Book Review: "Blood Magic" by Tessa Gratton

Title: Blood Magic

Author: Tessa Gratton

Publisher: Random House

ISBN, PUB Date: 978-0375867330, May 24, 2011

Reviewed by: Jennifer Shaw for Author Exposure

Perusing your local bookstore shelves, you can definitely see that the paranormal genre is a focal point in the literary world. Finding a good paranormal read can be a daunting task. Look no further because Gratton has produced a satisfying novel that will surely please. Blood Magic offers more adventure than is typical for this genre, giving the reader a lot to gnaw on as the plot unfolds. Gratton’s Blood Magic is a twisting tale that unfolds in layers, as the characters’ journey into the world of blood magic progresses. From the moment the main character, Silla, receives a book of spells written by her father, the intensity increases, giving birth to a fantastic and mysterious adventure. Silla is lured into the world of magic, learning much more than how to cast a spell. There are so many levels to this novel that you can easily get sucked into the characters’ lives, personalities, and the world of blood magic.

The novel is told from several points of view, which can be unsatisfying for some readers. As the point of view shifts from Silla Kenicott to her neighbor, Nick Pardee, you feel the intensity of their personalities take hold of the story, sucking you in to each and every detail of the twisting plotline. The third point of view is told from an unusual, yet intriguing source—a diary from the early 1900s. This viewpoint was as enthralling as the present-day adventure (and in some cases even more so). The detailed descriptions of the time period were vivid and realistic, adding a dramatic quality to an already intense story. Jumping back and forth between the journal entries and the present-day story was fantastic; Gratton gives you just enough of one before dropping you into the other, keeping you on the edge of your seat and begging for more. The climatic intersecting of the parallel storylines is a moment that is both shocking and unbelievable.

Overall, I found Blood Magic to be a mesmerizing read that is a fitting for both young adults and adults alike. This dark, mysterious, and gripping tale definitely stands out from the others in its genre. There are moments that are not for the faint of heart, but these moments are rare and last mere seconds. Readers that enjoy a gripping tale filled with magic, mystery, and adventure will definitely enjoy Gratton’s debut novel. Blood Magic is the first book in The Blood Journals series. More please!