Eustice P. Jennings awakens alone and confused on an ugly piece of office furniture in Purgatory. Being dead is the least of her problems as she is quickly drafted into the dangerous Reaper Corps and plunged headfirst into the endless conflict between Heaven and Hell. Friends and allies are few and far as Eustice struggles to find her place in a surreal world she never imagined could exist.
This was on its way to three stars before it stopped. It didn't end or conclude, it just stopped.
Interesting, by apparent random selection I have just read two (very different) stories set in Purgatory. Wonder what the fascination with this peculiar Roman Catholic belief.
Good writing--in a Valley Girl, clueless teen way. A good first effort, except for the lack of a conclusion. Yes, all the money is in series these days, but the reader needs a bit of closure.
Eustice rated 4.5 Flowers from me! I was intrigued by the synopsis and I am totally pleased that this book delivered. I found my life kept getting in the way of my reading time. The storyline is different, and even though there is a mythical quality to it, it was not your run of the mill good vs. evil. While that may be deep sown in there, the main character is believable and likeable. She doesn’t start off knowing too much of anything, which is ok, because as she learns so do you. The delivery on the developing story line was realistic, the reader gets to learn just enough to keep them satisfied, without getting the entire plot mapped out for you. As the reader, I found myself wanting to play with her cool weapon, redecorate her room, and kick some butt with her. It’s a rare experience to find this so strongly in such a short book!! However, it is the kind of experience that will always keep me reading! Eustice was well laid out, thoughtful and really, really interesting. I enjoyed this story that was unique, it felt fresh and not like a book already written a dozen times before it. There HAS to be more than just this first book, I really, really want to keep reading!! The author has left me wanting to know more. I can’t wait to read on!!
Once i got my head around the fact i was reading a book about reapers i really got into it. I really like Eustice and her i dont give a damn attitude. In fact i loved the whole story and i kept trying to turn the page once it ended, please Alex say there's going to be a book 2..... i need answers !! All in all brilliant book and hoping for more 5*
Once i got my head around the fact i was reading a book about reapers i really got into it. I really like Eustice and her i dont give a damn attitude. In fact i loved the whole story and i kept trying to turn the page once it ended, please Alex say there's going to be a book 2..... i need answers !! All in all brilliant book and hoping for more 5*
I liked the story and characters. and look forward to a sequel. There were some problems, of course, mainly related to new writers and maybe editing ( both proofreading and for story and tone). I'm also not sure that I liked how it abruptly ended. I can't decide if it's a great cliffhanger or a poor conclusion. Anyway, I really would love to read more in this series, and hope a sequel us under way. The characters, plot, and universe were interesting and can host many, many more adventures!
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I felt that this book pulled me in fairly quickly. I was able to connect really easily with Eustice as a character and I found her quite likable and interesting.
The idea of heaven, hell and purgatory was quite a good one and I really liked the whole introduction video the new reapers were showed. I still wasn't entirely sure I understood everything after that, but it was at least entertaining.
The other characters were well-written and well-rounded. I wasn't sure what to make of a lot of them at first, but by the end of the book, a lot of their actions made sense.
The Seraphs and the Infernals were interesting, as were the Cherubs and Imps. I would have been interested in seeing more of both types of the Celestials. Alastor wasn't a very likable representation of the Infernals.
The idea of the characters using the strength of their will to affect the environment around them was a pretty interesting concept, but if the whole of Purgatory was formed from people's thoughts? Well, I found it difficult to see that everyone's combined imagination created a grey, dreary world.
There were a few surprise in the book - a few things that I wasn't expecting. The book was good enough to keep me reading through it, but I have to say, I did notice quite a few errors - specifically grammatical and punctuation errors.
I think I'd definitely be interested in reading more books in this series. I'd like to see what will ultimately happen to the characters, particularly given the cliffhanger this first book ended on.
You guys know I love reapers. I think they are one of the coolest supernaturals out there. This one is definitely cool for a reaper spin. It’s gripping, suspenseful, and quite surprising. There are more “grey” spots than just “black and white”. I love this, as usually it’s black vs white, or good vs evil. I really enjoyed this twist.
The main character is Eustice, which to me is just the most fascinating name. She is confused, doesn’t know what’s going on. This is quite awesome. You literally learn everything as she does. This prevented a dump of info, or a big uploading of back story. There’s definitely plenty to keep you in suspense and guessing. Plus, Eustice is quite a believable character. She definitely got some really cool “toys”… LOL! She’s strong and brave.
This writer has such a unique voice. The style is not really like any I’ve read before. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I definitely hope this isn’t the last I see of Eustice! I look forward to so much more! 5 SCARY REAPER PAWS!
Eustice wakes up alone and confused in purgatory. She doesn't realize she is dead. But that is the least of her problems. She is quickly placed in the dangerous reaper corps. PLunged into the endless conflict between Heaven and Hell. She has few friends and allies are also few and far between. As Eustice struggles to find to find her place in purgatory. She doesn't know who she can really trust. The story really drew me in with it's dark humor, a bit of intrigue and the characters are likeable. This is the first book in the Reaper series i can't wait for book two. To see what happens next. I recommend this book for all ages. Adults will appreciate the humor and young adults would really relate to Eustice and the other young Reapers.
Eustice wakes up alone and confused in purgatory. She doesn't realize she is dead. But that is the least of her problems. She is quickly placed in the dangerous reaper corps. Plunged into the endless conflict between Heaven and Hell. The story really drew me in with it's dark humor. I recommend this book for all ages. Adults will appreciate the humor and young adults would really relate to Eustice and the other young Reapers.
This book had me from the first page and I could not put it down. Haven't we all woken up one day and felt like we were in purgatory? Well, this is what happened to Eustice - first she is in purgatory and the next thing she knows she is a reaper with attitude! Funny, interesting, charming - i loved it all and can't wait for the next one!
Interesting....to say the least...pretty predictable. Wouldn't mind to see the love story develop more, but for a first time novel this is a great story! Can't wait to see how the story develops in the next book!
there were some transcription errors ("image " was always written as "imagine "), but overall I enjoyed this book. the idea of the grim reapers being a kind of soulless -- excuse the pun -- bureaucracy is pretty neat. I wish some of the characters got fleshed out a bit more.