The Risen

by Tara Vasser

As a newly branded Reaper, my first mission was to Sanctuary Academy, a magical school for kids, to fight zombies. I mean Risen. Apparently the supernatural are quite sensitive when it comes to the categorization of the undead. And, okay, I wasn't actually, technically, supposed to be there. But it turns out I have a knack for defeating the undead, so nobody complained too loudly about me tagging along. My partner Gunnar and I figured it was a trap, courtesy of the Necromancer who has been dogging my steps from the moment I stumbled into this supernatural world. It was a trap, of course. But I wasn't the intended prey as we suspected. Stranded at the school, courtesy of a monster blizzard, I explore hidden passages and unlock new facets of my magical abilities in the process. I just hope I can unearth the secrets of Sanctuary Academy in time to rescue Gunnar from whatever grisly fate the Necromancer has planned.

236 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2023

About the author

Tara Vasser is a wicked writer who lives in the frozen north in Minnesota with her wonderful husband and two rambunctious little dudes. She is an engineer during the day, a crazy mom in the afternoon and a writer at night. She enjoys spending her time playing in the dirt when her gardens aren’t covered in snow and listening to a wide variety of music that inspires her writing – sometimes doing both at the same time.

Reviews

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being part of Death’s entourage and doing his bidding has not sat well with Chloe. She is a newly branded Reaper and still doesn’t understand fully what exactly she is. She is under Gunnar’s care and is supposed to be staying with Maude to continue her “education.” Since she wasn’t born into the supernatural world, she is very behind. Gunnar allows her to go with him to Sanctuary Academy to fight “the risen,” or in other words, zombies. Only these are unlike any zombies that the others have fought. It turns into a trap, Gunnar is kidnapped, and she is ordered by Death to stay at the school. Of course, Chloe can’t do what she is told as she is now just feeling like she can be useful. However, this turns into a mess too! As she is moonlighting as an Indiana Jones wannabe, she befriends one of the students, almost kills herself, learns new powers, and uncovers exactly what the kidnapping necromancer wants. Chloe just wants to do what’s right but can’t seem to get anyone to trust her to help. However, she did find some breadcrumbs that take her to Gunnar, but she now has even more questions as questions about her past and soul are triggered.
This story has a very intriguing and unique world. The characters can be very intense but are also witty and sincere. I am completely hooked and cannot wait to continue this series. I need to know what happens next!