Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn

*Beware of  *Spoilers*

Synopsis: 

A thrilling account of treachery, betrayal, and vengeance.

Kristy Centeno’s chilling description of treason and retribution.

Scarlett Lyttleskeill departs from London with her Aunt Celia in a ship destined to take them both towards a new beginning at a small village called Clearwater Eden somewhere along the coasts of The New World. However, what she never expects to find while living in said town is a settlement determined to sacrifice whatever they have to in order to keep lands they now claim as theirs. As Scarlett arrives at Clearwater she realizes that the villagers keep secrets that literally kill and that if you cross them the wrong way those who once received you with open arms might just be willing to call upon supernatural forces just to get rid of you.

Review: 

Great short story! It’s a page turner and I recommend you read it.

Scarlett is an interesting lead character; we get to know her well. She stands up for herself; she speaks her mind in a time when women were supposed to keep quiet. Scarlett is an individual despite the rules of society. She’s not perfect but she’s fascinating. Her character is nuanced and her layers revealed slowly.

Scarlett has visions/nightmares of future events; she’s had them from an early age. We learn about Scarlett’s life in the New World and the difficulties associated with two women being on their own. Centeno is descriptive but not overly so. New Blood is one of the better books that describes the New World and the religious times when so called witches were punished.

The book deals a lot with religious zealotry; with how you can control others. Mrs. Balthazar is the perfect antagonist.

I wasn’t fond of the fact that Scarlett dallied with a married man but I do understand why on both their parts. It revealed Scarlett’s flaws and we begin to see her morals decline.

The description of her “change” was so well written. I felt as if I were experiencing it myself. I love when an author breaks it down for you so that you understand the physical and emotional changes.The ending was a shocker but very satisfying. I felt myself cheering for Scarlett in spite of her actions.

New Blood is simply an enjoyable, engrossing read. I recommend it across the board – women/men/teens. It appeals to all ages.