A review by gabbiest
Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith

5.0

Bloodleaf gripped me from the beginning and didn't let go until I'd survived to the end with it's endearing narrator, Princess Aurelia of Renalt. I didn't know what to expect with this book after standing in line for an hour with my friend to receive an ARC at Yallfest, but I can say that it was worth the wait. Aurelia is a strong female lead who isn't ashamed of her penchant for blood magic, practicing and learning in secret while a political group in her country aims to destroy anyone who is accused of being a witch. Crystal Smith weaves a tale of political intrigue, lore, friendship, and magic that has earned a top spot as one of my favorite books I've read this year, and I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy to see where Aurelia's story goes next.


**I received this book as a free ARC from the publisher, however the review is 100% my own opinion**