The Thirteenth Child is a mesmerizing YA fantasy that grips your heart. This atmospheric tale is both enchanting and profound. The story beautifully explores the weight of choices and the impact of seemingly small moments in life. Hazel’s quest and growth are compelling, with every page offering a blend of magic, emotion, and deep reflection. A truly captivating read that balances fantasy with heartfelt moments and profound insights.

The Thirteenth Child grabbed my attention and refused to let go, even when I physically had to put it down, my mind wandered back.

It's an atmospheric tale which follows Hazel, Death's granddaughter from her youth then she questions why her grandfather hasn't claimed her, through her life training as a healer at his urging to the push and pull of her questioning every decision she makes. This tale explores how every choice affects not just the immediate, but can also impact the lives of those around you. How sometimes the best moments in life are the little ones, the small moments of shared laughter and joy.

There is so much I want to say but I can't risk spoiling such a tale. Light a candle, grab a hot drink and fall into a world of gods, betrayal, love and more.

Outstanding! I absolutely LOVED this book! Every character was well rounded and written perfectly, I really loved Hazel and Merrick in particular, their dynamic together was sweet and that ending had me in tears!!

I loved the candles as lives imagery, each of the gods and the little twists and turns within the story. Erin A. Craig can do no wrong! Perfect!

First of all, the ending made me cry like a baby. I can't stop thinking about it and I love Hazel.
It was so well written and just so good! The way the scenery was described meant I could picture everything and I really enjoyed that. The characters were all well rounded and had their own personalities outside of the drama or relationships, which I think can be hard to do sometimes.
Merrick was giving 'looks like could kill you, is a cinnamon roll' vibes (well, in Hazel's case anyway). I loved their dynamic and their final interaction was so beautiful.
Overall, an amazing read and I highly recommend!

Hazel Trépas has always known she was different from her siblings. As the thirteenth child, she was promised to Merrick, the god of death, at birth.

When Merrick finally arrives, Hazel is taught the art—and magic—of healing. Her extraordinary gift for knowing the cure for every ailment quickly spreads throughout the kingdom. But all gifts come with a price. When Death claims a soul, it is Hazel who must end their suffering... permanently.

Destiny soon brings her to the royal court, where she meets Leopold, an infuriatingly alluring prince with a disdain for everything and everyone. Here, Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet: to carry out her duties or follow the urges of her own heart. Can she defy Death himself to save someone marked to die?

This is a story of gods, love, and choosing between what is destined and what is right. I fell in love with every page of this beautifully crafted book, finding it impossible to put down. Erin Craig doesn't shy away from the heavy parts of the story but instead dives straight in. There aren't enough words to express how much I truly loved Hazel and her endless compassion and honesty. So light a candle, bring the tissues (perhaps the salt, too), and let this story haunt you well into the late hours.