Official Review: The Blood Marriage by Julian Walton

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fantasy or science fiction books or series.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
Post Reply
User avatar
Saint Bruno
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1799
Joined: 28 Aug 2020, 14:47
Favorite Author: Agatha Christie
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 192
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-saint-bruno.html
Latest Review: The vampires missing cape by Steve Stables
fav_author_id: 2484

Official Review: The Blood Marriage by Julian Walton

Post by Saint Bruno »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Blood Marriage" by Julian Walton.]
Book Cover
2 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Malik and Sheena have been happily married, and they have a 16-year-old son named Shane. Things were going smoothly for the family until Sheena started having a weird dream that she couldn't understand. In this recurring dream, a strange woman who looks like Sheena but is darker in complexion and dresses like an African princess keeps asking Sheena to hug her. Unbeknownst to Sheena, the African princess is the wife of a wicked immortal named the Blood Priest (BP).

After centuries of separation, BP seeks to bring his wife back to life by conjuring her spirit into Sheena's body. But for the transition to be complete, Sheena's offspring, Shane, must be eliminated. Hence, the 'Good Forces' must train Malik and Shane as quickly as possible because BP already has Sheena as his captive. Will Malik be able to protect his son and get his wife back? Is it even possible to defeat the Blood Priest? Please read The Blood Marriage by Julian Walton to find out.

This book looks more like a screenplay than a novel. There are instructions on how to pan the camera and arrangement details for the scenes. I think it's best to call the book a play due to the predominant dialogues in it. Though I didn't expect the book to be in that form, I still enjoyed reading it. What I like most about the book is that the dialogues are believable. They are also distinct for each character. For example, Shane's style correctly depicts how a teenager would speak.

Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was how the author managed to make the characters relatable in only 79 pages. I didn't expect backstories for any of the characters due to how concise the book is. Surprisingly, the author provided substantial background stories for some of the characters through dialogues between them and the narrations between the conversations. I empathized with Malik and wondered how he must have felt to have his wife at the mercy of the Blood Priest.

Furthermore, I like how the story ended. I especially enjoyed the closing scenes that set the stage for the next book in the series since this title is the first installment in the African Fantasy Trilogy. I appreciate that the book is a short read, but this aspect also works against it. Being a fantasy book, I expected the worldbuilding to tickle my imagination, but it didn't, unfortunately. And the descriptions of the surroundings leave something to be desired. I must also reiterate that I wasn't expecting a play when I got this book, so it would be nice of the author to inform prospective readers of what to expect.

What I dislike most about the book is that it contains many errors. Having only 79 pages, I didn't expect the book to be this poorly edited. It got to a point where the errors just became annoying. In conclusion, I am rating The Blood Marriage two out of four stars because of the cons I noted. I think the author should decide on what the book should be and also edit it properly. The storyline is intriguing, and I enjoyed reading the book. Nevertheless, it falls short of getting three stars but certainly doesn't deserve a lower rating. Therefore, I still recommend the book to readers who love fantasy stories about the age-long battle between good and evil, especially those who don't mind the issues I noted above.

******
The Blood Marriage
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
User avatar
Mercy119
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 410
Joined: 01 Apr 2021, 16:51
Currently Reading: Pride and Prejudice
Bookshelf Size: 49
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-fireside119.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Mercy119 »

I'm surprised that the book is a play since the cover doesn't indicate otherwise. With good editing, the captivating storyline will shine.
maggi3
Posts: 457
Joined: 03 Mar 2018, 14:30
Currently Reading: Worldlines
Bookshelf Size: 106
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-maggi3.html
Latest Review: Paper Doll by Caitlin Strommen

Post by maggi3 »

I definitely wouldn't like to be surprised by the book being in play format if I was going to read it, so I agree that the author should be clearer about that in the description. 79 pages is way too short imo for a fantasy book; it would be almost impossible for enough worldbuilding to happen in that short of a book. The premise sounds interesting, but it seems the author has a lot of work to do still. Thanks for the review!
Pronouns: they/them

:gay-rainbow:
User avatar
Tonikun2020
Posts: 11
Joined: 12 Dec 2020, 09:33
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 13
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tonikun2020.html
Latest Review: Everyone Needs a Companion by Jerry A Greenberg

Post by Tonikun2020 »

I was captivated by the storyline and I love your review. I hope the author fixes the problems you pointe out.
Kanchan Sharma
Posts: 166
Joined: 10 Mar 2021, 06:35
Currently Reading: Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
Bookshelf Size: 59
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kanchan-sharma.html
Latest Review: The Biblical Clock by Daniel Friedmann and Dania Sheldon

Post by Kanchan Sharma »

The review is depicting so many twists and turns that I am really wishing to read the book.
Shrashti_04
Posts: 23
Joined: 09 Jun 2021, 09:06
Favorite Book: Finding James
Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two
Bookshelf Size: 26

Post by Shrashti_04 »

Through review, book seems very interesting and had suspense created such as I want to know how Malik will protect his son and his wife. The book is of only 79 pages so I can complete this book very soon. This book have many twist and turns which make it more interesting.
User avatar
NetMassimo
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 6579
Joined: 24 Jul 2019, 06:37
Currently Reading: Flinx's Folly
Bookshelf Size: 419
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-netmassimo.html
Latest Review: Three Bullets by Charles Alexander
2024 Reading Goal: 60
2024 Goal Completion: 26%

Post by NetMassimo »

Maybe the screenplay-like format can justify the book's reduced length but it might require more substance, besides proofreading, to be really interesting. Thank you for your honest review!
Ciao :)
Massimo
Post Reply

Return to “Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books”