Blahom: A Warrior Goddess

by April Q. Russell

"[The] ambitious story pulses with what readers want from the palace intrigue, family secrets, grueling training exercises, and dramatic events all involving an engaging cast and set against a fresh and vivid alien world." -Publisher's Weekly BookLife

Despite the long war that rages around her, Blahom leads a sheltered but enviable life as a young Black royal until everything is shattered by a shocking vision and a single act of deception. Beautiful, poised, and adored by the Zaed society her family rules over, Blahom has spent her young life preparing for her future as a ruler and royal. The war between her people, who value a connection to God and culture, and the Delions, who aim to rule Sirius with technology, has raged on for years-but since the disappearance of a cousin and countless other women in her community, the stakes have suddenly become higher...and much more personal. Lacking solutions for how to end the conflict, Blahom's mother shares a plan to end the war that was revealed to her in a visionary dream -if only her family would agree. As the rulers-including Blahom's younger sister Katyana and fierce warrior brother Vasco-come to accept their changing roles in the battles to come, the brief moment of hope is shattered by a shocking murder that strikes at the core of Blahom's inner circle. Touching off a hero's journey that sees Blahom and her sister come to embrace their strength and power to defend their beautiful land, the two young women will endure grueling training, skepticism, tragedy, and risk a young new love in order to save their people and way of life. With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, A Warrior Goddess is the first book in a new, richly inventive urban fantasy series that marks the debut of author April Q. Russell. It certainly won't be the last.

Genres: Fantasy

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2023

About the author

April Q. Russell is the founder of Revolutionize Hollywood, a production house dedicated to creating and amplifying stories by and about women and people of color.

An undeniable multi-hyphenate—April has created a career as an “Artrepreneur” with work in film, radio, creative content, and immersive events. Born of her love of creative storytelling, The Blahom Series marks the arrival of an exciting new voice in urban fantasy.

Originally from Chattanooga, April is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. She now spends her time between Los Angeles and Atlanta, where she’s set to launch the RevHo house, an exclusive creative and social house, in late 2023. When not working, she enjoys food, traveling, getting outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Reviews

[The_BookAce · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @21%

I could not get into this book. The writing felt really simple, we were introduced to like 20 characters in the first two chapters, and there was a lot of telling and not showing. Also, the main relationship is between her and her cousin (oh but they aren’t blood related) doesn’t matter. They grew up as family, and I skimmed ahead and they actually get steamy together 🙅🏽

[A Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this compelling story of love, uncertainty, danger, and power. Blahom is so inventive and touches on many paths and decisions young black royals have to face when they are a blossoming warrior in their own right and care deeply about the future of their community and the women whose shoulder's they stand on. Anyone can relate to this story if they love tales of triumph, the warmth between a mother and daughter, family and community, friends and siblings, and suspense. It is a great mix of suspense, romance, and introspective scenes. Trust me, you will walk away feeling more responsible, sure of yourself, and want to love on your siblings. You will finish this book craving more about this beautiful character and what lies ahead in her journey. Urban Fantasy at its finest. Great job, author April Russell!!