Blood Gifts

The Final Formula #4.2

by Becca Andre

Seventeen-year-old Ian is used to pressure. Born into a necromancer family, he and his twin brother Lex exhibited uncommon magical potential at an early age that led their father to expect great things—from them both. That is until Lex’s blood gift fails to manifest. Or so everyone believes. For the past five years, Ian has been keeping a secret. A secret that—if it got out—would see his brother shunned, or worse. Lex does have a blood gift, but not every gift is a blessing, and not every recipient can manage the talent in his blood. As Lex’s sanity begins to slip, Ian knows the responsibility to raise his family’s fortunes is on his shoulders, and his alone. When he is offered an apprenticeship with one of the most influential men in the necromancer community, Lex convinces Ian that the connection would offer their family even more if Ian were to marry his elderly mentor’s “spinster” niece. Ian’s plan takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that Isabelle is not a spinster. She’s a young, beautiful, intelligent woman who, unfortunately, wants nothing to do with him. Now Ian must find a way to win her over before Lex attempts to elevate their family, his way. BONUS – Included in this ebook is the short story, Lords of the Dead (Total word count for both the novella and the short story is over 52,000 words.)

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Zombies, Magic, Adult

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2016

About the author

Becca Andre lives in southern Ohio with her husband, two children, and an elderly Jack Russell Terrier. A love of science and math (yes, she’s weird like that), led to a career as a chemist where she blows things up far more infrequently than you’d expect. Other interests include: chocolate, hard rock, and slaying things on the Xbox. She also finds writing about herself in third person a bit strange.

Reviews

[Gwynn White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every single one of Becca Andre's Final Formula series and have loved every single book in turn. Yet of all her books, this unexpected novella is the one I have enjoyed most. Perhaps the reason is simple: I adore Ian, the main character. I loved seeing his early life with his scarily powerful brother Lex. I had heard so much about Isabelle in all the other books so it was a real joy to meet her—and what a feisty girl she is. No wonder her death sent Ian into a spiral from which he never really recovered. As I sailed through the pages of this novella, I kept wishing that Becca would write a series set in this time with Ian, Isabella, Lord Dunstan and, of course, the crazy Lex. It is fascinating to see how much we are prepared to overlook for those we love. If Ian had acted to contain Lex when the boys were thirteen as he should have, then none of the drama would have happned—but then we would have been robbed of a magical series. I can't wait for the next book.

[P Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I expected actually. This is set in the same world as the author's "Final Formula" modern fantasy series, except the setting is back in time to the distant past before the decline of magic. The distant past being less distant than I would have thought - 1800s I guess.

This novel follows the early years of one (or more) of the "old magic" characters from the modern day series. You don't need to have read the other series to enjoy this, but recognizing the links between the two was fun too. The worldbuilding in this book is slightly better than in Final Formula but still not as detailed as I would have preferred. The characters are slightly better done, but only the main three. The rest are just background and not given as much attention. Character development seems to be an area this author struggles with. The historical part of the worldbuilding didn't seem particularly well researched, but there weren't any specific flaws that I noticed - just less detail than would have been ideal.
The plot itself was strong. Well thought out, with enough ups and downs to make it exciting without going too far. It was especially interesting that the plot started out seeming to go in one direction but ended up being quite different than I expected.

Overall it's s very good book. Definitely worth reading.

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complicated

Two stories about twin brothers who have blood gifts. One can raise the dead. The other has an unspeakable power that would get him killed if the secret were ever revealed. So, they pretend he has no power at all. They are a couple of scamps who love pulling pranks.
A very interesting story with one nefarious brother and one who would do anything to keep him safe. Love just got complicated.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different

It's a different type of story. Ian is such a sweet guy considering how powerful and talented he is. Lex on the other hand is something of an enigma. The only person he respects and loves is Ian. As the are identical twins, that's probably a good thing. Ian is Lex's caretaker - especially as Lex is so unpredictable.

Ian is apprenticed to another necromancer. It's during this time that things get fun.... Read for your own enjoyment.

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read much of the rest of the Final Formula series, I really enjoyed this book. It gave you the backstory to Ian and Lex and their relationship as brothers. I loved how you get to know Isabelle who is only touched on in the parts that I have read. This story gives more depth to the series and well worth reading.

[Lisa Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t miss this Final Formula story.

I loved seeing the relationship between Ian and Lex. Worth the read just to add more background to the rest of the Final Formula series. Ian really is an amazing guy. After seeing him here with Isabelle, no wonder I love him in Addie’s life.

Reader Rated for ages 14+ for mild violence and mild kisses.

[CHRISTINA PEACOCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

I've read the final formula series and deaths legacy. This was a cool read. A glimpse into what started the feud. I've always felt connected to these characters I can't help but feel the joy and fear the coming soon events more. I really love the world the author has built. I encourage everyone to read on

[Peggy Kindt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and enjoyable! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Blood Gifts is a good read for all types of avid readers. Subject matter is vanilla clean; while the author has managed to bring out the finer points to immerse and engage readers. It's delightful each character has his/her own strong personality that interact well together. Pottsville, PA_05252020.

[Nancy Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic/ Treachery/l Love / Family

A story about family gain, then love arrives unexpectedly.
Twins so close it’s scary - when one changes because of
Love the other goes unhinged...understanding is lost but love abounds

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consistent with the rest of the series, filling in the backstory of Ian and Lex.

[Danielle Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read

This is my first book for 2026. I enjoyed it. The story line was simple and flowed. The characters were easy to like.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read a short story. It is nothing like the description of the book. It involves Alexander and Ian but it covers when they where 13 and just discovered their talent. It was interesting for a short story.
The rest of the book covers what happened to Ian and his apprenticeship and the parts Lex played. When he meets Isabelle and the eventual birth of his daughter, Mattie. Lex’s part in his downfall from the Nelson family is never revealed but he was always I would say the evil seed but never discovered.

[Lynn K : Grimmedian · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best, most unique, urban paranormal series!

The Final Formula series is now an all time favorite of mine. This novella is a back story about two powerful necromancers who feature predominantly in the series. Andres' characters are plentiful and intriguing. We can't get enough of them and this blast into the past, by a couple of centuries, of Ian Mallory Nelson and his twin, Alexander as adolescents is terrific stuff! These novellas accompanying the series are very engaging side trips that keep us so engaged with the Final Formula entire. My only complaint is it's too short! I didn't want it to end...so come on Becca and give us more! I am so NOT patiently waiting for FF5!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was brilliant to fill in some of the history behind some of The final formula characters. Really well written that I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope there are more back stories to come. This book is a must if you are a fan of the series. If you've not read the other books then I highly recommend them. As with all Becca Andre books the story and the characters suck you into their world. I always find myself wanting to read the whole book in one sitting.

[Catherine Milos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this unique step into one of the anciently old characters backstory. It had a bit of a steampunk flavour to it. Ian's such a likeable character, in spite of his flaws, something Becca has done well with all of her characters. You can't help but hope for the best for him after reading this one.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was a really great addition to the series! Learning about Ian and Lex's past really enhanced the series and made me feel far more connected to Ian (who I love and is currently my favorite male character!). Definitely definitely definitely read this novella, you won't regret it! And if you haven't read the series yet, go check out the first book!

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this series from one of those book suggestion emails and it sounded interesting. Well I ended up devouring this series in no time, I love the characters, the plot and fast pace. I can't say enough good things about these books, you need to read them all now!

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really enjoy prequels, because you already know where they end up. This is especially true when they are going to end up in a bad place. Not my cup of tea.

[Lulu248 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read

This is a little flashback to Ian's and Alexander's past. Ian has always been my favorite character in the series, so this was a treat.

[Leather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book!

I loved the book but was disappointed in the ending. The more I read the more I hate Lex. I guess that's the point.