Blood and Tradition by Marc Keyner

Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka | Content warnings: infanticide

Relish a fast-paced fantasy with vibrant characters, rich worldbuilding, and relentless action!

Marc Keyner’s Blood and Tradition plunges readers into a lively fantasy world where the lives of Mos, a Mountain Orc, and Ella, a Human Magi, collide with tradition and taboo. 

It opens with the couple on the run, desperately seeking refuge from the Orc tribes who decree death for conceiving a Half-orc child. Their harrowing escape to the mercantile capital of Khopesi is fraught with danger, and Mos faces the unimaginable dilemma of whether to terminate their child to protect Ella from the tribes’ wrath. 

Khopesi, vividly described as a bustling hub of commerce and intrigue, serves as the novel’s central stage. Here, readers encounter Phara Everbloom, a Half-Shoreborn elf and captain of the Siren’s Song with a knack for smuggling. Phara’s narrative intertwines with Mos and Ella’s, introducing colorful characters and dangerous adversaries. Phara’s struggles with a rival captain, Evert Swain, and a corrupt harbormaster who despises her for her gender and heritage add layers of tension, highlighting the pervasive racism and sexism throughout their world. 

Keyner’s worldbuilding is a standout feature, presenting a richly detailed universe filled with diverse species and cities brimming with lore, such as some Orc tribes riding rhinoceros into battle! And, of course, the world has a touch of magic too. Though the worldbuilding could seem initially overwhelming, the map and glossary help clarify it. The novel is an ode to classic fantasies and adventure series, filled with language that would make your mother blush, brawls in pubs and dockyards, and countless bottles of ale! The pace is brisk and enjoyable, making the story a pleasure to read. 

The characters’ interpersonal dynamics complement this. Phara’s loyalty to her crew and volatile nature contrast with Mos’s diplomatic demeanor, while Ella’s weakening magic and growing maternal instincts add emotional depth. The long-standing friendship between Mos and Phara is tested as they navigate Khopesi’s treacherous political landscape, where alliances are fragile, and betrayals are all too common. This becomes especially true when they are blackmailed by Suleiman, an ambitious noble who wishes to replace his uncle as the Merchant-King. 

I longed for more connection in the romance of Mos and Ella. Much of the character interaction is this book is genuine, but I didn’t always feel the same about their romance. Mos’s internal struggle with his identity and his adaptation to life in exile often overshadows Ella, who feels relegated to a secondary role. The persistent theme of infanticide also adds a challenging element to their relationship, which may be difficult for some readers to stomach. 

Nevertheless, Keyner is an excellent storyteller who has written a story worth investing in. The intricate world he’s created, combined with action-packed sequences and multifaceted characters, keeps the reader engaged the whole way through.

Keyner’s Blood and Tradition is a lively addition to the fantasy genre, blending action, adventure, and complex character dynamics. While the worldbuilding may initially challenge some, the richly detailed setting and intricate plotlines reward those who persist. Through its exploration of love, honor, and survival, the novel delivers what it promises: a well-developed and enjoyable fantasy. 

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