What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
1 day and 11:51:47
100 copies available
U.S. only
The Blood Saga #2
Blood Rising
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
1 day and 11:51:47
100 copies available
U.S. only
In a brilliantly terrifying blend of supernatural horror and alternate history for fans of Ryan Coogler's Sinners and readers of Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due, and Stephen Graham Jones, a vengeful vampire tribe formed of formerly enslaved Africans wages war across the Southern colonies in the ultimate battle of blood and betrayal.
Kwadzo Okoro never believed the bloody legend of Ramanga was real. Now, he stands as the leader of a new Ramanga Tribe, one that sieged the Barrow plantation in a storm of righteous carnage, liberating its formerly enslaved Africans. Reclaimed as the Crimson Plantation, it is now also home to the wronged Natives who fearlessly aligned with the Ramangans.
But Kwadzo knows that freedom is not secure. Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, the most influential slaveholders in the region since the demise of Big Jim Barrow, are galvanizing the Lakeside community to strike back—violently. The threat they pose pales in comparison to the insidious menace of Penelope Knudsen. Her white-hot hatred, now fueled by Ramangan blood, and an ability to survive the sunlight—a power Kwadzo doesn’t have—threatens to upend Kwadzo’s advancement of Ramangan might throughout the colonies, especially as she builds a white vampire army of her own and wages an all-out war against him.
But the gravest threat comes from Rafazi. His blood fathered the rebellion, but he will not take orders from his own creation. And when Rafazi makes a deadly deal with the Crabtrees, Kwadzo is forced into a battle with his maker that he may not survive, while the everlasting freedom of every enslaved person in the colonies hangs in the balance.
Kwadzo Okoro never believed the bloody legend of Ramanga was real. Now, he stands as the leader of a new Ramanga Tribe, one that sieged the Barrow plantation in a storm of righteous carnage, liberating its formerly enslaved Africans. Reclaimed as the Crimson Plantation, it is now also home to the wronged Natives who fearlessly aligned with the Ramangans.
But Kwadzo knows that freedom is not secure. Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, the most influential slaveholders in the region since the demise of Big Jim Barrow, are galvanizing the Lakeside community to strike back—violently. The threat they pose pales in comparison to the insidious menace of Penelope Knudsen. Her white-hot hatred, now fueled by Ramangan blood, and an ability to survive the sunlight—a power Kwadzo doesn’t have—threatens to upend Kwadzo’s advancement of Ramangan might throughout the colonies, especially as she builds a white vampire army of her own and wages an all-out war against him.
But the gravest threat comes from Rafazi. His blood fathered the rebellion, but he will not take orders from his own creation. And when Rafazi makes a deadly deal with the Crabtrees, Kwadzo is forced into a battle with his maker that he may not survive, while the everlasting freedom of every enslaved person in the colonies hangs in the balance.
432 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 25, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Want to Read
March 26, 2026OMG I cannot wait!
June 2, 2026
This book just like the first one had me in a chokehold! Shoutout to the author for another banger! Love how this tells history in a different light! 10000/10!
May 25, 2026
Markus Redmond has done it again! Blood Rising is the sequel to Blood Slaves and if you haven’t read or listened to Blood Slaves, what are you waiting for? Blood Rising picks up right where Blood Slaves left off…at Penelope (Barrow’s daughter). Her pain, her hurt, her revenge will set the tone for this entire book.
There isn’t as much action in this as book 1 but this goes deeper into what happened after the plantation takeover. This is like reading a historical version of The Matrix. What side are you on? The blue pill or the red pill? A lot of supporting characters are now having a chance to shine in this book. This also goes deeper into what happens when money, power and respect come into play. A few of the characters that were deemed heroes/saviors in the first book are now villains and the transition to this was perfect.
Kwadzo struggled throughout this book with his newfound power but his passion and heart leads him through this new journey. Gertie is back and just like my review of her in the last book, she again has made me mad with her thought process towards Kwadzo. Sometimes I just wish she would take the blood and shut up lol.
Irene in my eyes was most definitely the star of this book! For her to be so young, she truly has grown into her new life as a Ramangan!
Rafazi…I’m just at a loss for words with this one…you’ll have to read the book for you to understand.
Overall this was a great yet calmer sequel to Blood Slaves! I give this 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, Dafina and Markus Redmond for this amazing arc read!
Let the Bloody 🩸 Revolution continue…
There isn’t as much action in this as book 1 but this goes deeper into what happened after the plantation takeover. This is like reading a historical version of The Matrix. What side are you on? The blue pill or the red pill? A lot of supporting characters are now having a chance to shine in this book. This also goes deeper into what happens when money, power and respect come into play. A few of the characters that were deemed heroes/saviors in the first book are now villains and the transition to this was perfect.
Kwadzo struggled throughout this book with his newfound power but his passion and heart leads him through this new journey. Gertie is back and just like my review of her in the last book, she again has made me mad with her thought process towards Kwadzo. Sometimes I just wish she would take the blood and shut up lol.
Irene in my eyes was most definitely the star of this book! For her to be so young, she truly has grown into her new life as a Ramangan!
Rafazi…I’m just at a loss for words with this one…you’ll have to read the book for you to understand.
Overall this was a great yet calmer sequel to Blood Slaves! I give this 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, Dafina and Markus Redmond for this amazing arc read!
Let the Bloody 🩸 Revolution continue…
May 13, 2026
3.5⭐️
A rage-inducing read from start to finish!
I was very excited to read the next installment after enjoying the first book, Blood Slaves. My favorite aspect of this sequel is that we’re given more knowledge and lore surrounding the Ramangan people. It blends vampirism with colonial African culture in a way that feels highly unique and compelling. I also enjoyed learning about the specialized powers each individual obtains. Similar to the first book, this story is bloody, action-packed, and rage-inducing. The horrors the slaves endure are abhorrent, and I appreciate that the author does not sugarcoat them, as they reflect a stark reality that deserves to be understood. This book is brutal and graphic, but so is our history.
I struggled with the beginning of the book. Gertie, Kwazdo’s wife, takes up much of the focus, and I found her irritating at times. In the previous book, we saw immense growth in her character arc, but that progress seems to regress at the start of this installment. Her jealousy and constant squabbles detract from the story. However, her arc begins to develop again toward the middle of the book. Additionally, I found the ending abrupt and somewhat underwhelming. I expected more from a story that otherwise packs such a punch.
Overall, I preferred the first book, but I greatly enjoyed the expanded depth of the Ramangan lore. I’m intrigued to see how the story continues to evolve!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
A rage-inducing read from start to finish!
I was very excited to read the next installment after enjoying the first book, Blood Slaves. My favorite aspect of this sequel is that we’re given more knowledge and lore surrounding the Ramangan people. It blends vampirism with colonial African culture in a way that feels highly unique and compelling. I also enjoyed learning about the specialized powers each individual obtains. Similar to the first book, this story is bloody, action-packed, and rage-inducing. The horrors the slaves endure are abhorrent, and I appreciate that the author does not sugarcoat them, as they reflect a stark reality that deserves to be understood. This book is brutal and graphic, but so is our history.
I struggled with the beginning of the book. Gertie, Kwazdo’s wife, takes up much of the focus, and I found her irritating at times. In the previous book, we saw immense growth in her character arc, but that progress seems to regress at the start of this installment. Her jealousy and constant squabbles detract from the story. However, her arc begins to develop again toward the middle of the book. Additionally, I found the ending abrupt and somewhat underwhelming. I expected more from a story that otherwise packs such a punch.
Overall, I preferred the first book, but I greatly enjoyed the expanded depth of the Ramangan lore. I’m intrigued to see how the story continues to evolve!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating 4.5 Rounded up.
An alternate-history horror novel set in colonial America, Blood Rising follows a tribe of African vampires waging war against slavery and colonial oppression. Picking up in the aftermath of the brutal uprising at Barrow Plantation, Kwadzo Okoro steps into leadership of the Ramanga vampires and helps reshape the ruined estate into a sanctuary known as Crimson Plantation.
As someone who loves vampire mythology, I found the premise incredibly refreshing. Redmond blends African vampire folklore with slave-rebellion alternate history in a way that gives the series a truly distinct voice within horror fiction. These are not romanticized gothic vampires draped in elegance and melancholy. They feel ancient, spiritual, ravenous, and deeply unsettling. The mythology expands beautifully in this installment, especially through the introduction of Penelope Knudsen. Her immunity to sunlight shifts the entire balance of power in terrifying ways, and the concept of a white colonial vampire army is both inventive and chilling, turning the machinery of empire itself into horror.
At the same time, the sheer brutality of the novel can become emotionally exhausting. Redmond writes violence with relentless intensity, and eventually the suffering accumulates to the point where certain scenes lose impact rather than gain it. Nearly every interaction spirals toward torture, betrayal, or massacre, and at times the story seems to confuse escalation with emotional depth. I understood the intention behind that choice, but there were moments when the constant brutality threatened to overwhelm the larger narrative and thematic weight of the novel.
Even so, Blood Rising succeeds powerfully. This is horror fueled by rage and purpose. The novel has no interest in comforting its audience, and that uncompromising vision gives it a voice unlike most modern horror fantasy. More than just a vampire story, it interrogates power, survival, memory, and rebellion with remarkable force. Easily one of the boldest horror novels in recent years, it is confrontational, furious, emotionally draining, and ultimately unforgettable.
An alternate-history horror novel set in colonial America, Blood Rising follows a tribe of African vampires waging war against slavery and colonial oppression. Picking up in the aftermath of the brutal uprising at Barrow Plantation, Kwadzo Okoro steps into leadership of the Ramanga vampires and helps reshape the ruined estate into a sanctuary known as Crimson Plantation.
As someone who loves vampire mythology, I found the premise incredibly refreshing. Redmond blends African vampire folklore with slave-rebellion alternate history in a way that gives the series a truly distinct voice within horror fiction. These are not romanticized gothic vampires draped in elegance and melancholy. They feel ancient, spiritual, ravenous, and deeply unsettling. The mythology expands beautifully in this installment, especially through the introduction of Penelope Knudsen. Her immunity to sunlight shifts the entire balance of power in terrifying ways, and the concept of a white colonial vampire army is both inventive and chilling, turning the machinery of empire itself into horror.
At the same time, the sheer brutality of the novel can become emotionally exhausting. Redmond writes violence with relentless intensity, and eventually the suffering accumulates to the point where certain scenes lose impact rather than gain it. Nearly every interaction spirals toward torture, betrayal, or massacre, and at times the story seems to confuse escalation with emotional depth. I understood the intention behind that choice, but there were moments when the constant brutality threatened to overwhelm the larger narrative and thematic weight of the novel.
Even so, Blood Rising succeeds powerfully. This is horror fueled by rage and purpose. The novel has no interest in comforting its audience, and that uncompromising vision gives it a voice unlike most modern horror fantasy. More than just a vampire story, it interrogates power, survival, memory, and rebellion with remarkable force. Easily one of the boldest horror novels in recent years, it is confrontational, furious, emotionally draining, and ultimately unforgettable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
4.5/5
If you thought book one was intense, Blood Rising takes the Blood Saga to a whole new level of depth, lore, and historical rebellion.
While I highly recommend reading Blood Slaves first to get the full, raw impact of this story, Redmond does a great job providing enough background context at the start of Blood Rising that you can technically jump right in. This installment focuses heavily on the liberated Ramangans and local Native tribes trying to establish a new society while facing violent, relentless backlash from surrounding white plantation owners.
The first part of the book is a bit of a slow-burn build-up as it establishes this new status quo, but once it hits the halfway mark? Wow. The pacing kicks into overdrive and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The lore expansion we get about the origins of the Ramangans is a 10/10, and the internal friction, shifting dynamics, and jaw-dropping betrayals kept me on the edge of my seat.
What I appreciate most about Redmond’s writing is his dedication to historical accuracy. He doesn’t shy away from the disgusting, despicable reality of how humans were treated in pre-colonial America. It’s an angry, passionate, and incredibly empowering alternate history that had me literally yelling "GET EM!" at the page. It features less graphic violence than the first book but loses none of its emotional brutality or stakes. That ending was perfection and I am already agonizing over the wait for book three!
4.5/5
If you thought book one was intense, Blood Rising takes the Blood Saga to a whole new level of depth, lore, and historical rebellion.
While I highly recommend reading Blood Slaves first to get the full, raw impact of this story, Redmond does a great job providing enough background context at the start of Blood Rising that you can technically jump right in. This installment focuses heavily on the liberated Ramangans and local Native tribes trying to establish a new society while facing violent, relentless backlash from surrounding white plantation owners.
The first part of the book is a bit of a slow-burn build-up as it establishes this new status quo, but once it hits the halfway mark? Wow. The pacing kicks into overdrive and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The lore expansion we get about the origins of the Ramangans is a 10/10, and the internal friction, shifting dynamics, and jaw-dropping betrayals kept me on the edge of my seat.
What I appreciate most about Redmond’s writing is his dedication to historical accuracy. He doesn’t shy away from the disgusting, despicable reality of how humans were treated in pre-colonial America. It’s an angry, passionate, and incredibly empowering alternate history that had me literally yelling "GET EM!" at the page. It features less graphic violence than the first book but loses none of its emotional brutality or stakes. That ending was perfection and I am already agonizing over the wait for book three!
April 30, 2026
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for a Copy of this Arc
As a fan of the first book I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel and am happy to announce Blood Rising does not disappoint.
The lore we get is such an intriguing Vampire thread that begs to be pulled on explored.
Redmond is able to shift focus from the brutalities enacted against the formerly enslaved population of our protagonists while still acknowledging the cruelty done to those yet to be freed and even to other marginalized groups.
One of my favorite parts of this entry in the Blood Slaves saga was how much time was given to our large cast or women, even awful ones.
Im ever so pleased to see Irene coming into power and getting to affect the story in ways she didn’t in the first book.
Im also over the moon about the character of Jenue. Jenue is a selfish character, one of the themes in this entry but takes such an interesting path of self interest.
I’d still recommend checking out the trigger warnings on this one.
Great news for other Gerty apologists. She gets to chill put a bit and finds peace with her moral qualms.
Id recommend this one to fans of Johnny Comptons Devils Kill Devils, Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark, and fans of Ann Rice who thought she had some interesting ideas but wish she wasn’t sooooooo you know ann rice about a lot of things
Lastly fuck Penelope!!!!
As a fan of the first book I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel and am happy to announce Blood Rising does not disappoint.
The lore we get is such an intriguing Vampire thread that begs to be pulled on explored.
Redmond is able to shift focus from the brutalities enacted against the formerly enslaved population of our protagonists while still acknowledging the cruelty done to those yet to be freed and even to other marginalized groups.
One of my favorite parts of this entry in the Blood Slaves saga was how much time was given to our large cast or women, even awful ones.
Im ever so pleased to see Irene coming into power and getting to affect the story in ways she didn’t in the first book.
Im also over the moon about the character of Jenue. Jenue is a selfish character, one of the themes in this entry but takes such an interesting path of self interest.
I’d still recommend checking out the trigger warnings on this one.
Great news for other Gerty apologists. She gets to chill put a bit and finds peace with her moral qualms.
Id recommend this one to fans of Johnny Comptons Devils Kill Devils, Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark, and fans of Ann Rice who thought she had some interesting ideas but wish she wasn’t sooooooo you know ann rice about a lot of things
Lastly fuck Penelope!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC!
3.75 ⭐️ I went into Blood Rising with more skepticism than I’d like to admit, mostly because Blood Slaves was such a phenomenal read. Markus Redmond absolutely delivers with this sequel. While the first 55–60% leans heavily into slow-burn storytelling, the payoff in the latter half is explosive, emotionally charged, and well worth the wait.
Some of the history and lore sections felt a tad dense, but anyone who enjoys thorough and layered worldbuilding will likely be completely absorbed by the elaborate backstory of the Ramangans. Even though it may not have been my favorite aspect of the book, the detail Redmond put into crafting the mythology and political tension behind the Ramangan world was necessary and definitely created a richer, more immersive foundation for the story as a whole.
At its core, Blood Rising is a story about freedom. What it means, who gets to define it, and the cost of pursuing it. The novel explores the clash between freedom from authority and expectation versus the freedom to simply exist within moral and just law. That ideological divide fuels the conflict throughout the book and creates a brutal, morally blurred struggle for power, identity, and survival. I cannot wait to see what Redmond does next!
3.75 ⭐️ I went into Blood Rising with more skepticism than I’d like to admit, mostly because Blood Slaves was such a phenomenal read. Markus Redmond absolutely delivers with this sequel. While the first 55–60% leans heavily into slow-burn storytelling, the payoff in the latter half is explosive, emotionally charged, and well worth the wait.
Some of the history and lore sections felt a tad dense, but anyone who enjoys thorough and layered worldbuilding will likely be completely absorbed by the elaborate backstory of the Ramangans. Even though it may not have been my favorite aspect of the book, the detail Redmond put into crafting the mythology and political tension behind the Ramangan world was necessary and definitely created a richer, more immersive foundation for the story as a whole.
At its core, Blood Rising is a story about freedom. What it means, who gets to define it, and the cost of pursuing it. The novel explores the clash between freedom from authority and expectation versus the freedom to simply exist within moral and just law. That ideological divide fuels the conflict throughout the book and creates a brutal, morally blurred struggle for power, identity, and survival. I cannot wait to see what Redmond does next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Yes! One of a kind. I was very excited to read "Blood Rising" by Markus Redmond and so happy to give this a shot. It did not disappoint. A brilliant sequel in the Blood Sagas. My thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book, before it's publication.
I loved the first in the series, "Blood Slaves", as I knew I would. The plot alone was captivating, enough. A lot of people are comparing it to the movie "Sinners", which I can understand, however the ideas and method of the liberation metaphor delivered, are slightly different. What happens after you make the decision to overtake your slavers and grant your own freedom by people of a similar cultural origin? What happens to the surrounding plantations? Is unity harder to maintain? Above all, what happens if your enslaving class are granted the same kind of power that liberated you in the first place?
Marcus Redmond's second book in this series, answers all of those questions and more. If you are interested in what happens to the characters from the first book; Gertie, Kwadzo, Rafazi, Penelope, you'll get your wish and be entertained by even more characters and questionable circumstances introduced. It won't be necessary to read the first book in the series, in order to enjoy this. You will be able to follow along, just as well, as not being able to put it down.
I loved the first in the series, "Blood Slaves", as I knew I would. The plot alone was captivating, enough. A lot of people are comparing it to the movie "Sinners", which I can understand, however the ideas and method of the liberation metaphor delivered, are slightly different. What happens after you make the decision to overtake your slavers and grant your own freedom by people of a similar cultural origin? What happens to the surrounding plantations? Is unity harder to maintain? Above all, what happens if your enslaving class are granted the same kind of power that liberated you in the first place?
Marcus Redmond's second book in this series, answers all of those questions and more. If you are interested in what happens to the characters from the first book; Gertie, Kwadzo, Rafazi, Penelope, you'll get your wish and be entertained by even more characters and questionable circumstances introduced. It won't be necessary to read the first book in the series, in order to enjoy this. You will be able to follow along, just as well, as not being able to put it down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My! My! My! Where do I even start?! I didn't think it was possible to enjoy a sequel just as much as I did the first book...but here we are.
Blood Rising picks up about a month after the bloodshed that happened at the Crimson Manor (formerly known as the Barrow Manor). With the help of his fellow Ramangan brothers/sisters, newly freed slaves and the Indigenous people of the land, Kwadzo continues his mission of freeing all slaves across the South with hopes of living a normal life amongst everyone, whites included. However, even with his newfound powers things don't unfold as easily as he'd hoped. With Penelope still on the loose, Kwadzo and the community work to find her, protect their land, free more slaves and make new allies along the way. However, not everyone agrees with this sense of community amongst those of the Blood, former slaves and the Indigenous. This leads to the group ultimately finding out that sometimes blood isn't thicker than water.
Thank you to Markus Redmond, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy of this arc.
If she could turn on her own kind so easily, how long would it take for her to turn against the Africans?
Blood Rising picks up about a month after the bloodshed that happened at the Crimson Manor (formerly known as the Barrow Manor). With the help of his fellow Ramangan brothers/sisters, newly freed slaves and the Indigenous people of the land, Kwadzo continues his mission of freeing all slaves across the South with hopes of living a normal life amongst everyone, whites included. However, even with his newfound powers things don't unfold as easily as he'd hoped. With Penelope still on the loose, Kwadzo and the community work to find her, protect their land, free more slaves and make new allies along the way. However, not everyone agrees with this sense of community amongst those of the Blood, former slaves and the Indigenous. This leads to the group ultimately finding out that sometimes blood isn't thicker than water.
Thank you to Markus Redmond, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy of this arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy of Blood Rising, the heart-stopping sequel to Blood Slaves.
Blood Rising picks up where Blood Slaves ended--with Kwadzo leading an uprising of enslaved Africans, many of whom have been turned to vampires, against their ruthless slave owners. They have taken over the plantation and are now poised to spread throughout the land to free all slaves. And there WILL be blood.
Overthrowing these plantations will not be as easy as it seems. One white girl has been accidentally turned into a vampire. Her loathing of Africans and her ability to survive the sun could lead to a devastating blow to Kwazo and his tribe’s plans. Especially when plantation owners are aided by a former ally and begin turning. If everyone gains this strength, will the fighting ever end?
I loved the exploration of power in this novel, using reimagined history and a clever take on the vampire origin story. What happens when those once in power lose it? How will the newly freed slaves wield their power when confronting their old captors? I highly recommend this series for fans of Stephen Graham Jones, Richard Lange, and Philip Fracassi and, of course, if you loved Sinners!
Blood Rising picks up where Blood Slaves ended--with Kwadzo leading an uprising of enslaved Africans, many of whom have been turned to vampires, against their ruthless slave owners. They have taken over the plantation and are now poised to spread throughout the land to free all slaves. And there WILL be blood.
Overthrowing these plantations will not be as easy as it seems. One white girl has been accidentally turned into a vampire. Her loathing of Africans and her ability to survive the sun could lead to a devastating blow to Kwazo and his tribe’s plans. Especially when plantation owners are aided by a former ally and begin turning. If everyone gains this strength, will the fighting ever end?
I loved the exploration of power in this novel, using reimagined history and a clever take on the vampire origin story. What happens when those once in power lose it? How will the newly freed slaves wield their power when confronting their old captors? I highly recommend this series for fans of Stephen Graham Jones, Richard Lange, and Philip Fracassi and, of course, if you loved Sinners!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just wow this book definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I was completely engrossed in this book I didn’t want to stop reading. If you ever wanted to read a book about an alternative history to slavery including vampyres. This book is shapes the course of history and asks a very profound what if? This book is spellbinding as it is intriguing. This is most definitely the book for you.
By the Blood of Gamab
This book follows the events that occurred in Blood Slaves. Rwadzo who used to be called Willie is the de facto leader of the tribe of Ramangans. Heavy is the crown that bares the responsibilities of others. They have overthrown their slave master Big Jim Barrow. Now the manor is known as Crimson Plantation. Word has spread along the plantations of their power and superhuman strength. Rafazi, the oldest survivor from the Ramangan tribe is enjoying the perks and his carnal pleasure as if it afforded of a man of his statue. Although he doesn’t have the desire to be a leader he wants the respect of one. Things take a drastic turn when past mistakes come back to bite.
Thank you, Markus Redmond, Kensington Publishing, Netgalley and Dafina for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
By the Blood of Gamab
This book follows the events that occurred in Blood Slaves. Rwadzo who used to be called Willie is the de facto leader of the tribe of Ramangans. Heavy is the crown that bares the responsibilities of others. They have overthrown their slave master Big Jim Barrow. Now the manor is known as Crimson Plantation. Word has spread along the plantations of their power and superhuman strength. Rafazi, the oldest survivor from the Ramangan tribe is enjoying the perks and his carnal pleasure as if it afforded of a man of his statue. Although he doesn’t have the desire to be a leader he wants the respect of one. Things take a drastic turn when past mistakes come back to bite.
Thank you, Markus Redmond, Kensington Publishing, Netgalley and Dafina for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blood Rising is a powerful sequel that builds perfectly off the momentum of Blood Slaves. Markus Redmond dives deeper into themes of power, revenge, freedom, and corruption while expanding the world and giving more supporting characters a chance to shine. While this installment is less action-heavy, the storytelling and character development are incredibly strong.
I loved how the book explored what happens after the uprising and how quickly power can shift people’s morals and motivations. Kwadzo’s internal struggle with leadership and power added emotional depth, while Irene completely stood out as one of the strongest characters in the story. The mix of historical fiction, vampire lore, and social commentary gave the novel a unique feel that reminded me of a darker, historical version of The Matrix.
Dark, thought-provoking, and immersive, Blood Rising is a great sequel that raises the stakes emotionally and politically while continuing this fresh take on vampire horror and reimagined history. Definitely recommended for fans of horror with depth and strong character-driven storytelling.
I loved how the book explored what happens after the uprising and how quickly power can shift people’s morals and motivations. Kwadzo’s internal struggle with leadership and power added emotional depth, while Irene completely stood out as one of the strongest characters in the story. The mix of historical fiction, vampire lore, and social commentary gave the novel a unique feel that reminded me of a darker, historical version of The Matrix.
Dark, thought-provoking, and immersive, Blood Rising is a great sequel that raises the stakes emotionally and politically while continuing this fresh take on vampire horror and reimagined history. Definitely recommended for fans of horror with depth and strong character-driven storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A wonderfully executed sequel.
In Blood Rising we follow the recently liberated people of the Barrow plantation aka the new Ramanga tribe of the Crimson Plantation. Picking up right where we left off in Blood Slaves, with their new leader Kwadzo as he navigates his new powers and the future of all enslaved people.
I really enjoyed this, and as I said before with Blood Slaves, I deeply appreciate how Redmond explores vampire mythology through this visceral and non romanticized lens. Instead we get brutal and unflinching slave rebellion dripping in ancient folklore and bloody vengeance. Loved how we got more of the lore backstory as well. Again there were characters who frustrated me but I believe with the themes being explored here, it’s necessary and keeps the story emotionally grounded. And while it’s not as graphic as book 1, it still does not relent whatsoever in the very powerful and emotionally charged impact. Pacing was on fire from middle to end and the conflicts within the Ramanga tribe had me reeling.
Overall this was just fantastic. It’s powerful, rage fueled and epic.
In Blood Rising we follow the recently liberated people of the Barrow plantation aka the new Ramanga tribe of the Crimson Plantation. Picking up right where we left off in Blood Slaves, with their new leader Kwadzo as he navigates his new powers and the future of all enslaved people.
I really enjoyed this, and as I said before with Blood Slaves, I deeply appreciate how Redmond explores vampire mythology through this visceral and non romanticized lens. Instead we get brutal and unflinching slave rebellion dripping in ancient folklore and bloody vengeance. Loved how we got more of the lore backstory as well. Again there were characters who frustrated me but I believe with the themes being explored here, it’s necessary and keeps the story emotionally grounded. And while it’s not as graphic as book 1, it still does not relent whatsoever in the very powerful and emotionally charged impact. Pacing was on fire from middle to end and the conflicts within the Ramanga tribe had me reeling.
Overall this was just fantastic. It’s powerful, rage fueled and epic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a Ride!!!!!!
The second installment of this series is even more satisfying than the first. Satisfaction is one of the many emotions that I experienced as a reader during this saga's 2nd go round. There were moments where I was ecstatic witnessing revenge being exacted on those who absolutely deserved it and times where I was devastated due to the predicaments and situations some of my favorites found themselves in and the levels of betrayal will have your own Blood RiSiNG.
Blood Rising is about so much more than meets the eye. This story is about love, power, dignity, humanity, friendship, and so much more. The author gives us a lot to unpack but also a great story that will absolutely pull you in, make you laugh, make you cry, piss you off and still leave you satisfied.
If you enjoyed Blood Slaves, you are definitely going to love Blood Rising.
P. S. I still don't like Gertie.
I'm already ready for the next one!!
Thank you to Net Galley, Kensington Publishing, and Dafina for the Advanced Reader Copy.
The second installment of this series is even more satisfying than the first. Satisfaction is one of the many emotions that I experienced as a reader during this saga's 2nd go round. There were moments where I was ecstatic witnessing revenge being exacted on those who absolutely deserved it and times where I was devastated due to the predicaments and situations some of my favorites found themselves in and the levels of betrayal will have your own Blood RiSiNG.
Blood Rising is about so much more than meets the eye. This story is about love, power, dignity, humanity, friendship, and so much more. The author gives us a lot to unpack but also a great story that will absolutely pull you in, make you laugh, make you cry, piss you off and still leave you satisfied.
If you enjoyed Blood Slaves, you are definitely going to love Blood Rising.
P. S. I still don't like Gertie.
I'm already ready for the next one!!
Thank you to Net Galley, Kensington Publishing, and Dafina for the Advanced Reader Copy.
June 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
While I’ve not read the first instalment in the series, I really did enjoy ‘Blood Rising’. Indubitably in the bucket of historical fiction horror, it makes for a riveting setting, and an indictment of the treatment of slaves and black people as a whole in the era.
I didn’t have as much context as others had with this novel, but the characters were fully formed and really interesting to get to know. Surprisingly, I really like Gertie as a character- I didn’t expect to given the opinions of others, but perhaps I liked her more given I’d not read the first book.
I found the villains were really fascinating too, and they certainly packed a punch. There’s some really great scenes, some more bloody than others, but the politics of it were really interesting as well.
I do really hope that the next book goes more into the history and mythology of the vampirism in the books. There’s a lot of heart in this book, and I can see why the first one was so popular- I’ll be finding it as soon as I can after this one!
While I’ve not read the first instalment in the series, I really did enjoy ‘Blood Rising’. Indubitably in the bucket of historical fiction horror, it makes for a riveting setting, and an indictment of the treatment of slaves and black people as a whole in the era.
I didn’t have as much context as others had with this novel, but the characters were fully formed and really interesting to get to know. Surprisingly, I really like Gertie as a character- I didn’t expect to given the opinions of others, but perhaps I liked her more given I’d not read the first book.
I found the villains were really fascinating too, and they certainly packed a punch. There’s some really great scenes, some more bloody than others, but the politics of it were really interesting as well.
I do really hope that the next book goes more into the history and mythology of the vampirism in the books. There’s a lot of heart in this book, and I can see why the first one was so popular- I’ll be finding it as soon as I can after this one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I almost put this down when within the first 10% there was a scene involving feces. It genuinely turned my stomach. And I can stomach A LOT of stuff. I read an entire splatterpunk (extreme horror?) about a guy chasing STDs (talk about descriptive/gross) and was fine... but there's my line- feces. This was bloody and violent, but not as much as it's predecessor. There was less torture (a positive). But also more planning and talking and talking about planning, the pacing took a hit because of that. Gertie tries so hard to be a moral compass for Kwadzo but she just needs to get on board the revenge train. She seemed to make some progress by the end of the first book but for the 5 steps forward she made, she took 1-2 steps back in this one. Rafazi spent the first book acknowledging he was a coward and not wanting to lead and then he spends this book sulking. Unfortunately, I think this is where the series ends for me.
I was looking forward to this one, so thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Dafina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking forward to this one, so thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Dafina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'd give Blood Rising 3.5 stars. It has the same strengths and the same problems as book one: the premise is bold, the stakes are big, and the world still has a lot of potential, but the plot can feel uneven and a little repetitive at times. What kept me reading was the ambition of it all, the alternate-history setup, the brutal conflict, and the way the story keeps pushing its characters into morally messy territory. But the momentum didn't always land the way I wanted, and some of the same issues from the first book are still hanging around, which made it harder for the sequel to fully stand on its own. Even so, I'm still interested in where the series goes next because there's enough here to make the larger story worth following. I'm hoping book three is where everything really comes together.
July 4, 2026
4.5 stars
Blood Rising was such a different vibe from Blood Slaves but not in a bad way! The story moves a little slower as Kwadzo figures out what the heck to do now that he is the Ramangan leader and has freed the slaves of Barrow (now Crimson) plantation. As if Penelope wasn’t enough to hate, we get introduced to the despicable Crabtree’s that rally the white folks to fight against the Ramagans.
There is a lot of conflict in Blood Rising, and less violence. If the violent nature of Blood Slaves kept you from reading it, there is an introductory letter in the beginning of BR to catch you up so you can skip BS (although I’d still recommend BS).
I very much enjoyed the myths and history that are divulged in this story and how well the Ramagans, the Indigenous, and a few white folks work together to build community, change the fate of the enslaved, and handle dissent. Very much looking forward to book 3 next year!
Thank you netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC
Blood Rising was such a different vibe from Blood Slaves but not in a bad way! The story moves a little slower as Kwadzo figures out what the heck to do now that he is the Ramangan leader and has freed the slaves of Barrow (now Crimson) plantation. As if Penelope wasn’t enough to hate, we get introduced to the despicable Crabtree’s that rally the white folks to fight against the Ramagans.
There is a lot of conflict in Blood Rising, and less violence. If the violent nature of Blood Slaves kept you from reading it, there is an introductory letter in the beginning of BR to catch you up so you can skip BS (although I’d still recommend BS).
I very much enjoyed the myths and history that are divulged in this story and how well the Ramagans, the Indigenous, and a few white folks work together to build community, change the fate of the enslaved, and handle dissent. Very much looking forward to book 3 next year!
Thank you netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Get ready for a well-crafted, emotional story. I'm grateful to have read "Blood Rising," book 2 in the Blood Saga series. Having loved the first book, I eagerly plunged back into the souls and spirits of Kwadzo, Rafazi, Gertie, and the Ramangas as they were forced to deal with their haters. The story continues where Blood Slaves left off. Markus Redmond does a spectacular job incorporating events and milestones from the first book, making it a page-turner. Blood Rising is a must-read for those who love horror, vampires, and complex relationships/characters. It depicts the cruelty and business of slavery in its raw, hate-filled truth. At a time (2026) when our Black History is being whitewashed, this story emerges to unveil the secrets of vile evil. This story made me cry, scream, and root for my ancestors who endured the unfathomable. Readers will appreciate Redmond's research for the settings, language, and cultures. I enjoyed looking up the word Alkebulan and finding it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blood Rising is a gripping blend of horror, history, and suspense that offers a fresh take on vampire fiction. Markus Redmond crafts an immersive world filled with danger, intrigue, and compelling characters that keep the pages turning.
The atmosphere is one of the novel's greatest strengths. The tension builds steadily, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout the story. The historical backdrop adds depth and richness while the supernatural elements provide plenty of excitement.
Fans of dark fantasy, horror, and historical fiction will appreciate the unique concept and engaging storytelling. Blood Rising delivers an entertaining and memorable reading experience that stands out within the genre.
Blood Rising is a gripping blend of horror, history, and suspense that offers a fresh take on vampire fiction. Markus Redmond crafts an immersive world filled with danger, intrigue, and compelling characters that keep the pages turning.
The atmosphere is one of the novel's greatest strengths. The tension builds steadily, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout the story. The historical backdrop adds depth and richness while the supernatural elements provide plenty of excitement.
Fans of dark fantasy, horror, and historical fiction will appreciate the unique concept and engaging storytelling. Blood Rising delivers an entertaining and memorable reading experience that stands out within the genre.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Markus Redmond and Kensington for this ARC of Blood Rising.
The book takes place one month after the events of Blood Slaves. Kwadzo finds himself in the new position of leader, and as such, also finds himself at odds with Rafazi. This exploration with newly found power makes up a large portion of the book. But my favorite thing is how Redmond explores and develops the background and fringe characters. We see more of Irene, Fanna, and we’re introduced to Jenue, who is a fascinating case study. We’re also given some background on the etymology of the word vampire, which I loved.
I can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy. Welcome to the blood, indeed.
The book takes place one month after the events of Blood Slaves. Kwadzo finds himself in the new position of leader, and as such, also finds himself at odds with Rafazi. This exploration with newly found power makes up a large portion of the book. But my favorite thing is how Redmond explores and develops the background and fringe characters. We see more of Irene, Fanna, and we’re introduced to Jenue, who is a fascinating case study. We’re also given some background on the etymology of the word vampire, which I loved.
I can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy. Welcome to the blood, indeed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Now the leader of the Ramanga Tribe of the reclaimed Crimson Plantation, Kwadzo Okoro must now contend with the slaveholding Crabtrees seeking to claim the plantation as their own, the turned Penelope Knudsen who can survive the sun, as well as his maker Rafazi in the second book in The Blood Saga. This thought-provoking alternate history/historical horror read is gruesome with supernatural elements that will appeal to readers of multiple genres.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blood Rising continues to expand its unique alternate-history vampire world with plenty of action and interesting lore. I enjoyed learning more about the vampire mythology and seeing how the world continued to evolve.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but it didn't quite reach the level of the first book for me. Even so, the setting and lore kept me invested, and I would still recommend this series to readers looking for a unique take on vampire horror mixed with historical fiction.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but it didn't quite reach the level of the first book for me. Even so, the setting and lore kept me invested, and I would still recommend this series to readers looking for a unique take on vampire horror mixed with historical fiction.
July 4, 2026
Picks up a few weeks after the first book. Medium paced story and lots of action. It went more in-depth on the characters and showed growth. It demonstrated “heavy is the head that wears the crown” and “All folk ain’t kin folk”. It had some heavy moments, but not to the point that you had to set it down and take a break. It ended on a cliff hanger so you know there will be a third book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was completely hooked from the first chapter. Blood Rising takes everything I loved about the first book and turns the intensity up to another level. Highly recommend if you love dark fantasy, historical horror, morally gray characters, and stories that keep you thinking long after you’ve finished the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A deeper dive into the history that started it all, which I found interesting, albeit less action packed as the first book. I enjoyed the twist on ancient folklore, and overall it was an exceptional step in a blood thirsty saga forcing us to open our eyes and choose sides. Thank you to the author and the publishing house for permitting me this eARC to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Markus did it again!!! Absolutely amazing! I loved every minute. I definitely spoke to the crabs in a barrel within the community and it made my heartache but the unity and community of it all was beautiful
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book dealt with power struggle, and how to handle newfound power. It is about evil people still doing evil sthings. It gives so much history about Africa, which I love learning it made me question my book morals it made me think I really enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for a Copy of this Arc
So I had the pleasure of reading both books consecutively. What drew me to the book was the comparison to the movie Sinners. Personally, I don’t think the comparison is fair to the experience Blood Rising gives you. Sinners is the only comparison because there isn’t anything better, but this book is so much better. After reading the first book I couldn’t wait to get to the second.
This book formulated feelings in me that are all too familiar. I would get into a flow and couldn’t put it down for fear of pausing the movie. The twists and turns this book takes you on, you think you know the characters, you think you know where the story is going and then the playing field gets readjusted.
I would say my only critique (this may be because I was so excited) is to get to the point a little faster. I’m saying this knowing the need for environmental set up but I think I was just ready to get to the meat of the story. This author immerses you in the fights, the misunderstandings, the fear, the sadness and hurt the entire chapter - the entire book!
This caters to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy, horror, historical fiction. Please read tropes and trigger warnings . The reality of the story is intense so hold on, it’s worth it.
So I had the pleasure of reading both books consecutively. What drew me to the book was the comparison to the movie Sinners. Personally, I don’t think the comparison is fair to the experience Blood Rising gives you. Sinners is the only comparison because there isn’t anything better, but this book is so much better. After reading the first book I couldn’t wait to get to the second.
This book formulated feelings in me that are all too familiar. I would get into a flow and couldn’t put it down for fear of pausing the movie. The twists and turns this book takes you on, you think you know the characters, you think you know where the story is going and then the playing field gets readjusted.
I would say my only critique (this may be because I was so excited) is to get to the point a little faster. I’m saying this knowing the need for environmental set up but I think I was just ready to get to the meat of the story. This author immerses you in the fights, the misunderstandings, the fear, the sadness and hurt the entire chapter - the entire book!
This caters to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy, horror, historical fiction. Please read tropes and trigger warnings . The reality of the story is intense so hold on, it’s worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews