by Donna Grant / Released March 11, 2025

Blood Skye by Donna Grant is the latest installment in the Skye Druids series, set against an epic battle for the Isle of Skye. As the Skye Druids struggle to protect their home from the London Druids, they face both physical and emotional turmoil. This book is part of a larger interconnected world that ties into Grant’s other series, including Reaper, Dark Souls, and Dragon Kings.

Blood Skye follows Carlyle and Song, two characters in a reluctant alliance to achieve similar goals. The tension between them is palpable, yet their growing connection becomes a key theme in the book. While this book can be enjoyed on its own, it builds on events from earlier stories, meaning new readers may find themselves thrust into the midst of an ongoing battle with established characters and plotlines.

• The book delves deeply into themes of friendship, betrayal, love, and the complexities of building trust in dire circumstances. It also explores the balance between duty and personal desires, especially through the central characters’ journey.
• Carlyle and Song are both complex and compelling characters. Their reluctant partnership eventually turns into a strong bond. However, being new to this series, I found myself confused at times by the mention of other characters whose backstories were not fully explained. This might be more of an issue for those new to the series, though long-time fans will likely appreciate the continuity and character depth.
• Donna Grant’s writing is fast-paced, with a focus on action that rarely allows for a dull moment in the story. However, she also takes time to create moments of warmth and relationship-building, making the characters feel real and relatable. The action sequences are vivid, and the magic elements are well-integrated into the plot.
• The pacing is quick, with plenty of action to keep readers engaged. However, as someone new to the series, I felt a little lost at the beginning. This could be due to the fact that the book is part of a larger universe, and it takes some time to adjust to the world-building and the established characters.

Overall, I enjoyed Blood Skye. Despite my initial confusion due to not being familiar with the previous books, I quickly became invested in the story. The strong themes of friendship, betrayal, and love, combined with the thrilling action, make this an enjoyable read. My only complaint is the occasional confusion surrounding the other characters, which may have been better explained for new readers like myself. That said, this is a book I’d recommend for fans of magic, action, and complex relationships.

If you’re a fan of fast-paced fantasy novels filled with magic, intrigue, and deep connections between characters, Blood Skye is worth picking up. I plan on diving into Donna Grant’s other books to get a fuller understanding of this world, but even as a newcomer, I found the story gripping. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a blend of action and heart.

The novel has a unique style of short, erratic chapters that shift in tone and style. Instead of the clear and logical construction of a typical nineteenth-century realist novel, it uses surreal devices of metaphor and playful narrative construction.

I received an ARC of this book.