In Anne Shade's The Blessed, Suri Daniels, a descendant of powerful women known as the Blessed, inherits a dangerous legacy. Bound by her grandmother's will and haunted by tragedy, Suri returns to her family home in New Orleans, unknowingly becoming the key to protecting seven powerful gods. Her path intertwines with Layla Jefferies, a Cambion—half-demon, half-human—who is tasked with protecting Suri from a vengeful demon seeking to possess her. Their unlikely alliance forces Suri to confront her family's mystical heritage and embrace her role as an Orisha priestess. As they fight against overwhelming darkness, a forbidden love blossoms, challenging their destinies and the very forces they oppose. Please be advised that the opening chapter contains sensitive content depicting sexual violence and rape.
Review The Blessed
"The Blessed," by Anne Shade, is a captivating read, though one that requires a bit of patience upfront. The initial chapters, focusing on Suri’s perspective and the intricacies of the African hoodoo tradition, felt a little dense at times. I found myself needing to slow down, allowing the rich world-building and unfamiliar spiritual elements to sink in. It's a testament to the author's skill that, despite this initial hurdle, I was completely hooked by the time I reached the heart of the story. The sheer volume of exposition, while initially overwhelming, ultimately serves to create a deeply immersive and believable supernatural landscape.
What truly shines in "The Blessed" is the central relationship between Suri and Layla. Their connection transcends the typical romance trope; it's a journey of healing, mutual understanding, and empowerment. Both women carry the weight of immense trauma – Layla, shaped by the horrors of slavery and her demonic heritage, and Suri, grappling with the legacy of her family and recent personal losses. Watching them navigate these shared wounds, find strength in each other, and ultimately forge a powerful bond is both heartwarming and deeply satisfying. Their love story is the emotional core of the novel, and it’s beautifully interwoven with the thrilling supernatural plot.
The author masterfully blends several spiritual traditions – Christianity, root magic, hoodoo, voodoo, and the Orishas – creating a unique and fascinating magic system. While the initial exposure to this system might feel overwhelming, it gradually unfolds, revealing its complexity and inner workings in a way that enhances the narrative rather than hindering it. I appreciated the depth and respect given to these traditions, which added an extra layer of richness and authenticity to the story.
While the pacing felt uneven at times, particularly in the earlier chapters, the momentum picks up considerably as the plot thickens. The inclusion of flashbacks, although potentially disruptive for some readers, adds crucial context to the characters' backstories and motivations, ultimately enriching their development. The moments of high tension and the thrilling confrontations with the antagonist are expertly crafted, keeping the reader engaged until the very end.
The explicit content warning for the opening chapter is accurate and important. The portrayal of sexual violence is handled with sensitivity, though it is a difficult scene to read. However, it serves as a powerful catalyst for understanding Layla's character and the profound impact of her past experiences. This scene is not gratuitous; it is integral to the narrative and her journey towards healing.
Overall, "The Blessed" is a powerful and ultimately rewarding read. The initial challenges in navigating the world-building and pacing are more than compensated for by the compelling characters, the intricate magic system, and the deeply satisfying romance at the heart of the story. It's a story of resilience, love, and the power of community in the face of overwhelming adversity, making it a novel that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. Despite its flaws, the strength of its characters and its heartfelt message of hope make it a truly memorable experience.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 312
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books