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When Deities Awaken #1
When Death Called Life Home
Life never fears Death.
Time was not something Alora remembered. Not before the age of twenty, anyway. For three years she’s been paraded before wealthy lords and viscounts while stealing precious moments with another lady in the beautifully kept gardens when no man was looking.
Fate, however, needs her to remember.
When deafening screams rip apart her secret relationship, Alora gives no second thoughts to following the only other person who can hear them, and finds herself pulled into a war between kin. All while losing her heart to the only one who has ever truly kept it safe.
He doesn’t answer to Death, Death answers to him.
Ascian spent three years building his walls tall and immovable, hiding any softness beneath layers of grit and stone. Now, he no longer remembers what it feels like to open up to someone. To hand his heart over without protection.
For three years he fought eternal life itself, defending death and everything that came with it in an attempt to keep balance in his world.
Until one day, a girl falls through a crack between worlds. A crack that should never have existed, and sets off an avalanche of events that might just end up knocking down his immovable guards.
But can he keep the world around him intact while losing his heart to the only one who can destroy it?
Time was not something Alora remembered. Not before the age of twenty, anyway. For three years she’s been paraded before wealthy lords and viscounts while stealing precious moments with another lady in the beautifully kept gardens when no man was looking.
Fate, however, needs her to remember.
When deafening screams rip apart her secret relationship, Alora gives no second thoughts to following the only other person who can hear them, and finds herself pulled into a war between kin. All while losing her heart to the only one who has ever truly kept it safe.
He doesn’t answer to Death, Death answers to him.
Ascian spent three years building his walls tall and immovable, hiding any softness beneath layers of grit and stone. Now, he no longer remembers what it feels like to open up to someone. To hand his heart over without protection.
For three years he fought eternal life itself, defending death and everything that came with it in an attempt to keep balance in his world.
Until one day, a girl falls through a crack between worlds. A crack that should never have existed, and sets off an avalanche of events that might just end up knocking down his immovable guards.
But can he keep the world around him intact while losing his heart to the only one who can destroy it?
- GenresFantasy
546 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2024
10 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 27, 2024
Wow this was such an amazing story! So beautifully written and I loved the way nature was described and talked about, I really felt more connected to the story with a lot of the descriptions. I was constantly reminded that nature is beautiful and holds so much healing power and strength. This is the first book in a series of interconnected stand alones and so many characters with a range of personalities (iykyk) were introduced in this story. I can’t wait to see which stories will be explored next!! This book put me through a rollercoaster of emotions in the best possible way and I got quite attached to many of the characters (including animals, known as guardians, whom there are many of). Grateful to have discovered this gorgeous story and world and to be able to experience it as an ARC reader 💚🌿🦋
November 4, 2024
THIS. BOOK.
I had the pleasure of Beta Reading for Zoey J. Briar, and the journey her words took me on was not only epic, but descriptive and passionate in a way that would have you second guessing that this was Zoey’s debut.
When Death Called Life Home is an enchanting novel, set in the world of Elysia- where bonded animal guardians are the levelled up version of pets, and the world is so rich in fantasy whimsy and magic that you can’t help but visualise it as you’re reading.
Written as a dual POV, our beloved MC’s Alora and Ascian, (as well as their companions and adversaries) create a well developed plot line, ripe with tension, romance, and of course, emotional damage.
The characters are relatable, and you’ll definitely find yourself with some enemies as well as adopting some new book family members (and maybe a few furry friends) 🥹
WDCLH will give you trust issues, every time you think you’ve figured it all out you’ll be wrong. It will make you laugh, it will make you yeet your book, it will make you go awwww, it might make you cry, and of course- it will also make you go HOT DANG 😏😏😏
This might come as a surprise but I can’t actually jump through portals, so don’t mind me while I smack myself in the face with my kindle for the next few months in the hopes that I wake up in Elysia. Probably in Maelos room 😇
I’m in love. I can not WAIT to see what comes next.
I had the pleasure of Beta Reading for Zoey J. Briar, and the journey her words took me on was not only epic, but descriptive and passionate in a way that would have you second guessing that this was Zoey’s debut.
When Death Called Life Home is an enchanting novel, set in the world of Elysia- where bonded animal guardians are the levelled up version of pets, and the world is so rich in fantasy whimsy and magic that you can’t help but visualise it as you’re reading.
Written as a dual POV, our beloved MC’s Alora and Ascian, (as well as their companions and adversaries) create a well developed plot line, ripe with tension, romance, and of course, emotional damage.
The characters are relatable, and you’ll definitely find yourself with some enemies as well as adopting some new book family members (and maybe a few furry friends) 🥹
WDCLH will give you trust issues, every time you think you’ve figured it all out you’ll be wrong. It will make you laugh, it will make you yeet your book, it will make you go awwww, it might make you cry, and of course- it will also make you go HOT DANG 😏😏😏
This might come as a surprise but I can’t actually jump through portals, so don’t mind me while I smack myself in the face with my kindle for the next few months in the hopes that I wake up in Elysia. Probably in Maelos room 😇
I’m in love. I can not WAIT to see what comes next.
December 8, 2024
HOOOOOH boy you guys are all in for a treat when you get to read this book!
When Death Called Life Home is a beautifully written story and for a debut, you can't even tell that Zoey is a new to publishing author. Having beta read this story, when I tell you it is an amazing world with characters you'll love, hate to love and love to hate. Zoey's words transport your mind right into Elysia, a world where they have animal guardians and a battle between Life, and Death.
WDCLH is a heavily romance driven fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat, crying, laughing and threatening to throw the book at the author for hurting your favorite characters.
Alora and Ascian (our leading lady and man) are beautifully fleshed out characters with the many dimensions that make up a human in our own reality. And the side characters that you get to meet through out the book will have you wanting more of them, each distinctly having their own personalities that really shine in their moments.
I cannot wait for everyone to read this story and fall in love with in the world of Elysia. You are in all for an absolute TREAT
When Death Called Life Home is a beautifully written story and for a debut, you can't even tell that Zoey is a new to publishing author. Having beta read this story, when I tell you it is an amazing world with characters you'll love, hate to love and love to hate. Zoey's words transport your mind right into Elysia, a world where they have animal guardians and a battle between Life, and Death.
WDCLH is a heavily romance driven fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat, crying, laughing and threatening to throw the book at the author for hurting your favorite characters.
Alora and Ascian (our leading lady and man) are beautifully fleshed out characters with the many dimensions that make up a human in our own reality. And the side characters that you get to meet through out the book will have you wanting more of them, each distinctly having their own personalities that really shine in their moments.
I cannot wait for everyone to read this story and fall in love with in the world of Elysia. You are in all for an absolute TREAT
October 27, 2024
This book is perfection. It made me smile, laugh and cry so much. It's so beautiful and for a debut I'm floored ❤️
Full review to come
Full review to come
December 8, 2024
I loved this immersive story. A world so whimsical and magical, It was a delight to step into Elysia. So wonderfully descriptive that it was easy to visualise Elysia and its inhabitants, transporting me into the world. A completely unique magic system, original fantastical beings and unusual creatures that give it a real point of difference.
A gripping story with twists and turns that had me continually guessing and theorising. Epic adventures, battles, betrayal and secrets.
Filled with anguish and pain but also hilarious quick whit and a loveable, diverse found family.- This book will give you all the feels and leave you wishing you could travel through a hidden portal to a new world.
Some of my favourite tropes
-forbidden love
-he falls first
-touch her and die
-found family
💚Alice in wonderland vibes
💚Well developed characters and plot
💚Great banter and humour throughout
💚Perfect chapter lengths and captivating dual POV
💚Lots of interesting side characters
💚Romantic tension and chosen mates written in a way that still slowly builds a connection with enough mystery that allows you to get truely invested
💚Spice scenes that I felt were super well balanced and not overdone with a great combination of passion, emotional connection and humours flirting.
Alora is snarky, sarcastic, feisty and I love her. She doesn’t let anyone underestimate her. She’s strong and fierce even when she doesn’t fully understand what’s happening. She stands up for what is right and has a way of seeing through peoples facades to their very core.
Ascian is broken and shouldering so much responsibility yet he still manages to be selfless and protect his people. He’s grumpy and misunderstood living in the darkness of grief until Alora lets the light back in.
Together they are hilarious, cute, fierce, deeply connected and they don’t know it yet but they hold the power to change everything.
I devoured this book, relished escaping to Elysia, had so many feelings but also so much fun and I can’t wait for more.
December 6, 2024
Oh this world. Such a beautifully written environment and setting - the visuals in my head were lush and green!
This story has Alice in Wonderland vibes, Romeo & Juliet vibes and some really great banter between the characters. I do love a FMC with sass! I really enjoyed this book and finished in within a week (reading when the kids allowed me to haha)
Things I loved:
- The world! In my mind it's a fantastical and colourful place with some really intriguing landmarks.
- The creatures! I love the wide range of creatures, the guardians/bonded animals and the way they all communicate. I wish there was more!!
- A misunderstood "villain" and redemption arc - perfection
Things that troubled me:
- I can't tell if this is part of a series or a standalone! The story of these main characters wrapped up beautifully, but if this is the end of their story there were a lot of unanswered questions... I hope there are more books that will tie up some loose ends and answer some of the intrigue from the start of the book and character back stories
- I did have to re-read a few chapters because a lot happened at once and I got confused due to the pace of the chapter and thinking I missed things. Sometimes new characters entering a scene were a bit vague on who they were or how many were there.
It really is a wonderful debut book and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
This story has Alice in Wonderland vibes, Romeo & Juliet vibes and some really great banter between the characters. I do love a FMC with sass! I really enjoyed this book and finished in within a week (reading when the kids allowed me to haha)
Things I loved:
- The world! In my mind it's a fantastical and colourful place with some really intriguing landmarks.
- The creatures! I love the wide range of creatures, the guardians/bonded animals and the way they all communicate. I wish there was more!!
- A misunderstood "villain" and redemption arc - perfection
Things that troubled me:
- I can't tell if this is part of a series or a standalone! The story of these main characters wrapped up beautifully, but if this is the end of their story there were a lot of unanswered questions... I hope there are more books that will tie up some loose ends and answer some of the intrigue from the start of the book and character back stories
- I did have to re-read a few chapters because a lot happened at once and I got confused due to the pace of the chapter and thinking I missed things. Sometimes new characters entering a scene were a bit vague on who they were or how many were there.
It really is a wonderful debut book and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
December 6, 2024
This review contains soft spoilers. Nothing devastatingly revealing!!
What a delightful story!!! A tale of losing everything, (not for the first time, as we find out), finding some things again, and considering if you do want the old life.
Lost memories is one of my favourite plot devices, and in this story we are following the frustrating path of recapturing lost memories (rather than losing them).
The side characters are SOOOO developed but under-explored which makes me think!!! It might be intentional!!!! So I will not waste time whining about this and wait patiently like a good girl.
The world building, also EXCELLENT! Zoey’s lyrical style conjures the imagination with such ease - I was fully immersed and have developed my own head-cannon of what everything looks like.
You can see the care and time that has been spent on each sentence. Sometimes the sentences are so tricky that you have to re-read it to appreciate/see what is being said. Beautiful!!!
I am very keen to see where this goes, and I’m sure that this is going to branch out far beyond what we’ve seen in Book 1.
I was very lucky to receive an advanced reader’s copy of this book!
What a delightful story!!! A tale of losing everything, (not for the first time, as we find out), finding some things again, and considering if you do want the old life.
Lost memories is one of my favourite plot devices, and in this story we are following the frustrating path of recapturing lost memories (rather than losing them).
The side characters are SOOOO developed but under-explored which makes me think!!! It might be intentional!!!! So I will not waste time whining about this and wait patiently like a good girl.
The world building, also EXCELLENT! Zoey’s lyrical style conjures the imagination with such ease - I was fully immersed and have developed my own head-cannon of what everything looks like.
You can see the care and time that has been spent on each sentence. Sometimes the sentences are so tricky that you have to re-read it to appreciate/see what is being said. Beautiful!!!
I am very keen to see where this goes, and I’m sure that this is going to branch out far beyond what we’ve seen in Book 1.
I was very lucky to receive an advanced reader’s copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
Wowwwwwww, this book was so intriguing! A magic system somewhat based on the seven Chakras. Callouts to Alice in Wonderland. Star-crossed lovers. Beings of life and death. An ongoing battle over souls. Zoey brought such vivid imagery to my mind, building a fascinating world. I loved the characters, the storyline, and am excited about the seeming course for the rest of the series.
I REALLY enjoyed this book, and am excited to see what's next from this author!
I REALLY enjoyed this book, and am excited to see what's next from this author!
December 3, 2024
Absolutely incredible book, I could not put it down! I loved the story, the characters, just everything about this book I loved!
When Death Called Life Home grabs your attention right out the gate. Set in a world called Elysia where you meet all manner of creatures, magic and a diverse group of characters. Follow Alora and Ascian through the twists and turns and such a beautifully written story. Enemies, guardians, family, forgotten love.....this story has it all!
I could not put this book down and read it in 2 days! I highly recommend this book!
When Death Called Life Home grabs your attention right out the gate. Set in a world called Elysia where you meet all manner of creatures, magic and a diverse group of characters. Follow Alora and Ascian through the twists and turns and such a beautifully written story. Enemies, guardians, family, forgotten love.....this story has it all!
I could not put this book down and read it in 2 days! I highly recommend this book!
December 16, 2024
When Deities Awaken - Book One
If you have fantasized doing it with a Reaper… you have found your people.
💀 Found family
🦋 Alice in Wonderland vibes
💀 Parallel realms
🦋 Morally grey choices
💀 Life x Death
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Amazing read!! I enjoyed every second of this so much. Read if you like morally grey characters on all sides, Commander shadow-daddy, and a strong FMC with amazing side characters to boot. The found family around them?? Beautiful and irritating, just like a found family should be. I love Elysia and the beautiful details that Zoey included. The Life v Death was eloquently written and the accumulation and message that was delivered at the end was breathtaking. I had goosebumps SO many times during reading!! The spice is well written and adds to the love story.
Maelo and Emilia are babygirls. That’s all.
Mini summary:
‘Alora has always felt out of place in her adopted family and the society she has always felt she doesn’t belong in ever since she was found 3 years ago. She has always been too much and seeing things no one else does. After following a white rabbit and a fall through a lake… life changes forever.
Ascian is a Reaper protecting the sanctity of Death who has always followed the orders of his Council of Elders. Even when it cost him. That is what he was trained to do. But a glimpse of someone he thought was gone forever made him start questioning everything…
Life and Death are everything opposite. And yet one cannot be without the other. “Without Death, Life lost its worth, and without Life, Death didn’t exist.”
Release day is December 27th, you won’t want to miss it 💚
I was honored to receive an advanced reader copy for an honest review!
If you have fantasized doing it with a Reaper… you have found your people.
💀 Found family
🦋 Alice in Wonderland vibes
💀 Parallel realms
🦋 Morally grey choices
💀 Life x Death
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Amazing read!! I enjoyed every second of this so much. Read if you like morally grey characters on all sides, Commander shadow-daddy, and a strong FMC with amazing side characters to boot. The found family around them?? Beautiful and irritating, just like a found family should be. I love Elysia and the beautiful details that Zoey included. The Life v Death was eloquently written and the accumulation and message that was delivered at the end was breathtaking. I had goosebumps SO many times during reading!! The spice is well written and adds to the love story.
Maelo and Emilia are babygirls. That’s all.
Mini summary:
‘Alora has always felt out of place in her adopted family and the society she has always felt she doesn’t belong in ever since she was found 3 years ago. She has always been too much and seeing things no one else does. After following a white rabbit and a fall through a lake… life changes forever.
Ascian is a Reaper protecting the sanctity of Death who has always followed the orders of his Council of Elders. Even when it cost him. That is what he was trained to do. But a glimpse of someone he thought was gone forever made him start questioning everything…
Life and Death are everything opposite. And yet one cannot be without the other. “Without Death, Life lost its worth, and without Life, Death didn’t exist.”
Release day is December 27th, you won’t want to miss it 💚
I was honored to receive an advanced reader copy for an honest review!
December 15, 2024
Kindle read (ARC)
Firstly, biggest congratulations to @zoeyjbriarauthor for the (up coming, dec 27th ��) release of your very first book, and a huge thank you for allowing me to read this beautiful story early! It’s been such a privilege 💚
Now onto the book!
This incredible debut romantasy book, giving off Alice In Wonderland vibes, was beautifully descriptive; especially when it came to the nature and magic system, which both tie in together so well! 😍
I loved the relationship between our main characters Alora and Ascian, their animal companions AKA Guardians who are more like family, and their found family- the banter was on point! So many moments that made me giggle! Although I did want to smack some of the characters upside the head a few times 🥲
And some of the quotes… my god they brought tears to my eyes 🥹
And the last few chapters!!! 😱 I don’t want to give spoilers but I was *shook*!
Honestly for a debut, you can’t even tell it’s a debut! Which is a testament to Zoey’s hard work and dedication 💚
So if you’re a lover of all of the above, and more, I’d highly recommend giving WDCLH a read!!
WDCLH releases on the 27th of December on Kindle Unlimited 💀🦋🌿
Firstly, biggest congratulations to @zoeyjbriarauthor for the (up coming, dec 27th ��) release of your very first book, and a huge thank you for allowing me to read this beautiful story early! It’s been such a privilege 💚
Now onto the book!
This incredible debut romantasy book, giving off Alice In Wonderland vibes, was beautifully descriptive; especially when it came to the nature and magic system, which both tie in together so well! 😍
I loved the relationship between our main characters Alora and Ascian, their animal companions AKA Guardians who are more like family, and their found family- the banter was on point! So many moments that made me giggle! Although I did want to smack some of the characters upside the head a few times 🥲
And some of the quotes… my god they brought tears to my eyes 🥹
And the last few chapters!!! 😱 I don’t want to give spoilers but I was *shook*!
Honestly for a debut, you can’t even tell it’s a debut! Which is a testament to Zoey’s hard work and dedication 💚
So if you’re a lover of all of the above, and more, I’d highly recommend giving WDCLH a read!!
WDCLH releases on the 27th of December on Kindle Unlimited 💀🦋🌿
December 27, 2024
"Without Death, Life lost its worth, and without Life, Death didn't exist."
In short:
Just read it. I can give you no better advice then to just read it.
In slightly more length:
When Death Called Life Home throws you expertly into the magical world of Elysia. Where animal guardians roam and the battle between Life and Death is rampant. It's a story of loss, of rediscovery, of unconditional love.
WDCLH follows Alora and Ascian, however that's not to say that the side characters in this story are any less important. All of these characters are heavily developed so it's hard not to love them, it's just that their stories are yet to be explored... something I for one am very excited for.
With a plot line so full of tension, romance and betrayal it's hard not to theorise how it will all end, but just when you think you've figured it out you're thrown another twist. But when the pieces do finally fall into place you're shocked you didn't see it sooner. You will laugh, cry, gasp, cry again. It's a rollercoaster of emotion that you actually want to be on.
It's hard to believe that When Death Calls Life Home is Zoey J. Briars debut novel because she has executed it so perfectly. But if this is only the start of her journey then I for one will voluntarily jump though the portal to Elysia with her.
Quotes I can't get enough of
" For Raine." "For Raine."
"You are Life. Life never fears Death."
"I know what a stalker is, amorsa, and I hardly believe my attention on you is neither unwanted, nor obsessive."
"Even if things don't go our way, and we say goodbye to Elysia, I will find you in whatever comes next. In every lifetime, for the rest of eternity."
December 27, 2024
When Death Called Life Home by Zoey J. Briar is the first in a series of interconnected standalone fantasy books and follows the story of Alora and Ascian.
It has Alice in Wonderland and Romeo and Juliet vibes with an interesting world and magic system. I enjoyed the story, liked the characters, magic and world and was pulled into the story and twists.
It took a while for me to get into the story, but once the pieces fell into place I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the main characters and their relationship, the animal companions, the side characters, the banter, the plot twists and the magic.
I was confused by the ending initially, but after learning that it’s a series of interconnected standalones it made sense. I am very interested to see where this story goes.
It has Alice in Wonderland and Romeo and Juliet vibes with an interesting world and magic system. I enjoyed the story, liked the characters, magic and world and was pulled into the story and twists.
It took a while for me to get into the story, but once the pieces fell into place I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the main characters and their relationship, the animal companions, the side characters, the banter, the plot twists and the magic.
I was confused by the ending initially, but after learning that it’s a series of interconnected standalones it made sense. I am very interested to see where this story goes.
December 22, 2024
Thank you to Zoey J. Briar for the ARC of When Death Called Life Home in exchange for an honest review.
This was a beautifully written book. The premise of this book was unique with elements of Alice in Wonderland interwoven. The book had fantastic characters. Ascian is a top-tier book boyfriend, and Alora was a great FMC. I loved the guardians, Alamea and Basilius, who brought a unique set of characters to the book.
This was a beautifully written book. The premise of this book was unique with elements of Alice in Wonderland interwoven. The book had fantastic characters. Ascian is a top-tier book boyfriend, and Alora was a great FMC. I loved the guardians, Alamea and Basilius, who brought a unique set of characters to the book.
January 6, 2025
I loved this story and its characters and it was so well written!
WDCLH literally takes you on a journey from the world as we know it until a enchanting place where magic is alive, animal guardians exist and war is brewing.
The entire concept of this was so so good. I won't say much specific because I don't want to give anything away, but I loved how Zoey created a story for the battle between life and death. The plot was intriguing and sucked me in almost immediately. Zoey's writing style was fabulous, and the world building was top notch. The magic in this story was interesting and fresh, and I loved reading how Alora, the FMC, learned to use and control her powers.
This story is filled with emotion, both good and bad. There were times I was angry, and times my heart was bursting with joy for the characters - who were all so beautifully written that I loved each one of them. They all have their own battles they are fighting and the way all of their stories weave together was so well done.
My favorite part of this book were the last few chapters, especially the ones from the perspective of Life and Death - I felt like they were written so flawlessly and really added to the story and the characters as a whole.
Highly recommend reading this one, and I can't wait to see what's next from Zoey!
WDCLH literally takes you on a journey from the world as we know it until a enchanting place where magic is alive, animal guardians exist and war is brewing.
The entire concept of this was so so good. I won't say much specific because I don't want to give anything away, but I loved how Zoey created a story for the battle between life and death. The plot was intriguing and sucked me in almost immediately. Zoey's writing style was fabulous, and the world building was top notch. The magic in this story was interesting and fresh, and I loved reading how Alora, the FMC, learned to use and control her powers.
This story is filled with emotion, both good and bad. There were times I was angry, and times my heart was bursting with joy for the characters - who were all so beautifully written that I loved each one of them. They all have their own battles they are fighting and the way all of their stories weave together was so well done.
My favorite part of this book were the last few chapters, especially the ones from the perspective of Life and Death - I felt like they were written so flawlessly and really added to the story and the characters as a whole.
Highly recommend reading this one, and I can't wait to see what's next from Zoey!
January 1, 2025
What a wonderful debut novel from New Zealand author, Zoey J. Briar.
The concept of balancing Life and De@th, and the ongoing battle between the two sides over souls was very intriguing to read. The imagery used was whimsical and immersive, and I really enjoyed Alora’s journey and growth.
The little nods to Alice in Wonderland were fun to spot too!
The pacing was consistent, but did speed up a little in the last 20%. For some reason I went into this thinking this would be the start of a duology, or series, but after the ending I’m not entirely sure. The ending was beautiful though, and I could see Alora and Ascian’s story ending there.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. This review is my own, honest opinion.
The concept of balancing Life and De@th, and the ongoing battle between the two sides over souls was very intriguing to read. The imagery used was whimsical and immersive, and I really enjoyed Alora’s journey and growth.
The little nods to Alice in Wonderland were fun to spot too!
The pacing was consistent, but did speed up a little in the last 20%. For some reason I went into this thinking this would be the start of a duology, or series, but after the ending I’m not entirely sure. The ending was beautiful though, and I could see Alora and Ascian’s story ending there.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. This review is my own, honest opinion.
January 1, 2026
'When Death Called Life Home' is a beautifully written story that I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in. Zoey J. Briar did a wonderful job at sprinkling the lore throughout the book which I really appreciated as I sometimes find pages and pages of lore dumping quite hard to process.
Alora is headstrong, sarcastic and stands in the face of danger with a bravery that is enviable. Her journey throughout this book captivated me, making it extremely difficult to put the book down!
Ascian was lovable from the first moment I read from his perspective. I am a complete sucker for a brooding male character who finds his light in the woman he loves so it was a complete given that I would fall for his character. He was perfectly written <3
The amount of spice in the book was respectable and it did not overtake the narrative which was another plus for me! It felt romantic, organic and not forced into the story for shock value :)
I also had the pleasure of meeting the author at Armegeddon expo where my son asked if he could buy me the book and I am so glad that little dude had that confidence to walk up to her stall and ask, because I might have talked myself out of buying the book! (I totally struggle with spending money on myself haha)
Bonus points: I LOVE supporting NZ Authors <3
Alora is headstrong, sarcastic and stands in the face of danger with a bravery that is enviable. Her journey throughout this book captivated me, making it extremely difficult to put the book down!
Ascian was lovable from the first moment I read from his perspective. I am a complete sucker for a brooding male character who finds his light in the woman he loves so it was a complete given that I would fall for his character. He was perfectly written <3
The amount of spice in the book was respectable and it did not overtake the narrative which was another plus for me! It felt romantic, organic and not forced into the story for shock value :)
I also had the pleasure of meeting the author at Armegeddon expo where my son asked if he could buy me the book and I am so glad that little dude had that confidence to walk up to her stall and ask, because I might have talked myself out of buying the book! (I totally struggle with spending money on myself haha)
Bonus points: I LOVE supporting NZ Authors <3
December 24, 2024
Wow. Just wow. This book grabbed me by the soul and didn’t let go. This is an absolute masterpiece that blends romance and fantasy in the most enchanting way. The author’s descriptive writing is breathtaking—it’s like stepping into a dreamscape. The vivid, whimsical, otherworldly settings reminded me of Alice in Wonderland with their surreal beauty and haunting undertones.
The romance is tender and deeply emotional, seamlessly woven into the story’s larger themes of life and death. And can we talk about the guardians? I LOVED them. They were complex, captivating, and added such a powerful dynamic to the story.
This book is a magical, heart-wrenching journey. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves rich fantasy, moving love stories and a touch of the surreal. If you want a book that makes you feel everything, this is it.
Thank you so much to Zoey for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC copy of your book.
The romance is tender and deeply emotional, seamlessly woven into the story’s larger themes of life and death. And can we talk about the guardians? I LOVED them. They were complex, captivating, and added such a powerful dynamic to the story.
This book is a magical, heart-wrenching journey. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves rich fantasy, moving love stories and a touch of the surreal. If you want a book that makes you feel everything, this is it.
Thank you so much to Zoey for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC copy of your book.
December 26, 2024
"A kind of strength he gave right back to her. So similar to Life and Death, what was one without the other? They gave each other meaning. Without Death, Life lost its worth, and without Life, Death didn't exist."
This book was simply beautiful. The writing, the setting, the relationships. Beautiful.
I love the symbiotic nature of the relationship between life and death so to see it so wonderfully represented through this book was a real treat.
Add to that an incredibly lush forest setting, interesting magic system and a delightfully sassy, sarcastic FMC? I was hooooked.
Plus an ode to Alice in Wonderland, powerful animal guardians and chapter titles! I really do enjoy a chapter title. This book really did have me all kinds of hooked.
I highly recommend you check out When Death Called Life Home and add a NZ indie authored book to your shelves today.
A truly wonderful debut by Zoey Briar and I cannot wait to continue with this world and these characters 🖤
This book was simply beautiful. The writing, the setting, the relationships. Beautiful.
I love the symbiotic nature of the relationship between life and death so to see it so wonderfully represented through this book was a real treat.
Add to that an incredibly lush forest setting, interesting magic system and a delightfully sassy, sarcastic FMC? I was hooooked.
Plus an ode to Alice in Wonderland, powerful animal guardians and chapter titles! I really do enjoy a chapter title. This book really did have me all kinds of hooked.
I highly recommend you check out When Death Called Life Home and add a NZ indie authored book to your shelves today.
A truly wonderful debut by Zoey Briar and I cannot wait to continue with this world and these characters 🖤
December 28, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the character and world building. I really enjoyed the developing story line and plot.
It was captivating and intriguing.
There were times when I was absolutely infuriated with certain characters, and times my heart bleed for them and for that I give this 4 stars. When you get me to emotionally connect its a good read in my eyes.
I really enjoyed our FMC finding herself again and reconnecting with who she was and her love. I adore our MMC Ascian. His touch her and die attitude, his willingness to die for her, to leave everything behind for her. Beautiful.
I will admit though, that while the writing flows and is easy to read there where times for me where I felt there were missing parts of the puzzle and too many things left unanswered. Plot lines left hanging and I felt like the book wrapped up too fast and didn't fill in some plot holes, so its great to know that there are more books on the way that will hopefully give me the answers I am after
It was captivating and intriguing.
There were times when I was absolutely infuriated with certain characters, and times my heart bleed for them and for that I give this 4 stars. When you get me to emotionally connect its a good read in my eyes.
I really enjoyed our FMC finding herself again and reconnecting with who she was and her love. I adore our MMC Ascian. His touch her and die attitude, his willingness to die for her, to leave everything behind for her. Beautiful.
I will admit though, that while the writing flows and is easy to read there where times for me where I felt there were missing parts of the puzzle and too many things left unanswered. Plot lines left hanging and I felt like the book wrapped up too fast and didn't fill in some plot holes, so its great to know that there are more books on the way that will hopefully give me the answers I am after
July 19, 2025
@zoeyjbriarauthor did her big one with this first in the When Dieties Awaken series. She knows all my inner thoughts from reading this as she got a play by play on her DMs 😂
ASCIAN had me panting from the moment he said "SIT". ALORA had me falling for her the moment it was clear she wasn't going to take shit from noone despite being in unfamiliar surroundings.
If you love
⚔️ He fall first and hard
✨ Chosen mates
⚔️ Touch her/him and 💀
✨ Animal companions
⚔️ Second chance
✨ Found family
⚔️ Lost memories
✨ Magic/Powers
I cannot wait to read the second in the series (starting tomorrow) and am already volunteering as tribute for an ARC of the third.
ASCIAN had me panting from the moment he said "SIT". ALORA had me falling for her the moment it was clear she wasn't going to take shit from noone despite being in unfamiliar surroundings.
If you love
⚔️ He fall first and hard
✨ Chosen mates
⚔️ Touch her/him and 💀
✨ Animal companions
⚔️ Second chance
✨ Found family
⚔️ Lost memories
✨ Magic/Powers
I cannot wait to read the second in the series (starting tomorrow) and am already volunteering as tribute for an ARC of the third.
December 29, 2024
DNF at chapter 31. Wanted to stop way earlier but pushed myself through and it got better. But the book just seems boring and doesn’t really captivate me so I don’t feel like reading further
March 15, 2025
When Death Called Life Home was a stunningly whimsical story, set in Elysia, a beautiful world that was ever so fun to spend time in.
The storytelling was so descriptive that it made it easy to picture these characters come to life. It had an incredible cast, the banter was witty and fun, and the way nature was woven into all of it was fascinating.
All the characters, from the MCs to the side cast, were so well fleshed out and showed their flaws just as clearly as their strengths. There was characters who I immediately loved, and those who I wanted to bodily shake but I was invested either way.
I was so utterly captivated by this story and I absolutely cannot wait for the next books in the series. Zoey created an incredible universe as a debut and I can only imagine she will only go up from here.
The storytelling was so descriptive that it made it easy to picture these characters come to life. It had an incredible cast, the banter was witty and fun, and the way nature was woven into all of it was fascinating.
All the characters, from the MCs to the side cast, were so well fleshed out and showed their flaws just as clearly as their strengths. There was characters who I immediately loved, and those who I wanted to bodily shake but I was invested either way.
I was so utterly captivated by this story and I absolutely cannot wait for the next books in the series. Zoey created an incredible universe as a debut and I can only imagine she will only go up from here.
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