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Scourge: The Kiss of Death
With Scourge threatening to wipe out Olde Earth, a young peasant finds that he must battle a murderous tyrant in order to save himself, his country, and the woman he loves.
Geoffrey, a young man of noble birth, is horribly disfigured as a child the night his parents are murdered. On the verge of starvation, Geoffrey decides to reclaim his inheritance.
But things are not what they seem, and Geoffrey―fleeing for his life―must figure out who his true friends are before the woman he loves is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice…
Geoffrey, a young man of noble birth, is horribly disfigured as a child the night his parents are murdered. On the verge of starvation, Geoffrey decides to reclaim his inheritance.
But things are not what they seem, and Geoffrey―fleeing for his life―must figure out who his true friends are before the woman he loves is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice…
249 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2021
22 people want to read
About the author
Terry Weston Marsh
1 book3 followersTerry Weston Marsh brings his YA novel "Scourge" to life both as a seasoned storyteller in the world of film and as a physician who dealt with contagious diseases. As a filmmaker, Terry's writings have garnered several regional Emmy nominations. His recent short films ("Rosie's Rescue" and "Red Red Rose") have also netted numerous awards. He was tapped by iconic artist Bob Ross to write a children's TV program ("The Adventures of Elmer & Friends") prior to Bob's untimely passing. Terry and his wife, Tacy, reside in Mooreland, Indiana.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 20, 2023
3.5 stars really
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Currently about 25% of the way in and there's a lot of Pony and cart caravan type living. I'm really hoping it picks up a lot from here because it's really slow going however I loved the first 2-3 chapters that was great, more of that please! I will check back in a with a more up-to-date review.
................ Some time later............
41% not much has changed, but our main guy has left the caravan (as detailed in the blurb so no spoiler here). I'm not completely bored but this is so far a slow burn and paced book. A bit like Robin Hob but not as intricately woven.
........ Much more time has passed..............
80% done and its starting to get going. This feels like a set up to a series now, I just wish it had moved at this pace earlier on.
....... A short while later.........
WHAT WAS THAT?
Not sure if I liked the end or not, felt rushed but that could be because the rest of the book was so slow. Did I like it.... I think so, would I read the next part if it is written..... Yes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Currently about 25% of the way in and there's a lot of Pony and cart caravan type living. I'm really hoping it picks up a lot from here because it's really slow going however I loved the first 2-3 chapters that was great, more of that please! I will check back in a with a more up-to-date review.
................ Some time later............
41% not much has changed, but our main guy has left the caravan (as detailed in the blurb so no spoiler here). I'm not completely bored but this is so far a slow burn and paced book. A bit like Robin Hob but not as intricately woven.
........ Much more time has passed..............
80% done and its starting to get going. This feels like a set up to a series now, I just wish it had moved at this pace earlier on.
....... A short while later.........
WHAT WAS THAT?
Not sure if I liked the end or not, felt rushed but that could be because the rest of the book was so slow. Did I like it.... I think so, would I read the next part if it is written..... Yes.
January 6, 2022
As a local author for me I was excited to get into the book. It has strong characters that drive the story. He is able to take the through line of a plague and make it unique to his world. Honestly. I wanted more of it! A lot of small details made me wish to understand more regions that Geoffrey will experience.
August 21, 2024
ARC Reader for Voracious Readers Only – This is my honest review and opinion of Scourge: The Kiss of Death.
I want to start off this review by saying thank you to the author Terry Weston Marsh for sending me an ARC copy and allowing me to read and review this book.
Scourge is a plage that infected thousands with no known cure, eventually vanished leaving no trace. Thrown into a world of betrayal and secrets, Geoffrey, a 6-year-old boy witnesses his parents being attacked by unknown assailants in their estate. Many years later he stumbles upon a man that promises him everything that was taken from him he only had t0 follow one “simple” rule vote with me not against me.
I must say this book was not what I was expecting, I also didn’t expect to feel such emotions for the characters and the tribulations they faced in life. I felt sadness, anger, happiness, embarrassment, and pain. This book is a whirl wind, and nothing is off limits when it comes to the imagination. The amount of hatred that I have for one character is unmatched, it has been a while since a book introduced that much loathing in me at just the mention of a name.
I enjoyed reading Scourge” The Kiss of Death, it was a page turner for me. It did start out slow, but once it took off, I was hooked. I wanted to finish as quickly as possible, I needed to know the ending and the fate of the characters I loved and those I hated. I do hope that Terry Weston Marsh releases more books in the future, I would love to read them!
I want to start off this review by saying thank you to the author Terry Weston Marsh for sending me an ARC copy and allowing me to read and review this book.
Scourge is a plage that infected thousands with no known cure, eventually vanished leaving no trace. Thrown into a world of betrayal and secrets, Geoffrey, a 6-year-old boy witnesses his parents being attacked by unknown assailants in their estate. Many years later he stumbles upon a man that promises him everything that was taken from him he only had t0 follow one “simple” rule vote with me not against me.
I must say this book was not what I was expecting, I also didn’t expect to feel such emotions for the characters and the tribulations they faced in life. I felt sadness, anger, happiness, embarrassment, and pain. This book is a whirl wind, and nothing is off limits when it comes to the imagination. The amount of hatred that I have for one character is unmatched, it has been a while since a book introduced that much loathing in me at just the mention of a name.
I enjoyed reading Scourge” The Kiss of Death, it was a page turner for me. It did start out slow, but once it took off, I was hooked. I wanted to finish as quickly as possible, I needed to know the ending and the fate of the characters I loved and those I hated. I do hope that Terry Weston Marsh releases more books in the future, I would love to read them!
November 8, 2024
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a short and interesting read, where we follow Geoffrey; a young noble who has been forced to witness his parents' brutal murder; come of age and watch his character unfold as he grows from a traumatised boy into a young man set on revenge - with a darker underlying mystery to uncover.
I was initially hooked in the first chapter, where we’re thrust into the harshness of the world that Geoffrey must live in. It set a great vibe establishing the corrupt leadership of the country and was an exciting read, wondering what sort of journey he would be taken on. The following chapters took a slower turn, throwing the pace off kilter, until things really got going at the end – where most of the major events of the story take place.
I really enjoyed the background and premise of the Scourge – ‘the kiss of death’ is a beautiful title and wanted to learn more about this disease; the world in general and especially more details about the main antagonist’s origin as it seemed more interesting than the main characters story. As there didn’t appear to be any other ‘magic’/otherworldly interference in this world being referenced it seemed a little out of place so would have loved to have further context. I felt like the Scourge narrative was pushed a bit far to the side or perhaps kept dormant too late into the story and never really felt it’s presence as threatening.
The main character, Geoffrey, wasn’t completely likeable as a protagonist due to his erratic behaviour and unchecked tantrums that constantly set him up to fail, piss someone off or get someone hurt. The complete opposite end of the spectrum, his adoptive ‘sister’/love interest (questionable…), Damaris – a spoiled youngest child who is ray of sunshine and positivity amongst their sullen party. And finally Silas; their savior and father figure; was by far the favourite ad most balanced character – he really didn’t deserve having to get dragged into some of the shenanigans these two got him into!
Scourge: TKOD is a rather violent and gruesome story that displays graphic brutality, killing and torture (almost on par with GOT) so I’d recommend this to older readers in the YA range. And I totally get the rough mediaeval setting, but really, is there not a single dude in this world who’s first instinct on seeing a women isn’t to immediately r*pe them? There are so few redeeming people we come across that it wouldn’t make me feel too sorry if a society so disturbed as this was to endure another round of the Scourge after all. The author really did a wonderful job in setting the scene of a rough and dismal world to live in; what was taken away from Geoffrey a stark reminder of how different his life could have been – and what there is to gain from either escaping or reclaiming his title.
While the characters and pacing aren’t perfect, the mystery and worldbuilding were well developed and kept me reading until the end. This was certainly a fun little read, and I can see the potential for further stories set in this world.. maybe a prequel set in the height of the Scourge pandemic could be fun?
This is a short and interesting read, where we follow Geoffrey; a young noble who has been forced to witness his parents' brutal murder; come of age and watch his character unfold as he grows from a traumatised boy into a young man set on revenge - with a darker underlying mystery to uncover.
I was initially hooked in the first chapter, where we’re thrust into the harshness of the world that Geoffrey must live in. It set a great vibe establishing the corrupt leadership of the country and was an exciting read, wondering what sort of journey he would be taken on. The following chapters took a slower turn, throwing the pace off kilter, until things really got going at the end – where most of the major events of the story take place.
I really enjoyed the background and premise of the Scourge – ‘the kiss of death’ is a beautiful title and wanted to learn more about this disease; the world in general and especially more details about the main antagonist’s origin as it seemed more interesting than the main characters story. As there didn’t appear to be any other ‘magic’/otherworldly interference in this world being referenced it seemed a little out of place so would have loved to have further context. I felt like the Scourge narrative was pushed a bit far to the side or perhaps kept dormant too late into the story and never really felt it’s presence as threatening.
The main character, Geoffrey, wasn’t completely likeable as a protagonist due to his erratic behaviour and unchecked tantrums that constantly set him up to fail, piss someone off or get someone hurt. The complete opposite end of the spectrum, his adoptive ‘sister’/love interest (questionable…), Damaris – a spoiled youngest child who is ray of sunshine and positivity amongst their sullen party. And finally Silas; their savior and father figure; was by far the favourite ad most balanced character – he really didn’t deserve having to get dragged into some of the shenanigans these two got him into!
Scourge: TKOD is a rather violent and gruesome story that displays graphic brutality, killing and torture (almost on par with GOT) so I’d recommend this to older readers in the YA range. And I totally get the rough mediaeval setting, but really, is there not a single dude in this world who’s first instinct on seeing a women isn’t to immediately r*pe them? There are so few redeeming people we come across that it wouldn’t make me feel too sorry if a society so disturbed as this was to endure another round of the Scourge after all. The author really did a wonderful job in setting the scene of a rough and dismal world to live in; what was taken away from Geoffrey a stark reminder of how different his life could have been – and what there is to gain from either escaping or reclaiming his title.
While the characters and pacing aren’t perfect, the mystery and worldbuilding were well developed and kept me reading until the end. This was certainly a fun little read, and I can see the potential for further stories set in this world.. maybe a prequel set in the height of the Scourge pandemic could be fun?
November 29, 2024
amazingggggggg
August 17, 2022
Too many trials and tribulations and not enough triumphs. Ending is too TV ish i.e. importuning a sequel. Enough already. I ‘read’ this as an Audible book and the narration was superlative.
July 27, 2023
Firstly, thank you to the Author, Terry Weston Marsh for supplying a copy for review.
The story itself was quite interesting, it started off with a bang, engaged straight away and set up a fair bit of mystery. Great.
It proceeds to spend a fair while setting up relationships of our main cast, a bit of general world building, and then in the latter half of the book we build up fairly quickly to what has been going on, why the turmoil at the beginning happened, and the big setup for the end.
I can see where outside of just a one off story, there is some setup for a possible sequel or larger world. But I would say this serves well as an individual sorry with a few mysteries left at the end.
Where it come unstuck for myself, is unfortunately, the main character is not exactly likeable. He is given a back story, which explains why he may be, but at every turn, he is petulant, or angry, or jumps the defensive, there are some redeeming qualities, and later on a bit more, but it made the first half of the book, more a I want to see what all this is about at the end, rather than, I am enjoying the character I am following.
Also, can these characters get a break, I mean holy heck, I get this is medieval style setting and they are down trodden, but they just get piled on with no break at all. And if one thing goes their way another 10 don't.
All that being the case, it is definitely a book that is quick and easy to read, and outside of some undercooked characters and misery, I find a world well realized and a mystery that keeps you reading till the end. I would be interested to read more from this Author, and see how he develops as a writer.
The story itself was quite interesting, it started off with a bang, engaged straight away and set up a fair bit of mystery. Great.
It proceeds to spend a fair while setting up relationships of our main cast, a bit of general world building, and then in the latter half of the book we build up fairly quickly to what has been going on, why the turmoil at the beginning happened, and the big setup for the end.
I can see where outside of just a one off story, there is some setup for a possible sequel or larger world. But I would say this serves well as an individual sorry with a few mysteries left at the end.
Where it come unstuck for myself, is unfortunately, the main character is not exactly likeable. He is given a back story, which explains why he may be, but at every turn, he is petulant, or angry, or jumps the defensive, there are some redeeming qualities, and later on a bit more, but it made the first half of the book, more a I want to see what all this is about at the end, rather than, I am enjoying the character I am following.
Also, can these characters get a break, I mean holy heck, I get this is medieval style setting and they are down trodden, but they just get piled on with no break at all. And if one thing goes their way another 10 don't.
All that being the case, it is definitely a book that is quick and easy to read, and outside of some undercooked characters and misery, I find a world well realized and a mystery that keeps you reading till the end. I would be interested to read more from this Author, and see how he develops as a writer.
April 23, 2024
This book had an interesting premise. A terrible disease called the Scourge has ravaged the land and people everywhere fear its return. Geoffrey is an orphaned nobleman who travels with his adopted dad and sister in a minstrel show. They run into problems due to the corrupt nature of society, and have to avoid poverty and imprisonment.
The premise was interesting, but it fell flat for me. I wish the book had spent more time on worldbuilding- other than just showing us that it was a super violent place. A large number of the cast of characters died throughout the book. Additionally, it seems like every stranger they met on the road was trying to kill or r*pe them.
The main romance was very awkward, as the characters are
Ultimately, it was too violent for me to enjoy, and the character relationships were not well developed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Reader's only.
The premise was interesting, but it fell flat for me. I wish the book had spent more time on worldbuilding- other than just showing us that it was a super violent place. A large number of the cast of characters died throughout the book. Additionally, it seems like every stranger they met on the road was trying to kill or r*pe them.
The main romance was very awkward, as the characters are
Ultimately, it was too violent for me to enjoy, and the character relationships were not well developed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Reader's only.
February 23, 2025
I found “Scourge: Kiss of death” by Terry Weston Marsh on Voraciousreadersonly.com. It was 256 pgs long. It a YA fantasy, that follows Geoffrey as he grows up under difficult circumstances (6/7 – 20 yo). It has a fairly dramatic start, setting up the plot. It has a medieval feel, think post bubonic plague era.
Marsh’s characters are very clearly likeable, or not likeable with the exception of the main character who does show some growth toward the end. It is a little choppy with time transitions, but that didn’t bother me too much because the story line was interesting enough and the flow was able to catch you up. It did have a good bit of violent content, but it’s appropriate to the time/ place/ situation. There is a variety of characters, but don’t get too attached. Decent ending that could leave room for a follow up (bit of research: he is working on the 2nd book of a potentially 7 book series so be prepared to wait a bit!)
Overall, a fairly easy, fast paced read with some interesting twists and outcomes. I would certainly recommend it.
https://www.featherwindproductions.co... (Mini videos on youtube)
Marsh’s characters are very clearly likeable, or not likeable with the exception of the main character who does show some growth toward the end. It is a little choppy with time transitions, but that didn’t bother me too much because the story line was interesting enough and the flow was able to catch you up. It did have a good bit of violent content, but it’s appropriate to the time/ place/ situation. There is a variety of characters, but don’t get too attached. Decent ending that could leave room for a follow up (bit of research: he is working on the 2nd book of a potentially 7 book series so be prepared to wait a bit!)
Overall, a fairly easy, fast paced read with some interesting twists and outcomes. I would certainly recommend it.
https://www.featherwindproductions.co... (Mini videos on youtube)
August 15, 2025
Terry Weston Marsh delivers a gripping YA medieval fantasy in Scourge: The Kiss of Death, centering on Geoffrey, a noble-born youth scarred both physically and emotionally after witnessing his parents’ brutal murder.
The author did an exceptional job at evoking an emotional response from me. Anger, sadness, hope and empathy, it was all there and it cut. That being said, this book took a really dark turn that I didn’t see coming. I didn’t mind it but it kind of threw me.
The pacing in the book was awkward. The beginning was really slow and it kind of jumped through time. Which I understand had to be done to get to the plot but it felt disjointed.
Geoffrey, as a character was quite unpredictable and sometimes I felt like this behavior was more on the unbelievable side. I understand that he was going through a lot, it just didn’t feel logical.
Overall, the book was captivating with the emotional depth the author was able to create and the world building but sometimes it tripped itself up with the pacing and character nuance. I would recommend it to older YA and Adult fans. It has strong foundations and could make for a good series!
The author did an exceptional job at evoking an emotional response from me. Anger, sadness, hope and empathy, it was all there and it cut. That being said, this book took a really dark turn that I didn’t see coming. I didn’t mind it but it kind of threw me.
The pacing in the book was awkward. The beginning was really slow and it kind of jumped through time. Which I understand had to be done to get to the plot but it felt disjointed.
Geoffrey, as a character was quite unpredictable and sometimes I felt like this behavior was more on the unbelievable side. I understand that he was going through a lot, it just didn’t feel logical.
Overall, the book was captivating with the emotional depth the author was able to create and the world building but sometimes it tripped itself up with the pacing and character nuance. I would recommend it to older YA and Adult fans. It has strong foundations and could make for a good series!
September 22, 2023
Received a copy of this from Voracious Readers Only, though it has been a while since I received my copy. 3.5 Stars, rounded up for Goodreads.
It has been a while since I have read fantasy book and I think this help me get back into it. I enjoyed the overall story though I felt the ending was a bit rushed, though the wondering of what happened to Lord Norstromal is still there.
Felt most sorry for Silas and a few of the minor characters. Wasn't the biggest fan of Damaris, and Geoffrey definitely had his moments but I liked him as a main character.
It has been a while since I have read fantasy book and I think this help me get back into it. I enjoyed the overall story though I felt the ending was a bit rushed, though the wondering of what happened to Lord Norstromal is still there.
Felt most sorry for Silas and a few of the minor characters. Wasn't the biggest fan of Damaris, and Geoffrey definitely had his moments but I liked him as a main character.
March 29, 2024
This was a very slow read but the end of it felt all so rushed. I did like it and would read the next part if it was written. For me, I am just used to a much faster-paced type of book that it was difficult for me to get through because of the slow pace. The first three chapters were amazing and got me hooked but then it kind of went downhill from there. Unfortunately.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.
July 23, 2025
This was an ARC (advanced reader copy), and to be honest, it’s not good. It reads like a first draft, the pacing is frenetic and more like a collection of short story scenes loosely woven together. The ending is contrived and unbelievable and very rushed. I feel like the author could have used this book as an outline to create a series and really give the characters time to develop, make the plot lines less shallow and overall make the whole thing feel less contrived. The overall feeling was this is a middle school level book that needs more depth and fleshing out.
April 26, 2024
Great book, looking forward to seeing what the author does next. Although the book was not exactly my usual read, I have now added a new author to my watchlist in Terry Weston Marsh. The book had me hooked from the first chapter and with well thought out characters and a storyline that flowed seemlessly from chapter to chapter it was an excellent read.
May 18, 2024
Will I read it again, yes.
To say much else would give way spoilers.
To say much else would give way spoilers.
May 31, 2024
This is the first book I read by this author. I really enjoyed it, lots of adventure with a bit of a romance tied in. It kept me engaged. Sequels in the future??
July 3, 2024
This was such a good book. I enjoyed every page of it. I would recommend.
April 14, 2025
Good fast pace, believable characters, looking forward to the next!
September 9, 2025
I could not put the book down I loveddd it
October 17, 2025
Thank you Terry Weston Marsh for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
April 3, 2025
I found this book to be one of those that kind of slowly sucks you in and you find yourself not wanting to put it down. The writer really pulled on your emotional heart strings. It was slow to get into but once it takes off it will capture you. Good character development.I loved getting to know Silas, Geoffrey, and Damaris and the world they were in. For a YA novel, I didnt know what to expect but I found myself drawn to the story. The writing was descriptive and immersive.
July 16, 2023
I was provided a copy of this book by Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a review.
I enjoyed reading this book, but the inconsistent speed frustrated me. Especially towards the end of the book when large events were occurring, it felt like they were glossing over these important developments. Whereas there is a lot of detail provided earlier in less significant scenes. The plot was definitely interesting, it just felt a little rushed at times. Nearing the end of the book it appeared there were enough loose ends to warrant a second book, yet it was wrapped up quite simply within those last 20 pages.
I enjoyed reading this book, but the inconsistent speed frustrated me. Especially towards the end of the book when large events were occurring, it felt like they were glossing over these important developments. Whereas there is a lot of detail provided earlier in less significant scenes. The plot was definitely interesting, it just felt a little rushed at times. Nearing the end of the book it appeared there were enough loose ends to warrant a second book, yet it was wrapped up quite simply within those last 20 pages.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews