I thought the premise for this one was really intriguing. Read what I thought below...
(Blood Oath #1)
by Amanda McCrina
by Amanda McCrina
YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, 329 Pages
April 25th 2017 by Month9Books
Summary
Nineteen-year-old Torien Risto has seen dissidents dealt with before. He knows the young local girl who just knifed him will hang for assaulting an Imperial officer, unless he can stop it.
Someone inside the provincial government is kidnapping Imperial citizens and selling them across the desert to the salt mines, silencing anyone who tries to intervene. The girl’s brother is one of those who has been taken. Rejected by the corrupt courts, she’s waging a personal war against the Empire.
Determined to save her life, Torien sets out in search of answers on the Salt Road, the ancient trade route running deep into the heart of a desert—territory claimed by the hostile Mayaso tribe.
Now, Torien is no longer sure where his own loyalty lies, or how far he will go to break the cycle of tyranny, political bullying, and social injustice in an empire that seals its borders in blood.
You can read an excerpt HERE.
You can read an excerpt HERE.
(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)
My Review
BLOOD ROAD was an intense read from beginning to end. The story was steeped in historical comparisons, such as comparing the setting to Ancient Rome or Italy, making it easy to envision. Torien is a hero who is easy to cheer on, but also deserving of the title. His is a story of heartbreak, friendship, suffering, loyalty, and a fight for what he believes to be right. A riveting tale!
I've always been pulled to tales where there is a stark contrast between good and evil. The corruption and injustice prevalent in this story definitely asked for a hero who equally was ready to fight for the opposite. Torien definitely had quite a challenge, but I knew from the beginning that he would follow through and fight to the end. What a rather gruesome and bloody fight it was. I appreciate that the author wasn't even more descriptive and didn't drag the gory parts, which made it readable for me.
There were a few places where I was lost. This story moves fast. It is a serious page-turner. Everything worked for me and came across as very authentic, but I didn't always figure out exactly who everyone was right away or how a scene was playing out. I'm sure to the author, everyone and everything was solidified in her mind, but as a reader, she lost me in a few spots. I will say that regardless, I still could follow along for the most part.
As I said, the story was intense. I have quite a few unanswered questions, especially as it ended a little abruptly, and I know there will be more blood split before this series is over. I'm hoping that I'll get to know some of the characters better who were briefly introduced in this first book. I felt like there was quite a bit of backstory that I'm still missing and I'm curious to see what exactly that is.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This one definitely held my attention, brought out some feels, and left me wanting more. I would recommend it to those who enjoy their stories on the more violent side, with a fairly clear path for the hero, and a strong aspect of political and civil unrest.
Content: Quite a bit of violence, some of it quite gruesome, and some brief innuendo.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Rockstar Book Tours, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
I've always been pulled to tales where there is a stark contrast between good and evil. The corruption and injustice prevalent in this story definitely asked for a hero who equally was ready to fight for the opposite. Torien definitely had quite a challenge, but I knew from the beginning that he would follow through and fight to the end. What a rather gruesome and bloody fight it was. I appreciate that the author wasn't even more descriptive and didn't drag the gory parts, which made it readable for me.
There were a few places where I was lost. This story moves fast. It is a serious page-turner. Everything worked for me and came across as very authentic, but I didn't always figure out exactly who everyone was right away or how a scene was playing out. I'm sure to the author, everyone and everything was solidified in her mind, but as a reader, she lost me in a few spots. I will say that regardless, I still could follow along for the most part.
As I said, the story was intense. I have quite a few unanswered questions, especially as it ended a little abruptly, and I know there will be more blood split before this series is over. I'm hoping that I'll get to know some of the characters better who were briefly introduced in this first book. I felt like there was quite a bit of backstory that I'm still missing and I'm curious to see what exactly that is.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This one definitely held my attention, brought out some feels, and left me wanting more. I would recommend it to those who enjoy their stories on the more violent side, with a fairly clear path for the hero, and a strong aspect of political and civil unrest.
Content: Quite a bit of violence, some of it quite gruesome, and some brief innuendo.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Rockstar Book Tours, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
About the Author
Amanda McCrina has studied in Italy, taught English in Japan, and currently tutors Latin in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her BA in History from the University of West Georgia, and is now pursuing her MA. She writes stories that incorporate her love of history, languages, and world travel. She drinks far too much coffee and dreams of one day having a winning fantasy-hockey season.
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