Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Blood Which Burns
SERIES: Liquid Onyx #5
AUTHOR: B L Jones
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 444 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2025
BLURB:
Three months ago, Rex discovered a world-shattering truth about what it means to be a Liquid Onyx survivor and experienced devastating losses in the process. Rex, momentarily gripped by raw fury and freshly torn grief, committed an act of shocking violence and was reforged by it.
Unable to face his new, fractured reality, he ran away from everyone who loved him and threw himself into the life of a morally grey vigilante. Every choice Rex makes pushes him one step closer to embracing his father’s legacy. But there are other legacies who won’t let Rex fall into that darkness without a fight.
At his lowest point, will Rex find the strength and courage to step out of Alex Nova’s shadow and finally become the man—and the hero—everyone needs him to be?
REVIEW:
The book explores Rex’s struggle with grief, identity, and morality, as he distances himself from those who care about him and embraces a vigilante lifestyle. The narrative delves into themes of redemption and self-discovery, questioning whether Rex can step out of his father’s shadow and become the hero he is meant to be.
Rex’s grief is deeply intertwined with his past and the devastating losses he has endured. Three months before the events of the book, he uncovered a world-shattering truth about being a Liquid Onyx survivor, which led to immense personal loss. Overcome by raw fury and heartbreak, he committed an act of shocking violence, which fundamentally changed him.
Unable to cope with his fractured reality, Rex distanced himself from those who cared about him and embraces a morally grey vigilante lifestyle. He works tirelessly to protect the city, barely sleeps, hardly eats and is consumed with his grief. He can’t face his friends and the support which he has always relied on, he questions everything about himself and feels deep loathing for what he has done and fears what he might become.
Rex is a complex and deeply flawed character, shaped by his past and his struggles with grief, identity, and morality making his journey both compelling and emotionally charged.
Despite devastating losses, Rex refuses to give up, constantly pushing forward. He possesses a sharp mind, capable of analyzing situations and making strategic decisions. Even when he isolates himself, his deep love for those he cares about remains a driving force. As a vigilante, he is highly skilled in combat, making him a formidable force. His unwavering commitment to justice, even when walking a morally grey path, defines his character.
He has major self-destructive tenancies, his grief leads him to make reckless choices, often putting himself in danger. He pushes away those who care about him, believing he is undeserving of love and support. His fury sometimes clouds his judgment, leading to impulsive and violent actions. He wrestles with his father’s legacy, unsure if he can truly forge his own path. Opening up to others is difficult for him, making emotional healing a challenge especially as he is hiding from those who know him best and could help him heal.
Rex’s father, Alex Nova, casts a long shadow over his life. Alex was a brilliant yet dangerous figure, deeply involved in the creation of Liquid Onyx, Rex uncovers exactly why Liquid Onyx was created which sends him reeling. His father’s legacy is both a source of inspiration and a burden, forcing Rex to grapple with his own identity. His relationships—especially with his friends and boyfriend—challenge him to step out of Alex’s shadow and redefine himself. They remind him that he is more than his father’s mistakes, encouraging him to forge his own path rather than repeating history.
Rex and Jamie have been dancing around each other forever it seems. Rex and Jamie’s relationship is deeply emotional and transformative. Their bond has been intense and complicated since the beginning, shaped by years of connection and unspoken feelings. As Rex spirals into grief and isolation, Jamie refuses to let him fall into darkness without a fight.
Jamie challenges Rex to confront his pain, offering him a safe space to process his emotions. Their relationship is marked by trust, vulnerability, and unwavering support, helping Rex redefine his identity beyond his father’s legacy. Through moments of tension, tenderness, and raw honesty, they navigate the complexities of love, proving that healing is possible—even in the face of overwhelming loss.
RATING: 
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