A review by charvi_not_just_fiction
Blood Price by Nicole Evans

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 
Blood Price is a powerful and riveting story inspired by Norse mythology and it immediately sucked me in. We are first introduced to Ashilde in the forest as she watches the back of her friend and partner. It's immediately clear that Ash is a fierce warrior who will leave no stone unturned to protect her tribe and found family. And yet she's also constantly at war with her mind which is always telling her that she's a failure and can never be good enough. 

I knew I was going to love Ashilde because how could you not? She's such a determined and persevering character who truly just wants the best for her people. Ashilde is about to be named her tribe's Faethegnar: a warrior who will protect them all. Except her ceremony gets interrupted and all the hunters of their tribe are killed, forcing her to embark on a journey to get help from other tribes and journey to their gods before their goddess Rota smites them all for missing a holy offering. 

The world-building in this book is just chef's kiss. 

I mean, the idea of a power system revolving around women's monthly bleeding cycles? The execution was as thrilling as the concept! 

My journey into the world of Armadin was just seamless. It was so exciting to immerse myself in a queernormative world of matriarchy, where only women who have their menstrual cycles can kill and hunt for their tribe. I think the author does a great job of leading us into Ashilde's world and introducing us to the Slatra and her people. 

I loved all the characters in this book! Davyn and Anora especially have my heart - they're both such sweethearts. All the side-characters in this book are just the most lovely and supportive people you can come across and they will absolutely steal your heart. And speaking of companions, Ieka (the raven) and Funnakin (the wolf) aren't far behind. I always love reading about animal companions in stories and the bond between the four journeying characters was something special <3 

The story weaves in themes of power imbalance, thirst for revenge and justice, a healthy dose of questioning the gods, found family, anxiety, guilt and perseverance. 

At its core this book is about Ashilde's thirst for answers that she demands of her gods who want unwavering faith and yet don't seem to care for their loyal people, making decisions that don't make any sense. All that drives her is the love she has for her tribe and its people and the fierce desire to protect them. 

I absolutely loved the ending - it gave me all the answers I desired and then some more! But also I cannot wait to read more stories in this world?! I'm so attached to all the characters in this story and I need more tidbits about them living happily ever after <3 

All in all, this is a beautiful and refreshing piece of work. If you enjoy fantasy books and are especially fond of the female rage trope this would be the perfect story for you!