Blood Debts is the gripping, magical debut from Terry J. Benton-Walker. This is a story filled with emotion, multi-generational family, and strong ancestors. I appreciated the way that mental health is highlighted and de-stigmatized, especially with the use of medication and therapy when needed. There is excellent LGBTQ+ rep throughout the story and not just with the main characters. There is a large cast of secondary characters, who felt richly fleshed-out and meaningful to the main story. The tangled bonds and broken relationships in their family seemed very realistic and also really made me curious about what had caused the rifts between the sisters. Benton-Walker does a masterful job of bringing all the threads together as the story reaches a crescendo. 

Blood Debts incorporates real-life legends and traditions, while always honoring where they came from. The magic system is built with complexity and care. Cris was one of my favorite characters! I loved her relationship with Clem because I knew they would always be there for each other no matter what. Cris goes on an intense and at times painful journey in this book; I really enjoyed watching her step back into her power and reclaim her voice. Cris, Clem, and their family are faced with difficult choices when it comes to reclaiming the power they’ve lost and must make morally gray choices. 

Benton-Walker does an incredible job with pacing, whenever I had to pause in the story, I could not stop thinking about it and wondering what might come next. I cannot wait for the story to continue!! I would recommend Blood Debts for fans of Liselle Sambury (Blood Like Magic), Tracy Deonn (Legendborn), and Kalynn Bayron (This Poison Heart). Readers who enjoy urban fantasy, complex magic systems, and bewitching characters will love this book. 

Thank you to Terry J. Benton-Walker, Tor Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.