What do you think?
Rate this book
Legacy #1
Birthright
How do you live with yourself when you decide who dies?
Ava Parks would have killed for an iPod for her sixteenth birthday. Anything would have been better than coming into her birthright of being a seeker for the Grim Reaper, an arrangement made by her fallen angel ancestor in exchange for his re-admittance to heaven. And she isn’t just any seeker—she finds souls that have the potential for becoming angels and sentences them to death. A year and two souls into her role as a seeker with her conscience overflowing with guilt, Ava comes up with a plan to thwart the system. When it goes awry, she is forced to submit the name of a classmate, Cole Fowler, an ornery, rough around the edges guy who always seems to come to her rescue, whether she likes it or not. Her feelings for Cole prompt her to intervene, and she saves him from death, upsetting the Grim Reaper’s agenda.
While Ava schemes to find a way to save Cole, she learns he has some secrets of his own. She lets him believe he is protecting her, and not the other way around, until a final showdown with the Grim Reaper forces Ava to make choices Cole may never forgive.
Ava Parks would have killed for an iPod for her sixteenth birthday. Anything would have been better than coming into her birthright of being a seeker for the Grim Reaper, an arrangement made by her fallen angel ancestor in exchange for his re-admittance to heaven. And she isn’t just any seeker—she finds souls that have the potential for becoming angels and sentences them to death. A year and two souls into her role as a seeker with her conscience overflowing with guilt, Ava comes up with a plan to thwart the system. When it goes awry, she is forced to submit the name of a classmate, Cole Fowler, an ornery, rough around the edges guy who always seems to come to her rescue, whether she likes it or not. Her feelings for Cole prompt her to intervene, and she saves him from death, upsetting the Grim Reaper’s agenda.
While Ava schemes to find a way to save Cole, she learns he has some secrets of his own. She lets him believe he is protecting her, and not the other way around, until a final showdown with the Grim Reaper forces Ava to make choices Cole may never forgive.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2017
1046 people are currently reading
2769 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Ruddick
23 books264 followersJessica Ruddick is a 2014 Golden Heart finalist for her new adult novel, Letting Go, which was inspired by her own college experiences. She lives in Virginia and is married to her college sweetheart—their first date was a fraternity toga party (and nothing inspires love like a toga, right?). When she doesn’t have her nose in a book or her hands on a keyboard, she can be found wrangling her two rambunctious sons, taming two rowdy but lovable rescue dogs, and battling the herd of dust bunnies that has taken up residence in her home. To learn more about Jessica, please visit her website at jessicaruddick.com. To sign up for her newsletter, visit jessicaruddick.com/NL.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 23, 2017
3 Stars
Overview:
This book was the literary equivalent of potato chips.
Because it’s kind of greasy, less than I want and there’s not a ton of substance--- but before I know it I’ve eaten the whole bag. Just super addicting, but not the highest form of literature/food.
That was this book. This revolves around Ava, a 16-year-old who’s recently learned she was born to be a seeker for The Grim Reaper.
I received a copy of this through Negalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Jessica Ruddick for the opportunity!
Pros:
Snappy dialogue that was extremely witty while still sounding like something teenagers would say.
The villain was actually scary! He made threats and he would actually follow through. He was intense, creepy and drove the plot forward.
The whole idea is just a lot of fun. Ava is a descendant of a fallen angel, meaning she has the ability to see people’s auras. But she’s cursed to use this skill working for reapers and finding soul’s to mark for death. It just felt really creative and interesting.
The ending went a different direction than I expected, and even if it was a little hokey I can’t say it didn’t surprise me.
Just really freaking addicting. The writing style moves quickly and the story is exciting. I found myself wanting to push aside the clichés and just devour this story. (And I kind of did, because I finished it in one day. Whoops.)
Cons:
It’s stereotypical YA paranormal romance. There’s a girl who’s much prettier than she thinks she is… and she’s special! And everything changes when she meets the boy! And he’s got a past and he’s kind of a bad boy! But they are drawn to each other even though he says he’s ‘no good for her!’
There were a lot of bits and pieces in this story, and none of them were ever discussed in depth. Ava bemoans her situation working for the reapers, but doesn’t seem to actually deal with any ramifications of her previous decisions. She makes a lot of dry comments about how it ‘sucks’ being responsible for someone’s death… but never actually feels any fallout.
What could have been a really cool discussion about moral ambiguity and what choices define us ended up being literally black and white. Black aura’s mean someone is bad. White aura’s mean someone is good!
There’s one character introduced who has an almost white aura, but instead she has a strip of tan mixed in. Which means she’s “too conservative” and if that’s not a cop-out I don’t know what is. She was too religious to be an angel? Also nothing ever happened with her character so I’m not sure why she existed.
Everything was wayyy more dramatic than it needed to be. Ava couldn’t just tell someone her backstory, she had to do it by pointing a gun to her head.
In Conclusion:
It was kinda trashy, but super enjoyable.Also now I want chips.
Overview:
This book was the literary equivalent of potato chips.
Because it’s kind of greasy, less than I want and there’s not a ton of substance--- but before I know it I’ve eaten the whole bag. Just super addicting, but not the highest form of literature/food.
That was this book. This revolves around Ava, a 16-year-old who’s recently learned she was born to be a seeker for The Grim Reaper.
I received a copy of this through Negalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Jessica Ruddick for the opportunity!
Pros:
Snappy dialogue that was extremely witty while still sounding like something teenagers would say.
The villain was actually scary! He made threats and he would actually follow through. He was intense, creepy and drove the plot forward.
The whole idea is just a lot of fun. Ava is a descendant of a fallen angel, meaning she has the ability to see people’s auras. But she’s cursed to use this skill working for reapers and finding soul’s to mark for death. It just felt really creative and interesting.
The ending went a different direction than I expected, and even if it was a little hokey I can’t say it didn’t surprise me.
Just really freaking addicting. The writing style moves quickly and the story is exciting. I found myself wanting to push aside the clichés and just devour this story. (And I kind of did, because I finished it in one day. Whoops.)
Cons:
It’s stereotypical YA paranormal romance. There’s a girl who’s much prettier than she thinks she is… and she’s special! And everything changes when she meets the boy! And he’s got a past and he’s kind of a bad boy! But they are drawn to each other even though he says he’s ‘no good for her!’
There were a lot of bits and pieces in this story, and none of them were ever discussed in depth. Ava bemoans her situation working for the reapers, but doesn’t seem to actually deal with any ramifications of her previous decisions. She makes a lot of dry comments about how it ‘sucks’ being responsible for someone’s death… but never actually feels any fallout.
What could have been a really cool discussion about moral ambiguity and what choices define us ended up being literally black and white. Black aura’s mean someone is bad. White aura’s mean someone is good!
There’s one character introduced who has an almost white aura, but instead she has a strip of tan mixed in. Which means she’s “too conservative” and if that’s not a cop-out I don’t know what is. She was too religious to be an angel? Also nothing ever happened with her character so I’m not sure why she existed.
Everything was wayyy more dramatic than it needed to be. Ava couldn’t just tell someone her backstory, she had to do it by pointing a gun to her head.
In Conclusion:
It was kinda trashy, but super enjoyable.
March 22, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to Jessica Ruddick and NetGalley.)
This was a YA paranormal romance story, featuring a girl who could read auras.
Ava’s heart seemed to be in the right place in this book, but she was maybe a little naïve to think that she could outsmart a reaper and get away with it. Cole was a good character, and it was nice of him to try and protect Ava the way he did.
The storyline in this was about Ava and her mother being seekers – people able to read auras, who searched for people with white auras, who had the potential to be angels. Ava didn’t like this job though as she felt that the deaths of the people she found were on her hands. When Ava realised that Cole had a white aura she then tried to protect him rather than turning him in to her handler, which didn’t go well really. We did get a bit of romance then between Ava and Cole, and a little bit of action too.
The ending to this was okay, but things were left fairly open.
6.5 out of 10
“That’s when I learned the truth, that Xavier was our connection to the Grim Reaper, that our job was to find white fated souls to die and join the ranks of angels, that I’d already been inadvertently responsible for the deaths of at least two people.”
This was a YA paranormal romance story, featuring a girl who could read auras.
Ava’s heart seemed to be in the right place in this book, but she was maybe a little naïve to think that she could outsmart a reaper and get away with it. Cole was a good character, and it was nice of him to try and protect Ava the way he did.
The storyline in this was about Ava and her mother being seekers – people able to read auras, who searched for people with white auras, who had the potential to be angels. Ava didn’t like this job though as she felt that the deaths of the people she found were on her hands. When Ava realised that Cole had a white aura she then tried to protect him rather than turning him in to her handler, which didn’t go well really. We did get a bit of romance then between Ava and Cole, and a little bit of action too.
The ending to this was okay, but things were left fairly open.
6.5 out of 10
March 26, 2017
About a year ago on her sixteenth birthday Ava Parks was let in on the secret of who and what she really was, a seeker. Ava's job would be to find pure white souls for the Grim Reaper to take to possibly become angels. Just like her mother Ava is able to see the auras of those around her but only those of people near her own age which meant that Ava was forced to name young teenagers to be marked for death which is not something she was dealing with well.
When Ava meets Cole Fowler she immediately knows she does not want to give up his name but Cole's aura is a glowing white even from the tough background he comes from. As the two grow closer though Ave comes up with a plan to try to get around being forced to sentence others to death. If the plan works out then Ava just may be able to live with being a seeker.
Birthright is the first book in the Legacy series by Jessica Ruddick. I found the concept of being forced to name those that would be killed an intriguing one. Who really would be alright with knowing that simply because you told their name this person's life would end even if it wasn't at your own doing? And not only does Ava have to name the next person for the reaper but it has to be the really good people that she needs to find.
The story also has a developing relationship between Ava and Cole. Cole was a very intriguing character to get to know when you find out all about what he'd been through and how he's lived but to still be so good. The action the pair go through kept the pages turning as you await finding out if Ava's plan may or may not work and if she can save Cole.
Overall, nice start to this series and I would definitely be interested in continuing to read after the cliffhanger ending of the first book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When Ava meets Cole Fowler she immediately knows she does not want to give up his name but Cole's aura is a glowing white even from the tough background he comes from. As the two grow closer though Ave comes up with a plan to try to get around being forced to sentence others to death. If the plan works out then Ava just may be able to live with being a seeker.
Birthright is the first book in the Legacy series by Jessica Ruddick. I found the concept of being forced to name those that would be killed an intriguing one. Who really would be alright with knowing that simply because you told their name this person's life would end even if it wasn't at your own doing? And not only does Ava have to name the next person for the reaper but it has to be the really good people that she needs to find.
The story also has a developing relationship between Ava and Cole. Cole was a very intriguing character to get to know when you find out all about what he'd been through and how he's lived but to still be so good. The action the pair go through kept the pages turning as you await finding out if Ava's plan may or may not work and if she can save Cole.
Overall, nice start to this series and I would definitely be interested in continuing to read after the cliffhanger ending of the first book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
June 13, 2017
As soon as I discovered that this novel had something to do with Grim Reapers, I was hooked. I wanted to read Birthright because something about death is kind of fascinating, especially the paranormal perspective where there is someone who comes to take you somewhere when your time is up. This novel is told from the perspective of someone who is that person that determines it is your time to die, because they can see when your aura is ready. Uh, does that sound amazing to anyone? It certainly did to me! I wondered if the execution of the novel was going to be good enough to pull it off, and Ruddick did not fail me.
I was thrown right into the story. The author wastes no time with unnecessary backstory, and that worked just fine with me. Ruddick gives you enough information to know what is happening, and gradually you paint enough of a picture to understand all the paranormal elements as well. No info dumps. No confusion. I really liked the beginning, and that is rare because the opening of books usually just don’t do it for me.
I raced through the novel in a few days. The writing style was so easy to sink into, making it the ideal young adult read. The style fits the teenager kind of vibes perfectly, without sounding too juvenile. It was like I was completely immersed in the protagonist’s mind, which is exactly as it should be when reading a first person narrative where emotion matters as much as it did in this novel. The pace of the novel made sure I was never bored.
And if I hadn’t appreciated it enough at the start of the review, the world building in this one is brilliant. I love the world, and all the roles it includes – from the grim reapers, to those who are higher up in the chain of the entire practice, and Ava’s role as the selector for those who need to pass on. Everything was so captivating and well explained. There are some gaps in our knowledge, but those are gaps that Ava has as well, and is pursuing in the novel. Nothing a reader can’t handle to add to the suspense.
The plot was so good as well. It was what kept me turning pages the most. I wondered how things were going to work out for them, because Ava kind of put them in a situation which didn’t seem to have a resolution to me. But there were lots of different twists and elements which all contributed to the main plot line, making it more intense. Some things didn’t quite add up – if she projects her aura while sleeping, why isn’t she nervous about sharing a room with Cole? – and a few things like that. But aside from them, it was a very enjoyable plot to follow.
I was a bit skeptical about the ending. It was kind of bizarre, out of the pattern of the rest of the story. It also seemed to go a bit too fast in comparison to the build of the story, and I wanted it to have been explained a bit better. However, I do know there is a sequel and I am sure that holds even more answers for me in the future.
I’m looking forward to reading that sequel and finding out what happens in Ava and Cole’s story next!
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
I was thrown right into the story. The author wastes no time with unnecessary backstory, and that worked just fine with me. Ruddick gives you enough information to know what is happening, and gradually you paint enough of a picture to understand all the paranormal elements as well. No info dumps. No confusion. I really liked the beginning, and that is rare because the opening of books usually just don’t do it for me.
I raced through the novel in a few days. The writing style was so easy to sink into, making it the ideal young adult read. The style fits the teenager kind of vibes perfectly, without sounding too juvenile. It was like I was completely immersed in the protagonist’s mind, which is exactly as it should be when reading a first person narrative where emotion matters as much as it did in this novel. The pace of the novel made sure I was never bored.
And if I hadn’t appreciated it enough at the start of the review, the world building in this one is brilliant. I love the world, and all the roles it includes – from the grim reapers, to those who are higher up in the chain of the entire practice, and Ava’s role as the selector for those who need to pass on. Everything was so captivating and well explained. There are some gaps in our knowledge, but those are gaps that Ava has as well, and is pursuing in the novel. Nothing a reader can’t handle to add to the suspense.
The plot was so good as well. It was what kept me turning pages the most. I wondered how things were going to work out for them, because Ava kind of put them in a situation which didn’t seem to have a resolution to me. But there were lots of different twists and elements which all contributed to the main plot line, making it more intense. Some things didn’t quite add up – if she projects her aura while sleeping, why isn’t she nervous about sharing a room with Cole? – and a few things like that. But aside from them, it was a very enjoyable plot to follow.
I was a bit skeptical about the ending. It was kind of bizarre, out of the pattern of the rest of the story. It also seemed to go a bit too fast in comparison to the build of the story, and I wanted it to have been explained a bit better. However, I do know there is a sequel and I am sure that holds even more answers for me in the future.
I’m looking forward to reading that sequel and finding out what happens in Ava and Cole’s story next!
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
March 3, 2017
I want to start off by saying that if you like Jennifer L Armentrout's writing and characters than I think you'll like this too. There is so much witty banter between the characters and I loved it. So a little about the book, Ava is a seeker, which means she collects the names of teenagers who could be a grim reaper and passes them along to her 'boss' Xavier. She's sick of doing it and I can't say I blame her. I'd hate her job.
Bu things get moving and stuff unravels and all this gets more complicated and it's a fun and fast moving story. I was never bored and I lived for the sarcastic banter between the characters. The plot is rather unique in a world of unoriginal works.
So I want to thank the author for giving me a copy to read this wonderful book! It's so great and I'm so glad to have read it!
Bu things get moving and stuff unravels and all this gets more complicated and it's a fun and fast moving story. I was never bored and I lived for the sarcastic banter between the characters. The plot is rather unique in a world of unoriginal works.
So I want to thank the author for giving me a copy to read this wonderful book! It's so great and I'm so glad to have read it!
Read
May 21, 2017DNF
Mini review:
I received this E-ARC via Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review. I had heard about this book through friends on GR. It sounded interesting and I wanted to give it a go. Unfortunately it was not for me.
I don't think I really like reading about Angels. That's just something personal and I probably shouldn't have requested it based on that. But I did enjoy the characters and Ava seeing people's auras. Also her relationship with her mother was fantastic!
All in all it wasn't for me. But I still recommend for the reasons above.
Mini review:
I received this E-ARC via Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review. I had heard about this book through friends on GR. It sounded interesting and I wanted to give it a go. Unfortunately it was not for me.
I don't think I really like reading about Angels. That's just something personal and I probably shouldn't have requested it based on that. But I did enjoy the characters and Ava seeing people's auras. Also her relationship with her mother was fantastic!
All in all it wasn't for me. But I still recommend for the reasons above.
Want to read
February 22, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/22/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
How do you live with yourself when you decide who dies?
Ava Parks would have killed for an iPod for her sixteenth birthday. Anything would have been better than coming into her birthright of being a seeker for the Grim Reaper, an arrangement made by her fallen angel ancestor in exchange for his re-admittance to heaven. And she isn’t just any seeker—she finds souls that have the potential for becoming angels and sentences them to death. A year and two souls into her role as a seeker with her conscience overflowing with guilt, Ava comes up with a plan to thwart the system. When it goes awry, she is forced to submit the name of a classmate, Cole Fowler, an ornery, rough around the edges guy who always seems to come to her rescue, whether she likes it or not. Her feelings for Cole prompt her to intervene, and she saves him from death, upsetting the Grim Reaper’s agenda.
While Ava schemes to find a way to save Cole, she learns he has some secrets of his own. She lets him believe he is protecting her, and not the other way around, until a final showdown with the Grim Reaper forces Ava to make choices Cole may never forgive.
Blurb:
How do you live with yourself when you decide who dies?
Ava Parks would have killed for an iPod for her sixteenth birthday. Anything would have been better than coming into her birthright of being a seeker for the Grim Reaper, an arrangement made by her fallen angel ancestor in exchange for his re-admittance to heaven. And she isn’t just any seeker—she finds souls that have the potential for becoming angels and sentences them to death. A year and two souls into her role as a seeker with her conscience overflowing with guilt, Ava comes up with a plan to thwart the system. When it goes awry, she is forced to submit the name of a classmate, Cole Fowler, an ornery, rough around the edges guy who always seems to come to her rescue, whether she likes it or not. Her feelings for Cole prompt her to intervene, and she saves him from death, upsetting the Grim Reaper’s agenda.
While Ava schemes to find a way to save Cole, she learns he has some secrets of his own. She lets him believe he is protecting her, and not the other way around, until a final showdown with the Grim Reaper forces Ava to make choices Cole may never forgive.
April 5, 2017
This is the first book I've read by Jessica Ruddick and I really enjoyed it. I'm new to the genre of paranormal romance but, the more I read it the more I'm loving it. Jessica's writing was extremely engaging and I can't wait to read the sequel!!
Ava was your average teenage girl till she turned 16 and found out there's nothing average or ordinary about her. She's let it on her powers in which she tells the grim reaper about pure white souls and basically writes there death wish. Only thing is she can only see auras of people her own age which never posed a bigger problem for her like it did when she met Cole who saves her from getting run over. Coles aura beams very white and as much as he annoys her she can't bring herself to give the reaper his name knowing what will happen if she does.
This was such a different story but was so intriguing & addictive for me. Cole and Ava were quite amusing together. And I loved trying to see is Ava's idea to not hand Cole over would pan out.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received via NetGalley
Ava was your average teenage girl till she turned 16 and found out there's nothing average or ordinary about her. She's let it on her powers in which she tells the grim reaper about pure white souls and basically writes there death wish. Only thing is she can only see auras of people her own age which never posed a bigger problem for her like it did when she met Cole who saves her from getting run over. Coles aura beams very white and as much as he annoys her she can't bring herself to give the reaper his name knowing what will happen if she does.
This was such a different story but was so intriguing & addictive for me. Cole and Ava were quite amusing together. And I loved trying to see is Ava's idea to not hand Cole over would pan out.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received via NetGalley
March 6, 2022
Intriguing Tale.
At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this, but I did, very much. Seekers find pure souls to become angels, but for Ava, this means sentencing someone to death and their family to heartbreak. Then there's Cole. Well crafted and interesting.
At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this, but I did, very much. Seekers find pure souls to become angels, but for Ava, this means sentencing someone to death and their family to heartbreak. Then there's Cole. Well crafted and interesting.
March 14, 2017
I've read a few reaper stories over the years but what I most appreciated about Birthright was the switch up between the usual gender roles and the twist on the lore.
Ava is a seeker, she works for the Grim Reaper finding souls - and by works for, I mean she that due to her DNA she doesn't have any choice but to find souls.
I liked Ava's snark and the Buffy-ish dialogue, but moreover, I liked her fighting spirit. I mean, seriously come on! Talk about being lumbered with one heck of a horrible burden!
On to Cole. Cole's right up there with some of the best YA heroes. The best way I can think of to describe him is as a sort of mash up of a Abbi Glines meets Cassie Clare meets Huntley Fitzpatrick with a side order of JLA book boyfriend.
I enjoyed their flirty arguing *ahem* banter. Plus they have the whole reverse Bella and Edward dynamic going on.
Xaiver didn't fit the role I was expecting which was actually a rather nice surprise. I will say I couldn't quite get my head round Eva's mother and her actions - sorry it's too spoilery to say any more...
The pace is pretty balanced and really starts to pick up as the plot and action develops. Plus I kinda wanna go be an intern in a car mechanic's shop...!
4 Stars in my Sky!
I received a review copy
Ava is a seeker, she works for the Grim Reaper finding souls - and by works for, I mean she that due to her DNA she doesn't have any choice but to find souls.
I liked Ava's snark and the Buffy-ish dialogue, but moreover, I liked her fighting spirit. I mean, seriously come on! Talk about being lumbered with one heck of a horrible burden!
On to Cole. Cole's right up there with some of the best YA heroes. The best way I can think of to describe him is as a sort of mash up of a Abbi Glines meets Cassie Clare meets Huntley Fitzpatrick with a side order of JLA book boyfriend.
I enjoyed their flirty arguing *ahem* banter. Plus they have the whole reverse Bella and Edward dynamic going on.
Xaiver didn't fit the role I was expecting which was actually a rather nice surprise. I will say I couldn't quite get my head round Eva's mother and her actions - sorry it's too spoilery to say any more...
The pace is pretty balanced and really starts to pick up as the plot and action develops. Plus I kinda wanna go be an intern in a car mechanic's shop...!
4 Stars in my Sky!
I received a review copy
August 13, 2017
-Ding Dong voice- Yikes, let's try THAT one again.
This whole soul stealer/reaper thing was done right by Victoria Scott and I'll be the first to admit that The Collector isn't even that good, but at least it's interesting.
Ava feels bad, Ava doesn't like her mom, Ava goes to school, Ava gets a lady boner over Cole, Xavier threatens her, rinse and repeat
When I skim the last 50+ pages and it's not because a battle is taking place (I never read finale battles anymore they suck) then you've got a problem.
I've read worse versions of this, hence why it gets at least 2 stars, but that's not something to really base the book off of.
-le shrug-
This whole soul stealer/reaper thing was done right by Victoria Scott and I'll be the first to admit that The Collector isn't even that good, but at least it's interesting.
Ava feels bad, Ava doesn't like her mom, Ava goes to school, Ava gets a lady boner over Cole, Xavier threatens her, rinse and repeat
When I skim the last 50+ pages and it's not because a battle is taking place (I never read finale battles anymore they suck) then you've got a problem.
I've read worse versions of this, hence why it gets at least 2 stars, but that's not something to really base the book off of.
-le shrug-
September 12, 2018
This was a good book, it was obviously meant for a younger reader than me which is probably why I found the storyline and characters simplistic and though I will at some point continue with the other books in the series for me there is no rush or desperation to d o this in a hurry.
The main character is Ava, a teenage girl who has already been chosen to have a greater part to play in the universe. She holds the title of 'Seeker' a person who is tasked to find pure souls who have the potential to become angels and let Reapers know so that the potential can be fulfilled (or not). She doesn't especially like her job but she feels she has no out until she meets Cole, a pure soul who she develops feelings for and doesn't want to die.
The main secondary character is Cole. But to be honest except from being Ava's love interest I didn't think he had much about him.
The storyline is simplistic which makes it a quick and easy read. The pacing is Ok but nothing earth shattering.
3.5 stars, an OK read
The main character is Ava, a teenage girl who has already been chosen to have a greater part to play in the universe. She holds the title of 'Seeker' a person who is tasked to find pure souls who have the potential to become angels and let Reapers know so that the potential can be fulfilled (or not). She doesn't especially like her job but she feels she has no out until she meets Cole, a pure soul who she develops feelings for and doesn't want to die.
The main secondary character is Cole. But to be honest except from being Ava's love interest I didn't think he had much about him.
The storyline is simplistic which makes it a quick and easy read. The pacing is Ok but nothing earth shattering.
3.5 stars, an OK read
March 13, 2017
My first book by Jessica Ruddick, and I have to say I was pretty impressed. I truly enjoyed this book, it was right up my alley and it wasn't what I expected. The story is very out of the box, and I think that was my favorite part about it. It grabbed me from the first chapter, and never let me go. The pacing was consistent, and the final showdown was epic! Not to mention, I was pulled in thanks to the GORGEOUS cover!
Ava is what is called a Seeker - she collects the identities of potential grim reapers and passed them on to her boss, Xavier. She hates her job... things get wonky when she tires of her job and is forced to submit Cole's name. She intervenes and things get way out of hand! I love any book that has to do with supernatural creature types, and this one was not disappointing!
My favorites parts of this book were the characters of Ava and Cole themselves - they were very interesting to get to know and I loved reading their story. Their teenage sarcasm and snark made what I considered a pretty dark book, actually be funny too, and I actually enjoyed it very much. Ava represents such a strong female teen - she has this life set out in front of her, and she wants to change it. So she sets things in motion, and even when things go awry, she eventually lands on the ground again with both feet...
Ava is what is called a Seeker - she collects the identities of potential grim reapers and passed them on to her boss, Xavier. She hates her job... things get wonky when she tires of her job and is forced to submit Cole's name. She intervenes and things get way out of hand! I love any book that has to do with supernatural creature types, and this one was not disappointing!
My favorites parts of this book were the characters of Ava and Cole themselves - they were very interesting to get to know and I loved reading their story. Their teenage sarcasm and snark made what I considered a pretty dark book, actually be funny too, and I actually enjoyed it very much. Ava represents such a strong female teen - she has this life set out in front of her, and she wants to change it. So she sets things in motion, and even when things go awry, she eventually lands on the ground again with both feet...
March 17, 2017
This book was very addicting, once you start it’ll be hard to put down so clear your schedule as you’ll be stuck to its pages until you’re done. I enjoyed the story as it was something different from what I’ve read lately and definitely had a unique plot line.
Jessica Ruddick’s sharp dialogue and humorous repartee between her characters had a strangely reminiscent quality of Joss Whedon’s Buffy days.
Her plot is fast paced and the storyline loosens quickly into a byzantine but fun tale. Boredom is NOT something you should feel when it comes to her work especially with that great dialogue and unique world she’s created.
Even knowing what I was getting into I still felt surprised at how much it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be but in a good way. When it comes to the YA genre you get recycled plot lines so often or stuff that is similar enough just with different genders, times or settings it was a refreshing change of pace to fall into a chronicle like this.
This book deserves a look, a read, a chance to pull you into something different than what you’re used to as Ruddick provides an escape into something special. Best of all, it’s only book one in a new series.
Jessica Ruddick’s sharp dialogue and humorous repartee between her characters had a strangely reminiscent quality of Joss Whedon’s Buffy days.
Her plot is fast paced and the storyline loosens quickly into a byzantine but fun tale. Boredom is NOT something you should feel when it comes to her work especially with that great dialogue and unique world she’s created.
Even knowing what I was getting into I still felt surprised at how much it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be but in a good way. When it comes to the YA genre you get recycled plot lines so often or stuff that is similar enough just with different genders, times or settings it was a refreshing change of pace to fall into a chronicle like this.
This book deserves a look, a read, a chance to pull you into something different than what you’re used to as Ruddick provides an escape into something special. Best of all, it’s only book one in a new series.
December 15, 2018
Started well but then dragged the whole rest of the book
March 2, 2017
Wow, I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel teenagers and young adults would love to read this book. There is only one paragraph that would probably have to be changed for teenagers to read. I really love how Ava hates what she has to do and tries her best to change it, but cannot. She finds her love but has to try to save him, Her feelings for her mother is back and forth because of everything. "But don't teenagers do this anyway even with minor things" Will she make the right choice at the end for her love Cole? Have to read to see what that is and if you think she made the right choice. I received a free arc copy for my honest review.
March 12, 2017
This is the first time I've read anything by this author! But i doubt it will be my last!
The whole story flowed nicely and I really enjoyed it.I really enjoyed the main characters interaction and felt as if I was really there with them. An awesome YA paranormal read.
(I recieved this free book and chose to leave an honest review)
The whole story flowed nicely and I really enjoyed it.I really enjoyed the main characters interaction and felt as if I was really there with them. An awesome YA paranormal read.
(I recieved this free book and chose to leave an honest review)
March 2, 2018
BookRiot Read Harder Challenge # 16
3ish stars.
Ava is a seventeen year old girl who is a decendant of a fallen angel. This means she must live her life seeking out the white auras of people to mark them for death for the Grim Reapers, with the potential of them joining an angel army. When she meets and insta-falls for bad boy Cole who she learns has a throbbing white aura, Ava starts her mission to outwit her (maybe?) demon handler and save Cole from being reaped.
Ok so....this is your typical paranormal YA book. Girl is saved by boy, girl insta falls for boy, boy has a bad boy exterior but is really fluffly and protective to said girl. Girl has special powers, which makes it hard for her to live a normal life, girl has to make a life altering decision to keep said boy. Its all pretty predicatble.
However, that didnt stop me from finishing the book in a day and buying the rest of the series. I did enjoy Ruddicks witty
bantering dialouge, the story moved quickly and the relationship between Cole and Ava didnt necessarily feel rushed.
3ish stars.
Ava is a seventeen year old girl who is a decendant of a fallen angel. This means she must live her life seeking out the white auras of people to mark them for death for the Grim Reapers, with the potential of them joining an angel army. When she meets and insta-falls for bad boy Cole who she learns has a throbbing white aura, Ava starts her mission to outwit her (maybe?) demon handler and save Cole from being reaped.
Ok so....this is your typical paranormal YA book. Girl is saved by boy, girl insta falls for boy, boy has a bad boy exterior but is really fluffly and protective to said girl. Girl has special powers, which makes it hard for her to live a normal life, girl has to make a life altering decision to keep said boy. Its all pretty predicatble.
However, that didnt stop me from finishing the book in a day and buying the rest of the series. I did enjoy Ruddicks witty
bantering dialouge, the story moved quickly and the relationship between Cole and Ava didnt necessarily feel rushed.
March 2, 2017
I received this book in a giveaway and was very excited to start reading this book it sounded so unique and that was exactly what I was looking for! I really liked this book a lot its a quick easy read with an awesome cover the purple and black matches the darkness of the book! I appreciated that even though this book is a bit dark in the taking peoples souls kind of way it still was funny with the sarcastic banter between Ava and Cole. The only thing I would have changed was if there is going to be a second part in the Legacy I would have suggested a bit more mystery at the end to keep me wanting to hurry and read the second part but the ending of Legacy 1 left me satisfied that I don't feel like I would need to read a second part. I highly recommend this book and thank you Jessica Ruddick for the bookmarkers and card!
February 19, 2017
This book is unlike any other on my shelf. I have read another book by Jessica, so when she asked me to review this one for her, I had to accept.
And boy, am I glad I did! I couldn't put it down! I finished it in a day. Days that included me working, being a mom and playing a lot of Pokemon Go.
Ava is such a strong character. I love that she wants to change her way of life. A life she didn't choose, but a life she was born with.
Ava is a Seeker. She finds people (teenagers to be exact) who have white or fated auras to give to the Grim Reaper. Basically, she sends kids to their death. She no longer can handle that burden. I mean, can you blame her? That job sucks.
Enter in Cole. Cole has a white aura, although he shouldn't have one. Cole can be a bit of a smart mouth at times. He's dabbled in some bad things in the past as well.
Ava doesn't want to have to turn Cole's name to Xavier. Xavier is the middleman who collects the names for the Grim Reapers. She only gives him the name when her mother is danger.
She then does whatever she can to save Cole.
I don't want to give too much else away! You're going to love this book!!!
Everything about this book is addicting. It's not just a pretty cover. It's definitely worth the read. Pick it up and do not put it down until you've finished!
March 18, 2017
(
I received this book free in exchange for my honest review
)
4 1/2 Stars
Oh my my my...... This was not what I was expecting.
When I first started reading, I cringed because it starts like every other YA, and my interest and heart wasn't in it. But Holy hell I was wrong. The plots stayed on point, there was never a dull moment, and the witty banter, I was in tears sometimes.
This book is truly a diamond in the rough. It kicked in YA cliché's a took names. This was what writing should be about, creating your own story, not reusing the same cookie cutter plots and twisted into something else, we're not stupid we know when it's just about the money. This book will rekindle your love for not only YA but in reading in general.
I highly recommend this book, it's everything I needed and more. You will not be able to put this book down once you start. I can't for the next instillment.
Happy Reading. ❤
E.A. Walsh
4 1/2 Stars
Oh my my my...... This was not what I was expecting.
When I first started reading, I cringed because it starts like every other YA, and my interest and heart wasn't in it. But Holy hell I was wrong. The plots stayed on point, there was never a dull moment, and the witty banter, I was in tears sometimes.
This book is truly a diamond in the rough. It kicked in YA cliché's a took names. This was what writing should be about, creating your own story, not reusing the same cookie cutter plots and twisted into something else, we're not stupid we know when it's just about the money. This book will rekindle your love for not only YA but in reading in general.
I highly recommend this book, it's everything I needed and more. You will not be able to put this book down once you start. I can't for the next instillment.
Happy Reading. ❤
E.A. Walsh
March 15, 2017
Such a great book, loved the world, great characters, and that ending makes me want to read the sequel!
June 11, 2017
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Birthright is the first novel in Jessica Ruddick’s Legacy series and is an utterly addictive read that kicks off a promising series in a tale full of sass, humour and sensational character chemistry that left me completely entranced from the opening page and dying for more!
Ava Parks is a seeker; a gift she received on her sixteenth birthday when her mother finally explained their family history. Able to see the auras that surround people, its Ava’s job to seek out those with white auras, the purest and best of humanity, and provide their names to Grim Reapers so that these individuals may have a shot at becoming angels. Giving these souls such an opportunity should seem like a blessing, but when you’re ultimately sentencing someone to death, how do you live with yourself? This question becomes increasingly clear with Ava’s latest assignment; where the white aura she finds belongs to arrogant, moody, too-charming-for-his-own-good classmate Cole Fowler who suddenly seems to be rescuing Ava left right and centre. Struggling with having to give up Cole’s name, Ava sets out to beat the system, but with Cole’s own secrets catching up to him, will Ava be able to protect the boy she’s coming to care about? Or will the grim reaper get their man after all?
Wow! Having just finished Birthright, can I just say how absolutely I LOVED this book? Seriously. I really adored this! From the very opening chapter the story completely sucked me in. Ava was a strong voiced character who had the perfect balance of heart and vulnerability while also managing to be sassy and full of sharp wit. In many aspects Birthright is perfect if you’ve enjoyed Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamer series and will keep you very much entranced by the delectable chemistry and budding relationship that develops between Ava and Cole as the novel unfolds.
There’s a really good (pardon the pun) aura to Birthright that becomes clear from very early on in the story. Jessica Ruddick sets the pace well; letting us just get a glimpse into the world of seeker’s and aura as our main character Ava and her love interest/protector Cole get to know one another. I still feel like there's so much to this world to learn and that Ruddick has only let us see the tip of the iceberg.
Ava and Cole will of course steal your heart with their strong, likeable personalities and electric dynamic together. It was highly entertaining, and at times endearing seeing them get to know one another. There's some great dialogue and witty, flirty banter as they fight the inevitable. Ava has some serious difficulties to face if she wants to protect Cole and as she faces her demons, Jessica Ruddick will have you wondering how this smart, sharp and feisty teenager will save Cole from certain death.
Fast paced and oh so good Birthright was a brilliant read and leaves me dying to see what is in store for Ava and Cole next after the shocking ending of this first instalment. I can't wait to read the sequel and I highly recommend Birthright if you're looking for a YA with a likeable heroine, wonderful romance and perfect chemistry!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Birthright is the first novel in Jessica Ruddick’s Legacy series and is an utterly addictive read that kicks off a promising series in a tale full of sass, humour and sensational character chemistry that left me completely entranced from the opening page and dying for more!
Ava Parks is a seeker; a gift she received on her sixteenth birthday when her mother finally explained their family history. Able to see the auras that surround people, its Ava’s job to seek out those with white auras, the purest and best of humanity, and provide their names to Grim Reapers so that these individuals may have a shot at becoming angels. Giving these souls such an opportunity should seem like a blessing, but when you’re ultimately sentencing someone to death, how do you live with yourself? This question becomes increasingly clear with Ava’s latest assignment; where the white aura she finds belongs to arrogant, moody, too-charming-for-his-own-good classmate Cole Fowler who suddenly seems to be rescuing Ava left right and centre. Struggling with having to give up Cole’s name, Ava sets out to beat the system, but with Cole’s own secrets catching up to him, will Ava be able to protect the boy she’s coming to care about? Or will the grim reaper get their man after all?
Wow! Having just finished Birthright, can I just say how absolutely I LOVED this book? Seriously. I really adored this! From the very opening chapter the story completely sucked me in. Ava was a strong voiced character who had the perfect balance of heart and vulnerability while also managing to be sassy and full of sharp wit. In many aspects Birthright is perfect if you’ve enjoyed Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamer series and will keep you very much entranced by the delectable chemistry and budding relationship that develops between Ava and Cole as the novel unfolds.
There’s a really good (pardon the pun) aura to Birthright that becomes clear from very early on in the story. Jessica Ruddick sets the pace well; letting us just get a glimpse into the world of seeker’s and aura as our main character Ava and her love interest/protector Cole get to know one another. I still feel like there's so much to this world to learn and that Ruddick has only let us see the tip of the iceberg.
Ava and Cole will of course steal your heart with their strong, likeable personalities and electric dynamic together. It was highly entertaining, and at times endearing seeing them get to know one another. There's some great dialogue and witty, flirty banter as they fight the inevitable. Ava has some serious difficulties to face if she wants to protect Cole and as she faces her demons, Jessica Ruddick will have you wondering how this smart, sharp and feisty teenager will save Cole from certain death.
Fast paced and oh so good Birthright was a brilliant read and leaves me dying to see what is in store for Ava and Cole next after the shocking ending of this first instalment. I can't wait to read the sequel and I highly recommend Birthright if you're looking for a YA with a likeable heroine, wonderful romance and perfect chemistry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2017
Goes down as another off my 2017 Bookworm Bingo Challenge – A book with a purple cover. I do love all things purple and this cover made my day – love it!
So Ava and her mother are seekers. Descendents of a fallen angel who made a deal with God to get back into heaven. All his descendents from then on would become seekers. Their job is to find new souls who have the potential to become new angels. Once they find someone with a pure white aura (only finding people within your own age range) they have to give the name to their handler, a reaper. Its reapers who create, for lack of a better word, these peoples deaths so their souls can be collected and tested to see if they have what it takes to become an angel. Now Ava and her mothers’ handler Xavier is one nasty piece of work. If he threatens someone you can guarantee that he will follow through. With being a seeker they are immortal to a point. So what kind of pain do you think you might have to endure if you can’t die.
Ava found out about her heritage on her sixteenth birthday – not the gift she thought she’d get and definitely not the kind of job she thought she’d have to do for the rest of her life. For a year she has had to hone in on her gifts and find people when a new assignment comes in from Xavier. At first she didn’t really understand what was happening but now she does she knows nothing will ever be the same again. She can’t see how its fare for her to condemn good people to die before their time is up, even if they do have a chance to be an angel. The system is flawed in her eyes but she doesn’t want to go against it more than when she is told she has two weeks to find a new white soul. The one she finds she can’t explain as nothing seems right about it and she soon finds all she wants to do is protect to one who has it – Cole.
From the moment they meet there is a spark but it’s the back and forth sparing that will keep you reading to see where it goes. Seems they get paired on a project at school that will keep them close for a few weeks. Not that she’s complaining much. He may act like a bit of an asshole sometimes but she can’t deny the way he makes her feel or the pull that’s there. Its not until she lets down her guard and sees his aura that she starts to panic – it’s white. So white in fact that it pulses but the more she gets to know him and his past the more she is convinced something else is going on as he shouldn’t have an aura that white. His is the name she needs to give but the one she wants to protect the most. She’s trying to find a loophole so she can save him but is she willing to follow through on her plan? Causing trouble and breaking the rules leads to trouble for her and her mother and it looks like death might have marked Cole regardless. With his past coming back to cause trouble it puts them both in harms way. She longs to protect him from what’s coming but it’s his instincts that go into overdrive when she is in need of protecting. A road trip has its dangers but pulls them closer together. Lets get that spark growing some more shall we?
Interesting mix with the reapers, seekers and angels and how the systems work – or don’t as Ava sees it. You can clearly see a protective streak in Cole from the get go. He is drawn to Ava as much as she is to him but holds himself back. Well not completely, cracks start to appear at all the best times. Intriguing ending that kept you guessing right till the end as to how it would play out. Lets hope Ava and Cole can make a way through the chaos that’s coming their way. On to the next I say.
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
So Ava and her mother are seekers. Descendents of a fallen angel who made a deal with God to get back into heaven. All his descendents from then on would become seekers. Their job is to find new souls who have the potential to become new angels. Once they find someone with a pure white aura (only finding people within your own age range) they have to give the name to their handler, a reaper. Its reapers who create, for lack of a better word, these peoples deaths so their souls can be collected and tested to see if they have what it takes to become an angel. Now Ava and her mothers’ handler Xavier is one nasty piece of work. If he threatens someone you can guarantee that he will follow through. With being a seeker they are immortal to a point. So what kind of pain do you think you might have to endure if you can’t die.
Ava found out about her heritage on her sixteenth birthday – not the gift she thought she’d get and definitely not the kind of job she thought she’d have to do for the rest of her life. For a year she has had to hone in on her gifts and find people when a new assignment comes in from Xavier. At first she didn’t really understand what was happening but now she does she knows nothing will ever be the same again. She can’t see how its fare for her to condemn good people to die before their time is up, even if they do have a chance to be an angel. The system is flawed in her eyes but she doesn’t want to go against it more than when she is told she has two weeks to find a new white soul. The one she finds she can’t explain as nothing seems right about it and she soon finds all she wants to do is protect to one who has it – Cole.
From the moment they meet there is a spark but it’s the back and forth sparing that will keep you reading to see where it goes. Seems they get paired on a project at school that will keep them close for a few weeks. Not that she’s complaining much. He may act like a bit of an asshole sometimes but she can’t deny the way he makes her feel or the pull that’s there. Its not until she lets down her guard and sees his aura that she starts to panic – it’s white. So white in fact that it pulses but the more she gets to know him and his past the more she is convinced something else is going on as he shouldn’t have an aura that white. His is the name she needs to give but the one she wants to protect the most. She’s trying to find a loophole so she can save him but is she willing to follow through on her plan? Causing trouble and breaking the rules leads to trouble for her and her mother and it looks like death might have marked Cole regardless. With his past coming back to cause trouble it puts them both in harms way. She longs to protect him from what’s coming but it’s his instincts that go into overdrive when she is in need of protecting. A road trip has its dangers but pulls them closer together. Lets get that spark growing some more shall we?
Interesting mix with the reapers, seekers and angels and how the systems work – or don’t as Ava sees it. You can clearly see a protective streak in Cole from the get go. He is drawn to Ava as much as she is to him but holds himself back. Well not completely, cracks start to appear at all the best times. Intriguing ending that kept you guessing right till the end as to how it would play out. Lets hope Ava and Cole can make a way through the chaos that’s coming their way. On to the next I say.
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
July 17, 2017
The author is looking for an honest review.
4 stars
I love the ya paranormal. There is always a bit of a twist and you don't always know what to expect. This book gave me that and more. The characters were good. They had a lot of strong personalities in this book and it made it so much more intense at times. What do you do when you don't want to do something, which has to be done? How can you change the course of your future? Ava is in this predicament, she doesn't want to be a seeker, but if she is not she will die. She has to give a name to a white aura and the grim reaper takes their life. No one knows if they will become an angel or if they will not pass the test, but either way a name has to be given. Ava didn't know that she had this power until a year ago and now going to a new town, she has to find that person and give the name to Xavier. Her mom has been a seeker for all of her life and it is a struggle on her to, so when Ava has to do this she tries to protect her the most she can. What happens when Ava has to give a name to a boy that she doesn't want to give? How will she be able to move on? These are the questions that start to be asked in this book.
Ava is your typical teenager in some ways. She is wants to have a life, but she has a Grim Reaper that keeps her in line. She has found the name of the boy that she is to give him, but she is going to fight as much as she can. She can't give up the name. She feels something more for him than she has ever felt and she doesn't want anything to hurt him. That is how this book gets truly involved. Ava is trying everything to protect Cole and Cole doesn't even realize it. They will go into this journey not knowing why and end up with more questions than answers. Life is complicated for Ava and it will get more complicated as this story goes on. Cole is this good guy, trying to do good no matter what, but people are trying to kill him and he doesn't understand the whole reason why. So when Ava tries to go against Xavier, more bad things happen.
This books starts out a little slower than what I like, but it really picks up by the middle of the book. I really enjoyed the writing and it hooks you by the end. This is a series so it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger but nothing dramatic. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
4 stars
I love the ya paranormal. There is always a bit of a twist and you don't always know what to expect. This book gave me that and more. The characters were good. They had a lot of strong personalities in this book and it made it so much more intense at times. What do you do when you don't want to do something, which has to be done? How can you change the course of your future? Ava is in this predicament, she doesn't want to be a seeker, but if she is not she will die. She has to give a name to a white aura and the grim reaper takes their life. No one knows if they will become an angel or if they will not pass the test, but either way a name has to be given. Ava didn't know that she had this power until a year ago and now going to a new town, she has to find that person and give the name to Xavier. Her mom has been a seeker for all of her life and it is a struggle on her to, so when Ava has to do this she tries to protect her the most she can. What happens when Ava has to give a name to a boy that she doesn't want to give? How will she be able to move on? These are the questions that start to be asked in this book.
Ava is your typical teenager in some ways. She is wants to have a life, but she has a Grim Reaper that keeps her in line. She has found the name of the boy that she is to give him, but she is going to fight as much as she can. She can't give up the name. She feels something more for him than she has ever felt and she doesn't want anything to hurt him. That is how this book gets truly involved. Ava is trying everything to protect Cole and Cole doesn't even realize it. They will go into this journey not knowing why and end up with more questions than answers. Life is complicated for Ava and it will get more complicated as this story goes on. Cole is this good guy, trying to do good no matter what, but people are trying to kill him and he doesn't understand the whole reason why. So when Ava tries to go against Xavier, more bad things happen.
This books starts out a little slower than what I like, but it really picks up by the middle of the book. I really enjoyed the writing and it hooks you by the end. This is a series so it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger but nothing dramatic. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
May 6, 2018
There is no real substance to this book, but the way it was written had me bingeing it like an embarrassing guilty-pleasure Netflix series. Probably Fuller House, even though this isn't anywhere near as squeaky-clean as that one. A lot of this hinged on a genuinely loathable villain. Xavier wasn't just bad, he was outright dangerous. I'm not entirely sold on the way things were wrapped up, but the beginning was so strong it got me through it without issue. It's like Ruddick explicitly wanted to make a book that could have been easily wrapped up in one novel into a series and veered off in a direction with that in mind. I can understand the motivation behind it, but I don't think it was the strongest literary choice she could've made.
I would've really liked to have more closure regarding the worldbuilding in this book, which is actually kind of anomalous. It's rare to find worldbuilding that has me craving more worldbuilding, but there you have it.
One other thing, and it's more of a technical difficulty than anything, is that the images embedded in the Nook version of the book are extremely large. The first time I tried to open the book, the whole reader froze for a couple of minutes. The first two pages were huge. I'm using the original Glowlight, so maybe it's less bulky on newer versions, but it couldn't hurt to put that out there since cover image size is a thing that can be easily compressed. The book wasn't bad, and it would be a shame if someone decided not to start it because it froze their e-reader.
I would've really liked to have more closure regarding the worldbuilding in this book, which is actually kind of anomalous. It's rare to find worldbuilding that has me craving more worldbuilding, but there you have it.
One other thing, and it's more of a technical difficulty than anything, is that the images embedded in the Nook version of the book are extremely large. The first time I tried to open the book, the whole reader froze for a couple of minutes. The first two pages were huge. I'm using the original Glowlight, so maybe it's less bulky on newer versions, but it couldn't hurt to put that out there since cover image size is a thing that can be easily compressed. The book wasn't bad, and it would be a shame if someone decided not to start it because it froze their e-reader.
September 17, 2018
Well – I like the cover but it doesn’t really fit the book. I remember reading the summary when I first picked up this freebie…but it has been so long that I was shocked when reading it.
The story follows Ava who got a terrible birthday gift a year previous. She is a seeker for the Grim Reaper. What is that you ask? A crappy job that is what that is! She descends from a fallen angel who made an arrangement that all his descendants would work for the Grim Reaper so he could get into heaven. What a selfish jerk!!! A seeker has to find people who have souls that are white and then submit their name to be taken. There is a lot more to it, but that is the jest.
Ava has been doing this for a year and has submitted a couple of names and it is killing her. It’s rough. While on the search for another name, she meets Cole who has a white soul. Of course, right? Through some events, she actually grows to like him and him her. Things happen and Ava has to make a decision.
This was a refreshing breathe of air in this YA paranormal genre. A fresh concept and fresh characters. It was nice and gave me hope for the genre.
Ava was an interesting character. I wanted to know more about her mom too. The mom has a past and I feel so bad for her. These two are doomed with a horrible job. I am curious about Xavier as well. Who are you sir? I wasn’t a huge fan of Cole. He was an asshat the majority of the book.
The story started off strong and I was highly invested. I did lose interest about halfway or so. I kept trekking onwards, but it lost some steam. Everything became all about Cole and blah blah. Ugh. I wished there wasn’t a love interest right away. I feel it deflated the story a bit. Don’t get me wrong, the love interest does make it compelling, but I feel like it happened too fast and maybe someone more deserving. Ava needed someone better. Cole was a jerk.
In the end, I did like this overall. I felt a little deflated when Ava got obsessed. The love happened to fast and I didn’t like Cole. But yes, an interesting concept that kept me hooked. It was a nice change! I’ll give this 3 stars.
The story follows Ava who got a terrible birthday gift a year previous. She is a seeker for the Grim Reaper. What is that you ask? A crappy job that is what that is! She descends from a fallen angel who made an arrangement that all his descendants would work for the Grim Reaper so he could get into heaven. What a selfish jerk!!! A seeker has to find people who have souls that are white and then submit their name to be taken. There is a lot more to it, but that is the jest.
Ava has been doing this for a year and has submitted a couple of names and it is killing her. It’s rough. While on the search for another name, she meets Cole who has a white soul. Of course, right? Through some events, she actually grows to like him and him her. Things happen and Ava has to make a decision.
This was a refreshing breathe of air in this YA paranormal genre. A fresh concept and fresh characters. It was nice and gave me hope for the genre.
Ava was an interesting character. I wanted to know more about her mom too. The mom has a past and I feel so bad for her. These two are doomed with a horrible job. I am curious about Xavier as well. Who are you sir? I wasn’t a huge fan of Cole. He was an asshat the majority of the book.
The story started off strong and I was highly invested. I did lose interest about halfway or so. I kept trekking onwards, but it lost some steam. Everything became all about Cole and blah blah. Ugh. I wished there wasn’t a love interest right away. I feel it deflated the story a bit. Don’t get me wrong, the love interest does make it compelling, but I feel like it happened too fast and maybe someone more deserving. Ava needed someone better. Cole was a jerk.
In the end, I did like this overall. I felt a little deflated when Ava got obsessed. The love happened to fast and I didn’t like Cole. But yes, an interesting concept that kept me hooked. It was a nice change! I’ll give this 3 stars.
February 14, 2018
I'll be honest, this took me completely by surprise! I decided to read Birthright as a bit of light relief while reading something else a bit more taxing and I was expecting a run of the mill supernatural, YA fiction with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. And this was what I got, but I also got a lot more. Birthright was full of little one liners and actions that stood out a mile making it authentic and the characters believable. For example, at one point Cole is knocking on Ava's front door and says he an hear her, to which she says "how do you know it isn't my Mum?" Obviously it wasn't because she spoke and gave herself away, but this is something I can imagine so many people doing when they like someone and are trying to avoid them and then will spend days berating themselves for being such an idiot.
The characters were a real selling point for me; Ava was the protagonist who was a strong character who was dealing with the consequences of working for the grim reaper against her will but at the same time she was still just a teenager going through a change of schools, friendship issues, boys. The balance between the two sides of Ava was very well written and made her a believable character. Xavier was another incredibly written character but for completely different reasons. He was vile. And you could really sense that through both the way he was written and Ava's feelings towards him, which married together to produce a genuinely repulsive character.
I didn't feel the second half was as strong as the first and don't think I would read any more in the series, but Birthright was a relatively quick, easy YA read which would appeal to fans of supernatural fiction and romance.
The characters were a real selling point for me; Ava was the protagonist who was a strong character who was dealing with the consequences of working for the grim reaper against her will but at the same time she was still just a teenager going through a change of schools, friendship issues, boys. The balance between the two sides of Ava was very well written and made her a believable character. Xavier was another incredibly written character but for completely different reasons. He was vile. And you could really sense that through both the way he was written and Ava's feelings towards him, which married together to produce a genuinely repulsive character.
I didn't feel the second half was as strong as the first and don't think I would read any more in the series, but Birthright was a relatively quick, easy YA read which would appeal to fans of supernatural fiction and romance.
March 20, 2017
This novel feels to be more of a contemporary novel with supernatural elements infused into it to make the plot more interesting. When we put aside the grim reapers, seekers, and angels, the novel focuses heavily on Ava's life, how she deals with her problems and her relationship with Cole. I love to read about the different auras that different people have and how the colours in a person's aura depict their personality and traits. It is a pretty useful skill to have, being able to see auras, but it can also be annoying at times.
I love the chemistry between Ava and Cole. Even though Cole might be a down to earth person, there is actually a fun and cheeky side to him that only appears when Ava is around him. Ava might be an introvert but when she is with Cole, he brings out the stubborn side in her. It was really entertaining and fun to read about both of their daily interactions. Sometimes, I get frustrated over how stubborn and stuck up Ava was behaving while during other instances, I was amused at Cole's playful and cheeky behaviour.
~SPOILERS~
Xavier is an ass! I hate him so much that I hope I can strangle him with my bare hands. He pretended to be a 'nice and caring' uncle when Ava was a kid and revealed his true colours when she was of age to be a seeker. He even tortured Ava when she didn't give him a name initially. When he found out that torturing her was useless, he started torturing her mother just to get a name out of Ava. What was so important about submitting a name that he had to resort to torture? Glory? Fame? To save his own ass? I was actually really happy when Ava submitted a condemned soul and that resulted in Xavier having to receive punishment from the grim reapers. Ha! Serves him right! (I'm such a sadist... >_>)
There are unanswered questions that have been bothering me after reading the novel. Why would Xavier torture Ava to get the name of a person with a white aura? Why was he in such a hurry to submit a name? Could it be that he gained powers from submitting a name every time? What was the reason for killing a person which have the potential of being an angel? Why not just let the person die from old age? They will still be able to become an angel wouldn't they? So many questions and yet, no answers to them. I feel like I am left hanging at the end of the novel. :(
Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley and the author, Jessica, for accepting my request to review an advance copy of this novel. :)
I love the chemistry between Ava and Cole. Even though Cole might be a down to earth person, there is actually a fun and cheeky side to him that only appears when Ava is around him. Ava might be an introvert but when she is with Cole, he brings out the stubborn side in her. It was really entertaining and fun to read about both of their daily interactions. Sometimes, I get frustrated over how stubborn and stuck up Ava was behaving while during other instances, I was amused at Cole's playful and cheeky behaviour.
~SPOILERS~
Xavier is an ass! I hate him so much that I hope I can strangle him with my bare hands. He pretended to be a 'nice and caring' uncle when Ava was a kid and revealed his true colours when she was of age to be a seeker. He even tortured Ava when she didn't give him a name initially. When he found out that torturing her was useless, he started torturing her mother just to get a name out of Ava. What was so important about submitting a name that he had to resort to torture? Glory? Fame? To save his own ass? I was actually really happy when Ava submitted a condemned soul and that resulted in Xavier having to receive punishment from the grim reapers. Ha! Serves him right! (I'm such a sadist... >_>)
There are unanswered questions that have been bothering me after reading the novel. Why would Xavier torture Ava to get the name of a person with a white aura? Why was he in such a hurry to submit a name? Could it be that he gained powers from submitting a name every time? What was the reason for killing a person which have the potential of being an angel? Why not just let the person die from old age? They will still be able to become an angel wouldn't they? So many questions and yet, no answers to them. I feel like I am left hanging at the end of the novel. :(
Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley and the author, Jessica, for accepting my request to review an advance copy of this novel. :)
March 22, 2018
This book is kind of hard to rate. Technically, the writing is great. She has strong writing skills. Story wise, I was little disappointed. The romantic relationship between Ava and Cole was awkward. Naturally there is a strong connection between them. You can see they care about each other. But then Ruddick would interject these random moments where Ava was wanted to bang him out of nowhere. It didn't feel natural, more like she added it because that's what romance books have in them. If there was more of a build up or internal monologue of longing, it think it would have flowed more organically, than Ava seeing his sweat on his neck that gave her instant lady boner.
The Grim Reaper seeker premise was a fun new turn. Like Ava, I would have appreciated more information about this role she is in. It didn't make sense that for a mother who was as protective as hers, would withhold information that could prevent her from making stupid makes and getting everyone tortured. I can understand that her mother was disconnected from a lifetime of being a hitman, but a simple outline of the rules would have been nice. Ava clearly wants to understand why she has to do this. What is the purpose in the grand scheme of things? Are they making a difference? Keeping her in the dark clearly isn't helping anything.
The Grim Reaper seeker premise was a fun new turn. Like Ava, I would have appreciated more information about this role she is in. It didn't make sense that for a mother who was as protective as hers, would withhold information that could prevent her from making stupid makes and getting everyone tortured. I can understand that her mother was disconnected from a lifetime of being a hitman, but a simple outline of the rules would have been nice. Ava clearly wants to understand why she has to do this. What is the purpose in the grand scheme of things? Are they making a difference? Keeping her in the dark clearly isn't helping anything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews