Blood Like Magic
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | June 15, 2021 |
| Founder | Liselle Sambury |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Young adult science fiction novel |
| Parent | Simon & Schuster |
Blood Like Magic is a 2021 young adult science fiction novel authored by Trinidadian Canadian writer Liselle Sambury. This debut work was released on 15 June 2021 through Margaret K. McElderry Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. The narrative centers on Voya, a teenager confronted with the daunting task of ending the life of her first love in order to preserve her family's magical heritage.
Plot
Taking place in Toronto in the year 2049, the story follows Voya Thomas, who is called upon by her ancestors to prove herself worthy of magic. To prevent disgrace and exile for rejecting her destiny, her ancestor Mama Jova compels her to witness Mama Jova’s execution as a slave and imposes a strict ultimatum: Voya must kill her first love within thirty days or forfeit her family's magical legacy. As Voya develops a connection with Luc, the person she is meant to eliminate, she uncovers hidden truths about her family that cause her to reevaluate her assigned mission.
Reception
Critics responded favorably to the novel, which was listed among the most eagerly awaited books of 2021. Locus Magazine commended it as a "story that integrates technological progress while fully immersing readers in magic." Culturess emphasized its innovative combination of varied cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities as both refreshing and essential. Kirkus Reviews described it as "a revitalizing addition to the genre that will captivate its audience."
The book earned nominations for the 2021 Governor General's Award in English-language children's literature and the 2022 Amy Mathers Teen Book Award presented by the Canadian Children's Book Centre.