REVIEW|| The Black Veins- Ashia Monet || QPOC +Found Family+ Roadtrip+ Magicians = Stunning Book

Hii Guys! Today I am reviewing The Black Veins by Ashia Monet: one of the most fun urban fantasy books I have read. I have also made a moodboard for the book which I really enjoyed making!

Synopsis: In a world where magic thrives in secret city corners, a group of magicians embark on a road trip—and it’s the “no-love-interest”, found family adventure you’ve been searching for.

Sixteen-year-old Blythe is one of seven Guardians: magicians powerful enough to cause worldwide panic with a snap of their fingers. But Blythe spends her days pouring latte art at her family’s coffee shop, so why should she care about having apocalyptic abilities?

She’s given a reason when magician anarchists crash into said coffee shop and kidnap her family.

Heartbroken but determined, Blythe knows she can’t save them alone. A war is brewing between two magician governments and tensions are too high. So, she packs up her family’s bright yellow Volkswagen, puts on a playlist, and embarks on a road trip across the United States to enlist the help of six strangers whose abilities are unparalleled—the other Guardians. (Goodreads) 

Publication Date: 17th July, 2019 

Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA 

Trigger Warnings (as given by the author at the start of the book)

Discussion of deceased parents, siblings, and potential parental and familial death Description of mild bloodshed in violent scenes

Mention of drugs and drug use, primarily marijuana

Gun use Supernatural horror in the form of monsters, primarily found in Chapters 6, 12, and 25

Car accident in Chapter 19

Discussion of anxiety disorders and panic disorders primarily found in Chapters 22, 23, and 25

Racial n-word slur, ending in-a, found in Chapter 21 (before you drag me, yes, I am Black)

Mild anxiety attack in Chapter 25.

Ratings: 5/5

The Black Veins is a story about the Seven Guardians who each have control over one elements and are the powerful magicians. They have to get together for an impending war and doom. There is no romance plot in the book and it was not missed at all. Here are 5 reasons why you must read this book:

Reason #1: Beautiful Writing

The writing and setting of this whole book is atmospheric. It gives you the feel of being there and the magic of the book translates really well on page thus making is a truly magical read in every sense.

Reason #2: Fantastic Characters

The seven characters are: Blythe: Guardian of Ether, Cordelia: Guardian of Mind, Daniel: Guardian of Nature, Caspian: Guardian of Death, Antonio: Guardian of Animal, Storm: Guardian of Time, Jay: Guardian of Body. They are some of the most diverse, different and endearing characters.

Blythe’s parents are taken and she embarks on the journey to find them and takes the help of the other six. Cordelia is abrasive but soon she and Blythe bond and we find out her caring and determined side. Daniel has never gone in the outside world and we see him going on this journey and finding himself. Antonio is the cheerful glue of the group. Storm is a vigilante badass and she was my favourite. Jay is finding his place in the group and in the world. Caspian is very reluctant but slowly overcomes to be a part of the group.

All their stories and growth, both personally and together, were very beautifully portrayed and it was my favourite part about the book.

Reason #3: Amazing Representation and Diversity

Blythe is Black and bisexual, Cordelia is Chinese, Antonio is Puerto Rican and queer, Storm is Black, Caspian is trans and asexual and Jay is Black and bisexual. There is a side character Jamie who is Black, nonbinary and adopted. It is an ownvoices for Black, queer and nonbinary.

Reason #4: Unpredictable and Fun Story

Throughout the story, there are no points in the book where you can predict what is going to happen next. There are twists and turns and there is a constant suspense in the story which makes it a super fun read and keeps you on the edge of the seat. This is the type of book you can easily spend 3 hours reading without looking up.

Reason #5: Road trip, Adventure and Found Family

This book at its core is about the Blythe’s love and loyalty to her family, her friendship and love for her found family of Guardians and their banter and protectiveness for each other is absolutely alluring. The road trip, the adventure is fun and there is one scene in particular which is my favourite.

Spoiler

The scene when all of them are sitting on the roof of the vehicle and just talking and Blythe is explaining constellations is my favourite which I loved and is in my heart forever.

Bonus Reason: That cover is gorgeous and it definitely reflects the beauty inside.

The Black Veins is a fun, entertaining, beautiful and diverse novel and an incredible debut. It has a superb magic system and I loved all the characters, their stories, their friendship and banter and adventure. Although this book does not have a romance plot it is neither missed nor there is a need felt for it. This is a book which is definitely one of the best urban fantasy out there. It has all the elements to make this a stunning and impressive story. You should definitely read this book and I am sure it will not disappoint.

I received the ARC from the author and this has not in any way affected my opinions. All the opinions are my own. 

Here’s my moodboard inspired by the book:

(All images are taken from Pexel and none of the images are mine. Credit to the respective owners)

• Have you read this book ?

• Do you love the found family trope just like me ?

• Which other urban fantasy would you recommend ?