Wildblood

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.