Book Review: To Conquer Death

Reviewed by Elizabeth Stargiotti

Richly drawn characters, thought-provoking mythic landscapes, and emotional stakes that matter as much as physical ones

Richard H. Moon’s To Conquer Death is a striking historical fantasy that fuses meticulously researched ancient Egyptian culture with a layered, myth-infused world.

Twenty years after the death of their father in battle, brothers Koshei and Tyfon are respected members of Pharoes army in their own right, crushing invasions from across the Great Green Sea. But when one invasion turns out to be a hoard of refugees, it’s the shrewd and survival-hardened Doryah who bridges the divide of language and culture to deliver a warning that has been beating in her heart since her mother’s funeral turned into a nightmare decades prior: the dead have become restless, and only fire can stop their master calling them to rise.

From the first page, the novel immerses readers in a society where magic and spirituality are not just embellishments but integral to daily life, creating a world that feels lived-in and authentic. What makes this book truly compelling, however, is not only the richness of its setting, but the depth and complexity of its characters, whose relationships form the emotional backbone of the story.

Moon captures the nuances of the brothers’ bond beautifully: Koshei’s strategic and intellectual restraint balances Tyfon’s impulsive, instinct-driven nature, and their interactions reflect the slow, delicate development of trust and understanding. Equally compelling is Doryah, whose arc elevates the story beyond a typical adventure tale. Hardened by grief yet guided by keen strategy and experience, Doryah embodies the tension between survival and responsibility. Though she initially seeks to protect only herself, her journey with Koshei, Tyfon, and Yaga reveals the power of connection. Far from static archetypes, this band of unlikely heroes evolve as they face not only the physical threat of the restless dead but the scars of their own pasts. Moon allows these internal conflicts to coexist with external action in a way that feels both organic and poignant.

Moon’s worldbuilding is similarly impressive. Magic is woven seamlessly into the culture, never feeling tacked on or contrived, while the landscapes—from sun-scorched Nile banks to the snow crusted woods of the north—are vividly imagined and meticulously detailed. Naval battles, military strategy, and encounters with the undead are thrillingly rendered, yet they never overshadow the characters’ personal journeys. The novel’s careful layering of myth, history, and fantastical elements creates a tapestry that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally satisfying.

While the development of the characters and their relationships ring true to life and carry incredible thematic weight, the broader stakes of the novel often feel hazy until past the midpoint. The motivations behind major plot developments remain somewhat obscure, leaving a sense of directionless to the party at times. That said, the slow burn allows Moon to fully explore relationships, internal dilemmas, and the weight of duty—elements that make the climax all the more impactful.

Ultimately, To Conquer Death is a novel about the intricate balance between life, death, and the human connections that make survival meaningful. It is a story that examines duty, courage, grief, and the ways in which love and loss shape the heroes we become. With characters who feel real, a world that feels lived-in, and a narrative that blends heart-pounding action with reflective depth, Richard H. Moon delivers a historical fantasy that resonates long after the final page.

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