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The Wondrous Lives and Loves of Nella Carter
When Death comes to claim Nella May Carter, she catches His interest with her capacity to find beauty and love even amidst the hell of slavery. So Death - bored, disgusted by humanity, and believing the Earth would be greatly improved should humans no longer exist - lures Nella into a Faustian bargain: the chance at immortal life if she proves that Death is mistaken.
The price: Nella must entertain his fascination and challenge his beliefs until he is satisfied... or surrender herself - and the entire human race - to him forever.
Nella's solution is to never stop travelling and writing, documenting the beauty in every place and person she encounters - from writing in Victorian ladies' tattlers and reporting in Gilded Age New York, to penning bestselling novels and memoirs under countless noms de plume. Nella experiences joy and loss, passion and pain; she finds love in its many forms with friends, partners, and lovers.
All the while, Death is watching - and waiting for her to surrender.
Nella is almost ready to concede to Death when she meets a handsome professor. Tired of deception, desperate for a real connection, Nella begins to tell him her story - centred on her greatest romances over the centuries. And, in the telling, it becomes clear that Nella's own story might be the greatest love story of them all.
The price: Nella must entertain his fascination and challenge his beliefs until he is satisfied... or surrender herself - and the entire human race - to him forever.
Nella's solution is to never stop travelling and writing, documenting the beauty in every place and person she encounters - from writing in Victorian ladies' tattlers and reporting in Gilded Age New York, to penning bestselling novels and memoirs under countless noms de plume. Nella experiences joy and loss, passion and pain; she finds love in its many forms with friends, partners, and lovers.
All the while, Death is watching - and waiting for her to surrender.
Nella is almost ready to concede to Death when she meets a handsome professor. Tired of deception, desperate for a real connection, Nella begins to tell him her story - centred on her greatest romances over the centuries. And, in the telling, it becomes clear that Nella's own story might be the greatest love story of them all.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published May 15, 2025
3207 people are currently reading
9900 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
September 18, 2025
With a premise reminiscent of Faust, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. However, it didn't live up to my expectations — it blew right past them. Brionni Nwosu's elegant prose takes the reader on an epic journey alongside Nella Carter as she works through time to disprove Death's assertion that humanity is beyond saving. She experiences centuries of life and loss, hardship, and heartbreak. Through it all, Nella pushes through, intent on saving the world one written piece at a time. This book is exquisite, the story woven with history and beautiful scene details around a message that is desperately needed now: hope is never lost, and light exists even in the darkest of moments. I am beyond taken with this debut and this author. I look forward to watching Nwosu's star climb as her career continues.
November 7, 2025
As someone who would absolutely say yes to a Faustian bargain, I really enjoyed this book, and admire the author for the Herculean task of covering hundreds of years of history. I loved the Black history and its heroes highlighted in this story, and learned a lot from the perspective. I think this is one of the main things that sets it apart from a book with a similar plot that I admittedly love, "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab (which is also not perfect.) My primary frustration with this book is that love always comes so instantly and easily to the ever-beautiful Nella, over and over again, it's basically love at first sight every time and she stays with her partners for many blissful years or loses them tragically early. No slow falling out of love, no drifting apart, no cheating, no death by a 1000 cuts that almost all of us experience at least once or twice in our short, human lives. Added to this, there isn't a lot of dialogue, and the stories within the story start to feel repetitive and a little too good to be true and cutesy. There's a lot of telling, and I would have liked more showing, but again, the author had a long, long time period to cover and I enjoyed the richness of the different historical periods.
February 6, 2026
Death has had enough. He wants to destroy mankind because he has seen too many times that humans have no redeeming qualities. He moves to claim the life of an enslaved young woman on the brink of dying. Nella Carter is different from the others because she has the sight and can see and talk to him. She disagrees with his line of thinking and believes that humanity is worth saving so Death gives her the opportunity to prove it. In exchange for immortality, he challenges her to write and show him why humanity deserves to keep going but if she can’t he will destroy them all.
She sets off on a journey that takes her all over the world, in different places in history, reinventing herself many times over, in search of the good, the beauty, and the love that mankind has to offer to save them all.
‘ I’ve forgotten where to begin. It’s been so long since I’ve uttered it out loud. “Have you ever read Faust?” His eyes bug out. “You made a deal with the devil?” “Not the devil.” I shake my head. “Death. There’s a difference.” It’s subtle, but I understand his thinking. I haven’t met the devil in all my life, but I’ve seen enough evil to believe there is one. ’
This laid to rest what I thought was a Faustian bargain and it was certainly not. Because I was thinking this was an Invisible Life of Addie LaRue type of deal, but no. Still gave me the vibes though.
I thought this book was beautiful, not so much for the romances but because at any time she could have quit and let Death win. I saw her heart break so many times and yet she always kept going and starting again.
I’m giving 4 stars because I felt some of the characters and situations weren’t fleshed out enough? Can’t really put my finger on it but I feel like I’m missing something, I need more of something…so close but not quite. The ending was very satisfying though.
She sets off on a journey that takes her all over the world, in different places in history, reinventing herself many times over, in search of the good, the beauty, and the love that mankind has to offer to save them all.
‘ I’ve forgotten where to begin. It’s been so long since I’ve uttered it out loud. “Have you ever read Faust?” His eyes bug out. “You made a deal with the devil?” “Not the devil.” I shake my head. “Death. There’s a difference.” It’s subtle, but I understand his thinking. I haven’t met the devil in all my life, but I’ve seen enough evil to believe there is one. ’
This laid to rest what I thought was a Faustian bargain and it was certainly not. Because I was thinking this was an Invisible Life of Addie LaRue type of deal, but no. Still gave me the vibes though.
I thought this book was beautiful, not so much for the romances but because at any time she could have quit and let Death win. I saw her heart break so many times and yet she always kept going and starting again.
I’m giving 4 stars because I felt some of the characters and situations weren’t fleshed out enough? Can’t really put my finger on it but I feel like I’m missing something, I need more of something…so close but not quite. The ending was very satisfying though.
December 5, 2025
This was an amazing read! The thought of proving to Death that there is good in this world took Nella on a several-century trek, proving to Death that there are good people in this world.
The book is told in several large chunks between the present and the past, and even into the future, as Nella tells her story to a professor, Sebastian. He is a new potential love in her life, and the one person she finally feels comfortable sharing her journey with over the last few centuries. Her tale shares her loves, losses, and experiences in the different eras. The author stays true to the historical events and to how men and women were treated, especially African Americans.
I found myself immersed in this story. I wondered when it would be enough for Death to release Nella from her bond. Or is there more to Death's agreement that benefits him? Is he perhaps obsessed with Nella? I was also intrigued by how Nella reinvented herself as the decades passed, because she couldn't be the same person forever. Luckily, she never had to worry about money, as it was held in an account under a number rather than a name. This intrigued me because that seems like a more current possibility than even 100 years ago.
This novel pulled me in and didn't let go, and I was sad to see the story end. Life is messy, but who's to say what life is worth saving?
We give this book 5 paws up.
The book is told in several large chunks between the present and the past, and even into the future, as Nella tells her story to a professor, Sebastian. He is a new potential love in her life, and the one person she finally feels comfortable sharing her journey with over the last few centuries. Her tale shares her loves, losses, and experiences in the different eras. The author stays true to the historical events and to how men and women were treated, especially African Americans.
I found myself immersed in this story. I wondered when it would be enough for Death to release Nella from her bond. Or is there more to Death's agreement that benefits him? Is he perhaps obsessed with Nella? I was also intrigued by how Nella reinvented herself as the decades passed, because she couldn't be the same person forever. Luckily, she never had to worry about money, as it was held in an account under a number rather than a name. This intrigued me because that seems like a more current possibility than even 100 years ago.
This novel pulled me in and didn't let go, and I was sad to see the story end. Life is messy, but who's to say what life is worth saving?
We give this book 5 paws up.
November 7, 2025
Faustian Debate or Deal?
I chose this book as my Prime Kindle book of the month due to its interesting premise. The idea that main Character sheer amount of willpower combined with her sense of hope intriguing Death to extending her life but at a cost. Death thinks humanity should be cooked but Ms Carter challenge that Sentiment. Death turn into her stalker or worse a bitter ex as it wants her to fold yet with each heartbreak, challenge, and passing Solitude she instead strive to show Death that humanity should never be counted out.
The author tackles multiple time periods with grace and informational Nuance that book lovers of historical fiction will appreciate . Do Ms Carter prove Death wrong or do she do something unexpected ? The only way to find out is to read this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I chose this book as my Prime Kindle book of the month due to its interesting premise. The idea that main Character sheer amount of willpower combined with her sense of hope intriguing Death to extending her life but at a cost. Death thinks humanity should be cooked but Ms Carter challenge that Sentiment. Death turn into her stalker or worse a bitter ex as it wants her to fold yet with each heartbreak, challenge, and passing Solitude she instead strive to show Death that humanity should never be counted out.
The author tackles multiple time periods with grace and informational Nuance that book lovers of historical fiction will appreciate . Do Ms Carter prove Death wrong or do she do something unexpected ? The only way to find out is to read this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 7, 2025
Interesting plot, uninteresting story
I chose this First Reads book because the plot seemed interesting. A dying slave in the South makes a deal with Death to spare her life and the rest of humanity. He's decided that humans are all bad and he's grown tired of reaping, so he wants to eradicate them altogether. It’s not too dissimilar to the story of Lot and God telling him that if he can find just one worthy person, he won't destroy Sodom. Death makes the slave immortal, with the agreement that she write him stories about the goodness of humanity, and if she can convince him that there are people worthy of saving, he won't destroy the world.
While the plot is decent, the entire book consists of the main character falling madly in love with different people. Then, because she is immortal and they aren't, she suffers at their deaths. After the third story of her falling in love with someone and losing them, I stopped caring and lost interest. It just kept going on and on. I almost didn't finish it and was going to give it one star, but I stuck it out. The ending is good and fairly satisfying, so I gave it three.
There is so much that the author could have done with this plot, but it fell short of holding my attention.
I chose this First Reads book because the plot seemed interesting. A dying slave in the South makes a deal with Death to spare her life and the rest of humanity. He's decided that humans are all bad and he's grown tired of reaping, so he wants to eradicate them altogether. It’s not too dissimilar to the story of Lot and God telling him that if he can find just one worthy person, he won't destroy Sodom. Death makes the slave immortal, with the agreement that she write him stories about the goodness of humanity, and if she can convince him that there are people worthy of saving, he won't destroy the world.
While the plot is decent, the entire book consists of the main character falling madly in love with different people. Then, because she is immortal and they aren't, she suffers at their deaths. After the third story of her falling in love with someone and losing them, I stopped caring and lost interest. It just kept going on and on. I almost didn't finish it and was going to give it one star, but I stuck it out. The ending is good and fairly satisfying, so I gave it three.
There is so much that the author could have done with this plot, but it fell short of holding my attention.
December 30, 2025
So this was the most beautiful book I’ve ever read
December 28, 2025
The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter by Brionni Nwosu was an interesting, albeit sometimes frustrating, read. It immediately reminded me of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and while I think this book does some things better, it also falls into many of the same traps.
To begin, the premise is compelling, and its similarity to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue made me want to read it because I wanted to see if the issues I had with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue would be avoided in this book. Essentially, Nella makes a deal with Death, in which she is granted immortality, and in exchange must write about her life and experiences with humanity to prove to Death that they are worth saving. There are moments where the book thoughtfully explores important themes, such as what it means to live across decades as a Black woman. I really appreciated the inclusion of Nella's experiences during key historical moments, such as the bus strikes and the civil rights movement, and I truly enjoyed seeing how her life changed over time and across different places in the world. I also really enjoyed the character of Death. Watching Death’s growth and evolution over time was my favorite part of the story.
Where the book lost me was in how heavily it centered Nella’s sense of worth around her romantic relationships, mostly with men. For a story spanning so many decades, it was deeply disappointing that nearly every major plot point for the first 70% of the book revolved around a man. We don’t get any truly meaningful friendships with women until very late in the story. It was really hard for me to believe that a woman living such a long, complex life, wouldn’t form other relationships worth centering. I know that the title is about the wondrous life and loves of Nella Carter, but it felt far more like a book about Nella’s loves than her life.
As such, I struggled with the underlying message that Nella’s value is repeatedly reinforced through romantic validation. That focus really sidelines the book’s more powerful themes. There were so many opportunties to let Nella fully center herself outside of her relationships and I kept waiting for her to do something meaningful that wasn’t directly tied to a romantic partner, because she is present for some really powerful moments in history as previously mentioned.
Overall, this is a well-written book with thoughtful themes and moments of real impact, but it left me wishing it had gone further. I gave it 3.25 stars because while I did enjoy it, it could have been so much better if Nella had been allowed to exist fully outside of her romantic relationships.
Finally, I want to note that I read this book via audiobook and I really enjoyed the narrators. I think the audiobook made the story come to life for me and would highly recommend the audiobook version of this story!
If you enjoyed The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, you will likely enjoy this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
To begin, the premise is compelling, and its similarity to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue made me want to read it because I wanted to see if the issues I had with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue would be avoided in this book. Essentially, Nella makes a deal with Death, in which she is granted immortality, and in exchange must write about her life and experiences with humanity to prove to Death that they are worth saving. There are moments where the book thoughtfully explores important themes, such as what it means to live across decades as a Black woman. I really appreciated the inclusion of Nella's experiences during key historical moments, such as the bus strikes and the civil rights movement, and I truly enjoyed seeing how her life changed over time and across different places in the world. I also really enjoyed the character of Death. Watching Death’s growth and evolution over time was my favorite part of the story.
Where the book lost me was in how heavily it centered Nella’s sense of worth around her romantic relationships, mostly with men. For a story spanning so many decades, it was deeply disappointing that nearly every major plot point for the first 70% of the book revolved around a man. We don’t get any truly meaningful friendships with women until very late in the story. It was really hard for me to believe that a woman living such a long, complex life, wouldn’t form other relationships worth centering. I know that the title is about the wondrous life and loves of Nella Carter, but it felt far more like a book about Nella’s loves than her life.
As such, I struggled with the underlying message that Nella’s value is repeatedly reinforced through romantic validation. That focus really sidelines the book’s more powerful themes. There were so many opportunties to let Nella fully center herself outside of her relationships and I kept waiting for her to do something meaningful that wasn’t directly tied to a romantic partner, because she is present for some really powerful moments in history as previously mentioned.
Overall, this is a well-written book with thoughtful themes and moments of real impact, but it left me wishing it had gone further. I gave it 3.25 stars because while I did enjoy it, it could have been so much better if Nella had been allowed to exist fully outside of her romantic relationships.
Finally, I want to note that I read this book via audiobook and I really enjoyed the narrators. I think the audiobook made the story come to life for me and would highly recommend the audiobook version of this story!
If you enjoyed The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, you will likely enjoy this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 21, 2025
Wow. I never wanted this book to end — and now that it has, the tears won’t stop. This was an absolute masterpiece. Nwosu is a magician of a storyteller. These characters have etched themselves into my heart. Walking through life with Nella Carter has left me feeling as if I’ve lived a thousand lives. 5/5 stars. Also, can we get a sequel? Death deserves his own story & full POV!
December 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I alternated between the ebook and the audiobook, and both formats were genuinely excellent. The prose is lyrical without ever feeling overwrought, and the audiobook narration elevates it even further. The two narrators capture the emotional nuances of both Nella and Death with remarkable sensitivity. Having separate voices for each perspective reinforces the sense of two intertwined yet distinct narratives, and it added a richness to the experience that I really appreciated.
I absolutely loved this book. Both present-day Nella and her past self are compelling in their determination to believe that humanity is worth fighting for - even when humanity has been anything but kind to her. The novel explores themes of loss, love, sacrifice, and the tension between self-preservation and responsibility. It asks whether it is better to love deeply and risk devastation or to shield oneself entirely, and it refuses to offer easy answers. Nella carries the weight of her own survival as well as the survival of everyone around her, and her inability to choose the “selfish” path, even when she has every right to, even when it would be easier and no one would fault her for it after all she has done, feels painfully true. I’m sure a Black woman reviewer could speak with far more insight about the parallels to Black womanhood in that dynamic, but that’s not my place to speculate on; still, the echoes feel intentional and resonant.
What struck me most was the novel’s quiet insistence on perseverance, on continuing to care, to reach out, to hope, even in the face of relentless loss. While I wouldn’t call the book itself conventionally hopeful, it left me feeling unexpectedly moved and a little more optimistic about what people are capable of. Characters like Nella (and the people she encounters through the various centuries and finds worthy of noting down for Death) remind the reader that compassion is a choice, one we can make again and again.
This was an easy five-star read for me, and one I know will stay with me for a long time.
I alternated between the ebook and the audiobook, and both formats were genuinely excellent. The prose is lyrical without ever feeling overwrought, and the audiobook narration elevates it even further. The two narrators capture the emotional nuances of both Nella and Death with remarkable sensitivity. Having separate voices for each perspective reinforces the sense of two intertwined yet distinct narratives, and it added a richness to the experience that I really appreciated.
I absolutely loved this book. Both present-day Nella and her past self are compelling in their determination to believe that humanity is worth fighting for - even when humanity has been anything but kind to her. The novel explores themes of loss, love, sacrifice, and the tension between self-preservation and responsibility. It asks whether it is better to love deeply and risk devastation or to shield oneself entirely, and it refuses to offer easy answers. Nella carries the weight of her own survival as well as the survival of everyone around her, and her inability to choose the “selfish” path, even when she has every right to, even when it would be easier and no one would fault her for it after all she has done, feels painfully true. I’m sure a Black woman reviewer could speak with far more insight about the parallels to Black womanhood in that dynamic, but that’s not my place to speculate on; still, the echoes feel intentional and resonant.
What struck me most was the novel’s quiet insistence on perseverance, on continuing to care, to reach out, to hope, even in the face of relentless loss. While I wouldn’t call the book itself conventionally hopeful, it left me feeling unexpectedly moved and a little more optimistic about what people are capable of. Characters like Nella (and the people she encounters through the various centuries and finds worthy of noting down for Death) remind the reader that compassion is a choice, one we can make again and again.
This was an easy five-star read for me, and one I know will stay with me for a long time.
December 5, 2025
The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter is the kind of novel that cracks your heart open and then gently—almost reverently—threads it back together again.
From the very first pages, Nella May Carter refuses to be just another soul swallowed by history. Born enslaved in eighteenth-century Georgia, she meets Death not with fear, but with defiance and a strange, impossible tenderness. And when she bargains with him for more time—time to love, to hope, to prove the goodness she still believes exists—you instantly understand you’re stepping into a story that will haunt you long after you close the final chapter.
Nella’s journey across continents and centuries is sweeping and cinematic, but it never loses its intimacy. Each life she lives is filled with beauty and brutality, joy and aching loneliness. Every friendship she forms, every love she dares to claim, carries both the shimmer of possibility and the shadow of inevitable loss. By the time she meets Sebastian Moore—the first person she trusts with the truth of who she is—you feel the weight of all the lifetimes she’s carried…and the fragile, devastating hope she still protects.
What makes this novel extraordinary is that it doesn’t shy away from pain, yet it refuses to surrender to it. Nella’s resilience, her hunger for connection, and her belief that humanity can still be better, shine through even her darkest moments. And as Death watches her—conflicted, wondering, quietly changed—you realize this story isn’t really about dying at all.
It’s about choosing to live.
If you’ve ever loved fiercely, lost deeply, or held onto hope even when it hurt, Nella’s story will stay with you. This book is a beautifully wrought reminder that even in the face of unimaginable sorrow, life continues to offer small miracles—and sometimes, a new beginning waits right on the other side of heartbreak.
✨ A devastating, luminous, unforgettable read.
From the very first pages, Nella May Carter refuses to be just another soul swallowed by history. Born enslaved in eighteenth-century Georgia, she meets Death not with fear, but with defiance and a strange, impossible tenderness. And when she bargains with him for more time—time to love, to hope, to prove the goodness she still believes exists—you instantly understand you’re stepping into a story that will haunt you long after you close the final chapter.
Nella’s journey across continents and centuries is sweeping and cinematic, but it never loses its intimacy. Each life she lives is filled with beauty and brutality, joy and aching loneliness. Every friendship she forms, every love she dares to claim, carries both the shimmer of possibility and the shadow of inevitable loss. By the time she meets Sebastian Moore—the first person she trusts with the truth of who she is—you feel the weight of all the lifetimes she’s carried…and the fragile, devastating hope she still protects.
What makes this novel extraordinary is that it doesn’t shy away from pain, yet it refuses to surrender to it. Nella’s resilience, her hunger for connection, and her belief that humanity can still be better, shine through even her darkest moments. And as Death watches her—conflicted, wondering, quietly changed—you realize this story isn’t really about dying at all.
It’s about choosing to live.
If you’ve ever loved fiercely, lost deeply, or held onto hope even when it hurt, Nella’s story will stay with you. This book is a beautifully wrought reminder that even in the face of unimaginable sorrow, life continues to offer small miracles—and sometimes, a new beginning waits right on the other side of heartbreak.
✨ A devastating, luminous, unforgettable read.
January 30, 2026
I would have given The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter by Brionni Nwosu six stars if I could, and it will almost certainly be one of my favorite reads of the year. Though it tackled heavy themes, it ultimately felt like a true celebration of the human spirit that left me hopeful and inspired.
Nella Carter was one of the most resilient and unforgettable protagonists I’ve read in years. Following her journey from an enslaved woman with nothing to a centuries-old chronicler of history was deeply moving.
The novel offered a fresh, emotionally rich take on the immortality bargain—one rooted in goodness rather than power, which made the stakes feel personal and profound. I also loved the sweeping historical scope, as Nella’s life unfolded across 240 years, from 18th-century New Orleans to the Civil Rights Movement.
Beyond the story itself, the philosophical exchanges between Nella and Death added striking emotional and intellectual depth. The love stories were so deep and meaningful and every person Nella loved left a piece of them with her. While the book didn’t shy away from pain, it remained so hopeful—a powerful testament to love, endurance, and what makes us human.
All the stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nella Carter was one of the most resilient and unforgettable protagonists I’ve read in years. Following her journey from an enslaved woman with nothing to a centuries-old chronicler of history was deeply moving.
The novel offered a fresh, emotionally rich take on the immortality bargain—one rooted in goodness rather than power, which made the stakes feel personal and profound. I also loved the sweeping historical scope, as Nella’s life unfolded across 240 years, from 18th-century New Orleans to the Civil Rights Movement.
Beyond the story itself, the philosophical exchanges between Nella and Death added striking emotional and intellectual depth. The love stories were so deep and meaningful and every person Nella loved left a piece of them with her. While the book didn’t shy away from pain, it remained so hopeful—a powerful testament to love, endurance, and what makes us human.
All the stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 13, 2025
I loved this book. It has a sweeping, time-spanning magic and is a glistening celebration of life and the many types of love Nella experienced. From that moment she makes her bargain with Death (what an interesting concept!) her story unfolds across generations and continents, filled with beauty, pain, resilience, wonder and deep love. Even as she witnesses the best and worst of humanity, she keeps choosing to believe that life—and love—are worth fighting for. The writing is beautiful and you want to slow down and savor the richness of Nella’s life and experiences. The historical details are vividly explained and the magical realism feels seamless. This is a story that explores what it means to live fully, love deeply, and to carry our histories with us. You feel more alive and present after finishing this book. May we "always find beauty in life, even when the light seems too dim to see."
February 17, 2026
From the wise words of Ms. Swift… ‘I think I’ve seen this film before’
It felt like Walmart version of Addie Larue. The concept was there, but too many iterations of her life that felt the same, so much of this book could’ve been cut out. It felt so repetitive and our side characters lacked depth. Nella was the only character who felt fleshed out and like a real person, but it’s probably because she was the only one that was focused on.
It felt like Walmart version of Addie Larue. The concept was there, but too many iterations of her life that felt the same, so much of this book could’ve been cut out. It felt so repetitive and our side characters lacked depth. Nella was the only character who felt fleshed out and like a real person, but it’s probably because she was the only one that was focused on.
December 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC of this audiobook.
4.5 ⭐
Love the narrators! Sean Crisden is fantastic and Nicole Cash has great emotion in her voice.
I really liked this book. It really reminded me of Interview with a Vampire and Invisible Life of Addie LaRue with the added plus of black history throughout the centuries. I really loved the relationship between death and Nella, but just felt like I wanted more. It read more like a historical fiction, with some romance and I really wanted more drama.
I loved Brionni's writing style and liked how she wrote Nella as someone who wanted to prove humanity's worth to death, as someone who historically was treated worse than anyone else in the world (as a black woman in the US).
I loveloveloved the ending. I felt it was a little instalovey between Nella and Sebastian, but it was fantastic nonetheless ❤️
4.5 ⭐
Love the narrators! Sean Crisden is fantastic and Nicole Cash has great emotion in her voice.
I really liked this book. It really reminded me of Interview with a Vampire and Invisible Life of Addie LaRue with the added plus of black history throughout the centuries. I really loved the relationship between death and Nella, but just felt like I wanted more. It read more like a historical fiction, with some romance and I really wanted more drama.
I loved Brionni's writing style and liked how she wrote Nella as someone who wanted to prove humanity's worth to death, as someone who historically was treated worse than anyone else in the world (as a black woman in the US).
I loveloveloved the ending. I felt it was a little instalovey between Nella and Sebastian, but it was fantastic nonetheless ❤️
January 21, 2026
I really liked the beginning of this book and was intrigued with the whole concept. However I felt like there was a lot shoved in- made your head spin lol. Also it was kind of heavy- one bad thing after another with not much about her character besides her love life. I wish there was more about her character or idk something was missing for me.
December 14, 2025
Thank you Electric Postcard Entertainment and Brionni Nwosu for the stunning boxing for this book!!! The fact that I stayed up for two nights until 3am reading this WIDE AWAKE (no caffeine needed)??? Addictive, beautifully beautifully written, thought provoking!! A BANGER l!!!!!!!
November 9, 2025
A beautiful story about a beautiful life filled with love and loss. Nella makes a deal with Death and it changes her entire life. Death challenges her to bring him evidence of the humanity of the world, the goodness that exists and she will live forever. Nella sets out on a journey through centuries meeting true loves, notorious people, and was a part of historical events around the world. At what point will the loss of the people she loves does Nella decide is enough?
Beautifully written and a fascinating read!
Beautifully written and a fascinating read!
December 5, 2025
“i know you don’t believe it, but there will always be someone worth saving.”
in 18th century georgia, a dying woman makes a deal with death: if he allows her to live, she will prove to him that there is good in humanity. if she fails, he will claim her soul and destroy a world that he doesn’t believe is worth saving.
hopeful and heartbreaking in turns, the wondrous life and loves of nella carter follows nella across lifetimes and centuries and loves, from a plantation in georgia to paris and beyond. she lives an extraordinary life on the fringes of history, leaving no legacy beyond writings under assumed names—writings that must convince death of mankind’s goodness—until she finally returns to georgia and meets professor sebastian moore, a man who makes her long for a love she doesn’t have to leave behind.
i love a faustian bargain and nella carter doesn’t disappoint. at its core, this is a story about hope, about the idea that there is always joy to be found, and i think brionni nwosu handles this theme with the grace necessary to avoid making that sentiment seem trite. it reminded me a little of “motto” by bertolt brecht (“in the dark times, will there also be singing?”). nella’s writing and the power of her words (and art as a whole) are central to this idea, and i adored how nwosu explored that idea across various periods of history.
nella’s relationship with death is just the cherry on top. death’s interest in her is twisted and obsessive and yet he’s a fascinating character in his own right. it’s difficult to discuss their dynamic without spoiling anything, but i found the resolution so satisfying.
i still haven’t read the invisible life of addie larue (fixing that soon!), but i think this will appeal to fans of addie as well as anyone who appreciates historical fantasy, multiple loves across a (very long) lifetime, and faustian bargains. i love seeing more diversity in this very niche subgenre and i can’t wait to see what nwosu does next.
i received an ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
rating: 4.5/5.0 stars
December 15, 2025
From the very first page, I was hooked.
The writing is gorgeous, and the plot is fascinating as we follow Nella, who strikes a deal with Death himself to prove that humanity is still worth saving. Her journey spans lifetimes, and each one is filled with both beauty and heartbreak.
What I loved most was how Nella’s relationship with Death evolves. Over time, their interactions shift from confrontation to something resembling friendship.
Through countless lifetimes, Nella experiences the sweetness of falling in love, finding companionship, and seeing the wonder in the world—but also the pain of losing great loves, first loves, and friendships.
That loneliness nearly pushes her to abandon her bargain, and those moments hit hard.
The ending was deeply satisfying—a perfect conclusion to Nella’s long journey across the earth. And it’s not just Nella who changes; Death himself is transformed by her stories, her resilience, and her love. Watching his perspective shift was just as moving as Nella’s arc.
Overall, this was an incredible debut.
I devoured it in a single day, completely glued to my Kindle, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever this author writes next!
If you’re a fan of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo—stories that dive into immortality, love, identity, and loss—then this debut novel absolutely deserves a spot on your radar!
Thank you to Over the River PR, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: death, grief, racism, sexual assault, cancer, murder, brief mention of pregnancy, drug abuse and miscarriage
The writing is gorgeous, and the plot is fascinating as we follow Nella, who strikes a deal with Death himself to prove that humanity is still worth saving. Her journey spans lifetimes, and each one is filled with both beauty and heartbreak.
What I loved most was how Nella’s relationship with Death evolves. Over time, their interactions shift from confrontation to something resembling friendship.
Through countless lifetimes, Nella experiences the sweetness of falling in love, finding companionship, and seeing the wonder in the world—but also the pain of losing great loves, first loves, and friendships.
That loneliness nearly pushes her to abandon her bargain, and those moments hit hard.
The ending was deeply satisfying—a perfect conclusion to Nella’s long journey across the earth. And it’s not just Nella who changes; Death himself is transformed by her stories, her resilience, and her love. Watching his perspective shift was just as moving as Nella’s arc.
Overall, this was an incredible debut.
I devoured it in a single day, completely glued to my Kindle, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever this author writes next!
If you’re a fan of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo—stories that dive into immortality, love, identity, and loss—then this debut novel absolutely deserves a spot on your radar!
Thank you to Over the River PR, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: death, grief, racism, sexual assault, cancer, murder, brief mention of pregnancy, drug abuse and miscarriage
December 10, 2025
Meet my newest favorite book—and it’s a debut!😍 Thank you so much to @amazonpublishing and @otrpr for the free copy! And check out how under that gorgeous dust jacket is a gorgeous book! 😱
Ugh, I honestly don’t know where to start! I find I struggle writing reviews for books I LOVE because I cannot do my feelings justice.
I knew I’d love this book from the first page. It immediately drew me in, grabbed hold, and didn’t let go. I truly struggled to put it down.
This book is compared to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I’d say that’s accurate. However—Addie LaRue enthusiasts close your eyes—this book is, in my humble opinion, way better than Addie LaRue.
I loved watching Nella, a slave on her deathbed at the beginning, become a confident woman through the years. I felt her grief over and over again as she loses people she loves, and as she grapples with whether people are inherently good or whether life is worth living amidst pain and loss.
I particularly loved the character of Death and his overall character arc. It was so well developed and helped lend to a very satisfying ending.
There are so many heavy themes woven throughout that would make this a great book club book. One of my favorite parts was seeing Nella in key moments in U.S. and world history, living, interacting, and at times thriving as a black woman.
Anyway, I could gush for quite awhile but I’ll just say that everyone needs to read this book! It’s a lovely blend of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction and will appeal to readers of all genres.
🎧I eyeball read the first half and listened to the second half. I would recommend either way to read. Both narrators were good, but I particularly loved Sean Crisden’s voice for Death—absolutely perfect!
Ugh, I honestly don’t know where to start! I find I struggle writing reviews for books I LOVE because I cannot do my feelings justice.
I knew I’d love this book from the first page. It immediately drew me in, grabbed hold, and didn’t let go. I truly struggled to put it down.
This book is compared to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I’d say that’s accurate. However—Addie LaRue enthusiasts close your eyes—this book is, in my humble opinion, way better than Addie LaRue.
I loved watching Nella, a slave on her deathbed at the beginning, become a confident woman through the years. I felt her grief over and over again as she loses people she loves, and as she grapples with whether people are inherently good or whether life is worth living amidst pain and loss.
I particularly loved the character of Death and his overall character arc. It was so well developed and helped lend to a very satisfying ending.
There are so many heavy themes woven throughout that would make this a great book club book. One of my favorite parts was seeing Nella in key moments in U.S. and world history, living, interacting, and at times thriving as a black woman.
Anyway, I could gush for quite awhile but I’ll just say that everyone needs to read this book! It’s a lovely blend of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction and will appeal to readers of all genres.
🎧I eyeball read the first half and listened to the second half. I would recommend either way to read. Both narrators were good, but I particularly loved Sean Crisden’s voice for Death—absolutely perfect!
December 13, 2025
Death has become fed up with humanity and enters into a bargain with Nella; she will live timeless as long as she can prove to him that humanity is worth saving. Seems like an sisyphician task in this day and age but Nella's is still able to find light in the darkest of places. Even after major loses she proves to Death again and again that humanity is worth saving, by writing about her relationships and stories to Death through different outlets as a journalist/writer/travel writer.
If you enjoyed The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo you will love this tale.
It's a tearjerker of a book, I really enjoyed seeing different parts of the world though this lens. The author did a great job showing how Nella was still being ostracized for their skin tone throughout life regardless of wealth or status. I wish we had spent some time about he travels through Africa. Then having her prove to an immortal being that even though she was not treated well that the rest of humanity is still worth saving was a really heavy take.
One of my main issues with this book is how much of this book is about the men in her life. The author does mix it up with a few different relationships but the first 2/3 of the book is her falling in love with different men and having the man's story the basis for why humanity was worth saving, and showing that all of her romantic relationships are treated as more important than any of her other relationships. I wish there would have been more devoted to the other characters and their stories. My favorite was our first named female character who starts her own as a black woman who starts her own business in the south, she sounded really cool would have loved to see more of her story that didn't just revolve around the man that she was in love with.
The narrators, Nicole Cash and Sean Crisden, did a great job with the book, You could really feel Nella's pain in Nicole's voice. Sean did a great job of bring a depth that is needed to speak in the voice of the immortally of Death. I would happily read another book narrated by either of them.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo you will love this tale.
It's a tearjerker of a book, I really enjoyed seeing different parts of the world though this lens. The author did a great job showing how Nella was still being ostracized for their skin tone throughout life regardless of wealth or status. I wish we had spent some time about he travels through Africa. Then having her prove to an immortal being that even though she was not treated well that the rest of humanity is still worth saving was a really heavy take.
One of my main issues with this book is how much of this book is about the men in her life. The author does mix it up with a few different relationships but the first 2/3 of the book is her falling in love with different men and having the man's story the basis for why humanity was worth saving, and showing that all of her romantic relationships are treated as more important than any of her other relationships. I wish there would have been more devoted to the other characters and their stories. My favorite was our first named female character who starts her own as a black woman who starts her own business in the south, she sounded really cool would have loved to see more of her story that didn't just revolve around the man that she was in love with.
The narrators, Nicole Cash and Sean Crisden, did a great job with the book, You could really feel Nella's pain in Nicole's voice. Sean did a great job of bring a depth that is needed to speak in the voice of the immortally of Death. I would happily read another book narrated by either of them.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2026
4 1/2 ✨ Fascinating storyline. Rounded up because any book that makes me absolutely weep like a baby at the end gets 5 stars. This author painted spellbinding pictures throughout the centuries. And if you can’t tell, It looks like based upon my kindle highlights I’ve underlined almost half the book - so take a look at some of her writing. Gorgeous, quotable, and the kind of book that stays with you.
Side note: Maybe it was my kindle version, but there were several editing errors in the beginning of the story that got me. For instances, referencing a character with having brown eyes, and then a few pages later describing his blue eyes… and then having a character reference her as Nella, when she was known by another name in that lifetime. Anyway, some weird inconsistencies- hopefully it gets fixed and wasn’t in the printed version.
Side note: Maybe it was my kindle version, but there were several editing errors in the beginning of the story that got me. For instances, referencing a character with having brown eyes, and then a few pages later describing his blue eyes… and then having a character reference her as Nella, when she was known by another name in that lifetime. Anyway, some weird inconsistencies- hopefully it gets fixed and wasn’t in the printed version.
December 11, 2025
What an amazing book. I love stories that make me question what I would do in the character’s place—and in her situation, I think I would’ve made the same choice.
We meet Nella, a young enslaved woman on the brink of death from yellow fever. She has the gift of sight and recognizes that Death has come for her. Convinced humanity is beyond saving, Death wants to wipe the earth clean. Nella bargains for her life and for humanity’s future. She’s granted immortality—with conditions: she can never have children, must keep her secret, and must write her experiences.
In the present day, Nella meets a professor she instantly connects with and decides to reveal her truth. From there, the story takes us back through her extraordinary life—from the plantation in Savanah, GA to New Orleans and then across the world. If you love historical fiction, this book is a must-read.
We meet Nella, a young enslaved woman on the brink of death from yellow fever. She has the gift of sight and recognizes that Death has come for her. Convinced humanity is beyond saving, Death wants to wipe the earth clean. Nella bargains for her life and for humanity’s future. She’s granted immortality—with conditions: she can never have children, must keep her secret, and must write her experiences.
In the present day, Nella meets a professor she instantly connects with and decides to reveal her truth. From there, the story takes us back through her extraordinary life—from the plantation in Savanah, GA to New Orleans and then across the world. If you love historical fiction, this book is a must-read.
December 25, 2025
Wowowow!! This book wasn’t even on my radar until it was an Amazon first read for November and it was a book club pick. I loved the beauty and sorrow woven throughout this book, as we follow an enslaved woman in 1700s Savannah make a deal with Death himself to save her and give her a second chance at life. The catch? She has to use her immortality to prove to him that humanity is worth saving. The premise is daunting but the author navigates different time periods with grace, touching on topics of racism, sexuality, and grief with poignancy. I loved reading Nella’s stories and the profound themes that helped carry her through unimaginable losses and loves. That life is bittersweet, heartbreaking at times, but there is always beauty and love to be found if you look for it.
February 14, 2026
The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter is the perfect ROMANTASY for both Black History Month & Valentine’s Day. This story begins with Death on a journey to collect an enslaved girl dying from typhoid. Death notes Nella’s good character despite her short yet oppressed life. Death and Nella make a deal: Death will not end all of humanity if Nella spends multiple lifetimes documenting the goodness of humanity.
I enjoyed Nella’s journey through the centuries documenting art, cultures, and innovation. I especially loved her debates with Death over the kindness and beauty of humanity despite the ugliness and hate. I also liked the incorporation of historical events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
I enjoyed Nella’s journey through the centuries documenting art, cultures, and innovation. I especially loved her debates with Death over the kindness and beauty of humanity despite the ugliness and hate. I also liked the incorporation of historical events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
January 28, 2026
Probably more like 2.5 stars. It was well written and I loved all the descriptions throughout of places and food but it got sooooo repetitive. I get that it was supposed to be about her many loves but I wish she would have found the good in humanity through other stories (I know she wrote them for articles but the book didn’t go into details about those stories, just her loves).
The sexual tension between her and death was bizarre - did not like that at all. I also felt like the whole deal with him was a little bit flimsy - and her money situation was sus as well.
The sexual tension between her and death was bizarre - did not like that at all. I also felt like the whole deal with him was a little bit flimsy - and her money situation was sus as well.
February 14, 2026
I read this in one day! Just a beautiful story! Very similar to The Secret Life of Addie LaRue - this book has a woman making a deal with Death to show him there IS good in the world. And he agrees and gives him all the time in the world (as the back cover says).
We travel with Nell through centuries and she finds love in each era and works to prove to Death of people’s good. She is a Black woman and so we also see lives where she racism through the years as well.
Very good writing and really enjoyed it.
We travel with Nell through centuries and she finds love in each era and works to prove to Death of people’s good. She is a Black woman and so we also see lives where she racism through the years as well.
Very good writing and really enjoyed it.
February 25, 2026
3.5⭐
A story of love and loss as told through the eyes of an immortal black woman, spanning from the 1700's til present day.
I didn't love the first half of this book. The premise of the deal with death was poorly laid out and didn't make a ton of sense to me. Until I realized that the deal wasn't what this story was really about at all.
The writing wasn't to my taste, but I was still able to enjoy it. And the ending was very satisfactory. Overall I would recommend this book. Especially if you are interested in black history and also enjoy magical realism.
A story of love and loss as told through the eyes of an immortal black woman, spanning from the 1700's til present day.
I didn't love the first half of this book. The premise of the deal with death was poorly laid out and didn't make a ton of sense to me. Until I realized that the deal wasn't what this story was really about at all.
The writing wasn't to my taste, but I was still able to enjoy it. And the ending was very satisfactory. Overall I would recommend this book. Especially if you are interested in black history and also enjoy magical realism.
November 21, 2025
What a ride this book provides! What makes life worth it? All the losses or all the loves? If granted to have immortality, are you strong enough to survive the sacrifice? This book explores these topics and the author presents a compelling picture. This is the first I’ve read by this author and I’d definitely read more. If you like the 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, this book is reminiscent of a combination of those.
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