Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised away to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather—Merrick, the Dreaded End—to arrive.
When he does, he lays out exactly how he’s planned Hazel’s future. She will become a great healer, known throughout the kingdom for her precision and skill. To aid her endeavors, Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift, the ability to instantly deduce the exact cure needed to treat the sick.
But all gifts come with a price. Hazel can see when Death has claimed a patient—when all hope is gone—and is tasked to end their suffering, permanently. Haunted by the ghosts of those she’s killed, Hazel longs to run. But destiny brings her to the royal court, where she meets Leo, a rakish prince with a disdain for everything and everyone. And it’s where Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet—to save the life of a king marked to die. Hazel knows what she is meant to do and knows what her heart is urging her toward, but what will happen if she goes against the will of Death?
I did enjoy this story. I took a half point off because I pretty much figured out what might be going on and who was the cause. However, it didn’t prevent me from continuing to read it. Hazel made a great female character, because she was so poignant. Her emotions and turmoil were descriptive that I found myself crying on her behalf.
I found myself torn between anger with Merrick on Hazel’s behalf and pitying him because it was clear he didn’t fully know what he was doing. Merrick would make a wonderful prequel story. Or even a quick short story bonus chapter. Though I think I would love to learn more about the other gods as well.
Overall, I rate this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Comments
Post a Comment