Case Deception and death linger behind every corner, shaking Case to his core. The people were promised peace, but Dumuzi threatens that with his very existence. The prince wants nothing more than to be the Peacebringer everyone was promised, but enemies are everywhere and he can’t be sure who to trust.
Isha She let her walls down, only to be reminded of why she had them up in the first place. The Goddess of Love and War finds herself caught in the middle of her past and her present. Isha wants her sister back and her ex-husband’s head on a platter. No matter what it takes, she’s determined to have both.
Sometimes to bring peace you must also bring death. Will this truth be Case and Isha’s undoing? Or will their bond grow stronger than ever?
Author Marie Maness is a self published author that specializes in reimagined Mythology with a big helping of spice. Literature, writing, and history have always been her biggest passions. Combining them all into one has been a dream come true for the small town indie author. Born in Central Kentucky, she currently lives in South Central Kentucky with her husband and four children and loves the quiet little town life. Marie hopes her writing will encourage people everywhere to embrace their bodies and sexuality, to find pleasure in all of life’s aspects, and to remember that love is infinite.
If you thought the cliffhanger in Peacebringer left you reeling, just wait until you dive into Deathbringer by Marie Maness. This second installment in the Orders of the First Family series absolutely earns its spot on your TBR.
I had the privilege of beta reading again, and Marie proves once more that she knows exactly how to seize your attention and refuse to let go. From the very first chapter, the stakes are higher, the danger is sharper, and the emotional pull is relentless.
Watching Case step fully into his power was incredibly satisfying. His growth feels hard won and deeply earned. And the evolution of his bond with Isha? Powerful. Intense. Unbreakable. Seeing them navigate their connection as husband and wife while embracing Isha’s goddess abilities added so much depth to their relationship.
The twists kept coming, each one tightening the grip on the story. I found myself cheering for the heroes and fuming at the villains more than once. This book delivers action, emotion, and moments that will absolutely require tissues.
If you love fantasy filled with power, loyalty, high stakes, and a romance forged in fire, do not miss this one.
ARC reader review: (potential spoilers, not major)
I love the family dynamic between Isha and her siblings. Nin defying her sister despite being held prisoner brings me joy that she’s not just another damsel in distress and is instead acting like the goddess she is. It’s so refreshing to see characters not always blaming others before they know the facts, but are instead reasonably understanding and supportive concerning the situation.
Deathbringer throws you straight back into the devastation that Peacebringer left behind. The heartache starts on page one and continues playing with your heart throughout the entire book. The wounds feel so much deeper while everything that could have fallen apart finally does and the war leaves you not wanting to stop, a need to continue just to make sure they all survive the day.
Isha and Case are more than just a couple, they are life goals. Through all the mistakes they make they don’t just survive, they evolve into something more. Elevating their love into something magical.
When they’re torn apart, Marie writes it in such a way you can feel the separation. And when they fight to find their way back to each other, you sit on the edge of your seat begging for everyone to be okay.
The book doesnt leave any confusion. It gives you closure where it matters most, while pulling you into the next part of the series. The ending of Case and Ishas story is the beginning to Theos.
In a story of magic and mythology Marie has hit the target. in a story of love and passion she has us dreaming of what a love like that could be like. Five stars without any hesitation. 🖤🖤
Such a good duology and road to the next set of books! Wraps up the story *good enough* but leaves enough out there to make you want to read what comes next.
Case continues to be the best golden retriever you just want to hug, while Isha continues to be that (probably venomous) black cat that you also somehow want to hug. What I love about Marie’s couples is that they are not dependent on each other, but they depend on each other. They can individual hold their own and be awesome. But they help each other become better versions of themselves. This duology also has some fun reverse tropes. And of course, the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book had more situations that made my blood boil (Marie is great at writing villains), and scenes that destroyed my soul. All while still giving Case and Isha an ending they deserve (or at least until we meet them again).
I got to Beta read this one and I’m so glad I did. I don’t do well with cliffhangers and I needed to know what happened after Peacebringer. This did not disappoint!
This series is going to be the absolute death of me. Not only do we get our conclusion for Isha and Case we are set up for what is coming in the future books and ugh Marie the gods damned cliff hangers!
The action is non stop in book two as we start with Nin still in the underworld and the race to save her, But we also get a lot of angst, trauma work through and a whole heck of a lot of delicious spice that will have you clutching your thighs as our main couple work through everything that is happening. Beautifully written as always with just the perfect amount of love, acceptance and angst, Marie has made another stunning novel that will make you fall in love with her characters and their world, (before ripping out your heart)
If you enjoy myth retellings you’ll never miss with Marie’s books and this is no different, pick up the series, fall in love, but be prepared for the million mile cliff hangers!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌶🌶🌶.5 Advance Read given by Author. This is an honest review ✨️✨️
Marie is now the queen of spicy shower scenes. 🥵
This book follows after Peacebringer. There are complex characters with many POVs throughout the entire book. The spice was giving. The emotions were high. The action was descriptive.
The characters in Marie's worlds are relatable. They joke, cry, have past issues and future hopes. They talk, they listen and they grow together. Well other than the villains. 😂
Read this if you like sweet couples that help each other heal while being immersed in a world of magic. Below is some spoilers ⚠️
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ -lgtbq+ - she's older - he has self esteem issues - gods/hunters/supernatural - different realms - magic - prophecy - attempted sexual assault - death - War - found family - MCs healing - ptsd - HEA - talk of pregnancy and children
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Deathbringer picks up where the Peacebringer leaves off. This book still gives you complex characters, chef kiss spicy scenes, multiple POVs, and the MC’s relationship with each other are life goals.
One of the things that pointed out for me are the supporting characters and the villains of the story. The author gave them a much bigger role in the story which gives you a better view into their psyche.
I absolutely love the way Case and Isha's story came together! This book was a rollercoaster of emotion, with twists throughout! The spice was perfect, the characters genuine and relateable, the plot fast. Highly recommend! Now to impatiently wait for the next book in this series!
I loved the first one, but this one, I'm obsessed. This book had my heart rate going crazy and had me desperately turning the pages to see what happened next. Case is my new book husband and Theo has officially become a new book boyfriend. I can't wait to see where this series goes next. Had the absolute privilege to be a beta reader for this amazing book by the brilliant author Marie Maness.