Mae: Deaths Youngest Daughter by Axel Martens 
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, OccultMae is a dark witch, and she hates it.
Her world shattered when the duke's men slaughtered her family, and a vile curse transformed Mae into a monster who must kill humans to stay alive.
On the island of Heillaður, where witchcraft is outlawed after a brutal Viking invasion, Mae pursues her vendetta from the shadows, driven by a relentless thirst for vengeance.
When her ambush fails and the duke escapes, Mae meets Jarne, a teenage boy determined to liberate their homeland. Mae spares his life, and hope ignites.
The witch vows to use her cursed magic to achieve Jarne’s dream. Yet every violent act pushes her closer to becoming the very evil she’d set out to destroy.If Mae can't break her curse, will the curse consume her soul?
Embark on a dark fantasy adventure like no other, promising a tapestry of magic, revenge, love, and sacrifice. If you enjoy fast-paced, character-driven adventures with morally complex heroines, Mae: Death’s Youngest Daughter will leave you leave you utterly spellbound.
Pages: 302
ISBN: 9798990184206
ASIN: B0D1259PQ7
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Author
on 21/06/2024
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Google Books
My Thoughts
Mae was a story of good vs evil, a fantasy tale with splashes of vikings, magic and death.
I enjoyed this book immensely.
The book was broken down into 3 parts, this was necessary to break us out of an otherwise lengthy book charging at one note, full speed.
I enjoyed the fact that the Magic has classes in this story, not everyone has it, and those that do are separated amongst different types instead of elements.
I found Maes inner turmoil over her curse very rich and sad, the depth of burden she’s feeling, was relatable and not so. I can’t relate to the witchy parts (wish i could), but feeling a heavy burden of something thrust upon you with no choice.. I get that. I feel that.
I was completely drawn in.
To kill to live. To live to kill.
The curse gives no other options.
Either way, she will be forced into that situation to defend herself and to survive.
Her decision to only pick evil victims spoke volumes about a good soul beneath the darkness, but raises the question is it evil to remove evil from the world?
Personally, I think not.
Evil being eradicated would be bliss.
I was a little sad that we weren’t given the background on the ‘curse’ up front, I had to dive in a bit to get to that information.
The details that surface were balanced, not excessive.
I’m pleased I didn’t have to suffer through an info dump, so the design of the story did flow easily. Like a journey.
My Verdict
This book would be perfect for those just starting out in the YA fantasy genre, it’s not overwhelming and sits well, even amongst the most diehard fantasy fans like myself.
It feels like an intro level fantasy.
Overall, this book was a great read.
I loved the connection with nature, the royalty, the viking elements, the world building and the wonderful characters.
Book contains mentions of loss, violence, vengeance, abduction, murder, etc, so if that’s not your vibe, move along.
Absolutely going to recommend this.
Thank you to Axel for my ARC copy of this book.