It was supposed to be simple. We had it all figured out. Summon Death, strike him down, and take back my birthright.
My throne.
Then Death’s gaze fell upon the one person I could always count on. My confidant. Forced into a blood pact to save him, I found myself in the realm of eternal night. where the wicked play and darkness reigns. But Death forgot one very important detail. Never underestimate the lengths a woman will go to protect what is hers.
My wrath will be his end.
**Death Shall Bow is Book 1 in a duet. Death Shall Reign (book 2) is a companion novel and expansion on the first book that contains the secrets withheld in book 1.
You know those books that you just have a fucking blast with, that was this one for me. It gave me all the Gothic vibes I was looking for and the world building was 👩🏼🍳💋. I could picture Anathema perfectly and FUCK it was so cool.
The feminine rage and the fuck the world attitude our FMC had was giving me life . Kimber was a take no shit kinda girly and I love that. SHADOW MOMMY?!? Say less. She is lady death in the flesh. She’s rebellious, fierce and unapologetically herself.
“Now apologize for your insensitivity and,” a dark smile slipped across my face, “bow to me. Beg your future queen for forgive”
PERIOD!!!!
And babyyyyyyy Lyvias and his fangs had me SAT!! YES SIR WHATEVER YOU SAY SIR 🫡🥵
In Anathema “Death” rules but this world is filled with shifters, demons, vampires, and all types of supernatural beings. All around 10/10 for the world, it was so freaking interesting and I really enjoyed reading about it. The history alone had me so invested
And I’m gonna pat myself on the back a little bit for figuring out some thingssss🤭
First and foremost, kudos to Gemma Ashborne for entrusting me with the privilege of diving into her debut novel. Now, consider me somewhat biased, given that Gemma and I connected on TikTok a few months ago, around March, and swiftly became friends. Witnessing her journey and dedication to crafting this authentic piece has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. A little side note: I went into this book blind, knowing nothing beyond the premise, and what an incredible rollercoaster it turned out to be. As always, check those trigger warnings, or don't – I am not your mother.
Now, let's talk characters. Oh, the characters! Diverse and beautiful, each possessing a unique allure. Kimber, or Kimberly, with her assertive "I will get my way" attitude, a refreshing departure from the stereotypical damsel in distress. Coop, oh Coop, who now holds a piece of my heart and soul, having ripped it out only to seamlessly put it back. Juniper, a delicate balance of kindness and a "you've got to be cruel to be kind" demeanor, tugging at my heartstrings. Lyvias, a character that I share a love-hate relationship with (no spoilers here, we don't do that). Death, naturally, being a sucker for characters based on Death, left me intrigued, but I'll leave you to make your judgment. The side characters were interwoven excellently, and I particularly fell in love with Poe (no questions asked, just accept the fate).
Now, the story, without delving into spoilers, was nothing short of excellent. Every twist and turn had me clutching my metaphorical pearls. Going in blind is a recommendation, as this book has the power to grip you entirely. The plot flowed seamlessly at a comfortable pace. The world-building was vivid, allowing me to envision myself being everywhere and nowhere simultaneously. Relationships, both forged and broken, were depicted on a level that evoked every emotion. The anticipation built in the smexy scenes, coupled with a sense of edging, resonated to my very core – a literary experience well worth the journey. This ARC, notably, stood out for its scarcity of spelling mistakes, making the reading experience smooth, and I extend my gratitude to all involved in that process.
Once again, thank you, Gemma, for ripping my heart out and skillfully shoving it back in. I eagerly await the revelation of your future masterpieces. Please, don't stop writing!
Absolutely stunning, gripping, jaw dropping, and beautiful! The romance, the friendships, and the world building are incredible and so well thought out. You’ll never get bored and you’ll never see the end coming.
Kim is so relatable and empowering! There were so many times when my reaction to scenes and events were exactly her reactions. You know it’s good when the FMC actually stands up for herself and goes after what she wants.
The romance is perfectly timed and built up. I’m in love with so many characters (even the non-love interests had me giggling and kicking my feet). You can clearly see the different kinds of love that Kim experiences, and each one is beautiful in its own right.
The plot is relevant and engaging throughout; there’s no fluff and no unnecessary bs or fanfare. Everything about the magic and power the characters hold is breathtaking. The darker elements are somehow so elegant, and the action is very satisfying and well timed.
The setting is stunning. I can’t even begin to describe the artful way Gemma sets up the environment Kim is in. The difference in worlds and realms is very clear, and every time there’s a new setting introduced, you’re immediately enthralled. It’s a treat to experience and explore!
Madly in love with everything about this book.
Add this to your TBR to be in the “liked this before it got big” club.
Just can’t do it. The fmc is just way too much obviously that was what they were going for but there is a thing of being TOO MUCH. Trying to cause fights with others for literally no reason in hopes it comes across as strong. Reading the champion part in the beginning gave me second hand embarrassment, she expects respect but can’t even deliver it herself. Maybe it’s because the maturity and brains lack hard within that character but I won’t be continuing it. Plot guard is hella strong with this one.
I was really impressed by this book and couldn't put it down. I think Gemma will quickly become one of my favorite authors in the dark romance genre. Kimberly, the main character, was exactly the kind of strong and fiesty FMC that I love. The pacing of the story was fantastic, and I'm eagerly anticipating the release of the second book!
first and foremost!!!! i am so freaking proud of my friend gemma!!!!! death shall bow was a masterpiece and I am forever obsessed with your writing!! the world building is *chefs kiss* !!!! we also LOVE an unhinged fmc — especially one that is seeking revenge!!! DSB will definitely keep you on your toes and holding your breath!!! i wont lie, when i finished, i wanted MORE!!! AKA give us a book two *please and thank you* because I am obsessed with each character and need to experience this world again!!!
* side note — i am so proud of you, friend!!! it has been an honor to witness your journey this past year!!! so so so deserved and can’t wait to see your baby in the hands of so many new readers!!!
NOW — everyone read this or else I’ll just assume you hate me!!! tysm!!!
I’m going to give this book 3.25 stars. I liked the plot idea, and the execution was relatively good, but something crucial felt missing to me. I don’t know what it was, but after completing the book, I wasn’t really satisfied. This isn’t a spoiler, but the whole plot advertised happens within the first 25ish pages, so you really go into the rest of the book blind. I think it would’ve been more impactful if this would’ve been promoted as an arranged marriage with supernatural beings and a mystery plot.
This isn’t necessarily the kind of writing that is monumental and great, but it was entertaining. It felt like what I’ve heard Zodiac Academy is like - it’s not great writing or great storytelling, but you get sucked in and need to see it through to the end.
There’s mention that the main character is 20, turning 21, but she honestly feels like she’s older but with a temper. She throws temper tantrums that feel like a teenager, but almost everything else about her is more mature.
The male love interest has some major discrepancies throughout the story that the end explains away, but until you get to that end, it feels really weird and awkward that characters are suddenly switching personalities and motivations.
There’s a little bit of everything: demons, vampires, shapeshifters, magic, shadow people. There’s not a ton of world building, but there is a lot of character building. If any of that is your thing, I’d say give this book a try. It’s more of a novella and it has a happy ever after, so keep that in mind before you go into it.
Thank you to Gemma Ashborne and Book Nerd for a copy of Death Shall Bow.
If you need a book with all fantasy characters (shifters, vampires, death himself), a killer plot AND twists.. this is for you ❤️I never knew how much I needed a character like Kim until this book. Be strong, stand your ground and never lose sight of what’s yours.
Kim is tired of living in Death's shadow and has decided it is time for dear old dad to pay for his crimes against her and her mother. Things don't go to plan, however, when she is forced to make a deal with him in order to save her best friend.
Anathema is the equivalent to the Underworld ruled by Death himself with four factions of paranormal creatures: reapers, demons, vampires, and shifters.
While Kim can be a little immature at times, I loved her feminine rage and determination. She's resolute in her goals to be a good ruler of Anathema, despite not having grown up there or being familiar with its people. She experiences loss and grief and guilt but gains unexpected allies.
"Loving someone is never stupid, and the duration of love does not dictate it's depth."
This one is a bit of a slow burn (depending on how you look at it), but with lots of tension and longing. Kim and her vampire betrothed are so yummy together.
"Will you purge me of my sins, Kim? Or will you revel in the darkness with me?"
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for sending me a copy of this book, along with the sequel which I will be starting very soon!
Holy how do I start. One I love Kimber so much like she’s strong she has a fire she is a take nobody’s sh*t type of gal. Will fate and death ever be together or is it destined to lead no where. In order to take her place as queen she must marry a man who she doesn’t know and hates.. there romance there’s friendships theres twist. When the enemies start love ring you can’t help but scream I did!!
“That’s it: tell me what to do. Guide my hands to damnation in your unholy temple”
Well this was more of a rollercoaster ride then I was expecting.
Magic, mystery and an arranged marriage, who can ask for more in their fantasy romance book.
I found myself making guesses and being completely wrong more than once and wasn't even mad about it.
The pacing was a bit weird in the beginning things seemed to move super fast and I would have like a bit more detail but I understand why it was done and the ending more than made up for it.
It's not super bad but I really think this should be at least two books. In this one the author rushes a lot of things, some of them could be awesome if they were properly developed and explained and constructed. The author tries to sell the FMC as a baddie but because it is all so rushed she looks like an entitled teenager. Good idea, bad development.
Dnf at page 51. Just not interested. The characters weren’t entertaining for me, the plot didn’t pull me in, nor make much sense to me.
“I’m gonna summon Death and take his throne” but it sounded as if he was planning on having giving her lessons so she can take it anyways???
She’s dating someone but nearly lets her friend *touch her* but reflects on them basically being better off as friends but then comments something like “we were gonna build a life together?”
Didn’t hate it, liked the world building and all that, but just couldn’t like the FMC as much, she just kinda irked me most of the book. Wasnt a bad read just wasn’t for me 😊
Welcome to the beautiful dark realm of Anathema🖤💀 Let me just say, I have been following Gemma during her entire journey with this book on TikTok. I fell in love with her teasers and was so stoked when I was chosen as an Arc reader. She hits you with all the feelings and emotions: revenge, rage, passion, loss, hunger, fear, longing, regret, guilt, undying love, and all consuming beautiful darkness for this world and characters.
Kimberly is such a strong, badass, force to be wrecken with, emotional, stubborn, bold, loyal, vengeful, and loving MFC! She never once made me annoyed or irritated with her behavior, personality, or choices. Death aka Cadagon, her father, was an absolute perfect villain but don’t let that fool you because in the end he is just a father making extremely difficult decisions to protect the ones he loves and his kingdom. He is strong, stubborn, witty, all consuming power, cunning, loyal, and in the end a father who never got the chance to be the one he could have been all a long. Cooper and Lyvia🥵 Boyyyy do they just snatch you by the heart but also make you want to smack them silly! All I can say without spoiling anything is that I adore one more over the other and was thrilled with the end result.
There was not a moment where I was bored or lost interest. This world and characters kept me hooked. The spice scenes and slow burn were absolutely delicious❤️🔥 The ending destroyed me in the most terrible and beautiful way. Two things I did not suspect, one I was over joyed with while the other left me in pieces sobbing my heart away. Thank you again, Gemma, for choosing me as an Arc but also bringing this world and characters to life for me to fall in love with🖤
'Death Shall Bow' is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions! I'm obsessed! 🖤🙌🏻 I want to live in Anathema
The playlist Gemma shares for you to listen to while you read really helped me immerse myself into the feel of the story.
The characters? A++! I felt like they were MY friends. And the villains? Pure evil genius – 🔥 The love interests were bloody amazing! They were giving 'Kim can f*** you up on her own, but I'll be there to hold her hair back while she messes you up. Oh, and if you touch her, I'll remove your phalanges one by one and proceed with the limbs next.'
While reading, it gave me Supernatural vibes – Anathema is practically Winchester territory on steroids. 🌌 The world-building is *chef's kiss*! I'd devour a whole book just on the lore alone 📚 with the different courts and creatures... just, yes
I legit screamed, cried, and jumped for joy reading this masterpiece! Do you know how hard it was to silent scream while up reading at 2am?! 😱 The LGBTQ representation? YES! 🏳️🌈 Love, love, love!
The exploration of light and dark within us all really spoke to me. And the character arcs and growth felt so satisfying 😌
I don't want to give too much away, because I went into this relatively blind and it kicked my ass 😄, but I'll say this:
Gemma Ashborne, take my money! 💰 I'm following you into any literary adventure.
If you like Supernatural, A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Serpent, and Wings of Night, or From Blood and Ash – this is your next obsession! 📖🖤
From the start, Death Shall Bow immerses you into a whole other world. I went into this blind knowing it had some “vampy vibes” and it didn’t disappoint. If you loved ACOTAR but you wanted it to be DARKER (and minus Tamlin) this is your book.
The world building is immaculate, I felt like I was in Anathema while I was reading. There are three other realms to learn about as you meet the characters. And the characters…I fell in love with another cast of characters. I was crying, screaming…and blushing because when the spice hits it hits! Just know, this is a bit of a slow burn. It’s worth it!
Kim, Kimber or Kimberly… whichever name you call her by, just know she is fierce! She is a ride or die for her family, friends and kingdom. I love a strong FMC.
Kim is in a star crossed relationship with June and to ascend to the throne she must marry Lyvias in an arrangement her father, Death has sorted out for her. This is where the plot twists begin!
I don’t want to give much away in my review and spoil it for you. If you’re looking for sapphic romance, with vampy vibes, that has star crossed lovers, arranged marriages, collusion to destroy kingdoms, and a bad ass FMC…Death Shall Bow will tick those boxes.
When I first started reading this, Kimber was giving angsty teens vibes real hard lol. Her anger and rage were apparent on every page and the one liners in her head had me rolling! How would you feel if death was your father and he was the reason for so many lives lost…oof. The dynamics between characters are nothing short of amazing. The world building put me in a head space where it was as if I was in the book watching the pages play out. Drama-shock-anger-happiness-sadness… it had everything. I cried bro! I didn’t expect to cry! The epilogue pulled my heart out. I knew there was more to death than what was being shown and then I was blindsided by Cooper. 🤯 I can’t wait for the story to continue 10/10
okay wow this is definitely a MUST read!!! Not even just for the spooky season but for year round!
Kim is our badass FMC who truly takes NO SHIT from anyone and i absolutely love her!! She definitely has big d*ck energy and the confidence that she has is truly inspiring 😍
Even tho this is a short read, you will truly be hooked from page one. It’s addicting, the plot is amazing and the spice? SPICIN!!!! All of the side characters, you’ll fall in love with! I truly could not name a favorite because I loved them them all 😭
Definitely add this to your tbr if you want a good dark gothic vibes 🖤
The way I gasped at the ending !!! I had a feeling !!
Death shall bow has everything you need in a gothic story. There’s vampires, reapers, shapeshifters, demons and hellhounds !! Gotta love them all!
The fmc was a total badass and never took anyone’s 💩. She was always proud of who she was. I loved the banter she had with the mmc and how devilish he was 😈 This book did have some spicy scenes as well!🥵🔥
If you’re looking for a dark gothic fantasy this book if for you!!
You’ve got me in a chokehold over this book. Never have a yelled and screamed at so many pages toward the ending. 5 stars is not enough to signify how much I enjoyed Death Shall Bow. I don’t give spoilers but by gods I want to lol. In this book we meet Kim/Kimber/Kimberly who is next in line to become Queen of Death in Anathema. But her journey is not an easy once she arrives and is met with hostility from the kingdom. And time after time throughout the pages she faces fear, loneliness and heartbreak. Kimber however is a strong sassy woman who will prevail in the most profound way. I was utterly blown away by Gemma’s writing. This fantasy romance novel will still among some of my tops reads. If you’re still not convinced to read this book, let me leave you with one quote…”Guide my hands to damnation in your unholy temple," he moaned into my ear. "Be my ruin, that I might be yours alone for all eternity."
I am in love with this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat and on my toes! There were so many twist and turns throughout! I enjoyed every minute of it! I can’t wait to get the physical copy because it’s gunna look so pretty on my shelf! ❤️ once this book comes out get a copy and try! It’s got supernatural beings, death, vampires, shifters, demons all of it and it’s so damn good 🥵🔥 11/10
I wasnt sure how this book was going to turn out. I thought the mmc was going to be a different person. And THAT PLOT TWIST?! I Audibly gasped, i was not expecting that AT ALL.
It was a lkttle confusing at times but still was pretty good
Wow…. Just WOW!!! This book was SO good! I loved all of the characters so much and how they interacted with eachother. I want to live in Anathema!!! The playlist as well is *chefs kiss* Ugh just so good. Gemma, you KILLED it and i can’t wait to read what you write next!!!
I enjoy characters who remind me of myself. Kimber doesn't stop, she doesn't falter in her goal to seek revenge. I love a good revenge story because I simply adore when people get what they deserve. You'll get that and more with this story. I also love a woman who likes knives as much as I do. Stabby Queens rule my heart.
Not what I expected based on the reel that led me here. It was ok. Good to read for a random book. Good plot and twist. Ok tension in sex scenes not overly explicit but that’s only a bad thing in my opinion. But it was a worth a once over.
Let me start off this review by saying how much I love an unhinged FMC. Kim was nothing short of that and I ate that shit up. She is my dark queen forever!!! 🖤👑
The dynamic between Kim and Fate was absolutely beautiful and soul gripping.
The aesthetic and atmosphere to this book was giving dark gothic heaven from start to finish.
The plot twist took me for a plunge I didn’t see coming and I loved it! I love when books surprise me, because it doesn’t happen very often. Gemma you really did that!
I can’t wait to read more of Gemma’s books, Gemma’s writing is beautiful, Pristine, and captivating.