Mortal Things

by Marie Lu

Set in a world of insatiable immortals, their eternal rivalries, and the humans trapped between them, MORTAL THINGS is a cinematic and sweeping new fantasy from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marie Lu, perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter and A Darker Shade of Magic.

Rose Lin Fairchild didn’t believe in gods, but one chose her anyway.

Rose despises Raven, the god of Death. His mysterious commands. His mercurial moods. His closed heart. But most of all, she loathes that she was forced to become his Harbinger, a human mercenary tasked to fulfil their god’s every want and whim. Still, she would do it again, because being a Harbinger is the only thing keeping her best friend alive.

When a murder rocks the world of the gods, Rose is suddenly thrust into the immortal realm's spotlight as Raven's heir. This is her chance to free her friend once and for all. But in order for her to ascend, she must first prove herself to the other gods—and the one person standing in her way is a fellow Harbinger.

Étienne Beauchard is notorious for his sly wit and charming good looks. Rose can’t stand that he is the one assigned to test her abilities, but as their initial hostility evolves into an intense attraction, they find that the gods’ secrets go deeper than they ever expected. Something is wrong in the immortal world, something that threatens to break their bond and engulf them all in war.

As Rose and Étienne fight to uncover the truth and trust each other with their hearts, they realize that everything hinges on the same How far would you go to save the person you love?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Mythology, Romantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

368 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 27, 2026

About the author

Hi there! I'm an author of mostly sci-fi/fantasy YA novels, like Legend, Warcross, The Young Elites, Skyhunter, and Stars & Smoke. My adult fantasy debut, Red City, releases this October 14, 2025.

I graduated from the University of Southern California and currently live in LA with my family. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I spend most of my time writing, trying to keep my plants alive, and getting stuck in traffic. I feel very honored that I get to tell you stories, and my deepest wish is always that my books can offer you some joy, solace, entertainment, and/or escape. With all my heart, thank you for reading.

Reviews

[❋Rushna❋]

I could read this woman’s grocery list and it would still be a 5/5 masterpiece

[Rayne]

If Marie Lu writes it, I will read it

[millena ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ soooo this was my most anticipated book of the year (jk that was red city 2 but i had to settle for this one instead). i have to admit that for the first 50% i genuinely thought it was going to meet (maybe even exceed) my expectations but the second half kinda fell apart for me

the setting and the magic system were, as always, my favorite part, but i really missed having more memorable main characters, especially the male ones. i absolutely loved raven and étienne at first but i wasn’t a fan of how either of them developed as the story went on. rose and a few of the side characters i liked a lot tho!!!! (also omg there are SO many side characters, it took me forever to remember who everyone was)

i liked that there was a mystery running through the story but i felt like everything was a little too obvious. i think some of the clues could’ve been handled more subtly to make the reveal more shocking. on top of that, maybe it’s just my love (aka obsession) for red city but i felt like some of the character dynamics and even a few plotlines followed a very similar path so i kept thinking hmmm… i’ve read this before, just done better

anywayyyy, overall i did enjoy it but i definitely went in with too high expectations. even so, i’m excited for the next book bc i still think it has a lot of potential

[Noi (in & out)]

What's this?

[Katie (katieeatsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

08/03/2026-08/05/2026

Thank you so much Macmillian YA/Fierce Reads for the gifted widget of “Mortal Things” by Marie Lu (aka my camp NetGalley pick! ⛺️)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Coming October 27th!)

Marie Lu could do NO wrong in the eyes of my teenhood self 😂💛

With that being said she definitely did me wrong here.
As in I cried, and cried, and cried. Then when I noticed it was a cliffhanger I cried again 😭

I mean everything was insane start to finish first off? It was giving after death dystopian meets mystery thriller in the oddest way?? 🐦‍⬛

The gods were gorgeous, except one 🙄

But also like the cliffhanger? Not gorgeous.

Anyways thanks Marie for all the tears can I have book two now?? 😘🖤

Oh don’t let me forget, them enemies to lovers were working for me 😩👏🏻 overtime!

[Jenn]

DNF. I'm out. I got over halfway through, but to me this is boring and confusing. There are too many characters. Each god has a head...minion? (I forget already what they're called) and they have more people under them. And there's not a lot, personality-wise to distinguish them, so I keep forgetting who's who. Plus, I'm just bored.

[☕︎︎𝐋𝐞𝐱𝐢✞]

Pre-release ! ✨


Marie Lu…this better have a happy ending👹

I was not okay after Champion😰

[A. Diella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mortal Things by Marie Lu
Release date:October 27th
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Age rating:14+
Spice:none

Thank you Netgelley for this arc! Oh my gosh. This book is to die for. Going into a Marie Lu book is always scary, because you know she loves to make you cry, and boy did this make me cry. Her writing never fails to pull at my heart, and make me sob so much that my friends are concerned for my well being. Rose is so important to me. The way she feels like something is so wrong with her, and just how alone she felt wrecked me completely. Her arc in this was so well done, and I cannot wait to see how it continues in the sequel. Étienne is so precious and if anyone hurts him I fear I will combust. The romance was idk guys. It was so amazing that I wanted to scream into my pillow. They’re just the perfect match and I actually cannot. The world building was very well done, and the plot had me hooked. I lost track of how many times I cried and I’m crying as I right this. I’m probably just being dramatic but whatever I had the time of my life. Okay im done ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR.

[_literati_]

My birthday is October 15th, this will be my present

[Simran K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the overall premise of the story was intriguing with the Harbingers and Regents working for each individual Gods. Predictable in the sense that it’s easy to figure out who the "bag guy" is here but still entertaining nonetheless. However, my biggest flaw with this book was the two characters with the same name. Laine and ... also Laine? Not sure if this is an issue with the advance bound manuscript that will be edited prior to official publication but its evident on several pages, especially towards the end of the book, that these are two separate characters. Throughout the story, we have the main character, Rose, interact with her best friend Laine, and be visibly upset and shaken every time. However, when she interacts with Regent Laine, there is absolutely zero emotion involved. Particularly on pages 267-268, 281, and 315, we see clear evidence that these are meant to be two separate characters. For example, Laine would be walking in with the group in one sentence and the next sentence would say she rushed towards the group to greet them. So which one is it? It was difficult to enjoy an otherwise fun story when I would constantly be having to backtrack and re-read things to make sure I was picturing the story in my head correctly. If they can fix the Laine issue, I think it would make the story flow smoothly and be a decent fantasy recommendation.

I received this book through a galley drop at BookCon. All views are my own.

[Allison (Allyace)]

*Review of an advanced copy from Netgalley*

DNF 35%

In the world of Mortal Things, gods exist and they can save mortals from death by offering them a life of servitude. Our main character Rose is chosen by Raven, the god of death, in exchange for her best friend’s life. As a servant of death, she is tasked with reaping souls. When something happens to Death’s heir, Rose gains a chance to become his heir. But first she has to get through Étienne, a rival harbinger.

First the things I enjoyed about this book. The magic system is really unique in a few ways I don’t want to spoil, but I can share the love that mortals have a chance to be come divine. There are trials but it didn’t feel like they were going to overwhelm the story like happens frequently in similar books. I also liked the banter between Rose and Étinene. He is clearly obsessed with her from very early on.

Now for the bad. Unfortunately I had a hard time connecting with this world. So much of the world building was done in a tell don’t show fashion, which meant huge chunks of exposition. The world of the novel is vast and there are many gods. It felt like every other page there was a new person given a name, tied to a god, and then a power given. It wasn’t clear who was important to the main story. There is also an odd storytelling device for pieces of Rose’s life before becoming a harbinger. It felt a little like when movies break the fourth wall and talk to you. But using that method of storytelling when trying to show us how important Rose’s best friend was to her made me feel disconnected from the emotions of the moment.

[The Royal Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I worship at Marie Lu’s altar, but today, her altar has faltered 😭

The beginning is abrupt. We’re thrust into the world with a 5 page info dump that’s supposed to let us know exactly where we are in the world, but it doesn’t. Throughout the book, we’re left feeling this way—as if we’re missing something. Perhaps the final version will feel a lot more finished, but reading the ARC was unfortunately unfulfilling.

The concept of gods and their harbingers is sufficiently intriguing, but it’s not expanded on in a manner that continues to hold that intrigue. In fact, it delved into quite typical and bland storytelling. I would’ve loved to see more of the gods and their abilities, but instead the main focus is on death(basically the carbon copy love interest for every fast fashion romantasy book these days).

I’ve actually seen this recent trend in publishing where gods are used as regular characters who are just like everyone else. You can call someone a god and have them be normal. But if someone is a god, they must be extraordinary. Otherwise, what is the point of having these powerful, all-knowing, legendary beings if they’re going to be grumps with high-school drama issues. Js make them royals or smth at that point. Like a god is supposed to be somewhere on the extreme scale. I want a megalomaniac or a prophesier or a mother supreme. Being a god has to mean something almost otherworldly bc they’re supposed to be from the world above(or down below). There needs to be this firm line that separates them from mortals, that wasn’t drawn in this book I fear.

I think Mortal Things is a victim of the fantasy trope “is it good or is it just the last 100 pages?” One thing I did enjoy though was the banter between Rose and Etienne. It was funny and lighthearted and just done very well overall.

3⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Farrar, Straus, & Giroux for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Olivia💜🗡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for gifting me this ARC!!

I honestly don’t know how she does this but Marie Lu has once again absolutely DESTROYED me with another one of her books. And I have read my fair share of Marie Lu books. So honestly it shouldn’t have surprised me that this book wrecked me to the point where I am now just depressed. *cue me laying on my floor staring up at the ceiling*

In all seriousness, I genuinely LOVED this book! The world was so immersive and I loved Marie Lus take on incorporating gods into the mortal world. I found it so interesting how all the pieces in this world moved together and influenced each other in ways I almost couldn’t keep track of.

I also just ADORED our main character. Rose is amazing and the whole time I just wanted to put her into a box and protect her from everything and everyone. I felt that way with every character actually. I JUST LOVE THEM ALL OKAY😭😭

Can we also talk about the plot twists?!? Because they just kept on coming! There was a point in the book where my mouth was hanging open for a full minute. Safe to say that I was SHOCKED. This book was just impossible to put down(I mean I read it in like 24 hours lol) and trust that I will be FIRST in line to buy this book when it comes out🙂‍↕️(and you should be too)

[Tayler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my favorite book I’ve read this year.

Thank you to the Publisher for my arc!

I have never met a Marie Lu Book that I did not immediately love and this was no different. i found myself wishing for a physical copy because there were so many quotes about grief and humanity and love. I loved every single character in this book, Even if you weren't supposed to like them. there's some beauty in understanding their motivations even they are doing something bad to Rose. ( will not be giving context because its a MASSIVE spoiler) anything I want to scream about this book is a massive spoiler so I will say this, I have never found a book where I have felt seen and understood before and wanting to root for a romance that you have a sick feeling may end in a tragedy but you need the sequel asap because that ending was stressful.

If you love found family, a slow burn romance ( I feel like it was a slow burn, but most people would disagree) and a main character that you really want for her to have a genuine happy ending. This is for you.

I hope my review was coherent enough. I cried a ton and anything i want to scream about this book is a spoiler. BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[Caroline]

Uh yes I will be reading a forbidden academic rivals to lovers mythology fantasy especially since it’s written by the iconic Marie Lou who does not disappoint ever

[Gemma R.]

Jan 16, 2026

2026 is looking when brighter!!

[Genny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be completely honest: Marie Lu is one of my have-to-read authors. This book is a perfect depiction of why this is the case and was a reminder of why I love her writing so much... It was another hit out of the park! I need a sequel immediately– please and thank you!

Set in a world where cunning immortals live amongst the mortals, Lu sets out to build a whole new world, magic system, and mythological order for us. Despite having so many intricacies and being rather fast-paced, you are still able to immerse yourself in it and follow along with ease. I loved seeing the interactions between the different social levels of the hierarchy, the philosophical conversations, and the manipulative deals made along the way… and how all of that ultimately molded the characters. The fact that basically everyone is morally grey with a tragic backstory was compelling, and added a layer of suspense to the novel because you have to figure out what motivates each character’s behavior/actions. The themes of sacrifice and human connection are woven into every facet.

There’s the perfect balance of tension and plot twists to keep you addicted, and when you have to put the book down to participate in the real world you are itching to get back to the book.

The only reason I am not giving this 5 stars is because the 20% or so of the book felt a bit rushed and like plot devices were being added to wrap it up that felt inconsistent with the magic system. It was still genuinely such an intriguing read and I will definitely be adding a physical copy to my bookshelf when it releases on October 27, 2026! Do yourselves a solid and grab one too!

Thank you to Marie Lu and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group [Garrar, Straus, and Giroux (BYR)] for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about Marie Lu's writing style that itches my brain just right.

I do have to admit, this one was missing something for me. Everything about it was great but I just wanted..... more? I don't even know how to explain it.

The characters were wonderful and complex, the settings were so vivid, and the adventure we are set up for is going to be fun.

I will say, I didn't realize this was going to be a series. But I will definitely still read anything she writes.

[Jackson G]

Wait why does this sound so good? I don’t normally love fantasy blurbs (a lot of them just explain the world and not the plot) yet this sounds so good.

[Louise Karolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Marie Lu's previous work, Red City, so I was ecstatic to recieve Mortal Things as an arc. I did enjoy it, it's a book many will love, but it just didn't captivate me as much as her previous work.

The world-building felt a bit flimsy, almost. While interesting, I found it a bit underdeveloped. I wish we had gotten the characters and the world fleshed out a bit more, as the many different gods, regents and harbingers all blended together and I kept getting them confused.

Despite this, I did enjoy the first 60% or so. I really liked the interactions between Étienne (who, in my opinion, is the best part of this story) and Rose, but I felt their relationship developed very quickly in the second half of the book; the careful yearning between them, the will they, won't they, in the first half was lovely and I wish we had gotten more of it.

While the ending dragged a little bit, I did it enjoy it and read it within a day. I did have my gripes with it but it was a novel I found hard to put down. If there is a sequel, I'll be here for it. 3 stars.

I’d like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.

[Marie :)]

Oh my gosh I’m so excited for this!! Marie Lu is one of my favorite writers I can’t wait for October!

[Lily Smol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advance Reader’s Copy received from NetGalley

4.5 Stars!

Thank you so much to Marie Lu, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Farrar Straus and Giroux, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!

Mortal Things is an enthralling tale of gods and mortals, of lies and love and death, with lots of wonderful, thought-provoking passages. I was first hooked by the unique world with a system of gods and regents and harbingers, all of which rely on mortal humans to function. I found this aspect so fascinating and smart, and the way Marie Lu added details to this lore made sense, and in turn I was even more invested. Being used to stories where gods were born with so much power and have never known mortality, reading Mortal Things, where being a god is actually a title given to a human and which explores how that changes their being and character and perception of the world was quite eye-opening and so much fun! I also ADORE the harbinger system and the way it was used narratively in the story to drive Rose and Etienne together - so smart!

I was very pleasantly surprised by how subtly Marie Lu characterised the characters, with subtle hints about their personalities and histories, rather than revealing everything outright. For instance, there is a constant discomfort I felt with Death, aka Raven, which did not stem from any particular trait or behaviour of his, but rather just the general way he was written was slightly off-putting. And this ended up being justified for spoilery reasons. Etienne was also someone whose portrayal I thoroughly enjoyed. Rose's feelings, I felt, were a little too on the nose, especially when talking about her feelings of otherness, and I would have preferred it if she only mentioned these things briefly to make the final revelations have much bigger impact.

However, the development of her romantic relationship with Etienne was quite fast but in a delicious way. I loved the fact that they already knew each other prior to the start of the book and had history of interfering with each other's jobs, which made me love their dynamic from the get-go. Their constant push and pull was exquisite, and I loved the added layer of Etienne being the Regent of Lies, so he could never fully be trusted, but god was it tempting to.

Another aspect I was pleased by was the constant change of scenery! This book felt very cinematic with the wide variety of locations from around the world. It was fun to see these harbingers travel from London to Paris to NYC, and visit an array of cool mortal and immortal locations around the world. Not going to lie, I am quite jealous of the harbingers' budgets - they're really just booking international flights left and right on a whim...

I lastly have to mention how great the pacing and plot twists in this book are, because the second I opened the book I was in it and could not stop thinking about it. I did actually want to take my time reading this book rather than speed through it, and I found that reading a few chapters at a time, and letting the events of those chapters sit and simmer gave me an even greater appreciation of this writing! I found myself constantly thinking about the book's plot and the characters and their relationships and theorising on what might happen, and I loved it!

This world now lives in my brain rent free and I am seriously praying there is a sequel (I heard it's a duology) because I just need more. I need more of the world-building, I need more of the gods and their drama, and of course, I need more Rose and Etienne!!!

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I loved this fantasy! Rose believes in science and wants to be a doctor that is until a god comes to her and recruits her to be one of his harbingers. Rose still doesn’t know if she believes in the gods but it was the only way to save her friend Laine, who was dying. You see it was Raven, the god of Death, who came to her, and the only one who could have saved Laine. Now she spends her days doing whatever Raven wants her to, begrudgingly of course. All gods have harbingers and each god has a Regent, the person who will replace them when the time comes. Rose doesn’t really have an interest in that but life doesn’t always go the way you plan. Soon after a death has rocked the immortal world, Raven selects Rose to be his next Regent. Only in order to take that place she must pass two of three tests. And the person giving them to her is none other than Etienne, the Regent of the god of Lies. It just so happens that their patron gods hate each other and Etienne has been a thorn in her side since she became a harbinger. But something draws her to him all the same. And the more time they spend together for these tasks the more drawn to each other they are, even as they try and defeat one another. With deaths happening in the immortal world it seems a god has stepped out of line and is trying to create unbalance, the question is who? Raven suspects the god of Lies. So Rose must keep Etienne close to learn their secrets. But what really is the truth? And when it comes to Etienne, should she choose love or orders? A fast paced, enticing read that I completely consumed! I enjoyed Rose as a protagonist and the way she clung to her disbelief even as she saw the wonder of the gods! Her relationship with Etienne was also really fun! Always enjoy a good enemies to lovers! I love Marie Lu’s new world and the character development, Rose’s relationship with Laine and her drive to protect her was heartwarming! An exciting magical world with plenty of twists that kept me guessing! I can’t wait for book two to see how the series ends!

[Risa]

DNF at 11% (Read Through Chapter 2)


I’m bummed because this one of my most anticipated books for 2026!

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of anything that worked for me here. The writing style had way too much telling and not enough showing. I couldn’t connect with the protagonist at all (especially with her spewing science facts randomly). And overall I was just bored despite the story’s faster pace.

I seem to be in the minority though, so hopefully this book will find its audience upon publication! It just isn’t for me.




NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:


- The second-person POV to open the story was…unexpected. It was fine, but it wasn’t particularly intriguing.

- Uh, I’m not sure how I feel about Rose’s fascination with science…it feels like that’s the only personality trait we’ve gotten thus far.

- 8% in: I love stories about pantheons (which is why I was so excited going into this story). But the fact that we have such a long info-dump about how the gods and Harbingers work is annoying. It’s way too much telling, and I’m already bored on the 6th page of the first chapter.)

- I like the concept of the Harbingers… I just wish it was better introduced to us, rather than just telling us how everything works as an info-dump.

- I appreciate that Rose wants to go to med school, to help people… and now she has to be a Harbinger that is a mercenary. But the science facts are still distracting and feel forced.

- Ch2: We’ve met Etienne, another Harbinger (with illusions) and the obvious love interest. And of course Rose hates Etienne, who is cheeky. I don’t mind a cheeky LI, but there’s nothing unique about him (i.e. mockingly calling her “sweetheart” from the jump).


- I gave this two chapters… I’m not connecting with this story at all. The writing style just has too much telling than I prefer. And I don’t connect with Rose either.

- DNF at 11% (Read Through Chapter 2, page 30 out of 268 of eARC).

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Fierce Reads for the NetGalley approval!

I am kicking myself for not picking up a Marie Lu book sooner, and for waiting THIS long before reading her stories — because from the first few pages, I was *hooked* and immediately fell in love with her incredible writing.

Mortal Things is what I would describe as an urban YA fantasy with a paranormal mystery to solve and a side of romance. You've got mortals and gods, fantasy and science, all mixed together into one amazing story. I love Rose and her scientific mindset, and all the little snippets of anatomy and biology and physics that she slips into this story in juxtaposition to the gods and other fantastical beings that complete the rest of this story. And then you have Etienne, the other half of this almost rivals-to-lovers thing that's happening, and I so adored the games and banter and tension between these two, as well as the underlying current of yearning.

The way Marie includes the interludes every few chapters was really clever, as they not only give the reader some more insight into Rose's past but also take us on a few journeys into other character's POVs, for a better understanding of the story as a whole. And with Etienne working for the god of illusions, there's a whole other level added into play, leaving you constantly questioning what is real and what is not, kind of giving slight Inception or Matrix vibes throughout the book.

There's also discussions of hope and love and lies, and how stories are just the lies we tell ourselves; how far one would go and the things they would do for the people that they love; and how even those with the best intentions may be misguided in their paths.

Overall, I really enjoyed how Marie put all of these different vibes and themes together into such a wonderful story to read, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series (which, I believe is a duology).

[Stefani Riker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie Lu’s Mortal Things was an intriguing YA read that I enjoyed more than the other two books I’ve read by her. The story is set in an interesting world where mortals and immortals coexist, and Lu introduces a mythology that feels both fresh and completely her own.

One of the aspects I found most compelling was the central theme of love driving someone to become the exact opposite of their very nature. That juxtaposition created an emotional depth that elevated the story beyond its fantasy elements and made the characters’ choices feel meaningful and impactful.

Although the novel is told from a single perspective, Lu employs a unique narrative technique that periodically drops the reader into different scenes as a passive observer. I loved this approach because it seamlessly wove character backstories into the present-day narrative, making the connections feel natural rather than forced.

There are quite a few characters to keep track of, but that’s often the case with mythology. The mythology itself was one of the book’s greatest strengths. It reminded me somewhat of Moon Knight, where gods select avatars to carry out their will. However, Lu takes the concept in a completely different direction by establishing that these gods were once mortals themselves.

I also appreciated Lu’s use of wraiths. Rather than drawing from the traditional Scottish interpretation, they felt closer to Tolkien’s portrayal, adding an atmosphere of mystery and danger that lingered throughout the story.

As always, Lu demonstrates her talent for crafting vivid, powerful scenes. Her prose paints striking imagery and brings emotional moments to life. While Mortal Things works well as a standalone novel, the ending leaves enough unanswered questions and possibilities to make me eager for a sequel.

Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into a world full of immortals and gods where secrets are far deeper than you know. Harbingers tasked to fulfill their Gods wants and needs. Being introduced with two gods, two hunters stalking their prey.

This story will latch onto your soul where Marie gives you a story full of twists, bonds, trust, and questioning how far would you go to save the person that you love?

Mortal Things felt sweeping and a cold foggy day in London, really setting the scene where it shines in Marie’s writing from start to finish.

My heart went out to Rose in this book. Risking and protecting everyone around her that she loves. She’s a harbinger to the Death God, Raven. Forced to be his and tasked to claims souls. So much more to Rose than we know while she felt like a pawn to the Gods. All she wanted was to search for the reason of her existence. To never feel unwanted again.

Eti.. Étienne.. Hi, hello!? How are you!? You snuck right up on me! 👀 but Raven.. yes you! You snuck up on me as well! 🙂‍↔️ I love both of them, but I love a dark mysterious MMC 🖤

Étienne, is the Harbinger for the God of Lies and he was full of charm but holding secrets of his own. Every time he called Rose “ma fleur” my heart melted! However, I did want more of a built-up tension between him and Rose and maybe we will get more of that in the next possibly!? 👀 I know it’s a standalone but this could open up to something more!

Raven screams death and mysterious but you feel a sadness for him. Every time he called Rose “my harbinger” or “steady, my harbinger” my cheeks were turning red! I need more of him! He may be claiming of what he wants but I can feel the pull and tension with him and Rose. Not a love triangle, but like I can see it becoming that way if we got a 2nd book!

I desperately need the next book if we get one because I need this story to expand! Thank you so much Macmillan, Fierce reads, Farrar and Marie for the eARC! 💛

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this world, Rose Lin Fairchild has been chosen to serve the God of Death, Raven. Even though while she was living she wanted to become a doctor, now she must take them. As a Harbinger this is Rose’s only way to ensure her best friend’s survival. However, when a murder shakes up the immortal world, Rose is now Raven’s heir and the only person standing in her way is another Harbinger, Étienne Beauchard. Étienne is known as the Harbinger for the God of Lies, and is now in charge of putting Rose through certain trials and tribulations to prove her worthiness as the new heir. As the two of them put together the immortal world is at risk of war, it begs the question “how far would you go to save the person you love?”.

WOW. I don’t know if I have all the words to explain how much I love this story. The betrayals, the love, and the world building were out of this world. This entire concept had me hooked. The Gods using mortals to do their bidding and that these two are at the forefront of figuring out the truth.

Let’s talk about Rose Lin Fairchild. I love her. I want to be her. Rose has so many traits that I admire in a person such as loyalty, empathy, and determination. Her whole journey of how she became a Harbinger to what they discover at the end was mind blowing and something I have not stopped thinking about since I finished the book.

Étienne & Rose. THE Definition of rivals to lovers. I love them so much. I don’t want to spoil any moments in the story but there were some parts where my jaw literally dropped. Yes, they hate each other BUT I WAS ROOTING FOR THEM. we were all rooting for you. Anyways…back in classic Marie Lu fashion there is a cliffhanger and so I will just go cry because this one isn’t even out yet and who knows when we’re getting information for book 2.
Thank you so much Fierce Reads/Macmillan and netgalley for an advance copy!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do the gods love mortals? Or do they simply love mortal things?

A little bit of both I think…
After all, the gods were mortal once too.

It is so difficult to differentiate a bond built from the necessity to exist, and the following deep connection that forms between a mortal and a god. Even if that bond was only built from a desperation to live, to survive, to sacrifice. To be what gains power for the gods. Because without mortals, without their harbingers, gods would cease to exist.

Mortal Things is full of schemes, lies, betrayal, mystery and love. An ache to LIVE, to yearn for what was lost and what could be. Threads woven so delicately it’s hard to avoid any of the unfortunate things that come to pass. ( There is this one devastating part in particular that literally made me gasp, enough to clutch my pearls so to speak lol )

I LOVED meeting Rose. Rose is so full of empathy and such a strong pivotal character in this book. Her strength, her defiance is so admirable and I loved seeing her evolve. The chemistry between Rose & Étienne though?! 😫 Guys. This man. There’s this certain charisma about him, and more to him than meets the eye. You can’t help but fall for his character and notice the stark difference between his interactions with her, vs the interactions Rose has with her patron god, Raven. The god of Death.

Raven is another thing entirely. This is where the lines between actual humanity and how far removed from mortal emotions a god can be are blurred, or extremely heightened. He is… something. I feel sad for what drives him, but I also think that he is so far gone.

This book read like inevitable heartbreak, a poetic tragedy, and I could not put it down. I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book! Will be thinking about this one for some time.

( Thank you so much to fierce reads, macmillan and FSG for the physical galley. )

[Sol Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to thank NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mortal Things is a story that builds as it goes. The world building is my favorite type; it's smooth and makes it easy to get sucked into the story. I also really liked all the smaller details that brought the world to life. In Mortal Things, Lu takes a new approach to gods and immortality that I found really interesting.

One thing that stood out to me were the characters and how easy it was to like them. Rose is meant to be loved easily and she embodies so many traits that allow the reader to simply like her. She's a special main character, not like other girls, except that she is like other girls. I found that to be refreshing when so many FMCs right now all feel like they're almost interchangeable. Etienne was also a delight from the very first time we see him. He's mischievous and good and easy to love.

(This book gets bonus points for the yearning btw)

Mortal Things is a story of many themes. It's a story of grief, of longing. It is a story of fates and what is beyond our control - and what is within it. Mostly I feel that this is a story of sacrifice. What people are willing to give up in order to do what they feel is right. What they are willing to do for the people they love. It's all my favorite YA themes that don't feel like they're in a standard YA book that blends in with the rest.

I will say that although I really did enjoy this story, I feel like this is one I will like even more when I have the whole story and that it will be stronger when it is told in its entirety. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book and I will be purchasing Mortal Things as soon as I can get my hands on it!