The God of Endings

A Novel

By: Jacqueline Holland

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 16 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Long-listed, Barnes and Noble Best New Books of the Year 2023

"Maarleveld's narration takes the exquisite prose of this story and elevates it to a lyrical listening experience. Her consistently skilled delivery moves through a variety of accents and time periods. This audiobook is a fascinating story told by a masterful performer."—AudioFile

By turns suspenseful and enchanting, this breathtaking first novel weaves a story of love, family, history, and myth as seen through the eyes of one immortal woman.

Collette LeSange is a lonely artist who heads an elite fine arts school for children in upstate New York. Her youthful beauty masks the dark truth of her life: she has endured centuries of turmoil and heartache in the wake of her grandfather’s long-ago decision to make her immortal like himself. Now in 1984, Collette finds her life upended by the arrival of a gifted child from a troubled home, the return of a stalking presence from her past, and her own mysteriously growing hunger.

Combining brilliant prose with breathtaking suspense, Jacqueline Holland's The God of Endings serves as a larger exploration of the human condition in all its complexity, asking us the most fundamental question: is life in this world a gift or a curse?

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

©2023 Jacqueline Holland (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"A reflective and poetic take on the nature of immortality... Holland's refreshing vampires lean philosophical as they struggle with immense grief and loneliness."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Atmospheric prose and excellent character development. Great for fans of Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire and V. E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue."—Library Journal

"Sweeping and evocative, this novel is a beautiful journey through the centuries of a wholly unique life. It explores the savagery of loss and grief and the paradoxical fragility and endurance of love. It raises powerful and thought-provoking questions about motherhood, and how to live, and the ending will stay with me for a long time in the best possible way."—Jennifer Saint, author of Elektra and Ariadne

Loved it!

A very different take on vampires with an unexpected happy ending. The narrator was AMAZING and kept me engaged the whole time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to read a different kind of vampire story.

Could not stop listening

First, Ms Marleveld is one of, if not the most talented narrator in the audible book world. She adds depth to each character with a subtle change of accent or intonation. It’s never forced and always complements the author’s vision. This new work by a new author stunned me with her understanding of the fundamental joy and sadness of the human condition. Beginnings ultimately beget endings and vice versa. I’m disappointed to have finished this book and incredibly satisfied that I began it.

Very captivating

I was always wondering what was coming next, and apprenticed that. Like the side by side stories, and there are lots of great details in the descriptions.

very much enjoyed

I really enjoyed this book. it had a nice flow and a lot of lessons. the narration was great too. sometimes bc of the narration I can't finish a book but that was not the case at all with this one! I'll be following this narrator

More than plot and character development

While the story is compelling, and many of the characters I liked, and some I liked to hate, it is the stark look at trauma, grief, depression and the mortal struggle that struck me- oh, and of course, eventual hope. I would like to know some of the characters more, and there is such possibility for many enjoyable future books. I did get frustrated w the main character at times. How can she be centuries old and still be so gullible and naive? Maybe that was some of her humanity still hanging on. Also, at times I felt as if the author did not trust me to “get it” or understand what was happening and then over-explained. Thus the 4 instead of the 5. Over all- a 5 for me, and going on my favorites shelf so I can read it again later.

lyrical yet grounded storytelling

Why do the ends of good books always make me gently weep? In this novel, every word counts.

excellent

I really enjoyed this book, so much going on over the decades, an ending I would have never guessed. as always Saskia was amazing.

A new reading experience

This is the first “vampire” book I’ve ever read. It’s not a genre that usually appeals to me. But I saw this book in the library, read a few pages, and decided to buy it on Audible. It is well written and the narrator is exceptionally good. The story takes place during several historical periods, alternating with a “present time” in the early 1980’s. The female protagonist is a reluctant vampire, transformed against her will in the early or mid 19th C. She sees and is horrified by a LOT of ignorance, violence and suffering - especially affecting children. By the end, I became a bit tired of her never-ending struggle to find creatures whose blood she could drink without violating her moral code. But I did finish the book. The book ends abruptly, but I understand that a sequel is coming.

I never review books

But this was excellent. I can see why it’s polarizing, but this is a book I’ll remember and think about for a long, long time to come.

Captivating!!

Usually I can guess an ending but this book kept me guessing what would happen.