Masters of Death is a clever, genre-blending novel that combines supernatural elements, philosophical musings, and Olivie Blake’s signature witty, introspective writing. It’s a book that defies easy categorization, mixing mystery, romance, and dark humor with an existential twist.

The story revolves around a vampire real estate agent (yes, really) trying to sell a haunted house, a meddling death god, and a game between immortals that plays with fate itself. The characters are quirky, complex, and irresistibly compelling, each dealing with their own burdens of identity, mortality, and what it means to truly live (or, in some cases, not live). Blake’s dialogue sparkles with sharp humor and emotional depth, making every interaction feel meaningful.

True to Olivie Blake’s style, the novel is layered with intricate prose and philosophical depth, exploring themes of love, loss, and destiny in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The nonlinear structure and lyrical writing might not be for everyone, but for those who love books that challenge conventional storytelling, this one is a treat.

If you enjoy supernatural tales with existential undertones, found-family dynamics, and deeply flawed but fascinating characters, Masters of Death is a must-read. It’s whimsical, melancholic, and profoundly human—despite all the ghosts, gods, and vampires.

Coming from previously reading Atlas Six I think I was expecting something a bit different from this book, it was good and well written but I felt not for me.
I love when a story concentrates on many traditional monsters such as vampires, werewolves and demons however I felt there was a lot of padding out and less of an actual plot I struggled to get a feeling of the way the story was going, it was a lot of descriptive writing without much going on I felt it was creating more atmosphere than character development. just not for me

Olivie Blake continues to be a master of characters and prose. No notes, just pure delight in the twists and turns of this gambling/heist/romp of a story

Masters of Death by Olivie Blake is a dark, captivating, and complex tale that blends elements of fantasy, mystery, and philosophical reflection. In her signature style, Blake weaves a story that’s equal parts haunting and thought-provoking, where the boundaries between life, death, and fate are never clearly defined.

The novel follows the journey of two seemingly ordinary individuals who become entwined with beings known as the “Masters of Death.” These entities, whose roles range from reapers to controllers of fate, are central to the narrative, but the real intrigue comes from Blake’s exploration of their relationships with humans, their motivations, and how they view life and death.

One of the most striking elements of Masters of Death is Blake’s mastery in blending world-building with philosophy. As the story delves deeper into its themes, it raises questions about the nature of life, destiny, and mortality. Blake doesn’t offer easy answers but instead invites readers to ponder these big concepts within the context of a compelling narrative. Her prose is poetic and atmospheric, giving the story a unique sense of otherworldliness that lingers long after the book is finished.

Character development is another highlight. The protagonists are well-crafted, complex, and layered, with distinct personalities and motivations. The way their relationships evolve is both emotional and, at times, gut-wrenching. Blake’s ability to make the readers empathize with characters who are far from perfect, yet deeply human in their flaws and struggles, adds richness to the story.

On the flip side, Masters of Death may not be for everyone. Its pacing can be slow at times, especially for readers who are more accustomed to fast-moving plots. The story’s philosophical undertones can also be heavy, and there are moments where the intricate world-building may feel overwhelming. But for those who enjoy slow-burn narratives and aren’t afraid to tackle deep, existential questions, this book will definitely hit the mark.

In short, Masters of Death is a darkly beautiful exploration of life, death, and the complexities of existence. Olivie Blake’s signature style shines through, offering a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally evocative. Fans of her previous works will undoubtedly find much to love, while newcomers will be introduced to a writer who isn’t afraid to challenge her readers while keeping them utterly engaged. Highly recommended for those who appreciate literary fantasy that isn’t afraid to dive deep into the profound.

This is such a fun but weird book. Very different to what else I've read from the author before.

I did enjoy this but not as much as her previous work. It's a great book to read in Autumn/winter for spooky season vibes

I absolutely love Olivie Blakes ensemble casts in her books and this was probably my favourite part about this book. It keeps you on your toes seeing a world from so many different POVs.

There isn't much world building in this which I do enjoy from time to time. I felt this made it quite an easy read for the most part.

The narrative is definitely what drives this book and those last 100 or so pages really had me hooked to find out all the secrets and what was really going on.

I went in to this one with high expectations but unfortunately I thought this was a bit underwhelming. I felt like it was all over the place and I struggled to get in to the storyline

Unfortunately this title just wasn't for me. I just couldn't get in to it. This is no reflection on the author or writing style, it just wasn't the story for me.

The premise sounds absolutely up my street but the writing style, pacing and execution was just impossible for me to read.

This is my 3rd attempt at reading one of her books under the pen name (YA romance ones were really quite fun) and I think it is going to be my last as they just don't draw me in in any way.

I adored this book! I fell in love with Fox, viola and the whole ensemble! The story line keeps you engaged and was not predictable!

I love and adore all of Olivie Blake’s writing! Every book I read it just gets better! I am always captivated by her writing,

What honestly happened in this book? Because for me there was a lot of talking, and nothing actually happened. Even this mysterious game ended up being just a lot of talking and honestly no excitement whatsoever.

I did like the fantastical element of this book and how the author played with different creatures in the human world from various forms of vampires, demons, werewolves and sirens. Plus a few ghosts - as well as angels and reapers.

However, I honestly think this was the only part I liked. I found the plot extremely boring and considering nothing happened for so long, the plot felt a bit convoluted with the different relationships and timelines weaving in and out. Fox and Brandt were the main relationship focus in the book but I still feel like readers weren’t given enough substance to make us actually root for this relationship. I liked Mayra and Cal much better, and did feel some of the yearning between then and the twist of fate that meant they couldn’t be together. Tom and Vi again something we were just told rather than made to really believe.

The writing in this was also so verbose at times, especially at the start, I genuinely found it hard to get through at points. I like descriptive writing but this one was just way too much for me.

I also didn’t like Death as a narrator - here’s the thing, the best Death narrator of all time is The Book Thief so if you can’t top that, don’t do it.

I liked The Atlas Six so it was unfortunate this one didn’t work out for me.

Masters of Death by Olivie Blake is a highly engaging urban fantasy that blends humor, supernatural elements, and profound themes. The story centers around Viola Marek, a vampire real estate agent trying to sell a haunted house, and Fox D’Mora, the godson of Death, who is roped into helping her.

Blake’s writing is both introspective and clever, presenting the narrative in an unconventional yet captivating manner. The plot intertwines the mundane aspects of life with fantastical elements, creating a unique and immersive reading experience. The book is filled with witty dialogue, complex characters, and a storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

The themes of love, life, and mortality are explored deeply, making the story not just entertaining but also thought-provoking. The combination of supernatural creatures with everyday struggles adds depth to the characters, making their journeys relatable and emotionally resonant.

Overall, Masters of Death is a delightful read that stands out for its originality and emotional depth. Fans of Blake’s previous works will find this book equally compelling, and it is a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of fantasy and philosophical musings.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I had no expectations going into it but I was a bit unsure if the premise was going to work for me, it did!

With Death as the narrator I enjoyed the sarcasm/sardonicism that runs throughout, he was humorous and rye, as was the main character, Fox. The great character development didn't stop there, the whole cast was one of the strongest points of the book, they were all unique, interesting and diverse.

At the centre of the plot is a love story (or three), whilst I really liked it, I think it resulted in the other main storyline, the game for Death, being a bit unclear. It drifted at points for me.

All in all, as a character driven rom com it was really cute and an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend!

I found the pacing to be very slow. The first 30% sets up the characters and the plot doesn't even kick off yet which is strange for a smaller book. I did really like the vampire and following her perspectives, but the others I didn't quite gel with.

I’ve found Olivie Blake books are either hit or miss for me and this book took quite a while to get into for me and was a bit of a slow burner for me.

Bizarre and borderline nonsensical, but very fun and I did read it all. Would recommend to existing fans and anyone who has baffling taste (complimentary)

Masters of Death was a good book, but in the end I found it quite forgettable. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough of what I liked about it, though I was quite impressed with Olivia Blake’s writing. This was my first foray into her work, and I’m intrigued as to what I’ll make of her others.

I really loved Death’s narration and wish we’d got more of that — his sarcastic thoughts and observations made me laugh, not to mention his copious amounts of swearing. Fox was also a character I liked, though some of his choices were questionable and I often didn’t agree with what he was doing. Still, I suppose being Death’s godson will do that to you!

There were so many characters and creatures in this book that sometimes I had to track back and make sure I had everyone correct in my head. At times it felt too convoluted and messy, though I did enjoy the idea of the game that was being played. I may come back to Masters of Death one day and see how I feel about it a second time — it has elements of everything I love, so maybe it was a case of wrong book wrong time!

There is only one word to describe this novel - perfection.
Everything in this book is so well composed. Plot, who wouldn't like to be a godson of Death and play a very dangerous game, characters from - angels to demons, vampire and ghost, reapers.
Plus what a hilarious story that is, dialogue that really makes you smile and laugh, irony and sarcasm, something that you don't see so often in the book, all so well balanced.
It's definitely must read.

Viola Marek, a vampire and struggling real estate agent, has been battling for months to sell the house of a revered, and widely renowned millionaire family. Haunted by a ghost of the last remaining descendant, who was brutally murdered within the confines of said home, Viola is desperate to help Thomas uncover the mystery of his murder, encourage him to pass on, and hopefully prevent him from using his ghostly tricks to scare off any further potential buyers. Viola is a remarkable character, she's strong, hard-headed and straightforward, part of group of like-minded creatures such as werewolves, sirens and demons, who are all trying to ingratiate themselves into society, and let go of their murderous ways. Sassy, with impeccable banter, especially with Thomas, their banter was THRILLING to watch, they bounced off each other in such hilarious ways, as two perpetually stubborn people, but it was highly entertaining.

Thomas the fourth, has no idea how he came to be murdered, and in his own house no less, but after several failed attempts to communicate with others, he finds himself isolated and confused, that is... until he insults Viola upon their first meeting, adamant that she's unable to hear him. Thomas comes from a long line of wealthy, successful, and arrogant males, so it's no surprise that he's one stubborn and deliciously cocky young man, who pays very little attention to the world around him. Determined to prevent Viola from selling his house, using every trick in his arsenal to scare any buyers away, not only to save his house, but to prevent him from losing the only person he can finally communicate with, and who can help him solve the mystery of his death, to save him from this perpetual loneliness and bitterness that plagues him.

When Viola comes across Fox D'Mora, a self-proclaimed medium, who's actually a fraudster with one refreshing trick up his sleeve, Viola enlists his help in solving Thomas's murder. Fox is a charming, suave, and manipulative young man, who's also the god-son of Death (who himself is insanely funny and had me cackling out loud, I lived for Death's interactions). He's wily, cunning, and knows how to draw people in, using his magnetic charm and endearing his clients to him. However, when he summons his god father to solve this new mystery, he doesn't appear, and a long chain of very bad and sinister plots begin to unravel as a result.

Fox must now team up with a vampire, a sassy ghost who he can't see, a love-struck, loyal, patient and timid reaper, a head-strong, bad-ass, angel, a demon personal trainer who thrives off of chaos and pain, and his thief of an ex-boyfriend who betrayed him, and broke his heart. Together they must work together to save his god-father from the demon king's clutches, by using his wits, and cunning to win the immortal game.

The interactions felt so smooth and realistic, all the characters have their flaws, and are so uniquely, complexly, human, which massively juxtaposes the fact that most of them are actual immortal creatures, but are just as petty as children. It was an absolute breath of fresh air to follow them on their journeys. The side characters, were so thought and fleshed out, they were just so sassy and witty, and added such a wonderful array of perspectives to the story. The world is also thoroughly immersive, and so real and gritty, but in the best way, with some insane plot twists woven throughout, that is sure to keep you on your toes. It feels like if Neil Gaiman, and Derek Landy had a baby, gorgeous storytelling with relatable and hilarious narration and quirky yet unforgettable characters.

'Masters of Death' is a complexly crafted, character driven story that is full of delightfully humour and enchantingly endearing, yet flawed characters. This was such a joy to read, with some refreshing twists on mythological and fantastical creatures, and side-splitting dark humour. I just couldn't get enough of this story, you could never quite be sure where the plot was heading next, but it was so deliciously delightful and entrancing. Olivie Blake is a masterful and impeccable storyteller, and I can't wait to dive deeper into her stories.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which reminded me, in a way, of Terry Pratchett. In that, I loved the character of Death.

The concept is interesting and original - Death has a godson, Fox, who, whilst mortal, has lived for a couple of hundred years. Fox has a guardian angel,, has a reaper for a friend, and becomes entangled with a demon, ghost and vampire.

There is humour, tension, romance (well, almost) and mystery. The characters, not all of whom are likeable, are well dimensioned - they are flawed personalities, who let emotions get in the way, which most of us can relate to.

This was such an entertaining book, that I felt it came to an end too soon.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.