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Death Gate Grim Reapers #1
Only the Lonely
Isabella “Izzy” Sage spent her formative years on Belle Isle in Detroit, playing next to the gate that separates the living from the dead as her parents drew a paycheck from the grim reaper council. Then the impossible happened, tragedy struck, and Izzy found herself an orphan. Her grandfather took her away and raised her among the Bruja in New Orleans, although her heart always longed to return to the gate … which felt so much like a part of her. Now, as an adult, Izzy has worked her way up to gatekeeper status and she’s back in the place her childhood ended. She’s the one in charge now … although things don’t go how she hoped. On her very first day, the gate is breached, and the wraith that crosses over is not only murderous but enhanced. Izzy wants to be in charge, but the local reaper council needs help so they send back-up in the form of a magical reaping family. The Grimlocks are loud, boisterous and used to a good fight. The men are also handsome, something Izzy doesn’t want to acknowledge, even when the flirting gets out of control. In addition to all that, they’re also protective, and whether Izzy wants it or not, they’re going to infringe on her territory if they think they can keep her safe. The past might be haunting Izzy, but she can’t look forward to the future until the danger is behind her. Those around her know more than they’re letting on, and the magic she’s been trying to hide is about to take over. The fight is on … and Izzy is loaded for bear.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
1419 people are currently reading
1630 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
304 books2,899 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
December 16, 2019
Only the Lonely
A Death Gate Grim Reapers Thriller, Book 1
By: Amanda M. Lee
Narrated by: Sarah Grace Wright
This book is so good! A 7 yr old girl that can hear the voices from behind the Death Gate. She also can see what is there From her dreams. No one else can. Her dad is a reaper and her mom is a bruja, or special kind of witch but has special powers. One night, something bad happens and her parents died and she goes to her grandfather. She comes back as a grown woman to be a gate keeper like her dad at the same place. She wants to find out what happened to her parents.
There are some hot reapers, merpeople, ghosts, and more. It's creepy in places but more witty places than creepy. Plenty of funny, clever, and great dialogue. The touch of romance is funny too!
The narration is great and made the story even funnier.
A Death Gate Grim Reapers Thriller, Book 1
By: Amanda M. Lee
Narrated by: Sarah Grace Wright
This book is so good! A 7 yr old girl that can hear the voices from behind the Death Gate. She also can see what is there From her dreams. No one else can. Her dad is a reaper and her mom is a bruja, or special kind of witch but has special powers. One night, something bad happens and her parents died and she goes to her grandfather. She comes back as a grown woman to be a gate keeper like her dad at the same place. She wants to find out what happened to her parents.
There are some hot reapers, merpeople, ghosts, and more. It's creepy in places but more witty places than creepy. Plenty of funny, clever, and great dialogue. The touch of romance is funny too!
The narration is great and made the story even funnier.
November 25, 2019
I looked at the freaky cover image, saw the word "thriller" in the title and read the first line or two of the description (don't want to spoil too much), and thought: Hey, this doesn't look like it will be one of those hair-pulling, and frankly insulting, romances. Maybe I'll like it!
The short of it: Nope, I didn't like it and it was in fact "one of those". With tropes/clichés like "asshole is excused because he's hot", "women talk mostly about men with each other" and "I'm a 'feminist' which means I can't admit a man helped me because of the shame" (That's not feminism, right? Or didn't I get the memo?)
The long take, a bit of a rant:
The short of it: Nope, I didn't like it and it was in fact "one of those". With tropes/clichés like "asshole is excused because he's hot", "women talk mostly about men with each other" and "I'm a 'feminist' which means I can't admit a man helped me because of the shame" (That's not feminism, right? Or didn't I get the memo?)
The long take, a bit of a rant:
June 10, 2019
I found this mildly entertaining, but it was not properly categorized on Goodreads. In my opinion, this should be listed as a YA Romance Paranormal Fantasy. The Young Adult and Romance part were not listed in this books bio, but should have been. Any book that constantly talks about how hot the characters are and deals with blooming romance with teasing and spends more thought on these relationships than the climax of the story - is a romance - in my book. I felt that was the case here. The ending is so anti-climax that it hurt. Picture an ending where the character falls from a cliff only to discover conveniently she can fly, so all is well and the end. That didn't happen, but something like it did. It's YA because the content was so juvenile sounding much of the time. Otherwise, it was fairly well written..if you're looking for a YA Romance Paranormal Fantasy.
January 7, 2020
4 Stars... First of all, it was great to be back with the Grimlock family and catch up on all their shenanigans... However, the new character introduced to us, Isabella "Izzy" Sage is a very unique and intriguing character and fits right in with the Grimlock brood... Half Bruja and half Reaper, the extent of Izzy's power is yet unknown, but I am eager to learn more about her... We come to find she has some connections to a character from the previous series which creates an interesting dynamic regarding her relationship with the Grimlock family... A tragic and forgotten past plays a significant role in her character development and leads readers into a mystery with more questions than answers... I am excited to delve further into this series and see how this storyline unfolds:)
April 10, 2019
By Amanda M. Lee
Narrator Sarah Grace Wright
Great Title, Great cover art, Good Story
I was drawn to this book by the cover art. I love it. For the most part I enjoyed the story of Izzy the Reaper/Bruja. She returns to her home town to get answers about her past. The story starts with the important details and doesnt seem to have many flashbacks (which I hate). The author doesnt really explain what Reapers and Gate Keepers are in the story? What is the purpose of a Gate keeper if the souls cant get out? The Reapers collect souls so what is the need to have separate gate keepers? After reading other reviews, I see this is a spinoff. This means that I might find those details in the other series. If you do a spinoff, I think you should accommodate the readers who are starting off with this series with the pertinent details.
Didn't realize this was YA... there are a lot of Kardashian references and "I'm like so confused"... "wait, I'm lost" was a response the heroine gave to the evil genius??? Smh, so embarrassed.
Also, I didn't like was how much time was spent on The Grimlock family instead of our main character. I cant even say she is a main character in her own book.
One of the secondary characters is pregnant and unfortunately we get this comedy sitcom type story with her being annoying and an overly dramatic birth. This has been done in EVERY sitcom, in EVERY comedy sketch, and in EVERY romantic movie that involves pregnancy. So why would a female writer feel the need to do this to us again 🤨???
Other things that kept this from 5 Star rating:
Why would a young person with no actual experience be chosen for this job?
Doesn't ever give details on exactly what a gate keeper does or how it's considered magical.
So random suspicious guy shows up and then ask you to give him every single detail about an investigation... and she tells him. Wth?
If you were a supernatural creature... would you not seek to see if there were others... I don't like the idea of supernaturals thinking they are the only oones and being shocked when they hear about vampires, etc.
Overdone gay best friend.... why is this used so much???
Our herione:
1. Doesnt know her own staff numbers
2. Doesnt know Safety protocols
3. Doesnt research area she is going to work and live (where parents were killed)
4. Never heard of Reaper families
Gate keepers come off as the equivalence of a Mall Cop with a flashlight.
Magic and Supernatual creatures are in this story but they meet their demise because of a door with a broken latch... really???
2 Stars 🌟🌟- Decent. Has Potential. Possibly a good idea for a story but something could have been better. Sometimes it's because the author put too little or too much into the wrong parts of the story. Doesn't mean I hated it. Just means it was missing something to push it over the hump.
Narrator Sarah Grace Wright
Great Title, Great cover art, Good Story
I was drawn to this book by the cover art. I love it. For the most part I enjoyed the story of Izzy the Reaper/Bruja. She returns to her home town to get answers about her past. The story starts with the important details and doesnt seem to have many flashbacks (which I hate). The author doesnt really explain what Reapers and Gate Keepers are in the story? What is the purpose of a Gate keeper if the souls cant get out? The Reapers collect souls so what is the need to have separate gate keepers? After reading other reviews, I see this is a spinoff. This means that I might find those details in the other series. If you do a spinoff, I think you should accommodate the readers who are starting off with this series with the pertinent details.
Didn't realize this was YA... there are a lot of Kardashian references and "I'm like so confused"... "wait, I'm lost" was a response the heroine gave to the evil genius??? Smh, so embarrassed.
Also, I didn't like was how much time was spent on The Grimlock family instead of our main character. I cant even say she is a main character in her own book.
One of the secondary characters is pregnant and unfortunately we get this comedy sitcom type story with her being annoying and an overly dramatic birth. This has been done in EVERY sitcom, in EVERY comedy sketch, and in EVERY romantic movie that involves pregnancy. So why would a female writer feel the need to do this to us again 🤨???
Other things that kept this from 5 Star rating:
Why would a young person with no actual experience be chosen for this job?
Doesn't ever give details on exactly what a gate keeper does or how it's considered magical.
So random suspicious guy shows up and then ask you to give him every single detail about an investigation... and she tells him. Wth?
If you were a supernatural creature... would you not seek to see if there were others... I don't like the idea of supernaturals thinking they are the only oones and being shocked when they hear about vampires, etc.
Overdone gay best friend.... why is this used so much???
Our herione:
1. Doesnt know her own staff numbers
2. Doesnt know Safety protocols
3. Doesnt research area she is going to work and live (where parents were killed)
4. Never heard of Reaper families
Gate keepers come off as the equivalence of a Mall Cop with a flashlight.
Magic and Supernatual creatures are in this story but they meet their demise because of a door with a broken latch... really???
2 Stars 🌟🌟- Decent. Has Potential. Possibly a good idea for a story but something could have been better. Sometimes it's because the author put too little or too much into the wrong parts of the story. Doesn't mean I hated it. Just means it was missing something to push it over the hump.
October 18, 2018
This book was odd. Odd AF.
By the author's own admission, some people may not get her humor, and it's apparent I am one of those people. The only thing that kept me from giving this a one star was that I actually finished the book.
The H in this book was soooo fecking boring and annoying! She asked sooo damn many questions throughout the book--questions that were ridiculous and entirely too personal. I say too personal, because she was very wary when it came to sharing any information about herself. I'm not about that contradictory do as I say, not as I do type personality. There was literally NOTHING about the H that I liked.
This sucks, because I was totally drawn in by this books description and first few chapters. However, the rest of this series is a no-go for me. That H is going down as one of the worst ones I have ever had the misfortune of meeting and reading about.
By the author's own admission, some people may not get her humor, and it's apparent I am one of those people. The only thing that kept me from giving this a one star was that I actually finished the book.
The H in this book was soooo fecking boring and annoying! She asked sooo damn many questions throughout the book--questions that were ridiculous and entirely too personal. I say too personal, because she was very wary when it came to sharing any information about herself. I'm not about that contradictory do as I say, not as I do type personality. There was literally NOTHING about the H that I liked.
This sucks, because I was totally drawn in by this books description and first few chapters. However, the rest of this series is a no-go for me. That H is going down as one of the worst ones I have ever had the misfortune of meeting and reading about.
November 2, 2018
Grate start to a new series. There were only two things that bugged me, the way the heroine denied things and the repeat conversations.
February 4, 2024
4.5 stars
This was fun! Aislng was a bit much to take, so I'm in no hurry to read her series, but I liked Izzy as pragmatism instead. Can't wit to start the next one.
This was fun! Aislng was a bit much to take, so I'm in no hurry to read her series, but I liked Izzy as pragmatism instead. Can't wit to start the next one.
October 16, 2018
What an exciting, thrilling and brilliant start to a new series.
Amanda M Lee has enhanced her Grim Reaper series further to expand all of our reading pleasure with wonderfully vivid storytelling.
Izzy Sage is the new GateKeeper in town and not only does she tangle with wraiths on her first day but she also tangles with the Grimlock Family which makes for exceptionally entertaining reading.
I have to say the Grimlocks are all at their best in this story especially Braden and Aisling, toss in Izzy and Braden's flirt/fighting and the story is a wonderful, hilarious, amazing adventure.
Amanda M Lee has enhanced her Grim Reaper series further to expand all of our reading pleasure with wonderfully vivid storytelling.
Izzy Sage is the new GateKeeper in town and not only does she tangle with wraiths on her first day but she also tangles with the Grimlock Family which makes for exceptionally entertaining reading.
I have to say the Grimlocks are all at their best in this story especially Braden and Aisling, toss in Izzy and Braden's flirt/fighting and the story is a wonderful, hilarious, amazing adventure.
December 27, 2018
The mystery component fell flat for me; there weren't clues leading to the solution sprinkled through the story, instead it culminated to a outcome that the reader wouldn't have been able to guess which felt like a cop-out.
I think the book also struggled because the author was too attached to characters from a related series. As a result, the heroine's character didn't feel fully fleshed out since the book spends an almost equal time on Aisling's (who wasn't the intended heroine of the story) pregnancy as it does on solving the mystery.
I think the book also struggled because the author was too attached to characters from a related series. As a result, the heroine's character didn't feel fully fleshed out since the book spends an almost equal time on Aisling's (who wasn't the intended heroine of the story) pregnancy as it does on solving the mystery.
October 26, 2021
3.5 stars. I liked this book better than some of the other Amanda M Lee books that I’ve read. Although the Aisling character nearly ruined the story for me. She is so ridiculously childish. Whiny, demanding, pouty, and she’s about to have a baby. It’s impossible to imagine her as a good mother. She’s ready to give birth any minute, but she’s sneaking around like a bratty teenager. She steals her father’s car. Seriously? Bad and dangerous paranormal stuff is happening and not once does she consider the safety of her child. She’s honestly so selfish, it almost overshadows the MC’s story. Her behavior is not funny. Just annoying.
I did like Izzy, the MC, and I’m enjoying the mystery of what happened when she was little. I even like the romance aspect. Although, I fear it will go the way that previous Amanda M Lee’s romances went. A self-proclaimed independent female lead who suddenly can’t make a move without her boyfriend. I will continue the series but cautiously.
I did like Izzy, the MC, and I’m enjoying the mystery of what happened when she was little. I even like the romance aspect. Although, I fear it will go the way that previous Amanda M Lee’s romances went. A self-proclaimed independent female lead who suddenly can’t make a move without her boyfriend. I will continue the series but cautiously.
April 16, 2021
it was bad lol. DNF at 61%
the dialogue was choppy and repetitive, and not to mention: CRINGEY.
don’t even get me started on the grimlock family, incredibly overdone and just annoying. the book was more about them than the MC (don’t remember her name) !!!!
the plot TRIED to focus on the mystery but it. could. not. stop. going back to the grimlocks ! and some pregnant ladies feet ! and incorrect forms of MODERN DAY FEMINISM.
i didn’t even get to a “romance” in the story besides a random restaurant footsie scene ???
speaking of the love interest. i wouldn’t say he was an asshole completely but his personality was dull and only revolved around “he’s going through a lot”. don’t even remember his name!
the story is forgettable. uninteresting. and not worth it.
1 star.
the dialogue was choppy and repetitive, and not to mention: CRINGEY.
don’t even get me started on the grimlock family, incredibly overdone and just annoying. the book was more about them than the MC (don’t remember her name) !!!!
the plot TRIED to focus on the mystery but it. could. not. stop. going back to the grimlocks ! and some pregnant ladies feet ! and incorrect forms of MODERN DAY FEMINISM.
i didn’t even get to a “romance” in the story besides a random restaurant footsie scene ???
speaking of the love interest. i wouldn’t say he was an asshole completely but his personality was dull and only revolved around “he’s going through a lot”. don’t even remember his name!
the story is forgettable. uninteresting. and not worth it.
1 star.
December 6, 2018
The Grimlocks are my favourite of Amanda M Lee's series and so whilst I was sad at Aisling's story coming to an end, I was overjoyed at a new characters continuing on the family story. This did not disappoint and Izzy is a character to be reckoned with. She had a more serious side to her than Aisling and I found it a little darker but in a positive way. Interesting new supernatural background and great romantic potential, I'm looking forward to fireworks with this one! All in another great outing and the next can't come soon enough.
dnf
October 7, 2020DNF
It was almost too juvenile for an adult romance? I expected more and not to be so bored. Also, when I say juvenile, I don't mean the conflict was reminiscent of teens, but more so the writing style.
It was almost too juvenile for an adult romance? I expected more and not to be so bored. Also, when I say juvenile, I don't mean the conflict was reminiscent of teens, but more so the writing style.
February 22, 2023
I LOVED this book!! I've read another series - the Freaky Circus - from this author and really enjoy that one as well, but I super-duper loved this book. I loved everything about it and I'm positive this is going to be a favourite series that I'm going to be obsessed with.
I love the world-building here; it's creative and interesting with lots of potential and scope for future books.
I REALLY love the characters - all of them! Literally every character in this is likable and interesting and unique and all of them have quirks, which just makes them even more fun. Izzy is a terrific main character and I love her a lot already after only one book.
Finally, what I love the very most about this author and her writing is the humour. Amanda M. Lee has an excellent sense of humour and it permeates this entire story. Even when dramatic, dangerous or terrifying things are happening, the gallows humour the characters use to cope is quite simply a hoot! I laughed out loud many times reading this and it was wonderful!
One aspect of this book that particularly tickled me is that the story is set on Belle Isle near Detroit Michigan. I grew up in Windsor Ontario, which is just across the Detroit river from Belle Isle and it was so cool that places mentioned in the book are some that I have been to many times, including Belle Isle (which really is absolutely beautiful and if you ever have the opportunity to visit definitely do it!) and Windsor is even mentioned (in relation to the tunnel to get there from Detroit). This was just a neat side aspect that added to my own enjoyment of the story being able to know the places where the action was happening.
I've already bought the second book in this series and I can't wait to get to it and continue living in this world. If you enjoy paranormal fiction, smart, kick-ass female characters, plenty of action and some very snarky humour in your books then I highly recommend this series!
I love the world-building here; it's creative and interesting with lots of potential and scope for future books.
I REALLY love the characters - all of them! Literally every character in this is likable and interesting and unique and all of them have quirks, which just makes them even more fun. Izzy is a terrific main character and I love her a lot already after only one book.
Finally, what I love the very most about this author and her writing is the humour. Amanda M. Lee has an excellent sense of humour and it permeates this entire story. Even when dramatic, dangerous or terrifying things are happening, the gallows humour the characters use to cope is quite simply a hoot! I laughed out loud many times reading this and it was wonderful!
One aspect of this book that particularly tickled me is that the story is set on Belle Isle near Detroit Michigan. I grew up in Windsor Ontario, which is just across the Detroit river from Belle Isle and it was so cool that places mentioned in the book are some that I have been to many times, including Belle Isle (which really is absolutely beautiful and if you ever have the opportunity to visit definitely do it!) and Windsor is even mentioned (in relation to the tunnel to get there from Detroit). This was just a neat side aspect that added to my own enjoyment of the story being able to know the places where the action was happening.
I've already bought the second book in this series and I can't wait to get to it and continue living in this world. If you enjoy paranormal fiction, smart, kick-ass female characters, plenty of action and some very snarky humour in your books then I highly recommend this series!
October 15, 2024
I wanted so badly to love this book. The cover is gorgeous, the premise was intriguing, and the FMC sounded bada$$.
That's where it ends, though.
The majority of the book felt choppy and forced. Conversations between characters were awkward and not at all natural. Then comes the two story lines. A wraith problem in the present and the mysterious death of her parents 20 years ago.
For moat of the book, the wraith storyline came second to family dinners and trips to the mall. It didn't feel like there was any need to solve it until after the 50% mark, and even then, dating lives and pregnancy banter took center stage.
The mysterious death of her parents 20 years ago... well, when you find out, go ahead and let me know. It's still a mystery.
Highly disappointed and can't even fathom trying to continue the series for more answers.
That's where it ends, though.
The majority of the book felt choppy and forced. Conversations between characters were awkward and not at all natural. Then comes the two story lines. A wraith problem in the present and the mysterious death of her parents 20 years ago.
For moat of the book, the wraith storyline came second to family dinners and trips to the mall. It didn't feel like there was any need to solve it until after the 50% mark, and even then, dating lives and pregnancy banter took center stage.
The mysterious death of her parents 20 years ago... well, when you find out, go ahead and let me know. It's still a mystery.
Highly disappointed and can't even fathom trying to continue the series for more answers.
January 6, 2022
Exciting and Suspenseful
While many of the characters are paranormal, they are realistic and entertaining. The plot is very good, with both suspense and romance. The characters are well developed, and are very left through a believable actions. The death gate is located in Belle Isle in the river in Detroit. Several subplots keep the story engrossing, exciting and entertaining. It is richly worth for the book.
While many of the characters are paranormal, they are realistic and entertaining. The plot is very good, with both suspense and romance. The characters are well developed, and are very left through a believable actions. The death gate is located in Belle Isle in the river in Detroit. Several subplots keep the story engrossing, exciting and entertaining. It is richly worth for the book.
June 6, 2019
I was sad to see the Aisling Grimlock series come to an end, but there really wasn’t more that could have been said. This series starts with a new character Izzy Sage and a new venue. Where do the souls go after the Reapers collect them? This will answer that question with a new cast of characters and a lot of interaction with the Grimlocks.
I do wish the author made some of the “bad guys” a little more surprising, but for a fun read I am not complaining!
Great Fun!
I do wish the author made some of the “bad guys” a little more surprising, but for a fun read I am not complaining!
Great Fun!
April 5, 2024
I liked it. Different twist on grim reapers and the supernatural. Funny and the Grimlock family is hilarious! I do hope Izzy gets what she’s looking to,
January 22, 2020
I was so excited to see the Grimlocks in this book! I love Izzy and our new friends, but I had been pining for Aisling and Jerry and the gang. This is the best of both worlds!
June 7, 2022
2.5 stars
October 18, 2018
Loved it!
I've never been a Braden fan but now I get him. I loved the character of Izzy and can't wait to find out more about her powers. This is a great way to expand on this series!
I've never been a Braden fan but now I get him. I loved the character of Izzy and can't wait to find out more about her powers. This is a great way to expand on this series!
August 23, 2019
Loved it!
I haven’t read the Aisling Grimlock books so I was a little lost, but only by characters, the story was new. I can’t wait to read the next one, and now I have to read Aisling’s story.
I haven’t read the Aisling Grimlock books so I was a little lost, but only by characters, the story was new. I can’t wait to read the next one, and now I have to read Aisling’s story.
January 14, 2022
Another masterpiece!
I love Izzie! She is a great character. I love that there was still a lot of the Grimlock mischief still there. Great job!
I love Izzie! She is a great character. I love that there was still a lot of the Grimlock mischief still there. Great job!
May 23, 2020
Rating: ⭐️⭐️💫
The book started with promise. To be honest I picked it up because of the beautiful cover that teased bruja magic that had a Dia de Los Muertos feel (thinking CoCo for adults). I loved the snarkiness and dry humor. However, it felt like Isabella (Izzy) Sage’s story got high-jacked by the Grimlock family. Throughout the 172 pages of this 267 book it felt like it was a rehashing of another book and then I looked it up on Goodreads to find out that yes, indeed this Grimlock cast are existing characters from this author’s other book series. Being that this was my first book of Amanda M. Lee and this was supposedly the first book in her “A death Gate Grim Reaper” Series I felt that it was too bogged down with history, info dumps and the strong personalities of more developed cast members that it made the MC feel like a sidekick doing parlor tricks for 64% of the book.
The scenes I liked where with Maxine, Izzy’s aunt, it was the most comfortable moments in the book where you got to know Izzy one-on-one.
Unfortunately, it took till chapter 22 to get us there and that was even too brief.
One of the other pet peeves I have about this story line is the Grimlock sister, Aisling, who is super pregnant and a super whiner! She is often describe as this super bad-A BP (before pregnancy) and now is doing ditsy things to stay in the game, but she whines like a spoiled twelve year old it grates my nerves! If she’s suppose to be this bad-A then it would be nice for the author to carry this strong female personality through her pregnancy, it makes me wonder if the writer has ever experience pregnancy? Being pregnant doesn’t turn you into Mr. Hyde if you’ve been Jekyll your whole life. Granted your emotions turn from time-to-time but you don’t turn into a pool of a waddling, whining baby incubator. All those emotions and insecurities could have still been explored if she was her “bad-A” self.
But g-d bless her soul the MC did her best to humor that girl.
The “bad guy” wasn’t thrown in until the last minute but it was so obvious the moment they walked into the book. It was like, “oh ya, a bad guy should be behind all the trouble that’s mimicking the theme from some other book that is constantly referenced and stealing the spot light.”
Okay, Oaky, but there was a twist that brought me up again. And then, I had hopes for this novel...until the stretched out bad guy monologues and bickering back and forth between the antagonist and protagonist... my word it was face tearing. And lets not over look the convenient mirror, this is why I am not a fan of first person.
However, I did like the the concept and the revelation of the MC’s powers. There were some good scenes here and there that made the book palatable. But is was really hard to get through not being familiar with the authors world building as it heavily relied on the central family unit. This is definitely not a series spin off that you can pick up and take off with. The info dumps weighs the storyline down and stifles the new MC’s growth. However, if you are a long time fan of the Grimlock clan than this is a wonderful addition to the series. I’m not sure if I’ll finish out the series, I may try one more book hoping that Izzy will be given more space to develop, but if it takes as long as it did in this book for her to find a voice then I just can’t.
The book started with promise. To be honest I picked it up because of the beautiful cover that teased bruja magic that had a Dia de Los Muertos feel (thinking CoCo for adults). I loved the snarkiness and dry humor. However, it felt like Isabella (Izzy) Sage’s story got high-jacked by the Grimlock family. Throughout the 172 pages of this 267 book it felt like it was a rehashing of another book and then I looked it up on Goodreads to find out that yes, indeed this Grimlock cast are existing characters from this author’s other book series. Being that this was my first book of Amanda M. Lee and this was supposedly the first book in her “A death Gate Grim Reaper” Series I felt that it was too bogged down with history, info dumps and the strong personalities of more developed cast members that it made the MC feel like a sidekick doing parlor tricks for 64% of the book.
The scenes I liked where with Maxine, Izzy’s aunt, it was the most comfortable moments in the book where you got to know Izzy one-on-one.
Unfortunately, it took till chapter 22 to get us there and that was even too brief.
One of the other pet peeves I have about this story line is the Grimlock sister, Aisling, who is super pregnant and a super whiner! She is often describe as this super bad-A BP (before pregnancy) and now is doing ditsy things to stay in the game, but she whines like a spoiled twelve year old it grates my nerves! If she’s suppose to be this bad-A then it would be nice for the author to carry this strong female personality through her pregnancy, it makes me wonder if the writer has ever experience pregnancy? Being pregnant doesn’t turn you into Mr. Hyde if you’ve been Jekyll your whole life. Granted your emotions turn from time-to-time but you don’t turn into a pool of a waddling, whining baby incubator. All those emotions and insecurities could have still been explored if she was her “bad-A” self.
But g-d bless her soul the MC did her best to humor that girl.
The “bad guy” wasn’t thrown in until the last minute but it was so obvious the moment they walked into the book. It was like, “oh ya, a bad guy should be behind all the trouble that’s mimicking the theme from some other book that is constantly referenced and stealing the spot light.”
Okay, Oaky, but there was a twist that brought me up again. And then, I had hopes for this novel...until the stretched out bad guy monologues and bickering back and forth between the antagonist and protagonist... my word it was face tearing. And lets not over look the convenient mirror, this is why I am not a fan of first person.
However, I did like the the concept and the revelation of the MC’s powers. There were some good scenes here and there that made the book palatable. But is was really hard to get through not being familiar with the authors world building as it heavily relied on the central family unit. This is definitely not a series spin off that you can pick up and take off with. The info dumps weighs the storyline down and stifles the new MC’s growth. However, if you are a long time fan of the Grimlock clan than this is a wonderful addition to the series. I’m not sure if I’ll finish out the series, I may try one more book hoping that Izzy will be given more space to develop, but if it takes as long as it did in this book for her to find a voice then I just can’t.
July 21, 2020
224,800 pages, how do you measure a series
Certain authors *coughAmandaLeecough* are so myopically focused on creating an extensive catalogue of quirky characters and silly scenarios, each more inane and ridiculous than the last, that they forget to write a plot. The only reason these kinds of books are stretched out into 10 parts is because there are 83 different wacky friends, relatives, neighbours, and townspeople each in competition with all of the others to behave more irrationally than the last.
What’s most challenging about this specific series is that it apparently ties into all of the other series that the author has ever written. Be prepared to read the 167 earlier books that provide the background to this series. Who knows? Maybe if one is ready to put in that kind of dedication, these characters will seem less pathetic. These books are supposed to be about Izzy and the deaths of her family when she was 7, but the author quickly devolves into adding another 5 or 6 books to the already 16 part Grimlock series. Izzy isn’t able to do anything without a Grimlock by her side. She dates Braedan and is perpetually joined at the hip with Aisling. Aisling comes off as a manic pixie dream girl of the most grotesque proportions. Apparently the prior 16 books, her marriage, or her baby have done nothing to help her grow up. I’m sure that she’s supposed to be comedic, but she also lives in a castle, steals her dada’s car, and goes on and on and on about how she just luuuuuves being spoiled rotten. At one point she talks about how she hates other women because she thinks women are stupid and her bestie, Jerry, talks about how she would want the entire family to suicide to demonstrate that she is the most important person to all of them. Jerry cares less about his fiance, Aisling’s brother, than he does about Aisling. It’s not a good look. Aisling likes to fight with Angelina, but her entire family, including her father and Jerry, all dog pile Angelina. At one point, Izzy physically attacks Angelina and goes out of her way to tell new characters that Angelina is bad.
Certain authors *coughAmandaLeecough* are so myopically focused on creating an extensive catalogue of quirky characters and silly scenarios, each more inane and ridiculous than the last, that they forget to write a plot. The only reason these kinds of books are stretched out into 10 parts is because there are 83 different wacky friends, relatives, neighbours, and townspeople each in competition with all of the others to behave more irrationally than the last.
What’s most challenging about this specific series is that it apparently ties into all of the other series that the author has ever written. Be prepared to read the 167 earlier books that provide the background to this series. Who knows? Maybe if one is ready to put in that kind of dedication, these characters will seem less pathetic. These books are supposed to be about Izzy and the deaths of her family when she was 7, but the author quickly devolves into adding another 5 or 6 books to the already 16 part Grimlock series. Izzy isn’t able to do anything without a Grimlock by her side. She dates Braedan and is perpetually joined at the hip with Aisling. Aisling comes off as a manic pixie dream girl of the most grotesque proportions. Apparently the prior 16 books, her marriage, or her baby have done nothing to help her grow up. I’m sure that she’s supposed to be comedic, but she also lives in a castle, steals her dada’s car, and goes on and on and on about how she just luuuuuves being spoiled rotten. At one point she talks about how she hates other women because she thinks women are stupid and her bestie, Jerry, talks about how she would want the entire family to suicide to demonstrate that she is the most important person to all of them. Jerry cares less about his fiance, Aisling’s brother, than he does about Aisling. It’s not a good look. Aisling likes to fight with Angelina, but her entire family, including her father and Jerry, all dog pile Angelina. At one point, Izzy physically attacks Angelina and goes out of her way to tell new characters that Angelina is bad.
August 27, 2023
I sort of enjoyed it.
I loved the new mythology, different legendary creatures, the Detroit/Belle Isle setting, the male lead's father and sister (god, she is hilarious!), the female lead's and male lead's backstories, and the female lead's and male lead's character/personalities at the beginning of the book. She was strong and goal-oriented and he was (understandably) downhearted and angsty.
But the post (ie. she is suppose to be guarding a gateway but isn't even given a weapon when they have no clue if she has magic to defend it with) and plot were a contrived mess, the female lead personality became weak and wishy-washy, the male lead became arrogant and self-satisfied, their dynamic morphed into Hunter's and Galen's from the same author's Moonstone Bay series, and the hiding of critical information from the female lead also went on in this book but with no real reason as she grew up in the magical world, was trained as a magical, both while growing up in New Orleans and at an academy, and has been working in the magical world for several years.
Oh and her ending up with her grandfather instead of her aunt made no sense. The aunt is a woman, which the courts tend to favor; she was of a mature but still young age, which the courts also tend to favor over an aging grandparent; she doesn't just have a legitimate job, she is a business owner and financially stable which the courts would have definitely favored over a grandfather without even a recognizable job who struggled to put food on the table; and she was in the area so the child's life would not have had to be completely uprooted, which the courts also favor. So the aunt would have won custody easily. On top of that, the lead female paints her grandfather in a positive light but he was really a good person, he would have recognized the aunt could give his granddaughter a more secure, stable home and wanted that for her so it makes no sense on that end either (or he is actually a very selfish person and the female lead will find that out in the end).
And the sexism is a lot heavier than in her Moonstone Bay series.
Am going to try the next book but am quite leery.
I loved the new mythology, different legendary creatures, the Detroit/Belle Isle setting, the male lead's father and sister (god, she is hilarious!), the female lead's and male lead's backstories, and the female lead's and male lead's character/personalities at the beginning of the book. She was strong and goal-oriented and he was (understandably) downhearted and angsty.
But the post (ie. she is suppose to be guarding a gateway but isn't even given a weapon when they have no clue if she has magic to defend it with) and plot were a contrived mess, the female lead personality became weak and wishy-washy, the male lead became arrogant and self-satisfied, their dynamic morphed into Hunter's and Galen's from the same author's Moonstone Bay series, and the hiding of critical information from the female lead also went on in this book but with no real reason as she grew up in the magical world, was trained as a magical, both while growing up in New Orleans and at an academy, and has been working in the magical world for several years.
Oh and her ending up with her grandfather instead of her aunt made no sense. The aunt is a woman, which the courts tend to favor; she was of a mature but still young age, which the courts also tend to favor over an aging grandparent; she doesn't just have a legitimate job, she is a business owner and financially stable which the courts would have definitely favored over a grandfather without even a recognizable job who struggled to put food on the table; and she was in the area so the child's life would not have had to be completely uprooted, which the courts also favor. So the aunt would have won custody easily. On top of that, the lead female paints her grandfather in a positive light but he was really a good person, he would have recognized the aunt could give his granddaughter a more secure, stable home and wanted that for her so it makes no sense on that end either (or he is actually a very selfish person and the female lead will find that out in the end).
And the sexism is a lot heavier than in her Moonstone Bay series.
Am going to try the next book but am quite leery.
August 3, 2022
I picked this up around Christmas when it was on offer and the cover really intrigued me.
It starts with a prologue from many years ago when our main character - Izzy - was only a child and the gate that her parents were guarding malfunctioned and they ended up dead. Fast forward to now and she's back to guard the gate herself but on her first day a wraith enters the portal, something no one has ever known to happen before. When it later comes back out but more powerful Izzy must seek help from the reaper family on the island, The Grimlocks, to try and figure out what is happening.
I struggled to get into this. It was a slow start and I wasn't keen on Izzy's behaviour. She did slowly grow on me the more we got to know her but I do think it had already dampened my enjoyment. I wasn't sure what to make of the Grimlocks, either. They were a bit standoffish to start with but they also grew on me, actually more than Izzy did. It was the family dynamic; the teasing, the affection, that made me like them so much.
As for the storyline... I was bored quite often. It was rather slow moving and didn't have the "thriller" vibe I was hoping for. I usually love an urban fantasy but this seemed to lack a lot of the action and drama that I've come to expect from the genre. The ending wasn't even much of a surprise either.
I just feel a little disappointed by this one.
It starts with a prologue from many years ago when our main character - Izzy - was only a child and the gate that her parents were guarding malfunctioned and they ended up dead. Fast forward to now and she's back to guard the gate herself but on her first day a wraith enters the portal, something no one has ever known to happen before. When it later comes back out but more powerful Izzy must seek help from the reaper family on the island, The Grimlocks, to try and figure out what is happening.
I struggled to get into this. It was a slow start and I wasn't keen on Izzy's behaviour. She did slowly grow on me the more we got to know her but I do think it had already dampened my enjoyment. I wasn't sure what to make of the Grimlocks, either. They were a bit standoffish to start with but they also grew on me, actually more than Izzy did. It was the family dynamic; the teasing, the affection, that made me like them so much.
As for the storyline... I was bored quite often. It was rather slow moving and didn't have the "thriller" vibe I was hoping for. I usually love an urban fantasy but this seemed to lack a lot of the action and drama that I've come to expect from the genre. The ending wasn't even much of a surprise either.
I just feel a little disappointed by this one.
February 20, 2019
Let me first say I love LOVE Ms. Lee's writing style and snark, as well as the Aisling Grimlock series (read them all). I would normally rate ALL of them 5 stars, but not this one as I had a number of issues with the start of this new series.
While I was happy there was more with Maxine, and I look forward to learning more about Oliver, this did NOT read like a new series spin-off. There was soooo much about Aisling and her family (except for Jerry) and her pregnancy that it read like another Aisling book rather than an Izzy book.
And Jerry, heavy sigh. I'm sorry, but given how the Aisling/Jerry relationship developed over the many prior books, and multiple characters saying Jerry was family, I CAN NOT forgive Ms. Lee for leaving Jerry out of the baby's birth. Seriously, I just can't. He "missed it" because none of the many characters called him on the way to the hospital OR the many hours of waiting around for the baby to be born. Including Aiden of all people. That upset me soooo much it unfortunately ended up ruining the whole book for me. I'll almost certainly read the next one, BUT I'm hoping it is more about Izzy and (just a little) less about the Grimlocks. (And I hope there's a big-ass apology to Jerry.)
While I was happy there was more with Maxine, and I look forward to learning more about Oliver, this did NOT read like a new series spin-off. There was soooo much about Aisling and her family (except for Jerry) and her pregnancy that it read like another Aisling book rather than an Izzy book.
And Jerry, heavy sigh. I'm sorry, but given how the Aisling/Jerry relationship developed over the many prior books, and multiple characters saying Jerry was family, I CAN NOT forgive Ms. Lee for leaving Jerry out of the baby's birth. Seriously, I just can't. He "missed it" because none of the many characters called him on the way to the hospital OR the many hours of waiting around for the baby to be born. Including Aiden of all people. That upset me soooo much it unfortunately ended up ruining the whole book for me. I'll almost certainly read the next one, BUT I'm hoping it is more about Izzy and (just a little) less about the Grimlocks. (And I hope there's a big-ass apology to Jerry.)
November 4, 2019
2 1/2 stars. The premise, main character and outlines of the story are decent. I like Izzy in many ways: she's just started her new job with her own very personal reason for being there but all sorts of strange things are happening and she doesn't want to seem incompetent. Then the Grimlocks come along; they are overwhelming. She's kind of lost. She asks a lot of questions, good. But some are really inappropriate and that would be obvious to anyone. Izzy gets upset if people don't call her the right term and then she has such a problem calling other people the right term. She could be a bit more understanding.
But all of that is a small quibble. What really threw things out of kilter were the amount of time spent on the Grimlocks, particularly Aisling. She comes off as a spoiled brat who is like a toddler that needs to be at the center of attention and if she pouts at dad she gets whatever she wants with little to no consequences. This has nothing to do with the author's sense of humor. I like snark and read some other books by her and enjoyed them. This is not their story its Izzy and maybe one of their stories.
But all of that is a small quibble. What really threw things out of kilter were the amount of time spent on the Grimlocks, particularly Aisling. She comes off as a spoiled brat who is like a toddler that needs to be at the center of attention and if she pouts at dad she gets whatever she wants with little to no consequences. This has nothing to do with the author's sense of humor. I like snark and read some other books by her and enjoyed them. This is not their story its Izzy and maybe one of their stories.
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