Dance with Death conjures Hades/Persephone vibes for me.
I’m curious to see how this book turns out because from the excerpt it doesn’t seem like a typical “death” story, other than the title.
I feel like this year has been a good year for double book boxes. December wraps up with two books! The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling, a contemporary sapphic vampire romance between a vampire and a girl who can predict death. It sounds interesting and probably will be a good quick standalone read.
Double book boxes always have smaller items which are always fun. The book sleeve is inspired by Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights (which I just got the sequel to and need to immediately post about them!) and the art is stunning.
The first item up is a letter opener inspired by the Prince of Hearts knife from Once Upon A Broken Heart. The iron-on patch features Nasir from We Hunt the Flame’s tattoo. I mistakenly took a picture of something from November’s box, which is the Poppy War-inspired enamel pin.
Fairyloot’s introducting a new collectible item with this box!
Mythology foil bookmarks and these ones are properly themed with Hades and Persephone. They are so pretty and honestly, I’m obsessed with Hades/Persephone retellings. Anyone else read the Punderworld comic? Look it up on Webtoon and let me know what you think!
This month’s tarot cards are the Nine and Ten of Pentacles featuring Eo and Victra from Red Rising. The letter from the author’s art card features Cas and I’m definitely intrigued!
December’s ‘Dance with Death’ themed book is Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier.
The past never forgets…
Via Goodreads
Before an ambush by enemy soldiers, Lord Cassia was an engineer’s apprentice on a mission entrusted by the king. But when plague sweeps over the land, leaving countless dead and devastating the kingdom, even Cas’ title cannot save him from a rotting prison cell and a merciless sickness.
Three years later, Cas wants only to return to his home in the mountains and forget past horrors. But home is not what he remembers. His castle has become a refuge for the royal court. And they have brought their enemies with them.
When an assassin targets those closest to the queen, Cas is drawn into a search for a killer… one that leads him to form an unexpected bond with a brilliant young historian named Lena. Cas and Lena soon realize that who is behind the attacks is far less important than why. They must look to the past, following the trail of a terrible secret—one that could threaten the kingdom’s newfound peace and plunge it back into war.
I’m obsessed with Fairyloot’s foiled covers. SO PRETTY. I don’t know how they’re going to get any better but I trust them.
This book sounds interesting, but as I said, other than references to Death, I’m not sure how the theme is going to really play out in this one. I’m kind of pumped that it’s a standalone novel for that is a huge draw for me to read it quicker.
Hopefully I can get this one read this year too! Maybe even before the end of winter? Wish me luck!
Check out my Goodreads for updates as well as the full review on the book (when I get to read it). I’m also working on the PopSugar Reading Challenge this year (which I haven’t started on), but you can track my progress on Instagram. Come say hi!
J x
