This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
About The Book
They came to earth–Pestilence, War, Famine, Death–four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.
He’s known by many names: Thanatos. Horseman. God’s last angel. And then, of course, there’s the one I’m all too familiar with—
Death.
The day Death comes to Lazarus Gaumond’s town and kills everyone in one fell swoop, the last thing he expects to see is a woman left alive and standing. But Lazarus has her own extraordinary gift: she cannot be killed—not by humans, not by the elements, not by Death himself.
She is the one soul Death doesn’t recognize. The one soul he cannot pry free from her flesh. Nor can he ignore the unsettling desire he has for her. Take her. He wants to, desperately. And the longer she tries to stop him from his killing spree, the stronger the desire becomes.
When Lazarus crosses paths with the three other horsemen, an unthinkable situation leads to a terrible deal: seduce Death, save the world. A hopeless task, made all the worse by the bad blood between her and Thanatos. But Death’s attraction to her is undeniable, and try though she might, Lazarus cannot stay away from that ancient, beautiful being and his dark embrace.
The end is here. Humankind is set to perish, and not even the horsemen can stop Death from fulfilling his final task.
Only Lazarus can.
My love for you is eternal and unfaltering, Lazarus. Do not doubt that. Stars will form and die, and what I feel for you will remain undimmed
My Review
First Impressions
Death is the finale of the series and this book BLEW MY MIND away, I absolutely adored just about everything about this one. Even though the beginning had a bit of a slow start and I wasn’t too interested in reading for a while (I think mostly due to the mood I was in) I ended up falling so hard for this book. I really wondered how Laura Thalassa would handle Death’s book and I really found that the way certain elements were brought together made for such a great story. I will say that this book isn’t for the faint of heart. It definitely has its darker elements and it does deal with some serious issues obviously, but it has such intricate detail that I believe only this author can cultivate. Now I am not sure that this one beats (War–which is my favorite of the series) but this one definitely ties with it easily. There is such a slow building of intimate love that is gradually growing and I adored every single part of it.
“Death and life, caught in an eternal embrace,” he explains. “They look like lovers,” I whisper. “They are lovers.” His eyes find mine, and I swear they can see straight to my soul.
Summary
The last of the horseman have arrived at Earth, Death, and is wreaking havoc upon the human population as is his duty. Lazarus Gaumond, saw her family and all of those that she truly loved fall dead at her feet but for some reason, she was left alive. Lazarus, it seems is impossible to kill, every time that she dies, she comes back alive. And she proves to be more than a match for Death. Lazarus had a sweet loving nature, but when she lost everything, she realized she would have to become something to face up to Death, as she was the only one that could. Death and Lazarus begin playing a game of playing with death with each other, but there is something more tangible building between them. They have a connection to each other that neither of them fully understand. But then Lazarus and Death get tired of fighting each other, and Death is determined to claim Lazarus as his own, the only woman who could ever hold his heart. But even when Lazarus makes a deal with his brothers to do what she can to convince Death to change his agenda, and give into the chemistry that she feels more strongly each day, she begins to genuinely care for this angel of death. Even though he is the enemy and is killing the human race as is his command, only Lazarus will have the capability of showing Death the true power of love and save humankind as is her destiny….
What I Loved
This Book!!! *sigh* This story was so delicious and I couldn’t seem to get enough of everything that encompassed this story. Despite its beginning (which granted I think was mostly due to my mood which is why I waited till I was in the right mood to pick it back up) its still going to be a top read of the year and what a way to KICK OFF the new year with such a book. I am so happy that I decided to come back to Death and read the epic finale we have all been waiting for here. I will admit that reading this one had a very bittersweet feeling to it. While I loved being able to read this book I am also sad that I had to see this series go as well because I have loved it so. These books have been highlights of my reading in the past four years. I really do love a good edgy romance and this one definitely has many dark elements. So fair warning before going into this book and if you get triggers (please check the trigger warnings before reading this book). I had also forgotten the style of Laura Thalassa, its stunning how flawlessly she can cause havoc on my emotions where I am laughing one moment and sobbing tears in the next. This book tore my HEART apart but also put it back together.
Because you were designed to be mine. And it’s time I claimed you.
The romance that develops between Death and Lazarus was quite interesting. I loved the slow building of their chemistry. At first, they are true enemies, although Death is more fascinated by Lazarus than anything else because only his brothers are safe from his wrath. And his fascination turns into something deeper, where he wants to treat her as his mate, and starts to genuinely care for her. Out of all of the horsemen, Death is the one most devoted to his duty. I loved how protective he could be of Lazarus, in the small moments that he cares for her or will do things just to make her laugh or bring joy to her life even in the small ways. You really see how much he is changing. On the side of Lazarus, she hates having feelings for this sexy dangerous man that is destroying her world. She has many mixed feelings for Death, and doesn’t know how to react to these changing emotions and the intensity of their connection at times. I adored her strength and bravery. Even till the end, she stands her ground and fights for what she believes in. I found their story to be so captivating and the most endearing moments were in the small ones. In their quiet ways of sharing together and seeing their intimacy build was truly a powerful thing to witness throughout the reading of this here.
Even if it takes centuries, even if you and I are the last creatures in existence, I vow to you this: I will get you to love me—mind, body, and heart.”
And the ENDING tore me up, and I won’t reveal too much as I don’t wish to spoil it at all. But I will say that this author tied everything up in a bow in such a beautiful way that just tugged at my heartstrings. I couldn’t believe the way that Laura Thalassa weaved her way with this story and brought together such an epic romance that had me hooked.
Overall Evaluation
The final of the series, Death, is a story that I can guarantee that you will fall in love with. Its a story of redemption, character growth, and standing for what you believe in no matter the cost. It’s an intimate portrayal of love in its most powerful of moments, and the author cultivates a story that is bound to tie you up in knots and capture your heart.
Book Details
Title: Death by Laura Thalassa
Author: Laura Thalassa
Genre: Mythological Fantasy, Dark Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Length: 518 Pages
Book Links
Amazon| Barnes and Noble| Goodreads| LibraryThing| Storygraph| Literal Club
If you liked these books, then I recommend picking up “Death”
fire in his kiss by ruby dixon
chastely bitten by lexi c. foss
shadow falling
Book Evaluation
Storytelling Quality: 5
Story Itself: 5
Character Development: 5
Writing Style: 5
World Building 5
Feels + The Romantic Heart 5
Pacing 4.5
Plot 5
Cover Art 4.5
Ending 5
Book Ratings
Overall Rating of the Book
Steam Level
Simmering—soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warm- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin’ up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Series Order
Pestilence-Pub 2018- (381 Pages)
War -Pub 2019-(502 Pages)
Famine-Pub 2020-(472 Pages)
Death-Pub 2021-(518 Pages)
About The Author
Found in the forest when she was young, Laura Thalassa was raised by fairies, kidnapped by werewolves, and given over to vampires as repayment for a hundred year debt. She’s been brought back to life twice, and, with a single kiss, she woke her true love from eternal sleep. She now lives happily ever after with her undead prince in a castle in the woods.
… or something like that anyway.
When not writing, Laura can be found scarfing down guacamole, hoarding chocolate for the apocalypse, or curled up on the couch with a good book.
I now HAVE to read that one! I had read the first two, Pestilence being my favorite. I had read less than stellar reviews for the third one though so maybe I’ll skip that one!
Nice to hear the ending of the series was such a hit for you!
I had plans to read this series after reading your review of Pestilence. Now I think I need to get to it sooner rather than later.
So glad you enjoyed this one. There is nothing like kicking off the year with an already favorite read. And a fantastic series closer, as well!
Great review. 🙂