In this thrilling novel about a reluctant mobster, Anya tries to shatter the ties that bind--with deadly consequences. Because It Is My Blood is the second stunning novel in Gabrielle Zevin's Birthright series. "Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in."- Michael Corleone, The Godfather Since her release from Liberty Children's Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship. But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It's a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve--and her heart--will be tested as never before.
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"This book was really good as a sequel. Set in a time where chocolate, coffee, and a whole bunch of crazy stuff is illegal, the main character of this book, Anya is just trying to live a normal life. This has been hard to do with her "mafya" family always bringing her into the "Family Business." Seriously, please read this series."
— Brynna (4 out of 5 stars)
[Ilyana Kadushin's] portrayal of Anya anchors this action packed story. Allowing Anya to maintain an aura of calmness when faced with the escalating tension created by corruption, politics and crime. Kadushin vividly portrays the teen, a self-proclaimed ‘spawn of the unscrupulous mobsters,' who strongly confronts the harsh realities of her perfidious family and their black-market dealings.
— BooklistCharacter development reaches new levels, a quality made all the more evident through Ilyana Kadushin's interpretation of the text.
— School Library Journal“Ilyana Kadushin dives right back in as the perfect Anya – seemingly emotionless and cool on the surface but a true teen in consciousness and delivery. Kadushin delivers the story's happiness, sorrow, and mob family suspense to make this follow-up just as fast paced as the original…Kadushin enhances the story's suspense, intrigue, and heart, raising anticipation for the next installment.
— AudioFile Magazine" Really like this series, easy read and engaging "
— Lauren, 2/19/2014" This was a quick read. I enjoyed the focus on the other chocolate families and the attempt to legalize chocolate. "
— Tori, 2/13/2014" Very good. Can't wait till the next one. "
— Lydia, 2/2/2014" Readers of the first one will definitely enjoy this one as well- it has the same love drama and crime action in it. My favorite books of Zevin's still stand as Elsewhere and Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, however. I will be reading the last one to see what Zevin will do to conclude Anya's story. "
— Neverflyte, 2/1/2014" I love this character and the how the author has created the world she lives in. She is smart, spunky, and just wants to live a normal life...which is impossible for her. "
— Anne, 1/11/2014" Can't wait for the next one!! "
— cassie, 1/2/2014" Easy and enjoyable ... Gossip Girl meets Godfather "
— Sean, 12/23/2013" I was expecting something more. This felt more like a transition book. I wanted to see Anya take more action sooner. I will be looking for the next to see where she goes with the chocolate business. "
— Michelle, 12/21/2013" This book was pretty good! I wish Win was a bit more involved.. I honestly loved the first book more...xx Can't wait for the next! "
— Esther, 11/5/2013" Super 2nd in a terrific series. "
— Lesliebasney, 10/30/2013" Much better than the first one. In this one Anya really comes into her own and she takes on more of the world -with mixed results! "
— Morgan, 9/19/2013" A case of the second book in the series being better than the first. I love Gabrielle Zevin's writing and the mob family stuff in this series is really interesting. "
— Limeminearia, 4/20/2013" Almost as good as "All These Things I've Done." A continuation of the story of Anya, the head of the illegal chocolate "mafia. Anya has to decide if her family or her true love is more important. "
— Jeanne, 4/18/2013" I want Win. "
— Mitali, 12/7/2012Gabrielle Zevin is the New York Times bestselling author of several critically acclaimed novels, including The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, which won the Southern California Independent Booksellers Award and the Japan Booksellers’ Award, among other honors, and Young Jane Young, which won the Southern Book Prize. Her novels have been translated into thirty-nine languages. She has also written books for young readers, including the award-winning Elsewhere.
Ilyana Kadushin was born in Miami and raised in the rural cornfields of Maryland. She attended the Tisch School of Arts in New York City and has performed in many theater productions. Kadushin wrote and performed a one woman multimedia musical called Devour the Apple. Her narration of In the Age of Love and Chocolate won an AudioFile Earphones Award.