The Thirteenth Child
by Erin A. Craig
Summary
Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised away to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather—Merrick, the Dreaded End—to arrive.
When he does, he lays out exactly how he’s planned Hazel’s future. She will become a great healer, known throughout the kingdom for her precision and skill. To aid her endeavors, Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift, the ability to instantly deduce the exact cure needed to treat the sick.
But all gifts come with a price. Hazel can see when Death has claimed a patient—when all hope is gone—and is tasked to end their suffering, permanently. Haunted by the ghosts of those she’s killed, Hazel longs to run. But destiny brings her to the royal court, where she meets Leo, a rakish prince with a disdain for everything and everyone. And it’s where Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet—to save the life of a king marked to die. Hazel knows what she is meant to do and knows what her heart is urging her toward, but what will happen if she goes against the will of Death?
From the astonishing mind of Erin A. Craig comes the breathtaking fairy tale retelling readers have been waiting for— what does a life well-lived mean, and how do we justify the impossible choices we make for the ones we love?
My Review
I absolutely adored this book. It’s a dark, gothic, and atmospheric romantic fantasy that swept me away. The story had all the elements of a hauntingly beautiful fairytale, with its eerie, suspenseful first half transitioning into a more romantic and hopeful tone in the second half.
Hazel, the main character, was a highlight for me. Her strength, resilience, and resourcefulness were inspiring as she overcame trauma, neglect, and loss while carving out a life for herself as a magical healer. Her journey was heartbreaking at times but deeply engaging, pulling at my heartstrings and keeping me invested in her story.
The world-building was magical yet gritty, with a unique magic system and enchanting setting that felt alive on every page. The slow-burn romance between Hazel and Leo added a perfect touch of warmth, and I loved their witty banter and tender moments. However, the story never let the romance overshadow Hazel’s personal journey, which spanned her entire life.
With its twists and turns, this creative and imaginative retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ Godfather Death was impossible to put down. Fans of Belladonna and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue will find much to love here. The Thirteenth Child is a beautifully written, immersive, and binge-worthy dark fairytale that I can’t recommend enough!