Book Overview: The Thirteenth Child
Content Warnings: death, parent deaths, gore, war, violence, illness and plague, cheating
Summary: Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather, Merrick, the Dreaded End and Death himself, to arrive. When he does, he lays out his plan for 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 with ending 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, and against her better judgment, she falls in love. But Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet when she is called to heal the king. 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 for the sake of love?
Imagine being blessed at birth, not by a fairy godmother but by Death himself. That’s the haunting premise of Erin Craig’s The Thirteenth Child, a YA novel that spins a darkly enchanting tale from a Grimm fairy tale. It’s part epic fantasy, part romance, and it’s already topping bestseller lists. So what makes this gothic story stand out? Here are 7 reasons it’s casting a spell on young readers:
1. A Grimm Inspiration Reborn
Based on a Brothers Grimm tale, but far from a quaint fable. It draws inspiration from a lesser-known Grimm story called Godfather Death, but don’t expect a straight retelling. Craig uses that dark premise as a springboard for something much bigger! The novel nods to the original folktale’s themes of bargains and fate, then ups the ante with richer characters and higher stakes. It feels like a classic fairy tale at heart, but with far more twists and teeth.
2. Hazel Trépas: A Heroine With A Dark Gift
At the story’s heart is Hazel, a girl blessed (and cursed) by Death. Hazel Trépas is the thirteenth child of a poor family, promised from birth to the God of Death. When her eerie godfather finally shows up, he blesses Hazel with the power to heal any illness. The catch? She can also tell exactly when someone is beyond saving, and then she must end their suffering. Imagine the burden of that gift! Hazel is compassionate but haunted, determined to forge her own path despite the grim duty hanging over her. It’s impossible not to root for her as she fights for control of her life under Death’s shadow!
3. Death As The Ultimate Godfather
When Death becomes your mentor, expect the unexpected. Merrick, the god of Death himself, isn’t your typical hooded reaper. As Hazel’s godfather, he’s stern and otherworldly, yet oddly caring in his own way (more so than Hazel’s actual parents, frankly). He takes Hazel under his wing to mold her into the great healer he expects. Their bond is a fascinating push-pull of duty and affection. It’s not every day that Death plays dad, and here it’s equal parts chilling and touching.
4. Gothic Atmosphere And Storybook Vibes
Think candlelit castles, misty forests, and ghosts at the door. The book’s atmosphere is pure gothic goodness, from midnight chapel vigils to woodland spirits lurking by the road. Craig vividly renders a world where every blessing comes with a curse attached, making it feel like you’ve stepped into an eerie old storybook. Yet for all the dark, lush detail, the writing stays crisp and clear. It gives you goosebumps without ever getting you lost in the woods.
5. Royal Intrigue And High-Stakes Twists
Palace politics, family secrets, and fate hanging by a thread. When Hazel is summoned to the royal court to heal a dying king, the story kicks into high gear. Suddenly she’s navigating a den of vipers: scheming nobles, hidden agendas, and maybe even a murderous plot. In this kingdom, no one is entirely trustworthy, and danger lurks in every corridor. The novel delivers twist after twist as Hazel unravels what (or who) is behind the king’s illness. The stakes are sky-high, with Hazel’s own future tied to the fate of the realm, so by the climax you’ll be holding your breath hoping she can cheat Death itself!
6. A ‘Romantasy’ Worth Swooning Over
Amid the darkness is a swoon-worthy spark. Even in a dark tale, there’s room for love. Hazel’s chemistry with Prince Leo (the king’s younger son) brings a welcome glow to the gloom. Their banter is quick and witty (Leo’s cynicism meets its match in Hazel’s no-nonsense charm) and their reluctant alliance slowly blossoms into something more. Importantly, the romance never overshadows the main story; instead, it raises the emotional stakes. You’ll find yourself rooting for this couple to find a happily-ever-after, even as doom hangs over them. In a world so shadowed, their romance is a warm, defiant light.
7. Haunting Themes With Heart
A fairy tale that makes you think (and maybe cry). Beyond the magic and mayhem, this story tackles big questions about mortality and sacrifice. Hazel’s very role asks: What makes a life well-lived? How far should one go to save someone they love? There are definitely scenes that tug at the heartstrings (keep tissues handy), but there’s also a thread of hope shining through!
The Thirteenth Child doesn’t just retell a fairy tale: it redefines it for a new generation, turning a morbid premise into a story about the fierce, fragile beauty of life!
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