This Hour, Our Vigil

Death's Lady #5

by Rachel Neumeier

The veil between the worlds is growing thin.

At midwinter, as the old year dies and before the new year dawns, Nolas-Kuomon, Lord Death’s lady, may open that veil for anyone who asks to step from one world to the other. After all the dire peril of the past summer, no one could be surprised if Danyel or his daughter Jenna preferred to return to their own world.

Taranah Berangilan-sa, the king’s aunt, would strongly prefer that both Danyel and his daughter remain in Talasayan. Indeed, everyone sensible will surely set that prayer before God as midwinter approaches. Taranah has more reason than most to hold that hope, but nor does she wish to persuade Danyel to a choice he may regret.

As the long nights stretch out, everyone must face the decisions and risks midwinter brings …

Genres: Fantasy

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2025

About the author

Rachel Neumeier started writing fiction to relax when she was a graduate student and needed a hobby unrelated to her research. Prior to selling her first fantasy novel, she had published only a few articles in venues such as The American Journal of Botany. However, finding that her interests did not lie in research, Rachel left academia and began to let her hobbies take over her life instead.

She now raises and shows dogs, gardens, cooks, and occasionally finds time to read. She works part-time for a tutoring program, though she tutors far more students in Math and Chemistry than in English Composition.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last published addition to the "Death's Lady" trilogy. A tad over 200 pages of light hearted gatherings set around the winter solstice. A time when the 'veil' between two worlds is easily opened. A time when decisions need be made to stay in one world or another.

Neumeier brought together the celebration of two cultures in a fun way. Solstice and Christmas. Vigils on the longest night of the year. The invitations to Lord Death to visit or pass by. And easily, to quote the author, "If and when" to write another longer novel in this series.

[Paulina Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually dislike “Christmas specials” out of principle but this one mostly delivers. It’s gentle and reflective and allows for acknowledgment that these characters have ties to both worlds.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm never sure, the further I get into series, whether they get better or I get more invested. (The sunk cost fallacy, but for fantasy novels.)
I do think I am also just more invested in this world when it's not as much about Tenai but about everyone else.
Also I deeply appreciated Jenna's perspective as a realistic portrait of what a conveniently educated 21st century college graduate would be like in another world and her perspective is just delightful for all of us who have loved our portal fantasies. Also Daniel was deeply delightful in this. I love that his immediate response is "everyone here needs therapy! Also engagement rings"
All in all a delightful closing point even if I do now want more in this world. But Tuyo first...

[Genevieve Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved following this book through Rachel Neumeier's newsletter releases. I will be SEATED for any and all content in this world that she sees fit to share with us.

This book follows the Death's Lady series characters through a contemplative Midwinter. After the events of the main series they all have a lot of adjusting to do, but the main question we're faced with is: will Daniel and Jenna ever go back to the "real world," or are their growing ties to Talasayan enough to make them stay?

[SYW]

Love this return to the world

A quiet and lovely peaceful book. You get Taranah's pov which is just a treat, and more of Danyel of course. A little hint of romance. Some beautiful tying up of various ends as Daniel and Jenna contemplate staying in Talasayan. Anyone who enjoyed the series should enjoy this quick read with satisfying ending.

[H.Cleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really loved the Death’s Lady series- fabulous writing- character and world building. I’ve raced through all 5 books in 4 days of holiday and am now working my way through Turyo. I’ve not read any of Rachel Neumeier’s books before but now I’m totally hooked! Great that they’re are part of kindle unlimited too. I love the themes of loyalty, betrayal, friendship and just a touch of romance. Wonderful 😊

[Nicole Luiken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in newsletter. A quiet novella with fave characters making a Midwinter/Christmas decision, to stay or to go.

[Bizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars. Essentially just an extended epilogue for the series, this is far too long and meandering, with no tension of any kind.