Wildblood

I was not expecting the romance on this book and was not a fan of it. I found the magic really interesting and wish the author would have leaned into that and building that out more. I also found the relationships between Victoria and her crew mates interesting and very complicated.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

Actual review closer to 3.5 stars. Even though I read this one sitting I felt it was lacking something for me. The world building was great but I feel like there wasn't much for the characters.

Rating: 4.5⭐️ rounded up

This is the second book I read by this author, and I am once again amazed by how she weaves folklore and trauma together to create deeply meaningful stories. If you get into this book as a fantasy romance, you might be disappointed, because it isn't really that. This is a story about racism, colorism, ecotourism, colonialism, trauma and healing with fantastical elements that were inspired by Jamaican folklore and a sprinkle of romance that is mostly there as a vehicle for the MC.

Most of the negative reviews I've seen of this book couldn't look past the weak romance, because it's insta love, and a little cheesy/unbelievable at times. However, IMO, romance is not the point of this at all. Thorn's love helps support her when she really needs it, helps her find her strength, and helps her heal, but it is not supposed to be the greatest deepest love of her life, that is the jungle. Though what I did really appreciate about Thorn was how fully he trusted her and gave her space to be the powerful badass Wildblood she is.

The jungle was probably my favorite part of this world, with its ghosts, deadly animals and a siren-like river spirit. I loved the bond between the jungle, its inhabitants and Victoria. I could read a whole separate cozy fantasy book set in this jungle.

Victoria is a great MC, she is strong willed, loving, selfless and powerful. She's trying to survive in a brutal world. Her abusive boss, and ex best friend force her on an excursion that goes against everything she knows is right, but she also believes this is the only way to get those she loves a better life. Throughout this excursion, there are times you just want her to destroy every human, but her vengeance is more nuanced, as she's trying to figure out where her moral lines lie. Her character development is beautiful to see from beginning to end, seeing her be able to assert herself, fully embrace her badassery, and heal at least some of her trauma in the process.

The other Wildbloods were very nuanced characters as well. All having gone through similar trauma, it's difficult to put them in a box of good guy or bad guy, really making you feel the dilemma that Victoria is put in at times that she holds their fate in her hands.

That ending!! The ending completely makes this book. Everything I was unsure about while reading was wrapped up meaningfully at the end. It was beautiful and a little sad. But it was the best ending this book could have had, the one I would want for Victoria.

I found this book impossible to put down, with so many emotional, meaningful and gripping moments, I read it in one sitting. However it's also not an easy read, it tackles a lot of deep and heavy issues, (you might want to check the CWs before reading).

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

Wildblood is going to be a hit or miss for lovers of fantasy. On the one hand you have beautiful, immersive writing and on the other a romance that overtakes the story.

Not having read this author before, I was pleasantly surprised by the writing, setting and story. I absolutely LOVE the jungle setting with spirits, trees, insects and all manner of beings that we get glimpses of. I also love Victoria although I wish I got a deeper insight into her character.

The story itself was interesting until it turned into more of a love story rather than saying on track with the expedition and the treacherous journey through the jungle. I wish it stayed more on topic instead of veering so far away from it. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a love story but it felt out of place to me here.

That being said, I enjoyed this one overall and would recommend for fans of fantasy and romance. There are some very dark and tough topics with this one, so readers should look into this one before venturing into it.

I sincerely appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

More of a 3.5 rounded to 4.