Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
I. Am. Death.

His only job? To watch.

Watch the family Fate branded for death be butchered by a random drunk.

Cadeus Reaper was created by Grim for reaping souls. So why can’t he do the one thing he was made for?

Cadeus always knew he was different from other Reapers. Still – he struggled to fit in, to follow orders, and earn his way to the top spot of Demoral as he was intended for, that is until he reaps a soul for the first time.

He defied Death’s law by attempting to stop a human from being executed.

He failed.

Or so he thought.
His crime would not go unpunished or unnoticed.
Trapped. In a cell. For over twenty years as mental and physical abuse haunted him--only to discover that the girl he tried to save is very much alive--but will soon be dead.

With no other choice, Cadeus has to do the impossible. Escape an inescapable prison. With the help of a newfound friend, he manages to reach freedom, only to find the world he once knew is gone. Grim has disappeared, leaving utter chaos. Fate, along with other Reapers, have taken over his home, the realm of Nekroun Earth.

Along with Demons and Angels, Fate has demanded the girl that Cadeus saved be found. Can Cadeus get to her first? Or will she end up in the hands of a fate she’s been running from?

Unknown Binding

Published July 12, 2016

3 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

R.S. Broadhead

10 books85 followers
R. S. Broadhead lives in Jackson, Alabama with her husband of ten years, their two little girls, and a pug named Wednesday Love the Duchess, or Winnie for short. She has a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in business administration. She loves to snowboard, travel (Australia is her favorite place so far), and dance (not professionally, just whenever she feels like it). When she was sixteen-years-old, her and her friends would take pictures and make up funny stories about them. Fourteen years later, UNVEILED was born. UNVEILED, her first novel, is the first book in a four book series.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
24 (53%)
4 stars
12 (26%)
3 stars
6 (13%)
2 stars
3 (6%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for R.S..
Author 10 books85 followers
Read
January 3, 2019
This is probably my favorite book I've done so far. I love Cade! Total babe!
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,107 reviews91 followers
July 3, 2016
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! It was nice to read something a little different then the norm. I loved the whole concept with reapers, Fate, Grim and the Angels and Demons. It was a definite page turner leaving me wanting more especially with the way this book ended!
The characters were refreshing and fun to read. Cade was an enjoyable character to read and connect with. I was definitely rooting for him the whole way through.
I can't wait for the next book and discover what happens!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for diana marcela Ballestas.
470 reviews56 followers
November 21, 2017
Well, the story has its charm, although at first it took a while, since it was a bit slow, with the passage of the pages it is taking shape and keeps you in the expectation of what is to come.

Cade is a Demoral, a harvester of souls, but he does not like this job and in a particular assignment he decides that not only does he not want to do the job, but he decides to intervene to avoid the deaths marked by Fate, causing him not only to be assigned a harsh punishment, but also to the souls he tried to save, but 20 years later he discovers that one of the 'victims' did not die, but that they are trying at all costs to finish the task, which is why he escapes from prison to avoid it .

the story is interesting, it has some action and some mysticism, although it also has some gaps, I must warn that the end is in suspension points, so if you do not like to be half-baked, it is better that you wait to complete the series before start reading
Profile Image for Sammi.
16 reviews
July 3, 2016
Cadeus Reaper is my new hero!! From the first chapter this book blows you away. These characters jump off the page at you. Within the first 10 chapters , you seem to go through every emotion imaginable. I love it! The heartbreak that Cadeus felt was no doubt horrible, but with the unexpected help alliance with a new found friend gets you nblood pumping in their crazy adventure. Of course, of all places for them to go, they end up in my favorite, New Orleans, so you know there's bound to be magic to be had. Their enemies are powerful as well as many, but along with some unique help they get on their way to defeating them. When they find one piece of this crazy puzzle they have to put together, all hell breaks loose, keeping you entranced waiting for more excitement. This book leaves you literally screaming for more! So ready for book 2!
Profile Image for Dusty Summerford (Reviews by Reds).
339 reviews28 followers
July 10, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying that I am not a huge paranormal book lover. There are only a few that I absolutely love and this is one!! I was blown away by the storyline and was hooked from the first page. The characters were either easily loved or easy to hate!!

Cadeus Reaper is a different breed of reaper. He actually has feelings when he shouldn't. He knows what his job is but he feels compelled to do it his way, which gets him reprimanded. The events that unfold will leave you on the edge of your page, desperate for more.

I must say that this is a cliffhanger. A huge one!! But it is so good that I don't mind the wait.

This was my first read by R.S. Broadhead but it definitely won't be my last. I simply can't wait to see what is in store for Cade, Izzy, Grim, and Fate.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,349 reviews172 followers
July 13, 2016
Holy crap this sucked me in from the first page. This is the best paranormal book I have read in a very long time. Who knew Grim Reapers and Demon's and Angels and that bitch Fate (yes she really is a bitch) could be so utterly fascinating.

There is just no way I could write a review that would do this book justice. If your up for something really different that has great world building, a sexy man who is a Reaper with a heart and conscious, bad ass fights along plenty of humor then run to buy this book..
Profile Image for Claudia González.
115 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2017
No me gustó.... es un enredo, y cuando al fin comenzó a ponerse interesante, simplemente pasé la página para encontrar "To be Continue"... me sentí como viendo una serie que cancelaron a mitad de temporada. No es solo un final abierto, sino que es abrupto. Si la intención era que no aguantara las ganas de leer el resto de la serie... Lamento decirlo que por mi parte, literal, --Spoiler Alert: se fueron al purgatorio --Fin del spoiler..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shawna.
198 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest review...

OMG! R.S. Broadhead has completely blown my mind! I am just in awe at this book. The story line is amazing. The concept has more potential then I can express. The characters are loveable. The overall quality and overall way it was thought out and executed is just too much. I am hooked and you will be too!

**Warning in true R.S. Broadhead fashion this book IS A CLIFF HANGER.. and one heck of one too!**

Defiance is the first book in the series. It sets a strong stage for the series to grow and develop. Once things really start to speed up and are ready to come to a head, .. to be continued! I was left BEGGING for more and on the edge of my seat not wanting to wait to know more.

In this book you meet a reaper, who struggles with his role. He knows it is what he was made for, but seems to have something most reapers don't a conscious. He over steps some boundaries and breaks several of his kinds laws. That is just a tiny taste of what the story is really about. I can't say much more as it will give away to much of the plot. It's really something that you will want to experience as you watch it grow and build.

Many moments along the way, I felt like I was there. R.S. Broadhead's ability to draw you in, is uncanny. This is a true page turner leaving you with clenched jaws and on the edge of your seat to the very end. Although this book was just setting everything up for the rest of the series, it really is mind blowing. This series has SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I can't wait to see where she goes with it and to watch the journey unfold along the way!

Thank you for an AMAZING read. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something out of the box and exciting!!
Profile Image for Tracy Grieve.
414 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2016
The world has Fate and Grim both work together but the Grim has reapers who do the job he once done but now Cade a reaper feels wrong about the family about to be taken and he decides to put a stop to it, but his punishment is life in a cell and it's not going to be easy with one of the family being sent in to remind him of what happened to them. But he finds out one of the family members is alive and he must protect her. But being in a cell he has no way of getting out but with Grim gone and Fate running the show he has very little time but with the help of Ryker he escapes prison and is now against the clock but what he can't understand is why Fate wanted this family dead but he finds out that there is a reason behind everything. But he also finds out the reason in why Fate wanted this family so badly but all is not as it seems and now Cade and Ryker have hellhounds and other reapers on their backsides. I liked Ryker his one liners and comments and him thinking he is gods gift wait can a wannabe reaper be gods gift to women?

Izzy escaped within an inch of her life as a young girl always looking over her shoulder she finally settles in New Orleans but her world is about to take a whole s**t storm when the man she remembers all those years ago who saved her shows up and now her once peaceful life is now a battle to stay alive.

Can't wait for the next book in this series
Profile Image for EndlessReading.
519 reviews34 followers
July 10, 2016
WOW!

Firsltly I would like to give a huge thanks to the lovely R.S. Broadhead for kindly providing me with a copy of "Defiance" to read and review.

This is my first time reading anything written by her BUT I without a doubt will be stalking her social media waiting for new books to be released......Another author to add to my top list and another one to stalk :)

From the very first chapter this book blows you away....and I mean literally.

The characters jump out at you, begging you to like them, Ryker is a funny onion and I do hope we get to see more of him.

Cade is different from other Reapers.

He feels when he shouldn't. He doesn't understand why he does where no one else does.
Going against the order and trying to save a family that was destined to die lands him in a lifetime of imprisonment and from there everything changes for him.

I loved the whole concept with reapers, Fate, Grim and the Angels and Demons.

Their enemies are powerful, but with some unimaginable help they get set on the right path at learning how to defeat them. When they find one piece of this freak show of a puzzle they have to put together, all hell breaks loose, keeping you enthralled. It was one helluva page turner, leaving me wanting more.

This book leaves you literally screaming for more!
Profile Image for Lindy Lu Reviews.
314 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2016
What can I say I have really enjoyed reading R.S. Broadheads books. They are different, action packed and super fun reads. There is always that one character in her books that make you laugh out loud at their witty commentary.

I loved Cadeus, he was a really great character. He was supposed to be a heartless creature but he never fit the mold. When he was supposed to take life he wanted to give it. You could feel his inner turmoil. Of why he just couldn't be another mindless drone.

Boy I loved Ryker! Ryker was a breath of fresh air too. I loved his attitude he was such a good friend to Cadeus when he needed it. He definitely had a mind all his own too he cracked me up at times with his funny silly and flirtatious humor. He believed in him when everybody else pushed him in the dark. What is not to love about him?

Izzy is a sweet character also, you can feel her meek strength in her character. I cannot wait to read more about her in the next book, I have a feeling she is going to become the strong female character that I love so much.

I enjoyed this story. It was so different than the norm and a fun joy ride. It was action packed and never a dull moment. I could not get off this joy ride and I didn't want to. I cannot wait until the next book in this series. Will they get out of the predicament they find themselves in?
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books81 followers
July 14, 2016
I was excited about this book because I've enjoyed other books by Broadhead. It didn't disappoint. I really liked Cade. He is a strong (both mentally and physically) reaper. I completely disliked Fate from the beginning. She was just twisted and had a 'bad' feeling about her. Cade didn't follow the rules and was ready to accept the consequences, at least he thought so. He wasn't prepared for what Grim sentenced him to, nor what all that entailed.
I completely disliked all the Demorals and even more so after Grim disappears. Cade's befriending of of Ryker was unusual but then it wasn't. Ryker was the only link to the outside world he had and the only one who would talk to him while he was in prison. I loved that Cade was determined, no matter what rules he had to break, to save this little girl. After thinking for all the years in prison that he had failed and being told he had succeeded, it had to be an elating and then terrifying feeling to realize she is once again in danger. The little clues dropped through the book that he is meant for more keep you pushing to read more.
5/5 for me and I will absolutely be reading the next in this series!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Bookish Voodoo.
536 reviews42 followers
August 15, 2016
I love a good Grim Reaper story. RS Broadhead definitely delivers. Defiance is an interesting tale about a Reaper with a heart and the little girl that wormed her way in without knowing it.

** FYI: This story does end in a cliffhanger. **

Cade is destined for greatness. All he knows is he is destined to be one of Death's many enforcers. Cade is different from other reapers. He feels and cares about others. He knows he's different but doesn't understand why.

Death is upon us and I am Death.

Izzy knows Cade but her memory of him is tied up with the most traumatic event of her life. That event happened 22 years ago. That event ties them together more than either of them know.

This story has adventure, revenge, friendship, and discovery. The ending is a cliffhanger and I'm not a big fan of those. I really REALLY need to know what happens next! The ending is also a little odd and made me wonder if I fell down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, but surprisingly it fits the story.

I really enjoyed RS Broadhead's wrtiting and the description of locations and scenery. I was able to picture what was around and felt like I was right there with Cade throughout the entire book.

If you enjoy paranormal/fantasy then add this to your TBR or oneclick now. :)
Profile Image for Cyndi  Flores.
84 reviews47 followers
July 16, 2016
This is my first book I ever read by this amazing author!!!!
I must say it's not my typical type of book although I am a huge paranormal fan and that is my favorite genre of book, I'm not normally into Grim Reaper's, death, angels that kind of thing but after reading so many things about this book and hearing how wonderful it was I thought I would give it a shot!!!!
Boy am I glad I did it was so much different than what I thought it would be it is definitely a page-turner and you will be hooked from the very beginning, it did not take long at all for me to get into this book there is comedy from the sidekick and I really like the way the book is wrote I will say the one thing I'm not a huge fan of his the Cliffhanger, I do prefer series over stand alone books, however do prefer them to come to some close at the end.
however the book was so good I'm willing to overlook it and wait for the second book in the series.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more books by this author and the next in the series hopefully soon!!!!!!
Profile Image for Maria.
1,003 reviews33 followers
July 7, 2016
3.5 Stars

Cade is different from other Reapers. He feels when he shouldn't and doesn't understand why he does and no one else. Trying to save a family that was destined to die lands him in prison and from there everything changes for him.

The story took a while to get into. The world created was a bit confusing but overall once you figured it out it was quite interesting.

Cade may not understand them but he has morals, ones that he will not turn away from even though he doesn't understand why he has them.

The story has its share of twists and turns that keep you guessing what's going to happen next. The only downside for me so was that once I finally really started getting into the story that's when it ended so now I'll have to wait and see what happens in the next book where I hope things pick up a bit faster!
Profile Image for Victoria B.
578 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2016
This is the first book I have read by R.S. Broadhead and was not disappointed. This book is like nothing I have read previously, I have have read a lot of paranormal books. This book is about a Reaper name Cade who knows he is not like the other reapers but does not understand why. When he completely blows his first assignment as a taker breaking the laws of the reapers in the process, he is thrown in prison for years. When an unexpected visit informs him that he did not completely fail at what he was originally trying to stop he must find a way to escape and finish what he started all those years ago and defeat Fate(I could put in a whole bunch of un-nice things about Fate but won't). This is a great read and as long as your ok with a major cliff hanger then would recommend you pick up a copy and give it a try.
Profile Image for Kelly Erickson.
Author 5 books18 followers
July 15, 2016
This book was very unusual with a reluctant 'hero’. He is well written and very likeable even considering he is death. The sidekick is fun and jokes around even when he's close to dying. I was a little disappointed in the female main character. She lacked depth and had confusing, illogical reactions to things. I couldn't get her at all.
There are so many places where there's a sub-plot starting and you think it's going to go somewhere but then you never hear about it again. And just when it looks like things are going to turn out for the main characters, BAM! A cliffhanger from hell. Literally and figuratively. I did not know this book wasnt complete and I was quite angry.
Although it is nicely written, because of the strange, unpredictable behavior of the female main character and the unexpected cliffhanger, I can't rate this book as high as it could have been.
Profile Image for Stephanie  Mae.
703 reviews
July 15, 2016
Nothing excites me more than reading a good paranormal type book. I was leary about reading this because usually when you read about reapers or angels it's all the same time. This was not the case. It was new and different than what you would typically read. I love the characters. Ryker and Cade made me love this book. The two of them working together while having comical moments was what made this book for me. The twist at the end was insane. I never expected or predicted what was told about Cade and Lizzy. The book left off with a cliffhanger so I've got to get my hands on book two. Overall this was a great read and can't wait to follow the rest of Cade and Lizzy's story. This book was reviewed by HeadTripping Books by Leandra
1 review
July 12, 2016
Let me start by saying, reading is not my favorite hobby. If a book doesn't capture my attention within the first chapter, I put it down and won't pick it back up. R.S. Broadhead sucked me into this book within the first few pages. I could NOT put it down. I have an emotional connection with every character is this book - Cade being my favorite of course. My only complaint is that the end is a COMPLETE CLIFFHANGER and it is killing me to know what happens next! The second book cannot come soon enough!

I HIGHLY recommend this book and the Realms of Darkness series to everyone! You will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
2 reviews
July 13, 2016
Received advanced copy in exchange for a review....

R.S. Broadhead has done it again! Put yourself in the story and you can feel what R.S. Broadhead is telling you and the other audience.In Defiance, you'll meet Cade, Izzy, Ryker, and Grim.

Cade isn't like the other reapers in the story. In the beginning, Cade is ordered in a situation where he refuses to do what he is told. After so many years in a prison, he finds out some very important information, manages to escape, in order to find Izzy (a little girl whom he remembers years ago). Does Cade get to Izzy in time? Order your copy today and travel along with everyone to find out what happens to Izzy!
Profile Image for Julie Rainforth.
81 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2016
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...
Wow, not at all what I expected or am used to. I thouroughly enjoyed it. No spoilers here though!

A reaper is something/someone to fear, correct? Not all of them and not in this book. Cade is different. He goes against the system and gets punished for being different. While he is out of circulation, the world around him changes and not for the better. He is then tasked with putting it right. Will he succeed?
This is a real page turner and a must read.
Profile Image for Chianti Summers.
Author 11 books42 followers
July 10, 2016
Received a copy. Definitely a different read for me. I enjoyed the book. The characters are strong and well developed. The story line unfolds smoothly but fair warning this is a cliffhanger. I don't want to say too much because I am not wanting to give a spoiler. My best recommendation is to read Defiance and we will all be waiting to see what happens next. It will certainly be interesting to see what happens.
Profile Image for Caren Davis.
22 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2016
Fair warning, I am a huge R.S. Broadhead fan and you will be too after reading Defiance!!! It is a fast paced, grab your attention paranormal. I love her take on reapers. Cadeus Reaper is definitely not your normal hero but I fell in love with him right away.

I hate to give spoilers so all I can say is READ this BOOK!!! If you are a paranormal or urban fantasy fan you will love R.S. Broadhead’s Realms of Darkness Series.

I received a copy from the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Missy Noecker.
203 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2016
I absolutely loved this story! It was an interesting take on the Grim Reaper and Fate. It may feel like it starts out a little slow for some people but it doesn't take long to pick up and draw you in. I loved Cade, Ryker and Izzy's characters along with Shiloh, her family and Justice. It was a fun journey til the end and I can't wait til the next book comes out to see where their journey takes them!
8 reviews
May 7, 2017
One of the best books ive ever read. Cant wait for the second book. Its truly awesome it will not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.