Death And I

by Lola Ovayoza

Some names should never be spoken. Some souls should never return.

When Moni visits her grandfather’s eerie home in a forgotten town, she accidentally opens a door she can’t close - summoning Death himself. But this isn’t the hooded figure from bedtime tales. He’s charming, ageless, and terrifyingly familiar.

Caught in a centuries-old curse and a twisted love that transcends lifetimes, Moni must sacrifice someone she loves, or surrender herself to the very thing she fears most.

In this dark, seductive novelette, Death and I asks - what if the scariest part of dying… is remembering why you keep coming back?

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2025

About the author

Lola Ovayoza writes stories that explore the quiet but powerful forces that shape us—love, loss, identity, and the messy beauty of human relationships. Blending literary depth with engaging storytelling, she creates books that are as thought-provoking as they are compelling.

Outside of writing, she spends her time reading widely, overanalysing her characters, channelling her creativity into fashion design and styling, bingeing true crime documentaries, and building playlists that tell their own stories.

Reviews

[Auggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨

This was a quick and captivating read.
I believe Moni should have known better than believing death as he’s a trickster.

It was a very fast paced thrilling book.

[Stephreads7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I tell you this book creeped me out!!!😭

Imagine death being a whole person and being fine as well? Can you actually imagine that.

This was quite short, but the author HAS to write more horror stories because she's so good at it.

I love that this was an African setting, so if you're a horror lover who wants to read more diversely, then you should totally read this!!

Huge thanks to the author for an ARC copy for this book.

[Stephanie Ilowa-George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating!!
I couldn't put it down till I read it through and finished it. It's an interesting take on Death's role in life, and it also didn't help that Death was a gorgeous man. I also understand why Death would be in love with Moni cos I was toooo.
This was an excellent read. Love!

[Meyi Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a nice book, gripping thrills of the story and the characters are all very interesting and well written. Good job.

[Adesewa Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good read. Once I started, I couldn't stop. It's thrilling and everytime I close my eyes, I can still see the characters in my imagination.

[Teminikan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

The Yoruba woman in me cannot say this book title out loud
This is a novella meaning it was short but I wished it was longer . The storyline is so captivating, creepy and thrilling. I consider it a thought-provoking story about life and death.

If you are into thought provoking stories and a little bit of horror then this is for you

[Renne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death and I is the kind of book that draws you in and leaves you with questions and also answers . The plot twist is twisting and the horrors are horrifying. It gives trust no man(no matter how captivating) but yourself . A deep and touching book.

[Dusty_spines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg, this book grabs you and doesn’t let go!
The characters are unforgettable—Moni is fierce, and Death isn’t your typical grim reaper, but a mysterious, seductive presence that’s both chilling and captivating. The blend of romance and mystery lingers long after you turn the last page.

[Anuoluwapo Ogunmoroti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book no no no. I am so glad I had the Author's contact and could call and rant to her about how this book made me feel.

Toe curling -check!
Thrilling chase- check!
Forbidden romance -check!
Paranormal —ur double check!

If you are a fan of romanticizing death then this is for you.
Because what do you mean death is handsome young man who says these exact words “ if you can't call me by my name ‘death’ then call me •yours•” ahhhh someone pinch me and tell me this isn't a dream.

Go and read death and I today and thank me later 😍

[Omodolapo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of books but none of them exposed the human side of death, I mean, we all know what death means, so imagine reading about it as a human with irresistible appearance and witty expressions. This was a worthy read, it’s a book I’d recommend to every book lover I come across.

Well done 😌🙌🏾.

[Jessica Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to love this book this much. It's subtle but gripping, the kind that keeps you turning pages without realizing time's passing. The writing is just so good.
I can’t wait for the next book.🤭

[David Dada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I had expected when I saw the title, but reading it pleasantly surprised me.

Huge fan of the dialogue between the two main driving forces of this story, and it thrilled, this verbal rollercoaster ride.

Interesting concept. Brilliant execution. All-round lovely story.

[Abisoye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautifully written, I love love it😻❤️

[Praise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good good book! Loved every part of it! Thank you Thank you!