My Name Is Death

by Laura Daleo

My Name Is Death takes the Grim Reaper concept in a creative direction. Put aside the image of a scary, sickle-carrying, robe-clad entity. There are no shortages of Italian suits, velvet neckties, and oxford shoes in Death's wardrobe. Death encounters a terminally ill young lady, Annalise, during a holiday in New Orleans. As she approaches the afterlife, Death wants to ensure she makes the best of her final moments. It is not long before they become friends. A peaceful coexistence between angels and humans is what God desires. This plan is contrary to one of God's other sons' belief that angels are far superior to humans. Devastation begins, and only God knows how it will end.

"Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. I hold this statement in high regard. Why? There are two possibilities. I could be a tax accountant-borrrinng-or I could be Death. If you guessed the latter, advance to go and collect $200. My name can influence anyone in a room; some say Grim Reaper, others say Angel of Death. I like to call myself Death. It has a pleasant ring and a powerful effect on people. The way "Death" embodies the style and pizazz of my attire, which includes Armani suits, ties, and shoes, influenced my decision to select it as my name. It had never occurred to me to dress in a dark robe, to carry a scythe or an hourglass, or to assume a skeleton physique."

166 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

I was born and raised in Sunny San Diego, California. A creative writing class in junior high sparked my desire to tell stores. I’ve been a hostess, bookkeeper, accountant, manager, and animal advocate, but writing anything paranormal has always been my passion. Throughout my professional career, I squeezed in writing whenever I could. I camped out late at night in front of my computer, with my four basset hounds, Stuart, Morgan, Rose, and Cooper, my toughest critics asleep at my feet. Now I’m living out my dream as an author.

Reviews

[Book Enchanted · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stylish Dance with Mortality: My Name Is Death by Laura Daleo

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★★

When I first picked up Laura Daleo's "My Name Is Death," I expected another typical reimagining of the Grim Reaper trope. Instead, I discovered a masterfully crafted narrative that breathes extraordinary life into humanity's oldest certainty. From the opening pages, I was captivated by how Daleo completely revolutionizes the traditional imagery we associate with Death. Gone are the tattered robes and bone-chilling scythe; instead, we meet a sophisticated, charming entity who appreciates the finer things: Armani suits, perfectly knotted ties, and shoes polished to mirror perfection.

The story unfolds in New Orleans, a city already steeped in mysticism and mortality, making it the absolutely perfect backdrop for this remarkable tale. As I read about Death's encounter with Annalise, a terminally ill young woman, I found myself deeply moved by their developing friendship. What struck me most profoundly was how Daleo brilliantly managed to make Death genuinely likable while maintaining the full gravity of his role. His voice carries an unexpected warmth, peppered with delightful dry humor that made me chuckle even as profound themes emerged.

Reading about Annalise's struggle with her illness felt incredibly authentic and touching. Her fierce determination to escape her medical captors for one day of freedom resonated powerfully with anyone who has ever yearned for autonomy. The scenes of her and Death exploring the French Quarter together were absolutely beautiful. I could vividly feel the humid New Orleans air and hear the enchanting jazz melodies as they shared moments of pure joy. When Death temporarily relieves her pain, allowing her to experience life without suffering, I felt an overwhelming surge of hope and wonder.

The transformation of Death's character throughout the story fascinated me completely. Initially presented as confident and controlled, his devastation after losing Annalise revealed stunning vulnerability that made him utterly compelling. I found myself completely invested in his emotional journey, particularly when he locks himself away to grieve. This portrayal brilliantly challenged my preconceptions about mythological figures, making Death surprisingly relatable despite his divine nature.

Annalise's triumphant return as an angel provided both tremendous joy and beautiful complexity to the narrative. Her decision to lovingly rename Death as "Clay" symbolized not just their relationship's evolution, but his own magnificent transformation from a distant executor of fate to someone capable of profound love and growth. Their year of domestic bliss felt wonderfully earned after the emotional intensity of their initial meeting.

The introduction of Domiel and the brewing celestial conflict elevated the story to extraordinary heights beyond simple romance. I was thoroughly impressed by how Daleo seamlessly weaved fascinating theological questions about angelic hierarchy and divine will into the deeply personal narrative. The compelling tension between God's vision of peaceful coexistence and the opposing faction's belief in angelic superiority added rich layers of complexity that kept me completely engrossed.

Daleo's writing style impressed me immensely with its perfect balance of accessibility and profound depth. She masterfully tackles weighty themes about mortality, love, and divine purpose while maintaining an engaging conversational tone that never feels overwhelming. The pacing felt absolutely natural, allowing beautiful quiet character moments to breathe while expertly building toward dramatic revelations.

What impressed me most about "My Name Is Death" was its remarkable ability to make me reconsider fundamental concepts about mortality and divine purpose. By the final pages, I found myself viewing death not as an ending to be feared, but as a meaningful transition overseen by someone who genuinely cares about human experience. This profound perspective shift lingered beautifully long after I finished reading.

The theological depth of the story particularly resonated with me. Daleo expertly explores questions about divine hierarchy, free will, and the nature of love between celestial and mortal beings. The brewing conflict between different angelic factions adds layers of intrigue that kept me eagerly turning pages, while the romantic elements never overshadow the deeper philosophical questions at play.

The character development throughout the book is exceptional. Both Death and Annalise grow in meaningful ways that feel organic and emotionally satisfying. Their relationship evolves naturally from strangers to friends to something deeper, and I found myself genuinely invested in their happiness and growth.

Laura Daleo has crafted an absolutely outstanding entry in the paranormal fantasy genre that succeeds magnificently both as a love story and as a profound meditation on what it means to live meaningfully. This book offers tremendous substance alongside its supernatural elements, creating a reading experience that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.

"My Name Is Death" reminded me powerfully why the best fantasy stories work so well: they use extraordinary circumstances to illuminate fundamental truths about human nature. In Death's journey from distant executor to loving companion, we witness our own remarkable capacity for growth and connection, even in the face of life's ultimate certainty. This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Gnomereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Name is Death was a quick paced story that kept me guessing the whole way through. If you like modern fantasy with suspense and strong emphasis on family, this has that in spades.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My Name Is Death” by Laura Daleo is an engrossing read that offers a refreshing take on the grim reaper. In this story, Death wears Armani suits, ties, and polished shoes, yet longs for a break from his eternal duty. His escape takes him to New Orleans, where he encounters Annalise—a terminally ill young woman dressed in a hospital gown.

Moved by her suffering, Death temporarily lifts her illness. Annalise, in turn, candidly points out that she needs to work on improving his communication skills. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, Death confides his true identity to her. Having spent much of her life in and out of hospitals, Annalise makes a heartfelt request: she asks Death to finally free her soul. What role will he play in ensuring she experiences joy in her final days?

The backdrop of New Orleans adds richness to the narrative, while Death’s character is sharply and thoughtfully crafted. The plot is compelling, keeping me eagerly turning the pages to see what unfolds. If you’re looking for a unique and captivating story, this book is well worth your time—pick it up without hesitation.

[M.C. Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this at 3.5 stars, but half stars aren’t a thing so it gets four. It started off pretty decent, but ended up centralized around a few tropes that I just don’t care for, unfortunately. It was well-written, well-edited and an easy read, I didn’t get bogged down anywhere. Romance readers will be quite happy as it marks all the boxes (I’m pretty sure, I don’t usually read romance). Got a little syrupy for me, but I’m a gritty type of person, happily-ever-after seekers will love this. Daleo has decent character building and a nice, smooth writing style. At under two hundred pages, I got through this in about three hours.

[Bobbi Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: My Name is Death by Laura Daleo

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy | Publisher: Page Publishing | Release Date: August 2024

Laura Daleo’s My Name is Death offers a compelling reimagining of the Grim Reaper mythos, blending urban fantasy with philosophical depth. Set in New Orleans, the novel introduces readers to Death—not as a skeletal figure, but as a sharply dressed, introspective entity navigating the complexities of his eternal role.

The narrative centers on Death’s encounter with Annalise, a terminally ill young woman whose grace and curiosity prompt him to question the boundaries of his existence. Daleo’s portrayal of their relationship is both poignant and restrained, allowing emotional resonance to emerge organically. Through their interactions, the novel explores themes of mortality, legacy, and divine hierarchy with nuance and originality.

Stylistically, Daleo’s prose is clean and accessible, with moments of lyrical introspection that elevate the story’s philosophical undertones. The pacing is well-balanced, alternating between reflective passages and plot-driven sequences that maintain reader engagement. Notably, the author’s decision to cast Death as the narrator adds a layer of intimacy and complexity, inviting readers to consider the metaphysical implications of his role.

My Name is Death succeeds as both character study and speculative fiction. It challenges conventional depictions of death while offering a fresh perspective on what it means to live meaningfully. Daleo’s work will appeal to readers of paranormal fantasy who appreciate character-driven narratives with emotional and existential depth.

[Sylvia Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Death took a holiday what could happen.

My Name is Death is a twisty suspenseful love story with quite a bit of drama.

I loved all the individual characters and I could even imagine some of them being the main characters of their own book.

I would love to know what happens when the twins grow up. Also, will Domiel continue to devolve and eventually be cast down to hell? Questions, questions. When an author leaves you thinking about a book after you’ve finished you know they wrote a great book.

[K Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fast paced and could easily be read in one sitting. It started out being a paranormal story with Death, but ended up being more of a love story with emphasis on family. All and all it was a fun read.

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
Author: Laura Daleo
Title: My Name Is Death
Genre: Supernatural Fantasy
#BookLoungeReviewTeam

Death has never looked so dapper. In My Name Is Death, Laura Daleo trades the Grim Reaper’s tired old cloak and scythe for Armani suits, silk ties, and oxfords so polished they could guide lost souls by reflection alone. Death isn’t some skeletal harbinger lurking in the shadows—he’s suave, witty, and, dare I say, kind of charming.

While vacationing in New Orleans (because even Death needs a break), he encounters Annalise, a terminally ill young woman. Instead of giving her the usual grim escort to the afterlife, he takes a vested interest in making her last days count. The result? An unexpected and oddly touching friendship that proves even Death has a soft side.

But celestial drama is brewing. God envisions peace between angels and humans, but one of His sons—let’s call him the family’s overachieving, power-hungry sibling—thinks otherwise. He sees angels as superior and is more than happy to unleash some devastation to prove his point. Suddenly, Death finds himself in the middle of a divine tug-of-war, and for once, he’s not the one calling the final shots.

Daleo delivers a clever, fast-paced read with a protagonist who makes existential musings feel as smooth as his fashion choices. Death’s voice is effortlessly charming—equal parts humorous, reflective, and self-assured. He’s the guy who could make funeral small talk seem fun and leave you rethinking your entire existence over coffee.

With humor, heart, and an irresistible reimagining of life’s ultimate certainty, My Name Is Death is a refreshingly stylish take on the afterlife. If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to meet Death at a cocktail party, this book has your answer—just don’t expect him to pick up the tab.

[Micki · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Name is Death is a book that took me on a ride. Meeting “Death” and getting to go on vacation with him was an experience worth having. Told from his perspective, the reader learns what it’s like to be responsible for helping individuals move from this existence to the next. During his New Orleans vacation, Death meets a young woman, Annalise, with a terminal disease who captures his attention.

We learn Annalise’s back story, and how and why she fits into Death’s world. The book is the story of their navigation through life, death, and family crisis. The author does a great job of creating meaningful characters. The family dynamic was also very meaningful and relatable. Yes, the author found a way to create a developed family around Death – father, mother, brothers, sisters, all of it! Totally was not expecting that, and it all made sense without having to suspend reality.

At a few points, I was a little worried the book was about to become very religious. It could have taken that turn. I appreciated that the author kept the story away from any one particular religious viewpoint or another, but instead chose to highlight uplifting aspects of human choices, again, without one particular religion being depicted. The author walked a fine line and did it really well. I can’t wait to see what the next book in this series brings! (There is another book, right??)

[melissa Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death needed a holiday so off he goes to new Orleans, where life is bustling and in abundance, he meets a young girl who is sick of fighting her family, doctors and the disease that is ravaging her body, this chance meeting changes deaths life for better and worse, he is captivated by Annalise, but not everyone is happy with how the story unfolds.

I really enjoyed the concept of the story and loved the characters, the story did feel a little rushed and short but it's still an enjoyable read. The found family aspect of the story really spoke to me as someone who has created their own found family, Annalise and clay create their family with such love, you feel for Annalise as she never really had a childhood due to the illness.

The plot is interesting and fast paced, I haven't read a lot of comptemory supernatural fantasy but will definitely look out for more. The characters are well thought out and well created, you can almost imagine death walking up and down the French quatre in a well tailored suit.

[whatnolareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, but what would you do if Death fell in love with you? No, seriously—if the Grim Reaper himself, dressed in designer suits instead of a hooded cloak, decided you were worth breaking the rules for? That’s exactly what happens in My Name Is Death, and let me tell you, this book was not what I expected.

I went in thinking this was just another “Death takes a holiday” kind of story, but nope—it took a wild turn I did not see coming. We’re talking fallen angels, betrayal, God himself getting involved, and Death doing the unthinkable… in of all places, New Orleans—the city of beignets, jazz, and sin. And the way the story unfolds? Unexpected. Intense. Addictive.

This was a riveting story with strong themes of found family, love, and fate. It’s not your typical tale of what Death is supposed to be like, and that’s what makes it so damn good. The pacing is fast, the twists keep coming, and the supernatural elements blend so seamlessly with the modern world that I was hooked from start to finish.

[Elaina Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a dance with the angel of Death in this riveting story of immortals! Daelo keeps you guessing and on your toes with anticipation from cover to cover!

What to expect:
Action
Subtle romance
Found family

My Name is Death is a fast-paced story and can be read in one sitting!

[Sharon Buchbinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Death takes a vacation in New Orleans, he isn’t prepared to meet and fall in love with a young woman who is dying. However, that is exactly what happens to him. When Death sees Annaliese, a terminally ill young adult who has been forced to live life in a bubble, his first reaction is “She’s sitting on MY bench.” He notes the smell of disease on her and after pushing down his annoyance at this usurper on HIS observation spot, he sits down. Annaliese mistakes him for a pain-caused hallucination and pinches him—only to find out he’s real when he yelps.

Annaliese reveals that her life has been one continuous struggle with debilitating illness and she is done, done, done. Still in a hospital gown, she’d escaped from her medical keepers for an outing on her own terms. Death temporarily takes away her pain and they have a joyful day of going through the sights and shops in the French Quarter, including a photo booth where they mug for the camera. Alas, too soon, her parents, law enforcement, and first responders track her down to take her back to isolation. As they dance in the street to a jazz ensemble, she begs Death to take her and he complies.

Death, to his enormous surprise finds himself devastated by the loss of this human. Why? He has done this important job thousands of times. Why does this one make his heart break? He locks himself in his hotel room and grieves. Four days later, he returns to his bench to watch the ebbing and flowing crowd. Someone sighs. It is Annaliese! How is this possible?

Annaliese tells him she went to heaven and begged to return to his side. God granted her wish, making her immortal as an angel and she wings it right back to Death. She also tells him he needs new name. Death is not cutting it. She dubs him Clay.

Almost a year of bliss passes by. They enjoy their time together, living among humans in Clay’s sumptuous home. They attend a birthday bash for Annaliese, thrown by a wealthy human friend. When Clay leans in to kiss Annaliese, she pushes him away and bolts. As Clay nurses his grief with whiskey, a man named Domiel appears and tells Clay he’s being melodramatic. Clay has no idea who this person is and why he would say such things to a stranger. Or is he a stranger? Who is this and what are his intentions?

Cast aside your ideas of fully grown, asexual angels, absent desire for humans. Should angels live among humans? Would monsters such as the Nephilim be created from unions of angels and humans? You must read this story to find out the answers to these and other questions. This was an imaginative addition to angel stories, and the fermenting war between angels on God’s side and angels who disagree with God’s plans. I recommend this creative novel to anyone who enjoys romance and angel lore and give it 5 stars. I received this book as part of a blog tour and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Om Sen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Name Is Death is one of those books that completely surprises you — emotional, thought-provoking, and oddly comforting all at once. Laura Daleo takes the figure we usually fear most — Death — and turns him into a charming, compassionate being who loves fine suits, Italian coffee, and deep human connection. This version of Death isn’t the grim reaper with a scythe; he’s a guide, a companion for souls making their final journey.

What makes this story truly special is the relationship between Death and Annalise, a young girl struggling with a terminal illness. Their bond is touching and heartfelt, and it explores the beauty of life even in its final moments. Through their conversations, we see Death’s curiosity about humanity — how he’s both fascinated by and empathetic toward the people he meets. Annalise’s courage and innocence change him in ways he never expected, giving the story a gentle emotional depth.

Daleo’s writing is elegant but easy to read, filled with moments of quiet humor and reflective beauty. The pacing is smooth, and every scene feels meaningful, especially the ones where Death reveals his thoughts about the afterlife and what it means to truly “live.”

This isn’t a dark or depressing book — it’s more of a meditation on mortality, kindness, and the connections that outlast time itself. It leaves you thinking about how you spend your days and how love and compassion can give even death a sense of grace.

My Name Is Death is a touching, imaginative, and soulful story — a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected characters can teach us the most about life. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional fantasy with heart and meaning.

[World Of · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Name Is Death reimagines the Grim Reaper not as a cold, skeletal figure in a cloak, but as a suave, witty, and unexpectedly compassionate being in Armani suits and polished oxfords. With charm and dry humor, Death narrates his tale, offering readers an intimate glimpse into a version of the afterlife where fashion, philosophy, and fate intertwine. The story truly begins when Death meets Annalise, a terminally ill young woman vacationing in New Orleans.

He meets a young woman named Annalise who is terminally ill while on vacation in New Orleans (since even Death needs a holiday). He has a stake in making her final days meaningful rather than providing her with the customary sombre escort to the hereafter. The outcome? A surprising and yet endearing friendship that demonstrates that even Death has a tender spot.

The protagonist of Daleo's witty, quick-paced novel makes existential reflections seem as effortless as his wardrobe selections. Death has a naturally endearing voice that is equal parts witty, introspective, and confident. He's the kind of man who could make small talk at a funeral seem enjoyable and make you question everything you've ever done over coffee.

My Name Is Death is clever, imaginative, and moving—a story that makes you laugh one moment and reflect the next. Fans of The Book Thief or Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman may find this reinterpretation of death and destiny both refreshing and resonant

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review – My Name Is Death by Laura Daleo

My Name Is Death is a witty, stylish, and imaginative reimagining of the Grim Reaper mythos. Laura Daleo takes a figure often shrouded in fear and darkness and gives him a charismatic, almost debonair persona—trading in the scythe and robes for Armani suits and velvet ties. The result is a fresh, clever spin on death personified, blending humor, charm, and a touch of gravitas.

The story gains emotional depth when Death crosses paths with Annalise, a terminally ill young woman in New Orleans. Instead of treating her final days with gloom, Death guides her toward savoring life’s last precious moments, leading to an unexpected and touching friendship. This human connection grounds the novel, reminding readers that death is not only an ending but also a companion to life’s most meaningful moments.

Overlaying this intimate story is a larger conflict between angels, humans, and divine will. The tension between God’s vision of harmony and a rebellious son’s belief in angelic superiority adds drama, stakes, and a sense of cosmic consequence to the narrative.

Laura Daleo succeeds in balancing humor, tenderness, and epic spiritual conflict in a way that feels both entertaining and thought-provoking. My Name Is Death is perfect for readers who enjoy paranormal fiction with a fresh twist, where the familiar is turned on its head and given new life—ironically, through Death himself.

[Ray Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

If You Like Your Reading Sweet

My Name Is Death (by Laura Daleo) starts out as an intriguing boy-meets-girl tale full of quirky romantic potential, with the boy being the Angel of Death and the girl being terminally ill, but it quickly devolves into a kind of New Agey take on medieval angelology (since the underpinning of the story is a homey theocratic worldview), with the dysfunctional heavenly family — to the point of internecine war — in need of group therapy that even God the Father — and his wife — are hard put to pull off. Forget the awesome Almighty God of tradition, though indeed, doesn’t the whole Christian saga beg the question of why the Creator doesn’t end the on-going wretched drama by simply fixing the mess he made from the get-go with his faulty creating? Nothing seems to come that easily to this literally down-to-Earth, regular-guy God who is one of the story’s walking, talking characters, doing his darnedest to try to work things out, from corralling his less-than-angelic angels (his kids) to healing their immortal bodies. This God’s seemingly human-like limitations might even make for a more interesting story than the Bible God’s, except that — readers beware! — from near the get-go, things here turn way too feel-good schmaltzy. Be prepared to pray to anyone for miraculous relief from the resulting heaven-come-to-Earth sugar high.

[Scott Rhine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dapper/tongue-in-cheek Death avatar takes a holiday in New Orleans and meets a terminally ill seventeen-year-old girl. He acts more like Maurice C in Gigi than the Vampire Lestat. Of course, they fall in love. Matters are complicated when his celestial family gets involved. It had potential.

Dialog felt awkward because names were used so often. After Analise, few new people get a description. Wings were mentioned once ¾ of the way through. I never felt they were in danger when angelic powers could do literally anything at any time because the author wanted something to happen. No rules. Then God sent him to an emergency room? God didn’t feel godlike at all. I’m not sure the main character did anything other than scold the villain. The ending wasn’t satisfying.

other problems:
How did he get unlimited money?
Solidarity should be solitude.
Earth the planet name is capitalized.
In my mind, I remember (1. redundant, 2. should be past tense)
How can her eyes follow him when they are both sitting motionless side-by-side?
Explosions push shrapnel outward away from the center. Glass from a window wouldn’t have been sucked into the center through a person.
Need scene breaks, especially after surgery.
Should address the ban on angels being forbidden to breed with humans.
He has to phone his mother?

[Janvi Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start, My Name Is Death hooked me with its fresh take on the Grim Reaper. Instead of the usual dark-robed figure, Laura Daleo gives us a stylish, witty, and unexpectedly charming Death, dressed in Armani suits and velvet ties. The concept feels bold, unique, and instantly makes you want to see how such a character navigates both life and the afterlife.

The story beautifully blends fantasy with heart as Death meets Annalise, a terminally ill young woman in New Orleans.Their unlikely friendship adds warmth to the otherwise chilling concept of mortality. Alongside them, celestial tensions rise between angels and humans, raising thought-provoking questions about love, power, and coexistence .

The chemistry between Death and Annalise feels genuine and moving, grounding the fantastical elements with emotional depth. Laura’s writing is smooth and engaging, with a perfect balance of humor, elegance, and poignancy.The pacing keeps you invested, and the themes of mortality, friendship, and divine conflict resonate long after the last page.

What I loved most is how the book makes you reflect on life while keeping you entertained ,it’s equal parts stylish, emotional, and thought-provoking . Overall, My Name Is Death is a refreshing, clever, and soulful read that left me both smiling and contemplative.

[Diya Ramwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Daleo’s My Name Is Death is a refreshing and modern take on the Grim Reaper like you’ve never seen before. Instead of the dark and eerie figure we imagine, Death is charming, dressed in Armani suits and velvet ties, and carries himself with grace. From the very first chapter, the fast-paced narrative pulls you in, blending suspense, fantasy, and a heartfelt connection that makes the story truly unique.

What stood out most was the emotional bond between Death and Annalise, a terminally ill young woman he encounters during his holiday in New Orleans. Their friendship feels genuine and tender , making you reflect on life, mortality, and the beauty of compassion. Alongside this, the bigger conflict between God’s vision of harmony and his son’s arrogance adds layers of tension, action, and unexpected twists that keep you glued to the pages until the very end.

This book is more than just fantasy—it’s a story of family, love, coexistence, and the choices that shape our destiny. With well-written characters and a gripping plot, Laura Daleo has crafted a tale that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. If you love modern fantasy that mixes suspense, action, and deep emotion, this book is definitely worth picking up!

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: My Name Is Death by Laura Daleo

Laura Daleo's My Name Is Death is a wonderfully original reworking of the myth of the Grim Reaper—funny, elegant, and unexpectedly poignant. In this retelling of death, she ditches her shroud and scythe for Armani suits, polished shoes, and a tacit desire for companionship. Set in the lovely enigma that is New Orleans, the story recounts Death's meeting with Annalise, a brave young woman dying of a terminal illness, whose warmth and bravery will transform Death's eons-long visit to Earth.

Their relationship, tender, humorous, and deeply human, forms the emotional heart of the narrative. Through Annalise and Death's time together, Daleo contemplates our experience of dying as not an end, but a transformation of how we live with real insight, tenderness, and care. As divine furies explode between Heaven and Hell, the narrative expands to include a cosmic contemplation on love, purpose, and the tension between fate and free will.

Daleo's prose is graceful and warm, with humor and grappling with some heavy curiosities and intimacies, in what is at once a mythic and contemporary story. My Name is Death invites its readers to see our dying differently—less out of fear, and more in awe.

[Naveen Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, My Name Is Death by Laura Daleo immediately intrigued me with its unique twist on the Grim Reaper. Instead of the usual dark robe and scythe, Death here is charming, stylish, and dressed in Armani suits. That first impression alone made me curious to dive deeper into the story.

The plot unfolds in New Orleans, where Death meets Annalise, a terminally ill young woman. Their unlikely friendship adds heart and depth to the storyline. Alongside this, the bigger conflict between angels and humans explores themes of coexistence, power, and divine intentions. The narrative balances both personal connections and larger cosmic struggles beautifully.

Laura Daleo’s writing style is smooth, witty, and engaging, making even Death feel relatable and charismatic. The message of cherishing life and accepting mortality shines through clearly. Personally, I loved how the book turned something often feared into a meaningful, almost elegant journey. Overall, it’s a fresh, imaginative, and thought-provoking read that I highly recommend.

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Star Read. Death comes across terminally ill Annalise who has escaped from her hospital sitting on his bench. Death sets out to give her the best day of her life. He manages to succeed, but then her parents and police catch up with her, and he knows he has to say goodbye. He needs her to give him the word so she can be free forever. She gives the word, and he grants her wish. He missed her despite only spending a day with Annalise. He comes back to his bench and has to pinch himself to make sure she's not a dream. But she's no dream; she is back. God granted her wish to be with Death. Death falls for her, but he's not sure she feels the same. Does she feel the love for him that he feels for her?
I received an arc for my voluntary review for NN Book Blog. Laura crafts a sweet romance between Death and Annalise. Will Death and Annalise ever get their HEA, or will other forces at work try to tear them apart?

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Name is Death starts off like a romance story, complete with a meet-cute between the Grim Reaper and a sweet, albeit sad girl who knows her time to go is close. You can tell right from the beginning that they’re destined to be more to each other. But as the chapters fly by, you take a sharp turn right into all kinds of exciting action!

This short and sweet snack of a novel keeps you engaged from page one with love, suspense, a little bit of heat, and a lot of action. It’s a great combination of a romance; a unique take on the Grim Reaper, Angels, God, and immortality; and a suspense tale that keeps you on your toes.

Within this fresh look at the handsome Grim Reaper in Armani, there are strong religious components throughout, so it’s helpful to go into this book with an open mind in regards to these thematic elements.

If you’re looking for a quick, but exciting read, don’t hesitate to pick up My Name is Death.

[嘉 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Super interesting book that puts a cool twist on how we usually see Grim Reaper characters -- The plot regarding the conflict of the angels was good, and the writing was very smooth. I enjoyed reading about the contrast between the blood family (the angels and God) and the chosen family (Clay, Annelise, and the children). The book is fairly short and easy to understand, I personally think the pacing could be slower and there could be more parts on the emotional/mental development of the characters. For example, the descriptions on what happened to the two children are extremely short. Things that happen to them flash by in a few sentences, and the way they react to the things are quite idealistic. Nevertheless, the characters are likable, and I enjoyed the read despite not usually being one to read romance.

[Chris Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My Name is Death" by Laura Daleo is an awesome book! I was already excited to read just based on the hilarious title and cover, but I can honestly saw that my expectations were far exceeded. The author is a talented writer who tells an amusing story with energy, depth, and character! There were so many humorous little moments like this that had me laughing out loud: "I can't comprehend that Death is a real person, let alone a handsome guy wearing an expensive suit!" this one was also great: "Death, it's me, Annalise." I wanted to highlight the humor, as this was the most enjoyable part to me, but rest assured dear reader that this is an authentic and touching love story: "Do I possess superpowers?...You have power over my heart." This line was also quite sweet and a favorite highlight: "You brought color into my world, laughter into silent moments, and love into my every heartbeat."

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. It was fast paced and well written. I loved the emphasis on family. Also, I’m a sucker for a good love story 😍 well done!

[Roger Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review by R.M.Campbell 📚
Book: My Name is Death
Author: Laura Daleo
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Name is Death is a fascinating and compelling twist on the conception of the Angel of Death(or Death as he likes to be known), aka the Grim Reaper. Forget the image of the scary, robe-covered, sickle-carrying entity; Death dresses in Italian suits, velvet neckties, and oxford shoes. The story begins with Death on a holiday in New Orleans and encountering a terminally ill young lady, Annalise. Death knows that her time is limited, and he wants to help her in her transition to the afterlife. The two become close friends with a strong bond in their short time together on earth until Annalise is called home to heaven. In heaven, God shows compassion for Annalise and perceives the strong emotional ties between his son Death and Annalise. God decides to convert Annalise to a human angel, sending her back to earth to help his son. God wishes that angels and humans could coexist in peace and learn from each other. One of God’s other sons disagrees with this plan, believing angels are far superior to humans. The destruction begins, and only God can determine the outcome. This was a complete and utter surprise to me. The author composed a story of unexpected and fascinating twists on the conception of the Grim Reaper. The characters were well-written, and the plot was gripping from the first page, with all the elements of suspense, tension, action, and romance to keep the reader glued to the pages. I highly recommend this book as both a fascinating story and a conception of what some historians believe is a possible scenario that may have occurred in early human history. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book