Masters of Death, Olivie Blake, Pan Macmillan, ISBN: 9781035011537

AT first glance, Masters of Death by Olivie Blake appears to be a quirky paranormal tale – yes, there are angels, demigods and even Death himself – but at its core, this is a novel about what it means to be human.

Viola, a struggling real estate agent, who just happens to be a vampire, is simply trying to rid a property of an annoyingly stubborn ghost. But things take a turn when she and an unlikely group of other immortals are drawn into a strange mystery: Death has gone missing, and the only way to save him is to win a cryptic game with vague rules.

As the characters face each other in the game they are forced to confront painful truths about their past, their fears, and their desires.

It’s in these emotionally raw, introspective moments that the book truly shines. The real heart of the story lies in its characters: flawed, funny, frustrating, and ultimately, deeply lovable. I cried more than once – both happy and sad tears.

Olivie Blake’s writing style is a bit verbose at times, and the book is a bit dialogue-heavy, which may not appeal to all readers.

And while the mechanics of the game remain murky to the end (something I wish had been more clearly explained), the charm of the characters and the emotional payoff made it well worth the journey. Overall, it was a fun read with a quirky premise. 3/5 stars – Mariclair Smit