Wildblood is the story of a girl from the jungle. Victoria was kidnapped when she was six by cruel bosses at the Exotic Lands Touring Company. She is forced to take tourists through the dangerous jungle- lethal to everyone except her and those with magic in their blood. When a gold-miner books the company to go to the heart of the jungle, Victoria instantly knows it is a bad idea. The jungle does not allow itself to be invaded. With her ex as the tour leader, Victoria will need to work harder than ever to keep her found family and the gold-miner safe as she decides what she truly wants. 

Lauren Blackwood has done it again! Wildblood is her second book and it is just as enchanting as her debut. In the sentient jungle, lost souls roam, and the jungle punishes those who invade. River Mumma was such a mysterious and vigilant presence in the jungle. I loved learning about her enigmatic relationship with Victoria. Outside of the jungle and its creatures that love her, Victoria is surrounded with found family who she will do anything to protect. Dean, Victoria’s ex, is a volatile and demanding presence who once betrayed Victoria unimaginably. Even so, I appreciated how thoughtfully Blackwood navigated their tense and toxic relationship. 

My favorite character (besides Victoria) was undoubtedly the sentient jungle!! Blackwood describes it with spine-chilling horror and beauty. The perfect example is the Bloody Lady: a pretty and poisonous butterfly. As the tour group processes further into the jungle, every instinct in readers will be to flee in the opposite direction. I wish I could see visual art of some of the spooky creatures that haunt the trees, especially Biggsy! 

Wildblood is a haunting, atmospheric, and vivid adventure. I would highly recommend it! I can’t wait to see what Lauren Blackwood writes next. Thank you to Lauren Blackwood, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.