What do you think?
Rate this book
Birthright #2
כי זה בדם שלי
מאז שחרורה ממוסד הנוער "חירות", אניה בלנשין מנסה לחיות חיים ישרים כסרגל. אבל העבר הפלילי שלה לא מניח לה, החברים עסוקים בחיים שלהם, אפילו ווין הולך ומתרחק, וכשבני משפחתה המאפיונרים דורשים ממנה שיתוף פעולה, היא מוצאת עצמה כלואה מחדש.
אניה לא מתכוונת להיות אסירה של אף אחד – גם אם הדרך היחידה להשתחרר היא לברוח. רחוק. וכך, הנערה שגדלה בעיר ניו-יורק מוצאת את עצמה במקום הולדת השוקולד: מטעי הקקאו של מקסיקו. שם תלמד איך עושים את הפלא החום והמתוק הזה, ולאט אבל בטוח, תיקח את חייה בידיה, גם אם זה אומר שהידיים מחזיקות מצ'טה קטלנית.
***
כי זה בדם שלי הוא הספר השני בטרילוגיית הבכורה של גבריאל זווין, יצירה עתידנית, אנושית ומשכנעת, המצליחה לשלב אקשן מותח עם סיפור אהבה סוחף.
גבריאל זווין היא אחת מסופרות הנוער המצליחות והמוערכות בעולם. ספריה תורגמו לשפות רבות. ספרה "מקומאחר" יצא בהוצאת כתר ב-2007.
אניה לא מתכוונת להיות אסירה של אף אחד – גם אם הדרך היחידה להשתחרר היא לברוח. רחוק. וכך, הנערה שגדלה בעיר ניו-יורק מוצאת את עצמה במקום הולדת השוקולד: מטעי הקקאו של מקסיקו. שם תלמד איך עושים את הפלא החום והמתוק הזה, ולאט אבל בטוח, תיקח את חייה בידיה, גם אם זה אומר שהידיים מחזיקות מצ'טה קטלנית.
***
כי זה בדם שלי הוא הספר השני בטרילוגיית הבכורה של גבריאל זווין, יצירה עתידנית, אנושית ומשכנעת, המצליחה לשלב אקשן מותח עם סיפור אהבה סוחף.
גבריאל זווין היא אחת מסופרות הנוער המצליחות והמוערכות בעולם. ספריה תורגמו לשפות רבות. ספרה "מקומאחר" יצא בהוצאת כתר ב-2007.
341 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2012
96 people are currently reading
5307 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Zevin
20 books19.2k followersGABRIELLE ZEVIN is a New York Times best-selling novelist whose books have been translated into forty languages.
Her tenth novel, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow was published by Knopf in July of 2022 and was an instant New York Times Best Seller, a Sunday Times Best Seller, a USA Today Best Seller, a #1 National Indie Best Seller, and a selection of the Tonight Show’s Fallon Book Club. Maureen Corrigan of NPR’s Fresh Air called it, “a big beautifully written novel…that succeeds in being both serious art and immersive entertainment.” Following a twenty-five-bidder auction, the feature film rights to Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow were acquired by Temple Hill and Paramount Studios.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry spent many months on the New York Times Best Seller List, reached #1 on the National Indie Best Seller List, was a USA Today Best Seller, and has been a best seller all around the world. A.J. Fikry was honored with the Southern California Independent Booksellers Award for Fiction, the Japan Booksellers’ Prize, and was long listed for the International Dublin Literary Award, among other honors. To date, the book has sold over five-million copies worldwide. It is now a feature film with a screenplay by Zevin. Young Jane Young won the Southern Book Prize and was one of the Washington Post’s Fifty Notable Works of Fiction.
She is the screenwriter of Conversations with Other Women (Helena Bonham Carter) for which she received an Independent Spirit Award Nomination for Best First Screenplay. She has occasionally written criticism for the New York Times Book Review and NPR’s All Things Considered, and she began her writing career, at age fourteen, as a music critic for the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Zevin is a graduate of Harvard University. She lives in Los Angeles.
NOTE: Apologies, but Gabrielle doesn't reply to messages on Goodreads.
Her tenth novel, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow was published by Knopf in July of 2022 and was an instant New York Times Best Seller, a Sunday Times Best Seller, a USA Today Best Seller, a #1 National Indie Best Seller, and a selection of the Tonight Show’s Fallon Book Club. Maureen Corrigan of NPR’s Fresh Air called it, “a big beautifully written novel…that succeeds in being both serious art and immersive entertainment.” Following a twenty-five-bidder auction, the feature film rights to Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow were acquired by Temple Hill and Paramount Studios.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry spent many months on the New York Times Best Seller List, reached #1 on the National Indie Best Seller List, was a USA Today Best Seller, and has been a best seller all around the world. A.J. Fikry was honored with the Southern California Independent Booksellers Award for Fiction, the Japan Booksellers’ Prize, and was long listed for the International Dublin Literary Award, among other honors. To date, the book has sold over five-million copies worldwide. It is now a feature film with a screenplay by Zevin. Young Jane Young won the Southern Book Prize and was one of the Washington Post’s Fifty Notable Works of Fiction.
She is the screenwriter of Conversations with Other Women (Helena Bonham Carter) for which she received an Independent Spirit Award Nomination for Best First Screenplay. She has occasionally written criticism for the New York Times Book Review and NPR’s All Things Considered, and she began her writing career, at age fourteen, as a music critic for the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Zevin is a graduate of Harvard University. She lives in Los Angeles.
NOTE: Apologies, but Gabrielle doesn't reply to messages on Goodreads.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 550 reviews
October 26, 2012
Because It Is My Blood takes its name from a twist on a line from the Stephen Crane poem, In The Desert, which is also the epigraph to the novel.
In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said, "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter-bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
"Because it is bitter,
"And because it is my heart."
It's an almost perfect fit for the second book in Gabrielle Zevin's birthright trilogy, although the full extent of its application only becomes clear at the close of the novel. It also happens to be one of my favourite poems, and piqued my interest in picking up Anya's story again.
This is going to sound like a backhanded clunker of a compliment, but nevertheless, I feel that I enjoy this series in spite of myself. I think what I mean by that is that there are several things that, theoretically, I shouldn't like. But Zevin makes them work, and I do. I like this series a lot.
Because It Is My Blood deals essentially with Anya's birthright and what this means for her in practical terms. Accepting that she is not just a daughter of chocolate, she is chocolate. It's about Anya's surrender to what is (or she believes is) her true nature, and much of the conflict in this story extends from the internal arguments she wages with herself, attempting to reconcile her opposing notions of family loyalty and staying on the straight and narrow. Anya's growing understanding of what's behind chocolate, its illegality, its production, and the role it has played within her family contributes to the eventual decision she makes, and the consequences she will reap.
Perhaps the largest criticism levelled against All These Things I've Done was the world Zevin presented: a decaying and beleaguered New York in which caffeine and chocolate are illegal. Cue eye roll. Discriminating readers are exacting when it comes to dystopian or futuristic worldbuilding and rightfully so. I also like to consider myself among their numbers. I need to believe the world in order to feel invested in the story. But for me, this series was never about the logic of outlawing chocolate. Because I believe that here Zevin is presenting illegal chocolate as more of a symbol than a strict possibility. In this sense, chocolate or cacao may be representative of both the current and future possibility of banning or regulating substances, with exception for certain medicinal uses. Are you seeing what I see? We're on the same page? Ok, good.
To be fair, this idea is examined in greater depth in Because It Is My Blood than in All These Things I've Done, and I think it becomes much clearer in the second book that there is another layer of interpretation that can be applied to the text. It's revealed that the reasons behind the ban are actually economic and political, as opposed to the health claims presented to the public. BUT THIS IS IRRELEVANT TO ME BECAUSE POLITICIANS DON'T LIE. Also, no government has engaged in a little fear mongering to their own ends.
Right?
*crickets*
My point is, I believe that the most rewarding reading of Zevin's series lies in an analysis of how Anya's world parallels our own, or our possible future. This idea of propagating misinformation to manipulate public opinion is not new, nor is the fact that prohibition of substance use will be always challenged. I think there's much to be gained from considering Anya's world from a current standpoint, and what it says about control and influence of power.
This is a firmly character driven series. While there is some action that provides the plot with momentum, and necessitates some machete wielding, the focus is strongly on Anya's development. Though she makes mistakes and is occasionally blinded to the real danger by her own fierce protective instincts and family loyalty, Anya is a character with agency. She isn't buffeted through the story by romantic drama, though there is a romantic thread to the plot. She isn't a victim, though she's the target of injustice. The story develops because Anya does. Because she is forced to adapt, scrutinise, fight and make decisions. Above all, she is compelled to question herself - her future, her faith and her very nature. Is Anya a “good Catholic girl” on the straight-and-narrow and distanced from the Family, or is she a criminal-record-holding future figurehead of organised crime? Or something else entirely?
Because It Is My Blood develops existing minor cast members, and introduces several new characters - most notably the Marquez family, with whom Anya takes refuge when circumstances necessitate her flight her from New York. Through this development, Anya's connection to chocolate is cultivated beyond it being merely the commodity her family deals in. It becomes part of her.
I thought this was an interesting direction for the story to take. While All These Things I’ve Done reads largely like a mafia/crime drama, Because It Is My Blood is focused more on the ramifications of Anya’s choices, and her full acknowledgement of her heritage. The theme of family is prevalent once again, and all of the main relationships undergo change. There’s very much a sense of unease in the novel, an uncertainty as to whom Anya can trust and where her allegiance should lie, that keeps the story tense and compelling.
Because It Is My Blood maintains the direct, confessional style of narration, with Anya occasionally speaking directly to the reader in pointed asides. This appears to be a hit or miss approach with readers, but I find that I enjoy it a lot. Despite the confiding tone of Anya’s commentary, there’s also a definite sense that she keeps some distance, that she reveals and withholds information as she sees fit. In this sense, she’s an interesting narrator – apparently open, yet at times not strictly unreliable.
I think this is a strong book in what is proving to be an intriguing series – and I think that fans of All These Things I’ve Done will find much to enjoy and contemplate in the sequel. As for the eventual denouement - Zevin has stated that the three titles of the books will amount to a synopsis for the trilogy:
All these things I’ve done because it is my blood …
I really need to know how that sentence is going to end.
In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said, "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter-bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
"Because it is bitter,
"And because it is my heart."
It's an almost perfect fit for the second book in Gabrielle Zevin's birthright trilogy, although the full extent of its application only becomes clear at the close of the novel. It also happens to be one of my favourite poems, and piqued my interest in picking up Anya's story again.
This is going to sound like a backhanded clunker of a compliment, but nevertheless, I feel that I enjoy this series in spite of myself. I think what I mean by that is that there are several things that, theoretically, I shouldn't like. But Zevin makes them work, and I do. I like this series a lot.
Because It Is My Blood deals essentially with Anya's birthright and what this means for her in practical terms. Accepting that she is not just a daughter of chocolate, she is chocolate. It's about Anya's surrender to what is (or she believes is) her true nature, and much of the conflict in this story extends from the internal arguments she wages with herself, attempting to reconcile her opposing notions of family loyalty and staying on the straight and narrow. Anya's growing understanding of what's behind chocolate, its illegality, its production, and the role it has played within her family contributes to the eventual decision she makes, and the consequences she will reap.
Perhaps the largest criticism levelled against All These Things I've Done was the world Zevin presented: a decaying and beleaguered New York in which caffeine and chocolate are illegal. Cue eye roll. Discriminating readers are exacting when it comes to dystopian or futuristic worldbuilding and rightfully so. I also like to consider myself among their numbers. I need to believe the world in order to feel invested in the story. But for me, this series was never about the logic of outlawing chocolate. Because I believe that here Zevin is presenting illegal chocolate as more of a symbol than a strict possibility. In this sense, chocolate or cacao may be representative of both the current and future possibility of banning or regulating substances, with exception for certain medicinal uses. Are you seeing what I see? We're on the same page? Ok, good.
To be fair, this idea is examined in greater depth in Because It Is My Blood than in All These Things I've Done, and I think it becomes much clearer in the second book that there is another layer of interpretation that can be applied to the text. It's revealed that the reasons behind the ban are actually economic and political, as opposed to the health claims presented to the public. BUT THIS IS IRRELEVANT TO ME BECAUSE POLITICIANS DON'T LIE. Also, no government has engaged in a little fear mongering to their own ends.
Right?
*crickets*
My point is, I believe that the most rewarding reading of Zevin's series lies in an analysis of how Anya's world parallels our own, or our possible future. This idea of propagating misinformation to manipulate public opinion is not new, nor is the fact that prohibition of substance use will be always challenged. I think there's much to be gained from considering Anya's world from a current standpoint, and what it says about control and influence of power.
This is a firmly character driven series. While there is some action that provides the plot with momentum, and necessitates some machete wielding, the focus is strongly on Anya's development. Though she makes mistakes and is occasionally blinded to the real danger by her own fierce protective instincts and family loyalty, Anya is a character with agency. She isn't buffeted through the story by romantic drama, though there is a romantic thread to the plot. She isn't a victim, though she's the target of injustice. The story develops because Anya does. Because she is forced to adapt, scrutinise, fight and make decisions. Above all, she is compelled to question herself - her future, her faith and her very nature. Is Anya a “good Catholic girl” on the straight-and-narrow and distanced from the Family, or is she a criminal-record-holding future figurehead of organised crime? Or something else entirely?
Because It Is My Blood develops existing minor cast members, and introduces several new characters - most notably the Marquez family, with whom Anya takes refuge when circumstances necessitate her flight her from New York. Through this development, Anya's connection to chocolate is cultivated beyond it being merely the commodity her family deals in. It becomes part of her.
I thought this was an interesting direction for the story to take. While All These Things I’ve Done reads largely like a mafia/crime drama, Because It Is My Blood is focused more on the ramifications of Anya’s choices, and her full acknowledgement of her heritage. The theme of family is prevalent once again, and all of the main relationships undergo change. There’s very much a sense of unease in the novel, an uncertainty as to whom Anya can trust and where her allegiance should lie, that keeps the story tense and compelling.
Because It Is My Blood maintains the direct, confessional style of narration, with Anya occasionally speaking directly to the reader in pointed asides. This appears to be a hit or miss approach with readers, but I find that I enjoy it a lot. Despite the confiding tone of Anya’s commentary, there’s also a definite sense that she keeps some distance, that she reveals and withholds information as she sees fit. In this sense, she’s an interesting narrator – apparently open, yet at times not strictly unreliable.
I think this is a strong book in what is proving to be an intriguing series – and I think that fans of All These Things I’ve Done will find much to enjoy and contemplate in the sequel. As for the eventual denouement - Zevin has stated that the three titles of the books will amount to a synopsis for the trilogy:
All these things I’ve done because it is my blood …
I really need to know how that sentence is going to end.
September 15, 2012
The mafia, chocolate, the near future, the pseudo-end of life as we know it. All these things were what drew me to ALL THESE THINGS I’VE DONE, book one in the Birthright Trilogy by Gabrielle Zevin. In the end, ATTID ended up being one of my top twenty books of 2011 for its well-crafted blend of family drama, romance, action, and chocolate.
By the time BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD rolled around, I admit, I had forgotten some of the intricacies of book one (some important details from book one are not rehashed in book two), but I dove into BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD and was not disappointed.
This series is not for the YA reader who demands non-stop balls to the wall action in their sci-fi/sorta-dystopian stories. There is action, yes, but it is more subdued. A lot of the dramatic elements in this story are subdued and left in the familial interactions.
In Anya Balanchine’s world, she is a murderer, but she rarely lifts a weapon against another. In BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD, she is released from Liberty and tries to form a new life before she fails (thanks to betrayal) and ends up in Mexico learning to farm cacao with a new love interest, the quirky and patient Theo.
To be honest, I think that the first fifty pages could have been cut. Starting the book with Anya’s escape from Liberty (on her latest trip) and flee to Mexico would have been a stronger jumping off point, leaving us more time with Theo and his remarkable family. I really enjoy Anya besides her strange asides to the reader. She is strong, crafty, passionate about her life and her family, and she doesn’t need a man around. In the YA world, this is especially awesome for me.
But the romance was still there in this tale. We have Win, who has moved on with a new girl, and we have Theo, who may or may not have tried to woo Anya. He says he doesn’t like her repeatedly, but it came off as one-sided love. I’m not sure if this was Zevin’s intention, but who cares, I personally preferred Theo over Win in this one.
The main plot point in this episode of the trilogy was a murder mystery. Someone has ordered a hit on the Balanchine family (Anya, Natty, and Leo) – and succeeds in assassinating one of the siblings, although the reader – and Anya – are never afforded any evidence besides a box of ashes. On one hand, I loved that Zevin was willing to go there and actually kill off a family member, but at the same time, the mystery element wasn’t there. But surprise! I didn’t guess the killer/mastermind until the reveal. I was quite frankly surprised.
BIIMB was well paced and well-plotted. Except for the first fifty pages or so, the book was tightly wound and unfurled with a quick pace. I read the last 200 pages in one sitting, hooked and desperate to know more. And now that book two is over, I am salivating for book three, especially with Anya’s new business venture at the ends that leads to a rather distinct (but surprisingly not very eventful) loss in the last chapter. I must know more, and I hope Theo is there.
VERDICT: Although not very action-packed and belayed with a love interest I am not quite a fan of (he’s whiney), BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD is a worthy successor to ALL THESE THINGS I’VE DONE. Bring on book three!
(Also, the last half of this book really came off as the story about chocolate being banned being an allegory for marijuana. Especially with the medical cacao dispensary. It ended up being rather amusing.)
By the time BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD rolled around, I admit, I had forgotten some of the intricacies of book one (some important details from book one are not rehashed in book two), but I dove into BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD and was not disappointed.
This series is not for the YA reader who demands non-stop balls to the wall action in their sci-fi/sorta-dystopian stories. There is action, yes, but it is more subdued. A lot of the dramatic elements in this story are subdued and left in the familial interactions.
In Anya Balanchine’s world, she is a murderer, but she rarely lifts a weapon against another. In BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD, she is released from Liberty and tries to form a new life before she fails (thanks to betrayal) and ends up in Mexico learning to farm cacao with a new love interest, the quirky and patient Theo.
To be honest, I think that the first fifty pages could have been cut. Starting the book with Anya’s escape from Liberty (on her latest trip) and flee to Mexico would have been a stronger jumping off point, leaving us more time with Theo and his remarkable family. I really enjoy Anya besides her strange asides to the reader. She is strong, crafty, passionate about her life and her family, and she doesn’t need a man around. In the YA world, this is especially awesome for me.
But the romance was still there in this tale. We have Win, who has moved on with a new girl, and we have Theo, who may or may not have tried to woo Anya. He says he doesn’t like her repeatedly, but it came off as one-sided love. I’m not sure if this was Zevin’s intention, but who cares, I personally preferred Theo over Win in this one.
The main plot point in this episode of the trilogy was a murder mystery. Someone has ordered a hit on the Balanchine family (Anya, Natty, and Leo) – and succeeds in assassinating one of the siblings, although the reader – and Anya – are never afforded any evidence besides a box of ashes. On one hand, I loved that Zevin was willing to go there and actually kill off a family member, but at the same time, the mystery element wasn’t there. But surprise! I didn’t guess the killer/mastermind until the reveal. I was quite frankly surprised.
BIIMB was well paced and well-plotted. Except for the first fifty pages or so, the book was tightly wound and unfurled with a quick pace. I read the last 200 pages in one sitting, hooked and desperate to know more. And now that book two is over, I am salivating for book three, especially with Anya’s new business venture at the ends that leads to a rather distinct (but surprisingly not very eventful) loss in the last chapter. I must know more, and I hope Theo is there.
VERDICT: Although not very action-packed and belayed with a love interest I am not quite a fan of (he’s whiney), BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD is a worthy successor to ALL THESE THINGS I’VE DONE. Bring on book three!
(Also, the last half of this book really came off as the story about chocolate being banned being an allegory for marijuana. Especially with the medical cacao dispensary. It ended up being rather amusing.)
October 4, 2012
INITIALLY:4.5
Maybe even a 5.
And I couldn't even tell you why...Though of course, when I get around to reviewing it, I'm certainly going to try. ;D
I ended up rounding up after consideration. Growth, my friends. Still can't quite put it all into something coherent, but I connect to Anya a lot for some reason.
Review to come closer to the release. :)
AND THEN:
After being told about Gabrielle Zevin for years (after having her relentlessly pushed on me by certain people, and 1 in particular, who shall remainNaughty Librarian Ashley nameless), and resisting for no apparent reason, I finally sat down to read something by her last year: All These Things I've Done, which, lo and behold, I loved. Anya's cold-fish narration won over my blackened, shriveled little heart with ease. Needless to say, I was looking forward to book 2. (Even more so when info was released about it, because ohmysweettitleobsession, if that isn't a damn good title!)
I was hesitant, though. Of course I was. I'm ever-leery of the sophomore slump, and Anya's life has undergone some big changes in a very short time, which could mean the magic was going to be lost. But this was one of the rare cases of me liking a 2nd book just as much as the 1st, though for completely different reasons (which is also a good thing, because that means it's not just a regurgitation of book One). This was also an even rarer case of me liking something more after sitting with it for awhile than when I first finished. Anya is different in this, but understandably so. She's starting to lose a little bit of her cold-fish tendencies and put herself out there more. It's growth, and though I'll miss cold-Anya, it's good growth; she begins to move away from her Daddyisms (another of my favorite things from ATTID), even going so far as to question some of the things he told her, and question why she so blindly held to them rather than figuring things out for herself. She's still very long-suffering, but she's starting to grow out of that. She's becoming a little more ruthless and a little less afraid of being so (which pleases me); she understands and is embracing what being Anya Balanchine - being part of her Family (intentional capital F) - really means. By the end, she's not running anymore. (And this really pleases me.)
Because It Is My Blood finds Anya in Mexico, learning more about the chocolate trade, the history of the Prohibition, and just what it is her family does. I loved this new facet to the story - the detour to Mexico, the cast of Mexican characters*, Anya's growing familiarity with chocolate, all of it. It helps facilitate her growth and questioning, and it gives her some sense of purpose - a measure of self-understanding that she didn't quite possess before. The family/Family drama is still good, but it's less about that now, and more about Anya coming into her own. I mean, family/Family drama is still a big a part of the plot, but the filter is even more through Anya, and making tough choices, growing up, letting go and standing strong. This aspect was there in ATTID but it wasn't fully realized because Anya wasn't ready yet. Now she is, and Zevin confronts things beautifully.
*I mean, Theo might be my favorite person of ever.
But not all of this book takes place in Mexico, as much as I love the expansion of the world and that little bit of escapism. Anya still has to deal with things (a LOT of things) at home, and I like how Zevin confronted these issues, too. I'm not going to lie, I'm still really mad at Scarlet and I STILL REALLY HATE Gable. [And honestly, I'm starting to not give a shit about Win...I like him, but more because of Anya's reactions to him - the slightly-tortured, definitely in love, but not willing to compromise who she is** aspect of their relationship is excellent, but as I said above: Theo might be my favorite person of ever.] But mostly, I REALLY loved where this went with Charles Delacroix. I don't want to risk spoiling anything, but it actually went where I was hoping it would go, and even though I was expecting it, it was still really nice to see it happen (but also unsettling). A lot of YA authors wouldn't have dared. And while we're being cryptic - the same is true with Kipling/Yuji, etc. Zevin didn't pull punches with the relationships, and they had me feeling all turmoily and anxious and FEELS. I'm curious to see where things stand in the future with all of the characters/relations, as many are very open and very tenuous. But I loved the handling for now. It was very adult, very unforgiving, and yet another sign of Anya's development that I both liked and bought.
All in all, I liked the expansion of the world, and the better explanations of the chocolate/caffeine prohibiton, and I really liked Anya's conclusions/goals. I'm definitely curious to see where the series goes from here. Garbielle Zevin and her cold-fish-Anya have won me over. You win,Naughty Librarian Ashley world. You win.
**Do you know? Do you know how much I love this about her?!
Maybe even a 5.
And I couldn't even tell you why...Though of course, when I get around to reviewing it, I'm certainly going to try. ;D
I ended up rounding up after consideration. Growth, my friends. Still can't quite put it all into something coherent, but I connect to Anya a lot for some reason.
Review to come closer to the release. :)
AND THEN:
After being told about Gabrielle Zevin for years (after having her relentlessly pushed on me by certain people, and 1 in particular, who shall remain
I was hesitant, though. Of course I was. I'm ever-leery of the sophomore slump, and Anya's life has undergone some big changes in a very short time, which could mean the magic was going to be lost. But this was one of the rare cases of me liking a 2nd book just as much as the 1st, though for completely different reasons (which is also a good thing, because that means it's not just a regurgitation of book One). This was also an even rarer case of me liking something more after sitting with it for awhile than when I first finished. Anya is different in this, but understandably so. She's starting to lose a little bit of her cold-fish tendencies and put herself out there more. It's growth, and though I'll miss cold-Anya, it's good growth; she begins to move away from her Daddyisms (another of my favorite things from ATTID), even going so far as to question some of the things he told her, and question why she so blindly held to them rather than figuring things out for herself. She's still very long-suffering, but she's starting to grow out of that. She's becoming a little more ruthless and a little less afraid of being so (which pleases me); she understands and is embracing what being Anya Balanchine - being part of her Family (intentional capital F) - really means. By the end, she's not running anymore. (And this really pleases me.)
Because It Is My Blood finds Anya in Mexico, learning more about the chocolate trade, the history of the Prohibition, and just what it is her family does. I loved this new facet to the story - the detour to Mexico, the cast of Mexican characters*, Anya's growing familiarity with chocolate, all of it. It helps facilitate her growth and questioning, and it gives her some sense of purpose - a measure of self-understanding that she didn't quite possess before. The family/Family drama is still good, but it's less about that now, and more about Anya coming into her own. I mean, family/Family drama is still a big a part of the plot, but the filter is even more through Anya, and making tough choices, growing up, letting go and standing strong. This aspect was there in ATTID but it wasn't fully realized because Anya wasn't ready yet. Now she is, and Zevin confronts things beautifully.
*I mean, Theo might be my favorite person of ever.
But not all of this book takes place in Mexico, as much as I love the expansion of the world and that little bit of escapism. Anya still has to deal with things (a LOT of things) at home, and I like how Zevin confronted these issues, too. I'm not going to lie, I'm still really mad at Scarlet and I STILL REALLY HATE Gable. [And honestly, I'm starting to not give a shit about Win...I like him, but more because of Anya's reactions to him - the slightly-tortured, definitely in love, but not willing to compromise who she is** aspect of their relationship is excellent, but as I said above: Theo might be my favorite person of ever.] But mostly, I REALLY loved where this went with Charles Delacroix. I don't want to risk spoiling anything, but it actually went where I was hoping it would go, and even though I was expecting it, it was still really nice to see it happen (but also unsettling). A lot of YA authors wouldn't have dared. And while we're being cryptic - the same is true with Kipling/Yuji, etc. Zevin didn't pull punches with the relationships, and they had me feeling all turmoily and anxious and FEELS. I'm curious to see where things stand in the future with all of the characters/relations, as many are very open and very tenuous. But I loved the handling for now. It was very adult, very unforgiving, and yet another sign of Anya's development that I both liked and bought.
All in all, I liked the expansion of the world, and the better explanations of the chocolate/caffeine prohibiton, and I really liked Anya's conclusions/goals. I'm definitely curious to see where the series goes from here. Garbielle Zevin and her cold-fish-Anya have won me over. You win,
**Do you know? Do you know how much I love this about her?!
March 3, 2013
Looking at the synopsis it appears Win has a new girlfriend. I don't like that but I will see where this book leads.
After reading:
I like how the story progressed. Some of the things Anya had to go through were unfair but she made it work. Her trip to learn about cacao was a nice addition. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the story.
After reading:
I like how the story progressed. Some of the things Anya had to go through were unfair but she made it work. Her trip to learn about cacao was a nice addition. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the story.
April 13, 2015
Book two in the Birthright series, Because It Is My Blood introduces a host of new characters and new intrigues in Anya Balanchine's life. Leo, Anya's older brother, has been safely hidden in Japan, with the help of Yuji Ono. Nataliya, or Nattie, has been sent to a summer camp for gifted children and returns a young woman. Scarlet, Anya's best friend is in a relationship with Gable, much to Anya's dismay. Anya, Leo, and Nattie are still grieving the death of their grandmother Galina. Anya realizes that her continued relationship with Win is on dangerously shaky ground as a result of his father's campaign to become District Attorney. Imogen Goodfellow is currently functioning as Anya and Nattie's nanny, and is the only constant adult presence in their lives except for the family lawyer, Mr. Kipling.
As Anya struggles to keep herself and Nattie safe from Balanchine family machinations, she must also find a school willing to accept her for her senior year. Unbelievably, the latter is much harder than the former. Anya also finds herself embroiled in Balanchine family squabbles as a result of Mikhail "Mickey" Balanchine taking over the business now that his father, Yuri, is incapacitated. If that wasn't enough to deal with, Anya is used as a tool in the district attorney campaign race (the opponent constantly uses Anya's familial criminal ties, not to mention Anya's crimes, and her relationship with Win, to detract from the campaign of Charles Delacroix) and is constantly besieged by various adults with ulterior motives.
Just when it seems like Anya's life might be gradually turning around, she is arrested again, charged with violating the terms of her release, and then poisoned while in custody at Liberty. It is then decided that she should leave the country and arrangements are made for her to travel to Mexico and live with Sophia Bitter (Mickey's wife) Balanchine's family, the Marquez family. While in exile as an escapee from Liberty, Anya learns about the growing and production of cacao from this family. Again, just when it appears that things are going well for Anya an attempt is made on her life and the youngest son of the Marquez family is caught in the crossfire. This attempt ends with Anya returning to the US, making a deal with the new district attorney, a return trip to Liberty, and a brief home confinement.
To say that Anya is living a difficult life is a massive understatement, but even though she has moments of despair, she perseveres. Because It Is My Blood features political machinations, familial machinations, numerous attempts at murder, strange business plans and partnerships, and routine teenage angst. Once again, Ms. Zevin pulls the reader into Anya's world and it isn't possible to feel Anya's pain, fear, love, and confusion as she attempts to make sense of everything that is happening. Nattie, Mr. Kipling, and even Simon Green are more prominently featured, as are Yuji Ono, Scarlet, and Gable. This was a fast read that held my attention from the first page until the very last. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for book three to find out what will happen to everyone. As I stated with All These Things I've Done, Because It Is My Blood may be classified as a YA book but it can truly be enjoyed by readers of all ages. If you read book one in this series, run and get book two (if you haven't read book one, add it and Because It Is My Blood to your to-be-read list ASAP) . . . you won't be disappointed.
As Anya struggles to keep herself and Nattie safe from Balanchine family machinations, she must also find a school willing to accept her for her senior year. Unbelievably, the latter is much harder than the former. Anya also finds herself embroiled in Balanchine family squabbles as a result of Mikhail "Mickey" Balanchine taking over the business now that his father, Yuri, is incapacitated. If that wasn't enough to deal with, Anya is used as a tool in the district attorney campaign race (the opponent constantly uses Anya's familial criminal ties, not to mention Anya's crimes, and her relationship with Win, to detract from the campaign of Charles Delacroix) and is constantly besieged by various adults with ulterior motives.
Just when it seems like Anya's life might be gradually turning around, she is arrested again, charged with violating the terms of her release, and then poisoned while in custody at Liberty. It is then decided that she should leave the country and arrangements are made for her to travel to Mexico and live with Sophia Bitter (Mickey's wife) Balanchine's family, the Marquez family. While in exile as an escapee from Liberty, Anya learns about the growing and production of cacao from this family. Again, just when it appears that things are going well for Anya an attempt is made on her life and the youngest son of the Marquez family is caught in the crossfire. This attempt ends with Anya returning to the US, making a deal with the new district attorney, a return trip to Liberty, and a brief home confinement.
To say that Anya is living a difficult life is a massive understatement, but even though she has moments of despair, she perseveres. Because It Is My Blood features political machinations, familial machinations, numerous attempts at murder, strange business plans and partnerships, and routine teenage angst. Once again, Ms. Zevin pulls the reader into Anya's world and it isn't possible to feel Anya's pain, fear, love, and confusion as she attempts to make sense of everything that is happening. Nattie, Mr. Kipling, and even Simon Green are more prominently featured, as are Yuji Ono, Scarlet, and Gable. This was a fast read that held my attention from the first page until the very last. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for book three to find out what will happen to everyone. As I stated with All These Things I've Done, Because It Is My Blood may be classified as a YA book but it can truly be enjoyed by readers of all ages. If you read book one in this series, run and get book two (if you haven't read book one, add it and Because It Is My Blood to your to-be-read list ASAP) . . . you won't be disappointed.
October 23, 2012
This is going to be a long review, so if you want my overall consensus, skip the the very end.
Lately, I've been growing a little tired of the current young adult books. While this book is not the kind of book that will become a classic ( in my opinion, I would probably have rated this book four and a half stars, maybe even a four if it was for Anya's entertaining character), it's not some typical dystopian or vampire book. The ideas in the book seem realistic enough to me. Where you might read a dystopian book that have worlds that are, well umm...not to be cliché, out-of-this-world crazy and unrealistic, the events in this book could actually happen, and in fact similar things have appended before ( though I don't necessarily believe that chocolate would banned). With that being said, Anta is not a typical character. Perhaps you might say that she resembles Katniss in that she wants to protect her family and essentially supports feminist ideas through their heroine/ anti-heroine attributes ( as I like to call it, the bad ass girl syndrome), which, let's admit it, is becoming incredibly common and unoriginal. However, Anya, has a really funny, sassy, sarcastic, smart-ass personality, which is not as common.
In YA Lit. you have these girls that are passive squeamish little things that by some (predictable) means (that often involves a stereo-typical male love interest. Then you have that girl that pretends that she is tough and strives to be rebellious, though we all know that they are secretly softies that use hide behind their boyfriends. Anya, however is different she is much more complex in that, without being overbearingly obvious, she is in war with her inner self. She is good, yet she is infamous. She wants to do right, by she always ends up in trouble. There are points where I pitied Anya because the majority of her problems were brought upon her and her mistakes were small and human, created with benign intentions. All the while, you don't see Anya going around pitying herself the entire story. While i pitied her, Anya didn't seem to feel sorry for herself at all, which makes me like her all the more. She knows her faults in her core, yet does not have a strong enough desire to canfe them, where other characters might would whine about how they wish to change for the ones they love and blah blah blah. The point is, Anya is very realistically human. I could probably write an entire paper on her character analysis; if fact, I think my dual enrollment class will have a character analysis paper coming up.
Besides, the character development, Zevin paced "Because It Is My Blood" very well. The only thing I might say is that the climax was much better in the first book, but this is to be expected of the first sequel. Zevin also knows how to emotionally involve her readers without being overbearing, as she gently plays on each of Anya's sensitive chords without allowing them to break off completely ( example and SPOILER ALERT: Instead of being that suicidal girl whose relationship with Win is left in turmoil, Anya has the grace to stick with her decisions and choose reason over passion.)
Generally, "Because It Is My Blood" is a good book that has character and a strong voice to guide along an interesting plot. If you read this first book, read it. IF YOU have not read the first book, get the first book, read that, and then read this book. Just read it.
I really wish the third book was out already.
Lately, I've been growing a little tired of the current young adult books. While this book is not the kind of book that will become a classic ( in my opinion, I would probably have rated this book four and a half stars, maybe even a four if it was for Anya's entertaining character), it's not some typical dystopian or vampire book. The ideas in the book seem realistic enough to me. Where you might read a dystopian book that have worlds that are, well umm...not to be cliché, out-of-this-world crazy and unrealistic, the events in this book could actually happen, and in fact similar things have appended before ( though I don't necessarily believe that chocolate would banned). With that being said, Anta is not a typical character. Perhaps you might say that she resembles Katniss in that she wants to protect her family and essentially supports feminist ideas through their heroine/ anti-heroine attributes ( as I like to call it, the bad ass girl syndrome), which, let's admit it, is becoming incredibly common and unoriginal. However, Anya, has a really funny, sassy, sarcastic, smart-ass personality, which is not as common.
In YA Lit. you have these girls that are passive squeamish little things that by some (predictable) means (that often involves a stereo-typical male love interest. Then you have that girl that pretends that she is tough and strives to be rebellious, though we all know that they are secretly softies that use hide behind their boyfriends. Anya, however is different she is much more complex in that, without being overbearingly obvious, she is in war with her inner self. She is good, yet she is infamous. She wants to do right, by she always ends up in trouble. There are points where I pitied Anya because the majority of her problems were brought upon her and her mistakes were small and human, created with benign intentions. All the while, you don't see Anya going around pitying herself the entire story. While i pitied her, Anya didn't seem to feel sorry for herself at all, which makes me like her all the more. She knows her faults in her core, yet does not have a strong enough desire to canfe them, where other characters might would whine about how they wish to change for the ones they love and blah blah blah. The point is, Anya is very realistically human. I could probably write an entire paper on her character analysis; if fact, I think my dual enrollment class will have a character analysis paper coming up.
Besides, the character development, Zevin paced "Because It Is My Blood" very well. The only thing I might say is that the climax was much better in the first book, but this is to be expected of the first sequel. Zevin also knows how to emotionally involve her readers without being overbearing, as she gently plays on each of Anya's sensitive chords without allowing them to break off completely ( example and SPOILER ALERT: Instead of being that suicidal girl whose relationship with Win is left in turmoil, Anya has the grace to stick with her decisions and choose reason over passion.)
Generally, "Because It Is My Blood" is a good book that has character and a strong voice to guide along an interesting plot. If you read this first book, read it. IF YOU have not read the first book, get the first book, read that, and then read this book. Just read it.
I really wish the third book was out already.
July 12, 2016
I will be reviewing this trilogy as a whole on my blog soon. The first two books I read pre-blogging, and I have a huge list of those early YA books which need to be reviewed. Thank goodness I read mostly series and I can review those early (most of the time library borrowed books) in groupings. I loved this trilogy so much I bought them in hardcover for my shelves! I first found out about this trilogy in a book club on a Harry Potter social site I belonged too. We affectionately called them the "chocolate books". I will add the link to this review here as soon as it is posted.
July 10, 2014
This book, it did not make me happy. In fact, it did the opposite - it made me mad. Also, irritated.
I did enjoy the time in Mexico, specifically, the cacao. I would have liked more of that. Yet, I grew to hate the stupid machete so maybe less of Mexico would have been better? Man, that machete...ugh.
I continue to wonder about the purpose of Mouse. She's going to have to swoop in and save the day in the next book or else all her scenes have been fairly pointless. I continue to wonder why Anya goes to Juvie another 168 times but we never learn anymore about the place or the politics therein. I continue to wonder why Anya keeps narrowly missing real tragedy yet ends up in a better place each time she comes out of her "I just narrowly missed tragedy" situation.
I have a lot more I'd like to complain about, but why bother? I'm left with the same feelings I had when I finished the middle Divergent book only there was no amazing upswing at the end of this story to pique my interest. I will only listen to the third book because I suspect there will be a revealing of the Motivations of Yuji Ono and since that's the only thing holding my interest...and now that I really think about it, even that might not be enough, because I don't know how much more of the pro-chocolate crap I can stand.
This is not one of those crossover stories that has appeal to me.
I did enjoy the time in Mexico, specifically, the cacao. I would have liked more of that. Yet, I grew to hate the stupid machete so maybe less of Mexico would have been better? Man, that machete...ugh.
I continue to wonder about the purpose of Mouse. She's going to have to swoop in and save the day in the next book or else all her scenes have been fairly pointless. I continue to wonder why Anya goes to Juvie another 168 times but we never learn anymore about the place or the politics therein. I continue to wonder why Anya keeps narrowly missing real tragedy yet ends up in a better place each time she comes out of her "I just narrowly missed tragedy" situation.
I have a lot more I'd like to complain about, but why bother? I'm left with the same feelings I had when I finished the middle Divergent book only there was no amazing upswing at the end of this story to pique my interest. I will only listen to the third book because I suspect there will be a revealing of the Motivations of Yuji Ono and since that's the only thing holding my interest...and now that I really think about it, even that might not be enough, because I don't know how much more of the pro-chocolate crap I can stand.
This is not one of those crossover stories that has appeal to me.
November 17, 2012
Gabrielle Zevin is master troll. It's like she read everything I wrote about the first book and deliberately structured this one to mess with me. Did you say you were hoping for Anya/Yuki Ono? Here you go! It's TERRIBLE. :DDDDDD Also I heard some whispers from you about wanting to see Anya grow into her own power as a mob boss. You can have exactly that with the end result of her sticking to her scruples and finding a way to legally sell chocolate outside the family business. You're welcome!
I should probably be mad but I'm really just impressed. :) You got me Zevin, you got me good. I'd talk about how I want to see Anya employ Mouse as her right hand woman, fix her friendship with Scarlet, and host Theo in America in the next book but something tells me you'd make me regret it. 3 stars
I should probably be mad but I'm really just impressed. :) You got me Zevin, you got me good. I'd talk about how I want to see Anya employ Mouse as her right hand woman, fix her friendship with Scarlet, and host Theo in America in the next book but something tells me you'd make me regret it. 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 12, 2017Because It Is My Blood ,written by Gabrielle Zevin, is the second book in a series of three. This book has a lot of action and keeps you on your toes. I really enjoyed getting to know the main character, Anya, along with her insanely weird family and friends. This book really intrigued me due to the cover of it actually giving a picture of what the author wants Anya to look like. This helped develop my idea of what all the characters look like.
This day in age, I feel like a lot of girls could relate to Scarlet, Anya’s best friend. She’s going through the same struggles and hardships that many of us may be facing to this day. This is a good read for anyone who loves action, romance, and little bit of humor. I can’t wait to read the last and final book of the series.
This day in age, I feel like a lot of girls could relate to Scarlet, Anya’s best friend. She’s going through the same struggles and hardships that many of us may be facing to this day. This is a good read for anyone who loves action, romance, and little bit of humor. I can’t wait to read the last and final book of the series.
March 31, 2024
The second book in the Birthright trilogy continues Anya Balanchine s journey as the prevailing daughter of the Balanchine chocolate crime syndicate. She must protect her younger sister, get out of town, negotiate her return to New York and determine a post high school path forward. Looking forward to the third book!
September 23, 2012
4.5/5 stars.
I'll start off the review by saying that I love this world, these characters, and this series. I really hope this isn't the last book within it. "Because It Is My Blood" is not for the dystopian crowd that demands constant action and ridiculous love triangles, but instead, I'd say it's a quieter, sneakier, and more thoughtful book than many of the YA dystopian books out there at the moment. This one will sneak up on you when you least expect it and hit you right in the feels. There was so much in this one I wasn't expecting, and it was a pleasant surprise. If you've read the first book, you simply must continue your journey with Anya in "Because It Is My Blood".
I do feel like the beginning could have been shortened a bit (not entirely cut - Anya coming back from Liberty and seeing what the situation is with her family, Win, and the others is pretty important), and the escape to Mexico could have been brought in a bit earlier. Either way, I was still sucked very quickly back into Anya's messy world of crime and chocolate, and it was still a pleasure to get myself reacquainted with all of these characters.
I'd say that this book explores some of the main cast a little more - we see more of Yuji (and his possible intentions), Sophia, and we make new friends with a rather one-sided love interest, Theo, and his family. It was really refreshing to see Anya having to really defend herself and her family, and make some serious sacrifices that we didn't get to see in book one, and I feel like she grew hugely as a main character in this book. I feel like in the character development department and the worldbuilding department, Zevin definitely grew by leaps and bounds, and it was generally just a pleasure to read.
It was also reassuring and awesome to see that Zevin still isn't afraid to kill her darlings (I won't spoil anything, but wow, right about midway? Hit me right in the feels) in order to get her targeted emotional payoff. We don't know who to suspect in this book - it seems like everyone is out to get Anya and her siblings before they can ascend the Balanchine crime throne and rule in the world chocolate market, and it was woven so intricately and thoroughly that I didn't see very much coming, and when it all happened, it really hit me hard. I love writers who can do that, keep a quick pace, but also keep all of the delicate details at the same time, and in this book, Zevin proved she is one of those writers.
The worldbuilding expands in this book quite well - we get to see Mexico, and we also get a glimpse of this future world where chocolate is not banned worldwide, but the matter is rather complicated within the world economy as a whole because the US banned it. As a result there's a lot of infighting, a lot of delicate details that were woven into Anya's time at Theo's farm, and I feel like the world just grew very naturally, unfurled when it was ripe like the cacao pods that Anya helped harvest.
As for the kind-of love triangle, I'd say that it isn't - Win has appeared to have moved on, and Theo has a really one-sided love for Anya - one she doesn't really return for him. I love the ambiguity that we're left with on the final page, and whether or not Anya and Win will ever get back together...well, let's just say I want that third book (if it is coming at all), stat, so I can find out. However, the lack of love triangle was really a relief.
Also, the sort-of metaphor for chocolate being equivalent to marijuana the way it is now with medical dispensaries at the end? GENIUS. And I want to know more.
Final verdict? I loved pretty much all of this book, and I definitely want/demand a third. Absolutely gorgeous and at times brutal, at times tender, "Because It Is My Blood" is a wonderful, worthy successor to "All These Things I've Done". If you've read book one, you simply must read book two. "Because It Is My Blood" is out now from Macmillan in North America, so be sure to check it out!
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
I'll start off the review by saying that I love this world, these characters, and this series. I really hope this isn't the last book within it. "Because It Is My Blood" is not for the dystopian crowd that demands constant action and ridiculous love triangles, but instead, I'd say it's a quieter, sneakier, and more thoughtful book than many of the YA dystopian books out there at the moment. This one will sneak up on you when you least expect it and hit you right in the feels. There was so much in this one I wasn't expecting, and it was a pleasant surprise. If you've read the first book, you simply must continue your journey with Anya in "Because It Is My Blood".
I do feel like the beginning could have been shortened a bit (not entirely cut - Anya coming back from Liberty and seeing what the situation is with her family, Win, and the others is pretty important), and the escape to Mexico could have been brought in a bit earlier. Either way, I was still sucked very quickly back into Anya's messy world of crime and chocolate, and it was still a pleasure to get myself reacquainted with all of these characters.
I'd say that this book explores some of the main cast a little more - we see more of Yuji (and his possible intentions), Sophia, and we make new friends with a rather one-sided love interest, Theo, and his family. It was really refreshing to see Anya having to really defend herself and her family, and make some serious sacrifices that we didn't get to see in book one, and I feel like she grew hugely as a main character in this book. I feel like in the character development department and the worldbuilding department, Zevin definitely grew by leaps and bounds, and it was generally just a pleasure to read.
It was also reassuring and awesome to see that Zevin still isn't afraid to kill her darlings (I won't spoil anything, but wow, right about midway? Hit me right in the feels) in order to get her targeted emotional payoff. We don't know who to suspect in this book - it seems like everyone is out to get Anya and her siblings before they can ascend the Balanchine crime throne and rule in the world chocolate market, and it was woven so intricately and thoroughly that I didn't see very much coming, and when it all happened, it really hit me hard. I love writers who can do that, keep a quick pace, but also keep all of the delicate details at the same time, and in this book, Zevin proved she is one of those writers.
The worldbuilding expands in this book quite well - we get to see Mexico, and we also get a glimpse of this future world where chocolate is not banned worldwide, but the matter is rather complicated within the world economy as a whole because the US banned it. As a result there's a lot of infighting, a lot of delicate details that were woven into Anya's time at Theo's farm, and I feel like the world just grew very naturally, unfurled when it was ripe like the cacao pods that Anya helped harvest.
As for the kind-of love triangle, I'd say that it isn't - Win has appeared to have moved on, and Theo has a really one-sided love for Anya - one she doesn't really return for him. I love the ambiguity that we're left with on the final page, and whether or not Anya and Win will ever get back together...well, let's just say I want that third book (if it is coming at all), stat, so I can find out. However, the lack of love triangle was really a relief.
Also, the sort-of metaphor for chocolate being equivalent to marijuana the way it is now with medical dispensaries at the end? GENIUS. And I want to know more.
Final verdict? I loved pretty much all of this book, and I definitely want/demand a third. Absolutely gorgeous and at times brutal, at times tender, "Because It Is My Blood" is a wonderful, worthy successor to "All These Things I've Done". If you've read book one, you simply must read book two. "Because It Is My Blood" is out now from Macmillan in North America, so be sure to check it out!
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
August 16, 2019
**As the second in a series, this book (and the review) may contain spoilers for All These Things I've Done. You have been warned.**
Anya Balanchine knows firsthand that being the presumptive heir to an illegal chocolate empire comes with its fair share of complications. After a turbulent year filled with futile attempts to move beyond her criminal reputation and date a truly ill-advised boy--all while caring for her brother and sister--Anya is hoping that the start of autumn and her release from Liberty Children's Facility will bring with it calmer times.
Unfortunately, nothing about Anya's life after Liberty is calm. Her criminal record makes attending (not to mention finishing) high school nearly impossible.
Her little sister Natty has grown up during Anya's time away. Scarlet, her best friend, seems closer than ever to her odious boyfriend Gable. And Win? The boy who made Anya want to give up almost everything her family stood for seems to have a new love.
Anya isn't sure where she fits into this world where everything and everyone has moved on without her except that she hopes it has nothing to do with her extended family. Or chocolate.
Unfortunately, as ever, Anya's wants are overlooked as she is drawn back into the Balanchine's world of crime, chocolate and intrigue. Taken away from the city and the people that she loves, Anya will have to decide what price she is willing to pay for safety and who she truly wants to be in Because It Is My Blood (2012) by Gabrielle Zevin.
Because It Is My Blood is the second book in Gabrielle Zevin's Birthright series which started with All These Things I've Done.
As exciting as Because It Is My Blood can be, this novel's strength is in its focus on Anya. She is still impetuous and often acts rashly. But she is also circumspect and calculating--as is fitting of a mafiya princess, even a reluctant one.
While Anya struggles with familiar questions about her family and her identity, Zevin keeps the story original with her surprising turns and Anya's wry, eloquent narration. Readers will also notice Anya's continued growth as she moves out from her dead father's shadow (and advice) to begin making her own decisions.
Zevin also continues to delicately build Anya's world in Because It Is My Blood with some tantalizing hints of what readers can expect in the latter half of this series. As our heroine moves beyond the island of Manhattan, Zevin develops the politics of 2083 that surround a country where chocolate is illegal and many other items are in short supply.
Because It Is My Blood proves that Anya still has more to learn and even more tricks up her sleeve making this book another absorbing installment in an already gripping series.
Possible Pairings: White Cat by Holly Black, Strings Attached by Judy Blundell, The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
You can also read my exclusive interview with Gabrielle Zevin later this month!
*This book was acquired for review from the publisher at BEA 2012
Anya Balanchine knows firsthand that being the presumptive heir to an illegal chocolate empire comes with its fair share of complications. After a turbulent year filled with futile attempts to move beyond her criminal reputation and date a truly ill-advised boy--all while caring for her brother and sister--Anya is hoping that the start of autumn and her release from Liberty Children's Facility will bring with it calmer times.
Unfortunately, nothing about Anya's life after Liberty is calm. Her criminal record makes attending (not to mention finishing) high school nearly impossible.
Her little sister Natty has grown up during Anya's time away. Scarlet, her best friend, seems closer than ever to her odious boyfriend Gable. And Win? The boy who made Anya want to give up almost everything her family stood for seems to have a new love.
Anya isn't sure where she fits into this world where everything and everyone has moved on without her except that she hopes it has nothing to do with her extended family. Or chocolate.
Unfortunately, as ever, Anya's wants are overlooked as she is drawn back into the Balanchine's world of crime, chocolate and intrigue. Taken away from the city and the people that she loves, Anya will have to decide what price she is willing to pay for safety and who she truly wants to be in Because It Is My Blood (2012) by Gabrielle Zevin.
Because It Is My Blood is the second book in Gabrielle Zevin's Birthright series which started with All These Things I've Done.
As exciting as Because It Is My Blood can be, this novel's strength is in its focus on Anya. She is still impetuous and often acts rashly. But she is also circumspect and calculating--as is fitting of a mafiya princess, even a reluctant one.
While Anya struggles with familiar questions about her family and her identity, Zevin keeps the story original with her surprising turns and Anya's wry, eloquent narration. Readers will also notice Anya's continued growth as she moves out from her dead father's shadow (and advice) to begin making her own decisions.
Zevin also continues to delicately build Anya's world in Because It Is My Blood with some tantalizing hints of what readers can expect in the latter half of this series. As our heroine moves beyond the island of Manhattan, Zevin develops the politics of 2083 that surround a country where chocolate is illegal and many other items are in short supply.
Because It Is My Blood proves that Anya still has more to learn and even more tricks up her sleeve making this book another absorbing installment in an already gripping series.
Possible Pairings: White Cat by Holly Black, Strings Attached by Judy Blundell, The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
You can also read my exclusive interview with Gabrielle Zevin later this month!
*This book was acquired for review from the publisher at BEA 2012
September 13, 2023
I liked this more than the first book in the Birthright trilogy. It took me a long time to get on board with a future in which chocolate and caffeine are outlawed, because it made no sense to me, especially since alcohol isn't against the law in this imagined future. I'm still not sure the pieces of this dystopian future fit perfectly together, but I like Anya's voice and her story enough, plus many of the supporting characters, that I can shrug through the discordant bits. And she did explain the chocolate situation a little more in this volume.
One of my complaints with the first book was that future New York City was supposedly riddled with crime and violence, and I didn't really see that like I did in this second book, where I think she did a better job portraying the seriousness and danger of Anya's situation.
Anya's adventures are much more interesting to me when love interest Win is not in the picture. He is the most boring love interest I've come across in a long time. I guess the point, or one of them, to Anya's attraction to him is that he's not from her world. But still. One thing I like about Gabrielle Zevin from her other books is that there isn't always the expected or predictable happy ending for the lovers in question. I'm hoping that holds true with Win and Anya's relationship.
I liked the portion of the book set in Mexico. Theo is by far my favorite new character, and I hope he's present in a major way in the next book. It was nice to have Anya in a setting where no one was out to get her.
Anya's ready admission that she made horrible decisions throughout her life, and the proof of that in many of her actions so far, makes her an interesting character to follow. The first person storytelling in this series feels extra subjective and that gives additional flavor to the suspense. Just how badly will it end? From the point of view of our main character looking back with regret, it feels like there's more sadness to come. But we also know Anya can be moody and driven by her guilty conscience, and that things aren't always as bad as she sees them. Guess we'll just have to wait for the next book to see for ourselves.
One of my complaints with the first book was that future New York City was supposedly riddled with crime and violence, and I didn't really see that like I did in this second book, where I think she did a better job portraying the seriousness and danger of Anya's situation.
Anya's adventures are much more interesting to me when love interest Win is not in the picture. He is the most boring love interest I've come across in a long time. I guess the point, or one of them, to Anya's attraction to him is that he's not from her world. But still. One thing I like about Gabrielle Zevin from her other books is that there isn't always the expected or predictable happy ending for the lovers in question. I'm hoping that holds true with Win and Anya's relationship.
I liked the portion of the book set in Mexico. Theo is by far my favorite new character, and I hope he's present in a major way in the next book. It was nice to have Anya in a setting where no one was out to get her.
Anya's ready admission that she made horrible decisions throughout her life, and the proof of that in many of her actions so far, makes her an interesting character to follow. The first person storytelling in this series feels extra subjective and that gives additional flavor to the suspense. Just how badly will it end? From the point of view of our main character looking back with regret, it feels like there's more sadness to come. But we also know Anya can be moody and driven by her guilty conscience, and that things aren't always as bad as she sees them. Guess we'll just have to wait for the next book to see for ourselves.
May 20, 2013
I worry sometimes that I'm too enthusiastic about the books I review. There are some books that I skim over and am not that fond of - I often opt not to review them as I'd much prefer to spread the word about books that I believe give a good return on the time spent. I've been told that I should write a bit more about these books, if only to show that I am able to discern the good from the bad.
But this time, yet again, I have to enthusiastically recommend the second book in the Balachine novels, Because It Is My Blood.
The book is set in the future and it follows the story of Anya Balanchine and her family after her brother has escaped to Japan to avoid incarceration. Anya has survived her stint the NY juvenile facility but finds her future uncertain. She has been expelled from her old school before her senior year. Her best friend is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend's child. Her love and other ex-boyfriend has moved on despite his vows of eternal love.
Anya faces these heartbreaking problems with humor and spirit. Her resilience and grit -those characteristics that had us cheering for her in the earlier novel All These Things I've Done - are back in spades and we find ourselves hoping that Anya beats the odds yet again. This time, she faces larger grown up problems - the loss of her guardian, the threat of assassination, the possible loss of whatever is left of her family.
ISBN-10: 9780374380748 - Hardcover $14.00
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (September 18, 2012), 368 pages.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.
But this time, yet again, I have to enthusiastically recommend the second book in the Balachine novels, Because It Is My Blood.
The book is set in the future and it follows the story of Anya Balanchine and her family after her brother has escaped to Japan to avoid incarceration. Anya has survived her stint the NY juvenile facility but finds her future uncertain. She has been expelled from her old school before her senior year. Her best friend is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend's child. Her love and other ex-boyfriend has moved on despite his vows of eternal love.
Anya faces these heartbreaking problems with humor and spirit. Her resilience and grit -those characteristics that had us cheering for her in the earlier novel All These Things I've Done - are back in spades and we find ourselves hoping that Anya beats the odds yet again. This time, she faces larger grown up problems - the loss of her guardian, the threat of assassination, the possible loss of whatever is left of her family.
ISBN-10: 9780374380748 - Hardcover $14.00
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (September 18, 2012), 368 pages.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.
January 21, 2013
Some people's family problems come from money, power struggles, history. Anya's come from chocolate.
Anya Balanchine's family's involvement in chocolate goes way back. But in a dystopian world where chocolate is an illegal substance, her family name is drenched in infamy. Anya is determined to have a chocolate-free future, to be a model citizen and avoid the conflicts of the year behind her. But like any chocolate lover knows, sooner or later you're back for more. And with Anya, it's in her blood.
'"I hate chocolate," I whispered.
Simon Green put his hand on my shoulder. "Don't say that , Anya," he said gently.
"Why shouldn't I? It's brown, ugly, altogether aesthetically unappealing. it's unhealthy, addictive, illegal. It's bitter when it's good and too sweet when it's cheap. I can't honestly understand why anyone bothers with the stuff. If I woke up tomorrow and the world had no chocolate in it, I would be a happier person."'
Debts must be paid, families must be kept safe, a society must be straightened and decisions must be made. Anya's journey will take her to places close to home, and across the oceans, but it will ultimately lead to her final decision: whether to be a true Balanchine, or to put her history behind her.
Anya Balanchine's family's involvement in chocolate goes way back. But in a dystopian world where chocolate is an illegal substance, her family name is drenched in infamy. Anya is determined to have a chocolate-free future, to be a model citizen and avoid the conflicts of the year behind her. But like any chocolate lover knows, sooner or later you're back for more. And with Anya, it's in her blood.
'"I hate chocolate," I whispered.
Simon Green put his hand on my shoulder. "Don't say that , Anya," he said gently.
"Why shouldn't I? It's brown, ugly, altogether aesthetically unappealing. it's unhealthy, addictive, illegal. It's bitter when it's good and too sweet when it's cheap. I can't honestly understand why anyone bothers with the stuff. If I woke up tomorrow and the world had no chocolate in it, I would be a happier person."'
Debts must be paid, families must be kept safe, a society must be straightened and decisions must be made. Anya's journey will take her to places close to home, and across the oceans, but it will ultimately lead to her final decision: whether to be a true Balanchine, or to put her history behind her.
August 24, 2012
What a disappointing sequel this book was. Although the first book had been far from perfect, it still kept me interested, while this one…not so much.
The main problem seems to be how contrived the storyline feels. If it were a marionette show, you’d see the strings being pulled. Everything is too coincidental. The trip to Mexico Anya suddenly takes makes little, if any sense, and the reader can see it was written mainly to get her to the next point in the story. It’s not fun reading books that are written as if following bullet points.
The other thing was the writing. The first book wasn’t what I’d consider well written, but it was loads better than this one. The constant asides Anya makes are nauseating and repetitive, to the point where I found myself skipping them altogether. She tended to be a bit repetitive, as well in her internal monologue. The author still continues with her disconcerting habit of telling us part of the conversations instead of actually having the dialogue. It’s baffling, especially when she’d waste less time and space just writing out the dialogue.
So, this is one I’d not recommend. It was dull reading indeed.
The main problem seems to be how contrived the storyline feels. If it were a marionette show, you’d see the strings being pulled. Everything is too coincidental. The trip to Mexico Anya suddenly takes makes little, if any sense, and the reader can see it was written mainly to get her to the next point in the story. It’s not fun reading books that are written as if following bullet points.
The other thing was the writing. The first book wasn’t what I’d consider well written, but it was loads better than this one. The constant asides Anya makes are nauseating and repetitive, to the point where I found myself skipping them altogether. She tended to be a bit repetitive, as well in her internal monologue. The author still continues with her disconcerting habit of telling us part of the conversations instead of actually having the dialogue. It’s baffling, especially when she’d waste less time and space just writing out the dialogue.
So, this is one I’d not recommend. It was dull reading indeed.
June 24, 2016
Het vervolg op All These Things I've Done heeft gelukkig veel meer actie dan haar voorganger. Bovendien vind ik dat ons hoofdpersonage Anya in Because It Is My Blood veel persoonlijke groei doormaakt; ze leert zichzelf en de wereld om zich heen steeds beter kennen. Het veelbelovende einde maakt me bovendien enorm nieuwsgierig naar het laatste boek in deze serie..
Mijn complete recensie vind je op Oog op de Toekomst.
Mijn complete recensie vind je op Oog op de Toekomst.
April 1, 2012
I loved "All These Things I've Done", so I was thrilled with the second installment in the "Birthright" trilogy! Anya really comes into her own in this book, accepting her family's history and embracing her dangerous inheritance. Teens and adults should check out this addictive series!
October 5, 2021
Der Band war etwas seltsam, die Geschichte ist hin und her gesprungen, ein roter Faden war nicht wirklich zu erkennen. Es passiert eine Menge also richtig langweilig wird es auch nicht nur sehr chaotisch.
November 11, 2014
3.5 เล่มนี้สนุกขึ้นจากเล่มที่แล้ว(จริงๆเล่มแรกก็สนุกดีนะ มีความน่าติดตามแต่เราให้ดาวน้อยเพราะรู้สึกว่าเนื้อเรื่องมันไม่ไปไหนสักที) เนื้อเรื่องเข้มข้นขึ้น
August 30, 2022
Because It Is My Blood is an excellent follow up to All These Things I've Done. This story contains some great information about cacao and the chocolate industry. Chocolate of the future parallels current United States Marijuana and Mushroom laws.
I'm looking forward to reading book three, In the Age of Love and Chocolate.
Favorite Passages:
DON'T SAY NO! You can. You're very powerful. I've thought a lot about this, Anya. I want to be a chocolate dealer.
_______
Nana once told me that when she was young, there had been grocery stores where you could buy anything you wanted, whenever you wanted.
_______
"But you have broken several laws since getting out of Liberty, haven't you?"
He turned his slate toward me. First, a picture of me bartering with chocolate in Union Square. Then, a picture of me drinking coffee at Fats's.
_______
"You will be better able to run Balanchine Chocolate someday if you know a bit about how cacao is grown."
_______
"It's the chocolate," she said. "It's a health drink."
I had heard chocolate called many things in my lifetime but never a "health drink."
_______
"Why don't you have machines to do this?" I asked him.
"Ay, dios mio! Cacao resists machines. She likes human hands and caresses. And she needs human eyes to spot the Monilia. She hates pesticides. Attempts to genetically modify her beans have all been complete failures. She needs to struggle or the cacao produced will not be the richest. She needs to face certain death over and over again. Mi papa used to say that growing cacao in the 2080s was identical to growing it in the 1980s or the 1080s - that is to say, she has always been impossible to grow, and she is still impossible to grow. That is why it became illegal in your part of the world, you know. I am fairly sure that it was the cacao that sent my father to an early grave." Theo crossed himself and then he laughed. "But I love it anyway. Everything worth loving in this world is difficult." Theo kissed one of the pods with a big smack of his lips.
_______
"Where I'm from, we're taught something different," I told him. "We're taught that the main reason cacao became illegal was because it was unhealthy."
Theo stopped and stared at me. "Anya, where do you hear such lies? Cacao is not unhealthy! The opposite! It is good for the heart, the eyes, the blood pressure, and just about everything else."
_______
Was it possible that chocolate wasn't dangerous, or even unhealthy? Was what I'd been taught in school propaganda, a history cobbled together out of opportunistic half-truths?
_______
Theo cut a pod off a tree. "Look here, Anya, this one is ripe." He set the pod on the ground, then split it in half with a blunt whack of his machete. Inside the pod were about forty white beans arranged in neat rows and stacks. He picked up half the pod and held it out to me in the palm of his hand. "Look inside," he whispered. "It is only a bean, Anya, and like you and like me, it is of God. Could there be anything more natural? More perfect?" He expertly removed a single ivory bean with his pinkie. "Taste," he said.
I took the bean into my mouth. It was nutty, like an almond, but underneath there was the faintest hint of the sweetness to come.
_______
"A long time ago, I thought I'd like to be a chocolatier. I thought I'd like to study the craft abroad somewhere, maybe with one of the masters in Europe, but now that doesn't seem likely."
_______
At that moment, the front door swung wide open.
Standing there was a ghost.
I felt like I was losing my mind.
"Annie," the ghost said, and then he put his arms around me.
The ghost was made of flesh and bone.
_______
The theme was "The Future," but the organizing committee's world-building skills were lacking, and they hadn't really come up with a way to depict said them in decorative terms. There was a handful of decorations with reflective surfaces and clocks, and a large digital banner that said WHERE WILL YOU BE IN 2104? Their vision of the future was vague at best, and I found the whole thing rather anxiety-producing. I had no idea where I'd be next year, let alone twenty years from now. Truthfully, the first answer to occur to me upon reading that banner was, Dead. In 2104, I'll probably be dead.
_______
Balanchine's Medicinal Cacao Bar
Chocolate For Your Health - By Rx Only - Doctor on Premises
_______
"Anya, you know I support you, but aren't there bigger problems in the world than chocolate?" Win asked me.
"I'm not sure, Win. Just because something is a small problem doesn't mean it shouldn't be addressed. Small injustices conceal larger ones."
_______
"Maybe someday chocolate will be legal again, but I honestly hope I'm dead by then."
_______
I'm looking forward to reading book three, In the Age of Love and Chocolate.
Favorite Passages:
DON'T SAY NO! You can. You're very powerful. I've thought a lot about this, Anya. I want to be a chocolate dealer.
_______
Nana once told me that when she was young, there had been grocery stores where you could buy anything you wanted, whenever you wanted.
_______
"But you have broken several laws since getting out of Liberty, haven't you?"
He turned his slate toward me. First, a picture of me bartering with chocolate in Union Square. Then, a picture of me drinking coffee at Fats's.
_______
"You will be better able to run Balanchine Chocolate someday if you know a bit about how cacao is grown."
_______
"It's the chocolate," she said. "It's a health drink."
I had heard chocolate called many things in my lifetime but never a "health drink."
_______
"Why don't you have machines to do this?" I asked him.
"Ay, dios mio! Cacao resists machines. She likes human hands and caresses. And she needs human eyes to spot the Monilia. She hates pesticides. Attempts to genetically modify her beans have all been complete failures. She needs to struggle or the cacao produced will not be the richest. She needs to face certain death over and over again. Mi papa used to say that growing cacao in the 2080s was identical to growing it in the 1980s or the 1080s - that is to say, she has always been impossible to grow, and she is still impossible to grow. That is why it became illegal in your part of the world, you know. I am fairly sure that it was the cacao that sent my father to an early grave." Theo crossed himself and then he laughed. "But I love it anyway. Everything worth loving in this world is difficult." Theo kissed one of the pods with a big smack of his lips.
_______
"Where I'm from, we're taught something different," I told him. "We're taught that the main reason cacao became illegal was because it was unhealthy."
Theo stopped and stared at me. "Anya, where do you hear such lies? Cacao is not unhealthy! The opposite! It is good for the heart, the eyes, the blood pressure, and just about everything else."
_______
Was it possible that chocolate wasn't dangerous, or even unhealthy? Was what I'd been taught in school propaganda, a history cobbled together out of opportunistic half-truths?
_______
Theo cut a pod off a tree. "Look here, Anya, this one is ripe." He set the pod on the ground, then split it in half with a blunt whack of his machete. Inside the pod were about forty white beans arranged in neat rows and stacks. He picked up half the pod and held it out to me in the palm of his hand. "Look inside," he whispered. "It is only a bean, Anya, and like you and like me, it is of God. Could there be anything more natural? More perfect?" He expertly removed a single ivory bean with his pinkie. "Taste," he said.
I took the bean into my mouth. It was nutty, like an almond, but underneath there was the faintest hint of the sweetness to come.
_______
"A long time ago, I thought I'd like to be a chocolatier. I thought I'd like to study the craft abroad somewhere, maybe with one of the masters in Europe, but now that doesn't seem likely."
_______
At that moment, the front door swung wide open.
Standing there was a ghost.
I felt like I was losing my mind.
"Annie," the ghost said, and then he put his arms around me.
The ghost was made of flesh and bone.
_______
The theme was "The Future," but the organizing committee's world-building skills were lacking, and they hadn't really come up with a way to depict said them in decorative terms. There was a handful of decorations with reflective surfaces and clocks, and a large digital banner that said WHERE WILL YOU BE IN 2104? Their vision of the future was vague at best, and I found the whole thing rather anxiety-producing. I had no idea where I'd be next year, let alone twenty years from now. Truthfully, the first answer to occur to me upon reading that banner was, Dead. In 2104, I'll probably be dead.
_______
Balanchine's Medicinal Cacao Bar
Chocolate For Your Health - By Rx Only - Doctor on Premises
_______
"Anya, you know I support you, but aren't there bigger problems in the world than chocolate?" Win asked me.
"I'm not sure, Win. Just because something is a small problem doesn't mean it shouldn't be addressed. Small injustices conceal larger ones."
_______
"Maybe someday chocolate will be legal again, but I honestly hope I'm dead by then."
_______
September 1, 2020
I liked this better than the first book! I don't like all of Anya's decisions in this, and even less so, her best friend's taste in guys. It was a fun journey down to Mexico where she got a first hand look and some valuable experience into her family's business. Why is chocolate legal in Mexico but not the US?! I loved Theo's character. He became a fast favorite! This book starts off mild but be forewarned, tragedy will strike! And strike hard! I really felt I could relate more to Anya in this one and I look forward to continueing the series.
December 9, 2013
Zitat:
„Von Kipling & Sons hatte man einen Blick auf den Madison Square Park. Nach Einbruch der Dunkelheit trieben sich dort die Schokoladendealer herum. Als ich klein war, hatte mein Vater mich dorthin mitgenommen. […] Damals hatte ich auf der Welt nichts lieber gemocht als Schokolade, es war die Zeit, bevor sie mein Leben zerstörte und mir alle nahm, die ich liebte.“
(S. 77)
Inhalt:
Nur ein kurzer Moment Unachtsamkeit nach ihrer Rückkehr aus der Liberty Erziehungsanstalt. Nach einem endlosen Kampf um die Aufnahme an einer Schule. Nach einer anonymen Spende mit der Bitte, Anya solle wieder an der Trinity aufgenommen werden.
Eine winzige Unaufmerksamkeit, eine unbedachte freundschaftliche Geste, bringt Anya schneller zurück in Haft, als sie es realisieren kann. Doch es gibt Menschen mit einer wichtigen Mission, die diese von nichts und niemandem zerstören lassen wollen. Und es gibt welche, die sich nicht zu schade dafür sind, Anya etwas anzutun – sogar innerhalb der Zäune von Liberty.
Anya muss fliehen. Raus aus Liberty, raus aus New York, raus aus Amerika. Weg von allem, das sie jemals gekannt hat. Hinein in eine unglaubliche Welt voller Verbotenem.
Meinung:
Auch wenn ich von dem Trilogie-Auftakt „Bitterzart“ nicht vollkommen überzeugt war, war ich doch so neugierig, dass ich zur Fortsetzung greifen musste.
Gleich zu Beginn bekommt der Leser ein „Geheimrezept“ vorgesetzt, dessen Hintergrund er jedoch erst später erfährt. Kurz darauf war ich wieder vollkommen in Anyas Leben integriert. Der Einstieg ging leicht vonstatten, Anya wird aus der Anstalt Liberty entlassen – quasi als Musterhäftling. Um ihre Geschwister zu schützen, hat sie sich an das gehalten, was Charles Delacroix verlangt hat. Und scheinbar hat sie in Mrs. Cobrawick, der Anstaltsleiterin, trotz aller Widrigkeiten eine kleine Unterstützung gefunden. Ebenso in „Mouse“, die bald entlassen werden soll und um Anyas Hilfe bei der „Jobsuche“ bittet.
Frisch zuhause trifft Anya auf Gable, der schwierig ist wie eh und je, und auf Scarlet, die nach wie vor zu Gable hält. Win Delacroix ist nun ebenfalls vergeben – auch wenn Anyas erste Begegnung gar nicht danach aussieht.
Darum kann sich Anya jedoch nicht kümmern. Cousin Jack warnt sie mit einem Anruf aus dem Gefängnis, dass sie und ihre Geschwister in großer Gefahr sind. Nur eine Lüge, um besser dazustehen, oder sagt er die Wahrheit?
Anya ist auf der Suche nach einer neuen Schule, nachdem Trinity sie wegen Waffenbesitzes ausgeschlossen hat. Mit Anyas Vergangenheit und verwandtschaftlichem Hintergrund ist dies jedoch leichter gesagt als getan. Anya hatte sich so sehr mit Trinity identifiziert, dass sie sich nun allein und verloren vorkommt. Durch „höhere Fügung“ kehrt sich dorthin zurück, was jedoch alles Teil eines intriganten Machtspiels ist, in dessen Mittelpunkt Anya steht.
Sofort springt einem dieser sehr spezielle Schreibstil von Gabrielle Zevin ins Auge. Wiederum überkam mich das Gefühl, ein Tagebuch zu lesen, die Memoiren von Anya Bananchine.
Mit all seinen Aufzählungen, hinzugefügten Erklärungen und indirekten Ansprachen des vermeintlichen Lesers habe ich mich gefühlt, als würde Anya nur mir erzählen.
In diesem Fortsetzungsband war mir die Protagonistin wesentlich sympathischer. Auch wenn sie die teils sehr naiven Züge aus Band 1 nicht wirklich abgelegt hat, wirkt sie oft besonnener. Der Aufenthalt in Trinity und die Entscheidungen, die sie treffen musste, haben sie reifen lassen. Die Entwicklung schreitet zügig voran, als sie eine ganz andere Welt als die ihre kennenlernt.
Die Autorin konnte mich mit diesem schokoladigen Einblick biologischer und politischer Natur wirklich begeistern. Wenngleich es nicht so klingen mag, war das Leben auf der Kakao-Plantage eine durchweg interessante Zeit, die wichtig für Anyas Entwicklung und ihre weiteren Pläne war. Der Leser erfährt Hintergründe des „Horrorszenarios“ einer schokoladenlosen Zeit, Anya hingegen lernte neue Freunde kennen und das Wesentlichste überhaupt: Das ein Mädchen wie sie sich niemals von der Schokolade trennen kann.
Ganz in wahrer Mafia-Manier gibt es in „Edelherb“ zahlreiche Intrigen, Bestechungen, Mordanschläge und Geheimnisse aufzudecken. Die Spannung ist nur selten auf einem hohen Niveau, was den Lesefluss aber kaum stört. Auch kurze Durchhänger sind so leicht zu überbrücken. Mit ihren ganzen Verstrickungen konnte mich die Autorin ein ums andere Mal überraschen. Doch auch den Charakteren selbst ist es gelungen, durch ihren Hintergrund für unvorhergesehene Wendungen zu sorgen.
Das Ende bietet einen kleinen Ausblick auf die Zukunft, an der Anya und ihre Freunde aber noch einiges zu arbeiten haben.
Urteil:
In der Fortsetzung „Edelherb“ liegt der Fokus nun wirklich mehr auf der Schokolade und ihrem Verbot, der Leser bekommt mehr Details und Hintergründe und wird durchaus überrascht. Entsprechend dem Mafia-Klischee strotzt diese Fortsetzung von familiären Intrigen, politischen Machtspielen, Bestechung und Verbrechen. Mich persönlich konnte „Edelherb“ mehr überzeugen als sein Vorgänger, was ich mit 4 Büchern belohne.
Ein Muss für alle, die Band 1 bereits begeistern konnte. Doch auch Zweifler wie ich könnten durchaus überzeugt werden, solltet ihr mit meinen Kritikpunkten übereingestimmt haben. Die Fortsetzung ist eine klare Steigerung.
Die Serie:
1. Bitterzart
2. Edelherb
3. Originaltitel: In the Age of Love and Chocolate
©his-and-her-books.blogspot.de
„Von Kipling & Sons hatte man einen Blick auf den Madison Square Park. Nach Einbruch der Dunkelheit trieben sich dort die Schokoladendealer herum. Als ich klein war, hatte mein Vater mich dorthin mitgenommen. […] Damals hatte ich auf der Welt nichts lieber gemocht als Schokolade, es war die Zeit, bevor sie mein Leben zerstörte und mir alle nahm, die ich liebte.“
(S. 77)
Inhalt:
Nur ein kurzer Moment Unachtsamkeit nach ihrer Rückkehr aus der Liberty Erziehungsanstalt. Nach einem endlosen Kampf um die Aufnahme an einer Schule. Nach einer anonymen Spende mit der Bitte, Anya solle wieder an der Trinity aufgenommen werden.
Eine winzige Unaufmerksamkeit, eine unbedachte freundschaftliche Geste, bringt Anya schneller zurück in Haft, als sie es realisieren kann. Doch es gibt Menschen mit einer wichtigen Mission, die diese von nichts und niemandem zerstören lassen wollen. Und es gibt welche, die sich nicht zu schade dafür sind, Anya etwas anzutun – sogar innerhalb der Zäune von Liberty.
Anya muss fliehen. Raus aus Liberty, raus aus New York, raus aus Amerika. Weg von allem, das sie jemals gekannt hat. Hinein in eine unglaubliche Welt voller Verbotenem.
Meinung:
Auch wenn ich von dem Trilogie-Auftakt „Bitterzart“ nicht vollkommen überzeugt war, war ich doch so neugierig, dass ich zur Fortsetzung greifen musste.
Gleich zu Beginn bekommt der Leser ein „Geheimrezept“ vorgesetzt, dessen Hintergrund er jedoch erst später erfährt. Kurz darauf war ich wieder vollkommen in Anyas Leben integriert. Der Einstieg ging leicht vonstatten, Anya wird aus der Anstalt Liberty entlassen – quasi als Musterhäftling. Um ihre Geschwister zu schützen, hat sie sich an das gehalten, was Charles Delacroix verlangt hat. Und scheinbar hat sie in Mrs. Cobrawick, der Anstaltsleiterin, trotz aller Widrigkeiten eine kleine Unterstützung gefunden. Ebenso in „Mouse“, die bald entlassen werden soll und um Anyas Hilfe bei der „Jobsuche“ bittet.
Frisch zuhause trifft Anya auf Gable, der schwierig ist wie eh und je, und auf Scarlet, die nach wie vor zu Gable hält. Win Delacroix ist nun ebenfalls vergeben – auch wenn Anyas erste Begegnung gar nicht danach aussieht.
Darum kann sich Anya jedoch nicht kümmern. Cousin Jack warnt sie mit einem Anruf aus dem Gefängnis, dass sie und ihre Geschwister in großer Gefahr sind. Nur eine Lüge, um besser dazustehen, oder sagt er die Wahrheit?
Anya ist auf der Suche nach einer neuen Schule, nachdem Trinity sie wegen Waffenbesitzes ausgeschlossen hat. Mit Anyas Vergangenheit und verwandtschaftlichem Hintergrund ist dies jedoch leichter gesagt als getan. Anya hatte sich so sehr mit Trinity identifiziert, dass sie sich nun allein und verloren vorkommt. Durch „höhere Fügung“ kehrt sich dorthin zurück, was jedoch alles Teil eines intriganten Machtspiels ist, in dessen Mittelpunkt Anya steht.
Sofort springt einem dieser sehr spezielle Schreibstil von Gabrielle Zevin ins Auge. Wiederum überkam mich das Gefühl, ein Tagebuch zu lesen, die Memoiren von Anya Bananchine.
Mit all seinen Aufzählungen, hinzugefügten Erklärungen und indirekten Ansprachen des vermeintlichen Lesers habe ich mich gefühlt, als würde Anya nur mir erzählen.
In diesem Fortsetzungsband war mir die Protagonistin wesentlich sympathischer. Auch wenn sie die teils sehr naiven Züge aus Band 1 nicht wirklich abgelegt hat, wirkt sie oft besonnener. Der Aufenthalt in Trinity und die Entscheidungen, die sie treffen musste, haben sie reifen lassen. Die Entwicklung schreitet zügig voran, als sie eine ganz andere Welt als die ihre kennenlernt.
Die Autorin konnte mich mit diesem schokoladigen Einblick biologischer und politischer Natur wirklich begeistern. Wenngleich es nicht so klingen mag, war das Leben auf der Kakao-Plantage eine durchweg interessante Zeit, die wichtig für Anyas Entwicklung und ihre weiteren Pläne war. Der Leser erfährt Hintergründe des „Horrorszenarios“ einer schokoladenlosen Zeit, Anya hingegen lernte neue Freunde kennen und das Wesentlichste überhaupt: Das ein Mädchen wie sie sich niemals von der Schokolade trennen kann.
Ganz in wahrer Mafia-Manier gibt es in „Edelherb“ zahlreiche Intrigen, Bestechungen, Mordanschläge und Geheimnisse aufzudecken. Die Spannung ist nur selten auf einem hohen Niveau, was den Lesefluss aber kaum stört. Auch kurze Durchhänger sind so leicht zu überbrücken. Mit ihren ganzen Verstrickungen konnte mich die Autorin ein ums andere Mal überraschen. Doch auch den Charakteren selbst ist es gelungen, durch ihren Hintergrund für unvorhergesehene Wendungen zu sorgen.
Das Ende bietet einen kleinen Ausblick auf die Zukunft, an der Anya und ihre Freunde aber noch einiges zu arbeiten haben.
Urteil:
In der Fortsetzung „Edelherb“ liegt der Fokus nun wirklich mehr auf der Schokolade und ihrem Verbot, der Leser bekommt mehr Details und Hintergründe und wird durchaus überrascht. Entsprechend dem Mafia-Klischee strotzt diese Fortsetzung von familiären Intrigen, politischen Machtspielen, Bestechung und Verbrechen. Mich persönlich konnte „Edelherb“ mehr überzeugen als sein Vorgänger, was ich mit 4 Büchern belohne.
Ein Muss für alle, die Band 1 bereits begeistern konnte. Doch auch Zweifler wie ich könnten durchaus überzeugt werden, solltet ihr mit meinen Kritikpunkten übereingestimmt haben. Die Fortsetzung ist eine klare Steigerung.
Die Serie:
1. Bitterzart
2. Edelherb
3. Originaltitel: In the Age of Love and Chocolate
©his-and-her-books.blogspot.de
July 15, 2023
I finished this second book in the series because I like Anya’s character. However, the story just didn’t improve enough for me to read any more of this series. I wish Anya well in her medicinal chocolate endeavors 🤦♀️
July 20, 2018
395 stars
February 17, 2024
Like this YA protagonist!
September 28, 2012
I went back to a time where chocolates are illegal and there’s a yummy mafioso I can’t wait to read more about.
Because It Is My Blood
is the sequel to
All These Things I’ve Done
and I must say one of my highly anticipated books of the year. Though I didn’t give it a full mark that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it nor it didn’t live up to my expectations (because it did!). Me little self is just a bit frustrated that I didn’t know what happened (or how he was characterized here) to my favorite character. *coughs* Yuji*coughs*
Anya is finally released from Liberty Children's Facility. But with her criminal record attached to her name it is impossible to return to her normal life. But Anya’s life was never normal in the first place. She’s the heir to a criminal organization—the Balanchine chocolates. Coffee and chocolates are prohibited in her time but having this shady business wasn’t the only one that got her all worked up. There’s a conflict within her family and this got her loved ones and herself in danger. She went to Mexico and learned things about cacao and she found a friend in Theo, who helped her sort and realized things…about her destiny…about herself.
This is not action-packed and I expected it that way. I liked Anya’s inner conflict on whether she’ll claim what’s her right and finally accept that her love for chocolates really runs in her blood. The business her father had worked hard for and now it is her time to do the same thing. Anya has matured here and I found her less whiny and more admirable in some ways. It’s really hard to accept something that you have very different point of view. But she sorted it out and took what’s really her right…her birthright. And that’s a making of a goodmobster, er, leader. *winks*
Please allow me to concentrate on Yuji. If they are fighting and forming teams with Theo’s and Win’s banner. I got my flag raised with Yuji’s name on it. While I didn’t particularly like how the story painted his character. Or how he initially wanted to take down the Balanchine chocolates which in the process question his real motives on helping her. But I still got my faith a hundred percent for this guy. Even though he doesn’t believe in love and he proposed (yes, he proposed! As in marriage proposal in a very business manner though but heck, it is still a proposal) and Anya rejected (because she likes Win. I still don’t know what she saw in him. I honestly don’t!), I’m still keeping my hopes up! Never say never.
If it wasn’t obvious, I like Yuji and Anya. Yeah, I know he’s kinda older than her but I don’t know I just see something in them that got me all interested. But since romance isn’t the main issue here and more on Anya’s destiny, I’m kinda prepared if there’s no fruit of labor to my strange shipping. But it still doesn’t hurt to try, right?
I really enjoyed it. To be perfectly honest I liked Anya a whole lot better here than in the first book. It didn’t hurt that I immensely enjoyed some Yuji (and Yuji-Anya) moments. I don’t know how many books are there in the series. But one thing’s for sure I definitely can’t wait for more… More chocolates. More Anya… and well more Yuji!
PS: I have a strange feeling that something is wrong…hope I’m wrong.
Anya is finally released from Liberty Children's Facility. But with her criminal record attached to her name it is impossible to return to her normal life. But Anya’s life was never normal in the first place. She’s the heir to a criminal organization—the Balanchine chocolates. Coffee and chocolates are prohibited in her time but having this shady business wasn’t the only one that got her all worked up. There’s a conflict within her family and this got her loved ones and herself in danger. She went to Mexico and learned things about cacao and she found a friend in Theo, who helped her sort and realized things…about her destiny…about herself.
“I’ll never be out. I am my father’s daughter. And if I don’t do this, I will always regret it.”
"I told him that to deny this was to deny who I was at my core, that I could not change my name or my blood."
This is not action-packed and I expected it that way. I liked Anya’s inner conflict on whether she’ll claim what’s her right and finally accept that her love for chocolates really runs in her blood. The business her father had worked hard for and now it is her time to do the same thing. Anya has matured here and I found her less whiny and more admirable in some ways. It’s really hard to accept something that you have very different point of view. But she sorted it out and took what’s really her right…her birthright. And that’s a making of a good
Please allow me to concentrate on Yuji. If they are fighting and forming teams with Theo’s and Win’s banner. I got my flag raised with Yuji’s name on it. While I didn’t particularly like how the story painted his character. Or how he initially wanted to take down the Balanchine chocolates which in the process question his real motives on helping her. But I still got my faith a hundred percent for this guy. Even though he doesn’t believe in love and he proposed (yes, he proposed! As in marriage proposal in a very business manner though but heck, it is still a proposal) and Anya rejected (because she likes Win. I still don’t know what she saw in him. I honestly don’t!), I’m still keeping my hopes up! Never say never.
If it wasn’t obvious, I like Yuji and Anya. Yeah, I know he’s kinda older than her but I don’t know I just see something in them that got me all interested. But since romance isn’t the main issue here and more on Anya’s destiny, I’m kinda prepared if there’s no fruit of labor to my strange shipping. But it still doesn’t hurt to try, right?
I really enjoyed it. To be perfectly honest I liked Anya a whole lot better here than in the first book. It didn’t hurt that I immensely enjoyed some Yuji (and Yuji-Anya) moments. I don’t know how many books are there in the series. But one thing’s for sure I definitely can’t wait for more… More chocolates. More Anya… and well more Yuji!
PS: I have a strange feeling that something is wrong…hope I’m wrong.
April 8, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is good at many places, but there were a few times where Anya's decisions got on my nerves. Especially her habit of holding grudges. But keep that aside, the book is really good. This book is not as fast-paced as the first one, which gives the reader a better understanding of things and the writing doesn't seem rushed.
Anya. I liked her and was at some points irritated by her. She is a head-strong protagonist and actually takes actions rather than some of the heroines I have come across in books who are all talk and no action or actual action that required thinking and working on their part. Thankfully I have come across only 1 or 2 such kind of heroines and Anya is certainly not one of them. There are quite a few things I admire about her. Firstly, that no matter how hard things get for her, she doesn't sit and whine about them all day long. Secondly, her protectiveness for Natty and later Leo. Though she sometimes goes overboard with her protectiveness, it's still sweet. And doesn't even last much long in this book because she escapes to Mexico and when she returns she gives Natty her space. I liked the character development as well. When first she hated chocolate, later in Mexico she learned about them, though she didn't have much choice. I liked how she opened up to Will and Natty about her problems and didn't keep everything holed up inside her like before. Though she didn't do this confiding thing all the time or about everything, but that is understandable because Anya isn't the kind of girl who would pour her heart out to you and she still made an effort and I appreciate that.
The thing I didn't like was her hate for Gable Arsley. I get it that she had every right to be mad at him for what he did to her, but telling your best friend you won't be friends with her any longer just because she will be with that guy seems pretty selfish of her, considering the position and condition Scarlet was. It wasn't easy for her either, and even though Scarlet had problems of her own, she was always there for Anya. Though at the end Anya didn't make a big deal out of it like in the first book, for which I was glad.
Win, I don't know what to say about him. I liked him and I didn't like him as well. I liked that he was always there for Anya, no matter what. But I didn't like his hate for his father. I get it he didn't like his father but going as far as calling your own father a bastard? I think that was a little bit extreme. Charles Delacroix wasn't the epitome of a Father figure and gentleman, but he did help Anya escape Liberty albeit the measures he took for that. And plus I think losing the election was already worse for his father. I didn't like Win's rudeness towards him. But anyways he was still a good boyfriend and even at the end he was there to support Anya even though he didn't agree with her.
I also like Theo. He is funny, cute, smart and a loyal friend. I liked him the first time he was introduced. I liked his and Anya's friendship, and thankfully it didn't turn out to be a love triangle as I first suspected. He is a very likable character and I really hope to see more of him the third book, which I'll hopefully be able to start reading soon.
The story is a good read and better than the first book with enough suspense and twists to keep the reader interested. The writing is easy flowing and characters are well written. I am not usually into such kind of stories such as Birthright series, but this one certainly is a good read and interesting. Eager to start the third book.
Anya. I liked her and was at some points irritated by her. She is a head-strong protagonist and actually takes actions rather than some of the heroines I have come across in books who are all talk and no action or actual action that required thinking and working on their part. Thankfully I have come across only 1 or 2 such kind of heroines and Anya is certainly not one of them. There are quite a few things I admire about her. Firstly, that no matter how hard things get for her, she doesn't sit and whine about them all day long. Secondly, her protectiveness for Natty and later Leo. Though she sometimes goes overboard with her protectiveness, it's still sweet. And doesn't even last much long in this book because she escapes to Mexico and when she returns she gives Natty her space. I liked the character development as well. When first she hated chocolate, later in Mexico she learned about them, though she didn't have much choice. I liked how she opened up to Will and Natty about her problems and didn't keep everything holed up inside her like before. Though she didn't do this confiding thing all the time or about everything, but that is understandable because Anya isn't the kind of girl who would pour her heart out to you and she still made an effort and I appreciate that.
The thing I didn't like was her hate for Gable Arsley. I get it that she had every right to be mad at him for what he did to her, but telling your best friend you won't be friends with her any longer just because she will be with that guy seems pretty selfish of her, considering the position and condition Scarlet was. It wasn't easy for her either, and even though Scarlet had problems of her own, she was always there for Anya. Though at the end Anya didn't make a big deal out of it like in the first book, for which I was glad.
Win, I don't know what to say about him. I liked him and I didn't like him as well. I liked that he was always there for Anya, no matter what. But I didn't like his hate for his father. I get it he didn't like his father but going as far as calling your own father a bastard? I think that was a little bit extreme. Charles Delacroix wasn't the epitome of a Father figure and gentleman, but he did help Anya escape Liberty albeit the measures he took for that. And plus I think losing the election was already worse for his father. I didn't like Win's rudeness towards him. But anyways he was still a good boyfriend and even at the end he was there to support Anya even though he didn't agree with her.
I also like Theo. He is funny, cute, smart and a loyal friend. I liked him the first time he was introduced. I liked his and Anya's friendship, and thankfully it didn't turn out to be a love triangle as I first suspected. He is a very likable character and I really hope to see more of him the third book, which I'll hopefully be able to start reading soon.
The story is a good read and better than the first book with enough suspense and twists to keep the reader interested. The writing is easy flowing and characters are well written. I am not usually into such kind of stories such as Birthright series, but this one certainly is a good read and interesting. Eager to start the third book.
April 27, 2015
Anya's time in Mexico is easily my favourite part of the entire series. It's not just because Central and South America are dear to me and I loved reading a book in that setting, or that it was fantastic seeing Anya learn the ins and outs of cacao, it can also be greatly attributed to Theo.
Theo is a very fun, easy-going character, but there is so much more to him than meets the eye. While he acts silly and playful all the time, he's also incredibly smart. He picked up on all sorts of clues as to Anya was, and instead of letting anyone know (including Anya) that he had figured it out, he just kept mum on the subject. It seems surprising since he seems so childish most of the time, you would expect him to blab secrets. In fact you wouldn't really expect him to be all that observant, so this was definitely a surprise.
He has many of the same values as Anya does, he just goes about them in a different way. Perhaps it's because he hasn't lost his family the way Anya has, but he clearly cares deeply about his family. Where Anya is controlling and micromanages, Theo is funny and playful. In many ways his family and the way he treats them reminds me of my own family, and in even more ways they made me so nostalgic for all the amazing people I've met when I got the chance to travel in South America.
I've hit on how playful he is, but Theo is incredibly serious about two things: Cacao and his family. It's clear when he's teaching Anya about cacao just how passionate he is about it. He has devoted his life to it, knows the ins and outs of cacao, and he loves it (even when he hates it. That sounds awfully familiar...being a musician is DEFINITELY always fun) When Theo cares about Anya things, it's clear he doesn't hold back. The same goes for his family. At the end of the book,
Theo is a very fun, easy-going character, but there is so much more to him than meets the eye. While he acts silly and playful all the time, he's also incredibly smart. He picked up on all sorts of clues as to Anya was, and instead of letting anyone know (including Anya) that he had figured it out, he just kept mum on the subject. It seems surprising since he seems so childish most of the time, you would expect him to blab secrets. In fact you wouldn't really expect him to be all that observant, so this was definitely a surprise.
He has many of the same values as Anya does, he just goes about them in a different way. Perhaps it's because he hasn't lost his family the way Anya has, but he clearly cares deeply about his family. Where Anya is controlling and micromanages, Theo is funny and playful. In many ways his family and the way he treats them reminds me of my own family, and in even more ways they made me so nostalgic for all the amazing people I've met when I got the chance to travel in South America.
I've hit on how playful he is, but Theo is incredibly serious about two things: Cacao and his family. It's clear when he's teaching Anya about cacao just how passionate he is about it. He has devoted his life to it, knows the ins and outs of cacao, and he loves it (even when he hates it. That sounds awfully familiar...being a musician is DEFINITELY always fun) When Theo cares about Anya things, it's clear he doesn't hold back. The same goes for his family. At the end of the book,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 550 reviews