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Death: Genesis #4
Death: Genesis 4
As legions of undead swarm the Radiant Isles, a young warrior makes a chilling decision for the fate of the people, in this post-apocalyptic fantasy.
For years, Zeke Blackwood fought tooth and nail to defend the powerless and avenge the fallen, becoming one of the strongest people in the world and a match for any monster or magic-wielding sorcerer in the Radiant Isles. One life-or-death battle after another forged him into the ideal solder, meant for a war between good and evil. But when an encounter with the demon realm leaves him transformed, his body shattered, he’s forced to follow a far more dangerous path.
As a cambion, Zeke stands on the thresholds of both Heaven and Hell, belonging to neither. Consumed with frustration at the tireless conflict between the mighty entities vying for supremacy throughout the Isles, he seeks the Portal of Ascension, a gateway that will allow him to escape the mortal realm once and for all.
Meanwhile, Abraham Micayne has unleashed hordes of undead creatures in a quest to slaughter the living—or turn them into servants damned to do his foul bidding. Zeke understands this is a fight he can’t win, no matter how powerful he becomes. The people of the Radiant Isles will have to face this apocalypse on their own.
Now, to reach the Portal of Ascension, Zeke and his companions—his soul-bonded dire bear, Pudge; the unliving Talia Nightingale; and the archer Abby—must search high and low to uncover its location as they battle brigades of demons and other monstrous beings. But even greater enemies hunt the portal, and Zeke will face opposition from a rather unlikely source . . .
For years, Zeke Blackwood fought tooth and nail to defend the powerless and avenge the fallen, becoming one of the strongest people in the world and a match for any monster or magic-wielding sorcerer in the Radiant Isles. One life-or-death battle after another forged him into the ideal solder, meant for a war between good and evil. But when an encounter with the demon realm leaves him transformed, his body shattered, he’s forced to follow a far more dangerous path.
As a cambion, Zeke stands on the thresholds of both Heaven and Hell, belonging to neither. Consumed with frustration at the tireless conflict between the mighty entities vying for supremacy throughout the Isles, he seeks the Portal of Ascension, a gateway that will allow him to escape the mortal realm once and for all.
Meanwhile, Abraham Micayne has unleashed hordes of undead creatures in a quest to slaughter the living—or turn them into servants damned to do his foul bidding. Zeke understands this is a fight he can’t win, no matter how powerful he becomes. The people of the Radiant Isles will have to face this apocalypse on their own.
Now, to reach the Portal of Ascension, Zeke and his companions—his soul-bonded dire bear, Pudge; the unliving Talia Nightingale; and the archer Abby—must search high and low to uncover its location as they battle brigades of demons and other monstrous beings. But even greater enemies hunt the portal, and Zeke will face opposition from a rather unlikely source . . .
- GenresFantasy
571 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
149 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 13, 2023
Abby is the worse person in these book, she is to wishy washy, contradicts herself every damn sentence, and the most judgmental person in the book.
November 13, 2023
So good.
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 4.5/5
Narration: 5/5
Favorite line: NA
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 4.5/5
Narration: 5/5
Favorite line: NA
November 10, 2023
Great
I really enjoyed this fourth book in the series. Glad that a certain relationship ended as I didn't like the way that they always acted like they knew better than Zek. Looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed this fourth book in the series. Glad that a certain relationship ended as I didn't like the way that they always acted like they knew better than Zek. Looking forward to the next book.
May 3, 2024
This is a hard review. On the one hand there is so much in this book that is good, but on the other there is so much that is bland. Let's start with the good.
This book could be considered the end of an arc. What has been building in the last few books has come and the final chapters are amazing. Incredible even:
"You focused so much on technique," ... "That would have worked in the old world. But here? This is a world of magic, . Can't you feel it? The underlying concepts of the universe run through everything we do. You neglected that because you were stuck in the old world."
"I don't understand," ...
"And that's why you lose," ...
You could end the whole series on book 4 and I think you'd come away with a satisfying conclusion. However, book 5 is already out and after reading a few chapters of it there are many chances to redeem itself and grow even more. Where book 3 removed hope for the future of the series it seems that book 4 has inspired it. Though not enough to not be wary.
This brings us to the bad. It's the other characters. Carlos was always bland without being or doing much of anything interesting. Except he's even more annoying here interjecting his teenage emotional philosophy during the first half of the book. The second half of the book focuses on Abby. The author really wanted to destroy this person. I never had a problem with her in the first books and it would require a re-read to see if this was just me or the author trying to amp this up for a bigger payout of an idea introduced here. This does mean that most of the book is inundated with dialogue that feels like it belongs with teenagers on social media.
I really hope book 5 saves the series and I can come back to 5 stars like I did the first few.
This book could be considered the end of an arc. What has been building in the last few books has come and the final chapters are amazing. Incredible even:
"You focused so much on technique," ... "That would have worked in the old world. But here? This is a world of magic, . Can't you feel it? The underlying concepts of the universe run through everything we do. You neglected that because you were stuck in the old world."
"I don't understand," ...
"And that's why you lose," ...
You could end the whole series on book 4 and I think you'd come away with a satisfying conclusion. However, book 5 is already out and after reading a few chapters of it there are many chances to redeem itself and grow even more. Where book 3 removed hope for the future of the series it seems that book 4 has inspired it. Though not enough to not be wary.
This brings us to the bad. It's the other characters. Carlos was always bland without being or doing much of anything interesting. Except he's even more annoying here interjecting his teenage emotional philosophy during the first half of the book. The second half of the book focuses on Abby. The author really wanted to destroy this person. I never had a problem with her in the first books and it would require a re-read to see if this was just me or the author trying to amp this up for a bigger payout of an idea introduced here. This does mean that most of the book is inundated with dialogue that feels like it belongs with teenagers on social media.
I really hope book 5 saves the series and I can come back to 5 stars like I did the first few.
January 12, 2026
A Pivotal Arc's End: Stunning Payoff Marred by Character Fatigue [3.5/5 Stars]
If you've made it to the fourth book in Nicholas Searcy's Death: Genesis series, you're committed to Zeke Blackwood's brutal, bloody climb. This installment delivers the explosive, high-stakes conclusion to the Radiant Isles saga, but it also forces you to confront the series' most persistent—and increasingly frustrating—flaw. After a demonic encounter leaves his body shattered, Zeke is reborn as a cambion, a being caught between Heaven and Hell. Facing an undead apocalypse he cannot personally stop, he makes the chilling choice to seek the Portal of Ascension and leave the mortal realm to its fate. It's a bold narrative turn that provides immense payoff, making this a 3.5 out of 5 star read that's both the series' peak and a breaking point for many.
Key Themes: Sacrifice, Ascension, and the Burden of Power
The Ultimate Sacrifice of Responsibility: The central, gut-wrenching theme is Zeke's decision to abandon the Radiant Isles to the undead hordes. After books of being the defender, his choice to prioritize his and his companions' ascension over a doomed last stand explores the limits of a hero's duty and the selfishness required for ultimate survival.
Metamorphosis and Identity: Zeke's transformation into a cambion forces a deep internal conflict. Belonging to neither side of the cosmic war, he grapples with a literal and figurative loss of humanity. The story examines what core identity remains when your physical form and place in the world are fundamentally altered.
The Grind vs. The Goal: The series' core LitRPG progression takes a backseat to a singular, defined objective: find the Portal. This shifts the theme from open-ended growth to a desperate race, examining how relentless combat changes when it serves a concrete escape plan rather than just incremental power gains.
Character Analysis: A Fractured Party
Zeke Blackwood: His development is the book's strongest asset. Weary, transformed, and pragmatic, he evolves from a reactive warrior into a leader making brutally logical—if heartbreaking—choices. His arc here is about accepting the consequences of his power and the loneliness of his new path.
Abby: Let's be blunt: Abby is this book's most divisive element, and the narrative seems to intentionally break her. Reader sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with critiques labeling her "wishy washy," "contradictory," "judgmental," and a "wanker". Her character arc reaches a crisis point involving betrayal, forcing a major, long-coming rift in the party. Whether you see this as bold character deconstruction or tedious drama will define your experience.
The Companions: Pudge the dire bear remains a loyal, emotional anchor. Other party members like Talia get moments, but the narrative spotlight—and its associated interpersonal turmoil—is firmly on Zeke and Abby's deteriorating dynamic.
Writing Style & Pacing: A Climax That Earns Its Build-Up
Searcy's prose remains gritty and direct, excelling in visceral combat and conveying Zeke's physical and mental anguish. The pacing, however, is a tale of two halves. The first section, dealing with the aftermath of Zeke's transformation and the party's search for the Portal, can feel slow, bogged down by circular arguments and teenage-philosophy dialogue that some readers found bland.
But the final act is where the book justifies its existence. The climax is widely praised as "amazing," "incredible," and a brilliant way to conclude a major story arc. The action is intense, the stakes are cosmic, and thematic threads about the nature of power in a magical world are tied together with satisfying punch. The ending provides enough closure that it could serve as a series finale, while clearly paving the way for the next realm.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
The High-Stakes Payoff: The final chapters are exceptional, delivering the emotional and action-packed conclusion the series needed.
Zeke's Logical, Hard Choice: His decision to leave the Isles is a refreshingly grim and mature twist for the genre.
Arc Finale Satisfaction: It truly feels like the end of a major journey, resolving the central conflict with the Radiant Isles and Abraham Micayne.
Disliked:
The "Abby Problem" Intensifies: The character's portrayal reaches a nadir, making sections of the book a chore for readers who have lost patience with her.
Uneven Pacing: The journey to the climax involves a slog of repetitive party tension and philosophical meandering.
Underutilized Cast: With so much focus on the Zeke/Abby drama, other interesting companions feel sidelined.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: Death: Genesis 4 is a must-read for series fans that rewards persistence with one of the most compelling climaxes in the series, but it demands you endure its most aggravating character work.
You should push through this book if: You are invested in Zeke's journey and the overarching plot. If you can tolerate (or are fascinated by) severe character deconstruction and want to see the Radiant Isles arc conclude with spectacular action, the payoff is worth it.
This might be your DNF point if: Your patience for Abby's character ran out in Book 2 or 3. This volume doubles down on her most frustrating traits to force a major plot shift, and it may be the final straw.
Think of it as a painful, necessary metamorphosis for the series itself. It sheds its old skin in a messy, difficult process, but what emerges is poised for a new and potentially thrilling direction. For committed readers, it's an essential, if flawed, pillar of the saga.
If you've made it to the fourth book in Nicholas Searcy's Death: Genesis series, you're committed to Zeke Blackwood's brutal, bloody climb. This installment delivers the explosive, high-stakes conclusion to the Radiant Isles saga, but it also forces you to confront the series' most persistent—and increasingly frustrating—flaw. After a demonic encounter leaves his body shattered, Zeke is reborn as a cambion, a being caught between Heaven and Hell. Facing an undead apocalypse he cannot personally stop, he makes the chilling choice to seek the Portal of Ascension and leave the mortal realm to its fate. It's a bold narrative turn that provides immense payoff, making this a 3.5 out of 5 star read that's both the series' peak and a breaking point for many.
Key Themes: Sacrifice, Ascension, and the Burden of Power
The Ultimate Sacrifice of Responsibility: The central, gut-wrenching theme is Zeke's decision to abandon the Radiant Isles to the undead hordes. After books of being the defender, his choice to prioritize his and his companions' ascension over a doomed last stand explores the limits of a hero's duty and the selfishness required for ultimate survival.
Metamorphosis and Identity: Zeke's transformation into a cambion forces a deep internal conflict. Belonging to neither side of the cosmic war, he grapples with a literal and figurative loss of humanity. The story examines what core identity remains when your physical form and place in the world are fundamentally altered.
The Grind vs. The Goal: The series' core LitRPG progression takes a backseat to a singular, defined objective: find the Portal. This shifts the theme from open-ended growth to a desperate race, examining how relentless combat changes when it serves a concrete escape plan rather than just incremental power gains.
Character Analysis: A Fractured Party
Zeke Blackwood: His development is the book's strongest asset. Weary, transformed, and pragmatic, he evolves from a reactive warrior into a leader making brutally logical—if heartbreaking—choices. His arc here is about accepting the consequences of his power and the loneliness of his new path.
Abby: Let's be blunt: Abby is this book's most divisive element, and the narrative seems to intentionally break her. Reader sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with critiques labeling her "wishy washy," "contradictory," "judgmental," and a "wanker". Her character arc reaches a crisis point involving betrayal, forcing a major, long-coming rift in the party. Whether you see this as bold character deconstruction or tedious drama will define your experience.
The Companions: Pudge the dire bear remains a loyal, emotional anchor. Other party members like Talia get moments, but the narrative spotlight—and its associated interpersonal turmoil—is firmly on Zeke and Abby's deteriorating dynamic.
Writing Style & Pacing: A Climax That Earns Its Build-Up
Searcy's prose remains gritty and direct, excelling in visceral combat and conveying Zeke's physical and mental anguish. The pacing, however, is a tale of two halves. The first section, dealing with the aftermath of Zeke's transformation and the party's search for the Portal, can feel slow, bogged down by circular arguments and teenage-philosophy dialogue that some readers found bland.
But the final act is where the book justifies its existence. The climax is widely praised as "amazing," "incredible," and a brilliant way to conclude a major story arc. The action is intense, the stakes are cosmic, and thematic threads about the nature of power in a magical world are tied together with satisfying punch. The ending provides enough closure that it could serve as a series finale, while clearly paving the way for the next realm.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
The High-Stakes Payoff: The final chapters are exceptional, delivering the emotional and action-packed conclusion the series needed.
Zeke's Logical, Hard Choice: His decision to leave the Isles is a refreshingly grim and mature twist for the genre.
Arc Finale Satisfaction: It truly feels like the end of a major journey, resolving the central conflict with the Radiant Isles and Abraham Micayne.
Disliked:
The "Abby Problem" Intensifies: The character's portrayal reaches a nadir, making sections of the book a chore for readers who have lost patience with her.
Uneven Pacing: The journey to the climax involves a slog of repetitive party tension and philosophical meandering.
Underutilized Cast: With so much focus on the Zeke/Abby drama, other interesting companions feel sidelined.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: Death: Genesis 4 is a must-read for series fans that rewards persistence with one of the most compelling climaxes in the series, but it demands you endure its most aggravating character work.
You should push through this book if: You are invested in Zeke's journey and the overarching plot. If you can tolerate (or are fascinated by) severe character deconstruction and want to see the Radiant Isles arc conclude with spectacular action, the payoff is worth it.
This might be your DNF point if: Your patience for Abby's character ran out in Book 2 or 3. This volume doubles down on her most frustrating traits to force a major plot shift, and it may be the final straw.
Think of it as a painful, necessary metamorphosis for the series itself. It sheds its old skin in a messy, difficult process, but what emerges is poised for a new and potentially thrilling direction. For committed readers, it's an essential, if flawed, pillar of the saga.
November 15, 2023
Great book all in all
The book was a lot of fun and I enjoy where the plot is headed. I only have one complaint and it’s that I think certain ideas can be flushed out more. There are moments that happen to the characters where defining decisions are made and it feels like there was no build up to it. The payoff was still good but I do think it could be better. Despite this, the book was still a great read.
The book was a lot of fun and I enjoy where the plot is headed. I only have one complaint and it’s that I think certain ideas can be flushed out more. There are moments that happen to the characters where defining decisions are made and it feels like there was no build up to it. The payoff was still good but I do think it could be better. Despite this, the book was still a great read.
November 18, 2023
This is the way to end a story arc.
The character choices stay true to their narrative. The plotlines are wrapped up nicely. The next stage is adequately prepped. What more could you want?
The character choices stay true to their narrative. The plotlines are wrapped up nicely. The next stage is adequately prepped. What more could you want?
January 12, 2024
Another brilliant roll of runes
A great series.. Great character development.. Emotional depth... Interwoven plotting... Just great writing and story.. Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and the Dream
A great series.. Great character development.. Emotional depth... Interwoven plotting... Just great writing and story.. Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and the Dream
November 8, 2023
really good
Really enjoyed this one. It is a little sad but I don’t want to ruin it for you. Our MC is really growing up and having to face the realities of the world.
Really enjoyed this one. It is a little sad but I don’t want to ruin it for you. Our MC is really growing up and having to face the realities of the world.
November 10, 2023
Roller coaster
By far the best book in the series. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next one. 5 stars for sure
By far the best book in the series. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next one. 5 stars for sure
March 10, 2025
Excellent!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like the growth and maturity that the MC had in throughout this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like the growth and maturity that the MC had in throughout this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 23, 2025
Tucker!!!!!! This was full of action and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Can’t believe it took me so long to read these books. On to the next.
November 13, 2023
Recap...
Abby betrays Zeke and Pudge, coz she is fucking wanker. After Pudge is hurt he realizes Abby has been using him and he breaks up with her. Hopefully Abby gets killed in the next season and if not goes her separate way. But knowing the author he's gonna keep her. He kills of Abraham and Alina's mom. Tucker saves him by returning through the Portal. They all leave for the next realm.
Abby betrays Zeke and Pudge, coz she is fucking wanker. After Pudge is hurt he realizes Abby has been using him and he breaks up with her. Hopefully Abby gets killed in the next season and if not goes her separate way. But knowing the author he's gonna keep her. He kills of Abraham and Alina's mom. Tucker saves him by returning through the Portal. They all leave for the next realm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
I'm rating this November 4 2023. Only because a couple idiots gave it a bad rating when it hasn't even been released yet. I gave it 5 stars just because I already know it's gonna be good. Haters gonna hate.
Edit: Yeah, it was good lol
Edit: Yeah, it was good lol
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews