Life is valuable. Death is a necessity. In Yliria, this is not a contradiction.New Year’s Eve 2054. A virus, later named the BlackJack, struck and killed 3/4 of the world’s population. Only those who were 21 and younger were not infected. Treaties broke off. Countries severed connection to the outside world. And the country of Yliria built its own invisible walls.Thirty-eight years later…Yliria … years later…Yliria is now at peace. But nothing is gained without sacrifices.
Yuri’s life was perfect. Family. School. Career. Then there’s Ryoma. Her one true love. Nothing could go wrong when she has everything planned out. But on the night of their anniversary, it did not end with a kiss.
Ripped from their normal lives, both Yuri and Ryoma woke up from a dream to face the real nightmares. As a punishment for their parents’ treason, they must serve the government—the System—as the new Aces of the Court Department, assigned to oversee and maintain the peace and balance within Yliria.
One week. 13 lives.
Armed, not with a weapon, but the same virus that destroyed the world. The Aces must escape their new fate. If not, the only path left in their future is the one covered in blood.
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First off, let me say I enjoyed this book and finished in 2 days. It is a real page turner with it’s numerous twists and surprises and cliff hanger chapter endings. The storyline with the cards and their suits, etc was so fascinating. I loved the four main characters. I kind of wish Sam and Chrys were given POVs for us to learn more about them through them, but the dual POV with Ryoma and Yuri worked well since this is partially a love story for them. My only complaint is in the beginning we are thrust into chaos in Yuri’s POV then backtrack to relive it again with Ryoma. This was a little jarring but didn’t happen again for the rest of the book. Without spoilers, I am incredibly happy with Yuri’s choice in the end. It’s the choice I wanted her to make but didn’t think the author would go that way. So happy they did. There were some great emotional scenes throughout the book that I thought the author handled well without being too heavy. The world building was well done and leaves me curious for more of this world.
I highly recommend this book for dystopian lovers who want something a little different.
A deadly virus, called Blackjack, swept across the world taking almost everyone over the age of 20 with it. Death’s Kiss tells the story of how one country Yliria walled itself over after the awake of the virus.
Death’s Kiss follows two characters Yuri and then there is Ryoma Yuri’s one true love. Yuri and Ryoma wake from a coma to find their lives in total disarray. They learn that a long time ago their parents committed treason and now they must be the ones to pay the price for what their parents did by working for the government.
Being in love is frowned upon by the government so needless to say Yuri and Ryoma are ripped apart and told they could never see each other again.
Death’s Kiss is a very intriguing and intense read that had me hooked from the first page right up until the end. Laying Death’s Kiss down was so hard as I didn’t want to stop reading it once I picked it up but sometimes life does get in the way but I did think about it every minute I wasn’t reading it as the story was so interesting and the world building was so in depth and brilliantly written. I don’t think I have read anything quite like Death’s Kiss in a very long time if ever.
Death’s Kiss is so full of twists and turns and so unpredictable that it kept me hooked from the beginning. I love how it all turned out in the end. Oh and speaking of twists and endings that was one amazing twist close to the end that I never expected. It really surprised me a lot but it I loved it. The characters were all so amazing and wonderful.
I recommend Death’s Kiss to all dystopian and post-apocalyptic fans. One click your copy today!
Death’s Kiss by Regie Khemvisay is so satisfylingly twisted, unpredictable and entertaining. It kept me reading late into the night, had me holding my breath at times, and definitely made me uneasy and emotional. It has a few weak spots, but the story as a whole is absolutely fascinating, suspenseful, and riveting.
In a world ravaged by a virus that wiped out 3/4 of the world’s population, every life is valuable. But, in order to save the lives of the many…death has become a necessity.
In this dark, edgy and gripping dystopian tale, two star-crossed lovers must serve the governement that tore them apart as punishment for their parents’ crimes. Yuri and Ryoma become part of the New Aces, a group assigned to protect the peace and balance in Yliria. Lost, angry, and confused, they both seek answers regarding their duties as Aces. But, when the truth includes death and blood, Yuri and Ryoma decide to fight back. With a small chance of survival and a battle they might not win, can Yuri and Ryoma save the people of Yliria and finally find a way to be together? Or will their sacrifices be in vain?
Khemvisay created such a disturbing, but utterly intriguing post-apocalyptic story that had me hooked from the start. I do have to admit that the beginning chapters does feel a bit choppy and there are a few awkward dialogues. Also, one of the characters has sudden temper tantrums and outburst that just seemed weird and offputting. Having said that, I thought the overall writing style is quite solid, atmospheric and engaging.
The world-building, while not entirely well-executed, is quite mesmeric. There are also a few similarities with other dystopian books, but this story is without a doubt unique and different enough to shine on its own. I won’t spoil it for you, but I thought the inspiration behind the creation of the Joker System is clever, imaginative, and original. It’s actually pretty awesome and I really liked that part of the the story.
Aside from a few slow chapters in the first half of the book, the plot moves quickly with plenty of shocking twists and turns that I never knew what to expect or who to really trust. There’s action, intrigue, drama, mystery, betrayals and secrets… so many secrets that I found myself literally mouthing OMG a few times throughout the story. Khemvisay completely messed with my mind and kept me on my toes until the very last page.
The characters are far from perfect, but I liked how they all surprised me… sometimes more than once. I thought Khemvisay created genuinely flawed and realistic individuals who I grew to really care about and even admire. Even the secondary players and the villains affected me in some ways. In the end, they all made an emotional impact and a part of my heart ached for them.
The Aces (Yuri, Ryoma, Sam and Chrys) are fascinating characters and wonderful heroes. They have their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. They’re passionate, determined, brave and deep down, just really kindhearted people trying to do the right thing. I also really liked the group’s dynamic, bond, and friendship. Some of the lighthearted, sweet, and hilarious moments of story are when they’re together and I really loved getting to know them. I adored Chrys and his sense of humor and Sam is just so feisty and fun. They’re really great characters and I enjoyed seeing each of them grow into the type of heroes that could spark hope and inspire others to fight and protect the good.
It took some time, but in the end I really adored Yuri and Ryoma with all my heart. Yuri may be a bit impulsive, but I liked the fire in her. I liked that she’s willing to break rules and make sacrifices to protect the people she loves. Ryoma is gentle, patient, and loving. I didn’t always like when he would tease Yuri, but I could tell that he really cares and wants what’s best for her. They’re both quite frustrating and annoying sometimes, and definitely needed to grow up and mature, but I thought they’re such strong, complex, and admirable characters. They have been through so much pain, heartbreak, betrayal, and loss that it was really easy for me to root for them.
I liked the romance… there’s angst, swoon, heartache, chessy moments, and some really amazing sweets scenes. I really can’t say too much here without giving anything away, but my heart is really torn. I do wish that there’s a bit more background information about Yuri and Ryoma’s relationship. Khemvisay does go into, but I personally wanted more history about them.
Brimmed with the perfect dose of drama, intrigue, conflict, humor, romance and excitement, this book is a thrilling and emotional ride. I loved that nail-biting twist and turns, the shocking revelations and heartbreak, and all the tender and hilarious moments. I really hope there’s a sequel or two cause that ending definitely left me wanting more.
Haunting, seductive, and suspenseful, Death’s Kiss by Regie Khemivsay is a fantastic debut novel perfect for fans of dystopian stories. It’s an intricately creative, thought-proving and deeply moving tale of courage, survival, forgiveness, love and the true meaning of sacrifice. I honestly can’t reccommend this book enough and Khemvisay is definitely an author to add on your list!
P.S. – Please, please, please let there be another book so I can have more scenes with ADAM!!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. But, I loved this book so much I purchased my own e-copy, so I can read my favorite parts wherever I go. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Regie Khemvisay for sharing this story and I really cannot wait to read whatever you write next!