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The Reaper's Son: A Love Story About Two Lost Souls
From popular BookTok author A.L. Brody, The Reaper's Son is a heart-wrenching and unforgettable paranormal romance perfect for fans of Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End, Gayle Forman's If I Stay, and Neil Shusterman's Scythe.
Do not make friends.
Do not develop emotional attachments
Do not interfere in the balance between life and death.
You have one to reap.
Alex Sonnum is the son of Death. On Alex's eighteenth birthday, he will take over the role from his father. With this destiny comes world-altering responsibility, as well as lifelong loneliness. This is a price Alex is willing to pay-until he meets Nia Solomon.
Alex has spent his life avoiding connection. But from the moment he meets Nia, a talented, troubled young woman, Alex's heart opens up in ways that are terrifying and exhilarating. As Alex allows himself to feel for the first time, he also helps Nia see a light amidst her own darkness. But there are shattering secrets that have been hidden from Alex, and a death-obsessed madman with a very personal vendetta hunts his family. And as his feelings for Nia threaten the Underworld itself, Alex must decide if he is willing to abandon his eternal destiny for the chance at a mortal life.
Do not make friends.
Do not develop emotional attachments
Do not interfere in the balance between life and death.
You have one to reap.
Alex Sonnum is the son of Death. On Alex's eighteenth birthday, he will take over the role from his father. With this destiny comes world-altering responsibility, as well as lifelong loneliness. This is a price Alex is willing to pay-until he meets Nia Solomon.
Alex has spent his life avoiding connection. But from the moment he meets Nia, a talented, troubled young woman, Alex's heart opens up in ways that are terrifying and exhilarating. As Alex allows himself to feel for the first time, he also helps Nia see a light amidst her own darkness. But there are shattering secrets that have been hidden from Alex, and a death-obsessed madman with a very personal vendetta hunts his family. And as his feelings for Nia threaten the Underworld itself, Alex must decide if he is willing to abandon his eternal destiny for the chance at a mortal life.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
140 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Brody
4 books212 followersA.L. Brody is the pen name of an internationally bestselling author who grew up loving classic monster movies and despite a love of watching teenagers get dispatched on screen in ever more creative and horrifying ways, he is deep down a romantic at heart. He is the author of DATING & DISMEMBERMENT and THE REAPER'S SON. He lives with his family in a cave in a swampy hellscape (aka New Jersey).Visit him on TikTok at @JerseyBookGuy or X/Twitter and Instagram at @JasonPinter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 20, 2024
When I say this book had me WEEPING! This is a coming of age love story that will remind you of your first love and have you aching for your forever love. AL Brody beautifully captures the realities and struggles of mental health while making you believe in magic. If The Fault in Our Stars and Addie LaRue had a baby, it would be The Reapers Son. 10/10. No notes.
July 11, 2024
The Reaper's Son had me ugly crying on a Thursday morning, I haven't been this emotional over a book since The Fault in Our Stars.
This story was so beautiful with such real, complex emotions and relatable characters, and touches on some hard topics surrounding mental health, with a constant reminder that it's okay to not be okay.
My absolute favorite thing about A. L. Brody's writing is the banter, it makes me genuinely laugh out loud. Which eases the blow for when it inevitably turns around and breaks your heart, before putting it back together, and this book definitely did all of that.
This story was so beautiful with such real, complex emotions and relatable characters, and touches on some hard topics surrounding mental health, with a constant reminder that it's okay to not be okay.
My absolute favorite thing about A. L. Brody's writing is the banter, it makes me genuinely laugh out loud. Which eases the blow for when it inevitably turns around and breaks your heart, before putting it back together, and this book definitely did all of that.
August 29, 2024
I was anxiously awaiting the release of this book and it was well worth the wait!!
This book is a sweet love story between Alex (the son of the Reaper) and Nia (a young mortal girl living her best high school life). The two meet when Alex and the Reaper…I mean his dad move into a small town. It was pretty much love at first sight for the two teenagers. One of the many problems for the young couple is that once Alex turns 18, he will be taking over the family business as the Grim Reaper.
This story will be one that will rent free in your head and your heart for a long time to come. You won’t be disappointed by the amazing story by A L Brody!!!
This book is a sweet love story between Alex (the son of the Reaper) and Nia (a young mortal girl living her best high school life). The two meet when Alex and the Reaper…I mean his dad move into a small town. It was pretty much love at first sight for the two teenagers. One of the many problems for the young couple is that once Alex turns 18, he will be taking over the family business as the Grim Reaper.
This story will be one that will rent free in your head and your heart for a long time to come. You won’t be disappointed by the amazing story by A L Brody!!!
August 20, 2024
I purchased this book with my own money, so alll opinions are my own as they always are but I wanted to point out that I took a leap of faith in reading a self published book which doesn’t happen often.
I will give constructive feedback gracefully. First the good, the story was unique and had a lot of potential. The plot was intriguing and it did keep me flipping the pages as fast as I could for the two days I read it. So the plot, the storyline was good.
Now for the feedback - the dialogue was repetitive, and felt very rushed. I know the author is male, but feel like he could have benefited from having someone else read through the dialogue and give suggestions. The main relationship felt rushed, so rushed. Cause of how fast it all felt I never got a chance to emotionally connect to any of the characters. I don’t remember if there was any time passing in the book but it literally felt like everything happened in three days. Hence why it adds to the rush feeling.
I quickly read the last 20% because I did start to get bored, it was a lot of the same of MMC saying how he was going to change in a couple of months and his dad repeating the same thing.
The ties that were connected at the end felt like it went from 30 to 100 super fast.
Also there was a lot of modernization in this book that kept making me roll my eyes and pulled me out of the story. Not everything needs to relate to current audience. Sometimes we want to read to escape, and as soon as I read the Lebron James comment I was out of there. I got sucked right out the story.
Couple of spelling errors and some grammar mistakes, but overall the writing was better than I expected.
I will read more from this author, and hope he continues with writing novels.
I will give constructive feedback gracefully. First the good, the story was unique and had a lot of potential. The plot was intriguing and it did keep me flipping the pages as fast as I could for the two days I read it. So the plot, the storyline was good.
Now for the feedback - the dialogue was repetitive, and felt very rushed. I know the author is male, but feel like he could have benefited from having someone else read through the dialogue and give suggestions. The main relationship felt rushed, so rushed. Cause of how fast it all felt I never got a chance to emotionally connect to any of the characters. I don’t remember if there was any time passing in the book but it literally felt like everything happened in three days. Hence why it adds to the rush feeling.
I quickly read the last 20% because I did start to get bored, it was a lot of the same of MMC saying how he was going to change in a couple of months and his dad repeating the same thing.
The ties that were connected at the end felt like it went from 30 to 100 super fast.
Also there was a lot of modernization in this book that kept making me roll my eyes and pulled me out of the story. Not everything needs to relate to current audience. Sometimes we want to read to escape, and as soon as I read the Lebron James comment I was out of there. I got sucked right out the story.
Couple of spelling errors and some grammar mistakes, but overall the writing was better than I expected.
I will read more from this author, and hope he continues with writing novels.
September 8, 2025
This was a very unique, beautiful story. I loved all the different aspects! My only hope is that one day, we may get Byron’s story! There’s someone out there for everyone. Even Death.
July 26, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author, for which I'm very grateful, and my opinions are my own.
This is a solid book. I was really looking forward to it, even though it is a bit outside my usual genres, and I'm very glad I read it. There was a lot of beautiful mythology and religion inspired imagery, but the story itself was very simple, very sweet. I'm not overwhelmed with awe but I am overwhelmed by how much I cried while I was reading it. I would go back in time and give this book to a younger version of myself if I could. I do not recommend that you start reading it while on a plane.
This is a solid book. I was really looking forward to it, even though it is a bit outside my usual genres, and I'm very glad I read it. There was a lot of beautiful mythology and religion inspired imagery, but the story itself was very simple, very sweet. I'm not overwhelmed with awe but I am overwhelmed by how much I cried while I was reading it. I would go back in time and give this book to a younger version of myself if I could. I do not recommend that you start reading it while on a plane.
July 2, 2024
“If he liked a book, Alex would finish it in a day. If he loved a book, he would take his time, savoring the words and scenes, allowing them to unfold like flower petals in his mind, the voices reverberating around his head like echoes in the dark.”
This book is INCREDIBLE. The story was heartbreaking as much as it was heartwarming.
Was it perfect? No. No book is perfect.
But every book IS an adventure, and I am absolutely thrilled and honored to have been given the opportunity to read this before its official release, and I CANNOT wait to buy a physical copy to put on my shelf of treasures.
This book felt special.
It does tackle some very serious topics, obviously including death, but also mental illnesses and self-growth.
This is easily a book to savor.
This book is INCREDIBLE. The story was heartbreaking as much as it was heartwarming.
Was it perfect? No. No book is perfect.
But every book IS an adventure, and I am absolutely thrilled and honored to have been given the opportunity to read this before its official release, and I CANNOT wait to buy a physical copy to put on my shelf of treasures.
This book felt special.
It does tackle some very serious topics, obviously including death, but also mental illnesses and self-growth.
This is easily a book to savor.
August 25, 2024
It was just. So. Good. SO GOOD!!!! All the loneliness, finding yourself, each other, learning to not just be present but to LIVE 😭😭😭 I’m not making any sense but it made me ache and then heal. I wish there was more.
Thank you so much to the author who is an absolute treasure of a human for this ARC. I enjoyed it so much from start to finish!! Beautiful story.
Thank you so much to the author who is an absolute treasure of a human for this ARC. I enjoyed it so much from start to finish!! Beautiful story.
June 28, 2024
This was so much more than just a love story. The plot had so many layers, which I really enjoyed, but not too much to make it confusing for the YA genre. I absolutely loved that the main character of the book was male, because love stories starring a male main male character are hard to come by. And if they do exist, there's usually a lot of sexual objectification and subversive and sometimes overt and very obvious misogyny. A.L. Brody, AKA Jason Pinter, gets it. He's a good human and gives me a lot of hope for male youth in the future. He wrote the book that young men (and women too!) would want to read in the YA genre age group and that representation is so important. I would definitely recommend this to young people of the high school age and up, as the book does contain serious subject matter and some content warnings. The characters, including the supporting cast, all had your run of the mill high school issues but were also dealing with very serious situations. I loved seeing the dichotomy of that. The tropes in this story were really well executed, especially the found family trope. The whole concept of a forbidden romance was nailed expertly. The way that death and loss were handled was beautiful. I cried quite a bit. Therefore, 5 stars.
July 4, 2024
The Reapers son is a thoughtfully written book. It stars Alex, the son of death, who has to take over for his father when he turns 18. Alex has lived his life not making connections so he can prepare himself for the job. But that all changes when he meets Nia. The teen characters are relatable and wholesome. The author really shows off different aspects of the teens lives, showing them as whole people. The Reapers Son has the perfect amount of fantasy and the world building is very good. For a YA novel, it is still engaging enough for adults to read. If you are looking for a sweet story with fantasy and heart, The Reapers Son should be your next read!
July 19, 2024
From start to finish I loved this book! It's not just one love story. It's stories of love in different relationships, and learning to be vulnerable with those you love. The father-son relationship was so relatable and reminded me of my relationship with my mom when I was a teen. The author weaves in incredible examples of healthy masculinity (men and teen boys expressing their emotions, showing up for each other, and crying at times) so naturally and seamlessly...it's authentic rather than feeling like something performative from the author.
I didn't want to put this book down once I started it, and finished it in only 2 days! Highly recommend The Reaper's Son, especially if you're looking for a bright spot in the world right now
I didn't want to put this book down once I started it, and finished it in only 2 days! Highly recommend The Reaper's Son, especially if you're looking for a bright spot in the world right now
June 29, 2024
This book was quite lovely. It’s been a while since I’ve read YA and this did not disappoint.
I absolutely enjoyed the dry humor and sarcastic comments from the main character Alex. His witty remarks and thoughts really helped me understand the weight of the responsibility that had been placed on him by his father and others. I think this is something we can all relate to especially during our high school years and sometimes even longer.
Many characters in the book were forced to deal with familial obligations, responsibilities, conformity to the “norm” and conflicting expectations from family that encroached on their own dreams and desires.
The dialogue between Alex and Nia was sweet and awkward and even funny at times. I loved the fact that Alex moved around a lot and was seen Alex as worldly by Nia however, he was not in tune with the lingo and nuances of children his age. This is juxtaposed to Nia who has lived in same town her whole life teaching Alex how to be a regular teenager and use emojis 😂
I sincerely hope there will be a second book because I’ll love to see how these characters develop in the future!
I absolutely enjoyed the dry humor and sarcastic comments from the main character Alex. His witty remarks and thoughts really helped me understand the weight of the responsibility that had been placed on him by his father and others. I think this is something we can all relate to especially during our high school years and sometimes even longer.
Many characters in the book were forced to deal with familial obligations, responsibilities, conformity to the “norm” and conflicting expectations from family that encroached on their own dreams and desires.
The dialogue between Alex and Nia was sweet and awkward and even funny at times. I loved the fact that Alex moved around a lot and was seen Alex as worldly by Nia however, he was not in tune with the lingo and nuances of children his age. This is juxtaposed to Nia who has lived in same town her whole life teaching Alex how to be a regular teenager and use emojis 😂
I sincerely hope there will be a second book because I’ll love to see how these characters develop in the future!
June 23, 2024
So this definitely wasn’t in my normal wheelhouse but, God, I’m glad that I branched out a bit. This isn’t your normal girl-meets-world YA book—it’s more a beautiful, dark, coming of age novel for a complicated, sarcastic teen boy and I am HERE FOR IT. The banter was TOP NOTCH and it worked so well with the nitty-gritty dark themes. This is one that will stick with you for a while and make you think about the complicated nuances of everyday life.
July 5, 2024
The book was such a nice change of pace for me. Not in my normal reading type but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This story follows Alex as he finds who he is, who is to become and what that all means. Lots of found family, growing pains, love and a fun mix of death.
Easily a fave read
Thank you to the author A. L. Brody for the opportunity to arc this book. It is my first book I’ve read by you and is what will make me pick up more of your work!
Easily a fave read
Thank you to the author A. L. Brody for the opportunity to arc this book. It is my first book I’ve read by you and is what will make me pick up more of your work!
November 6, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. I could tell after reading only a couple pages that this book was going to be amazing. It's not often that I stumble onto a book written by a man where I actually enjoy the romance. He did an exceptional job of writing a fun, quirky, badass FMC. I loved the author's sense of humor. This book had me laughing, crying and falling more in love with characters. I highly recommend this book.
August 26, 2025
This book had such an unexpected ending! I loved it, the concepts and the writing were beautiful!
July 3, 2024
This book was sweet, funny and heartbreakingly sad. Jason is an amazing storyteller that made me have all of the feelings while reading this book.
July 1, 2024
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter. I immediately fell in love with Alex, Nia, Iggy and even James. This book is wonderfully written and touches every feeling a human can have. Love, hate, anger, sadness, life and death. I truly hope there will be a second book because I’d be the first to buy it! Loveeeeed this story!
June 29, 2024
I haven’t experienced a book hangover in such a long time. The way important information is woven in and the reader finds out along with Alex as he is discovering it himself is done so exceptionally well. I felt a plethora of emotions while reading this. Truly, I cannot express how beautiful it was to read.
July 10, 2024
Thank you to A.L. Brody for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Alex has known since early childhood that he will take his father's place as a Dominus, reaper of death. There are rules to be followed, and a big one is make no attachments. But his world is turned upside down when he meets Nia Solomon. When his feelings for her threaten his future, will Alex be able to decide between his predetermined destiny, or one of his own making?
This was quite the epic YA Romance. Characters were real, vulnerable, and flawed. Hard topics were navigated with care. The Reaper's Son is a book I will gladly have my two sons read when they are a bit older.
There are so many opportunities where the advice given was both extremely important, and aligned with how I feel as a parent/adult. Sentences like “it's ok to not be ok” would have helped me navigate my teenage years a heck of a lot easier. And it's a good reminder that feelings, no matter how difficult, are better said aloud to someone you trust, than kept inside where they can fester and turn sour.
It's obvious that this book was a labor of love. You can read that in every encounter, paragraph, chapter. I hope that it touches other reader's hearts as it touched mine.
Available August 13, 2024.
Alex has known since early childhood that he will take his father's place as a Dominus, reaper of death. There are rules to be followed, and a big one is make no attachments. But his world is turned upside down when he meets Nia Solomon. When his feelings for her threaten his future, will Alex be able to decide between his predetermined destiny, or one of his own making?
This was quite the epic YA Romance. Characters were real, vulnerable, and flawed. Hard topics were navigated with care. The Reaper's Son is a book I will gladly have my two sons read when they are a bit older.
There are so many opportunities where the advice given was both extremely important, and aligned with how I feel as a parent/adult. Sentences like “it's ok to not be ok” would have helped me navigate my teenage years a heck of a lot easier. And it's a good reminder that feelings, no matter how difficult, are better said aloud to someone you trust, than kept inside where they can fester and turn sour.
It's obvious that this book was a labor of love. You can read that in every encounter, paragraph, chapter. I hope that it touches other reader's hearts as it touched mine.
Available August 13, 2024.
June 26, 2024
This a beautiful love story dealing with life and death. The story with in a matter of moments pulled my heart out of my chest, tore it into tiny pieces then carefully put it back together and put it back. I want to see more of the story.
August 6, 2024
I requested an ARC of this book, due to how much I loved Dating & Dismemberment.
This was a very different story. Heavy themes of death, duty, life and love are explored through young eyes.
Alex is the son and protege of Death. His life is planned, he has a destiny. Until he meets a girl.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very much about teenagers while not at all being over dramatic. The dialog was very natural and witty, the characters charming and endearing, with their own struggles and flaws. I adore the writing style, it's graceful but still descriptive.
It built a supernatural world inside our contemporary world, adding interesting lore to death, dying and the afterlife.
This was a very different story. Heavy themes of death, duty, life and love are explored through young eyes.
Alex is the son and protege of Death. His life is planned, he has a destiny. Until he meets a girl.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very much about teenagers while not at all being over dramatic. The dialog was very natural and witty, the characters charming and endearing, with their own struggles and flaws. I adore the writing style, it's graceful but still descriptive.
It built a supernatural world inside our contemporary world, adding interesting lore to death, dying and the afterlife.
July 3, 2024
Such a beautiful heart grabbing read! Killer plot twist at the end! Seems like set up for a second book 👀 can’t wait! I’d love to see how this series will blossom I’m already hooked!
August 10, 2024
WOW, this book.
I'm typically a contemporary fiction reader. This book is not my go-to type of read, and I'm so glad I veered away from my typical genre because The Reaper's Son was an incredible read.
The first thing I'll say is that this story sucks you in and the book is a fast read. So, if you have plans - cancel them or be prepared to be called a flake. I could not put it down. There were nights where my kindle fell on my face because I was fighting to stay awake reading it. And though it's plot-driven, the characters themselves are complex and well-rounded.
This is a story about a young man at a crossroads in his life. But deeper down, Alex Sonnum, James Monroe, and Iggy come together to form a great commentary on what it is to be young men today. The pressure to act a certain way weighs heavily on men in a way that isn't always examined, especially in contemporary literature. What does it mean to understand your feelings and to allow vulnerability in your life? What is the value of connection? At what point should connection with the world around us come at the price of loyalty to loved ones? A. L. Brody examines these themes and more throughout pages of The Reaper's Son, captivating the reader with the ethical dilemma at the fork in the crossroads ahead of Alex. As a woman, these themes are also applicable to me, but I appreciated the different perspective, which is rarely examined beyond YA literature these days, if at all.
Alex is not the only character we come to care about throughout these 326 pages (which go by FAST, trust me). There is also James Monroe, the high school bully with skelotons in his closet and bullies of his own to dodge. And Iggy, the LGBTQ+ friend whose positivity and support of others only slightly hides inner turmoil. And of course - Nia, Alex's love interest. She isn't the protagonist of this story by any means, but is a hero in her own right, for reasons I won't write here, so as not to spoil the moment you realize how much weight she carries on her shoulders. Brody depicts her as a teenage girl but it's clear she has Olympian levels of emotional and mental strength and fortitude.
The ending of this book left me "shook," as the kids say. I was pleasantly surprised at my decision to pick up something so out-of-the-norm from my typical TBR list and it's a great reminder how though genres may differ, when plot and character development are approached thoroughly, a good story in any genre can touch us at our core.
I'm not sure what's next for Alex Sonnum, but I truly hope that A.L. Brody won't let his story stop here. Alex passed the fork in the road, but at the end of the book, readers get a sense that there's a lot of possibility in front of him. I finished this book a couple weeks ago and I'm still thinking about what's next for Alex. And in my mind, that's the mark of a spectacular read.
If you've gotten this far in my review - thank you. But also -what are you waiting for? Go crack the spine of The Reaper's Son. You won't be sorry (but you'll definitely need tissues)!
I'm typically a contemporary fiction reader. This book is not my go-to type of read, and I'm so glad I veered away from my typical genre because The Reaper's Son was an incredible read.
The first thing I'll say is that this story sucks you in and the book is a fast read. So, if you have plans - cancel them or be prepared to be called a flake. I could not put it down. There were nights where my kindle fell on my face because I was fighting to stay awake reading it. And though it's plot-driven, the characters themselves are complex and well-rounded.
This is a story about a young man at a crossroads in his life. But deeper down, Alex Sonnum, James Monroe, and Iggy come together to form a great commentary on what it is to be young men today. The pressure to act a certain way weighs heavily on men in a way that isn't always examined, especially in contemporary literature. What does it mean to understand your feelings and to allow vulnerability in your life? What is the value of connection? At what point should connection with the world around us come at the price of loyalty to loved ones? A. L. Brody examines these themes and more throughout pages of The Reaper's Son, captivating the reader with the ethical dilemma at the fork in the crossroads ahead of Alex. As a woman, these themes are also applicable to me, but I appreciated the different perspective, which is rarely examined beyond YA literature these days, if at all.
Alex is not the only character we come to care about throughout these 326 pages (which go by FAST, trust me). There is also James Monroe, the high school bully with skelotons in his closet and bullies of his own to dodge. And Iggy, the LGBTQ+ friend whose positivity and support of others only slightly hides inner turmoil. And of course - Nia, Alex's love interest. She isn't the protagonist of this story by any means, but is a hero in her own right, for reasons I won't write here, so as not to spoil the moment you realize how much weight she carries on her shoulders. Brody depicts her as a teenage girl but it's clear she has Olympian levels of emotional and mental strength and fortitude.
The ending of this book left me "shook," as the kids say. I was pleasantly surprised at my decision to pick up something so out-of-the-norm from my typical TBR list and it's a great reminder how though genres may differ, when plot and character development are approached thoroughly, a good story in any genre can touch us at our core.
I'm not sure what's next for Alex Sonnum, but I truly hope that A.L. Brody won't let his story stop here. Alex passed the fork in the road, but at the end of the book, readers get a sense that there's a lot of possibility in front of him. I finished this book a couple weeks ago and I'm still thinking about what's next for Alex. And in my mind, that's the mark of a spectacular read.
If you've gotten this far in my review - thank you. But also -what are you waiting for? Go crack the spine of The Reaper's Son. You won't be sorry (but you'll definitely need tissues)!
July 25, 2024
I will start by saying there are few books that can take a full tour of your emotions - all at once breaking your heart while repairing it. There are definitely tear-jerker books out there; for me this book digs so much deeper. In one moment relaying the joy of new love, while in the next taking a look into the most difficult aspects of life (and death).
The author pulls us into Alex’s life, and the mixed emotions he has with his “destiny”. Despite his inclination to not get attached to anything because his life lacks permanence - he never completely shuts out the world. There’s a longing to be apart of the “normal” teenage population. Which is further fueled by his meeting of Nia. It can be tricky to tell a story from the perspective of multiple characters, but the author does an excellent job of weaving it altogether so it makes sense.
Without giving too many spoilers this book does cover things like: mental health, suicide, bullying, abuse, murder, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and death.
I have struggled with my own mental health and suicide, and there was a point where Alex advises Nia, “It’s okay to not be okay.” - and that hit me hard. Because so often we tell ourselves that - but to hear it from someone we care about makes us feel seen. I have lost friends and family to cancer, and sometimes there’s a tendency to paint it in a better light. However in this book the moments are raw and real, truly capturing the feelings of being in that position or proximity.
The whole book really pulls you in and places you into the story. At times I felt what Alex felt, the crushing weight of responsibility tied with all the surprises that unfolded personally for him. Other moments I was in Nia’s shoes, someone who had so many dreams but felt they had to be put on hold for a greater responsibility. I’ve read it twice so far and each time it’s had me in tears. It’s such a beautiful and well written book, I couldn’t give the author thanks enough.
My only “criticism” is that I wish there had been more delving into the process of taking the role of death, the Ankou’s and some of the lore that was woven in. It was probably the most interesting portrayal of death I have read and I really would have just liked to know more. So I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel that would delve more into this world.
When the author advised the book would break your heart and put it back together again, he was absolutely correct. This book is a beautiful piece of fiction that I think everyone should read.
The author pulls us into Alex’s life, and the mixed emotions he has with his “destiny”. Despite his inclination to not get attached to anything because his life lacks permanence - he never completely shuts out the world. There’s a longing to be apart of the “normal” teenage population. Which is further fueled by his meeting of Nia. It can be tricky to tell a story from the perspective of multiple characters, but the author does an excellent job of weaving it altogether so it makes sense.
Without giving too many spoilers this book does cover things like: mental health, suicide, bullying, abuse, murder, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and death.
I have struggled with my own mental health and suicide, and there was a point where Alex advises Nia, “It’s okay to not be okay.” - and that hit me hard. Because so often we tell ourselves that - but to hear it from someone we care about makes us feel seen. I have lost friends and family to cancer, and sometimes there’s a tendency to paint it in a better light. However in this book the moments are raw and real, truly capturing the feelings of being in that position or proximity.
The whole book really pulls you in and places you into the story. At times I felt what Alex felt, the crushing weight of responsibility tied with all the surprises that unfolded personally for him. Other moments I was in Nia’s shoes, someone who had so many dreams but felt they had to be put on hold for a greater responsibility. I’ve read it twice so far and each time it’s had me in tears. It’s such a beautiful and well written book, I couldn’t give the author thanks enough.
My only “criticism” is that I wish there had been more delving into the process of taking the role of death, the Ankou’s and some of the lore that was woven in. It was probably the most interesting portrayal of death I have read and I really would have just liked to know more. So I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel that would delve more into this world.
When the author advised the book would break your heart and put it back together again, he was absolutely correct. This book is a beautiful piece of fiction that I think everyone should read.
August 7, 2024
The Reapers Son is a beautifully written story that follows a young man set to inherit his father's mantle on his 18th birthday. The twist is that his father is Death himself. Alex has never had roots or formed attachments to people or places he's been to because of his father's responsibilities. Nia is an amazing young artist with dreams who has resigned herself to abandoning her dreams because of responsibilities far beyond her years. Alex has never had any dreams of his own because his path has been laid out for him his entire life. These characters have been put into a position where they have to make sacrifices for their family out of duty and love.
The writing is vivid and you grow to love these characters as they are forced to navigate very real problems. The story unfolds flawlessly and I was quickly lost to the world on the pages before me. The characters are richly written, and as the story develops they display complex lives without making them complicated. A.L. Brody harnessed the nature of youth without making them come across as childish.
It was easy to empathize with all of the characters as they showed us that every person has a secret world that most are not privileged to witness. Despite understanding his motives, the antagonist is a villain you will love to hate. The side characters are well-developed with their own stories that enhance the story without weighing it down. The world-building surrounding the nature of Death was approached in a very intriguing and came with a unique perspective that I greatly appreciated.
By the end of the book, I felt that everything that needed to be addressed was, and I wasn't left with any lingering questions or unfinished business. I absolutely loved this story and would recommend anyone interested in a devastating yet heartwarming read. Heads up though... have your tissues ready for Chapter 35. You've been warned.
The writing is vivid and you grow to love these characters as they are forced to navigate very real problems. The story unfolds flawlessly and I was quickly lost to the world on the pages before me. The characters are richly written, and as the story develops they display complex lives without making them complicated. A.L. Brody harnessed the nature of youth without making them come across as childish.
It was easy to empathize with all of the characters as they showed us that every person has a secret world that most are not privileged to witness. Despite understanding his motives, the antagonist is a villain you will love to hate. The side characters are well-developed with their own stories that enhance the story without weighing it down. The world-building surrounding the nature of Death was approached in a very intriguing and came with a unique perspective that I greatly appreciated.
By the end of the book, I felt that everything that needed to be addressed was, and I wasn't left with any lingering questions or unfinished business. I absolutely loved this story and would recommend anyone interested in a devastating yet heartwarming read. Heads up though... have your tissues ready for Chapter 35. You've been warned.
June 26, 2024
"I've been all over the world. And you are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
This book about death certainly did give me life! The forbidden yet intense romance between Alex and Nia was so heartwarming, emotional and honestly I justloved it.
Samael. Just wow. His character and individual story was hella interesting, adding a dramatic twist to this book - making it not just a forbidden romance, but also a story of revenge and darkness.
I found the whole life and death thing and how it's portrayed in this book extremely interesting, a completely unique take on Death himself.
I adored Alex, and really felt for him throughout the book - the need to make his dad proud, to follow his destiny but also the need to make his own path and to just be a happy normal teenager. Nia's background was heartbreaking, but what a incredibly strong character. Like wow. Her life was literally intertwined with life and death already and I just wanted to wrap her in a warm hug (read to understand this thought).
All the added details and back stories to all of the characters, really helped bring them to life and make them loveable - admittedly I even adored the ones I probably shouldn't have! The attention to detail just made it impossible not to like them.
I sped through this book because I simply could not put it down, it was just brilliant. Although, the ending has me hoping that maybe there will be more to Alex's story? (Please!!!) Definitely recommend reading!
This book about death certainly did give me life! The forbidden yet intense romance between Alex and Nia was so heartwarming, emotional and honestly I justloved it.
Samael. Just wow. His character and individual story was hella interesting, adding a dramatic twist to this book - making it not just a forbidden romance, but also a story of revenge and darkness.
I found the whole life and death thing and how it's portrayed in this book extremely interesting, a completely unique take on Death himself.
I adored Alex, and really felt for him throughout the book - the need to make his dad proud, to follow his destiny but also the need to make his own path and to just be a happy normal teenager. Nia's background was heartbreaking, but what a incredibly strong character. Like wow. Her life was literally intertwined with life and death already and I just wanted to wrap her in a warm hug (read to understand this thought).
All the added details and back stories to all of the characters, really helped bring them to life and make them loveable - admittedly I even adored the ones I probably shouldn't have! The attention to detail just made it impossible not to like them.
I sped through this book because I simply could not put it down, it was just brilliant. Although, the ending has me hoping that maybe there will be more to Alex's story? (Please!!!) Definitely recommend reading!
July 25, 2024
4/5
Context: I was given an ARC in return for an honest review. I heard of this book on Tik Tok, and was excited about it because I follow the author.
Review: This made my lost soul feel found and really spoke to the struggle of the inelegant transition from childhood to adulthood. The characters felt like real kids and the writing treated their problems with respect. Alex and Nia are very different people with a very similar problem: duty to family vs duty to self. Alex has the duty of taking over as Dominus (Death), but he’s not sure he’s wanting or willing to do it - at least not the way it’s been being done - and it’s putting strain on his relationship with his dad. Nia has the duty of caring for her parents who can no longer care for themselves, yet this causes her to potentially miss out on opportunities that could get her ahead in life. The characters are so lovable, I just wanted to grab them all in the biggest group hug. The villain and his whole aesthetic was terrifying. I also love how the powers of Death were explored through the Blaze and the Dim, and the system of the afterlife was explored with the Cavern of Orcus, the eternally punished Mors, and the Conclave. I love how the roller coaster of an ending satisfyingly pulled together everyone’s character arcs all at once. Overall, the book had a perfect balance of humor and heart-to-heart that was really cathartic. Here are some of my takeaways: lashing out because of things that aren’t fair only hurts us more; we find out who we truly are and what we’re made of when we strike out on our own; one of the best things you can do for someone is be there for them; and most of all, “It’s ok to not be ok.”
Context: I was given an ARC in return for an honest review. I heard of this book on Tik Tok, and was excited about it because I follow the author.
Review: This made my lost soul feel found and really spoke to the struggle of the inelegant transition from childhood to adulthood. The characters felt like real kids and the writing treated their problems with respect. Alex and Nia are very different people with a very similar problem: duty to family vs duty to self. Alex has the duty of taking over as Dominus (Death), but he’s not sure he’s wanting or willing to do it - at least not the way it’s been being done - and it’s putting strain on his relationship with his dad. Nia has the duty of caring for her parents who can no longer care for themselves, yet this causes her to potentially miss out on opportunities that could get her ahead in life. The characters are so lovable, I just wanted to grab them all in the biggest group hug. The villain and his whole aesthetic was terrifying. I also love how the powers of Death were explored through the Blaze and the Dim, and the system of the afterlife was explored with the Cavern of Orcus, the eternally punished Mors, and the Conclave. I love how the roller coaster of an ending satisfyingly pulled together everyone’s character arcs all at once. Overall, the book had a perfect balance of humor and heart-to-heart that was really cathartic. Here are some of my takeaways: lashing out because of things that aren’t fair only hurts us more; we find out who we truly are and what we’re made of when we strike out on our own; one of the best things you can do for someone is be there for them; and most of all, “It’s ok to not be ok.”
July 24, 2024
I didn't expect to sob, but I did. The Reaper's Son is a love story about so many different kinds of love and loss. It's beautifully written, and you can tell it is a labor of love.
Alex and Nia (as well as a full cast of other characters) are fully formed. They are full of passion and heartache. I found something to identify with in the story in so many of the characters.
The plot flows wonderfully and revelations are happening at wonderful and appropriate places.
I definitely recommend The Reaper's Son by A.L. Brody. A book about death that will give you LIFE!
"So does your dad turn into a skeleton who wears a flowy and carried around a big knife?"
Death isn't just a robe with a sythe, is it?
Alex is the heir to Death. Being such requires certain rules. Go where you're called, never interrupt the process when someone is dying, and don't become attached to the living.
Alex has lived this life for 17 years. His newest place in Whisper Valley won't be any different.
Suddenly, Alex finds himself making friends. All he's ever known is being trained to become Death. Somewhere amidst all the death and loneliness, Alex finds love and friendship can happen in the midst of it.
Alex and Nia (as well as a full cast of other characters) are fully formed. They are full of passion and heartache. I found something to identify with in the story in so many of the characters.
The plot flows wonderfully and revelations are happening at wonderful and appropriate places.
I definitely recommend The Reaper's Son by A.L. Brody. A book about death that will give you LIFE!
"So does your dad turn into a skeleton who wears a flowy and carried around a big knife?"
Death isn't just a robe with a sythe, is it?
Alex is the heir to Death. Being such requires certain rules. Go where you're called, never interrupt the process when someone is dying, and don't become attached to the living.
Alex has lived this life for 17 years. His newest place in Whisper Valley won't be any different.
Suddenly, Alex finds himself making friends. All he's ever known is being trained to become Death. Somewhere amidst all the death and loneliness, Alex finds love and friendship can happen in the midst of it.
March 26, 2025
This was such an interesting story. I recently read Dating & Dismemberment and loved it so much that I wanted to see what else AL Brody has written, and this sounded so up my alley. I definitely enjoyed it, but unfortunately didn't love it.
That being said, I did absolutely love Alex as a main character. He was caring and funny, and very selfless. I didn't care for pretty much any of the other characters though, which is probably why I didn't love this. Nia was fine, as were their friends and Alex's dad. Just fine. I didn't care for Samael at all, not that the reader was supposed to, but also I just didn't want to read his chapters. I do understand why they were part of the story, but I still didn't like it.
This was a bit more romantic which I expected, which I am always okay with, but it was quite insta-love. But maybe that makes sense when it comes to teenagers? Still was fast, but they were cute together.
Overall this was just okay for me. 3 star, middle of the road. The narrator of the audiobook was really good, I do recommend the audio. I listened while reading along and that was a nice experience.
That being said, I did absolutely love Alex as a main character. He was caring and funny, and very selfless. I didn't care for pretty much any of the other characters though, which is probably why I didn't love this. Nia was fine, as were their friends and Alex's dad. Just fine. I didn't care for Samael at all, not that the reader was supposed to, but also I just didn't want to read his chapters. I do understand why they were part of the story, but I still didn't like it.
This was a bit more romantic which I expected, which I am always okay with, but it was quite insta-love. But maybe that makes sense when it comes to teenagers? Still was fast, but they were cute together.
Overall this was just okay for me. 3 star, middle of the road. The narrator of the audiobook was really good, I do recommend the audio. I listened while reading along and that was a nice experience.
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