Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting, suspenseful fantasy has mystery, magic, romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BLOOD DEBTS, magical twin heirs, Clem and Cris Trudeau, discover someone has tried to use a hex curse to kill their mother, Marie. This begins their investigation into the 30-year-old murder of their grandmother, Cristine, which caused enormous pain and strife within the family and among magical and non-magical communities in New Orleans. Along the way, they will face trials and tribulations while making new friends and allies in their quest to prove their grandmother's innocence and settle unresolved debts once and for all.
Is It Any Good?
The book is a thrilling and entertaining story for teen fantasy fans. Terry J. Benton-Walker's stellar writing explores the effects of a family who are suffering from intergenerational trauma, and the lengths they go to clear their name and reclaim their rightful place among the magic community. Blood Debts also has nuanced discussions of being unapologetically queer, confronting racism and division, and finding empowerment within oneself.
The characters are truly special in this engrossing narrative. Twins Cris and Clem Trudeau make a formidable truth-seeking team. Clem wants to see his family reunited and is also exploring his sexuality with other boys. His sister Cris once loved magic until a fatal accident in the family resulted in her reluctance to practice it at all. They are both willing to end the bickering between themselves and the family to solve the mystery behind their wrongfully disgraced legacy. The twins are easy to root for as they bravely attempt to right the wrongs of their dark, blurry past. Fans of Harry Potter and A Game of Thrones will find this book about unraveling a family mystery steeped in deceit and racism incredibly compelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Blood Debts is an adventure-mystery about a family trying to heal and reclaim their lost heritage. What are some stories you know about your family heritage?
The setting of the book is in New Orleans. What about New Orleans makes the story feel magical?
In the book, Clem and Cris work together as a team to solve the family mystery. How do the siblings contribute differently to their search for the truth? Have you ever teamed up with a sibling or friend to try to solve a mystery?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Tor Teen
- Publication date : April 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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