Kiss of Death: Tempting the Fates, Book 1 – A Dark, Enchanting Tale
There’s something undeniably captivating about stories that dance on the edge of darkness and light, and Alice’s Kiss of Death: Tempting the Fates is a spellbinding example of this interplay. From the very first pages, I was drawn into the tumultuous world of Hazel— a young woman grappling with loss, abuse, and the search for agency in a life turned upside down. This blend of heavy emotional themes amidst a dark fantasy backdrop kept my heart racing and my mind eagerly flipping pages.
At its core, Kiss of Death explores profound themes of grief, betrayal, and the desperate measures one takes for love. Hazel’s struggle becomes palpably relatable as she navigates her cruel stepfamily and the heart-wrenching specter of her father’s impending death. The author’s depiction of Hazel’s emotional turmoil is raw and unfiltered; she is simultaneously resilient yet achingly vulnerable, making her character remarkably relatable.
The pacing of the narrative, while at times a bit slow, serves a dual purpose: it allows us to steep in the atmospheric world-building that Alice crafts so beautifully while also letting the tension simmer just beneath the surface. The transformation of Hazel from a victim to a girl determined to forge her own fate is marked by her unexpected alliance with The Bargainer—Death himself. This reluctant partnership forms a poignant yet darkly romantic crux of the story. As Hazel and Death engage in their shared struggles, readers witness a tender and enticing dynamic that pulls us in deeper.
One of my favorite elements of the book is the dual perspective narrative, which allows for a deeper connection to both Hazel and Death, inviting us to explore their complexities and the angst of their blossoming relationship. A memorable quote that stuck with me was: “Love can conquer even the shadow of death— or so I hoped.” It encapsulates the theme of vulnerability in a world rife with danger and despair.
Alice’s writing style is lush and evocative, immersing readers in a world where magic and sorrow are inextricably intertwined. While some readers might find the disjointed plot flow a hiccup, I discovered it reflects the chaotic nature of Hazel’s existence, where every moment is a blend of hope and despair.
For fans of dark fantasy, Kiss of Death offers an engrossing blend of angst, character development, and slow-burn romance, wrapped in the familiar yet twisted tropes of fairy tales. If you enjoy tales reminiscent of Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast, layered with psychological depth and a touch of unpredictability, this book will be a treasure for you.
In conclusion, my reading experience was profoundly impactful— Hazel’s journey left a lingering ache in my heart, reminding me of the strength we find amid adversity. I can’t wait to plunge into the next installment and see where Alice takes us next. In a world where we often feel powerless, Hazel’s saga reminds us that we can always reclaim our narratives, however difficult the journey may be.
You can find Kiss of Death: Tempting the Fates, Book 1 here >>