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To Unmake a God: A Slow-Burn Dark Fantasy Romance
She bargained with death. She didn't expect death to fall in love with her.
Sorrel is a heretic healer, dying of her own gift — eleven years of stolen deaths hoarded in a body that was never built to hold them. With one season left, she performs a forbidden rite and summons the god of endings himself to strike a her soul, at the winter solstice, in exchange for the time to make her young sister safe.
But her touch does what no mortal's ever has. It pours her hoarded deaths into him — and the cold god who has felt nothing for an age begins, catastrophically, to feel. Every time they touch, she heals and he his immortality bleeding out at her hands, the gate of the dead jammed open, a whole world slowly forgetting how to die.
Loving her will cost him his godhood. Loving him will cost her everything she bargained to keep. And the kind, patient thing that deals in debts is already at the door — smiling, unhurried, ready to collect them both.
To save him, Sorrel will have to do the one thing her pride has never allowed her to stop carrying it alone.
A slow-burn, spice-laced dark romantasy about death, devotion, and the terrible mercy of being loved.
Sorrel is a heretic healer, dying of her own gift — eleven years of stolen deaths hoarded in a body that was never built to hold them. With one season left, she performs a forbidden rite and summons the god of endings himself to strike a her soul, at the winter solstice, in exchange for the time to make her young sister safe.
But her touch does what no mortal's ever has. It pours her hoarded deaths into him — and the cold god who has felt nothing for an age begins, catastrophically, to feel. Every time they touch, she heals and he his immortality bleeding out at her hands, the gate of the dead jammed open, a whole world slowly forgetting how to die.
Loving her will cost him his godhood. Loving him will cost her everything she bargained to keep. And the kind, patient thing that deals in debts is already at the door — smiling, unhurried, ready to collect them both.
To save him, Sorrel will have to do the one thing her pride has never allowed her to stop carrying it alone.
A slow-burn, spice-laced dark romantasy about death, devotion, and the terrible mercy of being loved.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 14, 2026
*Review of Advanced Copy received from the Author. This is an honest review.*
This book had a very interesting idea which is what caught my eye right away. I had a difficult time finishing this book and almost dnfed it. I do not think this writing style is for me, it almost felt too descriptive to the point that it lost me several times and made me feel even more confused than I already was. I also found the writing to be very repetitive throughout the book. I felt it was constantly mentioning and talking about the exact same things over and over. I also felt that with the way it was written it lacked any warmth between the characters, like I did not feel any emotions and it fell very flat for me. I also feel like the plot was being thrown around and so I don't even feel like I understood it. I also feel like the interactions between the characters were few and far between and just made their whole dynamic very bland. Now if you are someone who loves the very formal, overly descriptive writing (don't get me wrong it was beautiful at times) then this book is for you. I do feel like the book carried a message through it which I liked. I feel like the message was that it is okay to not carry the weight of everything on your shoulders, it is okay to ask for help from others, and I really did like that aspect of it, and the fact that I could see that there was a message throughout. Overall I would give this book 2.5⭐️. but will round up too three
This book had a very interesting idea which is what caught my eye right away. I had a difficult time finishing this book and almost dnfed it. I do not think this writing style is for me, it almost felt too descriptive to the point that it lost me several times and made me feel even more confused than I already was. I also found the writing to be very repetitive throughout the book. I felt it was constantly mentioning and talking about the exact same things over and over. I also felt that with the way it was written it lacked any warmth between the characters, like I did not feel any emotions and it fell very flat for me. I also feel like the plot was being thrown around and so I don't even feel like I understood it. I also feel like the interactions between the characters were few and far between and just made their whole dynamic very bland. Now if you are someone who loves the very formal, overly descriptive writing (don't get me wrong it was beautiful at times) then this book is for you. I do feel like the book carried a message through it which I liked. I feel like the message was that it is okay to not carry the weight of everything on your shoulders, it is okay to ask for help from others, and I really did like that aspect of it, and the fact that I could see that there was a message throughout. Overall I would give this book 2.5⭐️. but will round up too three
June 23, 2026
Ancient gods and a remarkable human
This book read very ancient and pushed the boundaries of time, expectations, rules and the way things in life and time are meant to go. Can a heretic witch make a difference in the world of dying and endings? Absolutely!
This was a very interesting concept and I enjoyed the story, I did find the book to be very formal, a little robotic, too many big words than what was needed and lacked warmth even when it spoke of it. This wasn't a page turner for me and because of the way the story was written I found it hard to stick to.
If you like a book about gods, underdogs, outsmarting beings who are not outsmarted and dares to push the boundaries of what is allowed and find forbidden, impossible love.. this book could be for you.
I received a free advanced copy and am leaving an honest review.
This book read very ancient and pushed the boundaries of time, expectations, rules and the way things in life and time are meant to go. Can a heretic witch make a difference in the world of dying and endings? Absolutely!
This was a very interesting concept and I enjoyed the story, I did find the book to be very formal, a little robotic, too many big words than what was needed and lacked warmth even when it spoke of it. This wasn't a page turner for me and because of the way the story was written I found it hard to stick to.
If you like a book about gods, underdogs, outsmarting beings who are not outsmarted and dares to push the boundaries of what is allowed and find forbidden, impossible love.. this book could be for you.
I received a free advanced copy and am leaving an honest review.
July 8, 2026
Excited but then felt lost
I really wanted to love this one because I’m a sucker for a god and mortal love story, but it just didn’t keep my attention.
The writing was beautiful, but there was so much description that I felt disconnected from the characters. I also wish there had been more dialogue between the main characters because I never really felt their chemistry or believed in their love story.
The plot also felt a little thin. I kept waiting to understand why she was so special, and the whole contract storyline seemed to come and go without much impact. There just wasn’t enough tension to keep me invested, and I honestly had to talk myself out of DNFing it.
This one just wasn’t for me.
I really wanted to love this one because I’m a sucker for a god and mortal love story, but it just didn’t keep my attention.
The writing was beautiful, but there was so much description that I felt disconnected from the characters. I also wish there had been more dialogue between the main characters because I never really felt their chemistry or believed in their love story.
The plot also felt a little thin. I kept waiting to understand why she was so special, and the whole contract storyline seemed to come and go without much impact. There just wasn’t enough tension to keep me invested, and I honestly had to talk myself out of DNFing it.
This one just wasn’t for me.
June 19, 2026
Holy hell this book was good.it was beautifully written and told a compelling story of love courage and resilience.
Congratulations to the author.
Congratulations to the author.
Read
July 1, 2026This book is a cruel and beautiful love story. The writing style is absolutely gorgeous and unlike anything I’ve ever read. It really was incredible. 10/10
July 6, 2026
I throughly enjoyed this book. Mythology meets physiological thoughts. Little spice though but a live for each other vibe. Interested for the next book!
July 24, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
[Overview]
✍️ Writing Style: 1/5
📖 Plot / Storyline: 2.5/5
🌙 Character Depth: 1.5/5
💬Character Interactions: 1/5
💕 Couple Dynamics: 1/5
🔥 Insta love/lust or real build-up?: Insta love from the hollow's side
[Spoiler-free Section]
I feel like this book will really depend on your enjoyment of the writing style. I personally did not like it at all in no way or shape. I wouldn't say it's bad, but for me personally it's not enjoyable and I couldn't connect with the characters or story. While it's technically not the worst, it's just trying too much. There is sooo much internal monologuing, it's essentially the whole book. Nothing (until the end) gets done because these two are only monologuing. They aren't even talking TO each other most of the time, but rather it feels like both of them are just watching the other and MONOLOGUING. I can't say this word enough. It doesn't help that the writing is so distant in a sense.
They are talking to themselves about the other person and yet there is no feeling to it, it's weird and I can't properly describe it, it's just unemotional. I'm not feeling anything except maybe boredom. As I said it's also trying too much and paragraphs could've been condensed into one or two sentences while achieving the same effect. It's too flowery I suppose, which I personally think is a very difficult writing technique to make appealing. I usually hate it and so far only one or two books managed to make this drawn out flowery prose beautiful. This book unfortunately did not manage that for me personally.
Besides that I also feel like Sorrel is just a boring character and since I didn't care for her and thought the writing was distant and devoid of emotions, I didn't buy their romantic relationship AT ALL. When these two suddenly talk of love I'm just like... girl where? What happened? When did it happen? More importantly WHY? Maybe my eyes glazed over and I missed it. I do not DNF on principle, but I was very tempted with this one. I honestly just didn't care about anything or anyone and if it weren't for my no DNF rule, then I would've stopped about 30-40% in.
I will say though, "The god of endings" is one hell of a title, love that.
Bonus points for Dual POV. Unfortunately it didn't make it any better. Sorrel's POV was downright sleep inducing and the hollow was a little more interesting but I didn't understand his instant infatuation with Sorrel.
This is my problem with first person narration, I had no idea what our protagonist's name is for a good chunk of the beginning, what gender they are, what they look like or who they even are. And I don't think putting the name on the chapter should count. Our protagonists sister was talking to them, why couldn't she casually mention the name?
Sorrel's power is very intriguing, to take peoples death into you, love that.
[Spoiler Section]
[Overview]
✍️ Writing Style: 1/5
📖 Plot / Storyline: 2.5/5
🌙 Character Depth: 1.5/5
💬Character Interactions: 1/5
💕 Couple Dynamics: 1/5
🔥 Insta love/lust or real build-up?: Insta love from the hollow's side
[Spoiler-free Section]
I feel like this book will really depend on your enjoyment of the writing style. I personally did not like it at all in no way or shape. I wouldn't say it's bad, but for me personally it's not enjoyable and I couldn't connect with the characters or story. While it's technically not the worst, it's just trying too much. There is sooo much internal monologuing, it's essentially the whole book. Nothing (until the end) gets done because these two are only monologuing. They aren't even talking TO each other most of the time, but rather it feels like both of them are just watching the other and MONOLOGUING. I can't say this word enough. It doesn't help that the writing is so distant in a sense.
They are talking to themselves about the other person and yet there is no feeling to it, it's weird and I can't properly describe it, it's just unemotional. I'm not feeling anything except maybe boredom. As I said it's also trying too much and paragraphs could've been condensed into one or two sentences while achieving the same effect. It's too flowery I suppose, which I personally think is a very difficult writing technique to make appealing. I usually hate it and so far only one or two books managed to make this drawn out flowery prose beautiful. This book unfortunately did not manage that for me personally.
Besides that I also feel like Sorrel is just a boring character and since I didn't care for her and thought the writing was distant and devoid of emotions, I didn't buy their romantic relationship AT ALL. When these two suddenly talk of love I'm just like... girl where? What happened? When did it happen? More importantly WHY? Maybe my eyes glazed over and I missed it. I do not DNF on principle, but I was very tempted with this one. I honestly just didn't care about anything or anyone and if it weren't for my no DNF rule, then I would've stopped about 30-40% in.
I will say though, "The god of endings" is one hell of a title, love that.
Bonus points for Dual POV. Unfortunately it didn't make it any better. Sorrel's POV was downright sleep inducing and the hollow was a little more interesting but I didn't understand his instant infatuation with Sorrel.
This is my problem with first person narration, I had no idea what our protagonist's name is for a good chunk of the beginning, what gender they are, what they look like or who they even are. And I don't think putting the name on the chapter should count. Our protagonists sister was talking to them, why couldn't she casually mention the name?
Sorrel's power is very intriguing, to take peoples death into you, love that.
[Spoiler Section]
June 25, 2026
ARC Review
An utmost atmospheric journey of giving in; written in the most beautiful prose. A warm bath of loving and leaving behind what does not serve you no longer. of finally letting go. I'd call it a love story--for that is what it mostly is--but beyond that it is so much more a story of tiredness and burdens and lies and life being shared with the one--or perhaps just the first--who truly sees beyond the mask one holds up every bloody day.
It tells the story of Sorrel who's somehow able to absorb someone's death in a way that either makes them feel more seen or takes it away entirely. I will admit there is vagueness to the kind of crossing over that Sorrel tries to avoid.
I cannot praise this book enough for the story of the two lovers of how one's touch might be the one thing unbearable to your love and touching them anyway, because they want you too more than ever. This almost vampiric thing of being the ones thing that can sustain the other, but losing a piece of yourself every time you let them feed upon you--and there being no greater joy but to be fed upon.
But, and it is my only but, there is fight inside this tale against a way of dying unseen, unheard and unloved--and the way it is described is through weighing and paying your way to the other side. While at the same time The Endless, The Hollow seems unpaid and uninterested in how his followers act. I would've liked to understand better what ritual they performed since most of the backstory of Sorrel consists of fighting against The Mercy Houses.
That being said--I absolutely adore the writing--for a book mostly taking place beyond the living it gives such a wonderful misty way of seeing the world before you--it is detached from my grasp in the way the land beyond ought to be, without leaving the reader behind. I am there with these beautiful fools falling in love, but kept in the greyness of the ineffable. I must applaud the author for such a strong throughline of the perfect amount of mist before the eyes while keeping the emotion so incredible strong.
This book has such a strong, aggressively beating, solid heart to it. It soothed me, eased me around the concept and (fictional) experience of death. One wishes to die loved and nothing feels more loved that death in love and loved as well.
In that particular vein I will say at the end of this review that this novel does not mention or reference Persephone and Hades at all--but the characterisation of The Hollow and Sorrel does make me think of them quite strongly. It's a twist on the old tale giving both their kindness back and their strength without making it unnecessarily gritty. Similarly, I love The Song of Achilles also in large part for the dreamy, misty, melancholic way of writing. Thus, I am of the opinion that those who loved The song of Achilles for it's writing style and the avoidance of violence and grittiness displayed in that book will also love this book very very much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An utmost atmospheric journey of giving in; written in the most beautiful prose. A warm bath of loving and leaving behind what does not serve you no longer. of finally letting go. I'd call it a love story--for that is what it mostly is--but beyond that it is so much more a story of tiredness and burdens and lies and life being shared with the one--or perhaps just the first--who truly sees beyond the mask one holds up every bloody day.
It tells the story of Sorrel who's somehow able to absorb someone's death in a way that either makes them feel more seen or takes it away entirely. I will admit there is vagueness to the kind of crossing over that Sorrel tries to avoid.
I cannot praise this book enough for the story of the two lovers of how one's touch might be the one thing unbearable to your love and touching them anyway, because they want you too more than ever. This almost vampiric thing of being the ones thing that can sustain the other, but losing a piece of yourself every time you let them feed upon you--and there being no greater joy but to be fed upon.
But, and it is my only but, there is fight inside this tale against a way of dying unseen, unheard and unloved--and the way it is described is through weighing and paying your way to the other side. While at the same time The Endless, The Hollow seems unpaid and uninterested in how his followers act. I would've liked to understand better what ritual they performed since most of the backstory of Sorrel consists of fighting against The Mercy Houses.
That being said--I absolutely adore the writing--for a book mostly taking place beyond the living it gives such a wonderful misty way of seeing the world before you--it is detached from my grasp in the way the land beyond ought to be, without leaving the reader behind. I am there with these beautiful fools falling in love, but kept in the greyness of the ineffable. I must applaud the author for such a strong throughline of the perfect amount of mist before the eyes while keeping the emotion so incredible strong.
This book has such a strong, aggressively beating, solid heart to it. It soothed me, eased me around the concept and (fictional) experience of death. One wishes to die loved and nothing feels more loved that death in love and loved as well.
In that particular vein I will say at the end of this review that this novel does not mention or reference Persephone and Hades at all--but the characterisation of The Hollow and Sorrel does make me think of them quite strongly. It's a twist on the old tale giving both their kindness back and their strength without making it unnecessarily gritty. Similarly, I love The Song of Achilles also in large part for the dreamy, misty, melancholic way of writing. Thus, I am of the opinion that those who loved The song of Achilles for it's writing style and the avoidance of violence and grittiness displayed in that book will also love this book very very much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2026
The rating is more of a 3.75 stars
This novel presents a fascinating and ambitious concept, questioning whether a heretic witch can truly alter a world defined by the inevitability of endings.
It is a story that pushes the boundaries of time, morality, and the natural order, offering a unique premise that initially shows incredible promise.
The atmospheric quality of the writing is undoubtedly the book’s greatest strength. Set largely in the realm beyond the living, the author maintains a detached and atmospheric prose style that reflects the haunting, untouchable quality of the realm beyond.
It is a deliberate stylistic choice that sustains a dreamlike, melancholic haze while ensuring that the underlying emotional tension remains sharp and resonant.
While the book never explicitly references Hades and Persephone, the dynamic between the protagonists, The Hollow and Sorrel, evokes a powerful, non-gritty reimagining of that myth—one that restores both kindness and strength to these archetypal figures.
Ultimately, the book possesses a solid, beating heart; it offers a soothing, profound perspective on death and the comfort of being loved in one's final moments.
However, the reading experience remained uneven. While the book starts with significant strength, the narrative struggles to maintain momentum after the initial meeting between the two leads.
The story loses its way in the latter half, struggling to explain the nature of the protagonist’s unique influence over her counterpart, leaving the central romance feeling unearned.
At the same time, the prose often felt clinical and overly formal, creating a distance that made it difficult to form a personal connection with the characters.
Consequently, the book lacked the warmth required to make it a true page-turner, and I found it challenging to stay engaged despite the beauty of the writing.
While it may not satisfy those looking for a fast-paced or deeply intimate romance, this novel offers a unique, artful experience for readers who enjoy slow-burn, atmospheric storytelling.
For those drawn to philosophical reflections on the afterlife, this book serves as a hauntingly elegant meditation on what it means to be truly seen and loved.
This novel presents a fascinating and ambitious concept, questioning whether a heretic witch can truly alter a world defined by the inevitability of endings.
It is a story that pushes the boundaries of time, morality, and the natural order, offering a unique premise that initially shows incredible promise.
The atmospheric quality of the writing is undoubtedly the book’s greatest strength. Set largely in the realm beyond the living, the author maintains a detached and atmospheric prose style that reflects the haunting, untouchable quality of the realm beyond.
It is a deliberate stylistic choice that sustains a dreamlike, melancholic haze while ensuring that the underlying emotional tension remains sharp and resonant.
While the book never explicitly references Hades and Persephone, the dynamic between the protagonists, The Hollow and Sorrel, evokes a powerful, non-gritty reimagining of that myth—one that restores both kindness and strength to these archetypal figures.
Ultimately, the book possesses a solid, beating heart; it offers a soothing, profound perspective on death and the comfort of being loved in one's final moments.
However, the reading experience remained uneven. While the book starts with significant strength, the narrative struggles to maintain momentum after the initial meeting between the two leads.
The story loses its way in the latter half, struggling to explain the nature of the protagonist’s unique influence over her counterpart, leaving the central romance feeling unearned.
At the same time, the prose often felt clinical and overly formal, creating a distance that made it difficult to form a personal connection with the characters.
Consequently, the book lacked the warmth required to make it a true page-turner, and I found it challenging to stay engaged despite the beauty of the writing.
While it may not satisfy those looking for a fast-paced or deeply intimate romance, this novel offers a unique, artful experience for readers who enjoy slow-burn, atmospheric storytelling.
For those drawn to philosophical reflections on the afterlife, this book serves as a hauntingly elegant meditation on what it means to be truly seen and loved.
July 6, 2026
A beautiful, heavy-hitting high fantasy with a premise that stays with you.
To Unmake a God throws you completely into a different world right from page one. I will admit, the writing style can be a bit of a hurdle, the author uses a heavily stylized, archaic language to tell the story, which made it a harder, slower read for me at first. However, the depth of the themes and characters completely made up for the steep learning curve.
My favorite parts of the book centered around Endings. Watching his re-awakening and the slow, poignant journey of him learning how to feel again was incredibly well-written. The book relies heavily on the powerful imagery of vulnerability specifically, the beauty of letting someone help you instead of trying to carry the weight of everything entirely alone. Combined with a genuinely beautiful and comforting portrayal of death and the concept of "crossing," it carried a massive emotional punch.
Then there is Sorrel. She is smart, clever, and fiercely strong, often too strong for her own good. Taking this journey with her and finally watching her learn to let go of her burdens was an absolute highlight.
While I don't think I will be continuing with the rest of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It serves beautifully as a standalone novel with a fully satisfying emotional conclusion. Highly recommended if you enjoy high-concept fantasy with deep character arcs!
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing a complimentary Advanced Review Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
To Unmake a God throws you completely into a different world right from page one. I will admit, the writing style can be a bit of a hurdle, the author uses a heavily stylized, archaic language to tell the story, which made it a harder, slower read for me at first. However, the depth of the themes and characters completely made up for the steep learning curve.
My favorite parts of the book centered around Endings. Watching his re-awakening and the slow, poignant journey of him learning how to feel again was incredibly well-written. The book relies heavily on the powerful imagery of vulnerability specifically, the beauty of letting someone help you instead of trying to carry the weight of everything entirely alone. Combined with a genuinely beautiful and comforting portrayal of death and the concept of "crossing," it carried a massive emotional punch.
Then there is Sorrel. She is smart, clever, and fiercely strong, often too strong for her own good. Taking this journey with her and finally watching her learn to let go of her burdens was an absolute highlight.
While I don't think I will be continuing with the rest of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It serves beautifully as a standalone novel with a fully satisfying emotional conclusion. Highly recommended if you enjoy high-concept fantasy with deep character arcs!
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing a complimentary Advanced Review Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2026
I really wanted to like this book. The idea was great, and it felt wonderfully gothic. Ambrose actually read like the god he is, which I liked. He felt ancient and eternal. The Usurer was a brilliant character too. I loved his whole character and how fantastically unique he was. I think the characters and the unique plot were the strong points.
My problem was the book's style. It's written in the first person but in a retrospective past tense, which is fine, but you never lose that feeling when reading. Everything feels distant, meaning nothing feels engaging. The characters spend so long in their own heads that, again, you never forget everything has already happened, but also things become repetitive.
There are also massive slips in the writing, small continuity errors, and new information just suddenly slotted in without any explanation. I never DNF a book, but this one was extremely close.
To be honest, it was boring. The writing style took away any emotion and any suspense as we know they survive thanks to the past tense. The pacing lagged massively in places, and I struggled to want to read it. I wasn't glued or engaged to this book; it just felt like a chore, especially with the contradictions in the book's lore, making it hard to know what is fact or mistake.
Overall, I think this author had great ideas, but it just wasn't executed right, leading to a dull gothic book that is hard to engage with.
My problem was the book's style. It's written in the first person but in a retrospective past tense, which is fine, but you never lose that feeling when reading. Everything feels distant, meaning nothing feels engaging. The characters spend so long in their own heads that, again, you never forget everything has already happened, but also things become repetitive.
There are also massive slips in the writing, small continuity errors, and new information just suddenly slotted in without any explanation. I never DNF a book, but this one was extremely close.
To be honest, it was boring. The writing style took away any emotion and any suspense as we know they survive thanks to the past tense. The pacing lagged massively in places, and I struggled to want to read it. I wasn't glued or engaged to this book; it just felt like a chore, especially with the contradictions in the book's lore, making it hard to know what is fact or mistake.
Overall, I think this author had great ideas, but it just wasn't executed right, leading to a dull gothic book that is hard to engage with.
July 10, 2026
ARC Review - Epic, thoughtful, and deep
This will be an unusual review by me as I rarely feel the need to be poetic or deep during my reviews. But this one deserves nothing less than that. I have never felt like I was a person in ancient greece reading the stories for the first time more than during my read of To Unmake a God…
It is everything I needed and more. The deep metaphor of death and how grief needs to be felt resonated with me more than thought possible. To simply call this a romance is an understatement and frankly a disservice to the art this book is. This book felt like reading an epic and the poetry in it is so beautiful I had tears in my eyes.
Sorrel and The Hollow ( I wont spoil) are two sides of the same coin and both so deeply true to themselves you can't help but feel bittersweet about their misery during this read. I loved The Hollow a little bit more as his arc resonated more with me as it lowkey mirrors mine but Sorrel is equally relatable and during the beginning a really guide through the story.
I don't know what I was expecting when I picked this up but to get a university level seminar in 200 pages about love, death, and grief was not that. I love everything about this and the message is so important! This is a modern classic in my eyes and I hope many more prople discover the beauty of it.
This will be an unusual review by me as I rarely feel the need to be poetic or deep during my reviews. But this one deserves nothing less than that. I have never felt like I was a person in ancient greece reading the stories for the first time more than during my read of To Unmake a God…
It is everything I needed and more. The deep metaphor of death and how grief needs to be felt resonated with me more than thought possible. To simply call this a romance is an understatement and frankly a disservice to the art this book is. This book felt like reading an epic and the poetry in it is so beautiful I had tears in my eyes.
Sorrel and The Hollow ( I wont spoil) are two sides of the same coin and both so deeply true to themselves you can't help but feel bittersweet about their misery during this read. I loved The Hollow a little bit more as his arc resonated more with me as it lowkey mirrors mine but Sorrel is equally relatable and during the beginning a really guide through the story.
I don't know what I was expecting when I picked this up but to get a university level seminar in 200 pages about love, death, and grief was not that. I love everything about this and the message is so important! This is a modern classic in my eyes and I hope many more prople discover the beauty of it.
August 5, 2026
The was beautiful.
Profound and profiling.
Poetic and written in an almost mournful prose.
The style of this book is unlike any other kind of book. It was beautiful, poetic, metaphoric but obvious. Kudos to the author for the writing.
The story follows a heretic who defies the religious house of the land takes on the endings of people. She is charged with her heresy and to spare herself time to get her younger sister settled, she summons the Hollow, the god of Endings.
She makes a bargain with the god of Endings and a thread is formed between them and they find themselves intertwined unlike what they believed. And the heretic shows the Endings how to feel after an age of being numb.
The story is the unraveling and unearthing of a god who thought indifference was mercy and not cruelty.
Highly recommend this book!
The only con is that while the writing is very poetic, it can be a bit heavy and I took many breaks but was very worth the read!!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profound and profiling.
Poetic and written in an almost mournful prose.
The style of this book is unlike any other kind of book. It was beautiful, poetic, metaphoric but obvious. Kudos to the author for the writing.
The story follows a heretic who defies the religious house of the land takes on the endings of people. She is charged with her heresy and to spare herself time to get her younger sister settled, she summons the Hollow, the god of Endings.
She makes a bargain with the god of Endings and a thread is formed between them and they find themselves intertwined unlike what they believed. And the heretic shows the Endings how to feel after an age of being numb.
The story is the unraveling and unearthing of a god who thought indifference was mercy and not cruelty.
Highly recommend this book!
The only con is that while the writing is very poetic, it can be a bit heavy and I took many breaks but was very worth the read!!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2026
What can I say about this novella? In under 210 pages, it delivers so much heart, wisdom, and emotion. I was completely captivated from the first page to the last.
What happens when a mortal summons the God of Death to make a bargain? And what really happens after we die? Is someone waiting for us, or do we walk into the unknown alone?
This story explores love, loss, fear, hope, and the courage to challenge the idea that "that's just how it's always been." Sometimes asking why can change everything. It's about choosing compassion over complacency, embracing change, and recognizing that not every offer of help comes without a cost.
This novella left me with so much to think about long after I finished it. Beautifully written, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional, it's absolutely worth the read. I highly recommend it
What happens when a mortal summons the God of Death to make a bargain? And what really happens after we die? Is someone waiting for us, or do we walk into the unknown alone?
This story explores love, loss, fear, hope, and the courage to challenge the idea that "that's just how it's always been." Sometimes asking why can change everything. It's about choosing compassion over complacency, embracing change, and recognizing that not every offer of help comes without a cost.
This novella left me with so much to think about long after I finished it. Beautifully written, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional, it's absolutely worth the read. I highly recommend it
August 1, 2026
I was drawn to the title book because of the title and the synopsis. Human and Gods love story, yes please.
The story started strong, and I enjoyed reading about Sorrel and her life. However, once the Hollow was introduced and the bargain was made, the storyline became less engaging and no longer held my attention. I felt there was a missed opportunity for character development, especially in explaining why Sorrel is so special. Some parts felt repetitive, and at times I was confused about what was happening. It shouldn’t have taken more than five chapters to keep revisiting the same issue. I read the entire book because I didn’t want to add it to my DNF pile; not because the story held me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story started strong, and I enjoyed reading about Sorrel and her life. However, once the Hollow was introduced and the bargain was made, the storyline became less engaging and no longer held my attention. I felt there was a missed opportunity for character development, especially in explaining why Sorrel is so special. Some parts felt repetitive, and at times I was confused about what was happening. It shouldn’t have taken more than five chapters to keep revisiting the same issue. I read the entire book because I didn’t want to add it to my DNF pile; not because the story held me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
Wow, wow, wow!
I received this as an ARC and I honestly was not expecting to love it as much as I did. This was such a pleasant surprise. It was beautifully written, atmospheric, and just had that feeling that pulls you in and makes you want to take your time with it.
If you’re a mood reader like me, this is definitely a rainy day, curled-up-with-a-blanket kind of book. It’s not one you rush through and immediately forget about. It’s one that makes you sit there afterwards thinking about the story, the characters, and the feelings it left behind.
I would absolutely buy a copy of this for my shelves.
Again... wow!
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July 1, 2026I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has such a unique premise and starts very strong. I was very excited to read this novel, but the author failed to develop the plot and absolutely let the story go after “The Hollow” meets Sorrel. By the end of the book I don’t understand why she was so unique as a human to unravel him. (Which is central to the romance supposedly)
This book has such a unique premise and starts very strong. I was very excited to read this novel, but the author failed to develop the plot and absolutely let the story go after “The Hollow” meets Sorrel. By the end of the book I don’t understand why she was so unique as a human to unravel him. (Which is central to the romance supposedly)
July 6, 2026
In a world where writing is new, where the flow is modern; To Unmake a God has a very unique style. Allow your mind to slow down to read the story of Sorrel, and journey into a new time. But be prepared for a full emotional experience and the anticipation for what Harvest has to come.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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