Deathsworn

by Meg Smitherman

DEEP IN THE UNDERWORLD, WILL LOVE BLOOM WHERE IT SHOULD NOT SURVIVE?

PRE-ORDER your new necromantasy obsession. . .

The Knight and the Moth meets Phantasma in this spellbinding gothic, enemies-to-lovers tale of life, death, and the dangerous bond between two sworn rivals.

Jonquil Foye wields the power of Life.

Her sworn enemy, Edmund Blackburn, wields the power of Death.

On the battlefield, they clash in a deadly duel meant to decide the fate of their warring cities—until their magics entwine and create a volatile being so powerful it drags them both deep into Death itself.

Forced into a reluctant truce, Jonquil and Edmund must navigate the treacherous underworld and confront the horrifying consequences of their own creation.

As time runs out, their alliance sparks a deeper attraction. But truces are fragile, and Death seems determined to ensure they never return to the land of the living. . .

Brutal, gorgeous, and heart-stopping, this gothic dark fantasy romance is perfect for readers who crave high-stakes tension, lushly dark atmospheres, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with a touch of horror.

Tropes:
✦ True enemies to lovers
⟡ Yearning
✦ Forced proximity
⟡ Gothic Victorian setting
✦ Reylo vibes
⟡ Masked MMC
✦ Life & Death magic

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Gothic, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Fiction, Adult

Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 12, 2027

About the author

Meg Smitherman writes science fiction, fantasy, and horror books (all of which involve kissing). She studied Creative Writing at Brunel University London, where she obtained both her MA and a staggering amount of student loan debt. When not writing, Meg spends her time playing video games, reading fan fiction, and couch rotting. Based in Los Angeles, she shares her life with a chihuahua, a cat, and a handsome Englishman.

Follow Meg on social media!

Instagram: @megsmitherman
TikTok: @megsmitherman

Reviews

[Nenia Campbell]

I'm sure nobody will see this but I am on my knees PLEADING, SCREAMING, THROWING UP for the chance to have an early copy of this book

[Mac (bookwyrm_mac) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early eARC of this book!

Deathsworn was my first novel of Meg Smitherman’s, and I plan to read more ASAP! In its blurb, Deathsworn is described as The Knight and the Moth meets Phantasma, but there aren’t magical trials and it felt different than both of those to me. If I were to compare it to anything I’ve read, I would say it’s more the war and necromancy of Alchemised meets the journey and realizations of The Everlasting.

I really enjoyed the life and death magic aspect of this, and the exploration of how those aren’t opposites so much as intertwined. The journey these characters go on is dark, and the atmosphere that was created was impeccable! I also loved the chemistry and the development of the relationship between Jonquil and Edmund, as well as their personal developments over the course of the story.

This is a very fast-paced read, that somehow still manages to deftly explore themes of grief and guilt. I would definitely recommend it!

[Demi Winters]

Deathsworn is a fresh take on the fantasy romance genre--it's macabre yet romantic, and absolutely stunning! I ate up the dynamics between bookish Jonquil and the enigmatic Duke of Death as they are forced to team up to save mankind from the grotesque amalgamation of their magics. The classic battle of life versus death in an immersive, gothic world.

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and publisher for my arc. The opinions are my own.


I ABSOLUTELY loved this. Deathsworn is now my second book I’ve read from Meg and I plan on devouring them all. This has some Rylo vibes (dark vs light) that I really loved and each character had their own personality and vibe. The atmosphere is PERFECT, dark , gothic… a death forest! The city of the dead?! Perfect. Pacing… perfect. Slow burn with banter and angst and just the right amount of “we shouldn’t/ we can’t /nwe are supposed to hate each other.” Loved this , also really loved that it’s a stand alone with a satisfying ending. Also the little foot notes added to the immersion so well.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ I was blessed with a bound manuscript and YA’LL. ABSOLUTELY IMPECCABLE. I have so many (screaming) notes in the margins, and so many drafts of this review saved, but I need a keyboard & I need to carefully review my giddy thoughts to make sure there are no spoilers, so full review to come but just know I LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT.

[Cara Harp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Saturday Books for an advanced copy via NetGalley!

This was my first book by Meg Smitherman, and while not what I expected, I still enjoyed it! What I’d anticipated and my own preferences definitely caught me off guard but that’s absolutely not a reflection of the book.

The magic & political system (necromancers, animancers- war over whose power is “right”), and my interpretation of the theming (judgment, acceptance, does anyone actually win in war?) were the highlights!

The majority of this story is character driven, with a ton of action and plot development placed at the tail end of the book. If you enjoy gothic settings with internal growth/battles, I think you’d really love it!

[Molly Haniszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was insanely fortunate to receive a very early copy of this book and I could not put it down. This is the very definition of “necromantasy.” We get genuine enemies-to-lovers here and the hate is so real. There are whispers of dark academia in the vein of Destroyer, with The Frost Queen’s Blade-esque romance. Jonquil and the Duke of Death’s travels through the forest of Death serves as the perfect backdrop—just unsettling enough to keep you on your toes as you watch them fall for each other. Magnificent.

[lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read. Deathsworn was everything I had hoped for and more; an intriguing magic system, strong world building and complex characters that I felt so emotionally connected to!

This book hardly felt like a debut, primarily because of the structure and plot of the book. Despite all the complex lore and history about necromancers, animacers, Lux City, etc etc, the storytelling had such a solid foundation and by the 25% point, I was able to have a really strong understanding of it! This was super helpful as the plot only begins to thicken and complicate from then on!

The relationship between Jonquil and Edmund was strong enemies to lovers and I loved the bickering and passive aggressive comments/threats thrown between them whilst they were stuck in the Forest of Death. The romance built up naturally and whilst the plot itself was pretty fast paced, their relationship had a satisfying slow burn that developed around the hectic things happening to them. Chapter 30 will be permanently stuck in my head!!!

+ in terms of them as separate characters, I enjoyed the self growth that Jonquil and Edmund both went through and the fears and emotions that they had to overcome in order to progress. Seeing the way they developed from the beginning to the end was so satisfying and THE ENDING. I loved it for them!!!! (even if I did cry a little for them)

I adored the plot, you’ll always catch me searching for books that balance the chemistry of the characters in a way that compliments the plot and this was done PERFECTLY. The different challenges and twists that surfaced during their journey through the Forest, City of Death and even when they returned back to Umbra were so gripping and naturally, I had to finish this book in one sitting. I connected with Meg’s writing style easily and so whilst reading through, it felt so fantastical and brilliantly realistic at the same time.


I’d say that my only *and minor* critique is the pacing and development of the book for the first 20% - in comparison to the rest of the story it did feel quite slow, as well as the fact that there’s so much information to understand, so you really have to invest into it to be able to get to when the fun part starts (the 25% mark)


Thank you endlessly to Saturday Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

[C.G. Frances]

Ordered from B&N
January 2027

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would you step into the Forest of Death with drifting souls, a gothic eerie setting where Death gets deeper and deeper on the other side of Veil? It was serene but also a horrifying feeling that I was all here for!

Deathsworn is perfect for readers lookin for their next necromancy read that felt utterly atmospheric and spine-chilling! Meg did a great job setting the story with its unique necro magic, battle magic, and descriptions of different types of souls that I was so intrigued by! I also enjoyed how fast-paced this felt but keeping the world building richly layered.

Jonquil our lil powerful necro from the most powerful animancer there is and the Duke of Death is coming for her. A mask that looks and feels mysterious shaped as a skull. He took everything from her. He is fear. He is the keeper of darkness where his power feels deadly. Every time he laughed I swear you can feel and hear the rumble and echo through the pages! 💀

Once Jonquil placed a magic construct with the Duke, things take a turn into the Forest of Death where you feel the souls surrounded by you. I got so creeped out in the scene where the creature crawled into her mouth, as she’s trying to get it out, figuring out what was actually happening. It almost seemed like the soul was trying to break her. Destroy her. Eeeek! Gave me the goosebumps lol.

This is in fact true enemies to lovers where Death is playing its prey. Ready to destroy what is his and I was so here for their banter and tiffing moments! But they also blossom in the most beautiful haunting way throughout the book where you feel emotionally connected with them. Edmund and Jonquil is that IT sworn rivals 🖤

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and Meg for the chance to read early! ❤️

[Carsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming. Because how else would I have ended up with a bound manuscript of Deathsworn?!

The fact that I binged this in one day should really be all I have to say about this. This was everything I love about Meg’s novellas on a larger scale. Such an amazing take on necromancy, enemies-to-lovers, and forbidden love. Even with a dash of trauma and confronting your (not so invisible) demons.

While I did have a hard time understanding just exactly what was going on in the beginning, the journey and challenges our two main characters go through eventually help piece together any missing information I was initially confused about.

I really thought Jonquil and Edmund worked so well together as a pair. The progression of their relationship seemed natural rather than forced, and I truly enjoyed their banter and growth. I also loved that their growing feelings were focused around the bond they were forming during their time in Death, rather than any sexual attraction/lust they may have had for each other.

And the atmosphere!! So gothic, so heartbreaking, so horrifying. All in true Meg Smitherman fashion. I couldn’t get enough of this world, and had a hard time reconciling that the last page was truly the end of the journey.

Thank you so much to Meg and the publisher for my advanced copy of Deathsworn!

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 Rounding up. My only complaint is I greedily want MORE.

This book has left me feeling both so full and so heartbroken. Wow.

Just to start - the cover art on this book is stunning and gives you insight to the book so well. Regal, Gothic, death. I would recommend this book to Phantasma and One Dark Window fans on atmosphere alone.

Jonquil's relationship with her mother really hit home, and I think that is what made this such an emotional read for me.

A true enemies to lovers romance, with a unique magic system involving life, death, and how it is not always just one or the other. Having to wander around the forest of the Dead, with your sworn enemy, with no other choice than to work together, and also having to fight both physical and mental demons. This story does not have a dull moment. It explores grief, resentment, and the power to overcome.

The footnotes work exceptionally well in this book, allowing you to stay immersed while providing insightful bits of information.

Without giving too much away - when they got to the duel, what transpired with Magnus had my jaw DROPPED.

And the ending!? Ugh, again, my heart is both so full and so broken.

I just wanted more. I think this could have been drawn out, possibly into a duology.

Thank you to Goodreads and St. Martin's press for this advanced copy!

[Mishay Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Saturday books for the gifted early copy of this book!

This is a standalone gothic fantasy set in a world where necromancers and animates are in an seemingly endless war against one another.
When Jonquil and The Duke of Death clash in a duel they get sucked into the Underworld while trying to evade a volatile amalgamation of their magic. While journeying through Death these two are forced to work together, making them get to know each other more little by little.

The banter between them was so fun and really added a lightness to the dark, gothic atmosphere of this book. I liked getting to know the MMC and who he truly is when he isn’t having to keep up the appearance of The Duke of Death. Jonquil is an interesting FMC with her quick thinking and complex feelings about necromancers and their magic. She is curious, knowledgeable, and always looking for more to learn.

I loved that this was a standalone since I have getting into so many series lately and this was pretty short, around 320 pages. The build up to the ending was paced well and I appreciated the effort the characters put into trying to defeat the powerful mass of their magics intertwined.

[Nicole Geneva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up! This was my first novel by Meg Smitherman so I was not familiar with her writing, and I think I may have gone into this with the wrong expectations.

I did enjoy the magic system and the setting, but I was left wanting more from the writing. The pacing felt off at times—the first half of the book was slow but once we get to around 70%, things started to really pick up in a way I had been waiting for. When I think of gothic writing, the first author I think of is Keri Lake. Her writing is dark and immersive and I was expecting the same with Deathsworn, but it missed the mark for me.

Being that this is marketed as a "necromantasy," I was expecting more from the romance. It's definitely a true slow burn and we're hardly given crumbs for the first half of the book. I just wanted more—more tension, more banter, more yearning.

I will say the last 25% of the book redeemed a lot for me. The plot really picks up along with the romance, and it became what I had been looking for all along. If you enjoy gothic novels, I would still recommend this, but it's very important to go in with proper expectations.

Thank you to S.t Martin's Press/Saturday Books for the ARC!

[Haylie Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the nonstop action in this book, I love the gothic feel, I love Jonquil Foye’s complex emotions and her beautifully genius brain. She is strong and willful. And that's just my feelings from reading 50% of the book.
The main POV is of Jonquil Foye, an animancer (life magic), but you do get a few chapters from the Duke of Death, a necromancer (death magic).
The novel as a whole was a perfect mix of gothic fantasy, action, and adventure. The author makes you feel like you are in each scene, with vivid details of the FMC's surroundings.
The magic system is very interesting, and the author details the differences for you and some of the properties of each in the notes.
I stand by my first comment of Jonquil's complex emotions, but as you continue the book you learn more about her and it made me sympathize with her more. I felt it.
I loved all of it. It felt like a standalone novel, but I still want to know what happens after the ending. It would make a great second novel.
You'd enjoy this book if you like:
True enemies to lovers, Slow burn, Tension, Yearning, Forced Proximity, Masked MMC, Gothic Victorian setting, Unique magic system.
Spice: 2 pepps

[batttykoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got my hands on an early e-ARC (beta ARC?!) back in October 2025, and I have been WAITING in to yap with yall about it! The restraint? Heroic. The payoff? Delicious.

I am permanently unwell over anything Meg Smitherman writes, and this one does not MISSSSS.

The Deets:
Jonquil Foye wields Life + Edmund Blackburn wields Death.
When they meet on the battlefield, their magic does not simply clash, it entwines, mutates, and births something catastrophic.

Obvi I have to share the tropes with you:

🖤 enemies to lovers (but really tho) 

🖤 slow burn + mutual YEARNING

🖤 forced proximity in literal Death (HOT) 

🖤 necromancer MMC (masktok assemble!!)

The world feels drenched in shadow and velvet, all gothic atmosphere and creeping dread, with a romance that coils tighter the deeper you go. There is horror here too (in classic Smitherman fashion), not just in the setting, but in what love costs when it is tangled up with power, grief, and survival.

If you loved The Knight and the Moth and Phantasma… this one is gonna hit.

[Paige Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the early eARC of Deathsworn!

The writing, the detail, and the overall execution of this book was perfection and let me tell you, "necromantasy" is so back!! This was my first novel by Meg Smitherman and I will immediately be going to pick up her earlier work because the fluid way she organizes her thoughts into the world she created was exactly what I look for in my favourite books.

Jonquil was a strongly developed FMC with real passions and real flaws. She felt like the definition of life within this novel. Similarly, Edmund Blackburn had so much depth and an aura that encapsulated the moody dynamic of a necromancer within this society. Well both of these characters had their own roles within this universe, I applaud the author for emphasizing that they also had both life and death within them no matter the side they originated.

There was so much care put into this novel and it had me underlining moments that made me laugh, sit on the edge of my seat, or just stare at a wall thinking about the meaning of life! I flew through this, never wanting to put it down because from start to finish, this fantasy was everything and more

[Kaitlyn Lopez-Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you St Martin’s Press for the e-arc.

Oh my goodness, this is going to be a top favorite read in 2026. This book was the gothic, enemies-to-lovers book of my dreams. Speaking of dreams, it had such a cool, nightmarish atmosphere in the land of Death. It was beautiful, it was terrifying.

This book was full of so much amazing tension between the characters. Edmund is a new book boyfriend for sure. He was way more than you think in the beginning, and I love a freckled man. Jonquil’s power was amazing, and I felt for her so much. She had such a hateful mother. Dagmar was the perfect side character who made me laugh on several occasions.

This book made me cry several times. It was really a personified battling of one’s own inner demons. I’m going to be thinking of this book for a long time!

[Amanda Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive an e-ARC of this title releasing in January 2027

This is a true enemies to lovers romantasy story with some creepy horror like elements to it. The magic system is a cool concept - totally focused on the energy and magic that is life and death. Add in some souls, ghouls and other things that go bump in the night - including a creepy forest - and it’s a great world to get lost reading in.

This book is really driven by great characters - with flaws and baggage. My only want was to have more POVs from the MMC, because I feel like I wanted to know more from him. There was to me a couple plot points that just came together a little weird - but that’s being nit-picky - and some elements that just took me out of the story a little. I found it a little hard to get into, but I’m so happy I kept at it, because once it grabs you, you won’t want to put it down.

[Erin Summerlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book early in a giveaway and am so excited to have read it! Meg Smitherman is one of my new favorite authors and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I could have done with more tension and more enemying- but perhaps I am too used to my dark/ horrormance genres that I tend to lean toward. For a true romantasy, it more than fits the bill for enemies to lovers, though.

All in all I think I was expecting the tone to be darker, but I had a fun time reading it and really enjoyed the FMC in this one. The magic system was really interesting as well as the mechanics of the afterlife, and I liked that the time period felt different than you find in most romantasies.

If the ending had been a bit different it would have been a 4+ star read for me- but I won't post any spoilers on this review.

[Morgan 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Saturday books for this ARC! (First one as a SMP Early Reader!)

I AM ON THE FLOOR AFTER THIS BOOK! This didn’t disappoint and I could shout about how much I loved this.

This was one of my most anticipated 2027 reads, and it was even better than expected!

Edmund and Jonquil were the perfect enemies to lovers, slooooooooooow burn romance and I was loving it! Both carried their own and had such strong personalities, they just fit so well together! (Also I love these two emo kids with magic)

This story is exactly what I love, and had me in the edge of my seat the last 75% because I really didn’t know what was going to happen.

In January you’ll see me recommending this book to everyone!

[Lindsey Willingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win a giveaway for a bound manuscript from Meg and Saturday Books and OMG THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. When I tell you I pretty much ate this book up in one sitting. The goth-like desert setting. Death as a place. The unique concept of the construct. The tension and dynamic between Jonquil and Edmund. All of it was immaculate. I am but a simple creature and I knew this one would be for me when I saw the MMC is called the Duke of Death. And I was not wrong. I’ve been a huge fan of Meg since reading Thrum and, as always, she absolutely delivered. I will cherish my bound manuscript forever and I cannot wait to be able to discuss this book with others.

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

06/25/2026-06/28/2026

Thank you so so much St.Martins Press (SMP Early Readers) for the gifted digital proof widget of “Deathsworn” by Meg Smitherman 💀

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Coming January 12th, 2027)

Deathsworn took us on a journey of grief, love, acceptance, and peace all in such a short time.

The amount of plot twists this book is full of while somehow maintaining a consistency in slow burn, plot unraveling and humor is phenomenal!

I mean plot twists after plot twists all wrapped tight in a bow!

This necromantasy was beautiful! 🖤

Seriously, the journey of Edmund and Jonquil finding themselves and each other in such a dark and twisted journey brought tears to my eyes! 🥹

[m y r · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the E-Arc!

Another incredible novel from Meg Smitherman, this time as a "necromantasy"! The world-building was so unique, with a gothic-desert, an undead city, and a shadow-magic atmosphere. It was eerie and ghostly. I loved the concept of the construct and what it was created by. It made for the magic-system all the more interesting and fun to learn about.

Jonquil and Edmund, I loved them and their dynamic. They had so much personality, passion, and flaws. Their banter and connection made the development of their story all the more loveable and exciting.

I love anything Meg Smitherman writes - her writing style is so compelling and draws you in to a point where you don't want to escape the story. I'm always eager to read more of her stories and the worlds she creates ❤

[Susan Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deathsworn by Meg Smitherman is a suspenseful novel that blends mystery, action, and compelling character development. The story keeps readers engaged with its fast-paced plot, unexpected twists, and well-developed relationships between the characters. Smitherman creates a vivid atmosphere that builds tension throughout the book while exploring themes of loyalty, courage, and the consequences of difficult choices. The engaging writing style and steady pacing make it an enjoyable read for fans of mystery and suspense. Overall, Deathsworn is an entertaining novel that delivers both excitement and emotional depth, making it a worthwhile choice for readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers.

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sits somewhere between a 3.5 and 4 stars for me. I struggled in the beginning, I didn’t really like our characters to start and some moments felt awkward and forced but I got very invested once we got to the forest of death!! It really picked up and I liked how unique it felt. I do wish we don’t more time there to develop the relationship a bit more I felt like it was the perfect slow burn and then bam it moved more quickly. But overall I’m really enjoyable and super different. And personally I loved the ending, it felt correct !!

[Stormcatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this book before it is a finished and published story.
I really enjoyed the premise, the magic and the story as a whole. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because the dialogue often felt quite stilted and when the sex finally happens, it felt very anticlimactic. Otherwise this is a solid romantasy and I really look forward to reading the story again when it comes out next year.

[Mariah Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway and it’s probably my favorite that I’ve won yet!

This book was easily a 5 star read for me. I loved the macabre dynamics between the main characters and loved the life and death magic concept! Everything was so beautifully described and I loved the all the details about “Death”. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Necromantasy and a good enemies to lovers story!

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the premise, writing, and characters but felt that the book could have been longer so that the characters and world building could be fleshed out more, and at the same time, shorter considering the little that actually happened in the story. Maybe because of this, the romance ended up feeling unconvincing and the plot formulaic. This has gotten me excited to pick up author Meg Smitherman's backlist, however, particularly her novellas!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and captured my attention from the very first page. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. One feature I especially loved was the footnotes—they provided helpful explanations right where I needed them, so I didn't have to keep flipping back and forth to better understand the story. It made the reading experience much smoother and even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!