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noriboo's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Cute novella.
I haven't read the previous book in the series, despite that the story wasn't hard to understand.
Axton reminded me of Hades, with him being the deitie that rules the afterlife and being lonely. The romance developed quickly. Due to Sarandiel and Axton already being acquainted with each other for decades and their fun rapport, this didn't feel rushed.
I enjoyed this story and will probably pick up the rest of the series at some point.
I haven't read the previous book in the series, despite that the story wasn't hard to understand.
Axton reminded me of Hades, with him being the deitie that rules the afterlife and being lonely. The romance developed quickly. Due to Sarandiel and Axton already being acquainted with each other for decades and their fun rapport, this didn't feel rushed.
I enjoyed this story and will probably pick up the rest of the series at some point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: War, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, and Violence
stephawithbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Laws say that a relationship between a Deity and an Angel is absolutely forbidden because should they have an offspring, it could create utter destruction but that doesn’t stop Axton and Sarandiel from pursuing their hearts desires (and y’all it’s been like thousands of years that they’ve been feeling one another so you can feel that tension!) . Their chemistry was delicioso.
I think it was great learning about Axton (who’s mentioned in TCW) and Sarandiel’s roles in Orcus and reading about their involvement (or somewhat lack of but there’s a reason why) prior to the events of that occurred in TCW.
While you don’t have to read The Chaos Wielder first, I deff recommend that you do before of afterwards (A.E. says that you can read it after TCW and before book #2). This world that A.E. Cosby has created is so intriguing and it only makes me look forward to book #2 so much more.
yoroxygrl's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you so much to the author for an eARC of this novella! This review is my honest feedback and given voluntarily.
So if you know me, then you know that one of my top reads last year that I couldn't stop talking about was The Chaos Wielder (TCW). I loved it. It will forever live in my brain and heart and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Well, Death and Shadow is a prequel novella that tells the forbidden love story of Axton (the Deity of Death and War) and Sarandiel (the Angel of Night and Shadows), and takes place before the events of TCW. However, you really don't need to have read TCW prior to reading this book. Honestly, if you haven't read TCW yet, this book would be a fabulous place to start your Chaos series journey! Cosby's mind is an incredible place to be able to create these realms/worlds and the way they have written these stories makes me just want to hop on a ship and travel there indefinitely. I want to know these characters inside and out and by the end of it, I have fallen in love with them and their world.
This book was such a beautiful, sexy, and exciting read. Axton and Sarandiel have been working together for centuries, always secretly pining for one another, but knowing that they are forbidden from ever being together by the laws that govern their realms. Eventually, their chemistry and magnetic pull to each other is undeniable and they decide to act on it. Their connection is incredible and powerful and the spice in this is GIVING, y'all! Like I had to legit take breaks, it was so piping HOTT! 😂😂😂 Axton is that sexy/sweet dommy type with a dirty mouth who is going to do anything and everything for his Angel, no matter who or what he has to go through. Sarandiel (who I freakin loved) seems so sweet and innocent at first, but boy does she come into her power! Really gettin her switch on there at the end, YES MA'AM!!!! Not to mention Sarandiel is a badass, intelligent, tech-savvy angel who just happened to INVENT THE INTERNET!!! Like, HELL YEA!!! OH! AND SHE'S A SHADOW MOMMY!!!!!! 🥵🔥 But these two are also something special in the fact that they are both just so sexually free with each other, not necessarily conforming to specific sexual roles or expectations. Rather, they just let themselves feel what they want to feel and express that however they want, while also taking whatever the other gives with all the love and affection for each other. It was really beautiful and incredibly hot to read. If you like heavy smut, you're gonna love this one.
But how was the plot? Oh it was definitely there! Mind you, this was the Axton and Sarandiel show, first and foremost. But there was definitely the bigger plot always looming in the background from the start of the book. So the reader is always reminded and updated on what's going down with the larger issues brewing. If you're reading this after TCW, you already know what's happened, so it's not really a plot that you need much more info about because more will be revealed in the next full-length novel of the series. But if you're reading this before TCW, it kind of gives you a gentle preview of what to expect from the overarching plot that ultimately unfolds at the start of TCW.
DEFINITELY recommending this one! And of course The Chaos Wielder as well if you haven't already picked that up! If you're a fan of urban fantasy/fantasy romance or even old world lore involving angels and gods AND you enjoy a healthy dose of smut, you're gonna devour this. 😉
Enjoy and happy reading friends! 🤙🏼💕
So if you know me, then you know that one of my top reads last year that I couldn't stop talking about was The Chaos Wielder (TCW). I loved it. It will forever live in my brain and heart and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Well, Death and Shadow is a prequel novella that tells the forbidden love story of Axton (the Deity of Death and War) and Sarandiel (the Angel of Night and Shadows), and takes place before the events of TCW. However, you really don't need to have read TCW prior to reading this book. Honestly, if you haven't read TCW yet, this book would be a fabulous place to start your Chaos series journey! Cosby's mind is an incredible place to be able to create these realms/worlds and the way they have written these stories makes me just want to hop on a ship and travel there indefinitely. I want to know these characters inside and out and by the end of it, I have fallen in love with them and their world.
This book was such a beautiful, sexy, and exciting read. Axton and Sarandiel have been working together for centuries, always secretly pining for one another, but knowing that they are forbidden from ever being together by the laws that govern their realms. Eventually, their chemistry and magnetic pull to each other is undeniable and they decide to act on it. Their connection is incredible and powerful and the spice in this is GIVING, y'all! Like I had to legit take breaks, it was so piping HOTT! 😂😂😂 Axton is that sexy/sweet dommy type with a dirty mouth who is going to do anything and everything for his Angel, no matter who or what he has to go through. Sarandiel (who I freakin loved) seems so sweet and innocent at first, but boy does she come into her power! Really gettin her switch on there at the end, YES MA'AM!!!! Not to mention Sarandiel is a badass, intelligent, tech-savvy angel who just happened to INVENT THE INTERNET!!! Like, HELL YEA!!! OH! AND SHE'S A SHADOW MOMMY!!!!!! 🥵🔥 But these two are also something special in the fact that they are both just so sexually free with each other, not necessarily conforming to specific sexual roles or expectations. Rather, they just let themselves feel what they want to feel and express that however they want, while also taking whatever the other gives with all the love and affection for each other. It was really beautiful and incredibly hot to read. If you like heavy smut, you're gonna love this one.
But how was the plot? Oh it was definitely there! Mind you, this was the Axton and Sarandiel show, first and foremost. But there was definitely the bigger plot always looming in the background from the start of the book. So the reader is always reminded and updated on what's going down with the larger issues brewing. If you're reading this after TCW, you already know what's happened, so it's not really a plot that you need much more info about because more will be revealed in the next full-length novel of the series. But if you're reading this before TCW, it kind of gives you a gentle preview of what to expect from the overarching plot that ultimately unfolds at the start of TCW.
DEFINITELY recommending this one! And of course The Chaos Wielder as well if you haven't already picked that up! If you're a fan of urban fantasy/fantasy romance or even old world lore involving angels and gods AND you enjoy a healthy dose of smut, you're gonna devour this. 😉
Enjoy and happy reading friends! 🤙🏼💕
kateddx's review
4.0
This was a prequel to the Chaos Wielder. It was a short read, but it was so good! Although it’s a prequel, I do think you would have lots of questions if you haven’t read Chaos Wielder yet (the author recommends reading it between books 1 and 2), as that really gives you more information on the world building. I thought that this addition to the series was great! It really added a lot to the overall story, and definitely left me wanting more.
spicycronereads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ok. Look. When you have to start by googling something in the content warnings, you know it is going to be a wild ride! 😂
I received an ARC copy of this sweet and spicy companion novella to AE Cosby’s Chaos series in exchange for my honest review. I read and loved The Chaos Wielder last Fall so I jumped at the chance.
And this one did not disappoint. The story of Axton and Sarandiel (whom I have nicknamed Axandiel) is really so swoony. It is rooted in mutual respect and long-simmering desire. The seggsy scenes are plentiful and include praise schmink, forehead kisses, and very creative uses of deity and angel anatomy. Consent is foregrounded in a very schmexy way. 🥵🥵🥵
Axton is one of those characters that can be terrifying but driven by his protective instincts, looking out for his people and realms. Sarandiel is a complete bad*ss in her own right - a brilliant developer and designer and also not to be messed with. The secondary characters are pretty minimal here though it was fun to see some of Tomis as well as Etis-and-Sortis.
The diverse representation, as with The Chaos Wielder, is on point. Sarandiel and the other angels reflect the racial diversity of the world around us. And she’s curvy to boot.
As with other of their works, the author not only provides a playlist but also footnotes the text to indicate where they intend each song to go. This is so cool and really brings the scenes to life. And I usually discover one or two new-to-me artists!
This was such a fun little read. It gave me all the feels (in my 💕 and in my 👖 😂) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I highly recommend adding The Chaos Wielder to your January TBR so you are all set to read this one when it is released on 1/16/24. Thank you, AE Cosby for the opportunity to read and review in advance!
I received an ARC copy of this sweet and spicy companion novella to AE Cosby’s Chaos series in exchange for my honest review. I read and loved The Chaos Wielder last Fall so I jumped at the chance.
And this one did not disappoint. The story of Axton and Sarandiel (whom I have nicknamed Axandiel) is really so swoony. It is rooted in mutual respect and long-simmering desire. The seggsy scenes are plentiful and include praise schmink, forehead kisses, and very creative uses of deity and angel anatomy. Consent is foregrounded in a very schmexy way. 🥵🥵🥵
Axton is one of those characters that can be terrifying but driven by his protective instincts, looking out for his people and realms. Sarandiel is a complete bad*ss in her own right - a brilliant developer and designer and also not to be messed with. The secondary characters are pretty minimal here though it was fun to see some of Tomis as well as Etis-and-Sortis.
The diverse representation, as with The Chaos Wielder, is on point. Sarandiel and the other angels reflect the racial diversity of the world around us. And she’s curvy to boot.
As with other of their works, the author not only provides a playlist but also footnotes the text to indicate where they intend each song to go. This is so cool and really brings the scenes to life. And I usually discover one or two new-to-me artists!
This was such a fun little read. It gave me all the feels (in my 💕 and in my 👖 😂) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I highly recommend adding The Chaos Wielder to your January TBR so you are all set to read this one when it is released on 1/16/24. Thank you, AE Cosby for the opportunity to read and review in advance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Gaslighting, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
spicycronereads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ok. Look. When you have to start by googling something in the content warnings, you know it is going to be a wild ride! 😂
I received an ARC copy of this sweet and spicy companion novella to AE Cosby’s Chaos series in exchange for my honest review. I read and loved The Chaos Wielder last Fall so I jumped at the chance.
And this one did not disappoint. The story of Axton and Sarandiel (whom I have nicknamed Axandiel) is really so swoony. It is rooted in mutual respect and long-simmering desire. The seggsy scenes are plentiful and include praise schmink, forehead kisses, and very creative uses of deity and angel anatomy. Consent is foregrounded in a very schmexy way. 🥵🥵🥵
Axton is one of those characters that can be terrifying but driven by his protective instincts, looking out for his people and realms. Sarandiel is a complete bad*ss in her own right - a brilliant developer and designer and also not to be messed with. The secondary characters are pretty minimal here though it was fun to see some of Tomis as well as Etis-and-Sortis.
The diverse representation, as with The Chaos Wielder, is on point. Sarandiel and the other angels reflect the racial diversity of the world around us. And she’s curvy to boot.
As with other of her works, the author not only provides a playlist but also footnotes the text to indicate where she intends each song to go. This is so cool and really brings the scenes to life. And I usually discover one or two new-to-me artists!
This was such a fun little read. It gave me all the feels (in my 💕 and in my 👖 😂) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I highly recommend adding The Chaos Wielder to your January TBR so you are all set to read this one when it is released on 2/2/24 (angel numbers peeps - this seems significant?) Thank you, AE Cosby for the opportunity to read and review in advance!
I received an ARC copy of this sweet and spicy companion novella to AE Cosby’s Chaos series in exchange for my honest review. I read and loved The Chaos Wielder last Fall so I jumped at the chance.
And this one did not disappoint. The story of Axton and Sarandiel (whom I have nicknamed Axandiel) is really so swoony. It is rooted in mutual respect and long-simmering desire. The seggsy scenes are plentiful and include praise schmink, forehead kisses, and very creative uses of deity and angel anatomy. Consent is foregrounded in a very schmexy way. 🥵🥵🥵
Axton is one of those characters that can be terrifying but driven by his protective instincts, looking out for his people and realms. Sarandiel is a complete bad*ss in her own right - a brilliant developer and designer and also not to be messed with. The secondary characters are pretty minimal here though it was fun to see some of Tomis as well as Etis-and-Sortis.
The diverse representation, as with The Chaos Wielder, is on point. Sarandiel and the other angels reflect the racial diversity of the world around us. And she’s curvy to boot.
As with other of her works, the author not only provides a playlist but also footnotes the text to indicate where she intends each song to go. This is so cool and really brings the scenes to life. And I usually discover one or two new-to-me artists!
This was such a fun little read. It gave me all the feels (in my 💕 and in my 👖 😂) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I highly recommend adding The Chaos Wielder to your January TBR so you are all set to read this one when it is released on 2/2/24 (angel numbers peeps - this seems significant?) Thank you, AE Cosby for the opportunity to read and review in advance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Gaslighting, Violence, Torture, and Toxic relationship
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