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A Kiss From Death
“Death is just a five-letter word, yet it consumes my entire existence, driving me to the brink of becoming the word itself.”
Destruction seems to follow Nyxi wherever she goes, and the man born from death itself is no exception. They messed with the wrong Vagrant, and soon everyone will find out just how hard she can bite.
When Nyxi’s world is thrown into chaos, there’s only one thing she can do to get her enter the Reaper Crucible—a cutthroat, deadly competition held in the sky, where two members from each of the five sectors are selected to participate in five bloody trials to the death. The prize for the sole survivor? The ability to wield magic and live among the Magicals up in Lunaria.
Nyxi has one win the Crucible, gain access to Lunaria, and exact her vengeance. But when she uncovers secrets hidden within the castle’s walls, her life is thrown into even greater turmoil.
Will she perish in the fires of her future before getting her revenge, or will she win it all—gaining the power to wield magic and becoming the very weapon she was meant to be?
Destruction seems to follow Nyxi wherever she goes, and the man born from death itself is no exception. They messed with the wrong Vagrant, and soon everyone will find out just how hard she can bite.
When Nyxi’s world is thrown into chaos, there’s only one thing she can do to get her enter the Reaper Crucible—a cutthroat, deadly competition held in the sky, where two members from each of the five sectors are selected to participate in five bloody trials to the death. The prize for the sole survivor? The ability to wield magic and live among the Magicals up in Lunaria.
Nyxi has one win the Crucible, gain access to Lunaria, and exact her vengeance. But when she uncovers secrets hidden within the castle’s walls, her life is thrown into even greater turmoil.
Will she perish in the fires of her future before getting her revenge, or will she win it all—gaining the power to wield magic and becoming the very weapon she was meant to be?
542 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2025
44 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Morgan
1 book27 followersAlexis Morgan was born and raised in the beautiful rainy state of Washington. She discovered her love for reading and writing later in life—thanks to a bout of boredom while her husband was deployed overseas. Since then, books have become her passion (and, admittedly, her whole personality). When she's not curled up with a good book, accompanied by her Frenchie, Enzo, and cat, Evie, you’ll likely find her at the gym, spending time with family, or—more often than not—browsing the aisles of her favorite bookstore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 24, 2025
4.5⭐️
I am genuinely FLOORED that this is a debut.
SO FREAKING GOOD!!!
The author did such a good job at painting the perfect picture in my head. This is such a beautiful world. Think whimsical clouds, glitter, bubbles, but make it also morally grey. I loved the vibes so much!!!
This book has one of my fav romantasy tropes ever-TRIALS!!!!
These trials reminded me a lot of Squid Games but with their own unique twists to them!
Now the BANTER in this book!!! IMMACULATE!!! CHEFS FREAKING KISSSS!!💋🤌🏼
The MMC Hade is delicious. “Who did this to you?” 🤭🤭
I loved Nyxi, she was so witty & honestly, such a badass.
I loved getting to see how her character grew throughout the book & by the ending… the next book is going to eatttttt🍽️
The found family in this book is the type that’s so freaking sweet & wholesome, I want to cry. Des was my fav side character bc I saw a lot of myself in her. She’s so bubbly & can be a lot sometimes but means well.
The ending of this book was everything I needed. My heart was racing, I shed a few tears & then I threw the book😃
So excited for book 2!!!!
I am genuinely FLOORED that this is a debut.
SO FREAKING GOOD!!!
The author did such a good job at painting the perfect picture in my head. This is such a beautiful world. Think whimsical clouds, glitter, bubbles, but make it also morally grey. I loved the vibes so much!!!
This book has one of my fav romantasy tropes ever-TRIALS!!!!
These trials reminded me a lot of Squid Games but with their own unique twists to them!
Now the BANTER in this book!!! IMMACULATE!!! CHEFS FREAKING KISSSS!!💋🤌🏼
The MMC Hade is delicious. “Who did this to you?” 🤭🤭
I loved Nyxi, she was so witty & honestly, such a badass.
I loved getting to see how her character grew throughout the book & by the ending… the next book is going to eatttttt🍽️
The found family in this book is the type that’s so freaking sweet & wholesome, I want to cry. Des was my fav side character bc I saw a lot of myself in her. She’s so bubbly & can be a lot sometimes but means well.
The ending of this book was everything I needed. My heart was racing, I shed a few tears & then I threw the book😃
So excited for book 2!!!!
October 28, 2025
what a great debut novel!
hunger games/squid games/lightlark vibes!! I just know book 2 will be even more action packed with the way this book ended!! ✨
hunger games/squid games/lightlark vibes!! I just know book 2 will be even more action packed with the way this book ended!! ✨
October 18, 2025
I just finished reading this Romantasy book on my lunch break so you're about to get my immediate fresh thoughts on this book. And that ending has me reeling so hopefully I can form my thoughts into coherent words.
This is a high-stakes Romantasy that takes place in a floating city in the sky. And it's very much Hunger Games meets Squid Games vibes, but make it full on Romantasy.
The main character Nyxi is full of feminine rage and on a mission to seek vengeance for her lost love. She enters herself into the Crucible where she endures deadly trials where the winning prize is earring the ability to wield magic.
Our MMC Hade is a shadow daddy through and through. The relationship between them is enemies to lovers with a slow burn, yearning, and so much banter. And there was definitely a who did this to you moment.
The side characters were amazing I especially loved Des, Nyxi’s best friend who has impeccable taste in fashion and reading romance novels. And also Winston who is a sucker for oranges. And there were so many other great characters too. It gave us found family and I loved it!
While the romance and friendships in the book were so great, I especially loved the scenes with the games or trials during the Crucible. I love a book with trials and this one was definitely entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat each time. The trials were all based on childhood games. Think a giant Jenga tower that the players had to climb and keep balanced, and battleship with real boats in water. The scenes were so well written I felt like I was right there in the trials with Nyxi.
And the last 10% of this book absolutely blew my mind! I thought I knew what was happening, but then I was completely thrown in a direction I was not expecting. And the ending left me so excited to read the next book in the series.
If you’re looking for a Romantasy book that’s full of passion, trials, found family, and story that will leave you wanting more, I definitely recommend you read A Kiss from Death.
Thank you to the author Alexis Morgan for the gifted advanced copy to read and review!
This is a high-stakes Romantasy that takes place in a floating city in the sky. And it's very much Hunger Games meets Squid Games vibes, but make it full on Romantasy.
The main character Nyxi is full of feminine rage and on a mission to seek vengeance for her lost love. She enters herself into the Crucible where she endures deadly trials where the winning prize is earring the ability to wield magic.
Our MMC Hade is a shadow daddy through and through. The relationship between them is enemies to lovers with a slow burn, yearning, and so much banter. And there was definitely a who did this to you moment.
The side characters were amazing I especially loved Des, Nyxi’s best friend who has impeccable taste in fashion and reading romance novels. And also Winston who is a sucker for oranges. And there were so many other great characters too. It gave us found family and I loved it!
While the romance and friendships in the book were so great, I especially loved the scenes with the games or trials during the Crucible. I love a book with trials and this one was definitely entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat each time. The trials were all based on childhood games. Think a giant Jenga tower that the players had to climb and keep balanced, and battleship with real boats in water. The scenes were so well written I felt like I was right there in the trials with Nyxi.
And the last 10% of this book absolutely blew my mind! I thought I knew what was happening, but then I was completely thrown in a direction I was not expecting. And the ending left me so excited to read the next book in the series.
If you’re looking for a Romantasy book that’s full of passion, trials, found family, and story that will leave you wanting more, I definitely recommend you read A Kiss from Death.
Thank you to the author Alexis Morgan for the gifted advanced copy to read and review!
October 21, 2025
Heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, poetically beautiful, and so very very entertaining. I was enthralled from the prologue guys. THE PROLOGUE GOT ME HOOKED. I thought I saw the plot twist coming but IT KEPT TWISTING??? I don’t even know what to say besides read this book. I almost cried on 3 occasions and held my hand to my mouth 5x. I was utterly shocked at how amazing of a read this was with how little praise this book is getting. Not only was the cover STUNNING, but the writing rivals some of the larger author names out there. Wondering if you’d be interested?? LET ME SELL YOU.
Tropes: (no big spoilers involved)
- Hunger games x squid games?
- Bodyguard🤭
- One bed
- ONE HORSE?
- Shadow daddy
- “Who did this to you?”
- He heals her wounds
- Trainer x trainee
AND SO MANY MORE AMAZING ONES THAT I CANT SAY BECAUSE IT WOULD SPOIL 😔
all this to say, read this book immediately so i can talk to someone about this. I shall feel distraught until book 2 is in my grubby little paws.
Tropes: (no big spoilers involved)
- Hunger games x squid games?
- Bodyguard🤭
- One bed
- ONE HORSE?
- Shadow daddy
- “Who did this to you?”
- He heals her wounds
- Trainer x trainee
AND SO MANY MORE AMAZING ONES THAT I CANT SAY BECAUSE IT WOULD SPOIL 😔
all this to say, read this book immediately so i can talk to someone about this. I shall feel distraught until book 2 is in my grubby little paws.
August 25, 2025
The characters in A Kiss From Death are raw and beyond lovable. The banter will have you giggling like a little girl. The quirks sprinkled throughout the book are endearing and the twists… you’ll never see coming. It’s so easy to see that Alexis has managed to put her heart and soul into the pages of this debut masterpiece and it is every bit worth the read. Buckle up because this novel will have your emotions spiraling and leave you craving more.
August 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
A Kiss From Death checked so many of the boxes I look for in a Romantasy. A combination of Divergent, Hunger Games, and Throne of Glass. From the sharp banter to the goldmine of supporting characters (special shoutout to the makeover queen herself, Des, and the ever-sweet Winston), I found myself fully engaged, entertained, giggling, and kicking my feet. I loved that this story brought in unique elements that set it apart from other trial-centered fantasies, and the twists genuinely kept me on my toes. The ending especially left me intrigued and eager for what’s to come in the next installment.
What I would have loved to see a little more of were the higher stakes within the trials themselves—while creative, I didn’t always feel the sense of real danger. And when the story delivered emotional gut-punches, I sometimes wished those moments had lingered longer to really let me sit in the grief before the characters moved forward. That said, these were only small things compared to how much I enjoyed the journey overall.
The romantic tension, layered with themes of loss and moving forward, added depth to the story, and I really appreciated how the characters handled those complexities with care. It made me feel even more invested in the relationships.
Overall, A Kiss From Death is a fresh and exciting entry into the Romantasy world, with banter, heart, and mystery all wrapped into one. I’m so thankful I had the chance to read an ARC, and I cannot wait to see where Alexis Morgan takes us next!
Review:
A Kiss From Death checked so many of the boxes I look for in a Romantasy. A combination of Divergent, Hunger Games, and Throne of Glass. From the sharp banter to the goldmine of supporting characters (special shoutout to the makeover queen herself, Des, and the ever-sweet Winston), I found myself fully engaged, entertained, giggling, and kicking my feet. I loved that this story brought in unique elements that set it apart from other trial-centered fantasies, and the twists genuinely kept me on my toes. The ending especially left me intrigued and eager for what’s to come in the next installment.
What I would have loved to see a little more of were the higher stakes within the trials themselves—while creative, I didn’t always feel the sense of real danger. And when the story delivered emotional gut-punches, I sometimes wished those moments had lingered longer to really let me sit in the grief before the characters moved forward. That said, these were only small things compared to how much I enjoyed the journey overall.
The romantic tension, layered with themes of loss and moving forward, added depth to the story, and I really appreciated how the characters handled those complexities with care. It made me feel even more invested in the relationships.
Overall, A Kiss From Death is a fresh and exciting entry into the Romantasy world, with banter, heart, and mystery all wrapped into one. I’m so thankful I had the chance to read an ARC, and I cannot wait to see where Alexis Morgan takes us next!
October 14, 2025
i debated whether i wanted to leave a review at all. because some of my opinion will probably sound really mean and it doesn't bring me joy. but the point of arc reading is to leave an honest review, so honest i will be.
August 29, 2025
This is the next big Fantasy book/series. The next ACOTAR, the next Empyrean, the next Throne of Glass because this was the first book that made me feel how all of those books made me feel. The characters are incredible and you are bound to find at least one character that you feel connected to. I felt every single emotion in this book and I felt it WILDLY. Alexis Morgan is a creative genius who is so clever, it should be illegal. It was so beautiful how she was able to articulate the feelings of Nyxi being in love with someone who passed away but was still able to find love after even though she felt like she was betraying her first love. That felt personal and was so well done. The ending. Holy fucking shit, the ending. This was the first time I ever experienced hating a character the entire book to falling in love with them the last three pages and being heartbroken for them. I don’t know how she did it but Alexis Morgan was meant to be an author and I am DYING to read more about Nyxi, our badass FMC and our new favorite Shadow Daddy and Daddy of Death, Hade.
August 13, 2025
Nyxi is the perfect blend of being super relatable while also able to kick serious ass. Imagine The Hunger Games colliding with Powerless, wrapped in fantasy elements you won’t believe until you read them. The banter? Top tier. The slow burn? The kind that will have you screaming and in my case, throwing my Kindle. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, this book is your new obsession. For those who live for the ‘Touch her and you die’ trope, allow me to introduce you to Hade… two words: shadow daddy. This book will make you laugh, cry, rage, and feel everything in between. And that ending? A plot twist you’ll never see coming. The moment this releases, it’s going straight to my special edition shelf. Also… I love oranges. If you know, you know.
September 6, 2025
4.25⭐️ wow!!! The banter in this book, morally grey mmc… the way Alexis built out this world and had me visualizing a whimsical world in the clouds. the ending to this book… I already know the next book is gonna go off and I literally cannot wait!!
August 7, 2025
Nyxi is a sassy badass fmc in this book and I am here for it! This story is a mix up of squid game and divergent mixed with some magic which makes it all the more interesting. If you love enemies to lovers this will also be one for you because let me tell you Nyxi and Hade are on fire in this story. I need this in paperback
August 12, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC and it’s my first EVER ARC!
Deadly trials
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Banter 💋
Kick ass FMC
The MMC? Hades? 😍😉
I had trouble putting this book down and now I’m going to be stalking her page for book two! Omg I need it like now.
Do yourself a favor and pre order it now or at least grab it when it comes out 8/26!
Deadly trials
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Banter 💋
Kick ass FMC
The MMC? Hades? 😍😉
I had trouble putting this book down and now I’m going to be stalking her page for book two! Omg I need it like now.
Do yourself a favor and pre order it now or at least grab it when it comes out 8/26!
August 11, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and it is probably my favorite ARC read all year!!!
I just….
I don’t….
I can’t find the words to describe this book accurately.
HOLY SH*T!!! The fact that I have to wait for the second book has me so incredibly flustered.
This book had it all!! Deadly competition, FMC that I wanted to be my hero, absolutely perfect side characters, beautiful world building. And the slow burn enemies to lovers. PHEW!! I love Hade and want him for myself!
Don’t even get me started on the last 10% of the book!! The rollercoaster ride you take had me squealing, laughing, crying, huffing. It was perfection!!
Alexis please hurry with the second book!!
DEFINITELY READ THIS BOOK!!
I just….
I don’t….
I can’t find the words to describe this book accurately.
HOLY SH*T!!! The fact that I have to wait for the second book has me so incredibly flustered.
This book had it all!! Deadly competition, FMC that I wanted to be my hero, absolutely perfect side characters, beautiful world building. And the slow burn enemies to lovers. PHEW!! I love Hade and want him for myself!
Don’t even get me started on the last 10% of the book!! The rollercoaster ride you take had me squealing, laughing, crying, huffing. It was perfection!!
Alexis please hurry with the second book!!
DEFINITELY READ THIS BOOK!!
August 26, 2025
So so good! Romantasy and trials? I’m here for it everytime 😍
August 27, 2025
From the very first chapter, this book pulled me in and didn’t let go. The writing is sharp, the pacing is fast without ever feeling rushed, and the emotions cut deep in the best way. I kept telling myself I’d stop after “just one more chapter”… and suddenly I was at the end, desperate for more.
The characters felt so real and complex that I caught myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading. The main character is the kind of heroine I’ve been craving—clever, resilient, and full of fire—and the love interest?? Absolutely magnetic. Their dynamic had me grinning, swooning, and holding my breath all at once.
What stood out most for me was the balance: moments that made me laugh, moments that made me ache, and twists that kept me on edge. It’s one of those rare reads that makes you feel everything.
I can’t believe this is a debut. It’s bold, addictive, and honestly one of the most fun and emotional reading experiences I’ve had in a long time. I’m already counting the days until the next book.
The characters felt so real and complex that I caught myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading. The main character is the kind of heroine I’ve been craving—clever, resilient, and full of fire—and the love interest?? Absolutely magnetic. Their dynamic had me grinning, swooning, and holding my breath all at once.
What stood out most for me was the balance: moments that made me laugh, moments that made me ache, and twists that kept me on edge. It’s one of those rare reads that makes you feel everything.
I can’t believe this is a debut. It’s bold, addictive, and honestly one of the most fun and emotional reading experiences I’ve had in a long time. I’m already counting the days until the next book.
August 25, 2025
ARC REVIEW •
Author Alexis Morgan and I have VERY similar taste in books so when she announced she was writing her own Romantasy debut novel I knew it was going to be an IMMEDIATE read for me and I feel so privileged to have been able devour this before the rest of the world could.
A kiss from death deserves all the hype in the world & I had the best time reading this book. The banter, the slow burn, the ANGST, the tension — truly a work of art that I ATE UP. Not to mention the best side characters that challenged our sweet FMC, Nyxi in the best way. & Hade, our MMC, is going to be everyone’s new book boyfriend. Not to mention, you get a pronunciation guide to ensure you’re saying all the characters names correctly, a guide to the magic system, as well as maps — I could not appreciate this ENOUGH as a reader.
If you love enemies to lovers, “who did this to you?” moments, fierce FMCs, delicious cliff hangers, & oranges, A Kiss from Death NEEDS to be at the top of your TBR. I truly couldn’t put her down.
💗🗡️🖤🍊
Author Alexis Morgan and I have VERY similar taste in books so when she announced she was writing her own Romantasy debut novel I knew it was going to be an IMMEDIATE read for me and I feel so privileged to have been able devour this before the rest of the world could.
A kiss from death deserves all the hype in the world & I had the best time reading this book. The banter, the slow burn, the ANGST, the tension — truly a work of art that I ATE UP. Not to mention the best side characters that challenged our sweet FMC, Nyxi in the best way. & Hade, our MMC, is going to be everyone’s new book boyfriend. Not to mention, you get a pronunciation guide to ensure you’re saying all the characters names correctly, a guide to the magic system, as well as maps — I could not appreciate this ENOUGH as a reader.
If you love enemies to lovers, “who did this to you?” moments, fierce FMCs, delicious cliff hangers, & oranges, A Kiss from Death NEEDS to be at the top of your TBR. I truly couldn’t put her down.
💗🗡️🖤🍊
August 24, 2025
4⭐️ - Oh wow, what a debut novel! A fantasy romance packed with fated mates, political intrigue, and life-or-death trials. Think The Hunger Games, but with more magic and way more sizzling chemistry between the leads. Speaking of which, it did take me a minute to really get invested in their relationship, but by around 45%, their chemistry went from "meh" to wow—and I was ALL in! 😏
And the spice? Oh boy, it was SPICING! 🔥 Lexi, you are a wizard with words (and let’s just say, the MMC... whew). The man knows how to work his charm—and, well, his mouth 😏
For a debut? Seriously impressive. The writing just gets better and better as you go, and by the end, I couldn’t put it down. I was dying to know what happens next. Book two, please!! 🤩
Huge thanks to Lexi for the eARC! I loved every page. Can’t wait for more! 🙌
And the spice? Oh boy, it was SPICING! 🔥 Lexi, you are a wizard with words (and let’s just say, the MMC... whew). The man knows how to work his charm—and, well, his mouth 😏
For a debut? Seriously impressive. The writing just gets better and better as you go, and by the end, I couldn’t put it down. I was dying to know what happens next. Book two, please!! 🤩
Huge thanks to Lexi for the eARC! I loved every page. Can’t wait for more! 🙌
August 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ (rounding up for Goodreads because the vibes were just that good 😍🙌🏻 and a 4 ⭐️ would be too low!)
Umm ALEXIS. Are you SURE this is your debut novel??
I absolutely ate up this book!! Nyxi is such a strong FMC, and I lived for her sarcasm, strength, wit, and bravery. Nyxi is all you could ask for in a strong FMC.
Hade… ooooh boy. If you’re into the shadow daddy type, look NO further. Possessive, jealous, protective, but also vulnerable and utterly sweet. I’ve typed out a million other things to say about him but I feel like nothing does him justice 😂 Perfect. No notes.
I LIVE for enemies to lovers, and I loved how it was done in this book. I also love the deadly games aspect. Yes a lot of other books do it, but it never gets old for me 😂 I will say my only note is that the beginning part felt very similar to another book based on how things played out and it detracted me a bit in the beginning, but once the story started getting really unique, DANG!!
The banter, the tension, and the yearning where what kept me thinking about this book literally any time I wasn’t reading it. You know a book is good if it’s consuming your thoughts outside of you reading it.
Would definitely recommend this book for romantasy lovers! I am also so grateful for the opportunity I had to ARC read this, THANK YOU!! But now I’m mad at Alexis for making me go through the torture of that ending and having to wait extra long now for the next book 😂 (jk)
Umm ALEXIS. Are you SURE this is your debut novel??
I absolutely ate up this book!! Nyxi is such a strong FMC, and I lived for her sarcasm, strength, wit, and bravery. Nyxi is all you could ask for in a strong FMC.
Hade… ooooh boy. If you’re into the shadow daddy type, look NO further. Possessive, jealous, protective, but also vulnerable and utterly sweet. I’ve typed out a million other things to say about him but I feel like nothing does him justice 😂 Perfect. No notes.
I LIVE for enemies to lovers, and I loved how it was done in this book. I also love the deadly games aspect. Yes a lot of other books do it, but it never gets old for me 😂 I will say my only note is that the beginning part felt very similar to another book based on how things played out and it detracted me a bit in the beginning, but once the story started getting really unique, DANG!!
The banter, the tension, and the yearning where what kept me thinking about this book literally any time I wasn’t reading it. You know a book is good if it’s consuming your thoughts outside of you reading it.
Would definitely recommend this book for romantasy lovers! I am also so grateful for the opportunity I had to ARC read this, THANK YOU!! But now I’m mad at Alexis for making me go through the torture of that ending and having to wait extra long now for the next book 😂 (jk)
August 25, 2025
While I generally don't condone throwing a book at the wall, the ending to this debut romantasy had me considering it, mentally of course! Because I cannot freaking wait for the next installment in this series!!!!!
The fact that this is a debut novel has me gagged!
I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc from the queen Alexis Morgan herself and I am forever grateful, but on the other hand I now have to wait for what feels like forever for book 2!
Don't even get me started on the BANTER in this book!
The MMC, Hades, has a "who did this to you?" scene..... I was SAT
The slew of characters made this book all the more fun.
There is also found family which I am always incredibly fond of!
I am so excited to see where book 2 takes us from here!
The fact that this is a debut novel has me gagged!
I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc from the queen Alexis Morgan herself and I am forever grateful, but on the other hand I now have to wait for what feels like forever for book 2!
Don't even get me started on the BANTER in this book!
The MMC, Hades, has a "who did this to you?" scene..... I was SAT
The slew of characters made this book all the more fun.
There is also found family which I am always incredibly fond of!
I am so excited to see where book 2 takes us from here!
September 4, 2025
Wow!!! This debut Romantasy is incredible! This had so many aspects of Romantasy that I love: found family, morally grey characters, unique magic, twists, a bad ass FMC, and so much more.
Our FMC, Nyxi, is seeking vengeance. To do so, she enters Lunaria’s deadly trials; the winner receives what everyone wants: magic. The trials in this book are Divergent/Squid Games-esque with each round being a twist on a children’s games we all know. The tension and suspense doesn’t end with the trials; in fact it’s only beginning. The brooding, deadly, seems to pull Nyxi in…
I was into this book from the start but by the end my jaw was hanging on the floor, I need book 2 now!! Such a great story, I cannot wait for more!
Our FMC, Nyxi, is seeking vengeance. To do so, she enters Lunaria’s deadly trials; the winner receives what everyone wants: magic. The trials in this book are Divergent/Squid Games-esque with each round being a twist on a children’s games we all know. The tension and suspense doesn’t end with the trials; in fact it’s only beginning. The brooding, deadly, seems to pull Nyxi in…
I was into this book from the start but by the end my jaw was hanging on the floor, I need book 2 now!! Such a great story, I cannot wait for more!
August 27, 2025
6/5 stars! I am obsessed with A Kiss From Death and will recommend this book to everyone. The characters feel like you could be friends, the banter and slow burn is perfection, the emotional whiplash, the twists and the cliff hanger at the end have me needing book two ASAP. You will giggle (yes, giggle), scream, cry, and both want to throw the book and also hold it tight. You will want to give up precious hours of sleep to stay up and finish this book.
Thank you so much Lex for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!
Thank you so much Lex for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!
August 17, 2025
What a great debut novel! I had a good time with this one. Thank you Alexis for giving me this ARC!!
I’m a sucker for trials and witty banter. Loved the darker themes and brutal action in here.
I really enjoyed the slow burn in this one. The spice was really well done. Honestly my only downside is that the romance sometimes took away from the high-stakes plot line. Still, I liked that it wasn’t TOO lighthearted and had the grit and petty banter that I enjoy in a fantasy romance. The FMC was kind, strong, goofy and relatable. I liked that she was fierce and held her own (a little annoying at times IMO but aren’t we all? I respect it lol).
The side characters were super loveable and added a lot of charm. I love that in books!!!
There were also a few twists that really enjoyed! And especially near the end—it kept me invested.
This was an enjoyable read overall and I would definitely recommend to fantasy/romantacy lovers!
I’m a sucker for trials and witty banter. Loved the darker themes and brutal action in here.
I really enjoyed the slow burn in this one. The spice was really well done. Honestly my only downside is that the romance sometimes took away from the high-stakes plot line. Still, I liked that it wasn’t TOO lighthearted and had the grit and petty banter that I enjoy in a fantasy romance. The FMC was kind, strong, goofy and relatable. I liked that she was fierce and held her own (a little annoying at times IMO but aren’t we all? I respect it lol).
The side characters were super loveable and added a lot of charm. I love that in books!!!
There were also a few twists that really enjoyed! And especially near the end—it kept me invested.
This was an enjoyable read overall and I would definitely recommend to fantasy/romantacy lovers!
September 3, 2025
Trials?? Yeah I’m going to eat it up.
Loved all the characters!! Nyxi is a hilarious and badass FMC👊🏻Theo… my babygirl🫶🏻 and Hade…well…🥵🤭
And the ending?? Yeah I’m going to need book two!
Thanks Alexis for my first ARC🫶🏻
Loved all the characters!! Nyxi is a hilarious and badass FMC👊🏻Theo… my babygirl🫶🏻 and Hade…well…🥵🤭
And the ending?? Yeah I’m going to need book two!
Thanks Alexis for my first ARC🫶🏻
August 16, 2025
Wow! For a debut novel, this was so good!Imagine Hunger Games and Squid Games and add in fantasy and that kind of helps describe this book.
The story follows Nyxi who is out for revenge against the magic wielders of Lunaria for the death of her loved one. She enters the Reaper Crucible to compete at the chance to gain magic. These are deadly games where there is only one winner.
I really thought Nyxi was a strong badass FMC. I loved the banter and tension between her and Hade. If you love enemies to lovers, this book is a must!
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. At times though, Nyxi would annoy me. She kind of would act too childish to me at times. I did really enjoy the ending (even though it’s a cliffhanger) - had me gasping and needing book two now.
Thank you Alexis for providing me a free eARC for this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Nyxi who is out for revenge against the magic wielders of Lunaria for the death of her loved one. She enters the Reaper Crucible to compete at the chance to gain magic. These are deadly games where there is only one winner.
I really thought Nyxi was a strong badass FMC. I loved the banter and tension between her and Hade. If you love enemies to lovers, this book is a must!
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. At times though, Nyxi would annoy me. She kind of would act too childish to me at times. I did really enjoy the ending (even though it’s a cliffhanger) - had me gasping and needing book two now.
Thank you Alexis for providing me a free eARC for this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2025
This book gives Hunger Games/ACOTAR vibes, but I am totally here for it! Shadow Daddy keeps this easy to read book spicy and oh so easy to read!!
September 9, 2025
10 stars. I absolutely can not wait until book 2
October 15, 2025
I loved this book! Fell in love with all the characters. Enjoyed all the plot twists. I can’t wait for book 2. That ending omg Alexis why would you do that to us🥲
October 21, 2025
HOLY MOLY!!!
This book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ⭐️’s
I could not put this book down honestly it was SO DANG GOOD✨ from the grief, rage, banter, magic and trials it all came together so amazing! Not to mention the way Alexis Morgan describes everything made it all come to life off of the page. It was all well thought out and a different way to get magic including some crazy trials and twists!
This books gives Hunger games meets squid games with magic and fantasy! I ATE IT UP!! 👀
My girl Nyxi is for sure a firecracker! I loved her from the minute I started reading she’s full of sass, jokes and of course she is a softy at heart behind her badass self. She had to go through a lot in the beginning and not to mention everything she finds out at the END OF THE BOOK!! 🥺🤍
HADE🫣🔥 is a hot shadow daddy! I mean come on I couldn’t get over it! This man was also very sassy (I LOVED IT) he cracked me up as well, mysterious, sweet and caring after he opens up!
Nyxi + Hade💕 THE SLOW BURN WAS SO SO SO GOOD! I WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO KISS and when it finally happened it was worth that wait! 🥵🔥 their connection is amazing. I have so many good quotes highlighted here’s a few: “The feeling of having the mighty cardinals undivided attention is mind-numbing, like taking the strongest drug visionary sector could offer. It’s dizzying and all consuming. It’s too much, but at the same time, it’s not enough at all. Now that I’ve gotten the smallest taste, I fear I may become an addict.” (Nyxi)
“Oh, Nightmare, after I’m through with you, you would be reduced to nothing.” “The havoc I would wreck in your body would level entire cities.” “You would never stand a chance at surviving me, Nyxi. Body and soul included.” (Hade)
On top of that I connected well with the characters and loved all of Nyxi friends especially her and Des 🥹 I can’t wait to learn more about all of friends in the next book.
The ending did have me surprised just when I thought I knew where it was going… BAM it was switched up and let me tell you, I NEED the next book like air becasue what!!! The ending can’t be right I need answers and more! 🤯😳
This book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ⭐️’s
I could not put this book down honestly it was SO DANG GOOD✨ from the grief, rage, banter, magic and trials it all came together so amazing! Not to mention the way Alexis Morgan describes everything made it all come to life off of the page. It was all well thought out and a different way to get magic including some crazy trials and twists!
This books gives Hunger games meets squid games with magic and fantasy! I ATE IT UP!! 👀
My girl Nyxi is for sure a firecracker! I loved her from the minute I started reading she’s full of sass, jokes and of course she is a softy at heart behind her badass self. She had to go through a lot in the beginning and not to mention everything she finds out at the END OF THE BOOK!! 🥺🤍
HADE🫣🔥 is a hot shadow daddy! I mean come on I couldn’t get over it! This man was also very sassy (I LOVED IT) he cracked me up as well, mysterious, sweet and caring after he opens up!
Nyxi + Hade💕 THE SLOW BURN WAS SO SO SO GOOD! I WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO KISS and when it finally happened it was worth that wait! 🥵🔥 their connection is amazing. I have so many good quotes highlighted here’s a few: “The feeling of having the mighty cardinals undivided attention is mind-numbing, like taking the strongest drug visionary sector could offer. It’s dizzying and all consuming. It’s too much, but at the same time, it’s not enough at all. Now that I’ve gotten the smallest taste, I fear I may become an addict.” (Nyxi)
“Oh, Nightmare, after I’m through with you, you would be reduced to nothing.” “The havoc I would wreck in your body would level entire cities.” “You would never stand a chance at surviving me, Nyxi. Body and soul included.” (Hade)
On top of that I connected well with the characters and loved all of Nyxi friends especially her and Des 🥹 I can’t wait to learn more about all of friends in the next book.
The ending did have me surprised just when I thought I knew where it was going… BAM it was switched up and let me tell you, I NEED the next book like air becasue what!!! The ending can’t be right I need answers and more! 🤯😳
Read
August 22, 2025Will not give a star rating since I am DNF’ing at 9%.
I was really excited about this debut, and so thankful for receiving an arc of A Kiss From Death. Unfortunately I just could not connect with this book. The FMC was described at the beginning as having a “thundercloud” personality, and she is so badass/scary “everyone runs when they see her coming” but through the remainder of what I read and how she speaks, I wasn’t getting those vibes from her at all, and kept taking me out of the story. This and some other things made it hard for me to connect with the character, the story, or want to continue reading.
I’m happy it looks like others are enjoying it, and maybe I’ll try again in the future, but right now, it’s not for me.
I was really excited about this debut, and so thankful for receiving an arc of A Kiss From Death. Unfortunately I just could not connect with this book. The FMC was described at the beginning as having a “thundercloud” personality, and she is so badass/scary “everyone runs when they see her coming” but through the remainder of what I read and how she speaks, I wasn’t getting those vibes from her at all, and kept taking me out of the story. This and some other things made it hard for me to connect with the character, the story, or want to continue reading.
I’m happy it looks like others are enjoying it, and maybe I’ll try again in the future, but right now, it’s not for me.
August 29, 2025
Okay I want to start this by saying this review WILL have some negative comments in it, but I do think this book has an audience out there and it wasn’t a BAD or completely unenjoyable book, and I do intend on continuing the series when book two comes out!
The Negatives:
⁃ Up until the last 5-6 chapters this book felt very unoriginal. This felt like if Hunger Games, Divergent, Powerless and Squid Games all had a child together, but not exactly in a good way. The 5 sectors felt very similar to the 5 factions in Divergent. Hunger Games is obvious, with the deadly trials/games the main character has to go through, with two people being selected from each sector. Squid games because each round of the games is a childhood game. You see where I’m going here.
⁃ The blurb of this book focuses HEAVILY on the Reapers Crucible, the deadly games the main character participates in, but in fact the games are a pretty small portion of the book. The book is 50 chapters, and there are only 5 chapters dedicated to the actual games, one for each round. So not a lot of time is actually spent seeing the games.
⁃ In the last 75 pages or so something HUGE is revealed that is SO much more interesting than anything else that has been revealed so far and I want to see more about, but instead of focusing on that throughout the book it feels like nothing of importance happens. It felt like this book would have been much more interesting if the plot revealed at the end would have been the MAIN plot instead of focusing on the overdone deadly games/trials.
The Positives:
⁃ This book portrays grief VERY well. Nyxi loses someone very close to her, but throughout it all I was expecting that grief and hurt to fall away as the gets closer to the MMC but instead it shows her HEALING but not forgetting her past. She constantly thinks about her past and keeps pieces close to her, which made her feel more human to me.
⁃ As I kind of touched on above, the last 75 pages of the book are really good. The twist totally blindsided me, but looking back it makes perfect sense. There’s this secret plot within the plot that you see glimpses of throughout the story, and those last chapters really bring that secret plot to the surface.
⁃ I enjoyed the love interest scenes, the banter was amusing and definitely made this a light, more fun read.
Overall, this book was a decent read. It was perfect for my weekend roadtrip as it was an easy car read. It definitely had some issues, but I believe this book has an audience out there just waiting to discover it. Also, despite some of the qualms I have with this book I will be getting the 2nd book for sure, because say what you will this ending was BRUTAL and I finish what I start (I need so see what happens next lol).
The Negatives:
⁃ Up until the last 5-6 chapters this book felt very unoriginal. This felt like if Hunger Games, Divergent, Powerless and Squid Games all had a child together, but not exactly in a good way. The 5 sectors felt very similar to the 5 factions in Divergent. Hunger Games is obvious, with the deadly trials/games the main character has to go through, with two people being selected from each sector. Squid games because each round of the games is a childhood game. You see where I’m going here.
⁃ The blurb of this book focuses HEAVILY on the Reapers Crucible, the deadly games the main character participates in, but in fact the games are a pretty small portion of the book. The book is 50 chapters, and there are only 5 chapters dedicated to the actual games, one for each round. So not a lot of time is actually spent seeing the games.
⁃ In the last 75 pages or so something HUGE is revealed that is SO much more interesting than anything else that has been revealed so far and I want to see more about, but instead of focusing on that throughout the book it feels like nothing of importance happens. It felt like this book would have been much more interesting if the plot revealed at the end would have been the MAIN plot instead of focusing on the overdone deadly games/trials.
The Positives:
⁃ This book portrays grief VERY well. Nyxi loses someone very close to her, but throughout it all I was expecting that grief and hurt to fall away as the gets closer to the MMC but instead it shows her HEALING but not forgetting her past. She constantly thinks about her past and keeps pieces close to her, which made her feel more human to me.
⁃ As I kind of touched on above, the last 75 pages of the book are really good. The twist totally blindsided me, but looking back it makes perfect sense. There’s this secret plot within the plot that you see glimpses of throughout the story, and those last chapters really bring that secret plot to the surface.
⁃ I enjoyed the love interest scenes, the banter was amusing and definitely made this a light, more fun read.
Overall, this book was a decent read. It was perfect for my weekend roadtrip as it was an easy car read. It definitely had some issues, but I believe this book has an audience out there just waiting to discover it. Also, despite some of the qualms I have with this book I will be getting the 2nd book for sure, because say what you will this ending was BRUTAL and I finish what I start (I need so see what happens next lol).
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