Blood Like Magic

Starred review from April 26, 2021
Afro-futurism meets urban fantasy in this strong YA debut. Descended from a long line of powerful Black witches and having just started her Bleeding, 16-year-old Voya Thomas anxiously plans for the Calling that will follow, an ancestor-given trial that she must pass in order to inherit magic. A Thomas hasn’t failed in 100 years, but Voya worries nonetheless. To pass a Calling, one must make the correct choice between two decisions—something Voya has notorious difficulty with. Her concerns threaten to become reality when she receives the most impossible task ever known to witches, one with equally unheard of consequences: if Voya does not destroy her first love in one month, all current and future Thomases will lose their magic. Voya’s one desire is to help her family, but she’s never been in love, and she doesn’t want to take a life. As her family tries to find loopholes around committing murder, Voya stumbles across an ancestor she’s never heard of, whom the adults insist on pretending doesn’t exist. Sambury blends technology and fantasy to create a detailed world that’s both futuristic and magical. Featuring a cast of BIPOC and queer characters of all ages, this novel focuses on familial love, individual desires, and making choices that will lead to the greatest good. Ages 14–up. Agent: Kristy Hunter, the Knight Agency.

August 19, 2022

Gr 9 Up-Voya's family has a long history with magic: everyone is charged with a task before their individual gifts are bestowed by their ancestors. Voya's task is killing her first love before the end of the month or her family will lose their magic and her sister will lose her life. She has never had a boyfriend, until she is matched with someone in a new genetic relationship matching program. Their first meeting is a disaster, but Voya knows she must fall in love with him so she can eventually kill him, though she and her family hope to find a loophole. Set a few decades in the future in Toronto, genetics and gene manipulation are commonplace while magic is still hidden from the general society. The magical and scientific worlds seamlessly blend together. Characters are well developed, with side-characters having thoughtful backstories. Cousins of Voya identify as trans and queer, which is more accepted in this future society, though one points out that there is still work to do. History of BIPOC people being treated differently is also addressed. Voya, who is Black, says things are better but there are still times when skin color affects how people are treated. The book includes an officer-involved shooting and death of an unarmed Black man. Veteran YA voice actor Joniece Abbott-Pratt provides excellent narration throughout, giving each character a distinct voice that resonates with their personal traits. Unresolved conflicts expertly set readers up for a follow-up book. VERDICT A good addition to YA audiobook collections and an excellent choice for students who enjoy urban fantasy or a bit of sci-fi combined with their fantasy.-Courtney Pentland

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