Wildblood
Steamy romantic fantasy explores colonialism in the jungle.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Wildblood is an alternate history set in 1893 Jamaica. Author Lauren Blackwood (Within These Wicked Walls) concocts an adventure in the jungle with a young woman who can turn bodily fluids into weapons. Lots of violence and frank discussion of sex and sexual assault. Characters are killed in many ways -- having their souls stolen, their throats slit, drowned by river spirits. There's some strong language: "hell," "damn," "ass."
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
As WILDBLOOD opens, 18-year-old Victoria, kidnapped at age 6, serves as a guide for the Exotic Lands Touring Company, where a simple mistake in the jungle can lead to a horrific death. She's supposed to make sure another guide -- a former lover named Dean -- gets the credit for the trip's success. She's thrown for a loop when she meets the client, Laertes Thorn, who declares his romantic interest in her from the first second he sees her.
Is It Any Good?
Jamaica is an underused fantasy setting, and this complex jungle adventure sizzles. Lauren Blackwood gifts Wildblood with a strong protagonist, Victoria, and pits her against all kinds of supernatural menaces -- from river spirits to lethal butterflies. Victoria and Thorn jump right into a swoony romance, before having to make unimaginable sacrifices at the climax. All in all, an impressive second novel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Wildblood presents an alternate history for Jamaica. How does Victoria, the main character, exemplify compassion, courage, and curiosity?
How did colonialism affect the Caribbean in the 1800s? How does it history shape the country today?
How people heal from sexual assault? What kinds of support are available to them?
Book Details
- Author: Lauren Blackwood
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Great Girl Role Models, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Wednesday Books
- Publication date: February 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: March 2, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Book of Living Secrets
Spunky teen time travelers get lost in a good bad book.
-
Nubia: The Awakening
African teen superheroes saga aims high, delivers.
-
Go Hunt Me
Teens confront killer in clever, twisty horror thriller.
For kids who love adventure and romance
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate