The Blood Gift by N. E. Davenport is everything I want in a story, let alone a sequel. There is the epic story, goddess-bestowed powers, and a battle of wits and weapons with a demigod. The novel could not be more ambitious. Thankfully, Ms. Davenport's execution is flawless, and I loved reading the end of this duology. 

Ikenna Amari is my favorite type of heroine. She is cocky but talented enough to back up her boasts. Ikenna is also loyal to a fault, determined, and stubborn. Plus, she is such a smartass, and I love smartasses. Most importantly, Ikenna is angry, something I appreciate and understand. She represents every woman, especially women of color, forced to fight for every freedom and justice they have. The fight never ends, and Ikenna is there to continue the battle against misogyny and racism. Reading about Ikenna's anger and thirst for revenge is cathartic because she does things to her oppressors that we can only continue to dream about.

As with the first book, The Blood Gift is bloody and dark. Ikenna and her fellow rogue squad members kill without hesitation. The demigod is ruthless and cold-blooded in his approach to warfare. The Blood Gift is not for the squeamish. I love the violence because it means that Ikenna and her friends are taking action in the fight for the planet. They are fighting for what is right in the only manner they know how. I wish it were always that easy.

Not that what Ikenna and the squad experience is easy. They are put through the proverbial ringer not just once but multiple times. Ikenna, in particular, faces test after test to gain the tiniest advantage. She proves herself time and again, not only that she is capable of achieving her very ambitious goals but also that she will never break her promises. 

For all its brutality, The Blood Gift is outstanding. I will never tire of Ikenna, her snarkiness, and her badassery. The rest of her squad is just as enjoyable for their loyalty, commitment to the mission and each other, and their willingness to fight on behalf of those who cannot. Ikenna's revenge quest is nasty in every sense, but I find it so therapeutic to see the bad guys get what they deserve. I hope this is not the last we will see of Ikenna and her friends, but if it is, I cannot wait to see what Ms. Davenport has in store for us next!