OMG! This book immediately had me hooked from just the description. It sounded so unique and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

The writing is so descriptive that it allows you to vividly picture what is happening. Both the characters and the setting are very well developed. Death was probably my favorite. He was a very intriguing character and left me wanting even more scenes including him. Hellevir’s character was easy to feel for with the gift that burdens her.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was an excellent debut. Can’t wait to see what the next book holds!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed a lot about this book. The concept is very strong. I appreciate a little political intrigue, and her ability to go into death was really interesting I agree with the comparison to Priory of the Orange Tree and Witch's Heart. There were some technical issues I found that I'm sure will be caught in editing, such as missing punctuation and a phrase or two repeated too many times.

My biggest issue is actually the title. It has very little relevance to the content of the story. The cover art is beautiful and drew me in right away, but I honestly think the title should be reconsidered.

Overall, while I gave this book a high rating based on my own enjoyment, the writing could be stronger. I wasn't invested in the little bit of romantic subplot we got. The love interest isn't particularly likable and they don't have much chemistry. The mystery of who Death is and his whole backstory didn't really have a satisfying resolution, so I'm assuming you find out more in the next book. The ending was a little anticlimactic and I'm not really sure the direction the story is heading in going into the next installment. I'm at least intrigued enough to continue on when it is released.

I will certainly recommend it to people who might be interested in political fantasy with a sapphic romantic subplot and no spice.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Summary of the plot:

Hellevir has the ability to raise the dead by going into the afterlife (called Death) and paying a price by this man dressed in all black. The price can be her fingers, an apple, seeds, etc. But every time she visits, this man demands more from her. The Queen of the land discovers her power and forces Hellevir to resurrect her granddaughter and heir, Princess Sullivain. Hellevir is blackmailed into remaining by Sullivain's side as assassins may try to take her life again, and Sullivain's death would cause a civil war.

Thoughts on the plot:

I would give this book 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. I think the story had a lot of potential, but it just didn't meet my expectations. The beginning is quite slow, but I enjoyed reading the scenes of Helliver entering Death as there was a sense of unknown and darkness. The author does a good job making the protagonist an interesting character because Helliver constantly has to decide how often to use her power and for who. She could save everyone, but at what cost? She picks and chooses who she saves, which is a lot harder than it seems.

One of my biggest problems was that I felt like there weren't really that many consequences for any risky action. Sullivain's death is supposedly a reason for civil war to break out, but I didn't really feel that much political tension, so whenever she did die, it didn't feel like anything monumental was going to happen. I wish we could have seen more political action. Additionally, it seems that Helliver can raise the dead without much consequences. Supposedly, using her power takes a way a part of her soul, but her actions and personality remains consistent through the book. Also, the man dressed in black always demands more stuff from her every time she uses her power, and he asks her to find these human objects through riddles. Helliver has the easiest time obtaining them.

Overall, it was a decent read. I wish we got more answers on who this man in black is, but I'm assuming we learn more in the next book (if there is one). There are also gods and religions that play a significant role in the story, so if that's your thing, this might be a good book for you.

Would I recommend this book? I suppose.