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Grimm City
Death's Apprentice
Death's seventeen-year-old apprentice must learn to stand on his own as he leads an uprising against the Devil
Forget about Once Upon a Time . . .
Built on top of the gates of Hell, Grimm City is the Devil's capital on earth. A place where every coffee shop, nightclub and shopping mall is the potential hunting ground for a ghost, a demon, or any of the other supernatural entities that inhabit the Grimm City world.
Death's seventeen-year-old apprentice, Nathaniel, comes into his own as he leads an uprising against the Devil with the help of a half-dead wraith and a giant hit-man. What results is a bloody, brutal revolt that calls upon the loyalties of both the living and the dead.
Based not only upon the Brothers Grimm well-known fairy tales, but also upon their "unknown" sagas and essays, K. W. Jeter & Gareth Jefferson Jones's Death's Apprentice is the first novel to be based upon the entire Grimm canon. Such a comprehensive, in-depth adaptation of the works of the Brothers Grimm has never been published before!
Forget about Once Upon a Time . . .
Built on top of the gates of Hell, Grimm City is the Devil's capital on earth. A place where every coffee shop, nightclub and shopping mall is the potential hunting ground for a ghost, a demon, or any of the other supernatural entities that inhabit the Grimm City world.
Death's seventeen-year-old apprentice, Nathaniel, comes into his own as he leads an uprising against the Devil with the help of a half-dead wraith and a giant hit-man. What results is a bloody, brutal revolt that calls upon the loyalties of both the living and the dead.
Based not only upon the Brothers Grimm well-known fairy tales, but also upon their "unknown" sagas and essays, K. W. Jeter & Gareth Jefferson Jones's Death's Apprentice is the first novel to be based upon the entire Grimm canon. Such a comprehensive, in-depth adaptation of the works of the Brothers Grimm has never been published before!
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 30, 2012
14 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
K.W. Jeter
112 books365 followersKevin Wayne Jeter (born 1950) is an American science fiction and horror author known for his literary writing style, dark themes, and paranoid, unsympathetic characters. He is also credited with the coining of the term "Steampunk." K. W. has written novels set in the Star Trek and Star Wars universe, and has written three (to date) sequels to Blade Runner.
Series:
* Doctor Adder
Series contributed to:
* Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
* Alien Nation
* Blade Runner
* Star Wars: The Bounty Hunter Wars
* The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror
* The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror
Series:
* Doctor Adder
Series contributed to:
* Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
* Alien Nation
* Blade Runner
* Star Wars: The Bounty Hunter Wars
* The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror
* The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 11, 2014
4.5 Stars
Death's Apprentice is a fast paced thriller that happens to have in it the devil, a giant, a wraith, and a teenage apprentice to the grim reaper himself. This was a very fun urban fantasy that is action packed, a bit dark and dirty, and filled with memorable characters. Based off the Brother Grimm novels and essays and placed in their created universe, this book worked for me.
Nathaniel is the star of this book but it was the combination of the two secondary characters, the giant, and the wraith that I really enjoyed. Hank is the giant of a man who is not only nearly indestructible, he also suffers being unable to feel fear. Hank clearly is a man haunted by his affliction, but is also centered with a deep moral core. He is probably a good man. Blake, the half dead, half living wraith of a man was the coolest bad ass dirty character of this story. He is a deeply haunted man, he is cursed, and he is a weapon in himself. Hank and Blake could carry novels on their own and would make for fabulous companion books.
I really enjoyed this book.
Death's Apprentice is a fast paced thriller that happens to have in it the devil, a giant, a wraith, and a teenage apprentice to the grim reaper himself. This was a very fun urban fantasy that is action packed, a bit dark and dirty, and filled with memorable characters. Based off the Brother Grimm novels and essays and placed in their created universe, this book worked for me.
Nathaniel is the star of this book but it was the combination of the two secondary characters, the giant, and the wraith that I really enjoyed. Hank is the giant of a man who is not only nearly indestructible, he also suffers being unable to feel fear. Hank clearly is a man haunted by his affliction, but is also centered with a deep moral core. He is probably a good man. Blake, the half dead, half living wraith of a man was the coolest bad ass dirty character of this story. He is a deeply haunted man, he is cursed, and he is a weapon in himself. Hank and Blake could carry novels on their own and would make for fabulous companion books.
I really enjoyed this book.
February 26, 2018
I was not a fan of this book. The first major problem was a massive telling and not showing issue that made it feel extremely flat. Everything the author wanted the reader to know was laid out completely bare, leaving NOTHING for your brain to do. Even back stories for characters were laid out in flashbacks all in one go, leaving us unable to get to know the character by watching their actions and how they behave in scenes.
Oddly enough, despite this major telling issue, the author didn’t tell the reader any of the things I really wanted to know. There was almost no character development or world building. For example - if a soul is waiting to take the place of every person on earth when they die, and you can’t be born into the world without taking someone else’s “jar”, then how does the author account for a non-static population count?? Or why do any of the characters undertake the main story quest - to save a baby? I mean, saving a baby seems like the moral thing to do, but there is no internal development to show us why they would bother “doing the right thing”. There is no real exploration of the motivations of ANY of the characters. Despite that, there is instalove involving one of the characters, which seemed totally out of place.
To make things even worse, the whole premise seemed completely simple. The idea that all that is wrong with the world is the devil? Come on. What is interesting about externalizing and abolishing evil? The interesting part is to see what makes someone evil, to explore how and why they made the evil choices they did. The idea that humanity will be able to solider on as beacons of light once the devil has been vanquished is an incredibly boring and simplistic take on the nature of good and evil.
This book was definitely not for me.
- no clear character development
- no real world building
- simplistic concept
- no clear narrative arc, so one scene didn’t flow particularly well from the previous one
- no exploration of motivations of the characters
- writing style not evocative or mentally engaging
I don’t know if there are going to be more, but I probably won’t check them out unless there is nothing else available in audiobook from the library.
Oddly enough, despite this major telling issue, the author didn’t tell the reader any of the things I really wanted to know. There was almost no character development or world building. For example - if a soul is waiting to take the place of every person on earth when they die, and you can’t be born into the world without taking someone else’s “jar”, then how does the author account for a non-static population count?? Or why do any of the characters undertake the main story quest - to save a baby? I mean, saving a baby seems like the moral thing to do, but there is no internal development to show us why they would bother “doing the right thing”. There is no real exploration of the motivations of ANY of the characters. Despite that, there is instalove involving one of the characters, which seemed totally out of place.
To make things even worse, the whole premise seemed completely simple. The idea that all that is wrong with the world is the devil? Come on. What is interesting about externalizing and abolishing evil? The interesting part is to see what makes someone evil, to explore how and why they made the evil choices they did. The idea that humanity will be able to solider on as beacons of light once the devil has been vanquished is an incredibly boring and simplistic take on the nature of good and evil.
This book was definitely not for me.
- no clear character development
- no real world building
- simplistic concept
- no clear narrative arc, so one scene didn’t flow particularly well from the previous one
- no exploration of motivations of the characters
- writing style not evocative or mentally engaging
I don’t know if there are going to be more, but I probably won’t check them out unless there is nothing else available in audiobook from the library.
June 16, 2013
(some minor spoilers--about the characters, not much about the plot)
Death's Apprentice, a Grimm City novel by K.W. Jeter and Gareth Jefferson Jones is an ambitious and very high-concept project set mostly in the Devil's capital city above Hell itself. The writing is top notch and the main characters are incredibly unique. Nathaniel is literally Death's Apprentice and can stop time; Blake is an American veteran from the Afghan war who is more of a wraith than a man and is nearly indestructible while possessing mad combat skills; while Hank is a "giant" hit man with issues of his own.
The book is action-packed with awesome fight scenes and a fast-paced plot. The uprising against the Devil kicks into high gear and the mayhem goes off the charts as the authors take us on a romp through this very detailed and dark world filled with frightening magic.
Death's Apprentice is YA, but very accessible for adult audiences. I found the writing to be impeccable, and it was fascinating to see the old fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm woven into this gonzo modern fantasy. I'm usually against any story that involves the cliché of selling your soul to the Devil, but this one was so unique and the writing so good, it overcame most of my reservations. Point of view scenes from the Devil's perspective are something I would be afraid to try as a writer, but Jones and Jeter went all in.
The climax of the book was bold, epic and kept me turning the pages as I could not see how the protagonists were going to get out of danger. Fighting armies of demons on their home turf is scary stuff, and you can't fight the Devil and win, can you? Overall, this was a good read and I think Death's Apprentice will take readers in directions they won't expect.
Paul Genesse
Death's Apprentice, a Grimm City novel by K.W. Jeter and Gareth Jefferson Jones is an ambitious and very high-concept project set mostly in the Devil's capital city above Hell itself. The writing is top notch and the main characters are incredibly unique. Nathaniel is literally Death's Apprentice and can stop time; Blake is an American veteran from the Afghan war who is more of a wraith than a man and is nearly indestructible while possessing mad combat skills; while Hank is a "giant" hit man with issues of his own.
The book is action-packed with awesome fight scenes and a fast-paced plot. The uprising against the Devil kicks into high gear and the mayhem goes off the charts as the authors take us on a romp through this very detailed and dark world filled with frightening magic.
Death's Apprentice is YA, but very accessible for adult audiences. I found the writing to be impeccable, and it was fascinating to see the old fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm woven into this gonzo modern fantasy. I'm usually against any story that involves the cliché of selling your soul to the Devil, but this one was so unique and the writing so good, it overcame most of my reservations. Point of view scenes from the Devil's perspective are something I would be afraid to try as a writer, but Jones and Jeter went all in.
The climax of the book was bold, epic and kept me turning the pages as I could not see how the protagonists were going to get out of danger. Fighting armies of demons on their home turf is scary stuff, and you can't fight the Devil and win, can you? Overall, this was a good read and I think Death's Apprentice will take readers in directions they won't expect.
Paul Genesse
March 28, 2013
As an avid fan of Richard Kadrey's Sandman Slim series and Kenneth Oppels teenage Frankenstien books, I am always a bit more critical of novels that take already established stories and take them to another way of being.
I am happy to say that Death's Apprentice does this and succeeds on all levels. It takes characters from the Grimm Fairy Tales and puts them in a fresh setting with new challenges and adventures. Keep in mind this is much like the original Grimm stories and not the watered down Disney versions. There is foreboding and darkness in this book that sticks with you. But there is heroism and sacrifice that brings light into this epic battle of not so good over horrible evil.
I hope and look forward to the next in the series.
I am happy to say that Death's Apprentice does this and succeeds on all levels. It takes characters from the Grimm Fairy Tales and puts them in a fresh setting with new challenges and adventures. Keep in mind this is much like the original Grimm stories and not the watered down Disney versions. There is foreboding and darkness in this book that sticks with you. But there is heroism and sacrifice that brings light into this epic battle of not so good over horrible evil.
I hope and look forward to the next in the series.
October 27, 2012
Death’s Apprentice: K. W. Jeter and Gareth Jefferson Jones
There are many people we meet throughout our lives but one you definitely want to avoid and that would be DEATH. The other is Nathaniel is assistant who, although quite adapt at taking souls and ending lives seems to be rethinking his present job after ten years. For some reason the joy of death has seemed to have gone out of his deceased life as we meet both Nathaniel and Death about the take the life of a young stockbroker. The event is graphically described and the end result quite compelling as they both move on to the next name on the list. If you ever watched Dead Like Me you would understand as the reapers on that show did, that you have no choice and when the list is given to you the souls have to be taken and the final result will be decided but not by them.
A homeless man proves to some gang members that he is not one to be trifled with. Anger wells up inside of this man and murder seem to be the only way to solve his problems. Homeless people left with nowhere to hide this man comes out of nowhere and defends him against many.
A madman tends a makeshift garden in the pouring rain. Figures hung from branches, names given to each one and someone watching his every move. When approached the madman is questioned by a figure that seemed to come out of nowhere. The madman seemed fixed on talking to this figure and explaining his plans for the garden filled with figurines and dirt. When a car comes by and lights up the way the madman catches sight of this figure dressed in an expensive cashmere coat. The face of this man would send chills down anyone spine. The darkness that overcomes the garden hides the deep shadows and the dead tress that the man seems to think will bloom. Relating to this illusive figure that there is going to be a battle and then the confrontation between the two men: the madman and the figure. But, the Devil has his own agenda and thoughts about this madman and explains why his hopes, dreams and thoughts will never come true. Imagine the fear in his eyes when the paper images he had hung burn. But, he answers back with gusto and conviction as he stands up to the Devil telling him that he can destroy whatever he wants but not his hope. The Devil’s Apprentice there is much more to come. But, the end for the madman but who was the other man on the 20th floor. Who was the twin of the Devil? Next, we meet another man whose life is in the Devil’s hands. Rich, everything he wanted, money, children and more but now it was time for him to pay. But, the man made a pact with the Devil and there was no turning back. Insulting the man and stating that the life he his wife was worthless and his children not much to be proud of or look at, scared the man but empowered the Devil. The Devil did not care about what the man did, how he felt or is his life. He gave him the world for twenty years and then he explains as he did to the madman the meaning of the archangels and more. But, the Devil spoke in soft tones and reminded the man that he never lied to him or pretended to be anyone but who he is. A contract that is binding with no loopholes. Reminding him of the agreement, that one more day is all he had, and then a surprise twist. Would you take a gun and kill the Devil? Would you get away with it? Would you have the strength to stand up to him as the Devil did to God when he fought him face to face in heaven? Man is an unworthy opponent claims the Devil and well you can guess what happens to this man. As the door opened and he sees the ugliness of humanity and his secretary takes care of the man and the rest well just think about this dead tree in the garden did not fall apart but it started to bloom like the madman said it would. Anger welled up inside of him> He could not believe it. Prophecy.
Hank is over seven feet tall and is a paid hit man or assassin. Filling his quota for the day he has no desire to continue but finds himself in the presence of a man who offers him unlimited funds to be on his team. Stating that every hit man was on the payroll of his boss, he consents to work for this strange man because he claims he is the best. Hank has never feared anything or anyone. Killing his parents was no big deal to him and committing murder really not a problem. He killed the guilty and the dangerous not the innocent so when he is asked to find three men and kill them he agrees. The problem is that the man who hired him has no idea where to find these three dangerous men and give him carte blanche to kill as many people that he finds dangerous until as he states He Meets His Match. Interesting to say the least. Next, we meet Blake who is injured and in need of medical help with he gets from a vet doing illegal experiments on animals. While stitching him up we learn more about Blake as he revisits his time in the war and his encounter with the Devil. The Devil is clever, smart and outfoxed this man convincing him to kill many claiming they were insurgents. When he comes to his senses and realizes what happens the end result to Blake is more than just painful and tragic.
The Devil faces Blake and he recounts his own version of how he saved him from insurgents in Afghanistan. But, anyone that knows anything about the Devil will realize just how manipulative he is and that everything you see or learn from him is not always the truth and can be what he wants you to see and visualize. Magic think about the Devil presenting you or anyone with his coat filled with magic. Think twice before accepting the gift or what you will read happened to Blake will be your fate too. The pain and the rear resulting are unbearable and the rest you won’t believe. Can Blake avenge the deaths of his fellow comrades caused by what he never realized he was doing? Thinking he were killing insurgents imagine learning the truth. The doctor completed the surgery on his arm and Blake leaves but not before making sure the doctor got another kind of message.
Reenter Nathaniel his trusted assistant whose dreams are not any different than those that owed the Devil. A child of seven in tattered clothes in a place that was cold, death had invaded it and the child was him. The dream was haunting. Asking him to spare his son’s life and take his Death is shocked that Nathaniel could see him image. What he remembers next would haunt him forever as his father’s life was spared and Death learned that sometimes his visions might not be clear, and the end result if a reprieve. You have to learn why yourself. What was it about Nathaniel that caused Death to change his mind? As Death and Nathaniel discuss what happened to him we get some insight into why he is so special to him as Death explains what happens and the feelings Nathaniel is experiencing and has experienced in the past and now in the present. Both learning many lessons and Death admitting that it took time to understand and learn what human’s needed. His father granted ten more years yet did not survive wanting to know how to cure the pain within him. As a result Nathaniel would not longer experience harvesting souls with the Devil. Then, he explains the Chart of Deaths, which is a calendar that marks those that are slated to die each day and where to find them. But, more frightening is the fact that more deaths seems to be appearing and a strange mark on the scroll that even Death or the Devil has no idea about its meaning.
As Death defines how they will learn the truth behind the increasing Deaths, Nathaniel is sent out into the living world to learn what the cause is and Death collects the souls. Going out alone into the living world surprises Nathaniel as he has not gone alone for the ten years he has been with the Devil/Death. Imagine learning that to follow the trail of death that is happening he might learn and might harvest a soul he knows. Frightening to say the list.
Hank reenters as he too has been enlisted to kill. So many deaths and yet he still did not find the three. One young woman that was successful would learn a hard lesson and pay a big price. Deceit lies and distrust all for success and the end result more than just tragic. Learning about the symbol the young girl realized that the person or dwarf had many important people on his payroll. Then, Hank promises to help and what she calls him and asks might cost him even more as Nathaniel observed it all. Would the reason he hired so many to search for the three find them? What will happen if they find the Devil? Would Nathaniel be able to help this young woman get back what she lost? What about the Lights Of Life? What will happen if he is caught?
What happens next and he learns you have to read for yourself? What happens when a half of a soul remains and the other is in pain? Nathaniel meets Blake and what does he decide to do? How can they work together? When Blake learns what happened to half of his soul, what the Devil really did to him and hears what Nathaniel has to say what will be his or their next move? The truth revealed and the startling ending will shock the reader. As Nathaniel faces the wrath of the Devil and needs to regain something to come back into this world, Hank and Blake face other demons hoping to save a child and his demons.
The authors leave the reader with many questions regarding death, your fate and in whose hands it might be in. What is the final fate of Hank, Blake and Nathaniel? What is the final sacrifice and where does it leave the dead who want revenge? Who is stronger: Death or Life? Read this thought provoking novel to find out who wins? Can you fight the Devil?
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
There are many people we meet throughout our lives but one you definitely want to avoid and that would be DEATH. The other is Nathaniel is assistant who, although quite adapt at taking souls and ending lives seems to be rethinking his present job after ten years. For some reason the joy of death has seemed to have gone out of his deceased life as we meet both Nathaniel and Death about the take the life of a young stockbroker. The event is graphically described and the end result quite compelling as they both move on to the next name on the list. If you ever watched Dead Like Me you would understand as the reapers on that show did, that you have no choice and when the list is given to you the souls have to be taken and the final result will be decided but not by them.
A homeless man proves to some gang members that he is not one to be trifled with. Anger wells up inside of this man and murder seem to be the only way to solve his problems. Homeless people left with nowhere to hide this man comes out of nowhere and defends him against many.
A madman tends a makeshift garden in the pouring rain. Figures hung from branches, names given to each one and someone watching his every move. When approached the madman is questioned by a figure that seemed to come out of nowhere. The madman seemed fixed on talking to this figure and explaining his plans for the garden filled with figurines and dirt. When a car comes by and lights up the way the madman catches sight of this figure dressed in an expensive cashmere coat. The face of this man would send chills down anyone spine. The darkness that overcomes the garden hides the deep shadows and the dead tress that the man seems to think will bloom. Relating to this illusive figure that there is going to be a battle and then the confrontation between the two men: the madman and the figure. But, the Devil has his own agenda and thoughts about this madman and explains why his hopes, dreams and thoughts will never come true. Imagine the fear in his eyes when the paper images he had hung burn. But, he answers back with gusto and conviction as he stands up to the Devil telling him that he can destroy whatever he wants but not his hope. The Devil’s Apprentice there is much more to come. But, the end for the madman but who was the other man on the 20th floor. Who was the twin of the Devil? Next, we meet another man whose life is in the Devil’s hands. Rich, everything he wanted, money, children and more but now it was time for him to pay. But, the man made a pact with the Devil and there was no turning back. Insulting the man and stating that the life he his wife was worthless and his children not much to be proud of or look at, scared the man but empowered the Devil. The Devil did not care about what the man did, how he felt or is his life. He gave him the world for twenty years and then he explains as he did to the madman the meaning of the archangels and more. But, the Devil spoke in soft tones and reminded the man that he never lied to him or pretended to be anyone but who he is. A contract that is binding with no loopholes. Reminding him of the agreement, that one more day is all he had, and then a surprise twist. Would you take a gun and kill the Devil? Would you get away with it? Would you have the strength to stand up to him as the Devil did to God when he fought him face to face in heaven? Man is an unworthy opponent claims the Devil and well you can guess what happens to this man. As the door opened and he sees the ugliness of humanity and his secretary takes care of the man and the rest well just think about this dead tree in the garden did not fall apart but it started to bloom like the madman said it would. Anger welled up inside of him> He could not believe it. Prophecy.
Hank is over seven feet tall and is a paid hit man or assassin. Filling his quota for the day he has no desire to continue but finds himself in the presence of a man who offers him unlimited funds to be on his team. Stating that every hit man was on the payroll of his boss, he consents to work for this strange man because he claims he is the best. Hank has never feared anything or anyone. Killing his parents was no big deal to him and committing murder really not a problem. He killed the guilty and the dangerous not the innocent so when he is asked to find three men and kill them he agrees. The problem is that the man who hired him has no idea where to find these three dangerous men and give him carte blanche to kill as many people that he finds dangerous until as he states He Meets His Match. Interesting to say the least. Next, we meet Blake who is injured and in need of medical help with he gets from a vet doing illegal experiments on animals. While stitching him up we learn more about Blake as he revisits his time in the war and his encounter with the Devil. The Devil is clever, smart and outfoxed this man convincing him to kill many claiming they were insurgents. When he comes to his senses and realizes what happens the end result to Blake is more than just painful and tragic.
The Devil faces Blake and he recounts his own version of how he saved him from insurgents in Afghanistan. But, anyone that knows anything about the Devil will realize just how manipulative he is and that everything you see or learn from him is not always the truth and can be what he wants you to see and visualize. Magic think about the Devil presenting you or anyone with his coat filled with magic. Think twice before accepting the gift or what you will read happened to Blake will be your fate too. The pain and the rear resulting are unbearable and the rest you won’t believe. Can Blake avenge the deaths of his fellow comrades caused by what he never realized he was doing? Thinking he were killing insurgents imagine learning the truth. The doctor completed the surgery on his arm and Blake leaves but not before making sure the doctor got another kind of message.
Reenter Nathaniel his trusted assistant whose dreams are not any different than those that owed the Devil. A child of seven in tattered clothes in a place that was cold, death had invaded it and the child was him. The dream was haunting. Asking him to spare his son’s life and take his Death is shocked that Nathaniel could see him image. What he remembers next would haunt him forever as his father’s life was spared and Death learned that sometimes his visions might not be clear, and the end result if a reprieve. You have to learn why yourself. What was it about Nathaniel that caused Death to change his mind? As Death and Nathaniel discuss what happened to him we get some insight into why he is so special to him as Death explains what happens and the feelings Nathaniel is experiencing and has experienced in the past and now in the present. Both learning many lessons and Death admitting that it took time to understand and learn what human’s needed. His father granted ten more years yet did not survive wanting to know how to cure the pain within him. As a result Nathaniel would not longer experience harvesting souls with the Devil. Then, he explains the Chart of Deaths, which is a calendar that marks those that are slated to die each day and where to find them. But, more frightening is the fact that more deaths seems to be appearing and a strange mark on the scroll that even Death or the Devil has no idea about its meaning.
As Death defines how they will learn the truth behind the increasing Deaths, Nathaniel is sent out into the living world to learn what the cause is and Death collects the souls. Going out alone into the living world surprises Nathaniel as he has not gone alone for the ten years he has been with the Devil/Death. Imagine learning that to follow the trail of death that is happening he might learn and might harvest a soul he knows. Frightening to say the list.
Hank reenters as he too has been enlisted to kill. So many deaths and yet he still did not find the three. One young woman that was successful would learn a hard lesson and pay a big price. Deceit lies and distrust all for success and the end result more than just tragic. Learning about the symbol the young girl realized that the person or dwarf had many important people on his payroll. Then, Hank promises to help and what she calls him and asks might cost him even more as Nathaniel observed it all. Would the reason he hired so many to search for the three find them? What will happen if they find the Devil? Would Nathaniel be able to help this young woman get back what she lost? What about the Lights Of Life? What will happen if he is caught?
What happens next and he learns you have to read for yourself? What happens when a half of a soul remains and the other is in pain? Nathaniel meets Blake and what does he decide to do? How can they work together? When Blake learns what happened to half of his soul, what the Devil really did to him and hears what Nathaniel has to say what will be his or their next move? The truth revealed and the startling ending will shock the reader. As Nathaniel faces the wrath of the Devil and needs to regain something to come back into this world, Hank and Blake face other demons hoping to save a child and his demons.
The authors leave the reader with many questions regarding death, your fate and in whose hands it might be in. What is the final fate of Hank, Blake and Nathaniel? What is the final sacrifice and where does it leave the dead who want revenge? Who is stronger: Death or Life? Read this thought provoking novel to find out who wins? Can you fight the Devil?
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
July 31, 2015
This book totally sucked me in, especially once I got a few chapters in and figured out who everyone was and what part they were meant to play in the narrative. I found myself annoyed whenever I had to put the book down; I didn't want to stop reading, even after I finished it. I'm now impatiently waiting for the next installment in the Grimm City series.
The characters are so interesting, and the way their individual plots intertwine is very well done. I found myself cheering when these characters found each other, and I enjoyed watching each character grow.
I also adore the way the authors adapted the works of the Grimm brothers into this story. Everything really flowed together, especially as I got further into the narrative. It didn't feel like a bunch of stories just thrown together willy-nilly; the authors obviously put a lot of thought into this endeavor, and it shows.
The fight scenes were brutal, written in such a way that you could picture every blow in vivid detail. So if you get squeamish about that kind of stuff, take this as a warning, and prepare yourself. But don't let that hold you back from giving this book a shot, because it is definitely worth checking out.
The characters are so interesting, and the way their individual plots intertwine is very well done. I found myself cheering when these characters found each other, and I enjoyed watching each character grow.
I also adore the way the authors adapted the works of the Grimm brothers into this story. Everything really flowed together, especially as I got further into the narrative. It didn't feel like a bunch of stories just thrown together willy-nilly; the authors obviously put a lot of thought into this endeavor, and it shows.
The fight scenes were brutal, written in such a way that you could picture every blow in vivid detail. So if you get squeamish about that kind of stuff, take this as a warning, and prepare yourself. But don't let that hold you back from giving this book a shot, because it is definitely worth checking out.
November 4, 2012
First I would like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me this copy. The concept of this story seemed interesting, a bit different from a lot of books in this genre. As I began reading I found this to be true. We all know the battle between good and evil but I feel that the authors did a great job of bringing something new, a twist on this timeless idea.
The story is very well written with plenty of action and graphic description. The only downfall That I find is the characters are kind of undeveloped. Interesting as the characters are, we know very little of WHO they are. Perhaps, as this is to be a series, the characters will develop over time as is done in many lengthy series.
This story seems to have a sort of ending to it, with just enough unanswered questions to continue with. I can't wait to see where they take the people of Grimm City next. I am definitely a fan and am looking forward to the next installment.
The story is very well written with plenty of action and graphic description. The only downfall That I find is the characters are kind of undeveloped. Interesting as the characters are, we know very little of WHO they are. Perhaps, as this is to be a series, the characters will develop over time as is done in many lengthy series.
This story seems to have a sort of ending to it, with just enough unanswered questions to continue with. I can't wait to see where they take the people of Grimm City next. I am definitely a fan and am looking forward to the next installment.
August 6, 2016
loved it! cant wait for the next one.
This takes a battle of good vs evil to a darker place. Its more a battle between extreme evil, evil and a lesser evil. Much like the covers depicts the book is tones of brown, black and burned.
What makes a man evil and can he redeem himself? If you are tricked into sin should you still be punished? How much wicked is too far to come back? And what happens when the devil is out to "help" you himself?
Three unlikely heroes pull together to save the world against Satan himself. A child of death, a hero turned villain, and an unlikely protector; all come together in a heap of trouble and mayhem.
The book does stop short, ending on a precipice that leaves you wanting more.
This takes a battle of good vs evil to a darker place. Its more a battle between extreme evil, evil and a lesser evil. Much like the covers depicts the book is tones of brown, black and burned.
What makes a man evil and can he redeem himself? If you are tricked into sin should you still be punished? How much wicked is too far to come back? And what happens when the devil is out to "help" you himself?
Three unlikely heroes pull together to save the world against Satan himself. A child of death, a hero turned villain, and an unlikely protector; all come together in a heap of trouble and mayhem.
The book does stop short, ending on a precipice that leaves you wanting more.
October 18, 2012
Received this book as a Goodreads First Read.
I think this is more of a guy book. I had to wrestle my husband for the right to read it first. There is an astounding amount of blood and gore in this book (at least for me). As someone very familiar with Grimm's (and other) faerietales and folklore most of what is mentioned in this book is very recognizable. I found it a little difficult to start, but once the story starts flowing it is impossible to put down. Having finished the book I can't wait to see what happens to Blake and Nathaniel. And of course to Hank and Ling and the challenges they will face. I found the story very compelling, especially the part where Nathaniel sees his father again. I would recommend this book to any of my friends!
I think this is more of a guy book. I had to wrestle my husband for the right to read it first. There is an astounding amount of blood and gore in this book (at least for me). As someone very familiar with Grimm's (and other) faerietales and folklore most of what is mentioned in this book is very recognizable. I found it a little difficult to start, but once the story starts flowing it is impossible to put down. Having finished the book I can't wait to see what happens to Blake and Nathaniel. And of course to Hank and Ling and the challenges they will face. I found the story very compelling, especially the part where Nathaniel sees his father again. I would recommend this book to any of my friends!
November 13, 2012
Won at firstreads.
It is perfection in writing. The plot and the characters are amazing. Normally I don't like a books with more than one POV but in this book it didn't bother it. It actually worked in this book. When I first started the book I was thinking: where are we going with this? But that the stories and characters are brought together well.Each characters are unique and have their own way of dealing with they faults.the twist was really unexpected in a good way. Waiting for second one. This book is for people likes a good plot, characters, and anyone looking for something new and fresh.
It is perfection in writing. The plot and the characters are amazing. Normally I don't like a books with more than one POV but in this book it didn't bother it. It actually worked in this book. When I first started the book I was thinking: where are we going with this? But that the stories and characters are brought together well.Each characters are unique and have their own way of dealing with they faults.the twist was really unexpected in a good way. Waiting for second one. This book is for people likes a good plot, characters, and anyone looking for something new and fresh.
June 14, 2013
I'm not sure if my take on the novel was what the author wanted. This book revived my faith in God. The book was so much like the tale of revelations. It reminded me that I have victor over evil, every time I love others. It reminded me that being inflexible makes you a slave and that thinking for yourself makes you free.
The book was very well written and intriguing. It had plenty of action and suspense. Even a girl fight. The characters were wonderfully written and developed. This was one of the best books I've listened to this year.
The book was very well written and intriguing. It had plenty of action and suspense. Even a girl fight. The characters were wonderfully written and developed. This was one of the best books I've listened to this year.
November 24, 2017
2nd read :
While I didn't find this to be an exciting 5 stars like the first time around I did enjoy it's unique charm. Unlike a lot of urban fantasy novels you get an unbalance of character, plot, otherworld back drop and drama. This had a nice balance of all of the above. Perhaps I was more in the mood for a single character story. My mind would wander at parts then snap back into focus.
Still a worth while read.
While I didn't find this to be an exciting 5 stars like the first time around I did enjoy it's unique charm. Unlike a lot of urban fantasy novels you get an unbalance of character, plot, otherworld back drop and drama. This had a nice balance of all of the above. Perhaps I was more in the mood for a single character story. My mind would wander at parts then snap back into focus.
Still a worth while read.
October 19, 2012
Slow start, but once you are invested in the troubled characters, it's hard to put down. A little bloody for my taste, but overall pretty good. Action sequences were written as if you were actually there.
Now I have to go back and read some of the original Grimm stories (apparently, it's been a while).
Now I have to go back and read some of the original Grimm stories (apparently, it's been a while).
September 23, 2014
Ok so this book was incredibly gory. And dark. And horrific. But it was also beautiful. The words were delicious in my mouth. The writing was exquisite. The story line was fascinating in its biblical parallels whether the author intended that or not. If you can look past the gruesomeness of it, I highly recommend this book. You won't regret reading it.
August 20, 2013
I read this book in one day as I was fascinated and yet completely appalled by it. I can't go into to much detail because frankly I wouldn't know how to describe what I just read but if you like bizarre, strange and totally fascinating books be sure to pick this one up. I can't wait for the next one!
December 4, 2012
It was great and something different.
November 20, 2012
i thought it started out a bit slow but then it pick up and became a hard to put down book.
March 14, 2013
Profoundly theological, but not in an oppressive way. Some great lines, and thought-provoking plot. Lots to think about. Highly recommended.
August 3, 2022
To be quite honest, I know of the Brothers Grimm...and know some small bits about the Brothers Grimm, but I've never known their stories beyond the obvious (and tragic) Little Mermaid, Hansel and Gretel, and Rumpelstiltskin.
I have a feeling that if I would have known more of their stories, I would have felt more in awe of this story...which was already awe inspiring by itself. If you like dark fantasy, you'll love picking this up, a tale about Death's apprentice Nathaniel, betrayed and broken wraith Blake, hulking hitman Hank, and a baby named Ren-Lei. Their suffering at the hands of the Devil himself is immense and they set out to exact their revenge...there is so much vivid imagery here and I really loved the descriptions given throughout this novel. I have to applaud K.W Jeter and Gareth Jefferson Jones for weaving their pitch black hell on Earth so masterfully that I felt drawn in to every page.
I do feel like in some places, the Devil's monologues were a bit much, and I feel like Ling and Anna's climactic scene could have been developed more...that's really all that subtracted the fifth star for me. But I recommend this to anyone who's a fan of dark fantasy and apocalyptic stories.
I have a feeling that if I would have known more of their stories, I would have felt more in awe of this story...which was already awe inspiring by itself. If you like dark fantasy, you'll love picking this up, a tale about Death's apprentice Nathaniel, betrayed and broken wraith Blake, hulking hitman Hank, and a baby named Ren-Lei. Their suffering at the hands of the Devil himself is immense and they set out to exact their revenge...there is so much vivid imagery here and I really loved the descriptions given throughout this novel. I have to applaud K.W Jeter and Gareth Jefferson Jones for weaving their pitch black hell on Earth so masterfully that I felt drawn in to every page.
I do feel like in some places, the Devil's monologues were a bit much, and I feel like Ling and Anna's climactic scene could have been developed more...that's really all that subtracted the fifth star for me. But I recommend this to anyone who's a fan of dark fantasy and apocalyptic stories.
February 7, 2020
Ow wow, what a disappointment. I have read other Jeter books, and was not prepared for this book's contents. I read across all genres, as you can tell from the various reviews I post. I am also no Puritan, but I have a line that I do not want my books to cross. That is abuse of Children or animals. I don't mean a mention, such as a policeman stating a perp's history involves child or animal abuse. I mean a scene where the abuse is written out in extremely graphic detail. As Doctor Who said, "Only man could take this beautiful planet and create boredom." The same does for topics. Are we really so far along in our writing history, that these are our only subjects to explore or the only motivation that we can think of? So if you're a person with standards this is not your book. And I grieve for those who would find this entertaining.
September 2, 2020
I saw the title said this is a series, checked here and saw it was cancelled after the first book.
I can see why...
I thought I must have started in the middle of the series, since the world while potentially interesting was vaguely characterized.
Nathaniel was the most compelling character, but everyone else was paper thin in personality. The premise of the book was interesting and it reaches into the Grimm stories, but the execution was unsatisfactory. Even the background of Nathaniel could have encompassed the premise of a whole book. Rather, it was cramming a whole series of ideas unceremoniously into one novel. The teaming of characters were unnatural and should have taken more time to develop.
Also, I was suspicious if this book had a theological agenda, which I never appreciate.
If you see this, just pass and don't waste your time.
I can see why...
I thought I must have started in the middle of the series, since the world while potentially interesting was vaguely characterized.
Nathaniel was the most compelling character, but everyone else was paper thin in personality. The premise of the book was interesting and it reaches into the Grimm stories, but the execution was unsatisfactory. Even the background of Nathaniel could have encompassed the premise of a whole book. Rather, it was cramming a whole series of ideas unceremoniously into one novel. The teaming of characters were unnatural and should have taken more time to develop.
Also, I was suspicious if this book had a theological agenda, which I never appreciate.
If you see this, just pass and don't waste your time.
December 3, 2025
I was intrigued by the description of this as incorporating little-known aspects of the Grimm canon--I didn't realize there were papers and essays related to fairy tales outside of the stories. I think if you are familiar with the deep Grimm lore, reading this book would be a bit like a treasure hunt. As it was, I only recognized a few of the stories as brought together in this book.
Too many lovingly-described fight scenes for me. This book does (surprisingly) pass the Bechdel test, but most of it is just "three dudes murder and defend their way through a horror scape while the Devil acts like a petulant teenager with access to a lot of power," which is not for me at this point.
Disclaimer: Received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway program.
Too many lovingly-described fight scenes for me. This book does (surprisingly) pass the Bechdel test, but most of it is just "three dudes murder and defend their way through a horror scape while the Devil acts like a petulant teenager with access to a lot of power," which is not for me at this point.
Disclaimer: Received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway program.
June 19, 2024
Underrated. Most people who don’t like this book. Must DNF before the halfway mark I imagine. I almost quit it, the characters are a bit flat feeling at first and it jumps around more than I want to. After that, I found myself carrying a few of the characters. First Hank and then Nathan. The last battle, which takes up most of the last half of the book, and finally the conclusion, make this a worthy read.
June 4, 2013
You can also read this review at our blog the Window Seat!!
http://readinginthewindowseat.blogspo...
So I initially became interested in this novel simply with the word "Grimm" on its cover. I took a class on fairy tales in college (and how they compared to their Disney remakes but that's something I won't discuss here) and was fascinated by the many dark themes that permeated those tales that were meant for children, or really terrifying stories that taught children to be clever, quick and cheat death by any means necessary. Additionally I really was intrigued by the "unknown sagas and essays" that the synopsis spoke of. Plus, Death has an apprentice. Some part of this has got to be cool.
The first chapter, i have to say, was amazingly written and sucked me in within the first few lines. I was so eager and pumped to join our main (or so we thought) protagonist on his journey through this dark underworld so brutally kept under the thumb of the Devil. And then you find out that there are actually two other protagonists in this story; a giant called Hank with an extreme case of pantophobia or basically the absence of fear, and Blake, a man who was tricked by the devil to wear his overcoat which merged with his flesh and while giving him super powers, also eats away at him. So yeah, I was on a "let's follow Nathaniel kick" originally, but then as the authors delved more into these separate stories and then gives us a terrific look at the Devil himself, I forgave them. And it's not like they completely abandon Nathaniel either. We see him again. The violence in this was spectacular, and not even in an overdone way. I guess the only word I can think of to describe it would be 'sophisticated.'
Here's where the problems set in: when all of these exciting and intriguing characters met. I feel like the three comrades who are pretty much thrown together and are completely unawares of the roles they play in taking down the Devil would have been a little less united. In fact, really all you get from them when they all meet up together is that they all want to save this one baby that none of them have met. Yes, Hank has his reasons because of his connection with the mother, and I guess Nathaniel does because he sees how bad it would be if the baby is left to die in the hands of this "lawyer" dwarf, but if he's Death's apprentice, he wouldn't be all that in a hurry to rescue her after having rules of "balance, life and death, one must die so the other lives" drilled into him. Plus, he even says that he's been to the place where Ren-Lei, our special baby in this story, is being taken, where millions of babies have been killed. Why has this baby made him suddenly object? If the authors had been more specific in explaining his motivations, I probably would have been less annoyed. And then there's Blake; what's his motivation? He just wants to reach the Devil to take his revenge for tricking him, and Nathaniel promises he'll take him to the Devil if he helps him get the baby because APPARENTLY no one knows where the Devil lives in this city, except...well....EVERYONE, it seems. Additionally, the characters barely play off one another, There is no "Hi I'm so-and-so," or no actual interaction between them, really. Just them telling each other what they need to know to save this woman's baby, which then somehow leads to them killing the Devil. Strangely, sometimes I felt like the writing went from being eloquent to downright CHEESY after they met up. I mean, I went from reading something akin to epic verse to corny one liners from bad-ass Blake:
Devil: The child will be the first to go. I'll scoop out her brains myself, just to punish her for being born.
Blake: Before you do that, try taking on a man.
....
Interestingly enough, as beautiful as most of this book's writing was, there were also portions that were SO dense (i.e. Chapter 2) and complex that I struggled just to comprehend what was going on. When I thought something incredibly important was happening, it was really in fact Blake readjusting his coat. Maybe I'm just slow and being picky and trying to make myself feel better, but I just thought it could be way less wordy in some places, a stark contrast to the other portions of the book which exhibited aforementioned cheesiness.
Anywho, it was a quick read, but I think that's what was one of its major downfalls. I think if the authors had put maybe a hundred more or so pages in this and went into the three characters' interactions with each other, I could have enjoyed this book even more. I think they got super into developing these three characters, then got super impatient and wanted to just bolt into the battle against the Devil and hack at it; really, there's a lot of that and more, horror readers will NOT be disappointed. If you like the macabre and seeing the Devil, demons, baby-eaters and walking dead go at it, this book is definitely for you. If you're super into Grimm fairy tales I wouldn't go looking for any resemblance to those stories, this definitely stands on its own. I'd read the second, but if it doesn't seem like the three characters are going to say more than a few sentences to one another, I'll probably look for another book that is solely about an apprentice to Death.
http://readinginthewindowseat.blogspo...
So I initially became interested in this novel simply with the word "Grimm" on its cover. I took a class on fairy tales in college (and how they compared to their Disney remakes but that's something I won't discuss here) and was fascinated by the many dark themes that permeated those tales that were meant for children, or really terrifying stories that taught children to be clever, quick and cheat death by any means necessary. Additionally I really was intrigued by the "unknown sagas and essays" that the synopsis spoke of. Plus, Death has an apprentice. Some part of this has got to be cool.
The first chapter, i have to say, was amazingly written and sucked me in within the first few lines. I was so eager and pumped to join our main (or so we thought) protagonist on his journey through this dark underworld so brutally kept under the thumb of the Devil. And then you find out that there are actually two other protagonists in this story; a giant called Hank with an extreme case of pantophobia or basically the absence of fear, and Blake, a man who was tricked by the devil to wear his overcoat which merged with his flesh and while giving him super powers, also eats away at him. So yeah, I was on a "let's follow Nathaniel kick" originally, but then as the authors delved more into these separate stories and then gives us a terrific look at the Devil himself, I forgave them. And it's not like they completely abandon Nathaniel either. We see him again. The violence in this was spectacular, and not even in an overdone way. I guess the only word I can think of to describe it would be 'sophisticated.'
Here's where the problems set in: when all of these exciting and intriguing characters met. I feel like the three comrades who are pretty much thrown together and are completely unawares of the roles they play in taking down the Devil would have been a little less united. In fact, really all you get from them when they all meet up together is that they all want to save this one baby that none of them have met. Yes, Hank has his reasons because of his connection with the mother, and I guess Nathaniel does because he sees how bad it would be if the baby is left to die in the hands of this "lawyer" dwarf, but if he's Death's apprentice, he wouldn't be all that in a hurry to rescue her after having rules of "balance, life and death, one must die so the other lives" drilled into him. Plus, he even says that he's been to the place where Ren-Lei, our special baby in this story, is being taken, where millions of babies have been killed. Why has this baby made him suddenly object? If the authors had been more specific in explaining his motivations, I probably would have been less annoyed. And then there's Blake; what's his motivation? He just wants to reach the Devil to take his revenge for tricking him, and Nathaniel promises he'll take him to the Devil if he helps him get the baby because APPARENTLY no one knows where the Devil lives in this city, except...well....EVERYONE, it seems. Additionally, the characters barely play off one another, There is no "Hi I'm so-and-so," or no actual interaction between them, really. Just them telling each other what they need to know to save this woman's baby, which then somehow leads to them killing the Devil. Strangely, sometimes I felt like the writing went from being eloquent to downright CHEESY after they met up. I mean, I went from reading something akin to epic verse to corny one liners from bad-ass Blake:
Devil: The child will be the first to go. I'll scoop out her brains myself, just to punish her for being born.
Blake: Before you do that, try taking on a man.
....
Interestingly enough, as beautiful as most of this book's writing was, there were also portions that were SO dense (i.e. Chapter 2) and complex that I struggled just to comprehend what was going on. When I thought something incredibly important was happening, it was really in fact Blake readjusting his coat. Maybe I'm just slow and being picky and trying to make myself feel better, but I just thought it could be way less wordy in some places, a stark contrast to the other portions of the book which exhibited aforementioned cheesiness.
Anywho, it was a quick read, but I think that's what was one of its major downfalls. I think if the authors had put maybe a hundred more or so pages in this and went into the three characters' interactions with each other, I could have enjoyed this book even more. I think they got super into developing these three characters, then got super impatient and wanted to just bolt into the battle against the Devil and hack at it; really, there's a lot of that and more, horror readers will NOT be disappointed. If you like the macabre and seeing the Devil, demons, baby-eaters and walking dead go at it, this book is definitely for you. If you're super into Grimm fairy tales I wouldn't go looking for any resemblance to those stories, this definitely stands on its own. I'd read the second, but if it doesn't seem like the three characters are going to say more than a few sentences to one another, I'll probably look for another book that is solely about an apprentice to Death.
August 26, 2016
The setting:
The characters:
The plot:
The gist: This book was an interesting study in what "evil" and "strength" mean. All three MCs have killed and continue to kill throughout the story without, two of them without any regret and one of them as almost his job. The strongest declarations of love come from the father who gave Nathaniel away, the mother who would do anything to find her daughter, the captain who was tricked into killing his best friend and his team, and... the Devil who loves his friend and lieutenant dearly.
Interesting themes aside, I found it very hard to care about the characters. The story jumped around too much for that for me, but I think that falls more under personal preference than objective criticism. The characters were all very well rounded; I just never felt like I spent enough time with any one of them to care for them.
All in all, an interesting story that I probably won't read again but which is certainly worth reading once.
The characters:
The plot:
The gist: This book was an interesting study in what "evil" and "strength" mean. All three MCs have killed and continue to kill throughout the story without, two of them without any regret and one of them as almost his job. The strongest declarations of love come from the father who gave Nathaniel away, the mother who would do anything to find her daughter, the captain who was tricked into killing his best friend and his team, and... the Devil who loves his friend and lieutenant dearly.
Interesting themes aside, I found it very hard to care about the characters. The story jumped around too much for that for me, but I think that falls more under personal preference than objective criticism. The characters were all very well rounded; I just never felt like I spent enough time with any one of them to care for them.
All in all, an interesting story that I probably won't read again but which is certainly worth reading once.
October 17, 2018
Fallen angels, Death, the Devil... the wills of good over evil & death can sometime be won.
Sorry to have learned that the author will not continue with the series. But the way the story ended... it's could be considered as a standalone novel.
Sorry to have learned that the author will not continue with the series. But the way the story ended... it's could be considered as a standalone novel.
September 2, 2019
A bit different from my normal, but I liked it.
November 10, 2020
Hard to follow, but some entertaining moments
July 22, 2021
Lost interest ~23% in, perhaps due to audiobook format.
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