Only a Grave Will Do

Malitu #3

by James Lloyd Dulin

On the march towards war, blood is both a promise and a gamble.

Newly dubbed the Hero of Anilace, Kaylo is thrust into leading a rebellion against insurmountable odds. His people are dying, if not in labor camps, in occupied cities as everything that makes them Ennean is stripped away. In two generations, the Great Spirits will be legends and Ennea will be yet another conquered territory. People look to Kaylo and the myth growing around him to stem the rising tide.

Sixteen years later, a trivial rebellion, a reclusive nation, and a vast empire march towards a battle to decide the fate of Ennea and her people. The actions of the small folk go unseen. Those who want to serve; those who have given up; those imprisoned; those who will fight at any cost; and those who will protect the people they love with every breath will tip the scales. Ennea is not done fighting.

Genres: Fantasy

576 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2025

About the author

James is a nerd with a head full of stories and limited time to put them on the page.

He grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, spending an excessive amount of time at a local community theater where he developed his affinity for storytelling. This affinity grew into a deep admiration for language and spoken word poetry while studying mathematics and education at the University of Michigan. A few hundred mediocre poems and lackluster performances later, he decided his dream of writing a novel might not be as ridiculous as he once thought. He firmly believes that art—even silly books about magic, or maybe especially silly books about magic—has the ability to tell stories that sink beneath the surface.

Reviews

[K.D. Marchesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dulin has created real world characters, that have clawed their way into my soul. I cannot tell you how much I didn’t want this series to end.

Malitu is the reason fiction is important. It has encouraged me to peel back layers of unconscious bias and open my eyes to the people and cultures around me. It invites empathy, and understanding while challenging the reader to look deeper.

While this certainly is not an easy read, it has perhaps been one of the most impactful stories I’ve experienced.

Brilliant.

[Esmay Rosalyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine

4.5 stars (rounded up)

Well, I don’t know if I finished Only a Grave Will Do or if it finished me, but safe to say that James Lloyd Dulin absolutely nailed this epic finale to the Malitu series. I mean, THIS is how you write a satisfying and emotionally resonant ending; it’s not perfect, it’s not neat, and it’s definitely not a wholly glorious ‘happily ever after’, but the fact that it is so brutally honest and tragically fitting only makes it all the more powerful and outstanding to me. What can I say, I will always be a sucker for emotional turmoil and destruction.

“Tomorrow always seemed like a given until today turned bloody.”

To me, this finale just takes all the best elements of the first two novels (and prequel novella), and takes it up a notch. Dulin’s soulful and emotionally evocative prose full of its beautiful metaphors is somehow stronger than ever before, and I think the split timeline storytelling which smoothly travels back and forth between Current Day Ennea and Kaylo’s Story (which he is telling to Tayen) really reaches its peak power here in Only a Grave Will Do. The power of stories/storytelling has always been at the heart of this series, and I loved seeing how the theme of “we are the stories we tell ourselves, even the lies” that was established all the way in book 1 came full circle here. We really get to see these characters fight tooth and nail to take back control of their own narrative, on both a personal and nation-wide level, even if that meant making devastating sacrifices in order to break the cycles of oppression, tragedy and violence.

“It was Kaylo’s own damn fault. He had spent his life getting into trouble, especially when he tried to avoid it. He had made himself into a story. Everyone had this idea that he knew what they didn’t– that he could fight back the daemons. He wasn’t as reliable as the stories.”

But what I appreciated most about this finale, and this series as a whole, is that it never beats you over the head with its core themes and messages. Yes, this is an anti-colonisation narrative, but it never forgets that it’s Kaylo and Tayen’s story first and foremost. Their individual and shared growth over the year (or years, in Kaylo’s case) that we have spent with them since the start of No Heart for a Thief is one of the most beautiful character journeys I have ever witnessed, especially because it is so messy and frustrating and heartbreaking and heartwarming and just incredibly moving all at once. Like, everyone’s beloved broody trauma magnet Fitzchivalry Farseer has nothing on Kaylo, just saying.

“Every turn under occupation weathered away more of our culture. They enforced ideals, taught their history, and reworked our cities into facsimiles of their own. They didn’t even have to be subtle, just consistent for long enough. In a few generations, my people would forget their heritage. They would become more Gousht than Ennean.”

Moreover, the motley crew side cast that started to build in No Safe Haven also absolutely gets their time to shine in Only a Grave Will Do, and I loved exploring the different lengths that people were willing to go to protect themselves and their loved ones. Even though the Gousht colonisers are indisputably the villains of this story, this is anything but a black/white conflict. The Enneans/the Uprising are never presented as a perfect homogenous group, and I loved seeing the difficult clashes between people who should seemingly be on the same side, simply because they have different lines that they are (not) willing to cross. These are not empty vessels with the popular ‘morally gray’ label slapped on; they are real humans just trying to survive in a world that is out to get them.

“These people weren’t an army. They weren’t a clan or a family either. The cruelty of some pale fucks from across the ocean had driven them together in a clash of pain, trauma, and grief.”

I mean, I think the best testament I can give to Dulin’s incredibly strong character work is that I somehow managed to forget that I usually don’t even enjoy rebellion narratives, because I just felt so deeply emotionally invested in these characters and their missions. And sure, some of the minor side characters from Kaylo’s past might have gotten lost in my memory a bit, but I think that is more of a me-problem rather than a flaw of Dulin’s writing.

For me, the standouts aside from Kaylo and Tayen were without a doubt Nix, Sosun, and our ‘bad guy’ Wal (who gets a few POV chapters of his own, which were SO good and which made me feel all the complicated feels), and I loved how they were just as emotionally complex as our main dynamic duo. Also, Wal and Nix are truly the king and queen of snark, and their sardonic comments constantly had me chuckling despite all the darkness and despair.

“We are fighting a war. Violence is a tool, but we can never become it. We would only turn into another version of the Gousht.”

Now, the pacing of Only a Grave Will Do is maybe a bit uneven with its slower start and bombastic ending, but I personally could not stop turning the pages and I just loved the gradual build-up of anticipatory dread as the Uprising prepared for their biggest and boldest move(s) against their Gousht oppressors yet. Moreover, the way that Dulin was able to interweave all the internal and external conflicts of this story made the intense climax all the more impactful, and please do not get me started on the revelations around the lore of the Spirits and the powerful role of the mystical spirit magic in the unfolding of this war; just masterful storytelling, period.

“The past was nothing more than a story. And like a story, it had ended. Right here and now, he could begin a new story. Kaylo could make this story something different. For Tayen, he had to.”

There’s no denying that Dulin’s vision for the Malitu series was daring and incredibly ambitious, but I think he more than did this story and these characters justice in the end. It’s both extremely timely and tragically timeless in its honest and confronting exploration of hard-hitting real life issues surrounding war, colonisation, displacement, loss and the depravity of humanity, but then it somehow also manages to provide a safe space to escape into a fantasy world full of beautiful culture and breathtaking wonder. And if that isn’t the true magic of fiction/fantasy, then I don’t know what is.

“Sometimes winning is making sure there is a tomorrow for someone else”

Only a Grave Will Do absolutely wrecked me, and I love it all the more for it. It’s a finale full of painful growth, bittersweet reunions, regretful reflections, brutal sacrifices, and devastating losses, but most of all, it is a finale that showcases the immense resilience of the human spirit. This might be Dulin’s debut series, but I think he already deserves to be up there with Robin Hobb and N.K. Jemisin in terms of soul-stirring (and emotionally destructive) human storytelling through a wonderful fantastical lens. Kaylo, Tayen and the rest of this motley crew of scarred (but not scared) rebels have left a deep mark on my soul, and they can live rent-free in my heart forever more. What a journey.

[C.J. Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAMN IT DULIN

Book 3 of the Malitu trilogy and I have been so happy to be part of this ARC team.

Let me borrow from my review of the first book two years later and say: WOW, that is how you write an ending! The climax is just so incredibly epic and beautiful and dark at the same time. Threads that were weaved throughout the entire story coming together to make a beautiful little sweater of gut-punching, heartbreaking action and tension. I am blown away. —two books and a prequel novella later and this couldn’t be more true. I suppose that together they make a full jumpsuit of gut-punching emotional damage. Dulin pulls threads from his debut all the way until the bittersweet end of this one. Character development three books in the making finally comes together, blossoming as each character becomes their fully realized selves. Kaylo grows from an angry, shadow of a man to the caring, loving protector of Tayen. Finally capable of putting aside his regrets, his fears, and his desire for retribution. Tayen goes from a fearful ball of anger, from a consequences-be-damned and no-matter-the-cost revenge seeker, to understanding patience and the need to see the bigger picture. And I absolutely love how much her story mirrors his past, and I can’t say enough on how well the author has crafted this father-figure and daughter duo.

And then to quote myself reviewing book 2: As I did with the first (and now second), I’d again liken this to The Last of Us. Tayen is bereaved of all those in her life, she’s jaded, and she wants revenge. So when she finally lets someone in, Kaylo, she has such a hard time accepting his mistakes. Much like older Ellie and Joel. That is where the similarities end of course, as Dulin has offered us a rich world with lore, magic, culture. —I would go even further and say that Tayen has a similar revelation as Ellie in the end of Part II in this. Revenge will not bring the relief she seeks, nor will it ever make her whole. That doesn’t mean that she can’t make a difference though, that she can’t fight for what’s right.

Also from 2: of course the darker enthocentlrism, war, colonialism, and racism. I love the deep message of the story, and I really appreciate that you can also just read and enjoy it as a fantasy, too. —I also think these are quite deftly handled. When using or borrowing (or perhaps more truthful to these: highlighting) other cultures and peoples, it can be super hard to tow that invisible fine line of appropriation. I think the author’s boosting of others, including the works of others telling own-voice stories, has lended itself to him telling a story that feels wholly authentic. This is a fantasy jam packed with historical implications. Some of the not-so-small nods are messages that each and every person could do with some self reflection on.

Now when it comes to book 3 on its own, there was an incredibly tall order for it to hold up to the others. So does it? In my opinion, yes, absolutely. There are some areas where the pacing slowed for me, but even then, I was as engaged in Kaylo’s story as Tayen was. Therefore, while it may have stuck out in the back of my mind, I didn’t actually find myself consciously noticing or being bothered. Plus I expected a big action finish I think, and in that way I was maybe appeased with waiting. I do really feel like the author was successful here. Three books of weaving threads is a lot of work, and to end a book that feels satisfying is a triumph. I don’t think I’ve read many others that juggle so many side characters in a way that makes them all feel necessary. Sadly, that makes each and every loss hit like a brick to the face.

I do think there is enough emotional damage done here that a court may order reparations. I reeled myself in from messaging the author after finishing but that’s the sign of a well done ending.

[E.J. J Doble · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-breaking, beautiful slow burn finale to what has been a fantastic trilogy, Dulin creates a story of grief and desperation sown with the 'Seed' of hope. With some of the best character work I have ever read, packed with a depth and emotional cognizance so rarely achieved to this level, Kaylo and Tayen's stories are tragic and humane in every capacity, emboldening a narrative that builds and breaks at every turn and every plot shift. The duality of Ennean and Gousht cultures, their expressions and significance, build the story into one that is both familiar to our reality and also so uniquely told, pitching stakes and tensions to new heights with unknown results. Dulin has produced a masterpiece, in finale and in series.

[Graham Dauncey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot sing the praises for this series high enough! The finale for Malitu takes up the reigns where No Safe Haven left off and delivers an immensely satisfying ending to what has been a hugely impressive trilogy. The main theme of anticolonialism remains from the previous book, and it remains tough theme to take on especially considering the sensitivities involved in such a topic. This will be a deeply personal topic for some and as a citizen of the UK, a country with a history of being on the wrong side of these things, I cannot claim any moral right to these topics, but my feeling is that Mr Dulin has done an excellent job in tackling the nuances and challenges in these type of topics. He has made the characters motivations, their anger and their frustrations feel very real and believable. The pain they feel for the loss of both colleagues and culture is a central part of the story.

Kaylo and Tayen remain the two most central characters, the first older and more jaded, the other younger and more hot headed. The story continues doing the interesting time jumping that the first 2 books had, with Kaylo telling the story of his initial involvement in the uprising. We get a lot more closure here, with this book really delving in to how Kaylo became the jaded hermit hiding away in a treehouse. The twin time frames tell an interesting parable of history repeating itself, this time in triplicate in places! But that also allows space for the idea that culture and ideas are resilient in and of themselves - the fact that history is repeating is in itself an indictment of the status quo and follows the pattern of many real life anticolonial movements.

The underlying anger throbs beneath the surface of the story. All our characters are angry, even the godlike spirits. This doesn't make the characters unlikeable, which is good. The banter in this book ups the game from the previous two, with the current found family of Kaylo, Tayen, Nix and Sosun having a very fun dynamic.

Mr Dulin's prose remains very enjoyable, both in its readability and the way it works with characters, world and emotions. This is accomplished prose, without devolving into the overly flowery. Descriptive and emotive without being unwieldy.

I do have a bit of a criticism on pacing - it is not enough to spoil my enjoyment of the book but there is an abrupt ramp up in the pacing in the last third of this book, which does feel slightly rushed. I can understand why the author has needed to do that to wrap the story up, but it is a bit sudden. That said I have read far worse culprits on uneven pacing and that ramp up does serve to build towards the finale, it just could have been a little smoother.

Overall, this is an incredibly impressive way to end out the series. The character arcs are all satisfying and the world built remains impressive and believable. The themes dealt with are deep and meaningful, and dealt with in a way that is sensitive to their emotive natures. I love speculative fiction that uses the medium to ask questions about our world and society by zoning in on certain aspects to amplify and express them, and this series does that in a very effective way. These topics remain difficult, and colonialism feels very much back in the zeitgeist again with rhetoric coming out of certain countries. These books serve to remind us of the importance of identity and culture - that is a message that is just as important today as it was in the past.

[Jason Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

First if you haven't read the other three books in Malitu series you definitely want to read those first. This final novel of the series has to be my favorite out of all of them and in my opinion was ended perfectly. The cover art is gorgeous as is the others for the Malitu books.

As always the story and the writing flows like silk, Mr. Dulin is extremely talented and a great storyteller. By the time you are finished with this series, you feel like you know each and everyone of these character personally. James's character development, and ability to make you deeply care about the people in this series is the thing I love the most. The range of emotions that I felt reading this last one had me having to stop and process all the threads and layers that were going on. James's ability to weave everything in and out of each other in harmony and keep everything flowing so smooth was great.

I'm not going to add any spoilers to this review, but if I could give any advice to someone reading this book or even the entire series, take your time, don't rush through it. So much happens in this series, and its such a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this book and the other three that go with it. It's one of those stories when your finally done you wish you could erase your memory and read it again for the first time.

Once again great work James Lloyd Dulin! Can not wait to see what other adventures you take us on.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this trilogy so much, I didn’t want it to end. It’s very well-written, and I have learned a lot from it too.

Can’t wait for your next project!

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC received in exchange for honest review

“The Lost Nation is on the move. The Gousht are shoring up their ranks. The war is coming to an end one way or another.”

Only a Grave Will Do is the strongest book in the trilogy of the "Kaylo attempts to help Tayen's anger issues with storytelling" series. Powerful and emotionally charged it's an excellent finale that brings Kaylo and Tayen’s journey to a breathtaking close. The dual timeline structure remains just as compelling as ever, giving us the clearest, most painful look yet into Kaylo’s past and how he ended up where we found him at the start of No Heart for a Thief. His trauma runs deep, and Dulin doesn’t pull punches in showing the cost of his survival.

Tayen’s evolution and her dynamic with Kaylo continues to be the heart of the story. Their relationship pendulums between tense and brittle, to something deeper, more grounded, and raw.

“You don’t have to fall back on anger because it’s difficult.”

Emotionally, this book doesn’t pull any punches. There’s a stretch about a quarter in that offers closure to part of Kaylo’s past, and I’ll just say: it hit hard. Dulin has an unflinching eye when it comes to trauma and healing.

I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed Wal’s point-of-view chapters. Going in, I actively disliked him based on his past actions, but being trapped with a philosophizing poet will do things to a man. Though I think Sosun was the real standout side character, bringing a welcome hit of comic relief.
The themes of colonialism and cultural erasure remain central, as with the previous book, and their brutal, insidious effects is ever-present. It's never preachy, always powerful. Dulin shows the horror of the oppressors, yes, but also the morally grey and disturbing choices made by the oppressed when pushed to the brink, how loss reshapes people, sometimes into something darker, sometimes into something stronger.

“The entire clan wanted me to make decisions they didn’t have the stomach for, then condemn me when life didn’t turn out perfectly.”

The final act does move at a breakneck pace, and while it felt a bit rushed, it still lands with emotional and narrative impact. I was expecting it to be heart-wrenching and boy was it...

“I expected to die long before now. So if we’re going to charge into war, I’m planning to do as much damage as I can.”

This is a trilogy about grief, survival, identity, and revolution and I will miss the characters now it's over...

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a Grave Will Do hurt to read, so much, so hard. It made me cry several times, and once I got to the last 25% nearly every chapter made me cry. I was sobbing by the end. Yet, despite all the tears - this was the perfect ending for these characters and this story. It was heartbreaking, but I couldn't imagine it ending any other way.
CAWPILE:
Characters: 5/5 - This book was written for no one but these characters. They developed in exactly the way that they needed. Although there were times - especially at the beginning - when it was hard for me to distinguish between POVs and timelines, the characters were perfect.
Atmosphere/Setting: 5/5 - These were perfect. I felt all the tension and atmosphere and could see, feel, smell and hear the settings.
Writing Style: 5/5 - Although, as I mentioned above, the POVs and timelines were difficult to distinguish early on, especially when they both were Kaylo at different times, and even though each chapter stated whether it was "now" or in the past, it didn't affect my reading of it. I was completely 100% swept away in this story. It was written with such emotion and care and heart. Particular moments were written with clarity and perspective.
Plot: 5/5 - Even though it was devestating and heartbreaking, I couldn't imagine it ending any other way.
Intrigue: 5/5 - 100%, all throughout - I had to know, down to the epilogue and very last page.
Logic: 5/5 - EVERYTHING made so much sense it hurt.
Enjoyment: 5/5 - This book was a beautiful, heartbreaking end to the series. I "enjoyed" it as much as one can and immediately told people about it, and messaged the author. I posted a picture of myself crying as advertisement for Only A Grave Will Do ... it was that damn good.
Total: 35/7 = 5/5 - Only A Grave Will Do deserves all the stars in the world.