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Book Review of Daughter of the Blood (Black Jewels, Bk 1)

Daughter of the Blood (Black Jewels, Bk 1)
fyrefairy54 avatar reviewed on + 13 more book reviews


DAUGHTER OF THE BLOOD is the beginning of a trilogy, of a work where dark power holds sway, and the heroes/heroines struggle hard against corrupted Witches, Warlords, and their minions. It begins with a prophecy of a child, the Dark Queen-to-be, of two troubled men, their ancient, canny father, and a loathsome secret...and a child destined to turn all of this around.
Jaenelle Angelline is that child. Misunderstood, lonely beyond bearing, angry, troubled, and strangely powerful, this child faces enemies she doesn't even know she has. The Warlord Prince Daemon, and his brother each find her the Queen they long for--but the battle to save this child is an uphill one, full pitfalls...
This novel is not for those looking for light fantasy. There are themes and emotions here that are violent, including rape. Still, the story is well-told, the world Anne Bishop creates deeply affecting and powerfully written, and it really speaks to one question: how do you cope with pervasive evil? How do you help a child in danger?
If the reader follows through and reads the trilogy, these questions--in the context of this world--can be answered.
Jaenelle's answer is one of love and self-sacrifice. This book is only the beginning of the heavy price she pays to bring her world around.
it is a story well worth the reader's time.