Because It Is My Blood
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date: Sept. 18, 2012
Pages: 350
Series: Birthright, book two
Source: ARC from publisher, purchased audiobook
Read By: Ilyana Kadushin
Audiobook Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Length: 10 hours, 51 minutes
About the Book: Since her release from Liberty Children’s Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship.But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It’s a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve–and her heart–will be tested as never before.
My Thoughts: I adore the Birthright series. These books. They are just so unlike any others I’ve read (Check out my review of All These Things I’ve Done where I say the same thing!) I can’t think of a better way to say it other than I love the vibe I get while reading them. They are set in the near future but give off an almost historical feel. For example, paper books are antiquated and everyone reads on a tablet type device. At the same time, with caffeine and chocolate being illegal, speakeasies abound giving the book a twenties feel. I just adored how these things were juxtaposed. Add in the mafia element and you have a book I cannot resist.
That’s right. I said mafia element. Do you guys know how much I love a good crime family? I am a firm believer that we need more of these in YA! I mean, The Godfather (obvs not YA) and Holly Black’s Curse Workers are some of my favorite reads. The Birthright series ranks right up there with them. So much drama, danger and intrigue!
And Anya. Oh Anya. I don’t want to say she is a total innocent caught up in the politics and danger of her world but she’s pretty darn close. A product of her raising and environment while at the same time strong and challenging what she’s been told. She’s a fighter. Loyal to her core. Selfless and trying so desperately to do what’s right for those she loves. It was heartbreaking to see how much she just wanted someone she could trust. I loved getting to know her more in Because It Is My Blood.
I listened to the majority of the audiobook and highly recommend it. I can still hear the narrator’s voice in my head. The pacing and voice were spot on for the story. It really had that noir feel I so love.
Because It Is My Blood is a stellar follow up to a book I think deserves more attention. The writing style, world building, and plot drew me in and wouldn’t let me go. Gabrielle Zevin has done it again. Seriously. Read her books.
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