Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

*** ½

From Goodreads:

It starts off simply.

Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...
Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood.
The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.
Tessa Gratton's intoxicating first novel will keep pulses racing, minds reeling, and pages turning right up to the very last drop of blood

I love that Blood Magic told through both Silla and Nick’s alternating points of view. A story always feels more complete to me when we see alternative POVs. Blood Magic is a story of discovery, betrayal, loss and love, with a little magic thrown into the mix. I think my favorite character in the book is Silla’s brother, Reese. While we did not get to see enough of him, he seemed to be the strongest, most rational character. A great big brother doing his best to deal with the loss of his parents and take care of his sister. Also, Gram Judy was a hoot, grandparents always get to be nutty and fun! The crows and masks were a little creepy, but I dug it. Mysteries should be a little creepy.

As for the story itself, I enjoyed the style in which it was told. It was, first and foremost, a mystery. We discovered facts and clues through the characters and their memories, but also through journal entries dating back more than one hundred years. The tale unraveled beautifully, with just enough suspense and creep factor to keep me eager to finish.

This is a stand alone book according to Ms. Gratton’s website; however, a “companion” book, The Blood Keeper, is scheduled to be released in the Summer of 2012.

~Shel