Sanneromijn's Reviews

Mortal Love is a dark romantasy that embraces familiar genre elements and executes them with confidence and strong pacing.

The story begins with Delilah, a married woman in her thirties, undergoing brain surgery, only to wake up in the Fae realm of Nevaehun. From the start, the idea of standing between life and death, between one world and another, gives the story emotional weight beyond typical fantasy escapism.

The worldbuilding draws on recognizable romantasy staples such as High Lords, mating bonds, elemental courts and ancient weapons. Instead of trying to reinvent the genre, the author focuses on delivering these elements well. The setting feels immersive, the political tensions are tangible and the stakes steadily build throughout the book.

What truly sets this story apart is Delilah. A 30+ heroine is refreshing in this genre, and she feels grounded, self-aware and often genuinely funny. Her internal commentary adds warmth and lightness to darker moments, making the book highly readable even when the themes become intense.

The romance unfolds alongside political intrigue, and the balance between those two threads is handled beautifully. Power structures and tradition play a significant role in the story, and the narrative explores how those systems affect personal choice and autonomy. Some scenes lean darker and may feel intense for certain readers, but they serve the broader arc of the story.

The twists in the latter half genuinely surprised me, and the final stretch is emotionally satisfying and thematically consistent. By the end, the story feels complete in a way that honors both love and choice.

Not revolutionary within the genre, but a compelling and well-executed romantasy that delivers exactly what it promises. I absolutely devoured this book and loved every letter of it! Can't wait for the next book in this series!