The Living and the Dead

by A.E. Purvis

Abby Gale was born Dead, which is what you'd expect after her mother miraculously gave birth after centuries of being a ghost. But unlike her mother, Abby ages just like the Living.

Now thirty, Abby has caught the attention of the Brotherhood of Reapers, and particularly, Ryden Pengrave. The Brotherhood has learned that Born ghosts exist, and their new leadership will do everything to collect these ghosts for their own agenda.

Ryden forces Abby on a quest through the mountains of Appalachia, but are his intentions to help, or does he plan to thrust Abby into the hands of the Reapers and a fate worse than Death?

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2025

About the author

A.E. Purvis grew up with her nose pressed between the pages of books and her heart in faraway places. She currently lives under a pile of four rotten dogs with her husband and twin nieces and could not be happier about it. When she’s not reading or working on her debut novel and countless short stories, A.E. can be found in her library whispering to her beloved books, chattering away to the bookish communities on TikTok and Threads, or spending time with an endless array of dogs, nieces, and nephews.

Reviews

[Rhianna Francis-Tims · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Living and the Dead was definitely not what I expected. A romantic fantasy featuring a ghost and a reaper, I had for some reason pictured this taking place in a medieval type setting, but was surprised to see it take place in modern day Atlanta. It was a refreshing take on the fantasy genre, although I will say that the writing does need some work. That is not to say that this is not an enjoyable read, however.

What I liked about this book was the theme of loneliness and found family. I also really liked the fact that Abby, the main character was a curvy woman instead of the generic stick-thin heroine featured in most books. I liked the diverse range of characters, and it was clear that a great amount of thought went into the backstory and lore for this book. It was a unique premise, and one I enjoyed reading. I liked the authors take on death, the mystery and unknown surrounding it. There was humorous banter that made me smile and I loved Abby’s roommates.

I did find that this book took a very long time to actually get going. I was 40% of the way through before the story started to take shape. The first half of this book is setting up the actual plot which felt unnecessary. A lot of the book was explaining backgrounds and lore, or the way characters looked or acted. I read somewhere once that a writer should explains things by showing, not telling. So rather than telling us about someone’s background or personality, i think the story would have benefitted with scenes where characters actually did something as opposed to just explaining to another character why things happened or why they acted in certain ways. At points it was quite a slow read because there was so much explanation going on that the story halted.

I was also a little confused at times because Abby is a dead ghost, and yet she needed to apply SPF and got out of breath when hiking, and it was stated earlier in the book that ghosts don’t need to breath. Also, at the beginning of the book it was stated that ghosts don’t sleep, they go into a trance, and yet it changed halfway through with Abby falling asleep at various points.

It’s clear that a lot of love, dedication and hard work has gone into writing this book, and the authors passion shines through. I think with more of a focus on telling the story, rather than over-explaining characters, situations and settings, this could be a solid 5/5 read.

[Kaylie Winterton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book! I was so intrigued by the premise of the story and excited to see where it went. It was 3 stars for me because it was very slow to get going, and just kind of slow in general, and read more like a YA than adult novel, even though the characters are jn their 30’s. Some of that could be explained my the main characters isolated life, but it wasn’t isolated to that one character. Also, one of the characters was throwing up so much that it started to remind me of “bowels going watery” and it was just too much for me.

All that said, I liked the story enough to read the next and see where it goes! I’m excited to read more stories by this author as her writing skills develop.

[Andrea Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

My opinions on this book may seem harsh and I don't want this to deter the author or the readers. This book has "GOOD BONES", great ideas and cool concepts. However I personally struggled with the pacing of this book and sometimes with feeling connected to characters because the chemistry was sometimes lacking.
The first 40% of this book was spent on backstory and world building that I personally felt could've just been established in the beginning and maybe referenced to sporadically when doing character introductions. For example I think it may have been better or easier to already start off with the roommates/friends already living together and aware of each others abilities and already friends. Flash backs could've been a little more clear that they were a flashback or a memory, even though the flashbacks were at the start of a new chapter it wasn't always clear it was past tense. Sometimes the author spent a lot of time describing food and inconsequential details (clothes, flitting back and forth with different take out or supplies)and not enough on character interactions.
Some of the reason I felt disconnected to the main character was because it didn't make sense that she would be "anti" reaper knowing her mothers "job" and that she herself is a born ghost. Death is not the end and all. It also seemed like this story sometimes used a magical wand to solve issues. e.g. Abby and Ryden drive to a remote location to do some secret dangerous task and hike for a month, but then Anabel tracked her to a near by Highway to give her a message within a few days of receiving the message? Why not drive the whole way and hike when necessary? Again this story has all the right elements to be a very cool story and it was an enjoyable read when I could play along with the idea that Abby is naive and inexperienced in life so that may be why she made some of her choices.

TYPOS found in the book
-pg 117/ pg 339 letter capitalized in the word reaDying
-pg 226 letter capitalized in the word stuDying
-pg 221 the words "human parents" is repeated consecutively
-pg 121 continuity issue. Abby never feels the ropes on her until she's already tied up. Shock or magic?
-pg 219 continuity issue. Ryden says to "not everything is from one of your books". How does he know she reads? Its not explained till way later that he was watching her for months and she doesn't challenge him on this weird reference. He also doesn't mention anything else ever again that could elude to him watching her and maybe clear that up?

[Katie Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars= will continue the series, but will most likely wait until it’s completed

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book. Thank you to the author for this opportunity.

I really loved the concept of this paranormal fantasy; the ghosts can be in solid form and live amongst the living is a cool concept. I did find that this didn’t feel fully fleshed out (pun intended) throughout the book. Ghosts are dead (obviously) so they don’t need to eat, sleep, breathe, etc, but Abby, a born ghost, seems to jump around with what she can and can't do. As another reader pointed out, she needed to use SPF and bug spray. She gets out of breath and has sore muscles. I just got pulled out the storyline that she was a ghost. I’m assuming we learn more about her dad later and I have my suspicions, but I think at least for this book, I’d have rather had Abby tell us that these things were new concepts to her, she didn't know she needed to do these things until now.

I loved the friendships in this book. I enjoyed the girls being instantly a found family with no drama in that group. It was refreshing to not have the cattiness that I’ve read in other books.

There are some typical tropes and plot set up that is familiar to most fantasies. I’m not a giant fan of the typical “I’m not like other girls” in fantasies, and while that wasn’t exactly the case here, it was still a “I’m not like other ghosts” a lot.
A good portion of the book was setting up the magic system and the world building. The plot really picked up the last 25% of the book, that was where I hit the “ok, this definitely has the potential to be an awesome series now”

[Nichole VanTassel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. FYI, it takes a little bit to get into because there is a lot of world building. I really love world building especially when I get into a new series because I love to be immersed in the world. I feel like world building is very important in fantasy books so you understand the magic system and it really helps with character development.
I absolutely love the characters!!! Abby is the fmc and is a born ghost. I have read tons of fantasy books and this is the first time I have ever read about a born ghost. She is a totally unique character and I loved reading something new. She friends three living girls who are roommates and I love how they accept her. They each have their own unique power and they unite in friendship.
The main male character is Ryden. He is a morally grey swoon worthy reaper who falls first for Abby. He would do anything to protect her. My favorite Ryden quote: "There isn't a single existence that I wouldn't end if it ensured your happiness. I would destroy this entire world, and everyone on it for you- I'd lay waste to it all and drop it at your feet. " Can we just appreciate a man who would do anything for the woman he loves??
And now I am in a book hangover because like all good fantasy books, it ended on a cliffhanger and I need to know what happens next.

[Rebecca Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a slow burner in the best way. The first half is all about world-building and character development necessary groundwork, though it does drag a little at times. Think of it as Act 1 of a much bigger story.

At its heart, this is an enemy-to-friends story. You can feel the lovers arc brewing just beneath the surface, waiting to explode in the next book. A.E. Purvis has a writing style that pulls you straight into Abby’s world I could picture every moment as if I was right there walking alongside her.

Abby is a damn feisty, hard-headed ghost who’s spent her life in isolation, yet she’s fiercely protective of the people she loves. And her crew? Zelle, Amarie, Em, and Nels, absolute top-shelf friends. Then there’s Ryden. The quintessential misunderstood “bad guy” hiding a secret that could change everything.

The story weaves suspense, adventure, and a jaw-dropping plot twist, but make no mistake, this is a set-up book. The foundation has been laid, and now I’m fully invested. I need to know where this goes, because my gut tells me the next books will knock me right out of my socks.

⭐️ 4.0 stars
🔥 Zero spice…for now. The last eighth of the book dangles a delicious carrot, teasing us with the promise of heat to come.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC form A.E. Purivs and the following review is my honest opinion:

Okay, this book was AMAZING, 100/10. The premise was not really something I've ever read before and it was SO fun and SO unique. I had an absolute blast!

The characters? Absolute vibes. Every single one. Also I'm obsessed with girls just being girls in this book. No fake friends, no cattiness, just straight girls vibin'. They were all so sweet and welcoming and it was like Halloweentown whenever you meet all of them and they all got their own powers and stuff going on. What a great time. Real supernatural girls of Atlanta is the vibe I was getting lol

Also Ryden? LOVE him. He literally was just like "LET ME LOVE YOU" the entire book and honestly, GIRL LET HIM LOVE YOU!

I truly enjoyed this entire book and cannot wait for book 2 to come out! I need it like yesterday!

[Jimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may start with a slow, world-building pace—but trust me, it’s worth pushing through. Once the foundation is laid, the story blossoms into a rich tapestry of magic, mystery, and emotional depth that’s impossible to put down.
The world-building is meticulous, and while it takes time to unfold, it ultimately creates a setting that feels immersive and alive. You’ll find all your favorite tropes here: deep-rooted friendships, complicated family ties, found love that sneaks up on you, and yes—ghosts and magic that add a haunting beauty to the narrative.
It’s a story that rewards patience. The emotional payoff, the twists, and the character arcs all hit harder because of the groundwork laid early on. If you’re a fan of fantasy that leans into atmosphere and heart, this one’s a gem waiting to be discovered.

[Emily Kusmier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off slow for me. I had a hard time keeping track with flashbacks. I feel those could have been set apart a different way, either with the chapter heading or something else. The world building and character introduction was really spread out. Sometimes that works in books, for this book I wish it had been more flashback of how characters met. I think that would have flowed better and not been such a slow read at first .

Once the book got about a third of the way it really started to pick up. I was quite enjoying it. The witty nature between characters was great.

The book over all is amazing and it left off at a great part. Not quite a cliffhanger but enough to be like I need the second book.

[Rian Eidson ~ Literary Luna Moth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really intrigued by the idea of a “born” ghost and a reaper falling in love. The book initially drew me in and I enjoyed learning about Abby; however, some parts of the book seemed rushed while other parts seemed to drag. Abby and Ryden’s journey through the woods lacked some continuity and I struggled to stay interested. Once I got to about 75% of the way through, the pace hit warp speed and the ending broke me!!

You can really tell the hard work and love the author put into this book. I do think some improvements could be made, but overall, it was an interesting read and an original premise that I haven’t seen yet. I believe this would be the kind of series where the 2nd book will probably be better than the first.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started, I didn’t want to put this book down. The pacing was smooth and I never felt like the story was being rushed or dragging things out. The plot itself kept me intrigued from start to finish. By the last page, I was emotionally attached to Abby, Ryden, and their friends - already ready to go on more adventures to see what happens next. The romance was just so sweet and while I enjoyed every second of it, I was also glad it didn’t overshadow the story itself. Abby, Ryden, and the others kept me on my toes, I never knew what to expect next. I was hooked almost immediately. And now? Now I wait patiently (or not so patiently) for the next novel so I know how my new emotional support characters are doing.

[Samantha Alley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this. As someone who loves and thrives on authors being very descriptive in their writing, I appreciated all the world building. I don’t know what I expected in my head but I didn’t expect it to be set in modern day times, you see ghost and think medieval 😂

I love the friendships Abby develops, and how their own abilities really deepen the friendship. I also love that she’s a curvy gal who likes to eat, cause same- it’s not something you see in a FMC a lot. She’s compassionate and strong and I loved her character from start to finish!

Be prepared to love Ryden and enjoy twists and turns along the way!

I could go on! I adored this and thought it was a great start to what will be a great career!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Living and the dead features Abby, a ghost who became so in the most unusual way. Growing up lonely for the bulk of her childhood and under the overreaching advice of her mother to keep her unique circumstances secret, she finds herself as a young adult pushing the boundaries of her humdrum Existence. Abby wants more, she wants to be surrounded by others. She befriends a Medium who truly sees her and soon Abby finds herself in a world where she is building those relationships and learning new abilities. Who can she trust? Was her mother right all along? Did she make a mistake by revealing too much? Will she be able to save those in whom she has grown to love?

[Beth Doyle Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby was born a ghost and forced to hide the uniqueness of her situation from everyone. Abby is living an incredibly lonely existence in an isolated manor when she meets Zelie, a true medium, and forms a fast friendship. Just as Abby is settling into a less lonely existence, Ryden, a reaper, enters the scene and changes everything.

An absolutely unique and delightful read. The witty commentary and banter captured my interest from the very beginning. The story took me through just about every emotion possible. I laughed, cried, rolled my eyes, got a little angry (ok, fine, a lot angry), and cried like a baby. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Shawnna (babecitybookclub) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. Thank you for the opportunity to read!

The pacing of this book was probably the biggest issue for me. I was more than 70% through it before it actually started to “pick up”. I like a good slow burn, but this was way too slow for me. I also felt like there were a ton of extra details in the book that weren’t necessary that seemed to take away from the story.

When the story did finally pick up, I really enjoyed it. I will say that I was a little disappointed when it ended in a cliffhanger. I am intrigued so I’ll definitely plan to read the next one!

[Cortni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had such a unique premise, our main character is born a ghost, but ages like the living, I've never read anything like it. The first half of the book takes it's time building the world and introducing us to the motley crew of magical beings. The attention to detail really makes the story immersive and easy to fall into. And when our FMC meets a rogue, heartbreakingly beautiful reaper (with an English accent!!) the story picks up it's pace and sprints to the climax leaving you want the next book immediately.

[Adrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Living and The Dead is such a refreshing and unique take on supernatural beings. I’ve honestly never read anything quite like it. The world-building unfolds at just the right pace, with details revealed gradually to keep readers curious and immersed without bogging the story down. I found myself genuinely attached to the characters and already miss them now that I’ve finished the book. I can’t wait to see where their adventure goes next, and I’m eager to learn more about the fascinating world A.E. Purvis is creating!

[Nicole Dykeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE! The pacing was really good and kept me reading. The romance was genuinely sweet, but what I enjoyed most was that it didn’t hijack the entire plot. There was enough mystery woven in to keep things intriguing, and the balance was just right. There are some great friendship plots as well. The FMC is refreshingly not annoying, which can be a major win for this genre.

If I had one tiny wish… maybe just a pinch more spice? A girl can dream.

Cannot wait for the second one.

[Cori Schafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not prepared for how much I was going to like this book! I loved the character development and how the characters interact with each other. I am not usually a reader of paranormal story lines but the author does such a good job of explaining the world she has created that I never felt lost. I had a hard time putting it down, I was so invested in finding out how the characters were going to deal with their issues. I’m excited to see where the story will take us.

[Julie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’m not a critical reviewer and I just like to read to escape into someone else’s life and this book let me do that!!!

It was an easy read and one that kept me wanting to read more and more… took a few days with life responsibilities but I finished it quickly!!!!

I can’t wait to see book 2!!

I love Abby’s character and appreciate the time the author took to explain it all. I can’t wait for this ‘series’ to come out. I feel like it’s going to be amazing!!

[Jelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a ride!

It was slow in the beginning as we got to know Abby and the things that matter most to her, but the lore and worldbuilding were so, so worth it!

The latter half of the book was incredibly tense, despite the sedate pace, and I could not stop reading once I hit 60%.

Highly recommend to romantasy and paranormal readers and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Shae D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!!! Such an original story with compelling and lovable characters!! I’ve not read anything like it before!

Abby is instantly likable and I want to be her roommate so bad!! The world building and character development make you feel like you are in the world with them! And who can resist a hot reaper? NOT ME!!!!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books started off a little slow for the world building and getting to know the main character Abby. Once she met Zelie it picks up a lot and I absolutely love them and the other two friends Em and Amarie. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the second!

[Casey Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since I heard that she was writing it and heard about the concept of it. It’s such an original storyline and I also immensely enjoyed the recognizable setting of the Appalachian mountains. I look forward to her next books

[Jenna Herrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected but a good modern romantasy story with a ghost and a reaper as the main characters.

[Serena Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. Beautiful storyline with very descriptive scenes. I felt like I was the main character throughout the book. Exceeded my expectations and then some.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t want to put the book down, and I look forward to the continuation of this story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page of this story! So, so proud of you, Mandy! So glad that our worlds collided and we both joined the same cult! 🫶🏻

[Shannon (Twilight Sleep) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars — will return with a reviewwwwww