The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig Review (Gifted/AD)

Hello Readers,

Thank you, Stephen, Jamie, Black Crow PR for sending me an eBook copy of The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig for free in exchange for an honest review. As this is a publication day review my post will be spoiler free.  The eBook I received didn't have a cover, so I am using a cover image I have found through google (Fair use under the copyright act sections 29 and 30 under use for a review). Spoiler free review.

Happy Publication Day

Title: The Thirteenth Child
Author: Erin A. Craig
Genre: Fantasy YA Horror Gothic Fantasy Romance 
Pages: 512
Cover Image:

Synopsis: 

Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised away to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather Merrick, the Dreaded End to arrive.

When he does, he lays out exactly how he’s planned Hazel’s future. She will become a great healer, known throughout the kingdom for her precision and skill. To aid her endeavors, Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift, the ability to instantly deduce the exact cure needed to treat the sick.

But all gifts come with a price. Hazel can see when Death has claimed a patient when all hope is gone and is tasked to end their suffering, permanently. Haunted by the ghosts of those she’s killed, Hazel longs to run. But destiny brings her to the royal court, where she meets Leo, a rakish prince with a disdain for everything and everyone. And it’s where Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet—to save the life of a king marked to die. Hazel knows what she is meant to do and knows what her heart is urging her toward, but what will happen if she goes against the will of Death?

From the astonishing mind of Erin A. Craig comes the breath-taking fairy tale retelling readers have been waiting for— what does a life well-lived mean, and how do we justify the impossible choices we make for the ones we love?

Miniature Review

As soon as I read the blurb of this book, I knew I had to help with the cover reveal back in June. I was lucky enough to also be gifted an eBook copy to read and I loved this book. As much as I loved it, I wish I waited till for an autumn day to read it. I can picture this book so clearly been read on a rainy day in the comfy chair with blankets and a cuppa.
 
The Thirteenth Child is a dark fantasy that is perfect for the upcoming spooky season. Erin’s writing is exquisite and captivating and felt like a classic fairy tale. The story was perfectly paced, it was eerily atmospheric, and the world-building was immersive and engaging.
 
At no point throughout this book did I wish the tale to hurry up or end. I was more than happy being plunged into this dark fairy tale with rich details. Every page turned; I almost held my breath in anticipation as I started to get a nervous as I stepped closer to the ending, but I was more than happy with how the book ended.

 
I loved Hazel she was great protagonist. She is a strong, independent woman who aspires to be in charge of her life.  I also loved how much she cared about taking care of others and doing the right thing. It was effortless following her through this journey. I really enjoyed the relationship between Hazel and her Godfather called Merick who happens to be this worlds God of Death.
 
Merrick was a great and well throughout character but also terrifying at times. But at no point did I ever question his parental love for Hazel. Another thing I loves that despite being a god, Merrick seemed extremely human at times.
 
I am weakling for DEATH as a character since reading the Discworld series, but I really enjoyed the portrayal of the God of Death. I love seeing how a god and a human would interact with each other and this book didn’t disappoint. Yes, they may see things differently but still have a family love for one another.

This is a must read for the spooky season. 

L x

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