Till Death
Till Death
By Miranda Lyn
Pages: 644
Pub Year: 2024
Till Death kicks off with an absolutely gripping first chapter—one of the most well-written openings I’ve read in a long time. The tension, the world-building, and the mystery are all immediately compelling. I was hooked from the very first page, and it set a high bar for the rest of the book. The premise is unique and darkly intriguing, mixing elements of immortality, fate, and a twisted romance that kept me turning pages.
The story follows Princess Deyanira, a trained weapon and the Maiden of Death, as she is thrust into a marriage she didn’t choose and is bound to a kingdom she’s never felt part of. The world Miranda Lyn has built is rich with lore—gods, immortality, and the haunting question of what it means to wield such power. Deyanira is a complex, fascinating character who’s been shaped by her destiny as a killer, and watching her navigate a world of political intrigue, betrayal, and a forbidden connection with her husband was one of the best parts of the story.
The pacing throughout was strong, with plenty of twists and emotional moments to keep things engaging. I loved the slow burn between Deyanira and her new husband, even as she fought to retain her autonomy and her heart. The dark undertones of the book, especially the presence of Death’s court and the shadows of the kingdom, added a sinister depth to the narrative.
That said, while I absolutely adored the journey, I wasn’t fully satisfied with the ending. To be honest, endings can often feel a bit cheesy to me, and Till Death followed that pattern. The way the story wrapped up didn’t quite match the intensity of the buildup, and I found it a bit predictable and rushed compared to the first half of the book. However, I do think the resolution works in the context of the story, even if it wasn’t exactly the way I envisioned it ending.
Overall, Till Death is wonderfully written, and despite my minor quibbles with the ending, I still really enjoyed the book. It’s a solid 3.75 to 4 stars for me, with some standout moments that will keep me thinking about this one for a while.
