A review by telamcgrupp
Grievar's Blood by Alexander Darwin

5.0

I absolutely loved the first book in this series and minus some minor editing mistakes, this one was no different.

The story doesn't pick up right where it was left off, but we sort of get a clue as to where a certain character from book one is in that opening scene. There are returning characters, Cego, Sol, Dozer, Knees and friends. Also Menmon, who I am glad we got to know better in this book. Murray is largely missing, but his presences still looms large.

We travel farther in this book and the world building is wonderful. Learning more mythos, a glimpse as to how things became the way they are (is it reliable?), And even an introduction to Silas' POV, one of Cego's brothers if you forget from Combat Codes. Silas is not just a ruthless killer, he has heart, he's fighting for something he believes in, and it turns out he's powerful on his own accord - and that's what he is fighting for.

The Damiyo are an interesting group who rely on stims and enhancements to live their lives the way they do, and understanding their world more makes this book fly by. Seeing Cego's struggles Silas' heart, Sol try and understand her father - and the introduction of new characters who didn't feel one dimensional all made this a 4.5 star read for me. I can't wait to see how it all comes together in the end. This world is brutal, it's full of heart, a touch of fantastical, and even some sci-fi - it's a coming of age tale of underground revolution, brotherhood, and growth.