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Crossing Death #2
Death of the Spirit
I have no idea who I am anymore.
In Los Angeles, I would have given anything to go home to Orenda, my world where magic was alive and nature spoke to me. Now that I'm back I feel out of place, burdened with responsibility. The human part of me misses the simplicity of Earth, the mage part begs for connection with magic, and the demon part? I don't want to admit that exists.
As the darkness inside me grows, I’ll learn to sacrifice for the greater good, as my people have always done. In order to save my family (both mage and human alike), I must face my nightmare, embrace the demon, and descend into the shadowy world of my enemy—the Hell of the Damned.
Once there, I will have nothing left to fear but myself: Edmund Gavel, human, mage, demon... maybe monster.
In Los Angeles, I would have given anything to go home to Orenda, my world where magic was alive and nature spoke to me. Now that I'm back I feel out of place, burdened with responsibility. The human part of me misses the simplicity of Earth, the mage part begs for connection with magic, and the demon part? I don't want to admit that exists.
As the darkness inside me grows, I’ll learn to sacrifice for the greater good, as my people have always done. In order to save my family (both mage and human alike), I must face my nightmare, embrace the demon, and descend into the shadowy world of my enemy—the Hell of the Damned.
Once there, I will have nothing left to fear but myself: Edmund Gavel, human, mage, demon... maybe monster.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
398 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2015
4 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Rick Chiantaretto
4 books129 followersI've often been accused of having done more in my life than the average person my age, but if I were completely honest I'd have to tell you my secret: I'm really 392.
So after all this time, I'm a pretty crappy writer.
I'm the author of the Crossing Death series and Facade of Shadows , as well as 'Tailored for the King,' a short story found in Twice Upon a Time . I have a bunch more half-written (when you have eternity, why rush?). I've been favorably reviewed, featured on ReadFree.ly's Top 50 Best list of 2013 and 2014, and my how-to-write-horror articles have been quoted in scholarly (aka community college freshmen's) papers.
I enjoy the occasional Bloody Mary, although a Bloody Kathy or Susan will suffice.
Mostly, I just try to keep a low profile so people don't figure out who I REALLY am.
So after all this time, I'm a pretty crappy writer.
I'm the author of the Crossing Death series and Facade of Shadows , as well as 'Tailored for the King,' a short story found in Twice Upon a Time . I have a bunch more half-written (when you have eternity, why rush?). I've been favorably reviewed, featured on ReadFree.ly's Top 50 Best list of 2013 and 2014, and my how-to-write-horror articles have been quoted in scholarly (aka community college freshmen's) papers.
I enjoy the occasional Bloody Mary, although a Bloody Kathy or Susan will suffice.
Mostly, I just try to keep a low profile so people don't figure out who I REALLY am.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 30, 2015
---Advanced Copy Review---
Every once in a while you come a cross an author that makes you want to hear everything they have to say.
The end of "Death of a Spirit" makes me want to show up at Rick Chiantaretto's house on Monday morning with mop and dust rag in hand. It makes me want to tell him, "Don't you worry your pretty little head about mundane things like laundry and dishes. I'll take care of it all. You go write your next book."
Seriously, Mr Chiantaretto, don't make me go all "Misery" on you. I need your full and undivided attention on your next book.
ahem...crazy, fan girl rant over...
"Death of a Spirit" was surprising and fast paced. I never once got bored while devouring this story. The magic system is interesting and unique and the setting...well the only word I can think of to describe the setting is fascinating.
Every once in a while you come a cross an author that makes you want to hear everything they have to say.
The end of "Death of a Spirit" makes me want to show up at Rick Chiantaretto's house on Monday morning with mop and dust rag in hand. It makes me want to tell him, "Don't you worry your pretty little head about mundane things like laundry and dishes. I'll take care of it all. You go write your next book."
Seriously, Mr Chiantaretto, don't make me go all "Misery" on you. I need your full and undivided attention on your next book.
ahem...crazy, fan girl rant over...
"Death of a Spirit" was surprising and fast paced. I never once got bored while devouring this story. The magic system is interesting and unique and the setting...well the only word I can think of to describe the setting is fascinating.
February 19, 2015
*Advanced Reader Copy*
I have a million things I want to say about this book, and all of them are fighting for rights to be mentioned first. I had no idea, once upon a short time ago in a land not far away, who Rick Chiantaretto was and what his book - Death of the Body - was all about. But then I met a wonderful blogger who casually mentioned I should read it. I owe her. A lot.
Death of the Spirit expanded on the world created in Death of the Body in ways I couldn't imagine. Edmund's world is amazing. This book is deliciously dark, and hands down Rick's best work yet. I found myself reading until the sun had been down for hours, my cat was fast asleep, and my Kindle was almost dead. It hasn't been since I picked up my very first Terry Goodkind book that I was introduced to an entire new world - a new place with layers and levels that can only come from the mind of someone like Rick. He has created magic - and this series will stay with me forever. Rick has blended Dark Fantasy with Romance and Horror and twists of other genres that have yet to be named.
I don't like giving a play by play of what happened in a book - you can get that yourself when you read it. But do yourself a favor and snatch this series up. I am holding onto my seat waiting - rather impatiently - for the next book. Death of the....? Well, Death of the Something. Whatever it is, I know for a fact it will be amazing, and dark, and twisted, and all the things I love about Mr. Chiantaretto.
Thank you, Rick, for picking up the pen, pressing the keys on the keyboard, dipping your feather in blood - whatever it is you do - and writing Crossing Death. Your readers are forever in your debt. Your magic - Edmund's magic - will stay with me until the end of my days. And, who knows? Even then we may meet again in Orenda.
#TeamReapy
I have a million things I want to say about this book, and all of them are fighting for rights to be mentioned first. I had no idea, once upon a short time ago in a land not far away, who Rick Chiantaretto was and what his book - Death of the Body - was all about. But then I met a wonderful blogger who casually mentioned I should read it. I owe her. A lot.
Death of the Spirit expanded on the world created in Death of the Body in ways I couldn't imagine. Edmund's world is amazing. This book is deliciously dark, and hands down Rick's best work yet. I found myself reading until the sun had been down for hours, my cat was fast asleep, and my Kindle was almost dead. It hasn't been since I picked up my very first Terry Goodkind book that I was introduced to an entire new world - a new place with layers and levels that can only come from the mind of someone like Rick. He has created magic - and this series will stay with me forever. Rick has blended Dark Fantasy with Romance and Horror and twists of other genres that have yet to be named.
I don't like giving a play by play of what happened in a book - you can get that yourself when you read it. But do yourself a favor and snatch this series up. I am holding onto my seat waiting - rather impatiently - for the next book. Death of the....? Well, Death of the Something. Whatever it is, I know for a fact it will be amazing, and dark, and twisted, and all the things I love about Mr. Chiantaretto.
Thank you, Rick, for picking up the pen, pressing the keys on the keyboard, dipping your feather in blood - whatever it is you do - and writing Crossing Death. Your readers are forever in your debt. Your magic - Edmund's magic - will stay with me until the end of my days. And, who knows? Even then we may meet again in Orenda.
#TeamReapy
May 19, 2015
Death of the Spirit by Rick Chiantaretto gave me FIVE SPINE TINGLING STARS!!
Death of the Spirit left me terrified and looking for shadows while reading it. The beginning of the story pulled me in and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. By the end of the book I found myself blown away and left in shock and awe at this brilliant second book to the series. Could Edmund really become evil? This is just one of the many questions I’m left pondering after an ending that left me speechless.
Edmund is an outstanding character. I love that he is so selfless and protects those he loves no matter the cost. His friends and family will always come first to him. All the characters in the story I found myself relating to in some way and loved each of their uniqueness.
It’s mind blowing the way things play out. You will NOT see it coming. It’s definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. It went beyond my expectations and Rick Chiantaretto never ceases to amaze me with his uniqueness and the way his stories leave you begging for more. The series just keeps getting better and better. I just love this series and its way of hooking you no matter what you love to read. I enjoyed watching everyone including the author grow in this book.
I am now anxiously awaiting book Three, to see what awaits Edmund and his friends. If you love a story that will pull you in and keep you hooked till the very end, as well as leave you with chills then this is the story for you. Not only is it scary in all the right ways, but Edmund’s love for Xia is a once in a lifetime kind of love that you should definitely discover.
Death of the Spirit left me terrified and looking for shadows while reading it. The beginning of the story pulled me in and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. By the end of the book I found myself blown away and left in shock and awe at this brilliant second book to the series. Could Edmund really become evil? This is just one of the many questions I’m left pondering after an ending that left me speechless.
Edmund is an outstanding character. I love that he is so selfless and protects those he loves no matter the cost. His friends and family will always come first to him. All the characters in the story I found myself relating to in some way and loved each of their uniqueness.
It’s mind blowing the way things play out. You will NOT see it coming. It’s definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. It went beyond my expectations and Rick Chiantaretto never ceases to amaze me with his uniqueness and the way his stories leave you begging for more. The series just keeps getting better and better. I just love this series and its way of hooking you no matter what you love to read. I enjoyed watching everyone including the author grow in this book.
I am now anxiously awaiting book Three, to see what awaits Edmund and his friends. If you love a story that will pull you in and keep you hooked till the very end, as well as leave you with chills then this is the story for you. Not only is it scary in all the right ways, but Edmund’s love for Xia is a once in a lifetime kind of love that you should definitely discover.
February 10, 2015
*Advanced Reader Copy*
Review to come.....
but what I can say....is.... OH MY GOD RICK! You've grown in this book. Hurry with #3!
Review to come.....
but what I can say....is.... OH MY GOD RICK! You've grown in this book. Hurry with #3!
March 14, 2015
Not knowing what to really expect since I have learned that this author is original, with great anticipation I began this one. Not often anymore do I stray away from romance but with very few,especially with all the movie techno now a days rather watch. But since I began this journey had to take the next step and see where this author would take me next. Edmund is now on a different level but yet has lots to learn. Reconnecting is another thing that will come often too. His personality will be different because you must grow in a journey but once he tastes some things he at times for me experience a love/hate relationship towards him. That goes to show the talent of the author to be able to meld you to the main character and feel so deeply when they are in their journey. It is what it is and goes with the story but there will also be some new characters you meet too. The colorfull way in which they are all portrayed is the ability he has to breathe life into them. When he meets up once again with two familiar friends they will give themselves space but also try their best to help. Lots of give and take situations that will play on the reader different than the next one because this author does love to challenge our minds. What you will find out though does he really have what it takes to be what he needs to be in order to best the one he needs too or will it all be for naught because of a illusion he has played into because the one he is up against knew how to manipulate him. All in all whatever a review says it would really not do this one justice because it is unique and the reader will see it the way intended thanks to the author and his words. It must be experienced by reading it especially when you've reached the tete between Edmund and Joshua because seriously the battle is real with no place for little boys anymore. For the romantic at heart though there is a touch of it here and there haha. Received a arc for a honest review.
March 13, 2015
The story gets better and better! I enjoyed the plot twists, seeing the relationship between characters and places develop. A great sequel and a great read - even if you haven't read the first book.
Cannot wait for the next book!
Cannot wait for the next book!
March 29, 2015
Have you ever struggled to write a review simply because you felt there weren’t enough words in the universe that could describe how fantastic a book really is? I am having that problem with Death of the Spirit. There’s so much I want to say, but the words just don’t seem to do the book justice. I’m going to try again because I seriously need someone to understand just how much I loved this book! There’s something about Rick’s writing that abductions the reader and transports them to a world of beauty with horror scattered around, leaving you with pure morbid fascination. The darkness consumes you but trust me, you will love it! Rick is a master at fine tuning details which results in brilliantly clear visuals that will leave you in awe.
Death of the Spirit starts and ends with one hell of a bang! Many of my favorite characters from the first book (Death of the Body) made an appearance, two of which I never expected to see again! What I enjoyed most about this book was Edmund’s internal struggle. There is a fine line between good and evil and he is walking dead on it. I’m curious to see which way the scale will tip for him… he’s determined to do whatever it takes… but does he realize what’s at stake? There’s love, war, friendship, and hell all in one…what more does a reader need?!
Come to the dark side, my friends, the demons there will suit your fancy.
Death of the Spirit starts and ends with one hell of a bang! Many of my favorite characters from the first book (Death of the Body) made an appearance, two of which I never expected to see again! What I enjoyed most about this book was Edmund’s internal struggle. There is a fine line between good and evil and he is walking dead on it. I’m curious to see which way the scale will tip for him… he’s determined to do whatever it takes… but does he realize what’s at stake? There’s love, war, friendship, and hell all in one…what more does a reader need?!
Come to the dark side, my friends, the demons there will suit your fancy.
October 31, 2015
It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to read and review Death of the Spirit by Rick Chiantaretto. Death of the Spirit is the second book in the Crossing Death Series. I found it most necessary to read book one, Death of the Body, to understand the progression of events through Death of the Spirit.
Mr. Chiantaretto is a master of the dark suspense.
His characters are well developed and the worlds that they inhabit are filled with details that only a master could supply. My attention is sometimes difficult to hold when making my way through several volumes, but with the Crossing Death series, and especially Death of the Spirit I found myself unwilling to put the books down and lost sleep during the days that I was focused on what would happen next!
Mr. Chiantaretto has a fangirl for life and I know that the next volume(s) will be as eloquently penned as his current works are.
I definitely recommend Death of the Spirit by Rick Chiantaretto, and Death of the Body as well, as give five dark and powerful cups of Room With Books coffee.
Don't wait to pick up a copy. Stop what you are doing and get Death of the Body and Death of the Spirit and you'll be hooked as well!
©October 31, 2015
Patricia, Room With Books
Mr. Chiantaretto is a master of the dark suspense.
His characters are well developed and the worlds that they inhabit are filled with details that only a master could supply. My attention is sometimes difficult to hold when making my way through several volumes, but with the Crossing Death series, and especially Death of the Spirit I found myself unwilling to put the books down and lost sleep during the days that I was focused on what would happen next!
Mr. Chiantaretto has a fangirl for life and I know that the next volume(s) will be as eloquently penned as his current works are.
I definitely recommend Death of the Spirit by Rick Chiantaretto, and Death of the Body as well, as give five dark and powerful cups of Room With Books coffee.
Don't wait to pick up a copy. Stop what you are doing and get Death of the Body and Death of the Spirit and you'll be hooked as well!
©October 31, 2015
Patricia, Room With Books
March 30, 2015
A masterpiece of chaos & intrigue!,
Holy Wow! Every time I've attempted to put my thoughts & feelings on this book into words it seemed unworthy. There is so much going on here that it's difficult to portray without giving away much. Simply put, it's a masterpiece of chaos & intrigue. I loved Death of the Body, & totally expected to enjoy Death of the Spirit just as much. What I did not expect ... to feel my heart & soul ripped into the most minute morsels only to be pieced back together once again. Everything about this tale is eccentric. Multiple levels of complexity atop an assortment of personas, emotions, & questions. Just when I believed to have it all figured out BAM another explosion of surprises flew our way!
I hereby dub thee Chiantaretto ~ The Mastermind.
Holy Wow! Every time I've attempted to put my thoughts & feelings on this book into words it seemed unworthy. There is so much going on here that it's difficult to portray without giving away much. Simply put, it's a masterpiece of chaos & intrigue. I loved Death of the Body, & totally expected to enjoy Death of the Spirit just as much. What I did not expect ... to feel my heart & soul ripped into the most minute morsels only to be pieced back together once again. Everything about this tale is eccentric. Multiple levels of complexity atop an assortment of personas, emotions, & questions. Just when I believed to have it all figured out BAM another explosion of surprises flew our way!
I hereby dub thee Chiantaretto ~ The Mastermind.
May 19, 2015
A very well constructed series so far. I'm very much looking forward to book 3 in the series to see how this works out.
November 19, 2015
Death of the spirit
By Rick Chiantaretto
I was given a book in exchange for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
Edmund is back to his original homeland Orenda, but it is no longer the same. He can no longer understand the trees. He is given a place to live and a domestic, who happens to be his mother. This is no longer the place of his childhood. He still has so many questions, and there is so much confusion. Edmund misses his human friends and his life on Earth and also misses the nature he was connected to as a boy in Orenda.
How is he to continue on his father's path? How is he supposed to stop Joshua? Who can he trust? How can he forge a battle against Joshua when he is fighting his own demons?
The second book is as entertaining as the first. The author balances action with an internal struggle very well. New characters and old characters enter and leave Edmund's life. The odds seem stacked against him even more. I can not wait to read the next book. I am also hoping this one will be released in audio format so I can listen to it again. Honestly there is so much going on in the series that I would love to listen to this book before the next one comes out. I am definitely invested in this series.
By Rick Chiantaretto
I was given a book in exchange for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
Edmund is back to his original homeland Orenda, but it is no longer the same. He can no longer understand the trees. He is given a place to live and a domestic, who happens to be his mother. This is no longer the place of his childhood. He still has so many questions, and there is so much confusion. Edmund misses his human friends and his life on Earth and also misses the nature he was connected to as a boy in Orenda.
How is he to continue on his father's path? How is he supposed to stop Joshua? Who can he trust? How can he forge a battle against Joshua when he is fighting his own demons?
The second book is as entertaining as the first. The author balances action with an internal struggle very well. New characters and old characters enter and leave Edmund's life. The odds seem stacked against him even more. I can not wait to read the next book. I am also hoping this one will be released in audio format so I can listen to it again. Honestly there is so much going on in the series that I would love to listen to this book before the next one comes out. I am definitely invested in this series.
October 28, 2015
Death of The Spirit is the follow up to the amazing book Death of The Body, and after reading it I am happy to say that it's just as entertaining as the first.
This book pulls you in right from the start and doesn't want to let you go. Even once it's over, this is the kind of story that leaves you speechless and constantly thinking about what might come next.
Normally with books you have an idea what what's going on or what's going to happen, but with this story there are so many different twists and turns that leave you not knowing whats going to happen next. It was refreshing to read a story like that.
One of the big things that I love about the way this author writes, is how he took this character of Edmund and uses him to give you that lead that you love and are willing to follow through anything, and then give him this huge twist that leaves you reeling but still willing to follow him through that as well as anything else that comes his way.
This book, like the first one before it, is a truly wonderful read, and I can't wait until I get the chance to read the third one and find out what is going to come next for these wonderfully written characters.
This book pulls you in right from the start and doesn't want to let you go. Even once it's over, this is the kind of story that leaves you speechless and constantly thinking about what might come next.
Normally with books you have an idea what what's going on or what's going to happen, but with this story there are so many different twists and turns that leave you not knowing whats going to happen next. It was refreshing to read a story like that.
One of the big things that I love about the way this author writes, is how he took this character of Edmund and uses him to give you that lead that you love and are willing to follow through anything, and then give him this huge twist that leaves you reeling but still willing to follow him through that as well as anything else that comes his way.
This book, like the first one before it, is a truly wonderful read, and I can't wait until I get the chance to read the third one and find out what is going to come next for these wonderfully written characters.
January 29, 2016
I was given this book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
Gee whiz!! After reading "Death of the Body", this book went in a totally different direction than what I was expecting. This author knows how to keep you coming back for more!
How many levels of heaven and hell are there? Are they really separate levels or do they overlap? Does one have to experience them all to reach the final destination?
Edmund has gone from heaven to earth and back to heaven. He has yet to venture into hell. The doorway has an expensive price to be paid. Is it courage or desperation needed to pay the price? Will Edmund do what is required?
What lessons are to be learned in hell? Can he maintain his self in hell? What about the girl he loves?
You must read the book to get the answers to these questions and more. You need to find out what happens to Edmund. Will he survive another realm? At what cost? Now I am eagerly awaiting the release of book 3. What will Edmund ultimately become? Inquiring minds want to know!
November 9, 2015
Poor Edmund/Alexander. Every time he thinks he has things figured out, a wrench is thrown in the story and he is left scrambling.
Death of the Spirit continues from Death of the Body and Edmund trying to stop Joshua and save his family and friends. The end is a huge twist. I don't know if Rick intends to write more in this series but I surely hope so.
Edmund's demon side is giving him some trouble controlling as it grows stronger. He makes some decisions that could effect his relationships. I few times I wanted to yell at him to wake up and see the big picture. But alas, as Rick through the big twist in the end, I didn't see the big picture either.
Enjoyed this one, thanks Rick.
I received a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Death of the Spirit continues from Death of the Body and Edmund trying to stop Joshua and save his family and friends. The end is a huge twist. I don't know if Rick intends to write more in this series but I surely hope so.
Edmund's demon side is giving him some trouble controlling as it grows stronger. He makes some decisions that could effect his relationships. I few times I wanted to yell at him to wake up and see the big picture. But alas, as Rick through the big twist in the end, I didn't see the big picture either.
Enjoyed this one, thanks Rick.
I received a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
June 4, 2015
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews