Deathbringer

By Sonia Tagliareni
** Publication Date 12 May 2026**
​5 stars


Fantasy is always a good ride. New worlds, people, ideas. People who can write these novels possess an element of magic. Because somehow they weave together completely unreal ideas into a real, fantastical place with characters to be loved and hated.


The Deathbringer was a very power mage. She was young, and her ability to wield her magic was unlike most others. But she vanished many years ago along with her magical relic. 


Meanwhile in a small town, Viola has been raised by her grandmother. A gentle, kind woman who was the only one to ever show Vi any love. Other than Olivia. Olivia is Vi’s sister. Because of Vi’s fears, Olivia has taken Vi’s place at Gorhail, the magical school. Olivia has gone in place of Vi. Now Olivia is living the life that was meant for Vi, but that Vi never wanted. Vi simply wants to grow her flowers and work at the local funeral parlor. Her wishes are far less than being a perfect mage.


Then Olivia is dead and Viola is thrust into the magical world she always shunned. She is forced to take her sister’s room and place within Gorhail. Viola would seal her magic and run, but first she wants to know who is responsible for her sister’s death. 


This is a spectacular novel that brings many elements from real life into this unreal world. Prejudice and segregation run rampant. Love can overcome these things if it is trusted. Tagliareni has created a beautiful and sometimes terrifying place that has no problem sacrificing humans and mages alike for the ‘greater good.’ 


It is a long novel. I didn’t fly through this one at all. The slower pace allowed me to savor certain moments, while the action kept me riveted. There is definitely romance afoot. Murder, gore, death, undead, almost anything you can imagine comes to life in this richly layered fantasy. I loved it.


Along with my other fave fantasy novels of the year, Thistlemarsh and The Weaver’s Bride, this one will take its space on my shelf as highly recommended.