What Blood Remembers

De: C. William Phillips

Narrado por: Boyd Barrett

How far would you go to save the thing you cannot lose?

Violent seeds grow bloody trees.

In an instant, with a choice he never had the chance to make, Cole Traeger's life was ripped apart. Now, set on the path of revenge, he must reckon with his past, mistakes made, and games still to be played. But more than Cole's life hangs in the balance.
This brutal story of family, grief, and revenge will take readers on a journey from grimy city streets and shootouts between rival gangs to the sprawling southwest and into Mexico.

©2025 Charles Phillips (P)2025 Charles Phillips

One hell of an emotional impact

An exceptional novel from an indie author - I highly recommend the audiobook

Are you a Breaking Bad fan?
Then you will love this!

Drug lords + western + a family caught in between + regrets + The lengths you will go to save what you love OR save yourself.

I knew this was a gritty & emotional read prior to starting... but man, I teared up throughout and sobbed at the end of this.

There are some really heavy themes dealing with estranged family, violence/murder and loss. One thing I did not expect was to feel sympathy for the antagonist. This was such a raw and devastating example of how your actions - even when not intended to be bad or evil - will have consequences.

This audiobook was incredible Boyde does a fantastic job & the author's writing is immersive and very clear to follow.

One of the best books I have read this year!

Outstanding Narration Paired With a Powerful Story

I was incredibly grateful to receive the audiobook for What Blood Remembers directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. The timing could not have been better, as I had a very long drive ahead of me, and as someone who listens to audiobooks at 2.0x speed, I was able to finish this in about six hours. All thoughts below are my own, completely unfiltered, and shared with zero bias.

At its core, this is a story about a father and son with a fractured relationship who are pulled into a violent, revenge driven path shaped by crime, loyalty, and loss. Set in a modern world that feels raw and unforgiving, it explores how far people will go to protect what matters most, and what that choice can cost them.

I want to start with the audiobook narration because it truly deserves special recognition. The narration was fantastic! Each character had a distinct voice, and it was always clear who was speaking. The pacing, tone, and emotional delivery were handled so well that I was completely immersed for the entire listen. As an audiobook experience alone, this is an easy five stars.

As for the story itself, if I could give this book more than five stars, I absolutely would!

This was very different from what I have been reading lately, and that was part of what made it so impactful. The best way I can describe the overall feel is Breaking Bad meets Lonesome Dove, but set in modern times. It is gritty and emotionally charged.

I had been warned that the opening chapters are dark, and they are, but even knowing that, I was fully invested almost immediately. What surprised me most was how deeply connected I felt to every character in the story, which does not happen often for me. The relationship between the father and son was especially powerful. Watching them attempt to reclaim their bond, without giving anything away, was heartbreaking and beautiful in a way I did not expect. There is a quiet emotional depth to this story that genuinely hit me hard.

The author’s writing style completely pulled me in and never let go. I went into this book not fully knowing what to expect beyond some content warnings from other readers, but I am so glad I did. This story exceeded every expectation I had and then some.

This is definitely not a cozy or feel good read. It is a gritty, bloody, revenge driven story that does not shy away from difficult themes or emotional weight. If that is something you enjoy, this book delivers in a powerful way.

This was an incredible way to close out the year, and What Blood Remembers has easily earned a place among my top reads of 2025. It is also very likely my top audiobook listen of the year. If you are going to read or listen to one indie book this year, make it this one.

A Gripping Journey Through Grief, Family, and Resilience

From start to finish, the story was absolutely captivating. The author skillfully explores dark themes like grief, crime, and violence, blending them together into a gripping narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters are incredibly well-developed, each one dealing with their own emotional turmoil. As they fight to protect their loved ones and survive in a world filled with danger, you really feel their pain and determination. The mix of raw emotion and intense action makes every moment of the book feel real and impactful.
The way the story tackles the fight for family is powerful. Even in the darkest moments, the characters show remarkable strength, proving how far they'll go for the people they love. The themes of loss and survival are not just heartbreaking but also deeply thought-provoking.
If you’re a fan of intense stories with dark undertones, gripping action, and characters who face incredible odds, this book is an absolute must-read. It’s a thrilling journey through the struggles of life, family, and the brutal realities of the world around us.
Definitely recommend the audiobook. Boyd Barrett gives the correct voice to this compelling story.

Breathtaking and Visceral

I went into this completely blind and holy cow, I could not stop reading. I found myself gripping the pages the entire time. What Blood Remembers is violent and unforgiving, but at its core it’s about grief, family, and the impossible weight of choices made when there is no good option left. Marcus and Cole’s story feel grounded and painfully real, especially how his past and family shape every move he makes.

The way C. William Phillips writes is so visceral you can practically feel the heat, dust, and grime of Mexico. The pacing is relentless, moving from brutal street-level violence to something much bigger without losing its emotional center. It gives serious Breaking Bad energy, where bad decisions stack up and consequences always follow. Dark, raw, and deeply human, this one stayed with me long after I finished.

I highly recommend the audiobook. Boyd Barrett absolutely nailed the narration. There’s a very specific voice this story needs, and he is completely believable from start to finish.

10/5 stars ⭐️