probably the most consistent feature of this genre is a morally grey protagonist, a gritty antihero that often crosses more lines than my daughter during her driver’s ed class. And the first character we’re introduced to in What Blood Remembers, Viggo, doesn’t so much cross lines as he does sprint maniacally across them as the reader looks on in horror.
And let’s be clear: this book is not going to be for everyone. At no point does Phillips shy away from just how ugly this seedy underbelly of a world actually is, and very quickly makes it clear that Viggo is not an hero. He’s not an antihero. He’s a monster, and if the book was his story, it would have been very difficult if not impossible for Phillips to make this story a satisfying one.
Fortunately, Viggo is not the only character that we’re following. He’s more the wrecking ball that tips over the first in a long chain of dominoes that brings this book to one of the most vicious climaxes that I’ve seen in quite some time.
At its core, this book is about the consequences to a terrible decision Viggo makes in that second chapter, and the way violence corrupts and ruins all that it touches, and the way that corruption spreads like a virus. We follow Cole and Marcus Traeger, two survivors of Viggo’s rampage, as they slip further and further into darkness in their search for justice in a world that seems to have long forgotten what that word means.
There are books that have made the argument about the ruinous nature of violence through different ways. What Blood Remembers makes that argument by forcing an unflinching view of just how bitter, ugly, and cruel those who have chosen to make violence a part of their lives can be, and just how much of our soul is lost when we forget that truth. This is Phillip’s first book, but the prose quickly settles into a lean, raw rhythm that fits the tone perfectly, with every sentence feeling spat from between clenched teeth, and I found myself desperately wanting Cole and Marcus to turn back, to walk away from this world of hard men and bloody choices, while knowing that the characters so meticulously built by Phillips never would.
I said early in this review that this book isn’t for everyone, and I stand by that. But those who have read and loved authors like Dennis Lehane and John Connolly will find that same type of hard, unflinching storytelling within the pages of What Blood Remembers. It’s an outstanding debut, and a book that reminds you just how bloody good writing can be.
And let’s be clear: this book is not going to be for everyone. At no point does Phillips shy away from just how ugly this seedy underbelly of a world actually is, and very quickly makes it clear that Viggo is not an hero. He’s not an antihero. He’s a monster, and if the book was his story, it would have been very difficult if not impossible for Phillips to make this story a satisfying one.
Fortunately, Viggo is not the only character that we’re following. He’s more the wrecking ball that tips over the first in a long chain of dominoes that brings this book to one of the most vicious climaxes that I’ve seen in quite some time.
At its core, this book is about the consequences to a terrible decision Viggo makes in that second chapter, and the way violence corrupts and ruins all that it touches, and the way that corruption spreads like a virus. We follow Cole and Marcus Traeger, two survivors of Viggo’s rampage, as they slip further and further into darkness in their search for justice in a world that seems to have long forgotten what that word means.
There are books that have made the argument about the ruinous nature of violence through different ways. What Blood Remembers makes that argument by forcing an unflinching view of just how bitter, ugly, and cruel those who have chosen to make violence a part of their lives can be, and just how much of our soul is lost when we forget that truth. This is Phillip’s first book, but the prose quickly settles into a lean, raw rhythm that fits the tone perfectly, with every sentence feeling spat from between clenched teeth, and I found myself desperately wanting Cole and Marcus to turn back, to walk away from this world of hard men and bloody choices, while knowing that the characters so meticulously built by Phillips never would.
I said early in this review that this book isn’t for everyone, and I stand by that. But those who have read and loved authors like Dennis Lehane and John Connolly will find that same type of hard, unflinching storytelling within the pages of What Blood Remembers. It’s an outstanding debut, and a book that reminds you just how bloody good writing can be.
October 6, 2025
This book was great! I was excited to dig into this book, the neo-western, mafia, revenge themes were really appealing to me. I found myself not being able to stop turning the page, my heart was racing during times and I constantly found myself on the edge of my seat. Fantastic debut novel. Please do yourself a favor and read this one. I look forward to support this author for a very long time
December 11, 2025
To be honest, this book was not what I expected, and in this case, that’s not a bad thing.
Where most revenge stories focus on the quest itself, the mystery of who’s to blame or the immense effort required to strike back, What Blood Remembers puts its weight somewhere far more interesting: the emotional cost. There is never any doubt about who committed the crime or why the protagonist wants revenge. Instead, Phillips turns inward, exploring survivor’s guilt and the tangled, often contradictory feelings a real person might face when deciding whether to seek vengeance after a brutal tragedy. It’s a refreshing departure from typical revenge action hero who barrels forward without hesitation, doubt, or fear.
The story doesn’t shy away from brutality. It tackles incredibly difficult themes, and Phillips refuses to soften either the violence or the emotional fallout. Everything is laid bare so the reader can feel the full weight of each decision the characters make. The book surprised me more than once, and hurt in many more.
What Blood Remembers is a powerful examination of human nature, grief, and the consequences of choosing to fight back. It’s not the revenge tale I expected, but it’s absolutely one worth reading.
Where most revenge stories focus on the quest itself, the mystery of who’s to blame or the immense effort required to strike back, What Blood Remembers puts its weight somewhere far more interesting: the emotional cost. There is never any doubt about who committed the crime or why the protagonist wants revenge. Instead, Phillips turns inward, exploring survivor’s guilt and the tangled, often contradictory feelings a real person might face when deciding whether to seek vengeance after a brutal tragedy. It’s a refreshing departure from typical revenge action hero who barrels forward without hesitation, doubt, or fear.
The story doesn’t shy away from brutality. It tackles incredibly difficult themes, and Phillips refuses to soften either the violence or the emotional fallout. Everything is laid bare so the reader can feel the full weight of each decision the characters make. The book surprised me more than once, and hurt in many more.
What Blood Remembers is a powerful examination of human nature, grief, and the consequences of choosing to fight back. It’s not the revenge tale I expected, but it’s absolutely one worth reading.
October 17, 2025
Disclaimer: I was provided a free electronic copy of the book for an ARC review.
What Blood Remembers is a beautifully written novel with prose that flows smoothly and occasionally touches real poetic depth. The book is at its strongest in its emotional beats, especially in the scenes involving Cole, which hit hard for me as a parent. At its core, this is a story about a family healing after deep trauma, and that theme shines through with power and tenderness. The pacing is relentless in the best way, pulling you forward from one tense moment to the next.
That said, the book is quite dark. It explores violence, some of it involving children, along with themes like child trafficking. While others may not be bothered by this, I found certain moments genuinely disturbing.
I also struggled with a few character decisions that did not fully make sense to me without getting into spoilers. Still, these choices often serve to heighten the emotional stakes, so they did not detract too much from the overall experience.
If you enjoy fast moving, emotionally charged stories and are not put off by heavy adult subject matter, What Blood Remembers delivers a gripping and powerful read.
What Blood Remembers is a beautifully written novel with prose that flows smoothly and occasionally touches real poetic depth. The book is at its strongest in its emotional beats, especially in the scenes involving Cole, which hit hard for me as a parent. At its core, this is a story about a family healing after deep trauma, and that theme shines through with power and tenderness. The pacing is relentless in the best way, pulling you forward from one tense moment to the next.
That said, the book is quite dark. It explores violence, some of it involving children, along with themes like child trafficking. While others may not be bothered by this, I found certain moments genuinely disturbing.
I also struggled with a few character decisions that did not fully make sense to me without getting into spoilers. Still, these choices often serve to heighten the emotional stakes, so they did not detract too much from the overall experience.
If you enjoy fast moving, emotionally charged stories and are not put off by heavy adult subject matter, What Blood Remembers delivers a gripping and powerful read.
November 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this debut thriller! Phillips did a great job creating a fast-paced nail-biter of a book. I am usually a slower reader, but I devoured this book in less than 48 hours. Every chapter ended with a cliff hanger that had me turning the page for the next chapter. Everything unfolded like a movie in my head -- very cinematic!
Similar titles: No Country for Old Men, The Missing, Taken (but if the Dad was normal haha), Once upon a Time in Mexico
Things I loved: the dynamic between father and son, the fast pace, the believable and yet unbelievable stakes.
I can't wait to see waht Phillips writes next! I highly recommend this indie thriller, especially if you love Gothic Americana, Westerns, and noir crime stories.
Similar titles: No Country for Old Men, The Missing, Taken (but if the Dad was normal haha), Once upon a Time in Mexico
Things I loved: the dynamic between father and son, the fast pace, the believable and yet unbelievable stakes.
I can't wait to see waht Phillips writes next! I highly recommend this indie thriller, especially if you love Gothic Americana, Westerns, and noir crime stories.
October 2, 2025
I loved it! One of the best books I've read this year. Incredible pacing and storytelling that left me on the edge of my seat (especially in the 2nd act).
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews