The Coming of God of Death: A Portal Progression Fantasy Series - A Deep Dive Review

by Dmitry Dornichev (Author)

Updated at: 28/02/2025

In Dmitry Dornichev's The Coming of God of Death (Book 1), the ruler of the underworld enjoys a peaceful reign until a devastating attack by a powerful force leaves him near death and his realm in ruins. His return, however, presents a critical challenge: his only potential vessel for resurrection is a dying child. This first installment of the Portal Progression Fantasy series plunges readers into a world of high stakes and dark fantasy. Expect betrayal, epic battles, and a desperate race against time as the God of Death fights to reclaim his power and rebuild his shattered domain. Prepare for a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

The Coming of God of Death (Book 1): A Portal Progression Fantasy Series

4.7 / 185 ratings

Review The Coming of God of Death

Okay, so I just finished "The Coming of God of Death (Book 1)," and wow, what a ride! It's definitely not your typical high-fantasy epic, and that's exactly what makes it so much fun. The premise – a relatively chill God of Death whose peaceful underworld gets utterly wrecked, leaving him to start over with a dying kid as his sole disciple – is inherently hilarious. The author, Dmitry Dornichev, clearly has a great sense of humor, and it shines through the entire book. It doesn't take itself too seriously, which allows for some genuinely funny moments and keeps the pacing brisk and engaging.

While the humor is a major draw, it's not the only thing going on here. The world-building, surprisingly, is quite impressive. Dornichev crafts a unique and detailed underworld, complete with its own rules, hierarchies, and surprisingly compelling characters. I was particularly impressed by the way the author handles the power dynamics. The main character, our slightly grumpy God of Death, isn't some overpowered Mary Sue; he's got genuine weaknesses and struggles, and his journey of rebuilding and reclaiming his power is both entertaining and believable. He's also got a relatable side, allowing himself some much-needed decompression and showing vulnerability—a refreshing change of pace in a genre often filled with stoic, unyielding heroes. That said, I agree with some of the reviews that pointed out the sudden shift in the final chapters. The cliffhanger, while effective in making me immediately want to start book two, did feel a little rushed and, dare I say it, a tad cheap.

The interactions between the characters are a definite highlight. The author's handling of the romantic elements felt natural and charming, adding another layer of depth and emotional connection to the story, rather than being a forced distraction from the plot. The relationships are well-developed, and I found myself invested in their dynamics. In fact, the whole cast of characters felt well-rounded and memorable, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. I especially appreciated the blend of action sequences and more character-driven moments, striking a balance that prevents either from feeling overly dominant. There's enough action to keep things exciting and enough character development to keep you invested in their fates.

Overall, "The Coming of God of Death (Book 1)" is a wildly entertaining read. It’s a fun, fast-paced progression fantasy with a unique premise, well-developed characters, and enough humor to keep you chuckling throughout. While the ending left me wanting more (and a little frustrated!), it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. If you're looking for a light-hearted, action-packed fantasy with a dash of humor and a healthy dose of world-building, then this is definitely a book to check out. I'm certainly eager to see what awaits our slightly grumpy God of Death in the next installment!

See more: Book review of The Healer: A Portal Progression Fantasy Series