★★★★★ 4
An Unforgettable Fantasy Read
Format: Paperback
⭐️3.75/5 stars ⭐️
I can’t, in good faith, talk about this book without mentioning the end. If you are a reader who despises cliffhangers, you might want to add this to your TBR (and you’re going to want to read it) until the sequel is announced, because I am STILL reeling over that ending. This cliffhanger is the cliff that keeps on giving. It’s going to stay with me until the day I get to read Book 2.
Why are you going to want to read The Death-Made Prince anyway? First and foremost is the world that Lisette Marshall has created with such a unique and refreshing magic system! I was hooked from the first mention of runes and necromancy. Linguistics is a subject that has always fascinated me, both in reality and in fantasy. Seeing Thraga’s runic witchcraft described as a formulaic language made both my mathematician and reader hearts throb with anticipation. Moreover, I loved Marshall’s take on necromancy - I didn’t realize how literal the “death-made” title for Durlain would be! In The Death-Made Prince, Marshall really does combine a variety of magical elements to create a fantasy world that is hard to leave.
But what also makes The Death-Made Prince hard to ignore are the characters. Thraga and Durlain both have their tragic backstories, but it’s what lies beyond their backstories that truly make them stand out. Thraga is a runewitch with OCD and anxiety, and I just have to say that the representation is ON POINT. On the other hand, Durlain is a loveable black cat MMC who tries so hard to be an idiot (and does succeed). While their enemies-to-lovers relationship is a slow, slow, SLOW burn, it makes it all worth it in the “end.” The banter between them is top-notch and had me hooked and invested throughout.
There were times when their banter was the only thing that kept me reading. The first 50% was slow and I had some trouble staying invested. BUT, I will encourage any reader who looks at my review to STICK WITH IT. The last 20-30% of the book made it oh so worth it. It really picks up once Durlain and Thraga arrive at the Dawn House (iykyk), featuring secrets, lies, and espionage. Oh, and of course the sexual tension. From then on, the plot moved quickly, and I couldn’t put my Kindle down. And then, there was the cliffhanger. But you already knew that.
All in all, The Death-Made Prince introduced a fantasy world that I am loath to leave (even if for a little bit). While the beginning was slow and seemed to drag on, the end was amazing and I do not, and never will, regret reading it. Catch me again when Book 2 is announced…
Thank you to Lisette Marshall and the team at Behind the Pages for letting me read an early copy of The Death-Made Prince! I’m honored to give my honest thoughts on this book and support its release.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2025
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