Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Death Wizard chronicles have been previously released but now that rights have gone back to author, he has decided to edit it and release it. This book continues the first two books of the series, volume 2 and 3 are to come later this year.

If you like magic, dragons, wizards, demons, vampires, fated love and many other monsters then this is the book for you. Torg is a death wizard who has ruled over his people in peace for a thousand years. A threat to all the free people of Triken has emerged the evil wizard Invictus, who has self styled himself as a god. Invictus imprisons Torg is a pit of depair that carved out of a frozen mountain. Will Torg escape.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a bit of a punt but I’m glad I took a chance and read it. The book has some dark themes but the author doesn’t dwell on these and instead these are used to shape the plot rather than overwhelm it. This was a really well written book and that ending :( I can’t wait until volumes 2 and 3 are released as I’m really enjoying this series. The author made me care about all of the characters and I am eager to read what comes next. There is a love story but this only part of the plot but overall I really enjoyed the world building and the writing was very descriptive.

I liked that this book began in conflict- it was a good and approachable way to introduce the world and characters while maintaining interest. This main character is different than others in his attitude- I find him to be more confident but that makes him almost humorous in an epic fantasy setting which I enjoyed. Overall an easier fantasy read that still has a unique world and plot.

The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1 immediately pulls you into a richly detailed and often unsettling world where the veil between the living and the dead is thin and actively manipulated. The author has clearly poured significant effort into crafting the history, lore, and intricacies of this realm, particularly concerning the magic surrounding death. From the nuanced understanding of souls to the societal implications of necromancy, the world feels lived-in and substantial, offering a depth that truly captivates. For readers who appreciate immersive world-building, this first volume lays a fantastic foundation, hinting at a vast and complex universe waiting to be explored.
What truly resonated with me was the distinct "spicy Lord of the Rings vibes" emanating from the narrative. While the themes are darker and the magic more focused on mortality, there's a similar sense of ancient power, looming threats, and epic scope hinted at within the intricate world-building. The detailed histories, the potential for sprawling journeys, and the underlying sense of a grand struggle against encroaching darkness evoke that classic fantasy feel, albeit with a decidedly more macabre and edgy twist.

This book gave me Game of Thrones and Lord of The Rings vibes.
At first, it was hard to get into, because it was different from the books I usually read. But the pace picked up fast, the story becoming more and more interesting with each page.
I didn’t like how long the chapters were, but it is a personal preference.
The main character, Torg, the Death Wizard is a beautifully written protagonist, I liked how his character evolved throughout the book, growing more complicated while facing the choices he had to make.
I really liked Mala, the main antagonist because she isn’t evil for the sake of it, she has a rich backstory that explores how she became corrupted and why she’s bent on destruction.
I also liked Laylah, a fierce warrior and Torg’s love interest. Their relationship adds more depth to the story, especially since both of them are scarred by their past.
Everything, the plot, the romance, the backstories of the characters are beautifully written and make a perfect book.