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Death & Maia
A lush, sapphic romantasy.
In the shadowed streets of plague-ridden Athens, Maia lies on the brink of death. When the grim reaper appears to claim her, Maia makes a bold a kiss.
Ancient and enigmatic, Lady Death has guided countless souls into the unknowable afterlife. But Maia is different. Her resilience and humour—and that kiss—awaken a desire that Death has never known. What begins as a moment of terrified curiosity deepens into a passion as tender as it is consuming.
But can love truly conquer death when mortality stands in the way?
In the shadowed streets of plague-ridden Athens, Maia lies on the brink of death. When the grim reaper appears to claim her, Maia makes a bold a kiss.
Ancient and enigmatic, Lady Death has guided countless souls into the unknowable afterlife. But Maia is different. Her resilience and humour—and that kiss—awaken a desire that Death has never known. What begins as a moment of terrified curiosity deepens into a passion as tender as it is consuming.
But can love truly conquer death when mortality stands in the way?
175 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 17, 2026
4 Stars
Astounding, despite being a short story. I can only imagine how extraordinary it might have been as a full-length novel.
Despite the barrage of characters and the abrupt shifts in scenery, the story’s core vein remained visible and pulsing. The protagonist’s chaotic lifestyle inspired an undercurrent of anxiety for her wellbeing, yet her resilience was admirable.
A brief but sobering portrait of queer messiness—and a compelling testament to women’s strength.
Astounding, despite being a short story. I can only imagine how extraordinary it might have been as a full-length novel.
Despite the barrage of characters and the abrupt shifts in scenery, the story’s core vein remained visible and pulsing. The protagonist’s chaotic lifestyle inspired an undercurrent of anxiety for her wellbeing, yet her resilience was admirable.
A brief but sobering portrait of queer messiness—and a compelling testament to women’s strength.
August 4, 2025
considering this touches on dark themes this was very sweet
April 28, 2026
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
“...And then–then–she laughs. It wouldn’t be much of one from any other person on earth, nothing more than a smile with wind. But it’s like she’s never done it before, ever, and her face changes aspect, or the light shining on it changes colour.” (p. 35)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
sapphic romance, historical fantasy, Greek mythology, novellas
An all-consuming sapphic romance
Death has come for Maia, but Maia’s final request ignites a burning longing in Death, rendering her enthralled.
I am left speechless.
Death & Maia is a poetic and deliciously emotional sapphic fantasy written as Maia’s stream of consciousness. Its intensity is absorbing, making it feel like a full sensory experience. I cannot remember the last time a book transformed me so powerfully.
These are pages you will want to savor.
I was searching for an evocative sapphic romance, and it found me. I am so thankful to the author for mailing me a gifted copy from across the Atlantic.
“...And then–then–she laughs. It wouldn’t be much of one from any other person on earth, nothing more than a smile with wind. But it’s like she’s never done it before, ever, and her face changes aspect, or the light shining on it changes colour.” (p. 35)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
sapphic romance, historical fantasy, Greek mythology, novellas
An all-consuming sapphic romance
Death has come for Maia, but Maia’s final request ignites a burning longing in Death, rendering her enthralled.
I am left speechless.
Death & Maia is a poetic and deliciously emotional sapphic fantasy written as Maia’s stream of consciousness. Its intensity is absorbing, making it feel like a full sensory experience. I cannot remember the last time a book transformed me so powerfully.
These are pages you will want to savor.
I was searching for an evocative sapphic romance, and it found me. I am so thankful to the author for mailing me a gifted copy from across the Atlantic.
June 13, 2025
DEATH & MAIA is a standalone story about a young woman beating a plague and trying to survive the best way she can. There are fantasy and historical elements to this story.
While I enjoyed the story, the writing style wasn't for me. There were parts that just didn't make any sense, and to be fair, I wasn't in a state of mind where I could dive deeper.
Some people will love this book, but it wasn't for me. Sorry!
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 13, 2025
While I enjoyed the story, the writing style wasn't for me. There were parts that just didn't make any sense, and to be fair, I wasn't in a state of mind where I could dive deeper.
Some people will love this book, but it wasn't for me. Sorry!
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 13, 2025
December 27, 2025
Death & Maia made me feel EVERYTHING, happiness, sadness (there were tears), that giddy feeling when you think things can only go up from here, the crushing reality of life in antiquity, & disbelief that the book had the audacity to be over.
All in under 200 pages!
I have no idea how the characters managed to feel so tangible and nuanced in such a short span of time, but their presence hasn’t left me. I mean, talk about brazen confidence to be on the verge of dying and to ask Lady Death for a kiss! Maia is such a badass and I adore her. The curiosity to infatuation to heat between Death & Maia was sexy and incredibly well written!
All in under 200 pages!
I have no idea how the characters managed to feel so tangible and nuanced in such a short span of time, but their presence hasn’t left me. I mean, talk about brazen confidence to be on the verge of dying and to ask Lady Death for a kiss! Maia is such a badass and I adore her. The curiosity to infatuation to heat between Death & Maia was sexy and incredibly well written!
January 27, 2026
Rivers of emotion diverging and converging
😭😭😭 So Sapphic. So special.
A train of thought style narration from Maia of Piraeus, a survivor.
Living in Greece with disease and poverty is hugely relatable, out of time, and very real.
Vibrant descriptions of emotion, location, and love swirl together like Death and Maia's journey together.
Each chapter is bursting with poetic language ripping great holes in restraint.
A book for feeling and yearning.
😭😭😭 So Sapphic. So special.
A train of thought style narration from Maia of Piraeus, a survivor.
Living in Greece with disease and poverty is hugely relatable, out of time, and very real.
Vibrant descriptions of emotion, location, and love swirl together like Death and Maia's journey together.
Each chapter is bursting with poetic language ripping great holes in restraint.
A book for feeling and yearning.
May 28, 2025
This is deeply hot and romantic. It reminds me of Piranesi a bit, you're in some kind of world, it feels classical but fantastic? Could've read in one sitting if my life allowed it, it's sooo hard to stop reading. <3 i WANT TO READ MORE
June 13, 2025
I really enjoyed Death & Maia. It has soul. It’s gritty, romantic, funny at times, and realistic. I’m adding this author to my read list because I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
September 13, 2025
Death and Maia is a beautifully written story, which to me reads as an exploration into grief, love fascination and infatuation with death. I really, truly, enjoyed this book. It feels like a unique premise and execution. AC Jolly did so well!!
December 16, 2025
I devoured this book, Maia's loss and grief, finding friends and people who care for her, Death, and our sweet, crazy Potone. it was a heartbreakingly wonderful book. Check TW, this has dark themes but a bright and beautiful story
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews