★★★★★ 5
thorn of mine
Format: Paperback
| fantasy romance | high fantasy | witch x necromancer | rune magic | death-made | fire mage | court politics | morally grey | political intrigue | mystery | secrets | enemies x lovers | quest | single POV | SLOW burn | feminine rage | SPICY | touch her and dxe | OCD rep | nicknames | anxiety rep | forbidden romance | cliff-hanger | plot-twist | one horse | care taking |
It’s been a few years since I last read a story by Lisette Marshall, and I was instantly reminded why I love her work. Lisette is a master of weaving together rich fantasy worlds, complex characters, and heart-stopping romance.
Lisette builds amazing worlds, develops intriguing characters, and crafts plots full of twists and turns. The final 30% had me wide awake in the middle of the night, anxious, thrilled, but also kicking my feet and grinning like a fool. Lisette truly knows how to build tension and then deliver an ending that causes a complete and utter crash out.
The dynamic between Thraga, a rune witch on the run, and Duralin, a necromancing fire mage with secrets of his own, was absolutely electric. Their banter? Unforgettable. The dialogue was brimming with wit, tension, and just the right amount of venom. Underneath all that verbal sparring, though, was a surprising tenderness. A quiet, aching vulnerability that made their connection feel raw and real, while being layered underneath a resistance full of tension and hidden yearning.
I especially admired the OCD and anxiety representation woven naturally into the story; it added authenticity and depth without ever feeling forced. The nature of OCD is repetitive, and the reality of anxiety is that it is always lurking beneath the surface. I found the representation to be so realistic and relatable.
The world-building was lush, the mystery was gripping, and the slow burn? One of the slowest and most satisfying I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading and experiencing. The story unfolds entirely through Thraga’s POV, but Lisette gifts us a glimpse into Duralin’s mind at the end, truly, a perfectly placed moment that leaves you thirsting for the next book.
The Death-Made Prince is everything I want in a fantasy romance: morally grey characters, delicious tension, sharp and cutting banter, and a world that feels alive with magic, secrets, and mystery. It’s easily one of my favorite reads of 2025, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
This is absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2025. I highly recommend The Death-Made Prince by Lisette Marshall.
Happy Reading, Friends xx
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Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2025

