The Thirteenth Child Review

Hello, all!

Are you looking for a creepy fantasy to read for spooky season? If so, then you need to check out The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig.

Pub Date: 9-24-24
YA - Fantasy

Growing up, Hazel Trépas has always been set apart by her family. Born the thirteenth child meant Hazel's life had never truly been hers. Before her birth, Hazel's parents promised her to Merrick, also known as the Dreaded End or the god of death, and Hazel has spent most of her life waiting for her godfather to collect her. When he finally does, he tells Hazel of the grand plan in which he has for her life. She is to become a healer-- one who can cure anything and will be known throughout the land for her skill and knowledge. To aid in her efforts, Merrick bestows Hazel a gift that allows her to instantly deduce the cure for whatever is ailing a patient.

But Hazel quickly realizes that all gifts come with a price. Along with her healing abilities, Hazel can also see when a patient is claimed by Death, and she must be the hand that permanently ends their suffering. When Hazel's notoriety reaches the palace, she's brought in to help heal the King from a mysterious illness. But when Hazel touches the King, she sees the Deathshead. Hazel has always followed her godfather's wishes, but she's found a place at court and with Prince Leopold, and she's torn between doing what she's supposed to do and following her gut. Hazel can sense something's off within the palace, and her choices risk changing the kingdom forever.

I've got to hand it to Craig, she is a master at crafting ambiance. Her writing is so atmospheric and lushly eerie. I always feel transported to a dark Gothic manor house whenever I read her books, and I love it. I knew I would enjoy this the moment I read the synopsis. I thought the idea of a girl being the goddaughter of Death was so interesting. Hazel and Merrick's relationship was so familial yet tenuous. Their dynamic was quite father/daughterly, but there were moments when Merrick would snap at the tiniest thing, and you remember that he's not a doting father figure but a powerful deity. I wish we had more interactions between them because it seemed to fizzle in the latter half. While I enjoyed Craig's writing, it was a little too long and the pacing too slow, so I felt my attention waning towards the end. Some moments wrapped up too conveniently, but overall, I thought it was a solid read and one I would recommend checking out.

Rating: 4/5

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