I have followed and loved the whole series and this absolutely did not disappoint! The narrator was perfection in giving voice to this series! Thank you so much for allowing me to review!!

An excellent conclusion to this duology! The author has created such a strong setting and culture(s), and you can also see her medical background showing up in the details. The alternating timelines drive a fast paced plot without being frustrating. The weakest part for me is that I didn't really care for any of the characters, but as I'm mostly a plot based reader, this didn't bother me too much.

The audiobook has dual narration which is always nice, and both narrators were good if not particularly memorable. They didn't take me out of the story, which is really all I need.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

In a lot of ways, this was way better than book one. And WARNING there will be spoilers for book 1 in here, though I will try my best and keep this as spoiler free for book 2.

Following the events at the end of the Last Bloodcarver, Nhika has given her life in exchange for healing Kochin. But Kochin doesn't want to live in a world without Nhika. As a heartsooth, Kochin can heal anything, but it is to defy nature to try and bring back the dead. Despite this, Kochin keeps Nhika's lifeless body in a life-preserving casket as he waits to discover the way to bring her back, using his magic to keep her body as alive as possible. Months later, with Kochin missing, Nhika wakes. As she follows the steps that Kochin took in order to resurrect her, she discovers that the path he took to find his answer left him deep into the heart of a war. Will they find each other and be reunited? Or is it too late?

Told through dual POV, His Mortal Demise follows Kochin (from six months ago through the present) and Nhika who is just waking up to discover she's lost months of her life. Exploring the concept of what someone is willing to sacrifice to bring back the one they love, Vanessa Le waves a story of magic and pain and hope, keeping the reader at the edge of their seat, especially once we discover what it actually costs to revive the dead. The inhumane way people are treated for being of a different race or for having magic is still front and center in this, but what makes it worse here is not only the exploitation of them, but also the glimpse into the experiments that were being run on them. This was beautiful and heartbreaking and haunting, but also full of hope and what it means to be absolutely determined to do the impossible.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Audio ARC!

Fantastic narration and production quality!

After how much I loved and enjoyed The Last Bloodcarver, I don't quite want to say this was a disappointment...but it definitely wasn't as enjoyable for me. I think it was mostly how broody and self-sabotaging and self-deprecating Ven was. I'm not saying he shouldn't have been upset and broody, but it was so much and so strong the entire time that it just because obnoxious. That said, I did really enjoy the structure - Ven's POV being 6 months previous (at the end of The Last Bloodcarver) to current, and the other picking up 6 months after The Last Bloodcarver was over, with the two coming together for the last part of the book as their timelines collide.

I highly recommend this duology overall - it's a shining example of what YA can be, with an amazing magic system and fascinating worldbuilding and lore and complex/flawed/broken characters that will have you cheering them on as well as scolding them for their stupidity. The writing is super solid and the story compelling - a great read for any fantasy lover.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

His Mortal Demise is the twisty, tender, and immersive sequel to The Last Bloodcarver that hooked me from the first page.

After Vanessa presented a surprising, fascinating, and intricate magic system in The Last Bloodcarver, I knew I should prepare for a riveting, surprising sequel. I’m so glad I did because Vanessa delivered a pulse-pounding, heart-wrenching sequel that shimmered with creativity, power, and love. Vanessa’s prose was beautiful, and I adored how she seamlessly explored multiple landscapes and settings, as well as diving into different timelines and expanding upon the intriguing magic from book one. The romance was aching and stunning, and I admired how it not only propelled the story but encompassed it. The character development was wonderful, and I was thrilled to experience more of Kochin’s story and return to Nhika’s addictive wit and personality. The pacing was fast and addictive, and the ending was lovely. I highly recommend this brilliant duology!

Jason Vu was the perfect narrator for Kochin. His voice, accents, and depth complimented the story perfectly and presented a fantastic listening experience. I also enjoyed VyVy Nguyen’s performance as Nhika’s narrator, although her voice occasionally felt flat. Overall, I would recommend the audiobook.

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

Alternative timelines and points of view are some of my favorite books to read. So having this book to a book I thoroughly enjoyed was honestly the best feeling in the world. This was such a satisfying conclusion.

First off, I must say that I adored the narration by both performers. I found Vu's performance to be more emotional and closer to what I imagined Kochin's voice to be (I read the last book, not listened). It was hard to get used to Nguyen's voice for Nhika, but it was still a clear and concise performance. In the end, both narrators worked well together in their respective chapters.

I didn't have time to reread The Last Bloodcarver before diving into the duology's finale, so I went into the story with vague memories. I was able to catch up enough, but I still somewhat struggled. I can only hope this changes when I reread the series back the back sometime in the future.

This book is very different from the first. Not only because of the dual POV between Nhika and Kochin, but because themes such as war, colonialism, and how both work to separate people from their cultures. I normally all for that, but the first book had mazing character dialogue and interactions that were missed in this book because everyone is separated for the majority of the narrative looking (and attempting to revive) each other. I did like how action-packed it got, especially at the climax, but I still wish there was more time spent with all the characters I've come to love together.

I think it's safe to say that this is very much a Kochin book, as he's going through the most throughout the story and has the most character growth, whereas in Nhika's POV she's mostly following after Kochin's footsteps. It's because of this Kochin was the most interesting of the protagonists, which saddened me a little because I adored Nhika.

All in all, this was a satisfying follow-up/conclusion to his duology, and the narration was quite a treat to listen to!

4.25/5 Stars

His Mortal Demise is an amazing sequel that concludes The Last Bloodcarver duology.

Told from alternative timelines and points of view we follow Kochin as he begins his quest to bring Nhika back to life and Nhika freshly awakened after six months and her search for Kochin. We follow them through different timelines into the future where life has changed significantly in the six months since we've last seen them. With several guest appearances from past characters and ineriguinging new characters this story keeping you in engaged from first minute to last.

The dual narration in this story was so well done! Jason Vu and VyVy Nguyen do an amazing job portraying our main characters and bringing their feelings and the feelings in the book alive. Vanessa Le does an amazing job creating tension and complex characters. I loved this one!

I would recommend you pick it up if you love fantasy and unique magical systems and characters that tug at your heartstrings! Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Big thanks to Vanessa Le and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!

This book is the finale of a duopoly and picks up where The Bloodcarver ended. It is dual POV with alternating timelines. Narrated by Jason Vu and VyVy Nguyen who done an amazing job bringing Nhika and Kochin to life.
They get you feeling all the feels!

The story takes place in a Vietnamese inspired world filled with high stakes, war, a medical magic system and necromancy. A story of Grief, hope, friendships and two main characters that love each other with all they have to give.

His Mortal Demise is a beautifully written sci-fi, fantasy romance and is the perfect ending for this duology. A step outside my typical reads being YA but, I found the story and charachters unique and refreshing. The alternating timelines kept me engaged and wanting to know how it would all unfold in the end.

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, Macmillan’s Children’s Publishing group for audiobook ARC and eARC copies of this book.

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.

Vanessa Le had me STRESSED this entire book but especially the 2nd half. That being said, I loved everything about this book. The dual narrative POV, the way the story is plotted with the two timelines, how Kochin and Nhika are are working their way to each other. I loved the heartsooth concept overlaid with scientific discovery. Finally, I really loved this as a duology. I am so tired of series that have 47 books in the series. Unless you're Brandon Sanderson, there is no reason for that. So many authors could learn from Vanessa Le. I didn't feel cheated in character development, I didn't feel cheated in world building, I didn't feel cheated in the magic system. It all came together so well. I can't wait to see what else she writes in the future.

An excellent wrap-up to The Last Bloodcarver!

The Last Bloodcarver left us with Nhika giving everything to save Cochin's life. His Mortal Demise opens with Nhika awakening in a manor house, surrounded by the family she has grown to care for, but without Cochin. Through a fractured timeline & dual-POVs, we are shown Nhika's search for Cochin along with the story of how she came to be at the manor, as well as what took Cochin away from her and how far he would go to save her.

Just like The Last Bloodcarver, I finished this one in one day as I was pulled into the story and did not want to put it down!

What a great conclusion to this duology!

I really love the world created here and the medical related "magic system" - I find it fascinating. As a YA book, it's a good intro to social commentary as well, and I think it's perfect for readers in the YA age eange, while being bc really enjoyable for adults too. The dual POV and timelines were new and I enjoyed it. The vibe was different here, with a new type of mystery that kept me guessing and listening.

I loved both narrators! They brought the characters to life and delivered a great quality production.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio 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.

I also have to give massive props to the two narrators for doing a phenomenal job bringing Nhika and Kochin to life. It literally felt like I was in their shoes the entire time.

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

This duology gives we Lunar Chronicle vibes, especially Cinder! I liked how this book differed to the first, and focused more on the romance with dual POVs and an action-packed plot. I could definitely see more stories in this world.

If you like romance, fantasy, and science fiction books I highly recommend adding this YA duology to your TBR! This book will release on March 18, 2025.

The audiobook has dual narration which is my preferred listening experience and Jason Vu and VyVy Nguyen brought the MCs to life!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duration: 10 hrs 58 mins 25 seconds
Narrated by Jason Vu; VyVy Nguyen
Publication Date: 03.18.25

💀YA Fantasy
💀 Sci-fi
💀 Medical Magical
💀 Duology
💀 Vietnamese Inspired World
💀 Necromancy
💀 High Stakes
💀 Testing Morals
💀 Dual POV
💀 Alternating Timelines

** These Violent Delights meets Divine Rivals in the explosive finale to The Last Bloodcarver duology -- with a riveting medical magic system and lush Vietnam-inspired romantasy world. 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... Don't miss this stunning dual-POV follow up to THE LAST BLOODCARVER, where morals will be tested, hearts pushed to the limit, and fates determined once and for all. Vanessa Le's jaw-dropping sequel is a bloody and luscious spectacle to be devoured in one sitting.**

“His Mortal Demise” by Vanessa Le is the perfect ending to the duology. It was beautifully written with a lot of emotions in it. She was able to continue to keep the same atmospheric Vietnamese inspired world throughout the second book. As well as add more depth and continuously adding to the character development. The plot was on point and I feel like there was no loose ends. I loved her medical magical system and the deep thought and intricate details.

This book does pick up where the last left off. I really don’t want to go into detail because it will be a spoiler for those that haven’t read the first book. Which I do highly recommend reading or listening to them in order.

Overall, I throughly enjoyed this read. I think the conclusion was well executed and well balanced. She is a very talented writer and has a great way of storytelling. I loved the twists and turns with just the right amount of suspense.

I did have the pleasure of listening to the audiobook. It is a dual narration and I have no complaints. I think they helped to bring the story to life.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC.

What an amazing duology. Vanessa Le put so much into two books but it didn't feel rushed, it was perfect.

I really like how different this book was compared to the first, it still felt like a whole, connected story. While fantasy, book 1 is more mystery, book 2 is more action/adventure. I will admit, it threw me off a bit the first few chapters (I went straight into this from a reread of 1).

I loved the character development, and the rather philosophical dilemmas that continue to be brought up but posed in different situations. This duology would make a great classroom curriculum read - there are SO MANY topics and questions to delve through.

There are time jumps (always takes a little more brain power for me to keep them straight), but the two narrators helped distinguish between the them (thank you to whoever thought of that). I had absolutely no idea where this story was going, rarely do I get that with books, I had so much fun reading it.

Will definitely be adding this to my reread list.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Review of His Mortal Demise by Vanessa Le (Audiobook)

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

His Mortal Demise has an intriguing story, and I believe I would have enjoyed it much more if I had physically read it rather than listened to the audiobook. The plot is well-paced, and the male narrator does a solid job bringing his parts to life. However, the female narrator’s delivery significantly impacted my experience in a negative way. Her tone was monotone, almost AI-like, which made it difficult to stay engaged. I even tried adjusting the speed and volume, but nothing helped.

For the first time, I had to stop listening with only a few hours left because the narration was too distracting. That being said, I think this story has a lot of potential, and I would love to give it another chance in print.

For future editions, I’d strongly recommend reconsidering the female narrator, as a more dynamic performance could elevate the audiobook experience. While this version didn’t work for me, I still encourage readers to explore the book itself, especially in a different format.

Thank you to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group) for the opportunity to review this audiobook.