The Death Bringer

Blood Vier #3

by Christy R. Harrill

A Shadowy Throne. 

A Lurking Assassin. 

A Game of Survival in a Harrowing War.

Still reeling from the events that transpired in the tower, Vladimir struggles between doing what is right or what is easy for the kingdom, and Taryn is left questioning her future and its consequences. When an attack upends the security of the capital, her mother's past comes haunting, trapping Taryn in a game of riddles that leads to imminent death. Loyalties are tested while destruction closes in, and the hungry beast of war prowls about, devouring every shred of hope and demanding the greatest of sacrifices.

Genres: Fantasy

434 pages, Hardcover

First published November 21, 2023

About the author

Find me on instagram and tiktok @christyrharrill

Christy R. Harrill is the book loving and anything medieval fantasy obsessing author of the Blood Vier series. She lives in Oklahoma where she enjoys hiking with her dog Hank and devouring every book she possibly has time for. Christy loves winter, and still hopes to attain the dream of getting snowed in with four feet of snow one day. She thinks that the only good thing about summer is wearing sandals, and has a weakness for buying pretty notebooks—even though she already owns far too many blank ones at home.

Reviews

[Beyond the Title Page Cary W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that I'm currently screaming inside, and I don't know how I'll survive the wait for book four. This book was heartbreaking and absolutely perfect.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so so much to the wonderful author for keep on being amazing and letting me enjoy her stories with an ARC copy of this book!!

"Don't give up, Vladimir. There is always hope, no matter how minimal. You can always find something to hold on to. Whether it's a drop of water in a drought, or a sliver of sunlight in complete darkness.
You can always find a whisper of hope. If not for you, then for someone else. No matter how small, how quiet. It will alwars be there."

“You're the leader of the Kavari, Vladimir. Act like it.”

What a book, ladies and gentlemen. Readers all around the globe should experience what I have experienced, reading this amazing third book in a series that is now more than ever one of my all time favourites. Back when I read book two, I knew I needed to know what would have happened to my characters. I needed to know what was in store for Taryn and Valdimir and William. And I was right !!! This book was made of plot twists, political intrigue, war, fear, loneliness, even romance … and loss. This book had them all !!!! And it was so good!!!!
For Taryn, everything that she did not want to happen … came to happen. I loved how the author went exploring the complicated threads of her relationship with William and with Vladimir, while also giving us a way to keep our mind focus on what was happening in her life. We did discover more about her heritage and about her family. But there’s still a lot that needs to be uncovered!
For William… I have to admit he is not my favourite character. Far from it. But his morally grey traits make him more than a little bit intriguing. And he is redeemable, which is always appreciated! I think he moved me more this book than the last one, to be completely honest with y’all. And Vladimir… I LOVE HIM. I truly, completely, totally, unconditionally love him. There is no way this man truly is what he is. I wish he was real! The depths he shows of his personality in this book are absolutely breathtaking. He is such a tormented and hard character to be reading about. So cold and yet so hot, only in the right moments. The things he has to deal with on a daily basis are otherworldly and I truly don’t know how he manages. I loved getting more inside his head. I loved how he behaved throughout the whole book and I absolutely loved how his relationship with Taryn developed and grew this time around. This book made me cry, laugh, scream, feel giddy and desperate and terrified. And I’m so thankful for it! And THAT freaking ending!!!!! I was left gasping afterwards!!!! I literally cannot wait for book four!!!

“War feasted on lives like Death feasted on souls, is battle drums always beating within my eats, winding down the clock
to decimation.”

"Your father wanted you to become a Kavari, wanted you to be here."

“I needed him. Needed him Ike the world needed a sunrise, like blossoms needed rain. I needed him like the air in my lungs because in the darkness of despair he was the one who breathed me back to life.”

[Timothy Benefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

After calling book 2 "absolutely fantastic" I'm not sure what to say about this one. Let's just say it was very extra absolutely fantastic. The series continues to get better and better, and at this rate, there will be no words left to describe the finale.

It wasn't perfect, however. A couple of crucial decisions, such as Katherine doing that one thing, didn't feel as necessary as they were played up to be. Unless I missed something, Katherine could have easily healed William after he was shot instead of...you know. Though she did see that vision so maybe intuition told her no healing would be possible. *shrugs* Also, the third act felt a little disconnected from the rest of the story, suddenly switching to the war after so long of the assassin.

Neither of those things stopped this book from being very extra absolutely fantastic, though. The character growth was beautiful (especially with Taryn), the politics were gripping (as always), and the battle scenes were vivid and realistic. If you liked the first two books, you will love this one. And if you haven't read the first two...what are you waiting for?

Content warnings:
Quite a bit of violence. Sometimes it feels like blood is mentioned at least three times on every page. Wounds and their treatment are described.
Romance. Nothing inappropriate, but some...uh...enthusiastic kissing.

[A R Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things to say…this book, THIS BOOK. Christy has done what few others(in my opinion) can do, which is continue to build throughout her series. Each book has just built more and got better and better, which makes me DYING IN ANTICIPATION for the fourth book…in more ways than one. Iykyk

This book once again was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with twists and turns you didn’t see coming. The plot only deepens and continues, while I did see at least one of the twists coming, overall they were well written and hidden so not easily guessed(my favorite kind of book)

The dark beauty of how fate plays out in each of our beloved characters will make you cry, laugh and maybe admire the twisted mind of their author(you know I love you Christy).

Also, I’ll just pause a moment and talk about the SLOW BURN ROMANCE. So very well written, so very well developed and executed, and it leaves you cheering for them so much more.

Now I shall wait again not so patiently for the fourth book because how am I even supposed to go on to other books during this time frame?
WE. NEED. CLOSURE. For PITYS SAKE.

I shall close with my favorite line BY far:

“One day had been stolen, and whether both or only one of us knew it-one day would never come.”

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again. Out of the park, beyond my imagination, unbelievably amazing and gave me even more reasons for this series to be my new favorite. Action-packed, descriptive, and such an addicting read. Once I start her books, I can’t stop until I’m done. And now that I’ve finished this one I’m trying not to cry over the fact that I have to wait for the next one.. I can’t complain at timing because it’s clear that the time and effort played a part in the amazing quality of this book (and the other two). But I’m on the edge of my seat and am already in anticipation of the next book!
I loved the maturing of different characters, bringing out new details and backstories and of course the sarcastic humor sprinkled through. The slow sizzle (but no spice) was just right and the plot itself… **chef’s kiss**
Don’t mind me over here hyperventilating over a book.. I’ll be fine—as soon as I read the next one!

[_aimsreads_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed where this book was heading with Taryn’s whole plot, it was really interesting added into what was already happening. I never got bored and i finished this so quickly, i never put it down unless i had to. The only reason this book wasn’t 5 stars is because there was hardly any William in it, i expected him to be mentioned or have a lot more interactions than that, especially with Taryn. **spoilers**
not to mention, i really do like Taryn and William, and although i love Vladimir as well, i don’t see those two being together. I really like the dynamic between her and William and in this book the romance suggests Vladimir is the love interest.
**no spoilers**
i’m hoping somehow that in the next book the romance will change because i’m not that connected to it as i would’ve been with the other love interest.

[Christy Harrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this book my favorite?

I don't know, I feel like I have to give a response similar to "I love all of my children the same" but it's going to to have to be a tie between The Death Bringer and the King Slayer for now, because there's so much I love about each of them.

And what I love about this book is the heart-pounding plot and the growth of these characters throughout its pages. It's gripping. It's beautiful. It's heart breaking-and I love it so much. This is the first book that I cried while writing a scene, and it challenged me in so many ways.

But now it's here. And it's done. And I hope you enjoy this adventure as much as I have. 💜

Are you ready for your first riddle?

[emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i know a book is amazing when I've cried over it at least 3 times. the characters have so much depth. Christy truly captures the warring emotions and difficulties they are going through. it is truly heartbreaking and it makes you root for them to find happiness. I love Vladimir. I love Taryn. I love Katherine. I love Nic. William is starting to come around again.....still am not a fan tho🤷🏼‍♀️

My only complaint is the dialogue. Sometimes the author uses modern slang or more modern wording that took me out of the story and setting. It only happened a few times in the first and second book, but it was pretty frequent in this one. It happened a lot with conversations between Vladimir and Nic.

[Rachel Wehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from the author.
Wow. Just wow! This third installment of Christy Harrill's the Blood Vier series was as impressive as her first two books. Ms. Harrill did an excellent job of weaving a tale of repercussions from The King Slayer, while continuing to answer questions from The Blood Vier. I was once again immersed in a story with twists and turns that I did not see coming. I'm definitely hooked on this series and can't wait to see what this author does next!

[Mya Elizabeth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I read this in one day?
Absolutely yes I did
Was this as good as the last book?
Not as much action and deception more like picking up all the broken pieces and addressing the outside problems but still excellent
Was this emotionally scarring?
Absolutely and these wounds are gonna be deep
Am I running to book four? yes I am
Also let me just include this quote that’ll make you and me scream okay? Ready
“‘One day?’”
“‘One day.’ I whispered back.”
SCREAMING
CRYING
THROWING UP
ok that’s all
That’s l all that needs to be said

[Carolina.Elaine.Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more stars than the last two without depriving the others of their rightful ratings I would! I’m just so invested is Christy’s writing and her plotting! This book brought me so much excitement but also kept me on the edge of my seat with dreadful anticipation. Lots of tears and smiles! “One day” (🤭) Christy you’ve outdone yourself and I’m just going to have to be patient (even though I don’t think I can be) for book 4.

Signed- Christy’s biggest fan 😌

[Tamaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

[Natali Hassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best book in the series so far! The characters continued to grow so much, not only in their personal journey but in their relationships with each other. The plot was non-stop, and it kept building all the way to the end. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 4 especially with the cliffhangers regarding several characters.

[Rachel S · Rating 5 out of 5]

You just thought you were ready for Book #3.... all I can say is - buckle up and hang on because you will NOT be able to put this book down when you start reading it. I read it in one day.... ONE DAY!!! Just don't say I didnt warn you.

[Donna Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book and I’m already so ready for the next one!! I laughed, I cried, this book really had me feeling all the different emotions, but in a good way. This series has been so captivating and well written, and I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.

[Marissa Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just in love with this series. Every time I think I have something figured out I have the unthinkable happen and surprise me. The CLIFFHANGER THOUGH! December 31st can come soon enough for the next book to come out!

[Stefanie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright Christy Harrell, this was not the book I was expecting at all!!! The loss of a key character was heart wrenching and so unexpected. The last 5 chapters were edge of my seat exciting and emotional.

[Makaila Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might possibly be the best book I've ever read. The way Valdmeir was finally realizing what she meant to him?!?! and the kiss?!?! And that cliff hanger?!??! I can't breathe. I'd give this book 10/10 stars.

[Reeseanne Reffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 ⭐️ 💛💛

All I can say is WTF!!!!!!!
I ABSOLUTELY LIVEEEED FOR THIS!!!!
I love the ending.
This book is giving me life.
I absolutely love vlad, and Taryn.
But that one part ripped my whole heart out.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an eARC of this book. Y’all are not ready.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! It will keep your attention from the first page to the last. Can’t wait for book #4!!

[Georgia Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, I will defiantly be reading book 4, also am I the only one that wants Nic and Darya to have their own book?

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins to provide closure for what she did in the first two books and ties every crazy detail into a more beautiful story than I thought possible.

[Meg Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series slays so hard

[Heather Meinholdt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting more and more intriguing! Looking forward to the final book!

[L.B. Divine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy has done it again. Seamless. Gorgeous. Stunning. A thriller. A bit of mystery. There’s so much to love here. If you are a YA fantasy fan, it’s a must.