4.25 STARS. A beautiful tale that had everything I wanted from a tale about Death's Goddaughter. I loved the way that Erin A. Craig writes.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc.

I had to dnf this book. The first 25% went quite quickly and I really tried to forget how young the main character was but nothing was adding up. I get how people can be older than there years but when she was 8 there was no way she was thinking certain things that were written and also something that her god father made her do I just don’t get.
It’s not a book for me

I wasn't sure about this to begin with. I love all of Erin's previous works, and this just didn't seem to be grasping me.
I am so glad I stuck with it. It was perfect. It didn't matter that I saw many of the plot points, they were so well done that it was still perfect. Craig has done it again. A rare five stars from me

A really strong start and I loved the fairytale aspect to it and the writing was beautiful and poetic. I loved the concept and the embellishments to the stories, thought why we get introduced to the dog who we never see again I'm not sure. But the pacing did struggle from then on in for me, not a lot seemed to happen in the middle that I really remember. It was a bit slow and mushy. I was less intrigued by the political stuff so that maybe didn't help. But I did like the fmc and felt she was strong and resilient and I was really rooting for her and her attitude towards things! It does also really nail that gothic spooky vibe that works well with the beautiful writing style leading to something quite good. And overall a really intriguing plot idea and execution, just needed a bit of fine-tuning in the middle. But otherwise enjoyable and I like the love interest and their developing relationship as the story moved on!

4.5/5 stars! I have loved everything I have read by Erin, so I was so excited to get the chance to read this book. Per usual, it is gothic goodness with unique takes that feel like a re-telling while still being completely individual. This book is the ultimate journey between life and death, one where there is no clear winner.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Headlines:
Being special
Everyone's expectations
A difficult role in life

This story was as charismatic as it was dark. It was impossible not to be seduced by the writing, the world and it's characters, especially Hazel. Hazel, born a thirteenth child, unwanted by her parents but wanted by a godly godfather. Merrick's long-awaited entrance into Hazel's life was not at all what I expected, he lacked nurture but there was a sense of growth in their relationship.

Hazel's younger childhood was difficult to swallow and the stealing of her later childhood to become a healer, seemed a better outcome than the before. This story had phases, and each phase of Hazel's life was totally absorbing. I loved her early time in the inbetween, her first healing village but the time in the palace was frought with difficult charcters, illness and decisions.

The idea of the deathshead was chilling and Hazel's role was even more sinister. The decisions she had to make led to quite a responsibility to carry. The latter part of this book was rather twisty and I enjoyed having the rug pulled out from my perceptions about the characters in the palace.

The eventual romance was believable and had me cheering for these two. The ending shredded my heart with emotion but it was also beautiful; I literally ended on tears.

The Thirteenth Child was a fantastic dark fantasy standalone. It was grim, chilling but with warm characterisation that saw this reader through the tough bits. I am blown away.

Thank you Rock The Boat for the review copy.

So when I picked this up thinking I was going to get the spooky, gothic, autumnal read of my dreams (which I did) I didn’t think I was also going to SOB for like 85% of the book😭😭😭😭

In this story we follow Hazel, the last daughter of many children in her family, the unwanted thirteenth. Before her birth, while her parents are planning how to get rid of her 3 gods come before them offering them an exchange, to the take the child and care for her in their stead. In the end, Hazel becomes the goddaughter to the ‘god of death’ and with this she’s unlocks powers within herself.

I LOVED Hazel and my heart just broke continuously for her, the relationship she had with her godfather also made me cry (I am quickly learning that I am clearly way too emotional for my own good) and the journey she goes through her life was so compelling and I was rooting for her from the start.

Honestly, can’t explain how much I enjoyed this book. I FLEW through it, was such a quick and engaging read and I can’t recommend it enough!

Thanks so much to blackcrow for the finished copy (and NetGalley for the ARC!) - this was a really special one!

I honestly don’t know where to start with reviewing The Thirteen Child by Erin A. Craig - everything about this book was exquisite. This book gets all the god damn stars and my broken heart.

Hazel has always known she was different from her siblings. A thirteenth child, she was promised at birth to Merrick, the god of death - in his care, Hazel learns how to become a healer, a healer who is destined for great things and an even greater life. But with her gift, there must come a curse. When Death claims a soul for himself, it is Hazel who must end their suffering and end their life.

News of Hazel’s greatness spreads through the kingdom and she suddenly finds herself summed to the resistance of the King himself- however the King is on the brink of death and Hazel must find a way to save him and save the kingdom from the war that threatens its gates.

I loved the portrayal of Death in this book - the godfather to Hazel - their relationship was such a joy to read and felt so authentic; how we change as people the older we get and all of our life experiences - sometimes we don’t intentionally mean to hurt the ones we love.

Relationships play a big part of this book and how much each of us can affect the people around us - fate and destiny entwined.

The imaginary of the candles, the deathhead, the palace, the people will forever live rent free in my mind - this book really is special.

Thank you to the publishers for the ARC and for featuring my account on your review tour. Finally, thank you Erin for writing this breathtaking book - and for making me cry so many tears.

What a phenomenal book! A retelling of the Brothers Grimm's Godfather Death it's gloriously gothic and crafted beautifully.
For a reasonably chunky book this read so quickly and that is down to the fact that it's written so well there was never a point where it dragged- the characters are beautifully developed and the ending broke me.

The Thirteenth Child was brilliant. The ending left me emotional.
This was the perfect autumn read. I loved following Hazel's journey from child unwanted by her parents to all that the Dreaded End (Death) envisioned for her.
I feel like I want more of this story, I wasn't ready for it to end. Hazel's relationship with her godfather (the Dreaded End) was tumultuous, but I do believe he cared about her in his own way - he just wasn't very good at showing it.
I 100% would love to explore the world Erin A.Craig has created in this amazing and wonderful book.

It is my turn on the Review Tour for this title today, and I couldn’t be happier to share my opinion.

The Thirteenth Child is a spellbinding retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale Godfather Death. It’s a gothic and atmospheric read. The story and the engaging writing style immediately captivated my attention, making the book hard to put down.

The novel is filled with magic, manipulative gods, secrets, complex characters, and rather messy families. I especially liked Hazel, as we see her grow from a neglected child into an independent young woman determined to decide her own fate. I was surprised by the portrayal of the Dreaded End / Merrick and his relationship with Hazel. Among the many deities in this book, Death seemed the most humane.

I also adored this novel’s romantic subplot, which starts with open hostility and gradually turns into affection.

Imagine being the goddaughter of Death himself….yeah, no pressure!

Hazel Trépas isn't your average healer. She’s the thirteenth child in her family, which in her world means, surprise, she’s been promised away to a god since birth. Not just any god, though, Merrick, the grim reaper with some serious career plans for his favourite little godchild.

This story is a fantasy fairy tale with a wickedly sharp edge. Erin A. Craig masterfully tosses Hazel into a ruthless royal court where everyone has a hidden agenda (or three), and healing the king could either save the kingdom or ruin her life. And let’s talk about the “gift” Hazel gets from her godfather. Sure, she can diagnose a patient with mind-blowing accuracy, but there’s a catch!…a major one. Hazel can also see when Death has marked someone, and guess what? She has to end them.

So yep, being a healer has never been so emotionally complicated. Is it too late to return this gift for store credit?

As if that’s not enough, enter Leo, the brooding, sarcastic prince with a penchant for bad decisions and a (potentially cursed?) heart of gold. The banter is sizzling, and the tension between them crackles like a bonfire at midnight. But Hazel’s got bigger problems, like trying to outwit gods with suspicious motives and saving a king fated to die without angering her own godfather. You know, typical teenage problems.

Craig has created a mesmerising tale that balances heart pounding stakes with moments of swoon worthy romance. Hazel’s journey isn't just about curing patients; it’s about finding her own agency when the gods themselves seem determined to dictate her fate.

This isn’t your typical happily ever after story! Hazel’s facing impossible choices that tug at your soul, all while you root for her to carve out a destiny on her own terms.

What a deliciously dark, deeply emotional adventure! with gods who meddle, a healer with a moral dilemma, and a prince who will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe want to smack him (lovingly) upside the head.

Absolute perfection for anyone who loves their fairy tales with a bit of grit, and their romance with a hefty dose of destiny.

If you like your court intrigue sprinkled with magic, impossible choices, and more than a few brushes with death (literally), grab this book immediately.

📚 ARC Review

The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
Rock the Boat, 26th September 2024

This majestic, heart-wrenching retelling of the Grimm Brothers' Godfather Death tells the tale of Hazel Trépas, unfortunate thirteenth offspring much neglected by her parents and god-daughter to the Dreaded End (The god of Death).

Transported into the care of the godfather she calls Merrick and chosen by him to be a healer, plucky Hazel's huge heart leaps from the page. Evocative imagery and gothic menace clash as Hazel navigates the chapters before her, ending up summoned to cure the king.

As Hazel's struggles become almost too much to bear, friendships and an unlikely burgeoning romance cut through the overbearing darkness to provide lighter moments, humour, and warmth.

Perfectly paced prose, intoxicating characters, and a world you may just want to inhabit, for all its darkness and foreboding; The Thirteenth Child is an outstanding novel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Huge thanks to Black Crow PR, Erin A. Craig and Rock the Boat for providing an ARC; this is my unbiased review.

My first book by this author, but definitely not the last!
This was a truly gothic read, but incredibly easy to read and equally difficult to put down. I loved following Hazel's journey, as heartbreaking as it was in parts. This book was darker than I anticipated but I just couldn't seem to stop reading. I was slightly disappointed in the romantic element of the story, but I was so invested in the overall plot that it didn't detract at all.
Thank you so much to the publisher for the eARC.

The Thirteenth Child is a retelling of the Grimm Brother’s dark fairytale “Godfather Death”. It follows Hazel, Death’s goddaughter, gifted to be a great healer but for those that have been destined to die, Hazel is tasked to end their life herself.

Although the book was quite slow to start, by the mid-way point it was fast-paced full of twist and turns and had me so hooked that I stayed up way too late to finish it.

The book was atmospheric, creepy whilst also still being quite light and humorous at the same time. The author did a great job of portraying the internal struggle that Hazel has of her role and what that does to her conscious vs. trying to please her godfather (whose relationship with her I found so cute and endearing and wish we got to see more of).

I also found the romance in this to be a nice subtle addition - it didn’t take centre stage and wasn’t completely unbelievable and too quick.

However, I do think that the ending was too quickly wrapped up and wish we got see more of the consequences following what happens at the end. I also wish we got to learn more about gods and their roles.

One thing that also really frustrated me was just the lack of communication between Merrick and Hazel and I do think many of the issues in the book could either be solved or at least somewhat remediated if they just spoke honestly and openly.

Overall, I did really enjoy this one and the epilogue was so beautifully written it made me cry. It really made the whole story come full circle.

This book brings a really interesting, dark concept to life (ironically) with the goddaughter of Death. I really wanted to love it because it sounded so intriguing and twisty but I did find the book to be slow paced and it failed to grip me at any point. I didn’t find Hazel to be very interesting as a narrator which left the story quite dry, and we didn’t get to know any side characters enough to feel at all invested in them or their role in the story (if they really had one). The pacing was off, and too much time spent on more uneventful parts of the plot. Now, all this being said, it’s certainly not a bad book and I know there are going to be loads of people that enjoy it. In fact, I didn’t necessarily dislike it, it just failed to really draw me in in the way I hoped it would with such an intriguing premise. I would have liked to see more of Merrick and of Hazel’s magic, and less of her family at the beginning. Hazel’s relationships with other characters would have benefited from more development and Hazel herself needed more of a spark. So overall, the story was ok and there were elements of it I liked well enough but I don’t think it’s memorable.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

This book had me hooked from the start. The writing style is amazing and the story hits in all the right places. Could not recommend enough and will definitely be buying physical copy once released, the book looks stunnnning.

Thank you for the chance to read!

Holy moly, this book totally blew me away! I'm seriously struggling to put into words just how amazing it was. It's like it reached into my soul and left its mark there, you know?

So, let me tell you about Hazel, our FMC. She's not your average Joe - she's the freaking god-child of Death himself! I know, right? But here's the kicker: Death (aka Merrick) isn't this cold, creepy dude you'd expect. Nope, he's got a soft side that'll make your heart melt. It's wild how the author flips everything we thought we knew about gods on its head and you’re left just speechless.

Okay, so here's the deal with Hazel. She's been promised to Death since forever, and her life's been pretty rough. She's just waiting for Merrick to show up and whisk her away to a better life. But when he finally does, it's not all rainbows and unicorns like she thought it'd be.

Merrick drops this bomb on her - she's destined to be the world's greatest healer. Sounds awesome, right? Well, hold your horses, because there's a catch. A big, nasty catch that Merrick conveniently forgets to mention.

Next thing you know, Hazel's thrown into this crazy royal court scene. There's drama, there's politics, and oh yeah, there's a prince who's got the hots for her. As if her life wasn't complicated enough already! Now she's stuck making these impossible choices about whose life matters more. It's heavy stuff, I'm telling you.

Now, don't let the size of this book scare you off. It's a chunky one, sure, but it flies by. There's no boring world-building or useless fluff. It's just pure, awesome story from start to finish. The writing? *Chef's kiss* Perfection.

If you're into gothic romantasy (and honestly, who isn't?), you've got to get your hands on this book. It's got everything you could want and then some. The romance is slow-burn, which is just *chef's kiss* again. And the gothic vibes? So deliciously moody and mysterious.

Overall, this book is everything and more. If I could, I'd give it a bazillion stars. It's just that good. It's got romance, fantasy, moral dilemmas, slow burn - the whole shebang. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this reading experience.

I loved Erin's previous texts but I felt that this was an even more beautifully crafted novel than House of Salt and Sorrow. I found the story telling engaging and emotive. She truly grasps the power of a fairy tale, equally gothic and magical, I sped through it curious to reach the end and solve the mysteries.
If I had one small critique I felt the love between Leo and Hazel was a touch superficial. There was just so much glorious storyline outside of the romance plot that I didnt feel like it was given enough time to be truly convincing. That said, I definitely cried at the end! 100% reccomend to people like me who love a dark fantasy.

Thank you to Oneworld Publications (Rock the Boat), Blackcrowpr, and Erin A. Craig for sending me a proof copy of The Thirteenth Child in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was pretty excited to dive into The Thirteenth Child, which made bold promises in its tagline 'The Breathtaking Fairytale Retelling Readers Have Been Waiting For'; I couldn't wait to see how the story would be reweaved from the original Brothers Grimm fairytale.

The Thirteenth Child is a dark, gothic fantasy told in the traditional style of fairytales, following the protagonist from the cradle to the grave. Erin A. Craig's writing is immersive, richly atmospheric, and deliciously ensnares the senses with her descriptive imagery. A story spanning a lifetime in 512 pages has some quirky ups and downs of pace. Ramping up to fly us through to the meaty parts of the story, slowing down at those juicy pages full of drama, turmoil, and hair-raising plot twists. I was enraptured by the intricacies of the world-building featuring distinctive power and magical-based lore, metaphors of life and death, and the mythology of the rare powers of being a Thirteenth child.

The character cast is small and intimate, building compelling dynamics between the characters, their journeys, and exploring their complicated personal relationships. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around all the tricky, dysfunctional relationships embroiled around Hazel (protagonist). My heart ached for her so many times throughout the story; all she wanted was to be loved, but so many times, she's cruelly denied it. Her trials and tribulations aid her in developing a solid sense of self in her isolation and loneliness; she embraces her independence and takes charge of her life, even if it goes against the will of death. Who doesn't love a bit of a girl power rebellion?!

Is it the retelling I have been waiting for? I'm unsure, but I enjoyed reading Hazel's life story and loved her undaunted spirit, kind heart, and tenacity. Her love story felt a bit rushed towards the end. I wanted more page time for her and Leopold's romance as their enemies-to-lovers dynamic came over to insta-love for me.

A haunting gothic fairytale, full of terrible choices, deadly consequences, and deep themes about family bonds and love, brought to life with rich descriptions. If you're a fan of dark, deep storytelling, fairytale retellings, and stories with characters who are the personification of death, I think you'll enjoy gobbling up The Thirteenth Child.