Blood & Breath, a beguiling paranormal revenge thriller, is set against the alluring backdrop of the Jazz Age and laced with horror, forbidden romance, and class conflict.
Three hundred years ago, humans revolted against the devils who cruelly ruled them and all but 100 of the devils were banished back to their realm. The 100 devils left were each bound to a family in the magical ruling Necro class, who give the devils a bit of blood or breath in exchange for protection, luck, or even a curse. In recent years, members of the middle Dun class have been allowed to draw contracts that summon devils, but the lower Magi class, rumors say, are "part devil" themselves and are forbidden from interacting with devils.
Seventeen-year-old Evangeline "Evan" Wilde is a Magi masquerading as a Dun so she can draw contracts for a living. One night after work, the curly-haired, "deep brown"-skinned Evan is attacked by Necros and left to die. She hastily draws a contract in the snow, summoning the devil Jack, and tells him she wants revenge: he can have all her blood and breath if he kills all the Necros. Jack, with "light brown" skin and "blue and gold eyes," helps Evan infiltrate the Necros to bring them down from within. Evan eventually realizes, though, that what she knew about the Necros isn't the whole picture. But Jack has his own revenge plan--one that will return the devils to their rightful glory--and he won't stop just because Evan knows the truth.
In her traditional publishing debut, Qurratulayn Muhammad effortlessly draws real-world parallels by threading in themes of oppression, class struggle, and prejudice. She explores not only the divides between social classes but also internalized oppression passed down through generations. These themes play out in both Evan's and Jack's POVs (chapter headings identifying them only as "Girl" and "Devil"), which are narrative-driving complementary forces. Jack's ruthlessness is balanced with Evan's humanity: while Jack's hands are "gloved in red" and he leaves "blood-soaked sheets" in his wake, Evan is "just a girl" looking for friendship and a little romance (even if it's with the Necro enemy). Jack seeks vengeance, Evan seeks justice.
The darker, often brutal narrative threads are softened by forbidden romances, both queer and socioeconomic, and the appealing Roaring '20s setting. Whether it's first kisses or clandestine hand-holding, speakeasies, or "the frenetic sound of swing" music, a welcome lightness is achieved. This high-stakes series starter is entrancing and brimming with atmosphere. --Lana Barnes, freelance reviewer and proofreader
Shelf Taker: In this beguiling Jazz Age-era paranormal fantasy, a lower-class girl makes a deal with a devil to enact revenge on the magical ruling class.