Blood Rising

The Blood Saga #2

by Markus Redmond

In a brilliantly terrifying blend of supernatural horror and alternate history for fans of Ryan Coogler's Sinners and readers of Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due, and Stephen Graham Jones, a vengeful vampire tribe formed of formerly enslaved Africans wages war across the Southern colonies in the ultimate battle of blood and betrayal.

Kwadzo Okoro never believed the bloody legend of Ramanga was real. Now, he stands as the leader of a new Ramanga Tribe, one that sieged the Barrow plantation in a storm of righteous carnage, liberating its formerly enslaved Africans. Reclaimed as the Crimson Plantation, it is now also home to the wronged Natives who fearlessly aligned with the Ramangans.

But Kwadzo knows that freedom is not secure. Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, the most influential slaveholders in the region since the demise of Big Jim Barrow, are galvanizing the Lakeside community to strike back—violently. The threat they pose pales in comparison to the insidious menace of Penelope Knudsen. Her white-hot hatred, now fueled by Ramangan blood, and an ability to survive the sunlight—a power Kwadzo doesn’t have—threatens to upend Kwadzo’s advancement of Ramangan might throughout the colonies, especially as she builds a white vampire army of her own and wages an all-out war against him.

But the gravest threat comes from Rafazi. His blood fathered the rebellion, but he will not take orders from his own creation. And when Rafazi makes a deadly deal with the Crabtrees, Kwadzo is forced into a battle with his maker that he may not survive, while the everlasting freedom of every enslaved person in the colonies hangs in the balance.

Genres: Horror, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fantasy, Fiction, Vampires, Mystery Thriller

432 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 25, 2026

Reviews

[Cocoabookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just like the first one had me in a chokehold! Shoutout to the author for another banger! Love how this tells history in a different light! 10000/10!

[Ruby]

OMG I cannot wait!

[Mr. Mccane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC
Releases 8-25-26

This was my most anticipated read of 2026. I’ve been thinking about Kwadzo, Irene, and Rafazi for over a year. Notice I didn’t say Gertie... 😂. When we last left them, Kwadzo was leading the Ramangan tribe, and we were all wondering what Penelope might do next.

This story picks up right where Blood Slaves left off. It’s a little slower-paced and not as violent as the first book; however, it dives much deeper into the characters and their everyday lives. We get to see what it’s like to be a Ramangan and what it was like sharing a plantation with the Native people. We also learn that each Ramangan may possess unique special abilities.

We’re introduced to Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, who are just as horrible as Jim Barrow, but not as dangerous as Penelope, whose special powers make her especially terrifying.

On top of that, there’s trouble brewing within the tribe. Will your favorite characters from Blood Slaves still be your favorites after reading this one? Or will they become your most hated?

Blood Rising is filled with lies, betrayal, and moments that had me screaming at the pages. I’ll just leave you with this: Just because someone can use your comb doesn’t make them family.

[Kandi R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Markus Redmond has done it again! Blood Rising is the sequel to Blood Slaves and if you haven’t read or listened to Blood Slaves, what are you waiting for? Blood Rising picks up right where Blood Slaves left off…at Penelope (Barrow’s daughter). Her pain, her hurt, her revenge will set the tone for this entire book.

There isn’t as much action in this as book 1 but this goes deeper into what happened after the plantation takeover. This is like reading a historical version of The Matrix. What side are you on? The blue pill or the red pill? A lot of supporting characters are now having a chance to shine in this book. This also goes deeper into what happens when money, power and respect come into play. A few of the characters that were deemed heroes/saviors in the first book are now villains and the transition to this was perfect.

Kwadzo struggled throughout this book with his newfound power but his passion and heart leads him through this new journey. Gertie is back and just like my review of her in the last book, she again has made me mad with her thought process towards Kwadzo. Sometimes I just wish she would take the blood and shut up lol.

Irene in my eyes was most definitely the star of this book! For her to be so young, she truly has grown into her new life as a Ramangan!

Rafazi…I’m just at a loss for words with this one…you’ll have to read the book for you to understand.

Overall this was a great yet calmer sequel to Blood Slaves! I give this 4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, Dafina and Markus Redmond for this amazing arc read!

Let the Bloody 🩸 Revolution continue…

[Emilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

A rage-inducing read from start to finish!

I was very excited to read the next installment after enjoying the first book, Blood Slaves. My favorite aspect of this sequel is that we’re given more knowledge and lore surrounding the Ramangan people. It blends vampirism with colonial African culture in a way that feels highly unique and compelling. I also enjoyed learning about the specialized powers each individual obtains. Similar to the first book, this story is bloody, action-packed, and rage-inducing. The horrors the slaves endure are abhorrent, and I appreciate that the author does not sugarcoat them, as they reflect a stark reality that deserves to be understood. This book is brutal and graphic, but so is our history.

I struggled with the beginning of the book. Gertie, Kwazdo’s wife, takes up much of the focus, and I found her irritating at times. In the previous book, we saw immense growth in her character arc, but that progress seems to regress at the start of this installment. Her jealousy and constant squabbles detract from the story. However, her arc begins to develop again toward the middle of the book. Additionally, I found the ending abrupt and somewhat underwhelming. I expected more from a story that otherwise packs such a punch.

Overall, I preferred the first book, but I greatly enjoyed the expanded depth of the Ramangan lore. I’m intrigued to see how the story continues to evolve!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Genevieve McCane · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Dafina for this ARC for my honest review.

I love how Blood Rising picks up right where Blood Slave left off. Markus Redmond made it so easy to jump right back into the story, and I was pulled right back in.

Blood Rising took a different approach than Blood Slave. It was definitely more character driven with a slower pace and less action, but I actually enjoyed getting to know the characters on a deeper level.

The betrayal had me mad, but I understood why it happened and what it added to the story. The new characters, Bartholomew, his wife Constance, Jenue, and Seneca, were great additions and brought so much to the book. I also loved learning more about the different abilities and watching the world continue to grow.

Even though I missed some of the nonstop action from the book one, this book did a great job setting up what’s next. I’m definitely invested in this series and can’t wait to see where Markus Redmond takes it next.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love about novels like this one is the inherent flaws that are reflected in humanity. Yes, this is a novel with vampires but in those vampires is still the very basic human truths like love and how power corrupts.

Blood Rising is the second book in the Blood Saga series. This one is a great follow up to Blood Slaves as the story takes off running from the start. The questions left unanswered at the end of Blood Slaves are answered and the world expands so much more. Markus Redmond does a fantastic job world and character building that really brings the reader in. I have started to read more historical fiction books and I have fallen in love with this series. It can be dark at times but there is so much hope and wanting to build a better future that is so relatable.

I recommend this book for those who like a good historical fiction retelling with a paranormal aspect. If you don’t know if you like historical fiction or are slowly getting into it, I recommend this series.

[Shelly Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Blood Rising by Markus Redmond from NetGalley, and here’s my honest review. Blood Rising is the second book in The Blood Saga, following Blood Slaves. I enjoyed the first book for its different take on vampire origins, its unflinching depiction of slavery, and its focus on the human instinct to resist submission. That said, the pacing was slowed down for me by the repetitiveness of certain conflicts—especially Gertie getting angry at Willie and Willie’s internal dialogue about Gertie’s views. Still, I ultimately enjoyed it and was excited to see where the sequel would go.

This story continues with Kwadzo—formerly Willie—trying to find his footing as a leader while realizing that his responsibilities did not end just because his people won one battle. The surrounding plantations still hold enslaved people who deserve freedom too. He also has to wrestle with what freedom should actually look like for his community: should he be the kind of leader who enforces decisions and behavior, or should freedom mean a more hands-off approach?

Kwadzo also has to deal with Rafazi challenging his leadership while contributing very little to the community’s growth or stability. Rafazi lashes out, digs in his heels, and resists offering guidance or help when it is needed. For someone who is 700 years old, he often comes across as surprisingly immature: he wants to enjoy the benefits of a community’s continued success without contributing to that success.

One of my favorite parts of the book was learning more about the folklore surrounding the Ramanga tribe and their origins. Honestly, I could have read about that all day. I also thought the introduction of Rafazi’s maker, their unique power and sharing the knowledge of the Rananga was much needed, especially since Rafazi spent so many years hiding and running from the plague, he would not have been aware of the history.

I was disappointed, though, to run into some of the same issues I had with the first book. Gertie still often reads like an insecure, spoiled girl, and I again struggled with the sense of time passing. The way characters talked or reminisced made it seem like a significant amount of time had gone by, but then a later comment would contradict that impression. Someone might act like another character should be over something or used to a new way of life, only for it to turn out that barely any time had passed at all.

The character development also felt uneven. The story would spend a long time sitting in interpersonal conflict, only for the actual resolution or emotional shift to happen almost instantly. I wanted more of a demonstrated catalyst—the “aha” moment that showed why a character’s thinking changed. Instead, several changes in trajectory felt abrupt.

My biggest issue, though, was the dialogue—especially after Crimson Plantation hears the story of the origins of the Ramanga tribe. Suddenly, everything starts to sound like a declaration. I already had some issues with the author’s depiction of Indigenous people speaking English; in the 1700s, it would not necessarily have sounded like the stiff, stereotyped dialogue often shown in Hollywood. Thankfully, that was mostly limited to the beginning of the book, because if it had continued throughout, I probably would have DNF’d. By the end, though, almost every character seemed to be making grand proclamations. The emotional intensity often felt dialed up to eleven when the scene only needed a normal conversation. Like—dude, take a breath. No one is asking you to fall on your sword.

Overall, I enjoyed Blood Rising, but it still read very YA to me—like the first book—despite the graphic, bloody, and very descriptive violence. To Redmond’s credit, he writes carnage extremely well. There is a lot of potential here, and I’m still intrigued by the worldbuilding, but I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series. For me, this lands at 3 stars.

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg, what a sequel!! 😍

Having finished Blood Slaves last month and loved it, I was so excited to have the opportunity to read the sequel a little early! I do struggle with historical fiction at times, but if you throw in a little bit of horror and make it an alternate history, I'm on board.

I liked that Blood Slaves carried so much emotional weight, while Blood Rising balances the emotional impact carried over from the first book with a nonstop action packed thrill ride. This book is way more about interpersonal conflicts, which I found to be very thrilling. It's so much to get into but the main conflicts I enjoyed most were Kwadzo vs. Rafazi, Gertie vs. Kwadzo, and Penelope vs. EVERYONE 😂 I won't get into it but I have one thing to say about Penelope: "I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you, how dare you! I have never in my life yelled at a girl like this!" But also, idk, call me stupid but I'm still holding out hope for her and that she'll change and understand what Kwado was trying to tell her for THE ENTIRE BOOK.

Also, don't get me wrong, there's obviously A LOT of external conflict, too. In Blood Rising we are starting to grapple with everything from the first book PLUS the beginnings of a revolution. We have the people of Lakeside constantly trying to retaliate against the Crimson Plantation and overthrow Kwadzo to restore "the natural order", we have Kwadzo and the other Ramangans working to travel to other plantations and free the enslaved people, we have the Indigenous people having lowkey beef with Kwadzo's leadership, Rafazi having highkey beef with Kwadzo's leadership. It was honestly a lot going on but I was never bored, I'll say that! Additionally I really enjoyed learning more about Ramangan lore, I had never heard of this kind of folklore prior to this series. Plus the story of Gamab really slapped, it was so good! And sidebar, I hope I'm getting the vibes I think I'm getting between Irene and Sarah, omg!!!

I don't wanna talk too much about the plot because this is a series I think everyone should ABSOLUTELY read but I do want to briefly mention a few things that stopped this book from being a 5 star read for me.
- I know Kwadzo was grappling with being put into a leadership role, it's a lot to handle for someone who was formerly enslaved like, less than a year ago, I get that. But this thing kept happening throughout the book that drove me nuts. Someone would disrespect Kwadzo and call him the n word, and he'd say anyone who used that word in his presence would get their tongue ripped out. And...that promise was not delivered on. Kwadzo!! Don't leave me hanging like that!!!!
-I don't know if I loved Nez's dialogue. It was very...like, think about how they had Indigenous people speak in old Western movies, that kind of stilted speech. It made me kinda uncomfy tbh. I don't think the author was doing it maliciously and I think there's a conversation that happens about why Nez speaks that way but...I still didn't love it. I also found it strange the Indigenous people feature heavily in the beginning of the book and mostly completely disappear by the end. I was really hyped to see a Indigenous peoples/Ramangan team up but it didn't happen and I find that to be a huge disappointment if I'm being honest.
-We also ramp up to a huge climax and then it cuts off and skips ahead to after the battle right when it was getting good. Markus!!!! More!!! Battle!!! Please!!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance DRC and provide an honest review, all opinions are my own.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 Rounded up.

An alternate-history horror novel set in colonial America, Blood Rising follows a tribe of African vampires waging war against slavery and colonial oppression. Picking up in the aftermath of the brutal uprising at Barrow Plantation, Kwadzo Okoro steps into leadership of the Ramanga vampires and helps reshape the ruined estate into a sanctuary known as Crimson Plantation.

As someone who loves vampire mythology, I found the premise incredibly refreshing. Redmond blends African vampire folklore with slave-rebellion alternate history in a way that gives the series a truly distinct voice within horror fiction. These are not romanticized gothic vampires draped in elegance and melancholy. They feel ancient, spiritual, ravenous, and deeply unsettling. The mythology expands beautifully in this installment, especially through the introduction of Penelope Knudsen. Her immunity to sunlight shifts the entire balance of power in terrifying ways, and the concept of a white colonial vampire army is both inventive and chilling, turning the machinery of empire itself into horror.

At the same time, the sheer brutality of the novel can become emotionally exhausting. Redmond writes violence with relentless intensity, and eventually the suffering accumulates to the point where certain scenes lose impact rather than gain it. Nearly every interaction spirals toward torture, betrayal, or massacre, and at times the story seems to confuse escalation with emotional depth. I understood the intention behind that choice, but there were moments when the constant brutality threatened to overwhelm the larger narrative and thematic weight of the novel.

Even so, Blood Rising succeeds powerfully. This is horror fueled by rage and purpose. The novel has no interest in comforting its audience, and that uncompromising vision gives it a voice unlike most modern horror fantasy. More than just a vampire story, it interrogates power, survival, memory, and rebellion with remarkable force. Easily one of the boldest horror novels in recent years, it is confrontational, furious, emotionally draining, and ultimately unforgettable.

[skia_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Slaves was about fighting for freedom… Blood Rising is about what comes after.

I've always believed it's one thing to overthrow the people who've oppressed you. It's another thing entirely to build something better in its place. That's exactly what this story explores.

Kwadzo is no longer just fighting to survive... he's carrying the weight of an entire people on his shoulders. He wrestles with leadership, responsibility, and the kind of man he aims to become.

Freedom comes with impossible choices. Every decision carries consequences, every victory comes with a new challenge, and the line between justice and vengeance is never as simple as it appears.

Kwadzo never has to carry this story alone. The people around him continue to shape the journey in meaningful ways, each adding another layer to the story and reminding us that no battle is ever won alone.

The way Mr. Redmond blends history, horror, and fantasy continues to amaze me. Each element feels equally important to the story, and together they create something that feels incredibly unique.

The alliances that are formed and the cultural dynamics throughout the story are constant reminders that the Ramangans are still viewed as monsters. For me, that became a metaphor for the world we live in today. I couldn't help but relate it to the experiences of Black people. No matter how much progress is made, no matter how hard we fight for equality and justice, there will always be people who choose to see us through the lens of their own prejudice instead of our humanity.

If you're coming into Blood Rising expecting nonstop bloodshed, it's definitely here. But for me, the heart of this story was what happened after the battle was won.

In all my years of reading and reviewing, I don't think I've ever read a story quite like this. And I can't wait to see what Mr. Redmond has in store for us next.

5⭐


Thank you, Kensington Publishing, Dafina & Markus Redmond, for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review

[moodreadermal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Rising is a fantastic sequel that raised the stakes by shifting the focus from the fight for freedom to the much more complex struggle of maintaining it. If the first book was about breaking free, this book is about the heavy and often messy work of survival and integration.

While there are still plenty of bloody and well-executed action scenes, the heart of this book is in its character development and interpersonal challenges. Markus Redmond does an excellent job forcing his cast to confront the defining question of the series: Is violence the answer to end slavery and bring on a new world or is a peaceful path the only way to truly merge with and be accepted by a society that hates them? Watching these characters navigate their clashing ideologies made for a compelling, tension-filled read.

My favorite aspect of this book was the deeper dive into the lore of the Ramanga Tribe. The history we hear is so rich and atmospheric that I found myself craving for more. Perhaps a prequel or a companion novella? No pressure Markus :)

I also have to shout out Gertie. I know she was a divisive character in the first book, but she remains my absolute favorite here. I spent the entire duration of the book in full "mama bear" mode, just wanting to protect her at all costs.

With a large cast, so many new characters and a world that feels increasingly lived-in, Blood Rising is a solid, character-driven follow-up that has left me patiently waiting to see where Redmond takes this group next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Wynter · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

4.5/5

If you thought book one was intense, Blood Rising takes the Blood Saga to a whole new level of depth, lore, and historical rebellion.

While I highly recommend reading Blood Slaves first to get the full, raw impact of this story, Redmond does a great job providing enough background context at the start of Blood Rising that you can technically jump right in. This installment focuses heavily on the liberated Ramangans and local Native tribes trying to establish a new society while facing violent, relentless backlash from surrounding white plantation owners.

The first part of the book is a bit of a slow-burn build-up as it establishes this new status quo, but once it hits the halfway mark? Wow. The pacing kicks into overdrive and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The lore expansion we get about the origins of the Ramangans is a 10/10, and the internal friction, shifting dynamics, and jaw-dropping betrayals kept me on the edge of my seat.

What I appreciate most about Redmond’s writing is his dedication to historical accuracy. He doesn’t shy away from the disgusting, despicable reality of how humans were treated in pre-colonial America. It’s an angry, passionate, and incredibly empowering alternate history that had me literally yelling "GET EM!" at the page. It features less graphic violence than the first book but loses none of its emotional brutality or stakes. That ending was perfection and I am already agonizing over the wait for book three!

[frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for a Copy of this Arc

As a fan of the first book I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel and am happy to announce Blood Rising does not disappoint.

The lore we get is such an intriguing Vampire thread that begs to be pulled on explored.

Redmond is able to shift focus from the brutalities enacted against the formerly enslaved population of our protagonists while still acknowledging the cruelty done to those yet to be freed and even to other marginalized groups.

One of my favorite parts of this entry in the Blood Slaves saga was how much time was given to our large cast or women, even awful ones.

Im ever so pleased to see Irene coming into power and getting to affect the story in ways she didn’t in the first book.

Im also over the moon about the character of Jenue. Jenue is a selfish character, one of the themes in this entry but takes such an interesting path of self interest.

I’d still recommend checking out the trigger warnings on this one.

Great news for other Gerty apologists. She gets to chill put a bit and finds peace with her moral qualms.

Id recommend this one to fans of Johnny Comptons Devils Kill Devils, Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark, and fans of Ann Rice who thought she had some interesting ideas but wish she wasn’t sooooooo you know ann rice about a lot of things

Lastly fuck Penelope!!!!

[Danielle Jin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC!

3.75 ⭐️ I went into Blood Rising with more skepticism than I’d like to admit, mostly because Blood Slaves was such a phenomenal read. Markus Redmond absolutely delivers with this sequel. While the first 55–60% leans heavily into slow-burn storytelling, the payoff in the latter half is explosive, emotionally charged, and well worth the wait.

Some of the history and lore sections felt a tad dense, but anyone who enjoys thorough and layered worldbuilding will likely be completely absorbed by the elaborate backstory of the Ramangans. Even though it may not have been my favorite aspect of the book, the detail Redmond put into crafting the mythology and political tension behind the Ramangan world was necessary and definitely created a richer, more immersive foundation for the story as a whole.

At its core, Blood Rising is a story about freedom. What it means, who gets to define it, and the cost of pursuing it. The novel explores the clash between freedom from authority and expectation versus the freedom to simply exist within moral and just law. That ideological divide fuels the conflict throughout the book and creates a brutal, morally blurred struggle for power, identity, and survival. I cannot wait to see what Redmond does next!

[Pariseia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! One of a kind. I was very excited to read "Blood Rising" by Markus Redmond and so happy to give this a shot. It did not disappoint. A brilliant sequel in the Blood Sagas. My thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book, before it's publication.
I loved the first in the series, "Blood Slaves", as I knew I would. The plot alone was captivating, enough. A lot of people are comparing it to the movie "Sinners", which I can understand, however the ideas and method of the liberation metaphor delivered, are slightly different. What happens after you make the decision to overtake your slavers and grant your own freedom by people of a similar cultural origin? What happens to the surrounding plantations? Is unity harder to maintain? Above all, what happens if your enslaving class are granted the same kind of power that liberated you in the first place?
Marcus Redmond's second book in this series, answers all of those questions and more. If you are interested in what happens to the characters from the first book; Gertie, Kwadzo, Rafazi, Penelope, you'll get your wish and be entertained by even more characters and questionable circumstances introduced. It won't be necessary to read the first book in the series, in order to enjoy this. You will be able to follow along, just as well, as not being able to put it down.

[Krista Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My! My! My! Where do I even start?! I didn't think it was possible to enjoy a sequel just as much as I did the first book...but here we are.

If she could turn on her own kind so easily, how long would it take for her to turn against the Africans?

Blood Rising picks up about a month after the bloodshed that happened at the Crimson Manor (formerly known as the Barrow Manor). With the help of his fellow Ramangan brothers/sisters, newly freed slaves and the Indigenous people of the land, Kwadzo continues his mission of freeing all slaves across the South with hopes of living a normal life amongst everyone, whites included. However, even with his newfound powers things don't unfold as easily as he'd hoped. With Penelope still on the loose, Kwadzo and the community work to find her, protect their land, free more slaves and make new allies along the way. However, not everyone agrees with this sense of community amongst those of the Blood, former slaves and the Indigenous. This leads to the group ultimately finding out that sometimes blood isn't thicker than water.

Thank you to Markus Redmond, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy of this arc.

[Stephanie Mikkelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy of Blood Rising, the heart-stopping sequel to Blood Slaves.

Blood Rising picks up where Blood Slaves ended--with Kwadzo leading an uprising of enslaved Africans, many of whom have been turned to vampires, against their ruthless slave owners. They have taken over the plantation and are now poised to spread throughout the land to free all slaves. And there WILL be blood.

Overthrowing these plantations will not be as easy as it seems. One white girl has been accidentally turned into a vampire. Her loathing of Africans and her ability to survive the sun could lead to a devastating blow to Kwazo and his tribe’s plans. Especially when plantation owners are aided by a former ally and begin turning. If everyone gains this strength, will the fighting ever end?

I loved the exploration of power in this novel, using reimagined history and a clever take on the vampire origin story. What happens when those once in power lose it? How will the newly freed slaves wield their power when confronting their old captors? I highly recommend this series for fans of Stephen Graham Jones, Richard Lange, and Philip Fracassi and, of course, if you loved Sinners!

[Charlene (Char) ❤︎ ❀˖° ❤︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow this book definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I was completely engrossed in this book I didn’t want to stop reading. If you ever wanted to read a book about an alternative history to slavery including vampyres. This book is shapes the course of history and asks a very profound what if? This book is spellbinding as it is intriguing. This is most definitely the book for you.

By the Blood of Gamab

This book follows the events that occurred in Blood Slaves. Rwadzo who used to be called Willie is the de facto leader of the tribe of Ramangans. Heavy is the crown that bares the responsibilities of others. They have overthrown their slave master Big Jim Barrow. Now the manor is known as Crimson Plantation. Word has spread along the plantations of their power and superhuman strength. Rafazi, the oldest survivor from the Ramangan tribe is enjoying the perks and his carnal pleasure as if it afforded of a man of his statue. Although he doesn’t have the desire to be a leader he wants the respect of one. Things take a drastic turn when past mistakes come back to bite.

Thank you, Markus Redmond, Kensington Publishing, Netgalley and Dafina for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Keya Galman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Rising is a powerful sequel that builds perfectly off the momentum of Blood Slaves. Markus Redmond dives deeper into themes of power, revenge, freedom, and corruption while expanding the world and giving more supporting characters a chance to shine. While this installment is less action-heavy, the storytelling and character development are incredibly strong.
I loved how the book explored what happens after the uprising and how quickly power can shift people’s morals and motivations. Kwadzo’s internal struggle with leadership and power added emotional depth, while Irene completely stood out as one of the strongest characters in the story. The mix of historical fiction, vampire lore, and social commentary gave the novel a unique feel that reminded me of a darker, historical version of The Matrix.
Dark, thought-provoking, and immersive, Blood Rising is a great sequel that raises the stakes emotionally and politically while continuing this fresh take on vampire horror and reimagined history. Definitely recommended for fans of horror with depth and strong character-driven storytelling.

[Calynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully executed sequel.

In Blood Rising we follow the recently liberated people of the Barrow plantation aka the new Ramanga tribe of the Crimson Plantation. Picking up right where we left off in Blood Slaves, with their new leader Kwadzo as he navigates his new powers and the future of all enslaved people.

I really enjoyed this, and as I said before with Blood Slaves, I deeply appreciate how Redmond explores vampire mythology through this visceral and non romanticized lens. Instead we get brutal and unflinching slave rebellion dripping in ancient folklore and bloody vengeance. Loved how we got more of the lore backstory as well. Again there were characters who frustrated me but I believe with the themes being explored here, it’s necessary and keeps the story emotionally grounded. And while it’s not as graphic as book 1, it still does not relent whatsoever in the very powerful and emotionally charged impact. Pacing was on fire from middle to end and the conflicts within the Ramanga tribe had me reeling.

Overall this was just fantastic. It’s powerful, rage fueled and epic.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so if you read *Blood Slaves*, you already know Redmond doesn't play. *Blood Rising* picks up after the plantation falls, and honestly, this setup is more interesting to me than straight revenge — because now Kwadzo has to actually hold onto what they took. Freedom's the easy part. Keeping it is the book.

The best thing here is Kwadzo versus Rafazi. His own maker, refusing to fall in line, cutting deals with the enemy. That's the conflict I stayed up for. The history still hurts, the horror is still bloody, and Redmond never lets you forget the vampires aren't the real monsters. They never were.

Now. Penelope. I didn't like her in *Blood Slaves*, and I said what I said. I was fully prepared for her to stay in book one, and instead she's back — sun-proof now, of all things — eating up pages I wanted to spend literally anywhere else. Maybe that's the point. Maybe you're supposed to want her gone. But she's the whole reason this is a 4 for me and not a 5.

Still — read it. If Sinners wrecked you, or Tananarive Due lives on your shelf, preorder this one. August 25th.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington/Dafina for the advance copy. Opinions are all mine, clearly.*

[Sisireia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Ride!!!!!!

The second installment of this series is even more satisfying than the first. Satisfaction is one of the many emotions that I experienced as a reader during this saga's 2nd go round. There were moments where I was ecstatic witnessing revenge being exacted on those who absolutely deserved it and times where I was devastated due to the predicaments and situations some of my favorites found themselves in and the levels of betrayal will have your own Blood RiSiNG.

Blood Rising is about so much more than meets the eye. This story is about love, power, dignity, humanity, friendship, and so much more. The author gives us a lot to unpack but also a great story that will absolutely pull you in, make you laugh, make you cry, piss you off and still leave you satisfied.

If you enjoyed Blood Slaves, you are definitely going to love Blood Rising.

P. S. I still don't like Gertie.
I'm already ready for the next one!!

Thank you to Net Galley, Kensington Publishing, and Dafina for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[Krystelle (based on the novel by Stephen King) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

While I’ve not read the first instalment in the series, I really did enjoy ‘Blood Rising’. Indubitably in the bucket of historical fiction horror, it makes for a riveting setting, and an indictment of the treatment of slaves and black people as a whole in the era.

I didn’t have as much context as others had with this novel, but the characters were fully formed and really interesting to get to know. Surprisingly, I really like Gertie as a character- I didn’t expect to given the opinions of others, but perhaps I liked her more given I’d not read the first book.

I found the villains were really fascinating too, and they certainly packed a punch. There’s some really great scenes, some more bloody than others, but the politics of it were really interesting as well.

I do really hope that the next book goes more into the history and mythology of the vampirism in the books. There’s a lot of heart in this book, and I can see why the first one was so popular- I’ll be finding it as soon as I can after this one!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost put this down when within the first 10% there was a scene involving feces. It genuinely turned my stomach. And I can stomach A LOT of stuff. I read an entire splatterpunk (extreme horror?) about a guy chasing STDs (talk about descriptive/gross) and was fine... but there's my line- feces. This was bloody and violent, but not as much as it's predecessor. There was less torture (a positive). But also more planning and talking and talking about planning, the pacing took a hit because of that. Gertie tries so hard to be a moral compass for Kwadzo but she just needs to get on board the revenge train. She seemed to make some progress by the end of the first book but for the 5 steps forward she made, she took 1-2 steps back in this one. Rafazi spent the first book acknowledging he was a coward and not wanting to lead and then he spends this book sulking. Unfortunately, I think this is where the series ends for me.

I was looking forward to this one, so thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Dafina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emboldened · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'd give Blood Rising 3.5 stars. It has the same strengths and the same problems as book one: the premise is bold, the stakes are big, and the world still has a lot of potential, but the plot can feel uneven and a little repetitive at times. What kept me reading was the ambition of it all, the alternate-history setup, the brutal conflict, and the way the story keeps pushing its characters into morally messy territory. But the momentum didn't always land the way I wanted, and some of the same issues from the first book are still hanging around, which made it harder for the sequel to fully stand on its own. Even so, I'm still interested in where the series goes next because there's enough here to make the larger story worth following. I'm hoping book three is where everything really comes together.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Blood Rising was such a different vibe from Blood Slaves but not in a bad way! The story moves a little slower as Kwadzo figures out what the heck to do now that he is the Ramangan leader and has freed the slaves of Barrow (now Crimson) plantation. As if Penelope wasn’t enough to hate, we get introduced to the despicable Crabtree’s that rally the white folks to fight against the Ramagans.

There is a lot of conflict in Blood Rising, and less violence. If the violent nature of Blood Slaves kept you from reading it, there is an introductory letter in the beginning of BR to catch you up so you can skip BS (although I’d still recommend BS).

I very much enjoyed the myths and history that are divulged in this story and how well the Ramagans, the Indigenous, and a few white folks work together to build community, change the fate of the enslaved, and handle dissent. Very much looking forward to book 3 next year!

Thank you netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC

[Janet S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for a well-crafted, emotional story. I'm grateful to have read "Blood Rising," book 2 in the Blood Saga series. Having loved the first book, I eagerly plunged back into the souls and spirits of Kwadzo, Rafazi, Gertie, and the Ramangas as they were forced to deal with their haters. The story continues where Blood Slaves left off. Markus Redmond does a spectacular job incorporating events and milestones from the first book, making it a page-turner. Blood Rising is a must-read for those who love horror, vampires, and complex relationships/characters. It depicts the cruelty and business of slavery in its raw, hate-filled truth. At a time (2026) when our Black History is being whitewashed, this story emerges to unveil the secrets of vile evil. This story made me cry, scream, and root for my ancestors who endured the unfathomable. Readers will appreciate Redmond's research for the settings, language, and cultures. I enjoyed looking up the word Alkebulan and finding it!

[Laura Nasoulinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an arc of this book

As we all know, I am a fan of vampires. Of course that is what attracted me to this series for sure. I will say,there is something so powerful when your read a book about vampires that comes from anger,oppression, and want for change to stop that oppression. That was this book and the first Blood Slaves

When we start this book, the Barrow Plantation is no more and it is now Crimson Manor. Kwadzo is leading the fold alone. Trying to find out how to finish the revolt without too much bloodshed. Gertie has a major influence on how Kwadzo leads. Irene is aiming to get her mother back, The uncertainty of Penelope and where she is. Rafazi starts to separate himself from the fold.

This has hit every mark for me. Ending of each chapter just asks for more. The power in this book is everything. I am so glad I was able to get a copy of it. Markus Redmond hits again. Love will always win against hate.

[Eryn P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Rising is bigger than its predecessor, Blood Slaves.
Where book 1 was focused more on the brutality of the time and starting a revolution, Blood Rising is more focused on the characters and their struggles in this new world.

The newly liberated Ramanga and their people have a long way to go. Kwadzo is a reluctant leader but lead he shall. His fault is that he's trying to fit his people into the existing establishment rather than creating a new one for his people.

I felt that after the exciting end of Blood Slaves the beginning of this was rather slow. Much like building a new society that's made up of formerly oppressed races, there's a lot of talk and not a lot action.
The excitement definitely ramps up as well as the twists. The 2nd half of the book was action packed balancing out the slower pacing from the start of the book.

I enjoyed this great follow up that answers the question "What next?" after a revolution.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.