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A Life of Death Trilogy #1
A Life of Death
An Amazon Bestseller!
Introduction by 2016 Kindle Book Award Finalist Mark Matthews! Author of Milk-Blood and All Smoke Rises.
Ghosts are speaking to Alex, but can he bring them justice?
Alex is a troubled teen with a checkered past, a broken home, and a surprising ability: psychometry. When he touches items murder victims held in their final moments, he relives the events in gruesome detail. But who will believe a troubled teen, especially when murders implicate the town’s founding family?
If you like amazing supernatural stories that are intense, powerful, and fraught with emotion, then you'll love Weston Kincade's suspenseful coming-of-age trilogy, A Life of Death. Ghosts are speaking, and they want answers. Heed the call.
Introduction by 2016 Kindle Book Award Finalist Mark Matthews! Author of Milk-Blood and All Smoke Rises.
Ghosts are speaking to Alex, but can he bring them justice?
Alex is a troubled teen with a checkered past, a broken home, and a surprising ability: psychometry. When he touches items murder victims held in their final moments, he relives the events in gruesome detail. But who will believe a troubled teen, especially when murders implicate the town’s founding family?
If you like amazing supernatural stories that are intense, powerful, and fraught with emotion, then you'll love Weston Kincade's suspenseful coming-of-age trilogy, A Life of Death. Ghosts are speaking, and they want answers. Heed the call.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2011
143 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Weston Kincade
50 books67 followersWeston Kincade is a bestselling writer of supernatural mystery and horror novels that stretch the boundaries of imagination, and often genres. His current series include the A Life of Death trilogy and the Priors. Weston's short stories have been published in Alucard Press' "50 Shades of Slay," Kevin J. Kennedy's bestselling seasonal anthologies, and others. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) and helps invest in future writers while teaching. In his spare time Weston enjoys spending time with his family and friends, fishing, and playing board and roleplaying games like D&D.
To find out more about Weston Kincade, visit http://kincadefiction.com.
To find out more about Weston Kincade, visit http://kincadefiction.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 21, 2016
It all begins with a question from Homicide Detective Alex Drummond's son and takes him back to when he was a senior in high school.
His father was killed by a drunk driver a few years ago. His mother remarried a man who is a vicious alcoholic who likes to use his fists on Alex. Alex's step-brother is no better .. unemployed, he likes to drink and ride his motorcycle and beats on Alex when he feels like it. He has two younger step-sisters who annoy him to no end. His mother is working a lot of hours.
And Alex thinks he is going insane. He begins having visions when touching certain objects ... objects that have been touched by people who are no longer living. The scariest part is that he experiences their death.
And when he finds those people who are murdered ... how does he go about proving any of it?
When he discovers a secret about his step-father, it puts him and the rest of his family in danger. Alex will learn love and loss and anger and tragedy.
This was an exceptional story, well-written, with a paranormal slant. The author did a remarkable job of bringing the characters to life. Almost everyone can identify with their high school years. Were you the shy one? Were you bullied or were you the bullier? Did you not feel like you fit in? This story touched at my heart strings. And brought a smile or two, as well.
Many thanks to the author / Booklover Catlady Publicity who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
His father was killed by a drunk driver a few years ago. His mother remarried a man who is a vicious alcoholic who likes to use his fists on Alex. Alex's step-brother is no better .. unemployed, he likes to drink and ride his motorcycle and beats on Alex when he feels like it. He has two younger step-sisters who annoy him to no end. His mother is working a lot of hours.
And Alex thinks he is going insane. He begins having visions when touching certain objects ... objects that have been touched by people who are no longer living. The scariest part is that he experiences their death.
And when he finds those people who are murdered ... how does he go about proving any of it?
When he discovers a secret about his step-father, it puts him and the rest of his family in danger. Alex will learn love and loss and anger and tragedy.
This was an exceptional story, well-written, with a paranormal slant. The author did a remarkable job of bringing the characters to life. Almost everyone can identify with their high school years. Were you the shy one? Were you bullied or were you the bullier? Did you not feel like you fit in? This story touched at my heart strings. And brought a smile or two, as well.
Many thanks to the author / Booklover Catlady Publicity who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 1, 2017
Review copies available and blog tour September 2017. For an ebook review copy email booklovercatlady@gmail.com.
This was a truly unexpected interesting read. It was nothing I expected and threw up some great surprises. A unique voice in fiction.
The plot is raw and intriguing, it tackles both difficult subject matter and the depths of human nature. We see the very best and very worst of people in this novel.
Alex is a detective and in answering questions for his young son we flashback to meet Alex as a young man, in high school. He is trapped in a trailer home with his mother, drunken abusive stepfather, stepbrother and 2 stepsisters. Life is hard for Alex, no bed of roses and some scenes are incredibly painful to read and watch. I was rooting for Alex very early on.
The book throws up a twist with young Alex. A spoiler I won't share but a special gifting changes his life path forever and gives the book a really different edge to it. Weston is brilliant at character portrayal - each character is well defined and really pops out. There is a lot of raw emotion in this book too.
We walk a path with Alex and it's an interesting one. I endeared to this tough young man who quite frankly is having a really crappy life to say the least. It speaks of both the dark and light sides of human nature through the book. If you want some characters to dislike, you'll find a few here just as you will those that you'll want to protect and cheer for.
I really enjoyed this novel and found the raw, difficult scenes brilliantly written. Very real, very visual - as though I was right there. The plot is interesting and held me close. 4 stars for this novel. I'm keen to read more from Weston Kincade in future - a storyteller.
If you are keen to read and review this book I can offer you an ebook review copy, please email me at booklovercatlady@gmail.com to request your copy.
This was a truly unexpected interesting read. It was nothing I expected and threw up some great surprises. A unique voice in fiction.
The plot is raw and intriguing, it tackles both difficult subject matter and the depths of human nature. We see the very best and very worst of people in this novel.
Alex is a detective and in answering questions for his young son we flashback to meet Alex as a young man, in high school. He is trapped in a trailer home with his mother, drunken abusive stepfather, stepbrother and 2 stepsisters. Life is hard for Alex, no bed of roses and some scenes are incredibly painful to read and watch. I was rooting for Alex very early on.
The book throws up a twist with young Alex. A spoiler I won't share but a special gifting changes his life path forever and gives the book a really different edge to it. Weston is brilliant at character portrayal - each character is well defined and really pops out. There is a lot of raw emotion in this book too.
We walk a path with Alex and it's an interesting one. I endeared to this tough young man who quite frankly is having a really crappy life to say the least. It speaks of both the dark and light sides of human nature through the book. If you want some characters to dislike, you'll find a few here just as you will those that you'll want to protect and cheer for.
I really enjoyed this novel and found the raw, difficult scenes brilliantly written. Very real, very visual - as though I was right there. The plot is interesting and held me close. 4 stars for this novel. I'm keen to read more from Weston Kincade in future - a storyteller.
If you are keen to read and review this book I can offer you an ebook review copy, please email me at booklovercatlady@gmail.com to request your copy.
November 21, 2012
Note: I originally read this 6/27-28/2011; I am reposting it because Weston Kincade is offering this book FREE on Amazon right now and I want to get the word out!
Book info Genre: Paranormal YA Reading Level: Young Adult
Disclosure: I was given a free e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Synopsis: Alex Drummond has enough to deal with, really. His father was killed by a drunk driver a few years ago; his mother got remarried and moved them in with her new husband, who is a vicious alcoholic and beats Alex frequently to within an inch of his life; Alex’s step-brother, Frank, is a layabout who also beats on him, and his two step-sisters are an annoyance to him; and he’s an outsider at school, small and picked on by the larger kids. Now he’s developed an alarming tendency – when he touches things that were somehow touching a person when they were murdered, he falls into a vision and relives their death. And the people whose deaths he is reliving expect him to do something about it.
My Thoughts: Partly a paranormal suspense book, partly a coming-of-age story, and even including a little bit of romance, “A Life of Death” is a completely amazing story! I won’t lie to you, it is often very intense – the tension evinced by this book is amazingly well-done and I often felt my heart racing from the extremity of emotions that it raised. It is tightly plotted and suspenseful; the characters are well-developed and realistic – the whole thing just came to life in my mind while I was reading it, and the sudden silence whenever I would look up showed me just how much it filled my mind while I was reading it.
The story is bracketed interestingly – the very beginning and very end are Alex as an older man, a police detective, helping his son with a project for school. The story itself is the tale he tells the boy. I thought this was a neat way to open and close the story and it left me with hopes that we might expect a series of Alex Drummond mystery novels in the future. I would certainly buy them!
My Recommendation: Fans of paranormal mystery and suspense stories should enjoy this book. Definitely give it a read as soon as you can!
Book info Genre: Paranormal YA Reading Level: Young Adult
Disclosure: I was given a free e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Synopsis: Alex Drummond has enough to deal with, really. His father was killed by a drunk driver a few years ago; his mother got remarried and moved them in with her new husband, who is a vicious alcoholic and beats Alex frequently to within an inch of his life; Alex’s step-brother, Frank, is a layabout who also beats on him, and his two step-sisters are an annoyance to him; and he’s an outsider at school, small and picked on by the larger kids. Now he’s developed an alarming tendency – when he touches things that were somehow touching a person when they were murdered, he falls into a vision and relives their death. And the people whose deaths he is reliving expect him to do something about it.
My Thoughts: Partly a paranormal suspense book, partly a coming-of-age story, and even including a little bit of romance, “A Life of Death” is a completely amazing story! I won’t lie to you, it is often very intense – the tension evinced by this book is amazingly well-done and I often felt my heart racing from the extremity of emotions that it raised. It is tightly plotted and suspenseful; the characters are well-developed and realistic – the whole thing just came to life in my mind while I was reading it, and the sudden silence whenever I would look up showed me just how much it filled my mind while I was reading it.
The story is bracketed interestingly – the very beginning and very end are Alex as an older man, a police detective, helping his son with a project for school. The story itself is the tale he tells the boy. I thought this was a neat way to open and close the story and it left me with hopes that we might expect a series of Alex Drummond mystery novels in the future. I would certainly buy them!
My Recommendation: Fans of paranormal mystery and suspense stories should enjoy this book. Definitely give it a read as soon as you can!
August 31, 2016
I loved and hated this book so much. I had so many conflicting emotions that I found myself putting the book down to take short breaths.
What I hated about this tale, was the step-father. It completely baffles me that adults can be so cruel to children and get away with it. The fact that the mother would bring a rent a monster into the house pissed me off. It’s terrible that not only does a child have to live every day without his father in the home, but yet has to deal with an abusive bastard, the supposed role model he is supposed to look up to?
What I loved about this book was Alex. After all,he endured in his life, he still had such a sweet soul and was extremely gifted, being able to see the murder’s of people by touching an object they once held.
The author definitely brought out emotions in me that were bitter, angry, happy, confused and overjoyed. Basically, his story had me in a constant bi-polar state. But it was engaging, the writing was amazing and the story as it should be. I recommend this to everyone who is looking for a really good read.
August 21, 2017
"Alex is a troubled teenager with a checkered past, a broken home, and a surprising ability: psychometry" This book was fun to read for me. I liked seeing how the ability of Psychometry worked for this kid. Ghosts always seem to want answers everywhere in most books and movies. I liked the book and the characters in it. I liked that is book was from a teens point of view for me, with the type of book it was, it is a different take on things. * I received this book from the author and this is my honest review*
December 29, 2019
See my review. www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
A Life of Death is book one of a trilogy. The story is full of fantasy, horror and supernatural. It was a real pleasure reading this book from a author who has top notch imagination.
Ghosts are speaking to Alex. Supernatural powers are a gift. It happened in Stephen’s King novel Carrie and in high school with Harry Potter and now be aware it’s happening for the young adult Alex in A Life of Death. Alex is older telling the tale to his own son Jamie, who knows Jamie may have his own unique gifts. Alex has a special gift he can see into the afterworld, by touching an object it gives him visions and how the object owners died. You will without doubt feel the supernatural experience that Alex encounters.
A few lines of the supernatural I loved.
The muttering voice came near before I realised the words were coming from me, but sounded somehow different.
As this line progressed the question is was it a dream , or am I going insane?
The next supernatural experienc is quite a shocker!
The quiet of the bathroom disappeared as water rushed into the tub. The sound echoed off the walls shimmered, then settled. My body and clothes were different, female.
As this lines gathers . It’s more likely that dreams were true accounts of how people died. The only way to know for sure , though, was to investigate the first vision.
I loved the thrill of all the supernatural experiences with possible good explanations that I can’t explain to you. I personally would love to see A Life of Death turned into a movie. Weston kincade novel A Life of Death is marked as a must buy.
I would like to thank the author Weston Kincade for sending me this supernatural book that I totally got lost in connecting with Alex supernatural powers.
A Life of Death is book one of a trilogy. The story is full of fantasy, horror and supernatural. It was a real pleasure reading this book from a author who has top notch imagination.
Ghosts are speaking to Alex. Supernatural powers are a gift. It happened in Stephen’s King novel Carrie and in high school with Harry Potter and now be aware it’s happening for the young adult Alex in A Life of Death. Alex is older telling the tale to his own son Jamie, who knows Jamie may have his own unique gifts. Alex has a special gift he can see into the afterworld, by touching an object it gives him visions and how the object owners died. You will without doubt feel the supernatural experience that Alex encounters.
A few lines of the supernatural I loved.
The muttering voice came near before I realised the words were coming from me, but sounded somehow different.
As this line progressed the question is was it a dream , or am I going insane?
The next supernatural experienc is quite a shocker!
The quiet of the bathroom disappeared as water rushed into the tub. The sound echoed off the walls shimmered, then settled. My body and clothes were different, female.
As this lines gathers . It’s more likely that dreams were true accounts of how people died. The only way to know for sure , though, was to investigate the first vision.
I loved the thrill of all the supernatural experiences with possible good explanations that I can’t explain to you. I personally would love to see A Life of Death turned into a movie. Weston kincade novel A Life of Death is marked as a must buy.
I would like to thank the author Weston Kincade for sending me this supernatural book that I totally got lost in connecting with Alex supernatural powers.
July 26, 2015
REVIEW: A LIFE OF DEATH: THE COMPLETE FIRST NOVEL by Weston Kincade
A LIFE OF DEATH is a stunner, a literate trove of paranormal, supernatural, moral integrity, lyrical prose in one can't put down package. Initially offered in serial format [which must have kept reading audiences begging for more], this edition holds the first novel in entirety, so you don't have to wait. There's seldom been a character quite like young Alex, whose integrity shines like a beacon on every page. He is the exception to the rule that children of abuse automatically become abusers. He is intelligent, dedicated, highly moral, and his code of honor might put a samurai to shame. Suddenly gifted with psychometry [touching objects renders visions], Alex doesn't panic, doesn't run; he determines to right wrongs, even those committed long in the past. Bravo, Alex!!!
A LIFE OF DEATH is a stunner, a literate trove of paranormal, supernatural, moral integrity, lyrical prose in one can't put down package. Initially offered in serial format [which must have kept reading audiences begging for more], this edition holds the first novel in entirety, so you don't have to wait. There's seldom been a character quite like young Alex, whose integrity shines like a beacon on every page. He is the exception to the rule that children of abuse automatically become abusers. He is intelligent, dedicated, highly moral, and his code of honor might put a samurai to shame. Suddenly gifted with psychometry [touching objects renders visions], Alex doesn't panic, doesn't run; he determines to right wrongs, even those committed long in the past. Bravo, Alex!!!
September 19, 2016
"What was the most important life-changing thing that ever happened to you?" This seemingly innocent question by his son sends Alex Drummond on a rough journey through his past. Remembering awful, sad, but also inspiring events, he tells a stunning coming-of-age story which also explains why he chose to become a homicide detective.
At a young age, Alex discovered that he can see how people died by touching any object they touched while dying. Through their eyes, he experiences their last living moments, which in case of murder means that he can see first-hand who is the murderer. As if his life with a drunken stepfather, an equally mean stepbrother and a mother who won't stand up for him aren't enough, this discovery leads to a whole new load of trouble. Curse of gift? While Alex struggles to decide what this ability means for his life, he learns the gruesome truth about several suspicious deaths in his neighborhood and even his own family.
I read that this book was previously published as several short episodes, which are now combined into one complete novel. This explains the fast order in which events follow one another. There is no time to lean back and think about what's happening, because another bad thing is waiting just around the next page. While I enjoyed racing through the chapters, I would have appreciated some breathing time, even some uneventful filler lines between each episodes. As it was, the frequency with which Alex had to face new challenges was unbelievably fast, as far as you can use the adjective 'believable' with a story about a spiritually gifted man... Also, some of the visions seemed too convenient, making me wonder about the possibility of Alex touching especially that fence or coming across the homeless man with the backpack at just the right time.
At the end, everything fell into place easily, though at a devastating and very sad price. As the title suggests, this book paves the way for further stories. Providing a solid background for the main character, the reader is cleverly enticed to further follow Alex to see how he comes to terms with his ability and how he learns to control and live with the consequences.
(Thanks to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review)
At a young age, Alex discovered that he can see how people died by touching any object they touched while dying. Through their eyes, he experiences their last living moments, which in case of murder means that he can see first-hand who is the murderer. As if his life with a drunken stepfather, an equally mean stepbrother and a mother who won't stand up for him aren't enough, this discovery leads to a whole new load of trouble. Curse of gift? While Alex struggles to decide what this ability means for his life, he learns the gruesome truth about several suspicious deaths in his neighborhood and even his own family.
I read that this book was previously published as several short episodes, which are now combined into one complete novel. This explains the fast order in which events follow one another. There is no time to lean back and think about what's happening, because another bad thing is waiting just around the next page. While I enjoyed racing through the chapters, I would have appreciated some breathing time, even some uneventful filler lines between each episodes. As it was, the frequency with which Alex had to face new challenges was unbelievably fast, as far as you can use the adjective 'believable' with a story about a spiritually gifted man... Also, some of the visions seemed too convenient, making me wonder about the possibility of Alex touching especially that fence or coming across the homeless man with the backpack at just the right time.
At the end, everything fell into place easily, though at a devastating and very sad price. As the title suggests, this book paves the way for further stories. Providing a solid background for the main character, the reader is cleverly enticed to further follow Alex to see how he comes to terms with his ability and how he learns to control and live with the consequences.
(Thanks to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review)
August 20, 2014
I was given "A Life of Death:The Complete First novel" by Weston Kincade in exchange for an honest review.
There's not much I could say that would do this book justice, it is better than anything I could have ever imagined. This book has the ability to make the best-sellers list Weston is a genius.
It starts with homicide detective Alex Drummond reminiscing his life to answer his son's question for a school project. He takes us back to his life after losing his father to an accident caused by a drunk driver. His mother Vivian marries an abusive drunk within a year of his fathers death. He gains two step-sisters and a mean step-brother who is at times just like his dad. Alex also finds out he has the ability to see the final moments of someone who has dies a violent death just by touching something they touched when they died. Poor Alex had a terrible life, but wants to give a voice to those who cant speak for themselves. He suffers terrible losses but can he gain justice for those who need him?
This book was very confronting, it really puts life into perspective. It makes you remembers those lost to violence and what they did for those left behind. More than once this book left me a blubbering mess the characters were so real your heart bleeds for them. This book appeals o many different genre's, it's one of those stories everyone should read. When it makes it to the best sellers I can say I was one of the first to review it, because it is so good I know it will go far. I give it ten stars easy, I suggest you buy it now while it is only $4 because this is definitely a $20 book. Head on over to amazon now to buy it its definitely worth it, you can also find it at barnes and noble.
There's not much I could say that would do this book justice, it is better than anything I could have ever imagined. This book has the ability to make the best-sellers list Weston is a genius.
It starts with homicide detective Alex Drummond reminiscing his life to answer his son's question for a school project. He takes us back to his life after losing his father to an accident caused by a drunk driver. His mother Vivian marries an abusive drunk within a year of his fathers death. He gains two step-sisters and a mean step-brother who is at times just like his dad. Alex also finds out he has the ability to see the final moments of someone who has dies a violent death just by touching something they touched when they died. Poor Alex had a terrible life, but wants to give a voice to those who cant speak for themselves. He suffers terrible losses but can he gain justice for those who need him?
This book was very confronting, it really puts life into perspective. It makes you remembers those lost to violence and what they did for those left behind. More than once this book left me a blubbering mess the characters were so real your heart bleeds for them. This book appeals o many different genre's, it's one of those stories everyone should read. When it makes it to the best sellers I can say I was one of the first to review it, because it is so good I know it will go far. I give it ten stars easy, I suggest you buy it now while it is only $4 because this is definitely a $20 book. Head on over to amazon now to buy it its definitely worth it, you can also find it at barnes and noble.
July 18, 2011
A Life of Death is a coming of age type book with a paranormal twist. This story opens with a vision Alex is having of how is father died - killed by a drunk driver. Jamie, Alex's son is doing a paper for school. He tells his father,"Dad, I need to know about the most important thing that ever happened to you. Was there ever something that changed your life that much?" What follows is a recanting of a horrifying few weeks of Alex's life. A few years after Alex's father is killed his mother remarries, ironically to a violent drunk. And so we hear a tale of horrible abuse, murder, guilt, fear, the voices of the dead, love, understanding and hope. Mr Kincade did a wonderful job telling this story. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to. They are people you know and some you hope to never know. It is intense at times, it will move you and realistic. Mr Kincade has written a story you will get lost in. Time will fall away while you are glued to reading it. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
September 10, 2016
I received a free copy from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!
What an excellent book! The cover and the fact that the lead character is a Homicide Detective made me think that this was a procedural. Wrong... it is a coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist. When his son asks him about the most important thing that ever happened to him, Alex Drummond thinks back to his teenage years, when he discovered that he could see someone's death just by touching whatever they had been in contact with while they were passing. He unearths many secrets and exposes many baddies. But will it be enough to save him from his alcoholic stepfather? The supernatural aspect kept my interest throughout but it was the characters that tugged at my heartstrings. Not only Alex and his family (well, his sisters) but also all the people he helps or tries to help with his gift (or curse... honestly, not a good idea for someone like that to go to a Civil War museum!). I give this book five enthusiastic stars.
What an excellent book! The cover and the fact that the lead character is a Homicide Detective made me think that this was a procedural. Wrong... it is a coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist. When his son asks him about the most important thing that ever happened to him, Alex Drummond thinks back to his teenage years, when he discovered that he could see someone's death just by touching whatever they had been in contact with while they were passing. He unearths many secrets and exposes many baddies. But will it be enough to save him from his alcoholic stepfather? The supernatural aspect kept my interest throughout but it was the characters that tugged at my heartstrings. Not only Alex and his family (well, his sisters) but also all the people he helps or tries to help with his gift (or curse... honestly, not a good idea for someone like that to go to a Civil War museum!). I give this book five enthusiastic stars.
September 23, 2016
Thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity and the author who provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay... this book got its hooks into me and wouldn't let go. I noticed somewhere near the end (I won't say where - I don't want to give anything away!) that I was actually shaking and close to tears.
There's some really gut-wrenching moments in "A Life of Death". Be warned: have tissues close to hand.
The story itself is completely captivating. Since I started reading this last night, I've spent every spare moment on it. Yes! it really is that good.
The writing flows so well it's almost like having someone whisper in your ear.
Just "Wow"!
Okay... this book got its hooks into me and wouldn't let go. I noticed somewhere near the end (I won't say where - I don't want to give anything away!) that I was actually shaking and close to tears.
There's some really gut-wrenching moments in "A Life of Death". Be warned: have tissues close to hand.
The story itself is completely captivating. Since I started reading this last night, I've spent every spare moment on it. Yes! it really is that good.
The writing flows so well it's almost like having someone whisper in your ear.
Just "Wow"!
September 17, 2014
As a child Alex Drummond had to overcome great odds. Not only did he have to deal with the loss of his father, but an abusive drunk of a step-father further added to his woes. Alex isn't like most teens. He has an ability that, at first , he feels is more of a curse.
"A Life of Death" is a beautifully crafted paranormal tale that has the perfect blend of suspense, romance, and paranormal. The characters are well written and the pace of the action is just right.
This is my first time experiencing the author's work and will be keeping my eye on his upcoming titles
"A Life of Death" is a beautifully crafted paranormal tale that has the perfect blend of suspense, romance, and paranormal. The characters are well written and the pace of the action is just right.
This is my first time experiencing the author's work and will be keeping my eye on his upcoming titles
February 21, 2018
I started this book, and finished it in just under 24 hours. The book is an easy read with a graphic story of the struggle of a teenager who relives the deaths of people by touching objects they were in contact with when they died.
I'm not a book critic. I'm just a guy who likes reading. This story kept me engaged throughout with a fast pace, but not in such a way that the story is lacking detail. Mildly eeking into the paranormal, I would recommend this to just about anyone to read.
I'm not a book critic. I'm just a guy who likes reading. This story kept me engaged throughout with a fast pace, but not in such a way that the story is lacking detail. Mildly eeking into the paranormal, I would recommend this to just about anyone to read.
July 7, 2017
Well... what a rollercoaster that was! Right from the introduction I was hooked and I whizzed through the book very quickly - it's an absolute page-turner, beautifully written and with multi-faceted characters that you will easily associate with.
I won't describe the story itself because I'd hate to reveal any spoilers. However, it's easily safe to say that the characters were extremely well developed, and you really felt like you were in Alex's skin (even if, like me, it's been a long time since you were a teenager). Alex goes through some very traumatic experiences, both in his real life and through the visions that haunt him. It would have been easy for him to feel abandoned and alone, or even overwhelmed by everything... but there were a couple of key characters that really had his back. This book gets you thinking, asking yourself how you would cope had all that was thrown at Alex and his family thrown at you. You will find yourself getting angry on his behalf, whilst simultaneaously wishing you could reach out and hug him.
This was also the first book I'd read in a while that has been so well edited. I didn't spot a single typo or grammatical error - a job very well done!
Would I recommend this book to others' Well yes of course I would. I can see it appealing to all ages in its easy to read format but with subject matter that will please any thinkers too.
Looking forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy very much!
I won't describe the story itself because I'd hate to reveal any spoilers. However, it's easily safe to say that the characters were extremely well developed, and you really felt like you were in Alex's skin (even if, like me, it's been a long time since you were a teenager). Alex goes through some very traumatic experiences, both in his real life and through the visions that haunt him. It would have been easy for him to feel abandoned and alone, or even overwhelmed by everything... but there were a couple of key characters that really had his back. This book gets you thinking, asking yourself how you would cope had all that was thrown at Alex and his family thrown at you. You will find yourself getting angry on his behalf, whilst simultaneaously wishing you could reach out and hug him.
This was also the first book I'd read in a while that has been so well edited. I didn't spot a single typo or grammatical error - a job very well done!
Would I recommend this book to others' Well yes of course I would. I can see it appealing to all ages in its easy to read format but with subject matter that will please any thinkers too.
Looking forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy very much!
July 23, 2017
"High quality writing, in a genre that's a mystery to me"
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review. It's very rare for me to read and review a title in the horror/supernaturaI spectrum. but one must have slipped through the net in the past to attract their attention. I knew as soon as I read the Prologue that this book was aimed at a more intelligent person than me. When I got into the story itself, my concerns were confirmed. I can't fault the writing style, although it's too detailed for my simple tastes. I can't comment on whether the story line is convincing, or believable, because I just don't 'get' themes which explore areas outside what I believe to be real. Perhaps, I should have concentrated more at school. For lovers of this genre, this book could well become a classic, who am I to judge? I didn't understand half of it, but I would never rate it lower than I have, as that would be unfair.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review. It's very rare for me to read and review a title in the horror/supernaturaI spectrum. but one must have slipped through the net in the past to attract their attention. I knew as soon as I read the Prologue that this book was aimed at a more intelligent person than me. When I got into the story itself, my concerns were confirmed. I can't fault the writing style, although it's too detailed for my simple tastes. I can't comment on whether the story line is convincing, or believable, because I just don't 'get' themes which explore areas outside what I believe to be real. Perhaps, I should have concentrated more at school. For lovers of this genre, this book could well become a classic, who am I to judge? I didn't understand half of it, but I would never rate it lower than I have, as that would be unfair.
August 8, 2017
This book was an exceptional read. I’ve struggled for time over the last month and often when I need to jump in and out of a book I lose interest. Not with A Life of Death. Kincade has a beautiful style of writing. The book moves at a fast pace with some great characters. Often when I read books I find it’s the storyline that keeps me going but Kincade’s characters have some real depth and the book is filled with emotion. I’m glad that the book is part of a trilogy or I’d have felt some genuine sadness at coming to the end of their stories. I’m looking forward to book two now. I do enjoy when I start a trilogy and the sequels have already been released. An easy 5 stars for a really well told story. I’d encourage you to try Kincade’s work as his writing is really first class. I have only read his short stories previously but long or short he doesn’t disappoint.
October 19, 2017
Weston Kincade’s young adult novel, A Life of Death, is dark, intense and harsh. But it’s also the coming of age story of a man who might rise above the privations and cruelties of his childhood, and the mysterious tale of someone who learns he has a curious skill.
Gloom and doom, beatings, arguments, violence and more, weigh the story down with long and languid descriptions. But the paranormal surprises draw the reader in, and those heavy descriptions might be just what’s needed for reluctant readers.
There’s a touch of romance too, which offers a pleasing contrast. And the super-dark backstory gradually takes second place to what might come next. A Life of Death is the first in a series, and young readers who finish the first book will surely be eager for more. It’s a fascinating tale, a little unbalanced toward the dark of death, but pointing pleasingly to light and life.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Gloom and doom, beatings, arguments, violence and more, weigh the story down with long and languid descriptions. But the paranormal surprises draw the reader in, and those heavy descriptions might be just what’s needed for reluctant readers.
There’s a touch of romance too, which offers a pleasing contrast. And the super-dark backstory gradually takes second place to what might come next. A Life of Death is the first in a series, and young readers who finish the first book will surely be eager for more. It’s a fascinating tale, a little unbalanced toward the dark of death, but pointing pleasingly to light and life.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
July 11, 2014
This Was Sent By The Author For An Honest Review
The author sent me this and I happen to check my email in the morning. I thought that I should give it a try, it's a coming of age story, a genre that I am fond of, because I'm still growing. Well, we all grow older every day or so. Anyway, I guess I can say that this is a YA novel, here and there, those books have been read and being added to my Goodreads shelf.
A Life of Death is a series of episodes, possibly 8 episodes, a short series, then they were combined into one volume, like a TV show series being packed into a DVD. The whole novel centers around the main character's power to see dead people's past moments before their demise. He comes from a dysfunctional family, formed by the step father who replaced the late biological father, has few friends, and with the supernatural gift thrown in, his life is flipped upside down.
The gift of the dead is what makes this novel stand out from most YA novels, however, I can't be too strong with that opinion, because I haven't really read much YA from that genre. A Life of Death is literally a combination of supernatural, a mystery,a thriller, and a coming of age all at the same time. It's sort of a breathe of fresh air.
The gift teaches the main character, Alex Drummond, to appreciate life a bit more, despite its flaws. In a sort of odd way, the character grows up after many death encounters. As if death itself had taught him to cope with living. Even through the worst circumstances, life can be worth living. Death is an eternal slumber that should only be done after experiencing the best you can find and the worst you can deal with. It's an ending, that should be executed appropriately. Okay, that sentence sounded like ritual suicide stuff. I'm pretty sure you get what I mean.
What I didn't like about the book was the prose, it wasn't really catching me much, it was simple, but I don't know how to explain, because there's nothing wrong with simplicity, sometimes I prefer minimalism. However, there was something about the writing that made it hard for me to stay absorbed into it. Most likely, the reason was because I was going through a funk, where I didn't feel like reading, but at the same time I wanted to. Oh life, sometimes summer makes it hard for me to read more, despite the abundant free time.
It was fairly enjoyable though, it's great for anybody looking for supernatural stories or coming of age tales, with a little detective twist to it.The author is an editor.... I hope there isn't anything in here, grammar and punctuation related, that will make his eyes bleed too much.
Rating: 3.5/5
The author sent me this and I happen to check my email in the morning. I thought that I should give it a try, it's a coming of age story, a genre that I am fond of, because I'm still growing. Well, we all grow older every day or so. Anyway, I guess I can say that this is a YA novel, here and there, those books have been read and being added to my Goodreads shelf.
A Life of Death is a series of episodes, possibly 8 episodes, a short series, then they were combined into one volume, like a TV show series being packed into a DVD. The whole novel centers around the main character's power to see dead people's past moments before their demise. He comes from a dysfunctional family, formed by the step father who replaced the late biological father, has few friends, and with the supernatural gift thrown in, his life is flipped upside down.
The gift of the dead is what makes this novel stand out from most YA novels, however, I can't be too strong with that opinion, because I haven't really read much YA from that genre. A Life of Death is literally a combination of supernatural, a mystery,a thriller, and a coming of age all at the same time. It's sort of a breathe of fresh air.
The gift teaches the main character, Alex Drummond, to appreciate life a bit more, despite its flaws. In a sort of odd way, the character grows up after many death encounters. As if death itself had taught him to cope with living. Even through the worst circumstances, life can be worth living. Death is an eternal slumber that should only be done after experiencing the best you can find and the worst you can deal with. It's an ending, that should be executed appropriately. Okay, that sentence sounded like ritual suicide stuff. I'm pretty sure you get what I mean.
What I didn't like about the book was the prose, it wasn't really catching me much, it was simple, but I don't know how to explain, because there's nothing wrong with simplicity, sometimes I prefer minimalism. However, there was something about the writing that made it hard for me to stay absorbed into it. Most likely, the reason was because I was going through a funk, where I didn't feel like reading, but at the same time I wanted to. Oh life, sometimes summer makes it hard for me to read more, despite the abundant free time.
It was fairly enjoyable though, it's great for anybody looking for supernatural stories or coming of age tales, with a little detective twist to it.The author is an editor.... I hope there isn't anything in here, grammar and punctuation related, that will make his eyes bleed too much.
Rating: 3.5/5
January 23, 2014
Reader be warned, A Life of Death is not an easy read. Weston Kincade doesn't pull any punches in this book. It deals with child abuse, murder, and the inevitability of death. Everything is presented in vivid color, against the stark background of what should be a normal childhood in a normal town. While the synopsis deals a lot with Alex's mysterious ability that isn't really the main focus of the book. Just be warned, most of this book isn't pretty.
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised at how polished and quick moving A Life of Death turned out to be. This was originally a serial novel, but I was given the opportunity to read it as a whole entity. On the one hand, reading it in its entirety was nice. Things flowed along, and I didn't have to wait to see things resolved. However I can also see the benefit of reading this as a serial novel. Some parts seemed overwritten to me, but I had to keep in mind that I wasn't waiting a week, or even two, between reading.
In terms of content, you've read my piece above. A balance between light-hearted moments and dark ones is attempted here, but there is still a lot of sadness built into Alex's life. It's hard not to feel for him. I saw Alex in my mind many times while reading. A boy who lost a father. A boy whose mother has checked out. A boy who has to deal with things that, by all rights, not even people twice his age should have to deal with. I became one with Alex as I read and, even when things felt bleak, I rooted for him. Credit where credit is due, but Kincade definitely knows how to write a character.
As for Alex's ability, I saw how it fit into the story and why it was necessary. I'm still not one hundred percent sold on it, but it did make things interesting. Watching as he relived other people's deaths was both eye-opening, and terrifying. I'm not sure he ever had the chance to do too much good with his ability, but it wasn't for lack of trying. It adds another layer to his life, and keeps things from being all about his problems at home. For that, I was appreciative.
I know I'm rambling, but it's tough not to. There is so much wrapped up in A Life of Death. So many minor things that, as a whole, contribute to make this a book that's honestly tough to put down. It is a bit long. It does deal with tough issues. However it's put together in a way that creates a need to know what happens next. Whether you read this as a serial novel, or as a whole, I suggest you give this a place on your reading list.
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised at how polished and quick moving A Life of Death turned out to be. This was originally a serial novel, but I was given the opportunity to read it as a whole entity. On the one hand, reading it in its entirety was nice. Things flowed along, and I didn't have to wait to see things resolved. However I can also see the benefit of reading this as a serial novel. Some parts seemed overwritten to me, but I had to keep in mind that I wasn't waiting a week, or even two, between reading.
In terms of content, you've read my piece above. A balance between light-hearted moments and dark ones is attempted here, but there is still a lot of sadness built into Alex's life. It's hard not to feel for him. I saw Alex in my mind many times while reading. A boy who lost a father. A boy whose mother has checked out. A boy who has to deal with things that, by all rights, not even people twice his age should have to deal with. I became one with Alex as I read and, even when things felt bleak, I rooted for him. Credit where credit is due, but Kincade definitely knows how to write a character.
As for Alex's ability, I saw how it fit into the story and why it was necessary. I'm still not one hundred percent sold on it, but it did make things interesting. Watching as he relived other people's deaths was both eye-opening, and terrifying. I'm not sure he ever had the chance to do too much good with his ability, but it wasn't for lack of trying. It adds another layer to his life, and keeps things from being all about his problems at home. For that, I was appreciative.
I know I'm rambling, but it's tough not to. There is so much wrapped up in A Life of Death. So many minor things that, as a whole, contribute to make this a book that's honestly tough to put down. It is a bit long. It does deal with tough issues. However it's put together in a way that creates a need to know what happens next. Whether you read this as a serial novel, or as a whole, I suggest you give this a place on your reading list.
December 7, 2011
"A Life of Death" by Weston Kincade is an intriguing coming of age drama with a paranormal twist. However, there is more to the novel than just this as mystery, suspense and even a little romance help to make this a really memorable read.
The novel's plot is set around Alex Drummand re-telling part of his life to his son, specifically a period when he was a teenager that changed his life forever. In this period of his life, Alex has lost his father to a drunk driver and now lives with his mother and alcoholic step father who beats on him. He has become an outcast at school and his step-siblings are nothing more than an annoyance. However, one day he suddenly develops an ability that allows him to touch objects and re-live the deaths of the various people who were touching the same object when they died. Using these visions, he sets out on a mission to try and help those who had died in any manner he can, especially when one vision uncovers a possible threat to his new family.
The story is quite simply, absolutely superb and once I started reading I couldn't put the book down as it has some great intense scenes and an interesting tight plot. In addition, the tension has been conveyed amazingly well. The characters are also well-developed and realistic which really helps bring the story to life and illicit some great emotion in the reader. I have to admit that at one point the emotions raised within me almost had me in tears but as I am a "tough guy" I held them in!
Overall, I loved this book, it was an emotional and entertaining journey that had me hooked very early own. I have to say that this book is in my opinion, probably one of the best written indie books I have been asked to review. If you enjoy paranormal mystery of suspense novels then I think you would be mad to miss up the chance to read this. Personally, I hope that Weston Kincade decides to write some more mystery stories set in the world of Alex Drummand as I would be sure to pick them up.
This review & others can be found on my blog: Books & Things
The novel's plot is set around Alex Drummand re-telling part of his life to his son, specifically a period when he was a teenager that changed his life forever. In this period of his life, Alex has lost his father to a drunk driver and now lives with his mother and alcoholic step father who beats on him. He has become an outcast at school and his step-siblings are nothing more than an annoyance. However, one day he suddenly develops an ability that allows him to touch objects and re-live the deaths of the various people who were touching the same object when they died. Using these visions, he sets out on a mission to try and help those who had died in any manner he can, especially when one vision uncovers a possible threat to his new family.
The story is quite simply, absolutely superb and once I started reading I couldn't put the book down as it has some great intense scenes and an interesting tight plot. In addition, the tension has been conveyed amazingly well. The characters are also well-developed and realistic which really helps bring the story to life and illicit some great emotion in the reader. I have to admit that at one point the emotions raised within me almost had me in tears but as I am a "tough guy" I held them in!
Overall, I loved this book, it was an emotional and entertaining journey that had me hooked very early own. I have to say that this book is in my opinion, probably one of the best written indie books I have been asked to review. If you enjoy paranormal mystery of suspense novels then I think you would be mad to miss up the chance to read this. Personally, I hope that Weston Kincade decides to write some more mystery stories set in the world of Alex Drummand as I would be sure to pick them up.
This review & others can be found on my blog: Books & Things
September 9, 2016
A Life of Death (A Life of Death #1) by Weston Kincade Book Review
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!
It's rare that a YA novel that deals with supernatural elements is outshone by the emotional core of it's characters and story, and yet that is
the case in Weston Kincade's A Life of Death, the first in the A Life of Death series. This book is very well written, and does a marvelous job
of exploring the themes of life, death, and family. Here is the description:
Alex Drummond is a troubled high school senior with a checkered past, a broken home, and a surprising ability. When he touches items that murder
victims held in their final moments, Alex relives the events in gruesome detail, seeing what they saw, thinking their thoughts, and even feeling
what they felt. But who will believe a troubled teen, especially when the murders are so close to home and might reveal skeletons hidden for
hundreds of years? Join Alex as he struggles to find his destiny, understand love, solve the mysterious murders within his small home town, and
speak for victims who can no longer speak for themselves.
The novel does a great job of implementing the supernatural elements in a very real and natural way. While the prospect of this protagonist being
able to connect with the dead is fascinating, what draws readers in more and what a lot of people will be able to identify with is Alex's struggle
with his home life and the loss of a loved one. Elements of abuse, alcoholism and death are the core of this powerful story, while the emotional
struggle Alex goes through in every chapter of this story make this novel a heartbreaking read that is impossible to put down. The grounded
reality of the characters does a great job of mixing with the surreal nature of Alex's newfound abilities, and by the end of the book you are left
wanting more from Alex Drummond and his life. This is a must read novel and I hope to see more from Weston Kincade and this series in the future.
Be sure to check out A Life of Death by Weston Kincade today!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!
It's rare that a YA novel that deals with supernatural elements is outshone by the emotional core of it's characters and story, and yet that is
the case in Weston Kincade's A Life of Death, the first in the A Life of Death series. This book is very well written, and does a marvelous job
of exploring the themes of life, death, and family. Here is the description:
Alex Drummond is a troubled high school senior with a checkered past, a broken home, and a surprising ability. When he touches items that murder
victims held in their final moments, Alex relives the events in gruesome detail, seeing what they saw, thinking their thoughts, and even feeling
what they felt. But who will believe a troubled teen, especially when the murders are so close to home and might reveal skeletons hidden for
hundreds of years? Join Alex as he struggles to find his destiny, understand love, solve the mysterious murders within his small home town, and
speak for victims who can no longer speak for themselves.
The novel does a great job of implementing the supernatural elements in a very real and natural way. While the prospect of this protagonist being
able to connect with the dead is fascinating, what draws readers in more and what a lot of people will be able to identify with is Alex's struggle
with his home life and the loss of a loved one. Elements of abuse, alcoholism and death are the core of this powerful story, while the emotional
struggle Alex goes through in every chapter of this story make this novel a heartbreaking read that is impossible to put down. The grounded
reality of the characters does a great job of mixing with the surreal nature of Alex's newfound abilities, and by the end of the book you are left
wanting more from Alex Drummond and his life. This is a must read novel and I hope to see more from Weston Kincade and this series in the future.
Be sure to check out A Life of Death by Weston Kincade today!
January 10, 2015
The question that is asked of Alex Drummond by his son is "Dad, I need to know the most important thing that ever happened to you. Was there ever anything that changed your life that much?" Alex starts telling his son about his senior year in high school, the year that changed everything for him and made him become who he was now. He is a homicide detective that overcame that horrible year.
Alex started having nightmares about dead people. Frightening in itself, Alex thought he was going crazy and was determined to find out what was happening and why. He was able to touch objects and relive a persons death. His father had died in a terrible car accident and his mother remarried an abusive man. The only person he still felt close to was his father. He goes daily to the cemetery to talk to his father. As he has more nightmares, he confides in his close friend Paige. Together they must find out why Alex is having these terrible visions.
This is a coming of age story about a young man whose life is anything but easy, just trying to get through the only way he can. He is tormented by these visions and wants to lay these dreams to rest. A story that I was at first apprehensive about, I think the cover of the book threw me off a bit, yes I am a person who judges a book by it's cover, but I stuck with it and I was very glad I did. The story is suspenseful with strong and likeable characters, some not so likeable. I loved the paranormal aspect, I can not imagine what it would be like to relive a person's most intimate moment, their death if it were possible. The author's writing enabled me to have real empathy for Alex and his home life situation. When an author can make the reader feel emotion for the characters, then in my book it is because the author knows how to tell a tale. I highly recommend it!
Alex started having nightmares about dead people. Frightening in itself, Alex thought he was going crazy and was determined to find out what was happening and why. He was able to touch objects and relive a persons death. His father had died in a terrible car accident and his mother remarried an abusive man. The only person he still felt close to was his father. He goes daily to the cemetery to talk to his father. As he has more nightmares, he confides in his close friend Paige. Together they must find out why Alex is having these terrible visions.
This is a coming of age story about a young man whose life is anything but easy, just trying to get through the only way he can. He is tormented by these visions and wants to lay these dreams to rest. A story that I was at first apprehensive about, I think the cover of the book threw me off a bit, yes I am a person who judges a book by it's cover, but I stuck with it and I was very glad I did. The story is suspenseful with strong and likeable characters, some not so likeable. I loved the paranormal aspect, I can not imagine what it would be like to relive a person's most intimate moment, their death if it were possible. The author's writing enabled me to have real empathy for Alex and his home life situation. When an author can make the reader feel emotion for the characters, then in my book it is because the author knows how to tell a tale. I highly recommend it!
December 9, 2016
Solid and compelling writing, Kincade's words pack a powerful, gut wrenching punch with each turn of the page. Exploring elements of reality and the supernatural, "A Life of Death" is a crime flashback-mystery novel set in the 1990's possessing elements of love, suffering, and death, all mixed into one. The main character, Alex, relives tormented pasts of others through the use of his unexplainable ability you won't want to miss. It is a heart-breaking journey into darkness and neglect, touching on the everyday life of an unfortunate high school student. His supernatural ability sets the story perfectly for solving mysteries and crimes committed by everyday people you'd least expect. The story contrasts the dichotomy of youth's credibility (you have to believe me) versus the all knowing adult (you don't know what you're talking about). Revolving around one simple, yet powerful theme, is curiosity. It drives the story forward all the way to its surprising conclusion.
Immediately, from the first pages of Kincade's story, the reader is thrown into one of the many nightmares Detective Drummond experiences on a day to day basis. The special attention to detail makes the reader experience the same pain and suffering the victims from the past feel. Reliving certain moments in history gives the story a refreshing twist and it is no surprise Kincade has done his homework.
This novel sets the premise for a potentially longer series of stories yet to come, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Immediately, from the first pages of Kincade's story, the reader is thrown into one of the many nightmares Detective Drummond experiences on a day to day basis. The special attention to detail makes the reader experience the same pain and suffering the victims from the past feel. Reliving certain moments in history gives the story a refreshing twist and it is no surprise Kincade has done his homework.
This novel sets the premise for a potentially longer series of stories yet to come, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
January 18, 2014
Every once in a while, a book takes you by surprise and you are frozen, unable to move until you devour the whole thing. That's what happened to me with A Life of Death. Kincade originally published A Life of Death in episodes, but I was able to get all four at once - thank goodness! If I had had to wait after the first one, I probably would have bitten my nails to the quick and that's a nasty habit.
I really was empathetic to Alex, he's picked on at school and by his alcoholic stepfather. Not to mention that he lost his father to a drunk driver years ago or that his step siblings are just as bad in their own ways. When he begins to see things when he touches items of the dead, Alex knows he has to act on the knowledge he receives, but how will it be perceived? He already is beaten regularly, add the unbelievers to the mix and he may not live through it.
A paranormal young adult book that will keep you riveted, cover to cover. At times the storyline is intense and others, more lighthearted, but throughout, I was really hoping that Alex would find happiness and acceptance. I can't wait to read something else by this exceptionally gifted author! A Life in Death deserves five stars - it's that good! Highly recommend!!
I really was empathetic to Alex, he's picked on at school and by his alcoholic stepfather. Not to mention that he lost his father to a drunk driver years ago or that his step siblings are just as bad in their own ways. When he begins to see things when he touches items of the dead, Alex knows he has to act on the knowledge he receives, but how will it be perceived? He already is beaten regularly, add the unbelievers to the mix and he may not live through it.
A paranormal young adult book that will keep you riveted, cover to cover. At times the storyline is intense and others, more lighthearted, but throughout, I was really hoping that Alex would find happiness and acceptance. I can't wait to read something else by this exceptionally gifted author! A Life in Death deserves five stars - it's that good! Highly recommend!!
August 3, 2017
Alex is living a life he hates. His father dies and when his mother remarries he is beaten by his stepfather. He is waiting for the day he can leave. He is then given a gift, or maybe a curse. He begins touching items that others have touched during their death. While touching these items he sees the deaths as they occur. Now the biggest question is what to do with this knowledge?
This book was dark, yet fantastic. It is an intriguing story of a young boy with an amazing gift. With this gift he helps his family the little that he can, with many losses along the way. I have to say I cried more than once during this book. It is very touching and heart wrenching to read some of the things that young Alex faces on a daily basis. Young Glory and her mother Helen both held me deeply enthralled and feeling such sorrow for them. Honestly, this book was amazing. It is written in such a way that the reader can not just read it like another book. It grabs you by the heart and won't let you go. I can't wait to read more from this author and in this trilogy.
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This book was dark, yet fantastic. It is an intriguing story of a young boy with an amazing gift. With this gift he helps his family the little that he can, with many losses along the way. I have to say I cried more than once during this book. It is very touching and heart wrenching to read some of the things that young Alex faces on a daily basis. Young Glory and her mother Helen both held me deeply enthralled and feeling such sorrow for them. Honestly, this book was amazing. It is written in such a way that the reader can not just read it like another book. It grabs you by the heart and won't let you go. I can't wait to read more from this author and in this trilogy.
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July 8, 2014
A Life of Death
Alex Drummond has a rough life, he lives with a dysfunctional family and would like to live a normal life. But things are more crazy in his word when he discovers he has a special ability. When he touches an item from someone he an see, feel and experience what they went through right before they died. Yes, that is the frightening part he is experiencing the life of a murder victim.
I really Liked Alex, the story was very well written, I could feel Alex's emotions. I could understand why he felt and acted the way he did. The descriptive visions were also horrifying and I could feel the pain that Alex and his victims went through. I can not stress how much I enjoyed this read. I highly recommend A Life of Death to all.
Alex Drummond has a rough life, he lives with a dysfunctional family and would like to live a normal life. But things are more crazy in his word when he discovers he has a special ability. When he touches an item from someone he an see, feel and experience what they went through right before they died. Yes, that is the frightening part he is experiencing the life of a murder victim.
I really Liked Alex, the story was very well written, I could feel Alex's emotions. I could understand why he felt and acted the way he did. The descriptive visions were also horrifying and I could feel the pain that Alex and his victims went through. I can not stress how much I enjoyed this read. I highly recommend A Life of Death to all.
June 4, 2012
I received this book free thanks to the author and the ARR program. It is a well written story about a man relating to his son " the most important thing that happened to him" for a school assignment. He tgoes on to tell his son about his life of impossible violence at the hands of his step-father, an brutally cruel alcoholic. It is a dramatic and sadly realistic view of life in a violent home and society's lack of effective response to the at risk family. On top of this, Alex begins to see into the violent past of dead people. Somehow, however with the help of friends, he is able to put his life together, find meaning and build a future. I highly recommend this book.
October 3, 2017
I could NOT put this down. A totally original story and plotline, relatable characters (even if you haven't gone through what they have), and sadly, some very real elements. At times heart breaking, other times a little bit swoony (trust me, this is a good thing). I devoured it in 3 days which is a big deal to me (it took me the same amount of time to read the last HP book, but for that I had to neglect everyone and everything around me). I certainly can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy.
August 12, 2011
A Life of Death is my favorite kind of book where characters' emotions are painted in details. It is so vivid and alive I get a sense that Alex, the main character, is a younger version of Weston himself. He solves many dilemmas in this book in beautiful and, most of the times, unexpected ways.
I will definitely look out for Weston's other works!
I will definitely look out for Weston's other works!
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