Blood Like Magic
Written by Liselle Sambury
Narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic. The problem is, she’s never been in love—she’ll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him.
After years of waiting for her Calling—a trial every witch must pass to come into their powers—the one thing Voya Thomas didn’t expect was to fail. When Voya’s ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance to complete her Calling, she agrees—and then is horrified when her task is to kill her first love. And this time, failure means every Thomas witch will be stripped of their magic.
Voya is determined to save her family’s magic no matter the cost. The problem is, Voya has never been in love, so for her to succeed, she’ll first have to find the perfect guy—and fast. Fortunately, a genetic matchmaking program has just hit the market. Her plan is to join the program, fall in love, and complete her task before the deadline. What she doesn’t count on is being paired with the infuriating Luc—how can she fall in love with a guy who seemingly wants nothing to do with her?
With mounting pressure from her family, Voya is caught between her morality and her duty to her bloodline. If she wants to save their heritage and Luc, she’ll have to find something her ancestor wants more than blood. And in witchcraft, blood is everything.
Liselle Sambury
Liselle Sambury is the Trinidadian Canadian author of the Governor General’s Literary Awards Finalist Blood Like Magic, Blood Like Fate, Tender Beasts, and A Mastery of Monsters. Her work spans multiple genres, from fantasy to sci-fi, horror, and more. In her free time, she shares helpful tips for upcoming writers and details of her publishing journey through a YouTube channel dedicated to demystifying the sometimes complicated business of being an author.
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Reviews for Blood Like Magic
429 ratings27 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be a mostly positive read. They appreciate the interesting characters, the representation of Caribbean heritage, and the well-written story. Some reviewers had minor issues with certain aspects, such as unfinished plot points and predictable endings. However, overall, readers enjoyed the book and are excited for the sequel. The book deals with important issues and provides a balanced and honest portrayal of family relationships. It is recommended for young adults and adults alike.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great characters and story line. I was definitely surprised at the end.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I think the author did a fantastic job writing this book. And as much as adult me got so irritated with Vo, you’re reminded that she’s only 16. And when you’re that age you see the world differently. She did an amazing job of painting that narrative as well. And I love how she aged Granny, it seemed to me, a very realistic take on how our generation will age and be. Great listen and great voice actor.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I loved this book but omg I freaking hate Voya? she really pissed me off when she made her decision.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I really enjoyed this book. I don’t typically read fantasy but I’m definitely gonna read book 2!
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Very very good book. Please heed the trigger warns though.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5YAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
I loved EVERYTHING about this book. The cooking, the roots (Trini and Southern). The familial love and support. Caribana: the dancing, the music, the costumes. The culture. AND . . . The WITCHES!!!!!! Who doesn't like the idea of witches!
I loved EVERYTHING about this story and I'm excited about book 2.
5 stars1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Soooooo good! Like amazingly good. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend Blood Like Water to YAs and Adults.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Girrrrrl, I wasn't ready for this book . But it was worth it. I was torn up about behind the whole thing. That is a lot of pressure to have carry as a teenager. This book deals with a lot of issues that face our community and those that we have to deal with as individuals and as a member of a family. I was balanced out lovely. Yes book 2 please.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Great narrator but i didn't like the story as much ?
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I really liked it. Voya’s lamenting got on my nerves sometimes but it was overall a great read.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is my second book series of this genre and I loved it. The storyline kept my attention! I was truly invested.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Honestly really enjoyed this, there were some moments I cringed, but I overall really liked the story and plot
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is the BEST book you’ll ever read! Very well written. I read the whole thing and now I’m so obsessed that I wanted it on audio as well. The story is amazing and the author has already said there will be a sequel! I’m so excited I can barely contain myself. It’s been awhile since I’ve been so excited about a book before! Read it, you won’t regret it ?
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Intriguing, well written, and gripping. I couldn't put it down!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Thoroughly enjoyed this! I fell in love with the characters, the magic system and futuristic elements were awesome, and the story has so much heart. Really refreshing to see such good quality representation of a range of identities too! Will definitely be looking out for more books by Sambury
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I did not expect this book to feel so visceral. The solemn ending left me so heartbroken and that's when you know its a good read
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5The last three hours were painful to listen to. The book was ok until the last part, the decisions of the protagonist dont make any sense and I really started to dislike her.
The ending was way too long and I couldn’t wait to be done with the book and with Voya. For someone who suposedly cares so much about her family, She made terrible choices for them. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Not giving five stars just yet. I feel like there was an unfinished part regarding Case. Was Voya able to fix what she did to Case with her gifts?
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The mc was interesting. I loved Luc. But some things don't add up. All miscommunication tropes are boring and frustrating. Also it's OK to not know what to do with your life at 16 yo... A lot of conflicts and heartbreaks could have easily been prevented.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This journey was... Indescribable. Absolutely loved the narrator. Loved everything!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book ? kept me on the edge of my seat in the end. Very good ?
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Best book you will ever read. I am In love
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This is set in a wonderful future world with ancestral magic woven into the fabric of Voya's family life. She's almost 16 and now only has to pass a task from the ancestors to receive her magic.
Unfortunately, her task requires she destroy her first love.
I really enjoyed the complex family relationships and the connection to their ancestors. It wasn't perfect but honest and full of love. Well written and I will definitely look for the next book. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It was long but pretty good. Had to take a break for a few days then come back to it. It's a good book. Worth the read
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Good coming of age story, of a girl finding her strength. Slightly, predictable ending.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great book overall. I love how the theme of family was handled and how their Caribbean heritage was interwoven in their story. The protagonist is an imperfect one but she's only 16 so it is believable. I did not enjoy the treatment of Case as a character. Her treatment was cruel and feels unfinished.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Interested and different. I enjoyed it and I wonder what will happen next.