The Living Blood

The Living Blood continues the story from Due's "My Soul to Keep," following Jessica Jacobs-Wolde as she raises her gifted daughter Fana in a remote part of Southwest Florida. The novel combines elements of horror, science fiction, and supernatural thriller as it explores the consequences of immortality and extraordinary healing powers. The story tracks multiple characters across the globe, from Florida to Africa, as they grapple with the implications of a mysterious blood compound that can cure any illness. At the center are Jessica and Fana, who must protect their secret while confronting both human adversaries and supernatural forces. Through the lens of immortality and healing blood, Due examines themes of power, responsibility, and the complex relationship between parent and child. The novel raises questions about the price of eternal life and the moral obligations that come with the ability to save or destroy.

Readers describe this as a gripping supernatural thriller that builds on the first book in the series. The story maintains tension while exploring deeper themes of family, immortality, and power. Readers praised: - Complex character development, especially Jessica and Dawit's relationship - The expansion of the blood gift mythology - Integration of African culture and history - The balance between horror and emotional depth Common criticisms: - Slower pacing in the middle sections - Some plot threads left unresolved - Less horror focus compared to first book - Time jumps that can feel disorienting Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (90+ reviews) Reader quote: "Due creates a unique take on immortality while keeping the human elements front and center." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted they preferred My Soul to Keep (first book) but still found this sequel compelling and worth reading.

Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler A tale of a genetically modified vampire who must rebuild her life while uncovering conspiracies within ancient vampire bloodlines.

The Good House by Tananarive Due A story of generational magic and supernatural forces that centers on an African-American family's ancestral home in the Pacific Northwest.

Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson A Caribbean-influenced supernatural narrative set in a future Toronto where ancient spirits and modern dystopia intersect.

My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due The first book in the African Immortals series follows an immortal man from ancient Ethiopia living in contemporary Miami.

The Between by Tananarive Due A supernatural thriller about a man who cheated death as a child and now faces reality-bending consequences as an adult.

🩸 The book is part of the "African Immortals" series, which became influential in expanding diversity within supernatural fiction during the early 2000s. 🌍 Author Tananarive Due drew inspiration from African religious traditions and healing practices, particularly those from Ethiopia and West Africa. 📚 Due worked as a journalist for the Miami Herald before becoming a full-time novelist, similar to her protagonist Jessica Jacobs-Wolde. 🎓 The novel won the 2002 American Book Award, highlighting its significant contribution to multicultural literature. 🎬 The book rights were optioned for film development, with Due herself writing the initial screenplay adaptation.