One for My Enemy
by Olivie Blakeon June 14, 2022
ISBN: 9781250884862
Format: Hardcover
Genres: Action & Adventure, Contemporary, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy Crime, Magical Realism, Romantic Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Witches & Witchcraft
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In modern-day Manhattan where we lay our scene, two rival witch families fight to maintain control of their respective criminal empires.
On one side of the conflict are the Antonova sisters — each one beautiful, cunning, and ruthless — and their mother, the elusive supplier of premium intoxicants, known only as Baba Yaga. On the other side, the influential Fedorov brothers serve their father, the crime boss known as Koschei the Deathless, whose ventures dominate the shadows of magical Manhattan.
After twelve years of tenuous co-existence, one family member brutally crosses the line. Bad blood reignites old grudges; at the same time, fate intervenes with a chance encounter between enemies. In the wake of love and vengeance, everyone must choose a side. As each of the siblings struggles to stake their claim, who has what it takes to stay on top?
World Building
Blake’s portrayal of a magical Manhattan has intriguing potential but ultimately feels underdeveloped. The novel introduces a cityscape laced with mysticism, where potions and spells are woven into everyday life. However, much of the world’s magical structure remains frustratingly vague. For instance, the Antonova witches’ potion-making process is described in lyrical but ambiguous terms: “The scent of wormwood clung to her fingertips, a reminder that magic lingered in more than just the mind — it seeped into skin, blood, and bone.” While this poetic language enhances the atmosphere, it offers little practical understanding of how magic functions or what limitations it imposes. The potential for a richer magical system is sacrificed for aesthetics, leaving readers to fill in too many blanks.
Character Development
Blake’s characters are defined by complex emotions and intricate relationships, yet their growth is uneven. Lev Antonova, for example, grapples with loyalty to his family’s criminal enterprise while longing for a life outside of violence. His internal conflict is deeply felt: “He had never known if he belonged to his family or to himself — but the moment he chose, one part of him would die.” This introspective struggle gives Lev dimension, yet his actions rarely demonstrate growth. Despite moments of doubt, Lev consistently defaults to his family’s wishes, limiting the impact of his inner conflict. Sasha Antonova, similarly torn between independence and family loyalty, is introduced with a strong presence but ultimately becomes defined by her romantic subplot rather than her individual agency. Meanwhile, supporting characters such as Dimitri and Vanya feel more like narrative devices than fully realized personalities. While Blake excels in portraying emotional turmoil, her reliance on introspective dialogue over meaningful action makes some character arcs feel static rather than transformative.
Plot Pace & Development
The narrative’s pacing proves to be one of its weakest points. While the story strives to balance romance, family drama, and criminal intrigue, the pacing is wildly inconsistent. Key events unfold too rapidly, robbing them of emotional impact. For example, a major romantic entanglement escalates from chance encounter to passionate devotion with little development: “She knew him — or she thought she did — yet the moment his hand brushed hers, something clicked like fate.” Such moments feel unearned, relying heavily on tropes rather than organic progression. Additionally, several plot twists rely on characters acting out of character or inexplicably withholding information, creating frustration rather than intrigue.
Language, Flow, and Structure (Writing Quality)
Blake’s prose is undeniably one of the novel’s highlights, rich with vivid imagery and introspective depth. Her writing frequently blurs the boundary between reality and metaphor, creating an immersive and emotionally charged reading experience. In one particularly striking passage, she writes, “The city breathed in shadows, exhaling smoke that clung to her skin like a warning.” This sensory detail heightens the book’s dark, enigmatic tone, pulling readers into its brooding atmosphere. However, Blake’s writing occasionally crosses into excess. Descriptions, while beautiful, sometimes overwhelm the narrative, slowing the pace rather than enhancing it. Additionally, her fragmented structure — shifting frequently between characters and timelines — can be disorienting. While this approach reinforces the novel’s themes of fractured loyalties and blurred identities, it demands patience from the reader and may frustrate those seeking a more linear progression. Ultimately, while Blake’s language is compelling, her stylistic choices sometimes sacrifice clarity for poetic flair.
Themes & Literary Devices
The novel introduces ambitious themes — such as power, identity, and familial loyalty — but struggles to fully explore them. Blake frequently returns to the idea of fate versus free will, yet this tension rarely manifests through meaningful character choices. At one point, Lev reflects, “He could break free from his family’s grip — but what did freedom mean if no one was left to share it?” This introspective dilemma hints at deeper questions about personal agency, yet Lev’s actions rarely reflect true conflict; he repeatedly succumbs to his family’s expectations with little resistance. Similarly, the novel’s symbolic use of mirrors — representing fractured identities — is introduced but never meaningfully developed. Blake’s reliance on introspective dialogue often tells readers what characters are feeling rather than showing those emotions through decisive action or compelling symbolism. While the novel introduces compelling ideas, its thematic execution feels surface-level, failing to leave a lasting impression.
Creativity, Originality & Predictability
Blake’s blend of magic, crime, and familial tension is intriguing, yet her reliance on familiar tropes limits the novel’s originality. The rivalry between the Antonova and Fedorov families echoes Shakespearean tragedy, yet the star-crossed romance subplot unfolds in predictable fashion. For instance, a betrayal designed to shock readers is foreshadowed so heavily that it loses much of its impact. While certain elements — such as the Antonovas’ reliance on potion-crafting — offer creative flair, these innovations are underutilized.
Sasha’s observation that “Magic is persuasion, not power — influence rather than force” offers an intriguing perspective, yet the novel rarely expands on this concept. The result is a story that introduces interesting ideas but struggles to break free from genre conventions. Blake’s creativity shines in isolated moments, but the overarching narrative feels too familiar to achieve true originality.
Emotional Impact
The novel delivers moments of genuine emotional resonance, particularly when exploring grief and familial obligation. Lev’s inner turmoil is especially poignant, as he reflects on the cost of loyalty: “He had traded his future for a family that no longer knew how to love him.” This sense of loss underscores the novel’s strongest emotional moments. However, these moments are inconsistent, as many emotional beats are rushed or underdeveloped. Relationships — both familial and romantic — often develop too quickly to feel authentic, diminishing their emotional impact. Key scenes intended to evoke heartbreak or tension frequently rely on melodrama rather than meaningful character choices. While Blake’s introspective writing style occasionally achieves emotional depth, the lack of sustained development prevents these moments from leaving a lasting impression.
Overall
One for My Enemy presents a beautifully written yet unevenly executed story that blends magic, crime, and family loyalty. While Blake’s language is striking and her characters carry emotional depth, the novel’s fragmented structure, rushed pacing, and underdeveloped themes weaken its impact. Moments of genuine emotional resonance emerge, yet they are too often undermined by predictable plot twists and stagnant character growth. Readers who appreciate poetic prose and introspective storytelling may find the novel’s style compelling, but those seeking a tightly woven narrative with meaningful character progression may be left unsatisfied. Ultimately, One for My Enemy earns a respectable 3/5 stars — an ambitious work with moments of brilliance that struggles to fully deliver on its potential.
- Complex, morally ambiguous characters
- Themes of revenge, power, and family rivalry
- Dark, intense atmosphere with sharp dialogue
- Non-linear storytelling with alternating timelines
Both One for My Enemy and Vicious focus heavily on deeply flawed characters caught in a cycle of power struggles and vengeance. The emotional tension, shifting alliances, and themes of sacrifice make Vicious the closest match.
- Enchanting, magical atmosphere
- Rivals from opposing factions forced into conflict
- Slow-burn romance woven into the story’s tension
- Elegant, poetic writing style
While The Night Circus leans more whimsical, its rival-driven plot and intricate world-building closely align with the tension and complexity in One for My Enemy.
- Themes of forbidden love and family conflict
- Rich world-building with mythological influences
- Protagonist torn between two powerful groups
- Lyrical, emotional writing style
This recommendation fits well due to its blend of dark romance, familial loyalties, and immersive storytelling that echoes the emotional depth of One for My Enemy.
- Eastern European-inspired setting and folklore
- Themes of dark magic, rebellion, and faith
- Protagonists navigating dangerous alliances
- Stark, brooding atmosphere
Though Wicked Saints has more religious themes, its dark aesthetic and morally complex characters align well with Olivie Blake’s exploration of power and rivalry.
- Underground criminal organizations and power struggles
- Female protagonist facing oppressive forces
- Strong focus on politics and survival
- Complex, layered world-building
While The Bone Season diverges with its dystopian elements, it shares the tension, layered conflicts, and emotionally driven characters that define One for My Enemy.