Bitchin' Blog Posts
New Blood by Gail Dayton
by SB Sarah | March 03, 2009 | Tuesday at 10:28 pm | 126 CommentsTitle: New Blood
Author: Gail Dayton
Publication Info: Tor March 2009
ISBN: 0765362503
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
From my experience with Gail Dayton’s Compass Rose trilogy, I know that Dayton’s hallmarks as a writer are vivid world building, seamless use of the senses in her writing, and some smooth character development. In this new series, she plays with the concept of power and control, and of mastery and slavery in relationships.
Amanusa is a magically talented woman who lives on her own in the woods in the late 1800s, precariously “protected” by a local band of rebels in exchange for her healing talents. A man named Jax stumbles out of the woods, bound to her, unable to leave her side. If he walks away, he is turned around by forces greater than himself and compelled to return to her. Slowly, the backstory is revealed: Amanusa is a powerful blood sorceress, the first in more than two hundred years. Jax is her blood servant, bonded to her by magic, and by the fact that he’s the only one who knows how the whole blood magic thing gets done.
Blood magic has been forbidden for centuries, looked at as an evil, corrupting form of magic. Coincidentally, it is practiced exclusively by women. Jax shows her the true depths of power located in her magic, using both his blood and her own, and gives her the tools to enact revenge on the individuals who harmed her terribly and took her family away from her.
Because she unleashed an enormous flood of power, her use of blood magic has been noted by the authorities - very reminiscent of the Inquisition - she and Jax must run across Europe, hiding from those who want to capture, interrogate and kill them both.
Meanwhile, dead zones absent of all life and filled with terrible metal-scrap creatures who curl and attack of their own volition have appeared in several locations in Europe, and the other branches of the magical arts have come together to try to stop the dead zones, or at least figure out what they are.
This is very much the first book of a series, and while the questions following Amanusa and Jax are partially answered, the larger questions dealing with the dead zones, the creatures within them, and the politics of power and magic are not answered.
As the focus of the story and the introduction to the larger plot threads, Amanusa and Jax are layered, realistic, and very, very damaged. Both have been abused by those in power over them, though in very different ways, and each has to learn to trust the other.
What I find fascinating about the story is how Dayton plays with the master/slave role. Jax is the blood slave, bound to the sorceress, no matter who she is. Yet he has the knowledge and must teach Amanusa how to use her powers, even though she is reluctant to use them because of the taint against blood sorcery. Their relationship starts out with an enormous power imbalance, and it tilts back and forth to such huge degrees I’m never sure if they’ll attain equilibrium, or even be able to act on their mutual attraction because of that power differential. Their relationship is like a see-saw, and I wasn’t sure if they’d ever level off to a position of any equality, because the differences between their positions and the roles they play within their magical bond are so opposite one another at times.
His assistance helps her achieve revenge; her cunning helps save his life. Both of them together, trusting one another, can yield an enormous amount of power and strength, even though each seems to think of him- or herself as somewhat weak.
Then there are the Inquisitors, who wish to destroy any use of blood magic, and the authorities of each of the different types of magic, who wish to legislate the usage thereof, and don’t wish to be marginalized by any of the competing types. The questions of power in terms of authority and power in terms of magic, and how one can influence the other, are repeatedly explored and turned over and upside down in the course of the story. The plot explores more than the narrative, and reveals a great deal for the reader to think about.
But even with those massive questions, Amanusa and Jax are characters with innate nobility and strength, and when I understood the scope of the damage done to them, I rooted for them that much harder, because their histories are filled with hurt. Their relationship isn’t flaming balls of hornytoad and clothes flying off in every direction; their attraction and slow burn for one another builds slowly and is evocative in its subtlety.
This is, as I was discussing earlier, a pilot book for a series. Amanusa and Jax’s story is resolved, though it doesn’t seem that they reach their final destination and there may be more for them to do in future books. The larger questions of the dead zones and the roles of the magical authorities in their various incarnations are unresolved, but happiness is most definitely achieved in a satisfactory manner for the protagonists. It stands alone but is also very much connected to the subsequent books.
Because of my crapalicious memory, I am likely to wait for books 2 and 3 and however many else there are, so I could read them one after the other. Series, as I have long said, are very very hard for me to keep up with. Dayton’s world not an easy world to read about, but it is a fascinating and alluring world to enter, so jumping back in doesn’t seem daunting to me, despite my long reaction of “Hur?” to most steampunk books. Dayton’s skills as a writer are powerful, and this book would appeal to both fans of romance, and fans of fantasy, steampunk, and adventure fiction.
Giveaway time! Thanks to Tor Publishing, I have five copies to give away - so leave a comment and you’re entered to win. I’ll pick five random winners in 24 hours.
rebyj said on 03.03.09 at 10:44 PM • [comment link]
Put my name in the hat. I’d love a copy! Sounds good.
Danielle (no not that Danielle, the other one) said on 03.03.09 at 10:49 PM • [comment link]
Steampunk + blood magic = awesome. I’d love to be entered for a copy if you’re willing to ship to Canada (if not, I understand).
KimmieB said on 03.03.09 at 10:52 PM • [comment link]
Throw my name in the ring, that book sounds like it’s right up my alley.
Marie said on 03.03.09 at 10:55 PM • [comment link]
Ooh interesting, I do like my tortured heroes and heroines!
Franziska said on 03.03.09 at 10:59 PM • [comment link]
I just finished “The Sharing Knife” and I’m really in the mood for
some more good fantasy. So yes, pretty please.
Katie said on 03.03.09 at 11:03 PM • [comment link]
This sounds quite interesting. I love me some steampunk. And some series fantasy. So, steampunk + series fantasy = I’m in.
Lori said on 03.03.09 at 11:09 PM • [comment link]
Oh, a free book. Yeah!
tonithegreat said on 03.03.09 at 11:09 PM • [comment link]
Please, put me in for the giveaway. Your review of the Compass Rose stuff and the fact that I enjoyed it is the reason I follow this site!
Val said on 03.03.09 at 11:10 PM • [comment link]
I’ll pitch a hat in the ring, even if that cover is freaking me out a little bit. It looks like George Washington’s daughter covered in blood, at least that’s what my spider-web mind immediately jumped to - ick!
ShannonN. said on 03.03.09 at 11:12 PM • [comment link]
I’m intrigued. I’d love to be one of the lucky recipients(if, as Danielle also mentioned, you can ship to Canada).
spamword: blood68. Oddly appropriate.
ocelott said on 03.03.09 at 11:15 PM • [comment link]
This sounds absolutely fascinating. I’m all twitchy to read it now. And I’ll even review it on my own blog!
spamword: nearly75 Nope, give me a few decades for that.
dizmo said on 03.03.09 at 11:17 PM • [comment link]
My curiosity is peaked. I’ll try for a copy!
k-chan said on 03.03.09 at 11:21 PM • [comment link]
In order to sound like everyone else: It sounds very interesting. I’d like to be in the running.
Designed46: I’ve yet to design 46 perfect bookshelves. . .
Caroline said on 03.03.09 at 11:37 PM • [comment link]
You know, I probably would not have paid much attention to this book, but your description of it sounds so intriguing that I’m dying to get ahold of it now.
Spider (@ work) said on 03.03.09 at 11:38 PM • [comment link]
I want in, thanks! This sounds interesting: somewhere between fantasy, steampunk, and historical.
Myranda said on 03.03.09 at 11:42 PM • [comment link]
Ooooh, put my name in that ring.
May said on 03.03.09 at 11:47 PM • [comment link]
Another Canadian here - please count me in if possible. Your review has definitely caught my interest for this novel.
Could someone give me a definition of “steampunk” please? I’m suddenly reading it everywhere, and can’t figure it out.
KTT said on 03.03.09 at 11:48 PM • [comment link]
Ooh, I did enjoy her previous books. Add me to the drawing, pretty please!
Alley said on 03.03.09 at 11:50 PM • [comment link]
You know, I’ve never read any steampunk, but this sounds like something I might actually dig. And, man, I love the title font. :)
Abby said on 03.03.09 at 11:51 PM • [comment link]
I loved Dayton’s Compass Rose trilogy, and have this on the TBR list. Please throw my name into your hat. :)
Rhian said on 03.03.09 at 11:52 PM • [comment link]
Sounds fab! I’ll try for a copy, if shipping to the UK is okay for you guys. I do love a good slow-burn romance.
Amy said on 03.03.09 at 11:57 PM • [comment link]
Ditto Rhian, if the UK is okay I’d love a copy. I love me some power dynamics :)
Michelle P said on 03.04.09 at 12:00 AM • [comment link]
Book, please? Plus, the cover intrigues me.
Lizzie (greeneyed fem) said on 03.04.09 at 12:01 AM • [comment link]
Wow, that cover is GORGEOUS. I would totally have picked it up in a bookstore even before this review.
So, yes, put my name in, please. :)
Sarah said on 03.04.09 at 12:05 AM • [comment link]
Sounds very interesting, I would love to try something in the steampunk genre! If I don’t win I think I’ll still buy it.
Brittany said on 03.04.09 at 12:05 AM • [comment link]
Put me down for the give away. This book sounds very interesting.
NancyB said on 03.04.09 at 12:08 AM • [comment link]
Put my name in the hat—sounds very intriguing!
Sana-chan said on 03.04.09 at 12:08 AM • [comment link]
I tried looking it up at my local library, but no love. So since my husbands grad school is now eating all the money I used to use to buy books, I will jump on the asking for book bandwagon. :)
jocelynnesimone said on 03.04.09 at 12:10 AM • [comment link]
May, are you familiar with cyberpunk? Books by the likes of William Gibson, Bruce Sterling and Neal Stephenson? Anyway, steampunk is basically akin to cyberpunk but set in the 19th century. It usually has a great Victorian feel mixed in with all the techno-magic and dark world view. I love it! My personal favorite is The Death of a Necromancer by Martha Wells. It’s a little less dark than say The Difference Engine.
Anyway, I really enjoyed Dayton’s Compass Rose books and would love, love to get my hands on her steampunk novel. Count me in for the drawing, pretty please.
Saltypepper said on 03.04.09 at 12:11 AM • [comment link]
Ooooh, I’ve had this on my “keep an eye out for it at the bookstore/library” list for a few weeks now, so I would love to get my hands on a copy!
E said on 03.04.09 at 12:13 AM • [comment link]
It sounds fascinating. I’d love to check it out.
Lizzie (greeneyed fem) said on 03.04.09 at 12:13 AM • [comment link]
May, wikipedia has a lengthy explanation of steampunk. Think Victorian England meets scifi.
The fashion can be pretty awesome: corsets and goggles and top hats and clockwork ray guns and parasols and bunches of gears.
Kim said on 03.04.09 at 12:28 AM • [comment link]
That sounds really interesting!
Sabrina said on 03.04.09 at 12:36 AM • [comment link]
Great review! Thanks!
Lil' Deviant said on 03.04.09 at 12:47 AM • [comment link]
The ad caught my eye. The review has made me curious. I’ll give it a go. *grin*
Brook said on 03.04.09 at 12:48 AM • [comment link]
That sounds pretty fun! Thanks for the review, and I’d love a copy.
Meggrs said on 03.04.09 at 01:02 AM • [comment link]
Yes, please! Note to self: look for first Compass Rose book. In the meantime, a copy of New Blood would be lovely.
Lovecow2000 said on 03.04.09 at 01:03 AM • [comment link]
PUH-LEASE! I would like a copy if I’m so lucky. I’ve had my eye on this for a while and really enjoyed the Compass Rose books.
Anaquana said on 03.04.09 at 01:03 AM • [comment link]
This sounds like a very fun read!
chance96… I’m hoping that means I have a 96% chance of winning. :)
Jennifer Rose said on 03.04.09 at 01:04 AM • [comment link]
Sounds like a good book to read :D
RStewie said on 03.04.09 at 01:07 AM • [comment link]
Please enter my name. This sounds like just the thing!
Julianne said on 03.04.09 at 01:08 AM • [comment link]
Sounds like an interesting read. I wouldn’t mind a copy.
Has said on 03.04.09 at 01:09 AM • [comment link]
Ohhh this has perked my interest- please add me to the pot luck draw! :D
Peggy P said on 03.04.09 at 01:10 AM • [comment link]
This does sound different - please enter my name.
kdcollins said on 03.04.09 at 01:12 AM • [comment link]
I love books with strong, fascinating characters. Sounds like a good read.
Alpha Lyra said on 03.04.09 at 01:12 AM • [comment link]
Throw in my name, please. I’m interested!
Jessica D said on 03.04.09 at 01:18 AM • [comment link]
Ooo, pick me! Pick me!
sya said on 03.04.09 at 01:26 AM • [comment link]
Yay steampunk! I’d love to have a chance to win a copy.
detante said on 03.04.09 at 01:26 AM • [comment link]
Sounds like an interesting read!
Melissandre said on 03.04.09 at 01:27 AM • [comment link]
I would very much like a copy. The Compass Rose was a good read.
mrs.mj said on 03.04.09 at 01:35 AM • [comment link]
Not my usual style, but sounds pretty interesting.
Robyn Bski said on 03.04.09 at 01:51 AM • [comment link]
Sounds good to me.
SonomaLass said on 03.04.09 at 01:52 AM • [comment link]
Sounds great! If I win a copy, I’ll even read it now rather than waiting. I can add it to my list of “ongoing series I’m going to have re-read when the next one comes out.”
Erin said on 03.04.09 at 01:54 AM • [comment link]
Ooh! Sounds interesting! Count me in!
Gail Dayton said on 03.04.09 at 02:18 AM • [comment link]
Oh wow. You like me! :)
Thanks for such a fabulous review. I never knew I put all that in the book. Wow.
And I hope those of you who win books enjoy the read. :)
Gail (basking)
Codeword: george14 (never could type george without 3 or 4 startovers…) Um… There’s bound to be something clever to say about 14 georges. Or the 14th george, or something—but I can’t think of it now…
Betsy said on 03.04.09 at 02:25 AM • [comment link]
Oh, a copy for me, please! I just finished ‘The Barbed Rose’ (started reading the trilogy on the SB recommendation) and I seriously dig Gail Dayton’s characters and world development.
Suze said on 03.04.09 at 02:33 AM • [comment link]
Me, too, please (another Canadian). Really enjoyed the Compass Rose, and I agree with whoever said the cover of the new one made her eyes bleed. Gah.
ev said on 03.04.09 at 02:33 AM • [comment link]
It sounds intriguing. Definately a bit different than the usual fantasy/paranormal story line and I would love a copy of it!!
Kelli said on 03.04.09 at 02:39 AM • [comment link]
Please put my name in the hat! This sounds like something I’d positively love to read.
Mary Beth said on 03.04.09 at 02:43 AM • [comment link]
I’ve never read steampunk—this sounds fun. Please enter my name in the drawing!
Kate said on 03.04.09 at 02:54 AM • [comment link]
I love steampunk and this sounds awesome. Sign me up!
Figwiggin said on 03.04.09 at 03:00 AM • [comment link]
Ooh, ooh, free book!
partystripes said on 03.04.09 at 03:32 AM • [comment link]
I just was looking at this on Amazon before I came over here. Put my name in the hat!
Reileen van Kaile said on 03.04.09 at 03:50 AM • [comment link]
I’ll take a free book!
Darlene Marshall said on 03.04.09 at 03:51 AM • [comment link]
Your grade of “B” piqued my interest. I’d like a chance at a copy, please.
Melissa S. said on 03.04.09 at 03:54 AM • [comment link]
This actually sounds really good. I wanna read it even if I don’t win.
Colette said on 03.04.09 at 04:03 AM • [comment link]
I’ve been seriously curious about this book since I read about it on Goodreads and hoping that it would be worth reading.
Suzanne Boucher said on 03.04.09 at 04:04 AM • [comment link]
This book sounds very interesting; count me in for a copy, if I can get it in Canada.
CantateForever said on 03.04.09 at 04:07 AM • [comment link]
I LOVED the Compass Rose. I read the second in the trilogy, but I never got the third. Didn’t Dayton have to change publishers or something?
Carin said on 03.04.09 at 04:09 AM • [comment link]
Ooo! Me! Me! It sounds different than what I normally read and really, really interesting!
Jean Marie Ward said on 03.04.09 at 04:38 AM • [comment link]
Oooh, giveaways! Please, put my name in the hat. I stumbled across Gail’s description of the book yesterday evening and went to Borders today to buy it. But they still have it listed as “pre-order”. Argh!
Thanks for the review and the opportunity!
Cheers,
Jean Marie
MichelleR said on 03.04.09 at 04:46 AM • [comment link]
I wold love to have a copy. Not only does it sound interesting, but the cover is great!
Brook said on 03.04.09 at 04:48 AM • [comment link]
I would love a copy of this book. After reading her other novels this one is already on my TBR list.
spamword is free21: foretelling the future? I wish
Staple said on 03.04.09 at 04:50 AM • [comment link]
oh me me! I’d love a copy.
lawls at image code: real 19…it’s true! I really am…though people don’t believe me.
sambangs said on 03.04.09 at 05:12 AM • [comment link]
OOh, Ooh, Missster Kotter!
Steampunk, rawr
MamaNice said on 03.04.09 at 05:16 AM • [comment link]
Hmmmm… the cover looks like “Water for Elephants” meets “Carrie”
Meredith Holmes said on 03.04.09 at 05:25 AM • [comment link]
*WOW* that sounds amazing! Throw my name in the draw please!
Carmael said on 03.04.09 at 05:34 AM • [comment link]
That sounds like a very interesting read.
rd2129 said on 03.04.09 at 05:36 AM • [comment link]
Sounds awesome! I’d love a copy.
Cora said on 03.04.09 at 05:43 AM • [comment link]
I was interested in this novel since I first heard of it a couple of days ago. Please put my name in the hat, if shipping to Europe is okay for you.
chelko said on 03.04.09 at 05:59 AM • [comment link]
Me too, please.
robinjn said on 03.04.09 at 06:02 AM • [comment link]
Wow. This sounds right up my alley, I’d love to have a copy.
Nicole said on 03.04.09 at 06:02 AM • [comment link]
Oh, I’d love a copy of this. I’ve been wanting to read it ever since I heard about it.
Tili said on 03.04.09 at 06:04 AM • [comment link]
Ooh, let’s see if I can win *another* of these free-book contests! :) (I’ve managed two so far ...)
Maggie Moony said on 03.04.09 at 06:09 AM • [comment link]
Yay, steampunk! I’m really starting to get into it.
Liz said on 03.04.09 at 06:12 AM • [comment link]
Oh spooky. I was just in Borders today and almost picked this book up to go along with Watchmen. I stood in the store and read the first few pages but as it was a new author for me I opted for a different book by an author I knew I liked. But if y’all are just giving away a copy then sign me up.
rigmarole said on 03.04.09 at 06:24 AM • [comment link]
Ooh, that sounds fab! *adds to tbr list*
Stacy said on 03.04.09 at 06:26 AM • [comment link]
Wow, sounds like an intelligent and entertaining read- count me in! :O)
BethC said on 03.04.09 at 06:29 AM • [comment link]
Sounds worth reading. I’d love a copy!
Trumystique said on 03.04.09 at 06:32 AM • [comment link]
Pick me! I lurrvve Gail Dayton.
Rebecca said on 03.04.09 at 06:32 AM • [comment link]
Great review. I am definitely intrigued, and would love to throw my name into the hat.
Christina said on 03.04.09 at 06:38 AM • [comment link]
Oooh, do want!
Anya said on 03.04.09 at 06:43 AM • [comment link]
Definitely want it :D
Becky said on 03.04.09 at 06:49 AM • [comment link]
Sounds good! I’ve heard about steampunk off and on for years, but I’ve never read any.
Suzanne said on 03.04.09 at 07:25 AM • [comment link]
Oooh, shiny! Yes, please pick me. I’ve been waiting impatiently for this to come out and hit the library; I would love a copy for my very own. Thanks!
Gail Dayton said on 03.04.09 at 07:34 AM • [comment link]
FYI, I’ll be giving away another copy of my book next week at the PASIC To Be Read Blog, so you can comment there and have another chance to win, if you miss out here…
Sarah said on 03.04.09 at 07:34 AM • [comment link]
Ohhh, me, me! I want one!
(like59 - I would like 59 of them?)
Eunice said on 03.04.09 at 07:41 AM • [comment link]
*hyper jumping up and down*
Me! Me!
MichelleR said on 03.04.09 at 07:42 AM • [comment link]
Ms. Dayton,
Any plans for it to go to Kindle? Even though you lose the great cover. :)
Wirdald said on 03.04.09 at 08:00 AM • [comment link]
Hmm, sounds good. I’m not great about waiting for sequels, though, unless the first one knocks my socks off. Maybe this one would…?
Naomi Libicki said on 03.04.09 at 08:26 AM • [comment link]
If the drawing’s still ope, I’m in.
Char said on 03.04.09 at 09:30 AM • [comment link]
Neat. I’ll put my name in, and make a point of checking out the other trilogy you mentioned. To the library!
Christine M. said on 03.04.09 at 09:35 AM • [comment link]
Please also do put my name in, this sounds like a great read!
xssa annella said on 03.04.09 at 09:40 AM • [comment link]
gimme! i love free books.
JD said on 03.04.09 at 09:52 AM • [comment link]
Sounds interesting. I would love a copy.
Dance Chica said on 03.04.09 at 11:54 AM • [comment link]
This sounds really interesting. I already had it on my wishlist but now I’m going to be looking for a copy very soon if I don’t win. I already have the first in the Compass Rose trilogy, TBR.
ms bookjunkie said on 03.04.09 at 12:14 PM • [comment link]
Yay, Tor! *Throwing name in hat*
KatherineB said on 03.04.09 at 12:19 PM • [comment link]
Though the cover has me wondering how steampunk fits in, it totally sounds like a story I’d read. Fantasy, sci-fi, steampunk and romance? I’m in!
I’ve really been enjoying watching steampunk culture come to the fore.
Sign me up!
StephB said on 03.04.09 at 01:18 PM • [comment link]
Enter me in the drawing, please - this sounds great!
kalafudra said on 03.04.09 at 02:29 PM • [comment link]
Me too! This really sounds cool.
Theresa said on 03.04.09 at 02:30 PM • [comment link]
Throwing my name in the hat!
aninsomniac said on 03.04.09 at 03:34 PM • [comment link]
Me ! Me!
-anin
Mary Beth said on 03.04.09 at 04:03 PM • [comment link]
I loved the Compass Rose books- hope I win this one.
Faellie said on 03.04.09 at 04:35 PM • [comment link]
The best romance bookshop in London (Murder One on the Charing Cross Road) closed at the end of January. So I can’t browse new US published romance in hard copy the way I used to, and your reviews are even more important than they used to be in finding new authors. Sign me up for this one!
May said on 03.04.09 at 06:27 PM • [comment link]
Thanks jocelynnesimone and Lizzie,
Somehow I’ve missed steampunk altogether. I didn’t recognize the other names you mentioned, but will look out for them as it sounds really interesting and I’ve been looking for something different lately.
darlynne said on 03.04.09 at 06:40 PM • [comment link]
This many comments to a topic means one of two things: flame war or, since we’re at the SBTB website, book giveaway. Count me in, bitches. Loved The Compass Rose.
joykenn said on 03.04.09 at 06:45 PM • [comment link]
Wow! we all LUVVVV free books. Me, Me.
Theresa Meyers said on 03.04.09 at 06:47 PM • [comment link]
Quck question, where’s the line between paranormal and steampunk? I thought steampunk featured more innventions out of time and place for the era that cause trouble. I didn’t realize characters could have magic too.
Clearly I need more education…and a book.
ruth skerjanec said on 03.04.09 at 07:44 PM • [comment link]
I have read all of the Compass books and would love a chance on her series.
Erin said on 03.04.09 at 08:05 PM • [comment link]
Sounds like it would be fun…
Laurie Fournier said on 03.04.09 at 08:11 PM • [comment link]
I like them free!
Stelly said on 03.04.09 at 08:26 PM • [comment link]
Sounds like a fantastic world and great characters!
Anne said on 03.04.09 at 09:46 PM • [comment link]
I would love copy need a new series to read.. This sounds really great!
Emma said on 03.04.09 at 09:46 PM • [comment link]
Sounds great.
Jan said on 03.04.09 at 09:48 PM • [comment link]
Sounds great! Throw my name in the give-away hat!
Marie said on 03.04.09 at 10:21 PM • [comment link]
Um, don’t count this as a second entry for me, but if people are looking for another steampunk romance, I enjoyed Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti… and it has way better cover art! =)
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