3.5

📊 Strengths:

✨ Worldbuilding, structure, and atmosphere were well-done 🌐.
✨ Kochin's character development and backstory were compelling 👨.
✨ Unique blend of romantasy, science fiction, and medical themes 💡.

📊 Weaknesses:

✨ Flat and unengaging dialogue between characters 💬.
✨ Lack of chemistry and mysterious vibes that made the first book shine 🔮.
✨ Slow start, with too much introspection that made it hard to get into the story 📖.

👏 Conclusion:

✨ A fitting end to the duology, with a lovely ending that will leave readers satisfied 💕.
✨ Astrid Holm is a talented writer, but this book didn't resonate with me 📚.

👍 Recommendation:

✨ For fans of romantasy, science fiction, and unique worldbuilding 🌐.
✨ Be prepared for a slow start, but persevere for the meat of the story 📖.

I went into His Mortal Demise with high expectations, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully meet them. While there were some strong moments, overall, the story felt repetitive and lacked the depth I was hoping for.

Let’s start with what worked. I appreciated how the book summarized key events from the first installment, making it easy to jump back in. I didn’t have to work too hard to remember what happened, and I think that’s very important for a series.

The last 30% of the book is where the story finally picked up. There was action, and I found myself leaning into the story. I just wanted more of it, and that’s where His Mortal Demise fell flat.

The pacing throughout the rest of the book felt sluggish, and the plot didn’t have enough momentum to carry the story forward. Conversations between characters lacked depth, and some scenes felt unnecessary because they didn’t add much. The writing often felt rushed, moving from one action to the next in quick succession. Rather than being immersed in the story through vivid descriptions—sound, feeling, taste—I felt like I was being told what was happening rather than experiencing it.

The writing style also didn’t quite match the promise of the first book. While I understand this was an ARC, the overuse of certain words stood out—“breath” (this word stood out aggressively), “Mother” (as a god figure, not a parent), and repetitive references to loss (“she died, I love her”) made the prose feel unpolished, as if words were being used just to fill space.

I also found myself losing the emotional connection between Nhika and Kochin, which made the stakes feel lower. As the main characters, I wanted to love them easily, but something was missing to make them feel fully three-dimensional.

Overall, the plot leaned on the weaker side, and while the ending was decent, it didn’t deliver the level of thrill I had hoped for.

I loved The Last Bloodcarver, and had high hopes for His Mortal Demise - and it wasn't bad at all; it just didn't enthrall me the way The Last Bloodcarver did. Nikha is a wonderful character, and I am very pleased to see the end of her story, but Kochin didn't grab my attention the way she did. Also, the format of this book, with Kochin's story beginning 6 months in the past, and being told parallel with Nikha's, in the novel's present, didn't work particularly well for me. Knowing from the first page of the book that Kochin was successful took away a great deal of the suspense for me. The major plot twist, intended to be a surprise, didn't surprise me at all. Like many second books in a series or set, the second one didn't quite live up to the first one.

Still, this is a good novel; it probably would have been better if I had reread The Last Bloodcarver before reading it, as I had forgotten nearly all of the previous volume, which I read over a year ago. The characters are interesting and engaging, and the moral challenge that Kochin faces is well done - interesting and detailed, without shoving it down the reader's throat. As a standalone novel, this volume lacks something, but as a sequel, it completes the previous volume well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Duology - part 2/2
Themes: Colonization, classism, diaspora, and grief
POV: Dual voices and flashbacks - Kochin and Nhika

A great book helps us escape. It grabs your attention and takes you on a journey so that you can forget your own world. 
This whole duology had me hooked from the start.

I highly recommend reading the first novel to fully understand this duology. The heartbreak continues from “The Last Bloodcarver”, where Kochin’s life is saved, but at the cost of Nhika’s.

In this book, we see Kochin's guilt and heartbreak as he relentlessly seeks a way to bring Nhika back to life. He struggles with his moral compass, questioning his actions each time he crosses a line and does things he never thought he would.

While many beloved characters from the first book return, the story is primarily focused on the love between Kochin and Nhika, and the lengths he will go to in order to bring her back; no matter the cost.

Though the pacing can feel slow at times, overall, it’s a compelling YA fantasy novel.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press, and NetGalley for the advance review copy of His Mortal Demise! All opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.

I listened to this one on audiobook and I would say that it was a bit weak. But, I did expect this from a sequel. But nonetheless this was written well and I was transported back into the world quickly!

His Mortal Demise, written by Vanessa Le, is a captivating fusion of science fiction, fantasy, and romance. The intricately crafted world within the novel feels vibrant and authentic, while the characters leap off the page with vividness. This unique and exquisitely written novel is a must-read for fans of genre-blending storytelling.

His Mortal Demise
- The Last Bloodcarver Part 2
By Vanessa Le
Narrated by Jason Vu; VyVy Nguyen
4 ⭐️

I found this duology to be a page turner with a unique magic system. I think this a great YA duology worth checking out - I think these would read best as back to back reads.

The second half of this duology shifts the reader’s focus to the war as characters try to find their way back to each other after tragedy and war does what they do and scatters people. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away by going into details. I missed the character to character interactions book 1 did a magical job at; I did like book 1 a bit more than book 2.

I combo read this via ebook and audiobook. The audiobook was good with dual narrators - I did find some intonation choices to be odd here and there from Nguyen. I found I preferred eyeball vs audio in various parts; I was thankful to have both format options to flip back and forth with.

Thank you to NetGalley, Vanessa Le, Macmillan audio, and Macmillan’s Children’s Publishing group for audiobook ARC and eARC copies of this book.

I am OBSESSED with the way Vanessa had decided to tell books 2. While book one was single pov of Nhika very linear timeline. “His Mortal Demise” is dual pov with Kochin and Nhika except it NOT linear, Nhika pov is her waking up 3 month later after end of book one and Kochin pov starts from the end of books 1. So the readers slowly piece together everything that happens through the povs. I also really liked how deeper in themes Vanessa got with the questioning of morality with heartsoothing, and the ongoing war. Something about the way she separates the characters makes their love even more tragic and deeper.

EEEK! The second installment picks up right where Nhika wakes up in Congmi’s home and she’s trying to piece everything together. This is a good mystery that has a dual POV with alternating timelines that follows both Nhika and Kochin. We actually get to learn about Kochin and what he does in the aftermath and it’s a nail biter the way he has put himself in harm's way to get the answers that he desperately seeks. Around 70% is when both stories weave together and I was listening intensely as the climax hit and then waiting to see how everything would fall. The narrators, Jason Vu, and VyVy Nguyen both did a wonderful job portraying the characters. The tones and inflections were spot on. I could feel the desperation, love, and hope through their voices. They truly brought the story to life. This duology is perfect for fans of the medical magic system, morality vs. survival, high stakes, and Vietnam inspired romantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Roaring Book Press, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this advanced copy! You can pick up His Mortal Demise on March 18, 2025.

The ending of The Last Bloodcarver absolutely destroyed me last year, and I'm so happy I had a chance to pick this one up early and finish Kochin and Nhika's story! I loved how Vanessa Le crafted the dual timeline that slowly met up in the present day. The pacing was really well done and had me invested in both timelines. Like Nhika, I wanted to know where Kochin was and how he'd miraculously brought her back to life. And with Kochin, I loved seeing his descent into desperation as he sought to save her without losing himself.

The last 20% was absolutely action-packed, and I honestly had no idea if anyone would make it out alive. I loved the increased stakes and political intrigue with Theumas being drawn into the war, and Kochin seeing the effects of it first-hand. There were some really powerful and poignant moments when he crossed enemy lines and realized how everyone's just trying their best to survive. And the final battle with the Commissioner just had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Highly recommend picking up this duology for an emotional, action-packed ride!

This duology strongly echoes The Lunar Chronicles, particularly the character of Cinder, which immediately drew me in. What truly impressed me was how this second book diverged from the first, offering a refreshing shift. It leans heavily into a captivating romance, expertly delivered through dual points of view, all while maintaining a thrilling, action-packed plot. The world-building is rich, and I could easily envision numerous future stories set within it.

If you're a fan of young adult fantasy that seamlessly blends romance and science fiction, this duology is a must-add to your TBR! Mark your calendars for its release on March 18, 2025.

Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Le is an artful writer who manages to skate purple prose without drowning in it. I liked that this was Kochin's story to complement Nhika's from the first book. This was a satisfying conclusion to the duology.

This was a great conclusion to the series. I ended up enjoying it even more than the first book. It somehow took a few main things that I wouldn’t usually like about a second or third book in a series (main characters spending time apart, flashing back and forth). But, the author turned them over and inside out, and made me absolutely love this book.

It was an interesting balance, as for almost the whole book, it flipped between the perspective of Kochin and Nhika, flashing back starting 6 months before for Kochin. It was definitely more romance heavy than the last book, even as they do not see each other. However, the author continued with the theme of colonialism, suspense and mystery that initially drew me into the first book.

My only complaint is that I wish there was more of an ending for the rest of this world and not just for Nhika and Kochin (although I was satisfied with their ending).

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Title: His Mortal Demise
Author: Vanessa Le      
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Kochin is a heartsooth -- a rare being with the ability to heal any wound. Any wound, that is, except death.

Intent on defying nature and bringing Nhika back to life, Kochin keeps her body in a life-preserving casket and waits for a miracle. Stricken with grief and descending into madness, Kochin realizes the answer to his desperate quest can only lie in one place: Yarong, the lush yet battle-ridden island the first heartsooths called home.

Months later, Nhika wakes in a familiar manor-house, with Kochin nowhere to be found. As she traces his footsteps across Theumas, she discovers the haunting path he walked to bring her back, and a world changed by war.

When Kochin discovers the true and grisly way to resurrect a person from the grave, he must decide exactly how much he is willing to sacrifice, in order to reunite with the woman he loves...

I really enjoyed this read! I liked the first book in this duology, and I think this book did a fantastic job of wrapping up all the storylines from the first book while on an entirely new adventure. The dual-POV really worked for me, along with the dual timeline, allowing the reader to see all aspects of the story. I liked both Nhika and Kochin’s stories, and seeing the familiar secondary characters from the first book added another layer of comfort to the story. This would make an excellent weekend read!

Vanessa Le is from the Pacific Northwest. His Mortal Demise is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 3/25.)

His Mortal Demise was almost more of an ending to book one with some really intense moments and a lot of suspense. I was on the edge of my seat with nerves, wanting to find out what would happen next! I loved this series, and the wrap-up worked splendidly. The first book set such an awesome plot, and I loved the murder mystery thrown in. The second book has a subplot of war, but it was still interesting and a great story. It's labeled YA, and while there's no spice and not heavy on the romance, it has a very romantic theme and some darker themes around death. The series is definitely a 5 star, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a little murder mystery mixed into their fantasy books. I loved the cast of characters. The storytelling was brilliant and had an interesting plot. I loved the magic used and the science parts of the books that twisted with the magic.

Plus, these titles and covers are fantastic too!

I strongly advise you to read the first book to understand this book better.

I'm impressed with the style of writing as it is descriptive and gives you a lot to think about. My only fault, which is my own, is not to have read *The Last Bloodcarver,* as this is the conclusion of the duology.

This will be a spoiler free review. Onto the review!

I can’t say much about the plot of this book without spoilers, but what I will say is this. This book centers around two characters from the first book, one who is dead and the other who is trying to use necromancy to bring that person back to life. Both characters get a perspective. How? Because the necromancer’s perspective is from before the act of necromancy has happened, and the other perspective is after.

The character who has been revived doesn’t know what has happened, so that person is trying to put the missing pieces together. Meanwhile, we’re catching up to speed as we see the necromancer going on a long journey to figure out how to do necromancy. In addition to these two plot threads, we’re also watching their country gradually end up at war. The necromancer goes to war part way through the book, because the information they need to perform revive the other character is on the island where the war is taking place.

This war becomes one of the main themes of the book. The island where the battle takes place was once the home of the people who had been conquered by the country that our main characters live in. This theme popped up a little bit in the first book, but now it’s really prevalent. Who really owns the land? Is it right to be fighting on land that once belonged to a different people? Should the land be given back to its people, even though most of the people who grew up there have died? Would their children and grandchildren even want to live there if the land was theirs?

Although it’s impossible to answer every question, this book does its best to show you a variety of different perspectives that might hint at some semblance of an answer. I liked that the author didn’t try and take one stance over another, but rather provided you with the questions and then let you answer it for yourself. I can definitely see teens who are a part of marginalized groups using this as a springboard to start thinking about their heritage. I’m really glad that this duology exists for teens in that way.

If the premise of the first book or any of these themes sound interesting to you, I’d definitely recommend giving this duology a try. I loved these two books a lot. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy.

His Mortal Demise follows the events from The Last Bloodcarver with Nhika having just used her life to save Kochin's. Kochin embarks on a journey, haunted by Nhika's ghost and desperate to bring her back.
The magic system is still fascinating, in built on anatomy. I enjoyed the format of this book with chapters in the present and in the past and it was satisfying when the two timelines conjoined.
This book is more war heavy than the first but still brings over the themes of colonization and value of life from the first one. I appreciated the book when I got to end because of the vastly different journeys Nhika and Kochin go through to go "home".

Book 2 in the series picked up right where book 1 ended. I really liked the first book, but I juts could not get into this one.

After that ending of THE LAST BLOODCARVER, I was impatiently waiting for the sequel. I just loved the mystery behind everything. The two timelines kept me flipping pages to see WHAT HAPPENED. And I love the darker themes in this young adult novel. And especially adore Kochin and Nhika.