EEEK! The second installment picks up right where Nhika wakes up in Congmi’s home and she’s trying to piece everything together. This is a good mystery that has a dual POV with alternating timelines that follows both Nhika and Kochin. We actually get to learn about Kochin and what he does in the aftermath and it’s a nail biter the way he has put himself in harm's way to get the answers that he desperately seeks. Around 70% is when both stories weave together and I was listening intensely as the climax hit and then waiting to see how everything would fall. The narrators, Jason Vu, and VyVy Nguyen both did a wonderful job portraying the characters. The tones and inflections were spot on. I could feel the desperation, love, and hope through their voices. They truly brought the story to life. This duology is perfect for fans of the medical magic system, morality vs. survival, high stakes, and Vietnam inspired romantasy.

Vanessa Le had me STRESSED this entire book but especially the 2nd half. That being said, I loved everything about this book. The dual narrative POV, the way the story is plotted with the two timelines, how Kochin and Nhika are are working their way to each other. I loved the heartsooth concept overlaid with scientific discovery. Finally, I really loved this as a duology. I am so tired of series that have 47 books in the series. Unless you're Brandon Sanderson, there is no reason for that. So many authors could learn from Vanessa Le. I didn't feel cheated in character development, I didn't feel cheated in world building, I didn't feel cheated in the magic system. It all came together so well. I can't wait to see what else she writes in the future.

An excellent wrap-up to The Last Bloodcarver!

The Last Bloodcarver left us with Nhika giving everything to save Cochin's life. His Mortal Demise opens with Nhika awakening in a manor house, surrounded by the family she has grown to care for, but without Cochin. Through a fractured timeline & dual-POVs, we are shown Nhika's search for Cochin along with the story of how she came to be at the manor, as well as what took Cochin away from her and how far he would go to save her.

Just like The Last Bloodcarver, I finished this one in one day as I was pulled into the story and did not want to put it down!

What a great conclusion to this duology!

I really love the world created here and the medical related "magic system" - I find it fascinating. As a YA book, it's a good intro to social commentary as well, and I think it's perfect for readers in the YA age eange, while being bc really enjoyable for adults too. The dual POV and timelines were new and I enjoyed it. The vibe was different here, with a new type of mystery that kept me guessing and listening.

I loved both narrators! They brought the characters to life and delivered a great quality production.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced copy! You can pick up His Mortal Demise on March 18, 2025.

The ending of The Last Bloodcarver absolutely destroyed me last year, and I'm so happy I had a chance to pick this one up early and finish Kochin and Nhika's story! I loved how Vanessa Le crafted the dual timeline that slowly met up in the present day. The pacing was really well done and had me invested in both timelines. Like Nhika, I wanted to know where Kochin was and how he'd miraculously brought her back to life. And with Kochin, I loved seeing his descent into desperation as he sought to save her without losing himself.

The last 20% was absolutely action-packed, and I honestly had no idea if anyone would make it out alive. I loved the increased stakes and political intrigue with Theumas being drawn into the war, and Kochin seeing the effects of it first-hand. There were some really powerful and poignant moments when he crossed enemy lines and realized how everyone's just trying their best to survive. And the final battle with the Commissioner just had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

I also have to give massive props to the two narrators for doing a phenomenal job bringing Nhika and Kochin to life. It literally felt like I was in their shoes the entire time.

Highly recommend picking up this duology for an emotional, action-packed ride!

This duology gives we Lunar Chronicle vibes, especially Cinder! I liked how this book differed to the first, and focused more on the romance with dual POVs and an action-packed plot. I could definitely see more stories in this world.

If you like romance, fantasy, and science fiction books I highly recommend adding this YA duology to your TBR! This book will release on March 18, 2025.

The audiobook has dual narration which is my preferred listening experience and Jason Vu and VyVy Nguyen brought the MCs to life!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duration: 10 hrs 58 mins 25 seconds
Narrated by Jason Vu; VyVy Nguyen
Publication Date: 03.18.25

💀YA Fantasy
💀 Sci-fi
💀 Medical Magical
💀 Duology
💀 Vietnamese Inspired World
💀 Necromancy
💀 High Stakes
💀 Testing Morals
💀 Dual POV
💀 Alternating Timelines

** These Violent Delights meets Divine Rivals in the explosive finale to The Last Bloodcarver duology -- with a riveting medical magic system and lush Vietnam-inspired romantasy world. Kochin is a heartsooth -- a rare being with the ability to heal any wound. Any wound, that is, except death. Intent on defying nature and bringing Nhika back to life, Kochin keeps her body in a life-preserving casket and waits for a miracle.
Stricken with grief and descending into madness, Kochin realizes the answer to his desperate quest can only lie in one place: Yarong, the lush yet battle-ridden island the first heartsooths called home. Months later, Nhika wakes in a familiar manor-house, with Kochin nowhere to be found. As she traces his footsteps across Theumas, she discovers the haunting path he walked to bring her back, and a world changed by war. When Kochin discovers the true and grisly way to resurrect a person from the grave, he must decide exactly how much he is willing to sacrifice, in order to reunite with the woman he loves... Don't miss this stunning dual-POV follow up to THE LAST BLOODCARVER, where morals will be tested, hearts pushed to the limit, and fates determined once and for all. Vanessa Le's jaw-dropping sequel is a bloody and luscious spectacle to be devoured in one sitting.**

“His Mortal Demise” by Vanessa Le is the perfect ending to the duology. It was beautifully written with a lot of emotions in it. She was able to continue to keep the same atmospheric Vietnamese inspired world throughout the second book. As well as add more depth and continuously adding to the character development. The plot was on point and I feel like there was no loose ends. I loved her medical magical system and the deep thought and intricate details.

This book does pick up where the last left off. I really don’t want to go into detail because it will be a spoiler for those that haven’t read the first book. Which I do highly recommend reading or listening to them in order.

Overall, I throughly enjoyed this read. I think the conclusion was well executed and well balanced. She is a very talented writer and has a great way of storytelling. I loved the twists and turns with just the right amount of suspense.

I did have the pleasure of listening to the audiobook. It is a dual narration and I have no complaints. I think they helped to bring the story to life.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC.

What an amazing duology. Vanessa Le put so much into two books but it didn't feel rushed, it was perfect.

I really like how different this book was compared to the first, it still felt like a whole, connected story. While fantasy, book 1 is more mystery, book 2 is more action/adventure. I will admit, it threw me off a bit the first few chapters (I went straight into this from a reread of 1).

I loved the character development, and the rather philosophical dilemmas that continue to be brought up but posed in different situations. This duology would make a great classroom curriculum read - there are SO MANY topics and questions to delve through.

There are time jumps (always takes a little more brain power for me to keep them straight), but the two narrators helped distinguish between the them (thank you to whoever thought of that). I had absolutely no idea where this story was going, rarely do I get that with books, I had so much fun reading it.

Will definitely be adding this to my reread list.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Review of His Mortal Demise by Vanessa Le (Audiobook)

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

His Mortal Demise has an intriguing story, and I believe I would have enjoyed it much more if I had physically read it rather than listened to the audiobook. The plot is well-paced, and the male narrator does a solid job bringing his parts to life. However, the female narrator’s delivery significantly impacted my experience in a negative way. Her tone was monotone, almost AI-like, which made it difficult to stay engaged. I even tried adjusting the speed and volume, but nothing helped.

For the first time, I had to stop listening with only a few hours left because the narration was too distracting. That being said, I think this story has a lot of potential, and I would love to give it another chance in print.

For future editions, I’d strongly recommend reconsidering the female narrator, as a more dynamic performance could elevate the audiobook experience. While this version didn’t work for me, I still encourage readers to explore the book itself, especially in a different format.

Thank you to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group) for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this ALC.

The performers, Jason Vu and VyVy Nguyen, were spectacular. Big fan of Jason Vu’s voice.

This was a different type of story than I am used to. It is intriguing, slightly twisted, and sweetly romantic. I think it will be a huge hit with it’s target audience.