Blood Price by Nicole Evans

“Ashilde immediately felt blinded, unable to see anything in the paralyzing darkness; a sensation only made worse when she felt something catch on her foot, causing her to trip. Only air met her and she barely pivoted to land on her side, though Anóra still cried out into her chest as they collided with the ground. Together, they rolled down a sloped decline for a few moments, before Ashilde crashed against what felt like the trunk of a very large tree, finally settling in a pile of wet leaves, the girl landing on top of her. Her injured shoulder rang out in pain, but she ignored it, quickly clutching Anóra closer to her, her good arm wrapping around the back of her head.”

Blood Price by Nicole Evans

It’s an incredible experience to read a book written by someone you know. It’s even more incredible when that person is as kind, warm-hearted and generous as Nicole Evans, and it’s the best experience when the book is just as incredible as you always knew it would be.

Blood Price is Nicole Evans’ debut novel, a fantasy novel inspired by Norse mythology with deep, rich culture and magic and beliefs. I was hooked from the first to the last page, and I was left wanting to read more. Ashilde has been chosen by her clan, the Slátra, to pay a blood price. By paying this price each month, despite the pain and agony she must endure as a result, she can become a fierce warrior who can protect her people from their enemies.

There are nine other clans within the land of Armadin, and they all co-exist somewhat peacefully, but there are outliers, the Rhuniacs, who attack the clans and their hunters as they see fit. When Ashilde’s clan is attacked by the Rhuniacs, she rushes to defend her people, only to be ridiculed by them for her haste after the fact. When she loses the ability to bleed and become a warrior for her people, Ashilde’s faith is shaken, and she finds herself feeling more lost than she ever has before. Yet despite the adversity, she is determined to still save her clan and protect them, no matter the cost.

Setting out into the wilderness, Ashilde searches for a way to protect her clan, driven toward the other clans and the god’s realm. She is accompanied by a young girl Anóra, from whom she is keeping a dark secret, and a wolf and raven who don’t speak but seem to be guiding them both through their journey. Ashilde and her newfound group of comrades must face a multitude of dangers in order to protect the people of their world.

This book was just so enthralling. Ashilde grows a lot as a character as the book moves on. From the beginning, she openly questions the god’s involvement in the lives of her and her clan. As the book goes on, she continues to embrace her need for truth. I completely appalled her sister, Brynhild, who treated Ashilde like she was the dirt beneath her boots. She was horrible which gives a lot of credit to Nicole’s writing style. She will make you love and hate a character so fiercely. The leap off the page with a realness that makes you feel as if you’ve just met them.

My favorite character though was Anóra. Despite what she faced, losing her clan, her mother, she willingly helps guide Ashilde on her journey. I thought the dynamic between them both was really special. This book wasn’t always an easy read, as in this is a world fraught with danger and violence and there are moments of true sadness that ripped my heart out. Needless to say, this is a really fantastic book that I completely loved. I’ve always known Nicole would write amazing books, and now I get to sit one on my shelf, where it belongs. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this debut. I just know Nicole has more wonderful stories to share that I can’t wait to read in the future!