A review by ehmannky
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake

challenging emotional funny reflective medium-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? Yes

4.75

I think you are either going to love this book or hate it. If it's not clear by my rating, I loved it. I love a book that deals with the mortifying ordeal of being known and the pain and value of loving and being loved. It reminded me a lot of Erin Morgenstern's "The Starless Sea" in that we've got immortals playing games mortals can barely comprehend with some very poetic language. I loved the cast of characters, I love the multitude of plots that interweave together, and I just loved the subtle humor throughout it. 

Also, regarding those confused at the big game they play, it's not that complicated.
The goal of the game is to get your opponent to buckle under the weight of their regrets without letting them do the same to you, which is why everyone keeps saying it's a game for cheats and liars. You can pull a draw by either revealing both of each other's weaknesses but not bending, or you can both just sort of be so good at lying that no one can gain access. It's why Fox is able to win, because he can see that the actions of his past, even things he knows were wrong or that could have gone differently, are part of him and he doesn't fundamentally wallow in the regret.
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