Whilst it’s the ebook version (and I definitely would like to pick up a physical copy of this book one day, that’s how much I enjoyed it), I sometimes find it easier to pick up something digital.
I don’t regret picking up this book whatsoever.
Never Die, published in 2019, is set in an Asian-inspired world, and brings together a group of characters that come from different backgrounds and positions in the world that remind me of a thrown together superhero team. The characters are a wonderful mix of caustic humour and seriousness that makes the darker parts of the book slightly lighter. The world helps to position these characters firmly as ones that have come from their very environment
What initially drew my interest in this book was the spectacular cover artwork by artist Felix Ortiz, who has created artwork for Hayes’ other books, as well as YouTuber/Author Daniel Greene. It’s a beautiful piece of art, that shows the group of characters together in a manner that suggests that they mean serious business.
The prologue of this book makes an excellent introduction of the main character, Itami Cho, whom we will be following through the the final pages of this book. As spoiler free as this review is, I won’t be going too specific, but let me tell you that she’s a brilliant character with a strong moral and ethical code. The choice of words throughout the prologue and it’s ensuing fight makes you want for more, and brings about higher expectations for the rest of the novel.
Which doesn’t disappoint.
Despite me singing the praises of this book so far, I did have one slight issue with it, as a reader I found myself becoming disconnected from the characters at times. During the fight scenes in the first half of the book the connection that I had with the characters was lacking, as Hayes seemed to jump from one character to the next with frightening frequency. The fight scenes, whilst engaging, did take me out of the world and make me realise that yes, I was reading a fictional world about fictional people fighting to the death. The characters, whilst very nicely fleshed out, are seemingly only there (and really, they are) to complete a job set by one of them and the Shinigami. They each have their own personalities and ideals, but it was only in the latter half of the book where we had finalised the group and were able to actually spend a bit more time with them.
Throughout the book there are a number of breadcrumbs to follow for the surprise reveals and twists; one was slightly more obvious than the other, but both of them were brilliant and shocking in equal measure.
It would normally take me a solid few hours to just sit down and read a book of this size, but I took my time with it and as such took me a day and a half to read, but could have easily taken less. The book itself is, as previously mentioned, a standalone novel, but since its publication other books within the same world have been published. Pawn’s Gambit, another book on my TBR, was published earlier this year and the latest instalment in the world of the Mortal Techniques, Spirits of Vengeance, is coming out on the 28th of September, 2021.
In summary, this book is a brilliant amalgamation of world building and character driven wordplay that makes you want more. It is fast paced and is easily one of the best books that I have read so far this year. If you're in the mood for Asian-inspired fights, wonderful characters and a fantastic plot twist, then go and check it out!
Never Die by Rob J. Hayes ★★★★☆
Whilst it’s the ebook version (and I definitely would like to pick up a physical copy of this book one day, that’s how much I enjoyed it), I sometimes find it easier to pick up something digital.
I don’t regret picking up this book whatsoever.
Never Die, published in 2019, is set in an Asian-inspired world, and brings together a group of characters that come from different backgrounds and positions in the world that remind me of a thrown together superhero team. The characters are a wonderful mix of caustic humour and seriousness that makes the darker parts of the book slightly lighter. The world helps to position these characters firmly as ones that have come from their very environment
What initially drew my interest in this book was the spectacular cover artwork by artist Felix Ortiz, who has created artwork for Hayes’ other books, as well as YouTuber/Author Daniel Greene. It’s a beautiful piece of art, that shows the group of characters together in a manner that suggests that they mean serious business.
The prologue of this book makes an excellent introduction of the main character, Itami Cho, whom we will be following through the the final pages of this book. As spoiler free as this review is, I won’t be going too specific, but let me tell you that she’s a brilliant character with a strong moral and ethical code. The choice of words throughout the prologue and it’s ensuing fight makes you want for more, and brings about higher expectations for the rest of the novel.
Which doesn’t disappoint.
Despite me singing the praises of this book so far, I did have one slight issue with it, as a reader I found myself becoming disconnected from the characters at times. During the fight scenes in the first half of the book the connection that I had with the characters was lacking, as Hayes seemed to jump from one character to the next with frightening frequency. The fight scenes, whilst engaging, did take me out of the world and make me realise that yes, I was reading a fictional world about fictional people fighting to the death. The characters, whilst very nicely fleshed out, are seemingly only there (and really, they are) to complete a job set by one of them and the Shinigami. They each have their own personalities and ideals, but it was only in the latter half of the book where we had finalised the group and were able to actually spend a bit more time with them.
Throughout the book there are a number of breadcrumbs to follow for the surprise reveals and twists; one was slightly more obvious than the other, but both of them were brilliant and shocking in equal measure.
It would normally take me a solid few hours to just sit down and read a book of this size, but I took my time with it and as such took me a day and a half to read, but could have easily taken less. The book itself is, as previously mentioned, a standalone novel, but since its publication other books within the same world have been published. Pawn’s Gambit, another book on my TBR, was published earlier this year and the latest instalment in the world of the Mortal Techniques, Spirits of Vengeance, is coming out on the 28th of September, 2021.
In summary, this book is a brilliant amalgamation of world building and character driven wordplay that makes you want more. It is fast paced and is easily one of the best books that I have read so far this year. If you're in the mood for Asian-inspired fights, wonderful characters and a fantastic plot twist, then go and check it out!
Never Die by Rob J. Hayes ★★★★☆
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