Blood and Wonder

by Kami King Larsen

When magic, medicine, and miracles collide, who will live and who will die?

Aurelia and Roe have been best friends for years. Both freshly trained medical practitioners, they are set to begin their life’s work in Devil’s Meadows. To get to their new home, the pair must make the dangerous trek from the mountains of Renfield to the scorching heart of a vast desert. Along with Roe’s brother Hale and a small team of companions, they are armed with only their knowledge, instruments, and each other.

In the grueling vastness of inhospitable terrain, the sun and sand hold dangers in countless forms. Wild animals, harsh weather, and bandits looking to steal precious medicines are just the beginning of the perils they'll face.

Trailed by a madman who insists Aurelia carries not only compassion and wisdom in her veins, but also miracles and magic, they must race to outrun him or risk losing more than just their supplies. They will have to trust themselves, each other, and their healing arts to survive.

Step into the world of Blood and Wonder, a magical new tale of medicine, love, and adventure by the author of A Simple Tale of Water and Weeping.

Genres: Fiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

Lover of stories, writer of fiction, doctor for children, and enjoyer of wine and whimsy

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying: I can’t wait for the next book to come out!

I tend to stay away from dystopian novels as they trigger my anxiety -as I can see all these things actually happening as we keep abusing this planet - but I found this setting intriguing enough for me to want to know more about what happened during the Grand Divagation. I hope the author will give a little bit of a backstory in her next book as it seems to be connected to the ability for certain people to use energy in a way to create “miracles”.

I really liked the characters and I was happy the author decided to go with the 3 pov so that we could have a better insight on what was happening. I love how the relationships between the 3 manu characters evolved and I was very glad when I realized I was shipping right. Hale was my favorite character by far and I wish he had longer chapters, but I see why he didn’t get them this time around… maybe in the next book as he confronts all the feelings he is definitely not dealing with.

I love how the author gave sort of an ending to the book but keeping a lot of doors open: who are these people with the wine stains on their faces? What do they want? How does this power work? When are Roe and Auri going to have that talk? So many questions and I am so excited to read more!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It’s fun, it’s adventurous, and I really liked the character!
I need more!

[_ammu_asoka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roe and Hale are brothers who are ready to sacrifice anything for each other. Aurelia and Roe have been best friends for years. Aurelia, Roe and Hale, along with other medical practitioners were on a dangerous trek from Renfield to the Devil's Meadows. It was a lively city in the past. But it's now a city in a desert. In this journey, they come face to face with a lot of things that question their beliefs.

After the Grand Divigation, a lot of things have changed in the world, and the new medical techniques are not up to the mark. Said from 3 PoVs, the novel gives insight into the minds of the main characters. But Hale's PoV was rather short compared to the other characters. But I think it was deliberately left like that to keep the story mysterious. This would make the next book in the series more entertaining. I think the next book will answer a lot of questions regarding the Grand Divigation.

Hale is my favourite character ❤️. He is one of the most strong characters in the book. Roe and Aurelia are really good friends. Aurelia as the female lead shines every moment.

I enjoyed reading this book!

(Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.)

[Jahara - Jarjarbindings · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Where is the girl with the magic and starlight, sunshine and saving?"

"The world was cruel, and I was determined to survive it.... Auri on the other hand, was more concerned with saving whatever could be salvaged of this miserable planet. She wanted to right wrongs and lift up her fellow inhabitants, or die trying."

Aurelia and Roe have been childhood best friends, who have just finished their training to become medical practitioners, in which they then get assigned to carry that work out in their new home in Devil's meadows, but first they must get there. Auri, Roe, Roe's brother Hale and a small band of companions must journey on a grueling trip across the inhospitable desert to get to their destination. Among the wild animals, harsh weather and thieves of precious medicines they are hunted by a madman claiming Auri carries miracles and magic in her veins, as they try to outrun him they must trust in eachother and the unbelievable to make it out alive.

⚕️ OH MY GOODNESS KAMI! YOU DID IT AGAIN! After reading this author's first book, I practically begged her to let me be on this team, and I'm so glad she let me! Her writing style is so easy and flows so beautifully. I'm in love with every single character that comes out of her head and at first I didn't think I'd like this as much as the first one but in the end I liked it more! The medical terms and procedures were so intriguing and I love that you shared your knowledge of that field with us in this beautiful book! Thank you so much for sharing this beauty with me! I loved it so much!⚕️
I give Blood and Wonder by Kami King Larsen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (you can find this on Kindle Unlimited! Go get it right now!)

[Tristen Kozinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood and Wonder is an interesting mix of fantasy and western in a post-apocalyptic like setting. This setting is well utilized and colors the entire narrative, even affecting the narrative in tangible ways. The desert, with its various environments and dangers, is vibrant and immersive, providing a striking backdrop to a narrative that revolves around a caravan of doctors migrating through it while pursued by a gypsy-like wagon of bad-magic miracle workers.
The medical section of the book are particularly well implemented, full of specific information, knowledge and tools to render the medicine (and characters practicing it) credible. At least to someone largely ignorant of the field, which I imagine encapsulates most readers. While clear efforts were made to cultivate this authenticity, it is never oppressive, or overly extensive; you are given taste in relevant scenes, flavor text to help define the characters, the world, and make everything feel more real.
The character are likable, well distinguished from one another, and given fairly recognizable personalities. Hale probably has the strongest character, as the motivation driving his personality and interactions are the most evident and complex. Aurelia's good as well, but the book probably does worship her a bit too much via Roe and Hale's adoration. It's not that she doesn't deserve respect for her achievements and skills as a doctor, but her abilities as a doctor are largely equivalent to Hale and Roe's and she doesn't really do anything immensely noteworthy or impressive through most of the book. (She does have feats, but much of the praise heaped upon her has nothing to do with those feats, and said feats don't occur until the climax.) Roe is good, but lacks the meat of narrative conflict given to Hale and Aurelia.
There is a fair amount of humor throughout the book (though it is not a comedy; the humor is more in the fashion of camaraderie and relationship building) and I found Roe's many nick names for Aurelia particularly endearing.

[Emily | EMVZ.woodandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

“ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ ᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴄɪɴᴇ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜɴɪᴠᴇʀꜱᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴘʟᴀɴꜱ."

🩺 Post-Apocalyptic
🩺 Epic Journey
🩺 Multiple POVs
🩺 Medical Aspects
🩺 Touch of Romance
🩺 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩺 Hint of Magic
🩺 Subtle Cliffhanger

While set in a post-apocalyptic world, there was a wild west feel to the story, too. This book was well written, and I found the mix of medicine and magic a fascinating concept. The medicine aspect seemed accurately portrayed, which added to my interest. I only wished there was more background information about how the world got to be in that situation.

The dynamic between characters and the way that their relationships blossomed throughout was done wonderfully. I hope to get more of Hale and romance in the next book.

Overall, it was a quick, solid read that I would recommend it to others! I look forward to reading the next book in the series! ✨️

[Brianna Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great read!

Thank you for another great read. I liked how medicine collided with magic. Being a nurse myself, I too wish I had magic to cure my patients. (It was also nice that all of the medical info was correct)
I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel follows a group of medics traveling to Devil’s Meadows where they stop at small villages along the way offering their medical services. Roe and Aurelia are best friends. Hale the broody, protective brother. Although each have specific medical skills, some travelers have noticed Aurelia’s talents…and that they stretch well beyond the limits of science.

Great story! The only thing I would have asked for is a little more confrontation and a little more Hale 😏

[Kami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I allowed to rate my own books? Why not! Is this the best book I’ve ever read? Of course not but I thinks a fun little start to what I hope will be a great journey.

[Alexandra Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to end, and I need book 2 NOW! I had no idea what to expect when I picked this one up, and all the twists and turns and slow burns had me reading this one fast. The beginning, because I didn't know what to expect, had me out of sorts for a while, trying to figure out the setting. It wasn't until about 40% in that it became clear. This is a post-apocalyptic novel where there is no technology, electricity or running water. Settlements are stationed across the desert that new medical practitioners Aurelia, Roe, Hale and accompanying crew have to cross to get to their destination, Devil's Meadow. The road is long, hot and miserable on foot with horse-drawn carriages carrying their supplies. Thankfully, they have experienced escorts, security and other medical support personnel to help get them there so they can serve the people there.

Aurelia and Roe have been best friends since they were kids and their relationship is so adorable. Hale is Roe's grumpy older brother and self-appointed protector--not that Roe needs protecting. The slow burn in this story is so slow it's almost non-existent, but the romance isn't the main focus of this unique and interesting story either. With that being said, I can not wait to see how that part progresses in book 2. Those two are magical together! (No spoilers!)

Not only is there science and traditional medical practices in this story, there's also magic and wonder and danger and people coming together to power through the hard times. It's messy and beautiful all at the same time. The author has a special cadence to her writing, and although the vocabulary is vast and the medical language was thick throughout, it was a smooth read and oh, so intriguing. This was so different from what I usually read and write, but I'm so glad I picked it up. I'M HOOKED!

[Peter McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In some dystopian future, human medical care has regressed to a bygone era. Those who still practice are part of a group called Medicus Corpus and, upon completion of their training, are assigned a station to which they will spend the remainder of their days practicing. Fresh from her schooling, Aurelia has been assigned to a place called Devil’s Meadows, deep within a desert wasteland. Together with her friend, Roe and his brother, Hale, they must complete the long and arduous journey, stopping in various desolate, desert locales to treat those in need. They’ll encounter many dangers along the way, and will find that even with their extensive knowledge and training, not everyone they meet can be healed. But there may be more to Aurelia than at first meets the eye and sometimes things aren’t always as they seem.

“Blood and Wonder” is actually the second book I’ve read this year from author Kami King Larsen and I should lead by saying that she is just a terrific storyteller. I loved the dynamic between characters and the way that their relationships blossomed throughout the tale. This story was never wanting for action or drama and had more than a few moments that left me thinking about the storyline even after I put the book down. The main villain of the story was also positively wicked and reminded me of a Stephen King villain from “Doctor Sleep.” I couldn’t get enough. All in all, I was excited by the end of this book to see that there would be a sequel and I’m looking forward to diving in again when it comes out!

[Shayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blood and Wonder was a great introduction to what I hope will be a continued series. I enjoyed the plot, and it was a leisurely read that had some easy to like characters. My largest concern with this book was the lack of world building. It wasn't until almost 200 pages in that we got any hint of the events that lead to the regression in medical knowledge, and it was only a paragraph long. What's more, that same paragraph actually opened more questions than it answered. Some pretty strong and serious implications were made and then never addressed again. As someone in the medical field myself, I appreciated that medical descriptions and thought processes used by the characters, and I really enjoyed how the writing style changed between characters. But in order to take this book from good to great, I think there needs to be a lot more background and world building provided. The ending also felt cut short, but I can understand that given that there are more books coming - books that I will happily read once published!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As an early reviewer sometimes you don't expect much, as in my last two books, but this book was very good! While set in the future, it has the feel of an old western to it. I felt it was very well written and gave more details and characterizations then your typical young adult book. I also liked that the author chose a world that isn't commonly written about in this genre. it felt new and fresh. It was an adventure novel with a touch of magic realism and just a kiss of some sexual tension. The author's medical background also made an appearance in some of her descriptions in the latter half of the book. I will keep my eye out for the second in this series!
I received this book as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers. Thanks to them, Kami King Larsen and her publisher.

[Muriel DeSimone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells the story of Aurelia, Roe, and Hale, who have just finished their medical training, and their harrowing trek to their assigned workplace of Devils Meadow. Being in the post-apocalyptic era where technology as we know it is no longer available and supplies are limited, they have many hurdles to jump during their trip and for their future lives. They also run into danger and a little magic along the journey. A great read and I can’t wait to see what happens to these 3 in the next book in the series! Bravo and keep them coming!

[nx74defiant · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a post-apocalyptic world brothers Hale and Roe as well as Roe's best friend Aurelia are doctors on the way to their assignment. As they travel across the harsh desert they encounter a wagon of "miracle workers" who insist Aurelia has the power. The chapters alternate between the main characters point of view. It was very well done. The secrets Hale and Roe kept were not what I expect. Good start to a series.

[Adrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely different from my normal reads but I really enjoyed it! I used to be obsessed with Post apocalyptic books so this was like going back to an old favorite.
I don’t want to give away anything but The magic was super interesting and unique, the characters were wonderful and it quickly sucked me in. Hale was my favorite but I loved Aurelia so much she’s definitely a strong FMC. I only wish there was a little more back story and it would have been perfect.

-Grumpy Sunshine
-Post Apocalyptic
-Grumpy and Sunshine
-Medical
-Epic Journey.

[Crystal Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been inyo fantasy books but gods a fantasy western is just as addicting! Following Aurelia, Roe, and Hale to their new home was exciting! I have a soft spot for westerns so reading about their travels was awesome especially being able to picture it in my head. Getting to read from their different perspective helped get a read on the overall team and it was adorable to see how much they cared for one another. I also loved the medical aspect that was fascinating and coupling medicine with magic was awesome! Can't wait for the next adventure they get into!

[Autumn Brimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank so much to the author! This book was exactly what I needed to get out of a reading slump. I was immediately drawn in by the multiple view points. Each character has such a distinct voice and personality. Hale easily became my favorite character and I adored his chapters! Even with such a character driven story the plot was still engaging and quick paced. I was constantly on edge waiting for more brilliant twists. I would love to read more about these characters and this world!

[CMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautifully told adventure story. Such a unique concept too with the blend of fantasy and western in a world that was entirely fresh, but gave me feels from all the recent post-apocalyptic books and spin offs from The Hunger Games. Full of relatable characters, interesting magic, sharp dialogue, and relationships that keep you turning the page. I am hoping this is just the start to a great new series.

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 stars! This was a great book. It was a cool concept and I really loved the combo of magic and medicine. I’m in PA school and I met this author at the Tucson festival of books, and told her about my PA school journey so far. The dystopian vibe was incorporated super well. I also think it’s so cool that she was inspired by the desert scenery on that king drive from Vegas to Reno. I’ve driven that many times (mostly as a passenger) and it’s so awful. I feel for the characters in this book that had to walk that.

[Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A futuristic apocalyptic, post-Grand Divagation time sets Auri, Roe, and Hale out with a team from Medicus—a Doctors Without Borders-like group of young medical professionals—across a desert to station in Devil’s Meadows. On their way, they pass a mysterious dried up lake bed and help the people who remain in the small desolate communities along the way. The journey is filled with adventure and strife.

Kidnapping, a flash flood, the group divided and separated, bandits and thieves after Auri’s “gift” of magically healing—a wonder desperately sought by others.

Beautifully told with a loveable cast of strong characters. Larsen’s medical knowledge is evident in the descriptions and situations.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written story. The desolate setting was so well described I could picture it so clearly. Told from alternating points of view I enjoyed getting to know each of the three main characters of Aurelia and brothers Hale and Roe and seeing their story unfold. I found the mix of medicine and magic a fascinating concept and look forward to learning more and revisiting these characters in the future.

Thank you to the author for the #gifted eARC.

[Kinsey Bullock | bookemkinzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

When magic, medicine, and miracles collide... who will live and who will die?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Some slight spoilers ahead!

This adventure, quest-like story follows a trio of recently graduated medical practitioners who are assigned to a location in which they are to work in this post-apocalyptic world where medical care is hard to come by. Aurelia, Roe and Hale, set off on an action-packed trip through treacherous terrain to their assigned location... Devil's Meadows. Along the way, the trio finds themselves in a variety of situations that push them to thier limits and test their abilities. Even those that they themselves may not know of.

There's action, suspense, friendships, humor, a hint of romance, and a bit of magic to top it all off.

One thing that I wanted and didn't get a lot of in this read was a backstory... I wish there was more information on the downfall of the previous society. What happened and why? What was the fallout?

There are so many different directions that this series can run with and the ending is a subtle cliffhanger that makes you want more. I'll definitely be picking up book two to continue!

Be sure to pick up Blood and Wonder August 1, 2022.

Some tropes to expect:
💥 Strong FMC
💥 Post-apocalyptic Setting
💥 Multiple POVs
💥 The Chosen One
💥 Epic Quest
💥 Grumpy Sunshine
💥 Strong Friendships
💥 Quick Read with Short Chapters

Lastly, I would like to say a big thank you to the author for sending me this ARC. 💕

[Karen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood and Wonder was the first book to make me miss home. The details of the desert with the dry lake beds and the old falling apart towns were spot on between Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada.
The story was about a couple of doctors who just graduated medical school and gets picked for a small desert town far from home. They go through alot along the way. There is romance (kinda), mystery ( a little) and action (sure) . The group also has a few supporting characters that I hope are more active in her sequel.

[Daniela A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood & Wonder is the first book I have read from Kami an all I can say is that she did not disappoint. The characters were just wonderful but personally I like Hale a bit more. I also liked that this book was also in multiple perspectives as it allowed me to get to see what each character is thinking. All in all the book was amazing & I  will 100% recommend this to anyone who enjoy quick reads because once you start reading Blood & Wonder you won't want to put it down.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the world got too greedy, the powers that be decided it was time to take away all conveniences. No medical advancements, no electricity, and so on.

Auriela and Roe have been friends forever. They, along with Roe's brother Hale, are newly trained medical practitioners. They must trek through a vast desert to get to their assignment, Devils Meadows.

They must face dangers head on to get to their destination, including a mad man who claims Auriela can perform miracles in the form of magic. Who will live through the journey?
----
This book is well researched, which is due in part because the author is a practicing pediatrician. I love that the book is well researched, it certainly makes it better to read than if I was finding inaccuracies throughout.

This is set in a post-apocalyptic world where modern medicine and transportation is not longer available.

This book is not like any other I have read before. It focuses on the medical side of a dystopian world.

[Nicolette · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝 I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book based on the synopsis and cover. It just seemed a bit different than what I’m used to but I am SO GLAD that I found this author. I absolutely adored this story and it’s characters. It was different, but in the best way.

📝 Aurelia was great FMC. She’s extremely bright and empathetic but a she’s not perfectly put together. It was relatable. Roe was probably my favorite though. He’s such a sweet and brave friend. It was wonderful to watch his brother’s character develop throughout the book and to understand why he is the way he is. Both of them, really.

📝 I don’t want to give anything away, but the magically element in this story is enthralling and a bit terrifying. If you enjoy magic and a bit of adventure I would recommend Blood and Wonder!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not even kidding when I say how are all of these author’s books so perfect!!!