2.23.2024

ARC Review: The Bride of Death

I received this book for free from NetGalley and Northern Light Press in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.



Expected Publication Date: March 1, 2024

The Bride of Death by F.M. Aden
Publisher: Northern Light Press
Page Count: 378
Format: digital
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Romance
Source: Netgalley

Content Warnings: graphic death, body horror, gore; moderate sexual content, grief, death of parent; minor violence

In the vein of Naomi Novik’s Uprooted and Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale—this unforgettable adult debut follows the journey of a young woman who seeks to defeat Death himself and save her village from his torment.

As a young child, Zerryn grew up on tales of the Lord of Death, Erlik Khan, and his penchant for stealing wild girls. In her small village, she keeps to herself and tends to the temple gardens, spending her days with her best friend Çelik. But when Çelik begins to act strangely and removes himself to live on a crumbling estate atop Mount Ida, the rumors of him becoming possessed by a demon begin to swiftly arise. Each month that passes the demon within him grows stronger, his demands of the villagers growing oddly disjointed and nonsensical.

Her chances of saving him become all but impossible once Zerryn learns that it is no lesser demon that has a hold of him but Erlik Khan—a demon of untold power who lords over the dead. It isn’t long before word spreads that he is in search of a bride, and creatures of untold power come before him to rule by his side. Zerryn knows that she cannot take down Erlik without power and she cannot gain power without becoming his bride.

But becoming Erlik’s wife is nothing as simple as an offer for his hand. To become the queen of the Underworld, she must complete three impossible tasks or risk losing everything she holds dear.


★★★★★ — obsessed
🥵🥵🥵 — sweltering

The Bride of Death is an exquisite tale that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. The beginning of the story strongly resembles The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, setting a captivating and atmospheric tone. The characters in the book experience profound grief, adding depth and emotional intensity to the narrative.

The story feels like a blend of The Bear and the Nightingale and Kingdom of the Wicked, creating a unique and compelling world for readers to explore. The protagonist, Zerryn, finds herself torn between two captivating characters, Çelik and Erlik, and their complex dynamics keep the reader engaged and invested.

The romantic relationship between Zerryn and Erlik is particularly captivating, and the reader eagerly hopes for a happy ending for them. The heavy focus on Zerryn's journey to save herself adds a powerful feminist element to the story. It highlights the strength and resilience of women, who often have to rely on themselves in a world that undermines their abilities.

Overall, The Bride of Death is a fantastical and romantic read, with dark and heartbreaking moments that are balanced by charm and beauty. It is a book that will leave a lasting impression on readers, immersing them in a world of magic and love.



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