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Mistress Grim

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The Grim Reaper has been collecting souls of the dead for hundreds of years, but even the Master of Death has to pass on his reign. Unfortunately, his progeny is not quite ready to replace him.

Cora Grim, daughter of the Grim Reaper, is suddenly thrust into her father’s role. Leaving the Underworld on her own to bring back the dead souls, she discovers that the Master of Death neglected to tell her one thing. She can still fall in love.

OTHER BOOKS BY JANE REDD:
Solstice
Lake Town

180 pages, Audiobook

Published June 12, 2018

54 people are currently reading
230 people want to read

About the author

Jane Redd

9 books84 followers
Writing under Jane Redd, Heather B. Moore is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen historical novels set in ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican International School in Jerusalem and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, and romance and women's fiction under the name Heather B. Moore. It can be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

Join H.B. Moore's newsletter list for updates at www.hbmoore.com/contact.

Visit JANE REDD BOOKS on Facebook for series updates.

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5 stars
55 (33%)
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66 (40%)
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32 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,503 reviews328 followers
August 7, 2017
I'll admit it--sometimes the fantasy genre makes me nervous because I either get completely caught up in the weird names or lost in the world building. But I had nothing to fear with this one! Cora is the Grim Reaper's daughter and discovers new secrets as she embarks on a journey in her new role.

Jane Redd does a fabulous job of building the Underworld and connecting it to mortals. The characters are easy to connect with and their emotions are almost tangible, especially the feelings of love, longing, and loss. My attention was captured from the first page to the last and I loved the way the different worlds were fastened together with fragile strings.

This is a novella, but it feels complete and I'm seriously amazed at how well everything was put together in such a short amount of time. There are tendrils of romance, adventure, conflict, danger, and mystery whirling throughout the story--what more could you want?

Content: mild-moderate violence (death, fighting, some descriptions that aren't too graphic); mild romance.

*I received a copy to review, which didn't affect my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.*
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews583 followers
August 18, 2017
Wow! Although I don't read much fantasy, if I have a recommendation from a friend or the author is one of my favorites I will give it a try. Heather B. Moore (aka Jane Redd) is definitely one of my must-read authors and she did not disappoint! The fantasy elements are based in familiar mythology, but with twists and details that made it interesting and not like a history lesson ;) I loved the characters of Cora and Leo and instantly felt like I could relate to them and their goals. The plot is intense and moved swiftly along to the climax. The romantic moments are charged and yet sweet also. A great quick read that took my imagination to new places!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
August 4, 2017
You can pick up Mistress Grim as part of the Shattered Worlds box set. I had the privilege of reading Mistress Grim pre-release and I really loved it. It has romance but intrigue, danger and action as well.

Cora is the daughter of the Grim Reaper. She defied my ideas of what a grim reaper would be. I loved her heart, courage and determination. And Leo? Ummm, yumma yumma. Sign me up for some of that. He and Cora were perfectly matched and they fought hard to have that.

I was pulled in from the very beginning of this story and it was over way too soon. I wanted more of Cora and Leo.

Content: some violence, gruesome creatures, kissing
Profile Image for Mara.
1,467 reviews110 followers
August 25, 2019
Listened to the audiobook this time. The narrators (one for Cora and one for Leo) were great. It's been a couple of years since the book was released and I'd forgotten parts of the story.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,542 reviews268 followers
August 15, 2017
This was a different type of read for me. A original story. Less character driven and more a bigger picture. I think that was the one thing I didn't like about this. I didn't feel invested in the characters, I didn't feel the emotion and the leading male roll was more of a side character. The idea was good and the execution well done, but I'm a feeler, I gotta feel it. This is a short story in a collection of short YA stories. This has some kissing that tried to lead to more, so not really YA. They were 20, but it was a first love type story. Rated pg 13 for violence and a bit of sexual content.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,256 reviews104 followers
January 1, 2018
I loved this story. MISTRESS GRIM is well written and fast paced, with fascinating characters. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I enjoyed how quickly the plot moved but I never felt the story was rushed. I loved the characters. Especially Cora and Leo. Cora is mysterious and lovely. Leo is handsome and brave. Perfect main characters. The Grim himself was also very intriguing.
1,686 reviews12 followers
August 10, 2017
What a new way to look at the underworld. I found this book every entertaining. It was a good book that kept my interest. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews240 followers
August 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this paranormal/fantasy novella. It was a pretty quick read with a great plot and well developed characters. I'm a huge fan of this author's work and once again for me, I was sucked right into the pages of this book from the opening scene. This is part of the Shattered Worlds box set if you're interested in snagging lots of sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal books for a great price. This title will be available as an individual download in a couple months from Aug 2017 if you just want this individual title.

I've never read a book from the perspective of the Grim Reaper before and most definitely not from the perspective of his daughter. Some aspects of this book I've seen used in a couple different movies about fables/fairy tales dealing with the Grim Reaper, so that was fun to recognize some things I've seen about the harbinger of death.

This book alternates between two POVs. Cora, Reaper's daughter, and Leo, a prince of the earth. I loved how the two stories intertwined together. Cora has been in training as heir to becoming the Reaper but is thrust into many challenges suddenly and must use her wits to figure out how best to keep her world, and earth from falling apart and rotting to the core. Events once set in motion cannot be undone. Will following her instincts or her partial training serve her best? Will this human be the complete undoing or the savior of the underworld?

It was such a fun read, I had a hard time putting it down. Luckily I had some reading time after kiddos were in bed that I could enjoy it and finish it since it isn't too long. I love a good fantasy read and this one did not disappoint! You get a little bit of everything. Revenge, battles, magic, death, love story, mystery, battling kingdoms, invisibility cloak, fountain of youth, folk lore and much more.

Those of you who enjoy some sweet romance, and those who don't want a lot of that in your books, there was a great balance here. Yes, you could say that the romance keeps the plot moving but it's not overbearing for readers who want more fantasy elements. And for the romance lovers it's still got a great love story. Definitely going on my go-to-read-again shelf! If you haven't checked anything out by this author I highly recommend you do so, she's one of my favs!!!

So if you are super excited to read this now, go snag a copy of the box set (it came out today) or put it on pre-order or a reminder to snag it in a couple months.

Content: Battles, some blood, death(yep Grim Reaper kinda makes that a for sure thing in this book), a couple kissing that gets a little passionate but nothing past a passionate make out.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own!

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Lucinda.
Author 22 books1,303 followers
January 8, 2019
Not my usual genre, but enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,526 reviews18 followers
August 8, 2017
Cora is a princess, daughter of the Grim Reaper and a mortal mother. She has trained her whole life to take over her father’s role but when her Uncle Swan rebels and tries to take over the Underworld, Cora must fight to save not only her father but the Underworld and Earth as well. This novella is well written with great characters and a swift moving plot line!
Profile Image for Rebecca DalMolin.
Author 1 book1 follower
August 10, 2017
To be honest, it took me a while to get into this novella. It's written very well, but part of it is written in first person, present tense, which, for me, read too factual, like an owners manual. "I walk away. He watches me. I am sad." Obviously, this is a crude example but, at times, it read like that for me. Since it is a fantasy romance (at least that's how I would define it), I did appreciate that it stayed in the PG - PG-13 range and would be considered clean by most (passionate kissing, no sex or explicit descriptions). Like I said, it's written well and is unique to any other story I have read, but I never had a wow moment. The writing perspective was also a disappointment for me, hence the three stars.
Profile Image for Marisa.
275 reviews
August 15, 2017
Mistress Grim is a compelling fantasy with an original storyline that is very intriguing. The grim reapers daughter is taking over rule in the Underworld and she finds that she can fall in love. This is part of a box set that I am excited to read more from but so far this is the one I started with that I recommend. I love this author and was not disappointed!! Box set is: Shattered Worlds; I can't wait to read them all!!
Profile Image for Laura .
1,158 reviews13 followers
September 13, 2017
I really didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, but I know that I really enjoy this author's writing. I was pleasantly surprised by this novella.
The action starts right away and the pace doesn't slow down. I had never thought of the Grim Reaper as a person or what kind of life he would live. I definitely NEVER considered a woman reaper.
The romance was good, the pace constant & ending great! I would definitely recommend this to friends.
6,155 reviews
August 14, 2017
I only wanted to get the Shattered Worlds collection for Jane Redd's Mistress Grim. So far, that is the only story I have read. Mistress Grim is a fabulous tale. I love the aspect of the Grim Reaper's daughter finding herself. I look forward to reading the rest of the stories that is in the collection.
5 stars.
Profile Image for Katie.
162 reviews10 followers
June 7, 2019
Duration: 4 hrs 19 mins

Mistress Grim by Jane Redd (aka Heather B. Moore) is a paranormal fantasy about duty, honour, family, and love.

Audible Summary: The Mistress of Death discovers that hearts never truly die. The Grim Reaper has been collecting souls of the dead for hundreds of years, but even the Master of Death has to pass on his reign. Unfortunately, his progeny is not quite ready to replace him.
Cora Grim, daughter of the Grim Reaper, is suddenly thrust into her father’s role. Leaving the Underworld on her own to bring back the dead souls, she discovers that the Master of Death neglected to tell her one thing. She can still fall in love.


I was really enthusiastic about starting this book as the premise was so intriguing. It made me think of an expanded, high-fantasy version of Susan's story from Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. There, too, a half-mortal descendant of Death has to embrace her family business and both halves of her nature. In Mistress Grim it is Cora's uncle, Swan, who occupies the villainous, power-hungry role filled by Mr Teatime in The Hogfather, though there is none of the humour of the Disc in this novel.

I loved the author's description of Death's library at the beginning of the story as being a vast athenaeum containing every book ever published in the human world. I felt a similar affection for the ratty, too-small armchair in her father's room later on. Far be it for me to wish for greater intimacy with the Reaper, but I would have liked more of those glimpses into the minutiae of Cora's extraordinary after-life.

I felt that Leo's humanity contrasted well with Cora's otherness, and helped her discover the strength that can be found in her mortal 'weakness'. It is a trope often employed in romance novels where the hero helps the heroine to fulfill her potential but I enjoyed this particular twist on it.

Unfortunately, many of the action sequences felt as though they were lacking the pace and tension needed to really draw me into them, and I think much of that was down to Cora's remoteness. Despite the first-person perspective during her chapters, Cora always felt a little distant. I presume that was intentional, she is only half human after all, but it sometimes felt like a barrier to finding the emotional engagement needed to really experience the characters' peril. Some of the writing also needed tightening with a thorough edit as phrases like "he touched the necklace surrounding his neck" were rather clunky, but it wasn't enough to spoil the book.

The narrators Steve West and Katharine McEwan did a good job, with the story switching between Cora's POV (narrated by McEwan), and Leo's (narrated by West). Their complementary performances prevented this from feeling disjointed, as it can in some audiobook duets.

I instantly loved Steve West's voice and his characterisation of Leo. The hero's passion and sincerity were evident from West's earliest words, but he also did a great job with the other characters and I'm excited about listening to other books he has narrated.

I took longer to connect to Katherine McEwan's Cora, but the slight detachment in her portrayal at times was perfectly pitched to make the character feel suitably otherworldly. McEwan's performance grew more earnest as Cora's love for Leo made her more human, which worked well.

I'd recommend this book to people who like fantasy and paranormal romance, and those who enjoy duet narration.

*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

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Profile Image for Sydney Winward.
Author 39 books324 followers
November 28, 2020
Mistress Grim has great world building with an interesting storyline. The duties of the Grim Reaper are suddenly thrust upon his daughter when the Underworld sinks into chaos. Only she can save the mortal world and restore the Underworld to its former glory.

Despite my initial draw to the cover and the blurb, the contents of the book were a bit flat to me, and I wasn’t able to invest myself in the characters. I was baffled by Leo’s determination to keep throwing himself into danger and putting his own life at risk for…nothing. There is no real motivation here, and him doing it for love is not believable either. Cora is also a flat character to me, just going along with what needs to be done and having no real believable motivation of her own.

The tense switching from chapter to chapter also threw me, changing with each pov. Cora’s pov was first person present tense, and Leo’s was third person past tense. It was my first time reading a book written like this, and I thought it was unnecessary.

Overall, the book had a good storyline and I enjoyed the ending. People who are looking for an interesting story about the afterlife in a fictional realm might enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Natalie.
840 reviews
August 8, 2022
I love books that really stand out in the crowd, and Mistress Grim does just that. Creative, unique, delightful, and thought-provoking, with likable characters, depth, and edge of your seat action and romance.

Moderate violence and some semi- passionate kissing scenes.
Profile Image for Crystal Collier.
Author 5 books184 followers
December 4, 2017
A fun, different book, this story had a unique plot. There wasn't much suspense, but I liked it.
Profile Image for Charissa.
Author 19 books81 followers
December 18, 2019
This is a fast read with a unique plot. The Grim Reaper's daughter, Cora, is thrust into her new role as guardian of dead souls to the judgment seat when a rebellion flares up in the Underworld and she must escape to save her life. When she meets Leo, a prince on Earth, as she comes to escort his dying father to the Underworld, he can see her. Which shouldn't happen!

Cora can't believe the handsome prince can see her. And he begs her for his father's life, willing to trade his life instead, so he doesn't have to become king. She flees, and his father's life is spared. Leo seeks her out later, and discovers that the Underworld is in chaos because of the rebellion. She must go back to fight for her dad's life, but she has no one else to go with her. He volunteers to be part of her "army". And so begins a tale of forbidden love and symbolic imagery with spiritual connotations.

I enjoyed this story, but it's a short one, and didn't have the character depth and growth I usually savor in books; hence, the 4 instead of 5 rating. The plot goes fast, and sometimes I felt Cora's challenges were solved too easily, without all the backsliding and recommitment to a goal I enjoy seeing in a story. But still, it's well done for a quick read, and it was super intriguing and unique. This author is talented and knows how to write.
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,591 reviews130 followers
November 16, 2019
(3.5 stars) - an exercise in paranormal fairytales (with a parental caveat)


The story has an intriguing premise. It may seem a little stiff initially as it sets up the story but then it takes off running pretty much to the end.

Cora and Leo are pretty much instantly smitten, which given Leo's rather dispassionate attitude towards his own family seems a little surprising, but with the fairytale vibe of the story, it works.

*Clean romance level: It's more of a sweet than a clean romance since Cora begs a night with Leo before a parting. They move to a bed and she removes his shirt before they are interrupted. So, no graphic details but obvious intentions

*Religion/Parental Discretion :
When Cora wants to spend the night with him, we're told, "Leo knew he might damn himself, but he couldn’t say no to her." While this story is clearly fantasy, having the character essentially choosing Cora's will over God's is a tragedy not a romance. Parents may want to use the opportunity to talk about how always putting God 1st allows us to love others more - and as is best for them, as well as ourselves

[The narrators taking turns with each of the main character's perspectives worked nicely. Their voices played well into the melodrama]
1 review
June 11, 2023
**no spoilers in this review**
I may be getting ahead of myself because I'm just now dipping my toes into reading, really, for the first time in my adult life. I decided to start with a short, easy read that I could finish in a weekend to see how it went. I spent over an hour at the library trying to find a book I wanted to take home with me and I happily ended up with this one.
I'm not a big fan of romance, so I appreciate the fact that this author sprinkled the romance throughout without the whole book being about sex and lust, etc. A smaller part of the read was about it which made it meaningful and special during those parts.
The last sentence of every chapter was a *gasp*, "I can't stop reading, NOW," moment.
Uniquely written with the way perspective changes with every chapter.
Profile Image for Heather (The Book Squirm).
111 reviews
October 7, 2019
A clever take on the underworld and the tale of the grim reaper.

I found myself really enjoying this book. Cora is the main character and is the grim reapers daughter. She finds herself in dire circumstances when her uncle challenges the rule of the underworld. She is forced to make hard decisions on behalf of herself and her kingdom. Those decisions way heavily as the effects will be felt even among the mortal realm.

This book is written in a simplistic style and it truly works well.

I listened to the audio book which I most definitely recommend! Both narrators are absolutely fabulous.

35 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2020
Really loved the concept, but the ending feels spoiled

I really liked this story. It was a super cute concept and I really loved the main girl. However, many times the plot surprises are spoiled within the book. It feels like the author tries to justify what she's about to do, and so things are explained by a character or mention that then ruins the plot twists.
It would have been an amazing ending, if it wasn't spoiled 3 pages before. Instead of being a very moving scene, it was really hard to feel the emotions of the main characters and fell flat. I was left disappointed
Profile Image for Estella.
436 reviews14 followers
September 21, 2024
The Mistress of Death discovers that hearts never truly die. The Grim Reaper has been collecting souls of the dead for hundreds of years, but even the Master of Death has to pass on his reign. Unfortunately, his progeny is not quite ready to replace him.

Cora Grim, daughter of the Grim Reaper, is suddenly thrust into her father’s role. Leaving the Underworld on her own to bring back the dead souls, she discovers that the Master of Death neglected to tell her one thing. She can still fall in love.

This was a very creative story. The characters are well developed and the story is very interesting. I enjoyed this book. It is different than my normal book taste but I still enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Shash.
473 reviews
August 9, 2017
This is a compelling story! There is death, mercy, sacrifice, loyalty, and great romance. It provides a unique take on the underworld, the struggles there, and the effect on mortals.

I loved the characters! Cora is not what I expected in a grim reaper. She is kind, caring and good-hearted. She is strong, yet feminine. And Leo – swoon! He’s willing to fight for Cora. He’s willing to die for her. He searches to find a way to be with her. He’s everything I could want in a hero!

I loved every second of this novella! It can be found in the Shattered Worlds box set.
Profile Image for bluepits73.
323 reviews
September 11, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.

There are some great things about this book; for example the world building is great, the writing is pretty good, etc. that would justify a higher rating than 3 stars. However, what really makes this a 3 star for me is that I didnt really connect with the characters, the story wasn't written in such a way that we can really get to know them and get any kind of emotionally invested in them, which is a must for me.

The narrators did a great job, I'd be interested in hearing them in other performances.
Profile Image for Jenna Killpack.
532 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version.
This is not my usual genre but I have read plenty of other books from Heather B Moore that I enjoyed. It reminded me of a mix between the grim reaper and the little mermaid. Interesting concept, creative and entertaining story. I think I would have liked it better if I had read it. I really liked the voice for Leo but I struggled with the voice for Cora, she seemed monotone or emotionless at times. I still enjoyed it though and would recommend it for a quick read and I will look into the others in the series.
Profile Image for Autumn Needs.
11 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2017
I've never been exposed to the underworld other than in Disney's Hercules and was a little weary of starting this book as I wasn't sure what to expect. I needn't have feared as Jane Reed did a fantastic job of weaving adventure, mystery, fear, and romance into the evenly balanced worlds of mortals and immortals. I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to be lost in another world and enjoy a fast moving story full of twists and bends. Highly entertaining and I couldn't put it down!
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