In M.M. Reeves' debut novel, Death's Kiss, Merena Boreas, a twenty-year-old Captain in the brutal Cardinal North Order of Tide Raiders, faces her final year of training. This year, however, brings the unexpected emergence of the legendary Vault, offering a chance to impress a TideLord and secure her future. To achieve this, Merena must compete in four deadly Pillar Trials against rival Captains, including the arrogant and ruthless Captain Agni. But Merena's past—a mysterious castaway with no memory—makes her a target. As she fights for survival, a haunting darkness descends upon the Cardinal North, whispering warnings and stirring long-buried memories. The stakes are high in this thrilling competition where only the strongest will survive.
Review Death's Kiss
Oh my goodness, Death's Kiss completely swept me away! M.M. Reeves has crafted a truly captivating world in this debut novel, one that seamlessly blends the thrilling intensity of deadly trials with the heartwarming loyalty of found family. The setting itself, this brutal yet mesmerizing Cardinal North academy nestled on the unforgiving sea, is brilliantly realized. It's a place of harsh beauty, where the constant threat of danger hangs heavy in the salty air, mirroring the perilous internal struggles of our protagonist.
Merena Boreas is a character you just can't help but root for. She's incredibly strong, resilient, and fiercely loyal to her crew, a group of women who lift each other up in the face of unimaginable hardship. The way Reeves portrays their bond – a true found family – is so genuine and moving; it's the heart of the story. Witnessing their unwavering support for Merena, even amidst the relentless cruelty they face, was incredibly heartwarming. They are not just background characters; they are fully fleshed out individuals, each with their own distinct personality and contributions to the narrative. The dynamic between them, filled with banter and unwavering loyalty, felt authentic and deeply satisfying.
And then there's Agni. Oh, Agni. The insufferably arrogant, ruthlessly powerful Captain of the Cardinal South. He's the epitome of a "bad boy" – the kind that makes your heart race, even as he grates on your nerves. His antagonism toward Merena is deliciously frustrating, creating a palpable tension that kept me breathlessly turning the pages. Their relationship is slow-burn perfection, a simmering conflict that promises explosive potential in future installments. The slow burn between Merena and Agni is agonizingly perfect, the kind that builds anticipation and leaves you craving more.
The Pillar Trials themselves are masterfully crafted. They're brutal, inventive, and incredibly suspenseful, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Each trial presents a unique challenge, both physical and mental, testing Merena's strength, resourcefulness, and the bonds of her crew. The trials have a fantastic blend of individual skill and teamwork, cleverly emphasizing the balance of personal strength and the support network crucial for survival. They reminded me of a thrilling blend of The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and even a touch of Pirates of the Caribbean, with a unique twist that makes them feel fresh and original.
Beyond the action and the romance, Death's Kiss also cleverly incorporates elements of mystery. Merena's past is shrouded in secrets, creating a compelling narrative hook that pulls you deeper into her world. The hints of a larger, darker threat lurking beneath the surface added another layer of intrigue, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. The slow reveal of her past, intertwined with the present-day challenges, expertly maintains tension while building character depth.
Overall, Death's Kiss is a phenomenal debut. It's a thrilling adventure filled with compelling characters, a unique magical system, and a plot that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely loved the found family aspect, the fierce female friendships, and the slow-burn romance with all its angst. Highly recommended for fans of dark academia, fantasy adventures, and enemies-to-lovers romances. I am already impatiently waiting for the sequel!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.51 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 604
- Publication date: 2025
Book table of contents
- Over My Burning Corpse
- Punishments & Leeches
- Rumors
- Remember the Code
- Brek & Vek
- Southern Tongue
- Theory of War
- Afinity Measuring
- Abhorrence
- The First Pillar
- The Taming of the Kelpic
- The TideLords
- The Nets
- Scarred
- The Od
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