Afterlife's New Appetite

Vivien, once a human bounty hunter, now faces the reality of her new existence as the last vampire—called a sekhor—bound to the god of death, Grim. Her body craves not human blood, but only Grim's, a side effect of a desperate deal she made to save her best friend's son. This dependency is both physical and psychological, leaving Vivien resentful and vulnerable. She resists the blood bond, fearing the loss of her autonomy, but her friends Miranda and Timothy push her to accept her new needs. The chapter sets the tone for Vivien's struggle: a woman who survived on her own, now forced to rely on the most powerful and dangerous being she's ever met, while the world of gods and monsters stirs around her.

Blood Bonded and Boundaries

When Vivien finally submits to her hunger, the act of feeding from Grim is intimate, overwhelming, and transformative. The blood bond between them is not just sustenance—it's a psychic tether, granting Grim the power to command her will. Vivien's fear of being controlled is rooted in past trauma, and she's determined not to become anyone's puppet again. Yet, the bond also brings unexpected tenderness and vulnerability from Grim, who confesses he misses her. Their relationship is a dance of power, need, and denial, complicated by the looming threat of a conspiracy among the gods and the mystery of who resurrected the vampire bloodline.

The God of Death's Dilemma

Grim, known as Anubis in ancient times, is more than a brooding immortal—he's the judge of souls, keeper of balance, and now, reluctant partner to the last vampire. When Amit, the crocodile god who devours unworthy souls, is stolen from Grim's hidden sanctuary, the cosmic order is threatened. The theft is a supernatural heist, executed with knowledge of godly security and magic. Grim's control is tested as he must investigate the theft, manage the volatile gods of Las Vegas, and protect Vivien, whose existence is both a miracle and a provocation to his peers. The stakes are nothing less than the stability of the afterlife itself.

Crocodile God Stolen

The theft of Amit is more than a missing artifact—it's the removal of the universe's garbage disposal for evil souls. Without Amit, Grim is forced to absorb the damned into himself, a dangerous and unsustainable act. The investigation reveals a team of supernatural thieves, possibly aided by a god, and the involvement of demigods and mortals alike. Vivien's skills as a hunter come to the fore as she and Grim navigate magical security footage, hidden elevators, and the politics of the gods. The urgency mounts: if Amit isn't found, the souls of the damned will poison Grim and, through him, the world.

Gods' Ballroom of Judgment

Grim and Vivien must attend a gathering of the gods—a masquerade of power, envy, and ancient grudges. Vivien, transformed into a vision of gothic royalty, is the center of attention, her soul's glow a beacon to every immortal in the room. The gods' scrutiny is merciless, their politics cutthroat. Old wounds are reopened, especially for Marcella, whose sekhor was slain by Grim centuries ago. Seth, the god of chaos, orchestrates a public humiliation, gifting Grim a collar for his "bitch." The ballroom erupts into violence, exposing the fragile alliances and deep-seated fears that define the gods' world.

Enemies, Allies, and Old Wounds

In the aftermath of the ballroom brawl, Grim and Vivien confront the consequences of their bond. Allies like Galina (Bast) and Bianca (the oracle) offer support, while enemies like Seth and Idris plot in the shadows. Vivien's past as a debutante, shaped by abuse and control, is revealed, deepening her resistance to being anyone's possession. Grim's own history—his guilt over the extermination of the sekhors and his failed marriage to the manipulative Qwynn—haunts him. The gods' politics are a minefield, and Vivien's presence is both a threat and a hope for change.

The Collar and the Chaos

Seth's calculated insult—presenting Vivien with a collar—pushes Grim to the brink. The gods' gathering devolves into chaos, with Grim and Seth transforming into their monstrous god-forms and battling for dominance. The violence is both physical and symbolic, a struggle for the future of the gods' order. Vivien is forced to choose sides, her loyalty and love for Grim tested as she's pulled into the heart of the conflict. The blood bond, once a source of fear, becomes a lifeline as Vivien risks everything to save Grim from himself and the machinations of his enemies.

Power Plays and Party Games

As the gods' war simmers, Vivien uses her wit and resilience to survive the social games of immortals. She faces passive-aggressive demigods, manipulative rivals, and the ever-present threat of being used as a weapon. Her friendship with Miranda and her alliance with Echo, a mysterious hacker with supernatural ties, provide crucial support. Together, they track Amit's trail through magical surveillance, uncovering layers of deception and betrayal. Vivien's skills as a hunter and her refusal to be cowed by power make her a wildcard in the gods' deadly games.

The Price of Control

With Amit still missing, Grim is forced to absorb more and more souls, pushing him to the edge of destruction. The darkness within him grows, threatening to consume his humanity and unleash catastrophe. Vivien, recognizing the danger, risks her own safety to keep him grounded. Their relationship, once defined by mistrust and resistance, deepens into mutual dependence and love. But the cost is high: every act of intimacy, every moment of vulnerability, is shadowed by the threat of losing control—to power, to the past, to the enemies closing in.

Unleashed: Violence and Vulnerability

A violent attack in Grim's nightclub exposes the fragility of their world. Bullets fly, blood is spilled, and Grim's control shatters as he reaps the souls of the attackers in a terrifying display of godly power. Vivien, wounded but unbroken, uses her love and the blood bond to pull Grim back from the abyss. The aftermath is raw and intimate, as they confront the reality of their connection: love forged in violence, trust built on shared vulnerability. But the enemies are not defeated—Seth's machinations continue, and the true conspiracy remains hidden.

Secrets, Sweets, and Surveillance

Vivien and her allies follow the trail of Amit through magical hacking, surveillance, and old-fashioned detective work. Along the way, Vivien confronts her own past—her abusive family, her lost childhood, and the scars that shaped her. The return of her uncle and aunt, now fostering another vulnerable girl, forces Vivien to face her deepest fears and claim her power. The search for Amit becomes a race against time, as Grim's condition worsens and the gods' enemies close in. The chapter is a blend of action, humor, and emotional reckoning.

The Ballad of Blood and Desire

As the crisis deepens, Vivien and Grim's relationship reaches new heights of passion and intimacy. Their lovemaking is both a release and a reaffirmation of their bond, a way to reclaim agency and joy in the face of chaos. But even in their most private moments, the specter of power and control lingers. Vivien's growing strength, fueled by Grim's blood, makes her both a target and a potential threat. The gods' rules are clear: a sekhor who drinks too much godly blood can become a god-killer. The line between love and danger has never been thinner.

Family Shadows Return

The arrival of Vivien's abusive uncle and aunt at Sinopolis is no coincidence—it's another move in the gods' game, orchestrated by Seth to destabilize Grim and Vivien. The encounter forces Vivien to confront her trauma and claim her power, refusing to be a victim any longer. Grim, pushed to the brink by his protective rage, nearly loses control, but Vivien's intervention saves both him and herself. The chapter is a cathartic reckoning with the past, a declaration that the cycle of abuse ends here.

Snake Eyes and Betrayals

The conspiracy comes to a head as Idris, a demigod with his own agenda, kidnaps and tortures Vivien, seeking to create a weapon against the gods. Marcella, once Vivien's enemy, becomes her unlikely savior, revealing the complexity of the gods' history and the possibility of redemption. Meanwhile, Seth's true plan is revealed: he has taken worshippers, broken the gods' most sacred law, and transformed his followers into monstrous snakes. In a climactic battle, Vivien uses her own powers of persuasion to turn Seth's weapon against him, proving that she is no one's pawn.

Into the Pit: Sacrifice

With Amit finally recovered, Grim is on the verge of destruction, overwhelmed by the souls of the damned. Vivien, refusing to lose him, enters the hellish pit of his mind, offering herself as a sacrifice to draw the souls away. The experience is agony—she is torn apart by the darkness, reliving her deepest fears and traumas. But her love and determination are stronger than the void. In a moment of revelation, she remembers her childhood promise to Grim: to walk with him so he would never be alone. Their destinies are forever entwined.

Resurrection and Reckoning

Vivien's sacrifice and Grim's desperate efforts bring her back from the brink. Amit is fed, the balance is restored, and the gods' world is saved—for now. But the cost is high: Vivien's power has grown, her soul transformed into a galaxy of light and darkness. The blood bond is no longer a chain, but a partnership forged in love and mutual respect. Together, they face the future, knowing that new threats will arise and that their enemies are still at large. The chapter is a celebration of survival, love, and the promise of new beginnings.

The God Killer's Gift

In the aftermath, a mysterious package arrives: the severed head of Seth, killed by an unknown weapon capable of slaying gods. The message is clear—the conspiracy is not over, and Vivien, now a potential god-killer, is at the center of it. The gods' world is forever changed, and the balance of power is more precarious than ever. But Vivien and Grim, united by love and forged in fire, are ready to face whatever comes next. The story ends with a promise: together, they will rewrite the rules of gods and monsters.

Characters

Vivien

Vivien is the last vampire, a sekhor, whose life is defined by trauma, survival, and a stubborn refusal to be controlled. Once a bounty hunter, she's thrust into the world of gods and monsters after being turned and then bound to Grim, the god of death, through a blood bond. Vivien's humor and irreverence mask deep wounds from an abusive childhood and a lifetime of being used by others. Her journey is one of reclaiming agency, learning to trust, and discovering that vulnerability can be a source of strength. Her relationship with Grim evolves from antagonism to love, as she becomes both his anchor and his equal, challenging the gods' old order and forging a new path for herself and those she loves.

Grim (Anubis)

Grim is the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, judge of souls and keeper of the afterlife's balance. He is powerful, controlled, and burdened by millennia of responsibility and guilt—especially for the extermination of the sekhors and the loss of his own humanity. The blood bond with Vivien forces him to confront his own capacity for love, vulnerability, and change. Grim's struggle is between duty and desire, control and surrender. His development is marked by a gradual opening to emotion, humor, and partnership, as Vivien teaches him that strength can coexist with tenderness. Their love is both a salvation and a risk, as it challenges the very foundations of the gods' world.

Miranda

Miranda is Vivien's best friend and the head of security at Sinopolis. A former soldier and single mother, she is grounded, resourceful, and unflappable in the face of supernatural chaos. Miranda's relationship with Vivien is a lifeline—she offers tough love, comic relief, and unwavering support. Her journey involves coming to terms with the existence of gods and monsters, and ultimately, becoming an ally in the fight to restore balance. Miranda's presence is a reminder of the importance of chosen family and the power of ordinary humans in extraordinary circumstances.

Timothy

Timothy is Grim's right hand, a god in his own right, though he prefers the role of advisor and fixer. He is fastidious, proper, and deeply loyal, managing the logistics of the gods' world with precision and discretion. Timothy's relationship with Grim is one of mutual respect and long-standing friendship, while his interactions with Vivien are marked by exasperation and reluctant admiration. Timothy's hidden depths—his own powers, his romantic interest in Aaron, and his willingness to bend the rules—add complexity to his character. He represents the old order, but is willing to adapt for the sake of those he cares about.

Seth

Seth is the god of chaos, Grim's ancient rival, and the primary antagonist. Driven by jealousy, ambition, and a desire to upend the gods' hierarchy, Seth orchestrates the theft of Amit, the public humiliation of Grim and Vivien, and the unleashing of violence and betrayal. His power lies in manipulation, transformation, and the ability to inspire worship—even when forbidden. Seth's actions are both personal and political, targeting Grim's vulnerabilities and exploiting the gods' fears. His eventual death signals a new, more dangerous phase in the war among the immortals.

Marcella

Marcella is a goddess whose sekhor was slain by Grim centuries ago, leaving her with a wound that never healed. Her initial hostility toward Vivien masks a deep empathy and a longing for justice. Marcella's journey is one of moving from vengeance to redemption, as she ultimately saves Vivien from Idris and helps restore balance. Her character embodies the consequences of the gods' past sins and the possibility of forgiveness and change.

Idris

Idris is a young, powerful demigod with a chip on his shoulder and a hunger for power. His desire to create a sekhor of his own leads him to kidnap and torture Vivien, seeking to use her as a weapon against the gods. Idris's pain and ambition make him both a threat and a tragic figure, reflecting the dangers of unchecked power and the legacy of the gods' abuses. His betrayal is a turning point, forcing Vivien to confront the reality of her own strength and the limits of trust.

Galina (Bast)

Galina, the goddess Bast, is an ally to Grim and Vivien, offering guidance, support, and a much-needed sense of humor. Her feline nature is reflected in her independence, curiosity, and refusal to be controlled by anyone. Galina's insights into the gods' politics and history help Vivien navigate the treacherous world of immortals. She represents the possibility of friendship and solidarity among the gods, even in the face of ancient grudges.

Bianca

Bianca is the gods' oracle, a vision of old Hollywood glamour and timeless wisdom. Her visions guide Grim and Vivien through the labyrinth of conspiracies and dangers, while her kindness offers comfort and hope. Bianca's role is that of a seer and a peacemaker, bridging the gap between the gods' world and the mortal realm. Her presence is a reminder that fate can be both a burden and a gift.

Amit

Amit is the devourer of souls, a being of immense power and appetite. His disappearance is the catalyst for the story's central crisis, as his absence threatens the balance of the afterlife and the sanity of Grim. Amit is both a symbol and a plot device—the embodiment of the consequences of unchecked evil and the necessity of cosmic order. His recovery is a victory, but also a warning: the gods' world is always one step away from chaos.

Plot Devices

Blood Bond and Psychic Control

The blood bond between Vivien and Grim is the central plot device, serving as both a source of power and a mechanism of control. It grants Grim the ability to command Vivien's will, but also creates a deep, mutual vulnerability. The bond is a metaphor for trauma, trust, and the struggle for agency. It drives the emotional arc of the story, forcing both characters to confront their fears and desires, and ultimately, to choose partnership over domination.

The Stolen Crocodile God

The theft of Amit is the inciting incident, setting off a chain reaction of chaos, investigation, and conflict. It serves as a MacGuffin, motivating the characters' actions and revealing the hidden politics of the gods. The search for Amit is both a detective story and a race against time, as Grim's absorption of souls threatens to destroy him and the world.

Gods' Masquerade and Social Warfare

The gathering of the gods is a crucible for character development, political intrigue, and explosive conflict. The masquerade setting allows for shifting alliances, public humiliations, and the eruption of ancient grudges. The public collaring of Vivien is a plot device that crystallizes the themes of power, shame, and resistance, leading to open war among the immortals.

Foreshadowing and Memory

The story is rich with foreshadowing—Vivien's childhood promise to Grim, the warnings about sekhors' power, the hints of a god-killer weapon. Memory is both a curse and a key, as characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the traumas that shaped them. The revelation of Vivien's connection to Grim is a masterstroke of narrative structure, tying together the personal and the cosmic.

Sacrifice and Resurrection

The climax hinges on Vivien's willingness to sacrifice herself to save Grim, entering the pit of damned souls and enduring unimaginable pain. This act of love and courage is both a literal and symbolic resurrection, restoring balance and transforming both characters. The device of mutual rescue—each saving the other in turn—reinforces the story's central message: true power lies in vulnerability and connection.

Analysis

Kissed by Death reimagines the urban fantasy romance as a meditation on agency, healing, and the dangers of unchecked power. At its heart, the novel is about two broken souls—Vivien, the survivor who refuses to be controlled, and Grim, the god who has forgotten how to feel—learning to trust, love, and fight for each other. The blood bond, initially a symbol of enslavement, becomes a partnership forged in mutual respect and sacrifice. The story interrogates the legacy of abuse, the politics of immortality, and the possibility of redemption. It warns against the seduction of power and the ease with which trauma can be perpetuated, even by those with the best intentions. Yet, it is also a celebration of resilience, humor, and the messy, glorious work of building a life—and a love—worth living for. In a world where gods and monsters walk among us, the greatest act of rebellion is to choose connection over control, and to rewrite the rules of fate with every act of courage and kindness.

Last updated: October 23, 2025