Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume 1

by Griz Calderon, Colm Farren (Editor)

Chronicles of the Grim Volume I invites readers into a world where the Grim Reaper is not a symbol of fear, but a silent witness, a guide, and at times, a comforting presence.

This powerful collection of 37 short stories explores the Reaper's encounters with a wide array of beings-humans, animals, mythical creatures, and even prehistoric life. Each story reveals a different facet of the Reaper's existence, uncovering moments of empathy, connection, and quiet reflection.

Rather than focusing solely on death, these stories highlight the richness of life-its final moments, its unspoken truths, and the emotional journeys that lead to transformation. Themes of love, loss, justice, and redemption emerge in vivid and unexpected ways.

Step into a narrative space where endings become beginnings, and where the Reaper is no longer feared, but understood. Are you ready to meet him?

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

Reviews

[Manda Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I’m usually not drawn to short stories, but I was immediately drawn to this book due to its premise. A real, natural, look at the perspective of a figure in our all of our lives-inside & out of our books. Chronicles of The Grim Reaper gave me a sense of comfort & sorrow while I dealt with my own personal griefs that I was able to relate to in stories in the book. My top three would probably be The Quilt, The Hunt, & The Day the Sky Fell. I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially to those who may be dealing with grief and are on their healing journey. I’m sure I’ll be coming back to this book over the years of life.

[Lawren Hadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to be able to put this into words. Griz Calderon is a magnificent story teller. She brings a historical character onto the scene in a totally different light than he is perceived from Hollywood and other authors. Griz takes the Grim Reaper and makes him a calming, caring, supportive, gentle spirit who it not here to terrify but to give a sense of peace to those about to pass on. This perspective is not one I have ever thought of, with this character. Griz writes a collection of 37 short stories where the Grim Reaper appears to people who need to be reminded of their worth and purpose and their lowest and encourages them when they still have life to live and differences to make. He also comes to provide a peaceful transition to those who are in their last moments of this earth. I loved the short stories she provides. It allows you time to process each story. I would read a story while drying my hair, a few stories on my lunch break, a few more stories before bed, etc. Several of the stories overlap with another so that we are able to see different perspectives of the same incident or how encouraging helped change their life for the better. This book was very well written. I felt so many feelings from each story. Some I laughed, some I cried, some I sat smiling like a clown. Calderon takes you on a journey. There are stories the each of us can somehow relate to our lives. I highly encourage you to read this book. I took my time reading it to be able to fully process the stories I was reading, but it was so with it.

[Dehja Ausberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grim Reaper is reimagined in this collection of short stories. In each story, you walk aside the immortal as he collects souls with varying lives and experiences. Too often the Grim Reaper is seen as the villain, collecting unwilling souls, and death is depicted as scary and lonely. In the various ways that each character faces death, they find a guide and peace at the end - and for some the beginning.

The author beautifully retells the Grim Reaper as a compassionate being and calming presence as he guides souls through various circumstances of death. It will make you question your perception of death, and expand your mind on what the end truly means. From the very first story it evokes emotions, and a reminder of the ways death touches us all.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I started this book, and questioned if it would focus more on the pain and tragedy that death brings. I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that each story focused on death, but equated it with feelings of peace, freedom, and the absence of pain. This collection has moved me to think differently of death - and what it means to meet your end.

I was particularly touched by a story of a little girl of only five, who had been ill all her life. She was in pain, and yet she was surrounded by love. When the Grim Reaper came for her, she was reassured that she would watch over her parents, and that they would be okay. Once she finally let go - she was free of pain, something that she had never experienced before. In this sad moment, you find a strange sense of joy that she is able to experience moments without excruciating pain. The Grim Reaper then holds her hand, as they leave the hospital together - where she sees for the first time what the world looks like beyond her hospital room walls.

Some questions to ponder: What does death look like if you knew you’d have a compassionate being to guide you? What questions, or moments of peace would you want to have before you go?

[Maria Calderon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever wondered what happens between life and death. This book of short stories is a thoughtful and hopeful look at the Grim Reaper's role in that transition. I highly recommend it and can't wait for Volume 2.

[Samantha Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful perspective on death, told in the spirit of love and not fear. Deep, moving, and inspiring. Keep creating Griz Calderon - you bring magic into this world.

[Beryl Carey]

,I loved the stories. It was different. Everyone associates the Grim Reaper as a dark, sad, cold person. I loved how you transformed him into a cool dude watching over everyone i loved thr themes of love and loss. It makes one think about their life and hoe wr should cherish it. Well put together stories.".

[Sandra Aldana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume 1 is a deeply touching and thought-provoking collection that goes far beyond what you might expect. Each story resonates on an emotional and human level — they’re not just tales about endings, but rather beautiful reflections on what it truly means to live.

The narratives gently guide you to see the beauty in life, even in its most fragile moments. They touch the heart and leave lasting impressions, reminding us that the most profound lessons often come from the most unexpected places.

This volume isn’t just about the Grim Reaper — it’s about love, loss, acceptance, and the quiet grace that can be found in every goodbye. It invites you to pause and reflect, and in doing so, makes you appreciate life even more.

Highly recommended to anyone who loves meaningful, soul-moving stories. 💫

[Ruffina Os · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When curiosity meets mortality, answers are found in the silence between life and death." This is one of my favorite quotes from Griz Calderon's Chronicles of the Grim Reaper. This volume features a collection of well-crafted 37 tales about the Grim Reaper, a character that is often associated with death in popular literature, but here, he assumes different forms and roles. At times he is the silent companion in strenuous moments, at times a guide, and more in different situations. This collection is about mortality and rebirth, about hope and death, and through each tale, the author explores a unique facet of existence. I loved this book.

[Myles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok i appreciate the meaning behind the stories where they express not all deaths are bad! How they are good and have good meanings behind them! But I didn't appreciate (Spoiler Alert) one short story on around page 30 brought up Dracula! He's a vampire in which he sucks blood! In this story they said he felt pain of the people he killed and he like took their souls! Like if you wanted horror shows (like Supernatural) when a Demon comes out of their bodies! Yeh in any words I had to drop the book! They didn't even say it was a reenvisioned story either! It was the first time where I had to drop the book for unfactual facts! Especially coming from a realistic story line!

[Christian Sia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reviewer praises the author's use of language and imagery, which creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that draws the reader in. They also highlight the book's ability to balance darkness and light, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty that keeps the reader engaged. These stories are meditative, thoughtful, illuminating.

[Bow Reads This · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this collection of short stories that brings the beauty of life and death full circle. The way the Grim Reaper was betrayed in these stories as a comforter was vey unique. These stories were beautifully written and showed how we don’t have to be afraid of leaving this life. Each story was had its own perspective that showed how different everyone’s life and death story can be.

[John Tobias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of short stories around a theme. That theme being that the Grim Reaper isn't what you would at first think, but that he (it?) is a guide and a comfort at the time of transition, and for that matter, other times as well. (He can also be something quite different, but you will need to read them all yourself because I am not going to spoil it by telling you.)
The short stories in the book run the gamut of emotions and there is sure to be a number of them that speak to you personally.
I can whole heartedly recommend this book for anyone who wants to take a peek into, what I would now consider, one of the most important jobs to ever exist.

[Hannah McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant and heartfelt reflection on death, approached with love rather than fear. Profound, touching, and truly uplifting. I can’t wait to see what else Griz Calderon creates.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

📱
Wonderful. Beautiful. Instant favorite.