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, Romantasy, Mythology, Science Fiction, Fiction

368 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 20, 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

[Noi (in & out)]

What's this?

[_literati_]

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

[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!!

[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.

[Marie :)]

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

[Kira Jatoft · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you bookcon & fierce reads for this galley giveaway!

chosen by death. driven by love.

I already knew I would love you but I’ll be damned, I LOVE YOU MORTAL THINGS 💛

what a concept!! what an idea!! this book was EXCEPTIONAL!! Marie Lu truly at her finest!!! you have the gods and their games and our two main characters are at the CENTER of it!! similar to all of Marie’s books, I was HEAD OVER HEELS for our MMC, Étienne—what a charming, charming man, I love him dearly 🥹 I was IMMERSED in the world—her descriptions alone have you turning and running to the next page!!

let’s list some of the best things, shall we?
*immortals v mortals
*STRONG female friendship
*touch her & die
*mystery (whodunnit)
*slow burn
*betrayals
*competition
*& THAT’S NOT EVEN EVERYTHING!!

my favorite question the book explores—how far would you go for love?! 🐦‍⬛

but what makes this book unique?? the way it was written. the TIMELINE!!! this is where Marie shines—this is how you are PLACED in the story (somewhat reminiscent of Red City but arguably different)!! it’s the string that ties everything together. it’s the devastating and exciting plot twists that keep you guessing and have you staying up until midnight, it’s the mayhem of Marie. there’s nothing like reading a new Lu novel and making it your entire personality. I couldn’t put this book down. I love the world, all the characters, the romance, the fantasy, everything was perfect.

I need October 27 like I need Étienne, like I need the next book, like I need Silver Dawn, like I need Marie Lu always writing 🥰

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mortal Things is one of those books that grips the reader from the beginning and keeps the adrenaline pumping all the way through to the end. And the end is not the end!! Rose is a harbinger for the god of Death. She reluctantly does his bidding, but hates every minute of it. Etienne is the heir to the god of Lies and he is the romantic interest, with his clever flirtations and his grand heroics. There are betrayals EVERYWHERE in this book and heart thumping action. Will she save him, will she be saved? I cannot wait until the next book comes out. This book contains violence and death, but is appropriate for middle grades on up.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own..