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Death #8

Goddess of Death

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I knew Callum would come for me.

I leave the treacherous underworld behind and return to life with the man I love -- finally. But when I ask him to marry me, there's a heaviness in his silence. He admits that he's kept something from me...and he finally tells me his truth.

A secret I wish he'd taken to the grave.

A secret that changes everything.

Callum had earned the respect and acceptance of everyone in my life, but then he destroys it in just the span of minutes. I'm not sure where this leaves us, but the situation only gets worse when Leviathan returns.

The God of the Underworld says if I don't return to the underworld, the covenant will destroy the portal between our realms...and everyone I love will die.

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2026

304 people are currently reading
143 people want to read

About the author

Penelope Barsetti

20 books958 followers
Penelope Barsetti is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her beloved novels have sold more than 5 Million copies, and her work has been translated into a dozen languages. Readers may know her by another name, Penelope Sky, where she writes contemporary dark romance.

An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.

Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for MsAprilreadswhat.
147 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 17, 2026
This is the final installment in the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Callum's unwavering devotion to Lilly was truly inspiring, and their love story was nothing short of epic, filled with passion and depth. I sincerely hope Viper finds his soulmate, as he deserves happiness. Throughout the story, I found myself questioning what the future holds—will love ultimately prevail against all odds? I especially appreciated seeing Talon grow as a father; his resilience and strength shone through when faced with difficulties. He never backed down, remaining steadfast for his daughter and recognizing her inner strength, which was genuinely moving. ❤️ The conclusion was a good wrap for the series.
Profile Image for Carrie  W.
87 reviews
January 22, 2026
Penelope's writing is always a home-run, in my opinion. This series is so good!!!

This is the last book in Lily's trilogy. This is second generation of the Rothschilds. If you haven't read Talon and Calista's story (the parents), you have to start there first. This review covers the trilogy.

Lily is a wanderer and is not happy being a princess. Her father raised her to fight, hunt, and be tough. She likes to sail the world with her crew until a storm blows her off course and she lands on an island her father warned her never to go, the underworld.

God of the underworld, Wrath, feels her as soon as she steps foot on the island. He knows who she is because of her Rothschild blood. He feels a connection to her immediately. He helps her with her wrecked ship and gets her back in the water to sail home but he warns her that there are barbarians heading her way and she should wait to leave until they pass. She doesn't heed his warning. When the barbarians catch her out at sea, Wrath saves her from capture, but her crew perish. The leader of the barbarians is already a customer of Wrath's and he eventually learns that he's also helping Lily, which he is forbidden to do.

Wrath sees Lily home safely even though she is the only one that can see him. He visits her often and gives her gifts of power and the ability to raise the dead. When they go to war in Riviana with the barbarians, Lily's father, King Talon, is mortally injured by a weapon that the barbarians use that is poisoned with something no one knows how to cure. With Wrath's powers given to Lily for the battle, they win that battle but the war is on the horizon.

They make it back to the Southern Isles where Talon is kept alive by dragon energy until everyone can figure out how to cure the injury that continually poisons Talon's blood. Wrath and Lily start to admit their feelings for each other but know that nothing can come of it since he's the God of the underworld and only visible to her. Also, her father would never allow it. But he helps to find a cure and procure it. In the mean time, Lily has to become Queen while her father is indisposed and Wrath still has his duties as God of the underworld (taking souls for favors). She doesn't yet know that he made a deal before he met her that will rip them apart.

Much happens that I can't get into without a lot of spoilers, but this last book has me all up in my feels. I cried quite a bit through this one..not a sloppy cry but a slow release of tears. The writing was just that good...where I could feel my heart hurt. Just beautiful. This is an HEA, thank God!

Penelope is one of those authors that I will read without reading reviews because I know it will be a great read. Hands down. The spice is there without being the main focus. It's there when it needs to be without feeling like fluff. I can't oversell this author enough. If you like fantasy, romance, action, heartbreak, and all the feels that come with all of that, this author will feed your soul. Happy reading!



Profile Image for LiftsandLiterature.
30 reviews
January 28, 2026
I can’t believe this series is over! What a perfect ending. This series is absolutely phenomenal and I will definitely be rereading in the future.
Profile Image for Sierra J.
110 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 18, 2026
3.75 solid stars 🌟
(rounding up to 4 for the rating system)

Okay, I want to start off by saying I love Penelope so y'all please don't come after me 🙈 I've really enjoyed the journey we've gone on with Callum and Lily. There was so much gut wrenching, action packed storytelling here throughout this entire series. Some parts made me cry, some parts made me angry, some made me happy, relieved, sad—I truly felt it all in this series. The reason I felt the need to lower my rating is because of the repetativeness in general. And while I love Penelope and her writing, I felt like some things were drawn out and on a loop when they didn't need to be.
One of my favorite things about this book was the closure we see with Callum. It was heartwarming and moving to see his journey with his family and how the similarities between him and Talon brought them closer together. I teared up reading some of the deeply emotionally impacting scenes in Goddess of Death. It hits hard in the feels 🥹

Love Penelope and can't wait to see what she comes out with next. 🫶
Profile Image for revieweswithracqs.
1,873 reviews9 followers
February 17, 2026
Oh how I loved this series, there it is, the finale I waited for all this time and man was it worth it, both MMC and FMC got their HEA. This author can do no wrong for me and I highly recommend this series. Happy reading!
146 reviews
January 16, 2026
Goddess of Death is the epic conclusion in this eight book series masterpiece. The last time we saw Lily, she was trapped in the underworld with Leviathan and Callum had set out to go rescue her. We start the book with Callum who completes his mission, getting Lily safely out to be reunited with her family. Once reunited with her family, Lily thinks that everything is past them and wants to start her life with Callum. Callum though seems to be living in the moment rather than thinking about the future. When Lily tells him she wants to marry him, he has no choice but to confess a secret that will change the way she feels about him. She wishes he never told her because now she is conflicted. She loves him, but she doesn’t know if she can be with him. Now Callum has to navigate his life on his own…. for now.

Callum is thrilled to be reunited with Lily but he knows they’re on borrowed time. He knows the minute he tells her the truth, that her feelings will change. He sensed her hesitation after revealing his secret, so he gives her the space she needs. He believes she’s always gonna love him and if he’s patient, she will come back to him. He will wait forever if he has to as long as there’s a chance. To make matters worse, Leviathan wants Lily back and he threatens to destroy the portal between realms, and kill everyone. Callum and Lily must put aside their fragile relationship in order to work together to take down Leviathan and protect every one. If they want to be together, they need to make sure to take down the god of the underworld once and for all. When it’s all over, they can find their way back to each other. The love and chemistry between them is undescribable. No matter how long it takes, they will eventually be together because what they feel cannot be undone.

Penelope Barsetti transports us one last time into the world of magic, kingdoms, and all kinds of beings including mystical creatures. We have gone from Talon’s death king journey to Calista’s survival and Lily’s dangerous travels leading her to Callum known before as Wrath, God of the Underworld. We’ve been taken through a deeply emotional rollercoaster. I don’t think I have ever cried or yelled so much in a series. In this book everyone joins forces during a desperate attempt to kill Leviathan. I felt like I was there myself. We bring back previous characters for the last battle. We see the final fight between the realms. A clash between the living and the dead. Who will win? It’s the ultimate showdown with good versus evil. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. It is filled with drama, action, heartbreak, angst, heat, tender moments, amazing surprises, suspense, oh and dragons. With its flawless writing, vivid details, and emotional depth, this will be a series I will never forget. Simply put, it was perfection.
56 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2026
Goddess of Death is the powerful final installment in Penelope Sky’s Death series, beautifully closing out the epic and emotional love story of Lily and Callum. Penelope Sky did it again. She always finds ways to keep us the reader fully engaged and obsessed —constantly on edge and eager to turn the next page to see what awaits next.

The story is an emotional roller coaster, pulling you through moments of joy, extreme sadness, anxiety, and anger, all while remaining action-packed and driven by high-stakes conflict. Lily faces resistance on multiple fronts: her father initially refuses to accept Callum, only to later grow to respect him and ultimately see himself in him, finally giving his blessing for him to become her husband. Even her dragons resist accepting Callum, adding another layer of struggle to her already complicated path.

Lily also finds herself caught in what her father calls a “love triangle”—the object of devotion for two men who could not be more different, yet are equally willing to give their lives for her. With dragon blood running through her veins, fused with her dragon and wielding godlike strength, Lily rises fully into her destiny. Together, Lily, Callum, her brother, her father, Queen Eldinar, and Viper face what feels like an impossible, near-suicidal mission as they battle Leviathan, the God of the Underworld, and the Covenant that ruled over him—fighting not as an army, but as a small, determined group willing to risk everything to protect the land of the living and the realm of Caellum.

One of the most moving moments comes when King Talon asks Riviana to give Callum the chance to travel back in time and speak to his sons, allowing him to tell them that he never abandoned them. That scene was incredibly emotional—I shed tears of both sadness and joy. Knowing that Callum was finally able to free himself from the guilt and torment that haunted him for hundreds of years, and that he later reunited with his sons in Caellum after their deaths, brought his story full, long-awaited closure and peace he very much deserved.

In the end, Lily fulfills her destiny by becoming Queen, and she and Callum are finally able to live the life they once believed could never be theirs—married, together, and starting a family. Goddess of Death is a deeply satisfying conclusion to an unforgettable series.

Penelope Sky once again delivers characters we love fiercely and villains we love to hate. I cannot wait to see what world and story she brings us next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dora Harvey.
1,128 reviews12 followers
January 19, 2026
GODDESS OF DEATH is one wild ride! This is a MUST READ with plenty of heart-thumping moments! It’s an emotional turmoil! It’s nail-biting action! It’s suspenseful! The story gathers momentum with each page turned, leading to a climax that comes down like an avalanche. This is the epic conclusion of the Death Series. Mesmerized once again by Penelope Barsetti’s brilliance in delivering a rich fantasy world with complex and intricately drawn characters from the beginning to the end without slipping or losing the initial plot line. This is the conclusion to Lily and Callum’s love story.

This story picks up where Book 7 (The Kiss of Death) left off. Now, we know that Callum was able to rescue Lily from the Underground successfully. While trying to live a mortal life, Callum would like to marry Lily, but Callum is still hiding a secret from Lily. Will Callum be able to disclose his secret to Lily or will Lily find out what it is? When Leviathan (current Death King) appears to Lily out of nowhere, he tries to give her an ultimatum, but being her father’s daughter, Lily is no fool. What will Lily do? Will she decline Leviathan’s ultimatum or will war transpire? If war, will she be able to depend on Callum, and will she be able to enlist the help of her allies (Viper) or will this cause dissension with Callum?

Callum and Lily are full of surprises—I was flabbergasted with the unexpected revelations that happened, but it was jaw-dropping good! Then an incident occurred that will affect Callum and her family. Will Callum and Lily be able to get past all of the abhorrent circumstances that caused a lot of pain? Will their doubts get in the way of true love? Callum and Lily are great together, but I must say that the possessive and protective Callum has met his match because Lily is a force to be reckoned with. What happens next? Well, read this amazing story and find out. Penelope Barsetti delivered a powerful and emotional, intense, intoxicating, and all-consuming story that left me obsessed. You won’t regret reading GODDESS OF DEATH. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!
Profile Image for Kareen Hernandez.
62 reviews
February 24, 2026
This book completes the Death Series. Penelope has an amazing talent! This book brings the series to the journey of Callum’s and Lily’s love for each other and the dynamics of their relationship.
Now that Callum, Viper, Talon, and queen Eldinar rescued Lily from the underworld. Lily asked Callum to marry her. He didn’t answer right away there’s something else he had on his mind he must do. He needs to talk to Talon marrying his daughter. Talon warned him not to tell her his secret because he feels it will not go well. He’s always been nervous about telling her and what her reaction will be. He’s afraid she will leave him. He feels he must tell her because he doesn’t want to start their marriage keeping secrets from her. Does he actually tell Lily his secret? If so does she take it well or leave him or keep it to himself?
A huge problem is getting closer and closer threatening to break through the two worlds. They must come up with a solution to keep those realms closed and the demons in the underworld. They go to the underworld to destroy the underworld gods and demons that are trying to create a hole to get through. Lily of course is still a Goddess and plays an integral part of destroying them. Callum, Queen Eldinar, Talon, and Hawk all went down to fight the underworld Gods. Read this book to see the outcome of the war with the underworld and the ending that ties everything together and the future of the characters.
Penelope always keeps you entranced, makes you feel what the characters feel and amazed you with her writings. Penelope’s book is great at capturing the details of each character and story she is writing. Ready for the next series to begin!
Profile Image for Lauren.
32 reviews
January 16, 2026
READ THIS! READ THIS!! READ THIS!!!
OMG, Penelope delivers again!
Lily = BADASS
Callum = SWOON
This series and this culminating book were truly an Experience!
The relationships between brother and sister, father and daughter, dragon and bonded rider, FMC and MMC - pulled at ALL the heartstrings. This book had so much depth.
If you are into fantasy Romance, this book has EVERYTHING
**Bonus enjoyment for those who read the Dirty Blood Series - it was nice to see Viper in this series.

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When Lily dressed down Khazmuda leading up to the Underworld battle - 🐲dayummm! She was a fierce dragon herself. Loved it!
That BATTLE in the underworld was 🤯⚔️
Lily and Callum's vows to each other were 😍
What Talon does for Callum after battle, and as our characters are entering a time of peace, was amazing! 🥹
From the beginning to the very end, this series is a page-turner you will DEVOUR and come back wanting more.
The epilogue is at least 5-6 years later, and I enjoyed reading about Lily and Callum embracing their roles as Queen/Mother and Partner/Father.

Lily becomes a Mortal Goddess. Whose son idolizes her as Strong, fearless and Powerful, everything Talon ever wanted for her.
Wrath rebecomes Callum Riverside. Talon and Riviana help him find joy in embracing his second chance as a mortal soulmate and partner, whose greatest joy is at his Lily's side, and a pillar for his family.

I can not express enough how much I enjoyed this series - Brava Penelope!
Profile Image for Lory.
3,280 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 11, 2026
Goddess of Death is a breathtaking, soul shattering conclusion to the Death Series and I am completely undone.

Saying goodbye to this series hurts, but Barsetti delivers a finale that is nothing short of perfection. The tears came fast first from relief, then from shock as deceit and betrayal took hold. The despair that has threaded its way through this series doesn’t let up here; instead, it tightens its grip and refuses to release you until the very last page.

Lily and Callum are pushed to their absolute limits, facing impossible choices that test not only the strength of their love, but the very survival of everything they know. Lily once again proves why she is one of the toughest, most unforgettable FMCs to ever exist fierce, resilient, and unbreakable in the face of devastation.

Despite the heavy emotional weight, Barsetti masterfully weaves in moments of levity. Talon’s inner dialogue had me laughing out loud more than once, a much needed breath of air amid the darkness.

This series is hands down one of the best I’ve ever read, and Goddess of Death brings it full circle in the most powerful way. Heartbreaking, intense, and achingly beautiful this is the kind of ending that stays with you long after you close the book.

If you haven’t started the Death Series yet, prepare yourself… and if you have, this finale will absolutely destroy you in the best possible way. 🖤📖
Profile Image for Sue Bee.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
Goddess of Death is an emotional and intense conclusion to Penelope Barsetti’s series, bringing Lily’s journey to its end with high stakes, darkness, and devotion woven throughout.

Lily truly comes into her own in this final book. Her unwavering commitment to Caelum remains the emotional core of the story, and their bond is powerful, loyal, and central to everything that unfolds.

The overall storyline reaches a conclusion that feels meaningful, tying together the sacrifices, pain, and love built across the series. Barsetti does a great job balancing darkness with resolution, giving readers the closure this story needed while staying true to the world she created.

That said, one thing that left me wanting more was Hawk and Viper. Hawk, Lily’s brother, and Viper, the Vampire General, are both fascinating characters who feel far too important to be left hanging. Their stories feel unfinished, and it’s hard not to hope they eventually get books of their own. Even so, this didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story—I can only hope Penelope Barsetti changes her mind in the future.

Overall, Goddess of Death is a powerful, emotional finale and absolutely deserves five stars. Fans who have followed this series from the beginning will find it a memorable and satisfying conclusion.
Profile Image for Shannon Carder.
72 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2026
The Goddess of Death is everything I wanted from the finale of Lily and Callum’s story - and more. It’s emotional, heartbreaking, powerful, and ultimately so rewarding. This book isn’t about easy forgiveness or quick fixes. It’s about love being tested in the worst possible ways and choosing truth, even when it costs everything.
Callum owning his past and standing in it, no matter the consequences, completely wrecked me. Lily’s anger, pain, and confusion felt raw and real, and I loved that she was allowed to feel all of it without losing her strength. Their love never disappears, even when trust is shattered, and that made every moment between them hit harder.
The battles were intense and cinematic, the stakes felt enormous, and seeing so many familiar characters come together again was thrilling. Lily’s rise into her power was breathtaking, and Callum’s choice to stand beside her - not as a king, but as her guard - might be one of the most beautiful declarations of love I’ve ever read.
Yes, I cried. More than once. The ending and epilogue felt earned after everything they endured, and Callum’s final gift was the perfect emotional gut punch. This series is unforgettable, and this book closed it in the best possible way.
Penelope truly knows how to destroy you and put you back together again. Fantasy romance readers - this series is a must.
Profile Image for maye’s pov.
104 reviews15 followers
January 15, 2026
I have a mix feelings

Goddess of Death is the final book and with that, the conclusion of Lily and Callum’s story, and this book gave me a lot of emotions: desperation, anger, angst, fun, sadness and finally: peace.

I’m happy on how things ended, but I need to say and maybe this will be a little of spoilers but I was not happy (lol) with how at least like 50% of the book, or a little less than that? Not sure, but, it was Lily and Callum separated 🙃 and I feel that way because after everything they’ve been through I just wanted them to be happy and together!!! Like I get it Lily , you’re angry discovering how Callum was part of everything that happened but you also had to understand, it was his job. The only time he didn’t follow the rules was for you!!!! It was so sad reading about how Callum was alone because, literally, he didn’t have anyone, no family or friends and you leave him for weeks???

At the end I’m just happy that Callum is finally happy lol. He has been through a lot and deserved a happy life.

AND I must say, that I did enjoy and had a lot of fun reading about the “love triangle” 🤣🤣 we need Viper’s book 😢 and also maybe if Penelope wants in the future write a MFM book? 🥺 I think it would be so refreshing after reading this type of dynamic 👉🏼👈🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hayley Cook.
226 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2026
Penelope has done it again. She just has such a way of writing these stories that are so intense and emotional that they just pull you right in. This is one of those books where once I started reading I just could not put it down. Lily and Callum are going through something super tough and it was so heartbreaking. I absolutely just love Callum. I love that Callum told the truth and didn’t pretend like what he did wasn’t wrong even though it would cost him a lot. Lily is seriously one of my favorite FMCs I’ve ever read. Her strength and resilience are so admiring. I love the way she stood up for him always! There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for one another. The tension and chemistry between Callum and Lily was raw and undeniable. I also really love Talon which isn’t new because I loved his books but in this one my love for him only grew. You can feel how much love and devotion he has to not only his wife and kingdom but also his kids. There were twist and turns I did not see coming. The battle was intense and had me on the edge of my seat with emotion. The ending had me all teary eyed. This series is absolutely amazing and this book was the perfect way to end it. It brought everything together in such a beautiful and emotional way. I will never forget these characters.
24 reviews
January 22, 2026
that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. The author masterfully blends darkness, emotion, and strength into a narrative that feels both epic and deeply personal. The main character is complex and compelling—flawed, powerful, and impossible not to root for. Rather than romanticizing death, the story explores its weight, its responsibility, and the emotional toll it takes on those bound to it.

The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the pacing keeps the story moving while still allowing space for character growth and reflection. Every interaction feels intentional, and the stakes are high in a way that makes you genuinely care about the outcome. The writing itself is vivid and poetic, making even the darkest moments feel meaningful rather than gratuitous.

What truly sets Goddess of Death apart is its exploration of power, identity, and choice. It asks hard questions about fate and free will, and it doesn’t offer easy answers—which makes the story linger long after you’ve finished reading. This is a book for readers who enjoy dark fantasy with emotional depth and strong character development.

An absolute must-read. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful, immersive, and thought-provoking story.
Profile Image for tastewart.
106 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
"Love Triangle"? That is how Talon, Lily's dad, described Lily's relationship with Callum and Viper (vampire). For a minute, I thought it would be Viper but Lily picked her forever love. I am not sure how I feel about these books. I LOVE the author and while I was waiting on this one I reread the "Wolf and the Sheep" series. I'll read anything of hers but it's hard for me to get into stories about Gods (from the underworld), vampires, immortals, dragons, and fairies but love is love. This is the final book to Lily and Callum's love story and Ms. Barsetti weaves a vivid story about the Rothschild family. They are all mentioned in the book, even going back a bit to Talon's origins. I enjoyed reading about Callum's family and it was kind of touching to see that he did get to make things right by his first family. I don't want to give anything away but I think that was the most enjoyable part of this book for me. If you are a fan of this genre, you will enjoy this book. One good thing about them is that it takes you away to lands far away from our current reality and I am grateful that her books can do that for me.
Profile Image for Tiffany Freeman.
84 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2026
5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️

This whole series, from book 1 of Talon and Calista's story, has just had me totally enthralled. I wasn't sure how we were going to get this happy ending, but in Penelope we trust. The road to forgiveness with Lily and Callum after his confession was so brutal. My heart was so broken with them. The fight and action scenes are written so well. The spicy scenes always hit, and you can really feel the emotions between Lily and Callum. I do like getting the occasional Talon POV, but I really wish we would have had more Calista being a badass in her own right (she was such a great FMC in her books) instead of just having her waiting around in the background. Viper was about to get on my nerves with his constant meddling, but he came through when it counted. I just wish we could get a story for him now, let's get him someone to turn that frown upside down. The epilogue is so good, too. Everything all tied up and nice and neat in a little bow. Another crazy good fantasy series, and after seeing the sneak peek into the new series, I can't wait to get going in a new world with some new characters!
121 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
Whether she writes ss Penelope Sky or Penelope Barsetti, you will never be disappointed.

Reading the entire Rothschild series, is a must. The Goddess of Death, did not disappoint, closing the story of Lily and Callum. The love that they shared spanned across worlds and with Lily and Callum it was broken trust and stories told.

As much as Callum knew that telling the full story of what actually happened during the battle with the barbarians, he felt he had to let Lily know the whole story. Then Talon hearing the truth, in turn Khazmuda, they hated him after hearing the truth. Lily still loved him, but was not sure if she could forgive him.

Yes, I’ll admit, I cried several times. Learning what Callum had lost and now again fearing he lost again.

Bringing back other characters, was exciting. Talon, Calista, Hawk, Viper, Queen Eldinar, and Khazmuda, just to name a few. All coming together to put an end to Leviathan and the Covenant and not knowing who will survive.

I am sure reading Penelope’s books will definitely make you a fan. Looking forward to her next book, The Depths.
102 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
This book has everything and I do mean everything. It’s love in the truest form that comes from an accidental beaching and lasts through war, betrayal, heartbreak and devastation. Lily starts with Wrath God of the Underworld and ends with Callum, a man who as a God made choices and deals that had a direct effect on everyone’s lives including the dragons who are lily’s extended family. Callum the man can’t live and go forward with the life and love he wants to have while carrying all the guilt and deceit, telling lily the truth while knowing it will break her heart but knowing he’ll wait for her forever to come back to him if that’s what it takes. He knows their love can survive even when Viper her ex vampire love comes back into the picture, lily sees Viper as a friend and no more than that, he can’t compete with the true love she feels with Calum.

The story grips you and it makes you want to find the ending but not finish the book, hopefully Viper will be next on the agenda for a love story, it would be nice to see him get the love he deserves.
Profile Image for Kerri K.
395 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
Oh Penelope this was the best ending to the series. There were a few tears shed for this one too. Callum was getting her out of the underworld, but would it stay that way. Would they come after her, Leviathan sure had a thing for her, but she had gotten away from him before. To still have 2 men be in love with you but only loving one, having to tell it how it is to Viper. There were so many ups and downs. Callum has things he needs to tell Lillu, will he loose her. Talon doesn't think Callum deserves to love Lilly. The dragons having a right to their feelings after finding out what part Callum played in the barbarians, but dang they can hold a grudge. Lilly and Callum have such a strong connection. Alot to truths come out and then a shit storm comes from the underworld and Riviana Star is in jeporady. Lilly has so much power on her and she is a born Queen!!! Wait to you see what happens. Talon asked for a favor for Callum. And their future as husband and wife is what they wished for.....
26 reviews
February 17, 2026
Oh my.... Okay, so on one hand I was so happy to read this book, but on the other it made me extremely sad to see this series come to an end. This series was absolutely epic. I truly loved the story between Lily and Callum. Their journey had so many ups and downs and obstacles to overcome but their love prevailed. Lily was such a badass throughout this series. I was so happy that her relationship with Hawk got better. He really had her back when the shit hit the fan. Viper's appearance was awesome but we have to find that man a woman of his own lol. I was so captivated with Talon and Callum's relationship and how it grew. Talon truly stepped up to be the father figure that Callum needed. When Talon bargained for Callum to get the closure he needed I felt my heart break and be put back together again. I cried like a baby reading Callum get to see his boys and tell them everything that had been haunting him all these years. It was absolutely the best close to the series. This read wreaked me but in the best possible way! Absolutely devoured and highly recommend!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna Wilson.
64 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
Penelope Barestti has given us a series of actions and love. The final installment did not disappoint.
We thought the wars had ended and peace returned to the Southern Isles. King Talon Rothschild has regained his health. He gifted 2 Dragons a male Scion and his spouse who wanted to live with Viper. Viper's mind fusion with Scion not only gave Viper eternal life but allowed messages to be sent to him from the Southern Isles.

Lily Rothschild was madly in love with Cullum Riverside, who has now told her the truth about his traitorous actions as a God of the Underworld, leading to the death of many humans and Dragons.

A new battle arises as Leviathan and the Covenant of the Underworld again attempt to take as many souls as possible.

Penelope gave us an action-packed emotional ride that does end in happiness for the good guys. I loved the entire Death Series, and The Goddess of Death is the perfect ending. 5 stars without a doubt.
It's an honor to be a member of the ARC group...
811 reviews18 followers
January 17, 2026
I am so in love with this book series! I see myself re-reading and listening to this again and again. I started this book with a little trepidation because I wasn’t sure how it was going to go…and it was as I suspected… my heart was broken! It’s what I’ve come to expect from Penelope Barsetti. Does she also knit it back together? Every single time! I am a huge fan!

I’ve read every book she’s written, and have the audiobooks for all of the ones she has out… because I want to re-read and listen. And this… being the last Death Series book, makes me sad because they are so good it’s hard to imagine there not being any more. Callums truth threatens everything… and my heart broke for both of them. I was sure there was no coming back from that. This author is so very talented and wields her magic in every chapter.. breaking hearts and knitting them back together word by word. This.. although an ending.. was perfect.
342 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2026
There is no disappointment in the final installment of this series from Penelope Sky. She has delivered the ultimate ending to Lily and Callum's story. Callum gets Lily out of the underworld and they enjoy their reunion, loving they can show their love openly, but it is short lived with Callum being totally honest about a secret he's been keepingbfrom her. She is devastated by his betrayal and feels she will never forgive him. Unease returns when Leviathan demands Talon return Lily to the underworld or the collapse of the realm and portal will be open, Callum is sure Lily can defeat him and others. The battle is fears but won. This is a wonderful love story, The Two of them believe in each other, knowing they belong together. Penelope gives a beautiful final touch with Talon giving Callum peace regarding his son's and the epilogue of Lily and Callum's future. I was sad the series ended but we know it won't be long until Penelope is again weaving her talented magic of words.
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29 reviews
January 14, 2026
I can’t believe the series is finally over. The emotional roller coaster ride was well worth the wait for every paragraph, page and chapter. I cried a lot in this series but this book put the icing on the cake. I’m so happy Callum got his happy ending. He went through hell and back literally to protect the people he loved and for the people he lost. It’s always sad to see characters come and go especially when you grow emotionally with them but reading how Talon passed his crown onto Lily made me realize how attached I was to Talon, Calista, and Khazmuuda. Like everyone else I need Viper to get this own story lol. That vampire needs a wife bad and a wife that actually once him I might add. The series is officially over but for the rest of 2026 my official saying will be : If Lily Rothschild can fine her strength so can you 🩷💜
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539 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
First and foremost lets take a moment to appreciate daddy Talon. After his attitude in the last book I was so happy for him to be everything I knew he could be and more. Then just when I thought I couldn't love Talon more, the last few chapters happened and I melted. Now Viper, he made me feel a bit stabby after a while. He was useful at one point but also just needed to go away. Then we have the emotional struggle between Callum and Lily. The push and pull of those moments were done so beautifully that I felt all the heartbreak they were experiencing, then all the happiness, especially towards the end. I think Lily is the perfect representation of how strong women can be and I still want to be like her when I grow up, even though I am grown. Penelope never leaves me disappointed in the story she writes and I am still obsessed with this world!
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112 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2026
Now that is how you write a finale! It’s not good unless you are pulled and dragged through every emotion under the sun and this series has done just that. The pain, heartbreak, and love is enough to make you wish you could be in the story! Following the growth of Lilly (from just Talon’s daughter to warrior to goddess and queen) is so inspiring, you instantly transform into a fan and can’t help but cheer her on. The back and forth through the series as Callum and Lilly try to live and love is such a cool rollercoaster to be on throughout the series, you can’t help but become so emotionally invested in the characters. I am convinced that anything Penelope writes is magic and I’ll be thinking about this series for a long time as it became one of my all time favorites.

I would like to thank Penelope for this ARC, this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,696 reviews240 followers
January 18, 2026
OMG. This book is bittersweet. This is because I have become so invested in the lives of Talon, Lily and Callum's stories. They are woven into each other. Without the one there is not the other. It all started with Lily's father, Talon.

I really enjoyed getting to know Talon but then the series shifted to next generation, Lily and Callum. Lily is her father's daughter. She is just as fierce and, in a way, succeeded him as ruler. Which any parent would be proud.

The deal that Talon striked for Callum...OMG. My heart was aching and I actually cried real tears when I read this part of the story.

If I have to say goodbye to these characters, I will say that this series ended on a very high note. This series is amazing. Everyone will hold a special place in my heart. Penelope, you outdid yourself with this book!

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37 reviews
January 20, 2026
Penelope you did it again!
I consumed this book in one sitting because it was just so hard to keep it down. More than that, I think this is my favorite book in the entire series.
I kid you not, there were some scenes, especially the scenes where Callum shows his most vulnerable side, where I couldn't keep my tears from shedding. Not only has she successfully made me fall in love with Callum, even though he kept his deepest secret, that could make him lose everything, but she made me root for Callum and Lily to be together so hard!
Genuinely. There are times when I read books and can immediately tell which character loves the other "more." But it was so obvious that Lily loved Callum just as much as he loved her, and that made everything worth reading twice, if not more.
I loved loved loved this book and really think you all should read it!
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