Who knew a book with death in the title could have some of the most wholesome found family dynamics I've ever read about?

Death's Flow is a fantasy novel that really emphasizes found family (aka my favorite trope) and the coincidences that bring them together. I wasn't expecting to find it as wholesome as I did, although there were plenty of parts that almost made me cry too. It was also refreshing to read about a found family that didn't entirely consist of teenagers with questionable backstories and morals, although I do love those too.
The story follows Zaleck, a young, albino farm boy, after he is captured by slavers who intend to deliver him to a priest to complete a dark ritual. He is rescued by two other captives: Arneth, a scholar who can predict (and maybe control) the future, and Vellis, a huntress with a mysterious past. The plot is fast-paced and high-stakes (there's a reason I read it in just over 12 hours), and there's so much emotional weight packed into such a quick story. The ending is satisfying, although I noticed that there might be more books (?), and I would be more than willing to read about where the crew is off to next.
I really, really loved the characters and their dynamics. Arneth reminded me a lot of an older, wiser, balder Jude from There Will Come a Darkness. I liked seeing him interact with Derith, especially once she was dragged into the family. I also wish we got to see more of Keltrak. Vellis was such a cool character, and her dynamic with Zaleck has to be one of my favorites of all time, especially given her backstory. Zal was so sweet, and his character development was incredibly well done. I really enjoyed watching him grow to appreciate Vellis and vice versa.
Death's Flow is a fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy novel about found family, fate, and how the choices we make define us.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

4.5/5