Book Review: Scavenger Girl: Secrets of Blood by Jennifer Arntson

Jennifer Arntson’s Scavenger Girl series is one of my favorite finds – as is the author herself. The series has five books – four currently available – and this newest is actually not a part of the official series but a companion novel that expands upon the backstory of several of the characters who play important roles in the series. It can be read as a standalone or at any point in the narrative of the larger series. It is a whole story; you do NOT have to have read anything of the Scavenger Girl world to read this one. While offering additional depth and breadth to the larger series, it is also, and primarily, the story of a major new character (Anna) who plays a vastly important role in the world of the series, but without anyone ever knowing who she is – until now.

This one is more of a love story than any of the others. The darkness that pervades the series is not as present here, nor is much of the violence. What remains consistent is the quality of the writing and the attention to character- and world-development. Those are spot-on once again. Arntson is a marvel at crafting a wholly new universe populated by a panoply of characters who run the gamut of personalities, and her detailed descriptions, well-plotted adventures, and superb pacing are what make her books such a delight to read.

Secrets is an excellent addition to the Scavenger Girl universe. It provides the all-important “why” behind a lot of things that were implicit or simply accepted in the series books. It establishes a well-roundedness to a number of characters (Pantis, Redena) that are huge factors in the formation of Una’s (the protagonist of the series) life and personality. And – just as importantly – it allows readers to either maintain or establish a connection to the larger series by drawing them into (or further into) the world of Ashlund. It’s an incredible place to visit, and you will be changed for your time there…

My review copy was provided by the author. This in no way colored my review; my opinions are, as always, entirely my own.