The Blood Trials

Written by N. E. Davenport

Narrated by Jeanette Illidge

Blending fantasy and science fiction, N. E. Davenport’s fast-paced, action-packed debut kicks off a duology of loyalty and rebellion, in which a young Black woman must survive deadly trials in a racist and misogynistic society to become an elite warrior.

It’s all about blood.

The blood spilled between the Republic of Mareen and the armies of the Blood Emperor long ago. The blood gifts of Mareen’s deadliest enemies. The blood that runs through the elite War Houses of Mareen, the rulers of the Tribunal dedicated to keeping the republic alive.

The blood of the former Legatus, Verne Amari, murdered.

For his granddaughter, Ikenna, the only thing steady in her life was the man who had saved Mareen. The man who had trained her in secret, not just in martial skills, but in harnessing the blood gift that coursed through her.

Who trained her to keep that a secret.

But now there are too many secrets, and with her grandfather assassinated, Ikenna knows two things: that only someone on the Tribunal could have ordered his death, and that only a Praetorian Guard could have carried out that order.

Bent on revenge as much as discovering the truth, Ikenna pledges herself to the Praetorian Trials—a brutal initiation that only a quarter of the aspirants survive. She subjects herself to the racism directed against her half-Khanaian heritage and the misogyny of a society that cherishes progeny over prodigy, all while hiding a power that—if found out—would subject her to execution…or worse. Ikenna is willing to risk it all because she needs to find out who murdered her grandfather…and then she needs to kill them.

Mareen has been at peace for a long time…

Ikenna joining the Praetorians is about to change all that.

Magic and technology converge in the first part of this stunning debut duology, where loyalty to oneself—and one’s blood—is more important than anything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Apr 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063058514

N. E. Davenport

N. E. Davenport is the science fiction/fantasy author of The Blood Trials and its sequel, The Blood Gift. She attended the University of Southern California and studied biological sciences and theatre arts. She also has an M.A. in secondary education. She teaches English and biology to amazing students. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys vacationing with her family, skiing, and being a huge foodie. She’s an advocate for diverse perspectives and protagonists in literature. You can find her on Twitter or on Instagram, where she talks about bingeworthy TV, killer movies, and great books. She lives in Texas with her husband and kids.

Reviews for The Blood Trials

[Becca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

4.5 stars
It was adventurous with a little mystery a bit of sex. It was fun whilst discussing racism & sexism. & there was magic. I think this would be great as a movie.

[Shellan Ward · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I need book 2 expeditiously! This book was such a pleasant surprise. It has everything you need in a good sci-fi fantasy ya book. An amazing, let me repeat, AN AMAZING main character. An intriguing overarching plotline, political intrigue, and it's incredible action packed. I can't recommend this book enough. Please read it and give Ms. Davenport her flowers!

[Anjolaoluwa Afolabi · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It wasn’t the narrator. It was the characters and the book itself.

[D.v.c. p · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh my oh my. Wow wow wow. Such a good book. Great narration. Loved the story. Now it's a waiting game for book 2. I have read/listened to 40+ books so far this year (1st week of feb) and this is the best yet. I will likely read it again before the 2nd book comes out.

[Nas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Much anticipated read and N.E. Davenport did not disappoint. Each chapter bringing excitement and emotion for the characters especially Ikenna. So much imagery made me feel like I was dropped into the trials and I found myself holding my breath at times. I waited to read this on my break and finished it in 2.5 days! I can’t wait to start book2!

[queenie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it
Ready for book 2 ! ! !

[LaSharla · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an amazing ride! It is full of intrigue, action, and features a determined and self-reliant black heroine who refuses to let adversity be her end. It has such a talented balance of drama and intrigue. As well as a swoon worthy romance that isn't the main focal point but still resonates. I will definitely be recommending this to friends and family. And. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

[Amy McDougal · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a ride! A girl mourns the loss of her grandfather and finds healing through finding answers. Betrayal is all around, and she trusts no one... even her closest childhood friends aren't immune from the shadows of doubt.

[Sara Cervantes · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I so wanted to like it for so many reasons but at the end of the read I cannot get over her lack of vocabulary to express her anger other than the same repetitive swear words. It’s totes ok to swear and it’s even well placed in some parts of the book but for the most part it takes away from the main character bc it prevents me from seeing why her friends actually like her. The vocab throughout the book is super basic and repetitive, and just really bad communication all around. I sort of liked the plot about the Gods but even that’s not very elaborated on bc she’s focusing on the assassination. Like who are these Gods? Where did they come from? How is it that humans are in the way? Like hello!