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Blood Spells
After her parents' deaths, she turns to illegal blood magic to hunt a killer. But is it worth her freedom—or her life?
Maddy never made peace with her parents' deaths. Instead of moving on, she summons her mother's spirit whenever possible. So when she finds the bloody corpse of her stepmother—her final parent—Maddy's world falls apart.
Devastated, she refuses to believe it was suicide. After all, blood magic users like her stepmother don't spill their blood without purpose. When her school principal is struck by a supernatural illness after he too suspects there's more to the story, Maddy vows to use her own illegal blood magic to investigate, no matter what the cost.
The truth is all she has left, but is it worth her freedom—or her life?
Blood Spells is a dark, standalone, young adult supernatural mystery full of dramatic twists and turns. Not for the faint of heart.
Maddy never made peace with her parents' deaths. Instead of moving on, she summons her mother's spirit whenever possible. So when she finds the bloody corpse of her stepmother—her final parent—Maddy's world falls apart.
Devastated, she refuses to believe it was suicide. After all, blood magic users like her stepmother don't spill their blood without purpose. When her school principal is struck by a supernatural illness after he too suspects there's more to the story, Maddy vows to use her own illegal blood magic to investigate, no matter what the cost.
The truth is all she has left, but is it worth her freedom—or her life?
Blood Spells is a dark, standalone, young adult supernatural mystery full of dramatic twists and turns. Not for the faint of heart.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2021
23 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Ellis
23 books355 followersAlicia Ellis decided to write books about ten minutes before graduating from law school. She’s now an Atlanta attorney moonlighting as an author, electronics junkie, and secret superhero. With two degrees in computer science and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction, she loves creative problem-solving, especially as it relates to high-tech things. Alicia writes mysteries, sometimes for young adults, sometimes in fantasy or science fiction settings, and sometimes in the real world.
Her debut novel, Girl of Flesh and Metal, a young adult sci-fi mystery, was the first self-published book ever to make the American Library Association’s LITA Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Lists.
https://writeralicia.com/links
Website | Amazon | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Her debut novel, Girl of Flesh and Metal, a young adult sci-fi mystery, was the first self-published book ever to make the American Library Association’s LITA Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Lists.
https://writeralicia.com/links
Website | Amazon | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 13, 2021
"Blood Spells" by Alicia Ellis is a standalone YA urban fantasy story with that blends the classical UF elements with a whodunnit mystery. Maddy is an orphan, whose stepmother has just been killer, letting her to deal with life on her own. The death was ruled as a suicide, but Maddie don’t believe, no magic user would ever, not even when seeking death drain blood without a reason. The only way to find the truth is to delve in blood magic, which is forbidden to minors; but Maddie need for an answer lead her to begin an investigation that puts her in the path of a enigmatic and powerful individual, who deals in the kind of magic that shouldn’t even exist. All points to him being the killer, but that’s a suspicion Maddie cannot share with anyone, not that someone would even believe her. Maddie’s need for the truth has a price, a stiff one indeed.
Alicia Ellis writing-style is easy-to-read and fast-paced, the plot very interesting with a blend of urban fantasy and mystery in an African American background. This is a very well-constructed and interesting story, thrilling and fresh and from start to finish, with twist and turns, but without cliffhangers or sequels, because sometimes all you need is one good story, and this is it!
Alicia Ellis writing-style is easy-to-read and fast-paced, the plot very interesting with a blend of urban fantasy and mystery in an African American background. This is a very well-constructed and interesting story, thrilling and fresh and from start to finish, with twist and turns, but without cliffhangers or sequels, because sometimes all you need is one good story, and this is it!
April 22, 2021
It was a well rounded YA story, with an original view of magic as "blood magic" and water being a barrier to practicing it. The plot was well carried out and showed a really surprising twist at the end. It is a stand-alone, so there´s no cliff-hanger (I hate those), and, though it started slowly, it built up quite a packed action at the end. The main characters (three friends) were well depicted, realistic, and the adults in the story were varied and well defined, too. All in all, I consider this book a very good reading for young adults, and has some interesting points of view on death and the after-life, that may give reason for group discussion after reading. I recommend it.
May 21, 2021
Blood Spells
Alicia Ellis
Blood Spells is a well-rounded, standalone YA Fantasy novel. Madison ‘Maddy’ Cooper is the one who finds her stepmother, Cora’s body in the bathtub – with her wrists slit – a mere thirty feet away from where Maddy was sleeping. Needless to say, she’s shocked & disturbed but she is also determined to find out the truth about Cora’s death. Obsessed with finding out the truth, Maddy undertakes a dangerous journey filled with magic, betrayal, & a lot of suspense. However, all the magic performed, has a price. Will Maddy be able to pay it?
The cover of the book is vibrant & will sure look good on everyone’s shelf. The title is apt as it clearly justifies the theme around which, the book is written. The book is written in first person from the perspective of Maddy, a 15 year old, unlicensed Blood Magic Practitioner. The book has a very interesting premise. The reader is dropped headfirst into the story & told to find their way through.
The entire story revolves around Maddy trying to find out the truth about her stepmom’s death & always endangering her friends due to her reckless decisions & obstinate personality. The story line was well paced. The start was a little slow but then the book picked up pace. The plot was also curiously entangled & every chapter brought the reader closer to the final reveal. The concept of the novel gets brownie points from my side. I liked how the author talks about the fact that when someone performs magic, they have to pay a price for it. It’s poetic & I loved it.
Talking about the characters, needless to say, I did not like Maddy. At all. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I hated her, but I didn’t like her. She was selfish, bratty, childish & only ever thought of herself. During the climax, when she was facing the ‘classic moral dilemma’, I wanted to enter the book & smack her across the face. On the other hand, Marshall & Lauren had my heart. They were such amazing friends to Maddy, even if sometimes she didn’t deserve it. Honestly, the scenes where Marshall gave Maddy a piece of his mind, was my favourite. Someone needed to give her a reality check. However, all the characters were fleshed out with an impressive prowess.
However, there were certain things which dimmed the brightness of the novel. I found that the writing style of the novel was a little rough. It didn’t really connect well with me. The world building is amazing but I couldn’t really imagine myself being a PART of the novel. It was all superficial for me. Also, I couldn’t really feel many emotions upon reading the book other than annoyance at Maddy.
Nonetheless, pushing aside these shortcomings, the novel was a beautiful read and I would recommend it to all the Fantasy fans whenever they feel done with the basic, clichéd Fantasy tropes.
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.”
Alicia Ellis
Blood Spells is a well-rounded, standalone YA Fantasy novel. Madison ‘Maddy’ Cooper is the one who finds her stepmother, Cora’s body in the bathtub – with her wrists slit – a mere thirty feet away from where Maddy was sleeping. Needless to say, she’s shocked & disturbed but she is also determined to find out the truth about Cora’s death. Obsessed with finding out the truth, Maddy undertakes a dangerous journey filled with magic, betrayal, & a lot of suspense. However, all the magic performed, has a price. Will Maddy be able to pay it?
The cover of the book is vibrant & will sure look good on everyone’s shelf. The title is apt as it clearly justifies the theme around which, the book is written. The book is written in first person from the perspective of Maddy, a 15 year old, unlicensed Blood Magic Practitioner. The book has a very interesting premise. The reader is dropped headfirst into the story & told to find their way through.
The entire story revolves around Maddy trying to find out the truth about her stepmom’s death & always endangering her friends due to her reckless decisions & obstinate personality. The story line was well paced. The start was a little slow but then the book picked up pace. The plot was also curiously entangled & every chapter brought the reader closer to the final reveal. The concept of the novel gets brownie points from my side. I liked how the author talks about the fact that when someone performs magic, they have to pay a price for it. It’s poetic & I loved it.
Talking about the characters, needless to say, I did not like Maddy. At all. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I hated her, but I didn’t like her. She was selfish, bratty, childish & only ever thought of herself. During the climax, when she was facing the ‘classic moral dilemma’, I wanted to enter the book & smack her across the face. On the other hand, Marshall & Lauren had my heart. They were such amazing friends to Maddy, even if sometimes she didn’t deserve it. Honestly, the scenes where Marshall gave Maddy a piece of his mind, was my favourite. Someone needed to give her a reality check. However, all the characters were fleshed out with an impressive prowess.
However, there were certain things which dimmed the brightness of the novel. I found that the writing style of the novel was a little rough. It didn’t really connect well with me. The world building is amazing but I couldn’t really imagine myself being a PART of the novel. It was all superficial for me. Also, I couldn’t really feel many emotions upon reading the book other than annoyance at Maddy.
Nonetheless, pushing aside these shortcomings, the novel was a beautiful read and I would recommend it to all the Fantasy fans whenever they feel done with the basic, clichéd Fantasy tropes.
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.”
May 20, 2021
I really like the world this story is set in and the way magic is portrayed. The story was a tad slow paced in the beginning for me but I am glad I stuck with it because it did pick up and held my attention
July 18, 2021
Great Story
I loved this story.. strong plot and planned scenes. I wish the story could continue so we can see main character certified
I loved this story.. strong plot and planned scenes. I wish the story could continue so we can see main character certified
April 27, 2021
Seeking the Truth . . .
Maddy’s parents are dead. Now two months after finding her stepmother’s corpse, Maddy is questioning whether her death was really a suicide. And she is still not convinced that it was. It made no sense. She is compelled to find the truth, no matter the cost. Because magic users like her stepmother don’t shed blood without a reason. So she begins her investigation, starting with small spells, such as finding lost objects or summoning dead people. But apparently that was enough to get the attention of a stranger who had an unexplained connection to her stepmother. He was also super-powerful. But no one would believe her if she told her suspicions to anyone. So she has to do it alone and must determine what she is willing to sacrifice – friends, freedom, or her life?
The world-building was impressive, and Maddy’s commitment was inspiring. Will she find the truth she seeks? Or will she lose everything?
Maddy’s parents are dead. Now two months after finding her stepmother’s corpse, Maddy is questioning whether her death was really a suicide. And she is still not convinced that it was. It made no sense. She is compelled to find the truth, no matter the cost. Because magic users like her stepmother don’t shed blood without a reason. So she begins her investigation, starting with small spells, such as finding lost objects or summoning dead people. But apparently that was enough to get the attention of a stranger who had an unexplained connection to her stepmother. He was also super-powerful. But no one would believe her if she told her suspicions to anyone. So she has to do it alone and must determine what she is willing to sacrifice – friends, freedom, or her life?
The world-building was impressive, and Maddy’s commitment was inspiring. Will she find the truth she seeks? Or will she lose everything?
April 26, 2021
Madison (Maddie) is unfortunately the one who discovers her stepmother's (Cora's) body, but she can't believe that Cora would do that. Did someone kill her or was it a suicide? There are heaps of changes for Madison, such as where she lives, luckily she has her good friend Lauren to help her, and maybe a new friend too. Madison has to know the answers, and the cost of magic will be high. Will Madison pay the price to find the answers? I loved this engrossing story, that just seemed to whip along, it had betrayal, suspense, mystery and enough angst to keep me happy. I loved Madison (even though she is a bit broken) and her friends, and sometimes Madison can be quite stubborn, but she cares about her friends and family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2021
Nice urban fantasy novel with Blood Magic, FBI like agents and kids who are too smart for their own good.
Good for anyone interested in modern magical stories, a diverse cast and a hint of mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good for anyone interested in modern magical stories, a diverse cast and a hint of mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2021
This is such a thrilling and amazing read. From the moment I started I got hooked on the story and kept wanting to know more. Really really enjoyed reading this.
April 14, 2021
Thank you Alicia Ellis for the ARC. (Sorry I didn't get this posted prior to release.)
This was an incredible, well-rounded stand alone YA fantasy novel. I thoroughly enjoyed riding along with Maddy as she discovered the truth. There is a considerable amount of character growth throughout the story and it ends perfectly.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it.
This was an incredible, well-rounded stand alone YA fantasy novel. I thoroughly enjoyed riding along with Maddy as she discovered the truth. There is a considerable amount of character growth throughout the story and it ends perfectly.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it.
April 15, 2021
Thoroughly entertaining YA story
5 stars for world-building, character development, suspense, fresh storyline and a satisfying conclusion.
Warning: The fair amount of gore in the story may be off-putting to some.
5 stars for world-building, character development, suspense, fresh storyline and a satisfying conclusion.
Warning: The fair amount of gore in the story may be off-putting to some.
June 19, 2021
*I was assigned this book for SPFBO7*
*TW - graphic suicide
Blood Spells caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting it to be what it turned out to be, and that’s a good thing. I expected a typical YA fantasy with lots of romance and teenager angst and a hunky guy who the girl pants over. What I got instead was a well-done whodunit, set in a very unique world, with deep themes of grief, loss, friendship, and a girl struggling with her identity.
The story is told from the first-person POV of Madison, a POC teenager who has lost her mom and dad. The book opens at a very graphic suicide. Maddy finds her stepmother with her wrists slashed, in a bathtub. Almost immediately, the reader is immersed in Maddy’s world turned upside down. She’s already lost her parents, and now she’s lost her stepmom, too. They had a loving relationship, and Maddy’s world is rocked. The reader gradually gets the sense that this world is modern, yet the existence of magic is a given. There is very little telling, which I appreciated. You experience the world as Maddy does - so some things are assumed.
The worldbuilding was done quite nicely. There are fault lines underground that house water, and inside these water lines live those who can practice magic. Also within these lines, magic messes with technology, making it almost unusable. Cars shut off, cell phones don’t work, especially the farther into the magic side you get. There are particles of magic that float within this boundary. Users create spells using their blood. Those who can practice magic are viewed with a healthy dose of fear, yet for the most part magic is seen as something to avoid unless you have the proper training. There is a Bureau that monitors magic users, and decides who can practice and who can’t, depending on their training. One spell, that of summoning the dead, is dangerous, and comes up quite often in this book.
Maddy strongly suspects her stepmother was murdered. The rest of the book is about how she and her two friends, Lauren and Marshall, investigate her death. Maddy is determined to figure out what is going on, and rushes headlong into it, putting herself and her friends at risk. What I found particularly different about this book than most YA books is that her friends push back on this erratic behavior instead of simply going along with Maddy’s often risky and irrational decisions. Marshall is often uncomfortable with Maddy’s illegal use of magic, challenging her on it. Lauren also challenges Maddy when she places their lives at risk, insisting to be treated with respect, and that her life matters. This theme of healthy friendship is played out throughout the book. Yes, Maddy’s friends are loyal and courageous. But they don’t let her walk all over them.
One theme I also found insightful was that of grief and loss. Maddy struggles with who she is now, apart from her parents and stepmother. She longs to summon them, and tries to a couple of times, providing a few powerful scenes of closure for Maddy as she gets to interact with the dead. She is better able to mourn them. It doesn’t make it easier for her - if anything, it’s harder for her - but the reader can’t blame her for wanting to see them again.
My only complaint with this book was the rushed and predictable ending. I don’t want to give anything away, but it ends exactly how I thought it would. Other than that, this was a good read, and fans of YA, urban fantasy, and strong themes are certain to enjoy it. This is perhaps one of the best YA books I’ve read in quite a while.
*This review originally published on Booknest.eu*
*TW - graphic suicide
Blood Spells caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting it to be what it turned out to be, and that’s a good thing. I expected a typical YA fantasy with lots of romance and teenager angst and a hunky guy who the girl pants over. What I got instead was a well-done whodunit, set in a very unique world, with deep themes of grief, loss, friendship, and a girl struggling with her identity.
The story is told from the first-person POV of Madison, a POC teenager who has lost her mom and dad. The book opens at a very graphic suicide. Maddy finds her stepmother with her wrists slashed, in a bathtub. Almost immediately, the reader is immersed in Maddy’s world turned upside down. She’s already lost her parents, and now she’s lost her stepmom, too. They had a loving relationship, and Maddy’s world is rocked. The reader gradually gets the sense that this world is modern, yet the existence of magic is a given. There is very little telling, which I appreciated. You experience the world as Maddy does - so some things are assumed.
The worldbuilding was done quite nicely. There are fault lines underground that house water, and inside these water lines live those who can practice magic. Also within these lines, magic messes with technology, making it almost unusable. Cars shut off, cell phones don’t work, especially the farther into the magic side you get. There are particles of magic that float within this boundary. Users create spells using their blood. Those who can practice magic are viewed with a healthy dose of fear, yet for the most part magic is seen as something to avoid unless you have the proper training. There is a Bureau that monitors magic users, and decides who can practice and who can’t, depending on their training. One spell, that of summoning the dead, is dangerous, and comes up quite often in this book.
Maddy strongly suspects her stepmother was murdered. The rest of the book is about how she and her two friends, Lauren and Marshall, investigate her death. Maddy is determined to figure out what is going on, and rushes headlong into it, putting herself and her friends at risk. What I found particularly different about this book than most YA books is that her friends push back on this erratic behavior instead of simply going along with Maddy’s often risky and irrational decisions. Marshall is often uncomfortable with Maddy’s illegal use of magic, challenging her on it. Lauren also challenges Maddy when she places their lives at risk, insisting to be treated with respect, and that her life matters. This theme of healthy friendship is played out throughout the book. Yes, Maddy’s friends are loyal and courageous. But they don’t let her walk all over them.
One theme I also found insightful was that of grief and loss. Maddy struggles with who she is now, apart from her parents and stepmother. She longs to summon them, and tries to a couple of times, providing a few powerful scenes of closure for Maddy as she gets to interact with the dead. She is better able to mourn them. It doesn’t make it easier for her - if anything, it’s harder for her - but the reader can’t blame her for wanting to see them again.
My only complaint with this book was the rushed and predictable ending. I don’t want to give anything away, but it ends exactly how I thought it would. Other than that, this was a good read, and fans of YA, urban fantasy, and strong themes are certain to enjoy it. This is perhaps one of the best YA books I’ve read in quite a while.
*This review originally published on Booknest.eu*
July 2, 2021
There are many things I liked about this book, but my favorite two are: the complex and well-balanced magic system and the outstanding character Maddy is.
It always bothers me when the cost of magic is blatantly ignored, especially in a society where nonmagical people coexist with magical folks. This kind of power must come at a cost, and in Blood Spells, the author portrays this balance perfectly without overwhelming the reader with explanations. Also, I don't think I've ever read a morally gray character so well written as Maddy. She's quite complex, and selfish without question. The amazing thing about her is that she's not selfish because she has to be for the sake of the plot, but because she had suffered such a painful streak of loss, no teenage girl could withstand it without losing some of her kindness. Even at her worst, you can't stop feeling she deserves to be a little self-centered; and her final, momentous decision is so rewarding because of her troubled journey.
This was a great read!
It always bothers me when the cost of magic is blatantly ignored, especially in a society where nonmagical people coexist with magical folks. This kind of power must come at a cost, and in Blood Spells, the author portrays this balance perfectly without overwhelming the reader with explanations. Also, I don't think I've ever read a morally gray character so well written as Maddy. She's quite complex, and selfish without question. The amazing thing about her is that she's not selfish because she has to be for the sake of the plot, but because she had suffered such a painful streak of loss, no teenage girl could withstand it without losing some of her kindness. Even at her worst, you can't stop feeling she deserves to be a little self-centered; and her final, momentous decision is so rewarding because of her troubled journey.
This was a great read!
June 14, 2021
'Blood Spells' by Alicia Ellis.
A high-tech urban YA fantasy that gave me serious 'Neuromancer' vibes... if Gibson wrote about a teen witch rather than a cyberpunk cowboy. Ellis' writing style is sharp and pulpy and perfect for this fast-paced, whodunit plot.
Ellis expertly weaves in themes of mental health and addidtion, strong maternal figures, the importance of self-preservation and SO many other poignant concepts. These layers made the reading experience all the more gripping and compelling.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
A high-tech urban YA fantasy that gave me serious 'Neuromancer' vibes... if Gibson wrote about a teen witch rather than a cyberpunk cowboy. Ellis' writing style is sharp and pulpy and perfect for this fast-paced, whodunit plot.
Ellis expertly weaves in themes of mental health and addidtion, strong maternal figures, the importance of self-preservation and SO many other poignant concepts. These layers made the reading experience all the more gripping and compelling.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
December 13, 2021
Oh my god it was so good! I'm a sucker for black urban fantasy murder mysteries and there aren't that many of them! I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, plot twist. It really had me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait to write a book just as good.
August 22, 2022
A very interesting mystery with good world building. I really like the main character and her friends.
June 15, 2023
Loved this spunky heroine! I really hope the author turns this into a series because I cannot wait to see what trouble Maddy gets herself into next!
July 9, 2023
Loved Maddy and Lauren and Marshall. A fast-paced story that sucked me in and hooked me till the end! I'm now an Alicia Ellis fan 😊
May 20, 2021
Big thanks to Allicia Ellis for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maddy is a blood which who is underage to legally perform blood magic. She finds her step mother dead, by apparent suicided. Maddy does not believe that this is true. There is no reason why her step mother would do that.... is there?
Maddy and her friends over step into a investigation to prove it wasn't suicide and find themselves dealing with very talented, and incredible blood witches who are able to do the impossible...
Overall I didn't hate the book. I think the story line was good but I HATED Maddy. She treated her friends terribly, literally putting their lives on the line and forcing them to do things they really don't want to do. She steals and coerces and there are no repercussions. She used them for car rides, literally stealing a car from them, she stole from them, from their parents and made them watch as she did illegal magic.
Maddy is a blood which who is underage to legally perform blood magic. She finds her step mother dead, by apparent suicided. Maddy does not believe that this is true. There is no reason why her step mother would do that.... is there?
Maddy and her friends over step into a investigation to prove it wasn't suicide and find themselves dealing with very talented, and incredible blood witches who are able to do the impossible...
Overall I didn't hate the book. I think the story line was good but I HATED Maddy. She treated her friends terribly, literally putting their lives on the line and forcing them to do things they really don't want to do. She steals and coerces and there are no repercussions. She used them for car rides, literally stealing a car from them, she stole from them, from their parents and made them watch as she did illegal magic.
April 19, 2021
“I’d performed summonings, so I knew how seductive death could be. The way it called to you and promised you peace and comfort, no more pain.”
Despite the evidence, Maddy doesn’t believe her stepmother committed suicide. Even though it’s forbidden, Maddy refuses to stop using blood magic to find out the truth. Yet, her investigation may put her and her loved ones in danger.
I adored the world building in this young adult urban fantasy novel, particularly how the cost of a spell is extracted by the universe. Maddy makes a great lead. She’s tenacious and talented, ready to do whatever it takes to understand what happened to her stepmother. I’m really hoping Ellis turns this into a series. I want more of these characters and world.
Despite the evidence, Maddy doesn’t believe her stepmother committed suicide. Even though it’s forbidden, Maddy refuses to stop using blood magic to find out the truth. Yet, her investigation may put her and her loved ones in danger.
I adored the world building in this young adult urban fantasy novel, particularly how the cost of a spell is extracted by the universe. Maddy makes a great lead. She’s tenacious and talented, ready to do whatever it takes to understand what happened to her stepmother. I’m really hoping Ellis turns this into a series. I want more of these characters and world.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews