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Chronicles of Zoey Grimm #1
Family Squabbles
My brother is taking over the family business…
It was something I’d trained for my entire life.
I was more suited for it than he was in almost every way.
Except for the most important one… the ability he’d inherited from our father.
Why wasn’t I born with the same powers?
I’m leaving the underworld. I don’t belong there anymore.
Of course, I only have one marketable skill:
Kicking ass and taking names.
How can I use that to start a new life for myself on Earth?
Unfortunately, vigilantism doesn’t pay the bills.
Family Squabbles is the first book in The Chronicles of Zoey Grimm---a paranormal adventure, a fast-paced urban fantasy featuring a slow burn closed door romance. This is not a reverse-harem.
It was something I’d trained for my entire life.
I was more suited for it than he was in almost every way.
Except for the most important one… the ability he’d inherited from our father.
Why wasn’t I born with the same powers?
I’m leaving the underworld. I don’t belong there anymore.
Of course, I only have one marketable skill:
Kicking ass and taking names.
How can I use that to start a new life for myself on Earth?
Unfortunately, vigilantism doesn’t pay the bills.
Family Squabbles is the first book in The Chronicles of Zoey Grimm---a paranormal adventure, a fast-paced urban fantasy featuring a slow burn closed door romance. This is not a reverse-harem.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2022
581 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Theophilus Monroe
157 books292 followersTheophilus Monroe is a fantasy author with a knack for real-life characters whose supernatural experiences speak to the pangs of ordinary life. After earning his Ph.D. in Theology, he decided that academic treatises that no one will read (beyond other academics) was a dull way to spend his life. So, he began using his background in religious studies to create new worlds and forms of magic-informed by religious myths, ancient and modern-that would intrigue readers, inspire imaginations, and speak to real-world problems in fantastical ways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 14, 2022
3 The Herpes Of Craft Supplies Stars
Family Squabbles is the first book in the Chronicles of Zoey Grimm series by Theophilus Monroe and Michael Anderle.
An interesting premise for a plot, that is true. Mirroring the Grim Reaper's mantel after that of a CEO for a Fortune 500 company on another plane of existence is indeed entertaining to watch unfold. Though, I do not thunk the author fully committed to fantasy of it. Even if most of this story was located within humanity, on Earth it didn't seem as fully formed as I would have liked.
Thats mostly Zoeys fault. First, that her name is Zoey in the first place. I know that her mom probably had something to do with naming her Zoey and her brother Morty but they don't sound like the names of future leaders of Grim Reaper society. Second, she was too much like a normal girl her own age. While I don't expect her to have acted too different or high falutin, her general personality was much too drama queen teenager for my tastes.
I also would have liked more depth to the details surrounding the supernatural of this world. Which coincides with her mother being some kind of vampire slayer. How she got into this field is still something of a mystery since her mother knew nothing about it. Perhaps it was hinted that Athena put her on this path? But it was mentioned she started before Zoey and her brother were even born? I wish it was more structured, all in all it was poorly portrayed.
When it came time for the family reunion it was too concise and flowery sweet to have any ounce of realism. People generally don't overlook disappearing and hiding your true nature well. Nor do they just automatically start at where they left off so easily. It seemed rather fake, imo.
Family Squabbles is the first book in the Chronicles of Zoey Grimm series by Theophilus Monroe and Michael Anderle.
An interesting premise for a plot, that is true. Mirroring the Grim Reaper's mantel after that of a CEO for a Fortune 500 company on another plane of existence is indeed entertaining to watch unfold. Though, I do not thunk the author fully committed to fantasy of it. Even if most of this story was located within humanity, on Earth it didn't seem as fully formed as I would have liked.
Thats mostly Zoeys fault. First, that her name is Zoey in the first place. I know that her mom probably had something to do with naming her Zoey and her brother Morty but they don't sound like the names of future leaders of Grim Reaper society. Second, she was too much like a normal girl her own age. While I don't expect her to have acted too different or high falutin, her general personality was much too drama queen teenager for my tastes.
I also would have liked more depth to the details surrounding the supernatural of this world. Which coincides with her mother being some kind of vampire slayer. How she got into this field is still something of a mystery since her mother knew nothing about it. Perhaps it was hinted that Athena put her on this path? But it was mentioned she started before Zoey and her brother were even born? I wish it was more structured, all in all it was poorly portrayed.
When it came time for the family reunion it was too concise and flowery sweet to have any ounce of realism. People generally don't overlook disappearing and hiding your true nature well. Nor do they just automatically start at where they left off so easily. It seemed rather fake, imo.
February 20, 2023
I DNF, which is rare. Super disappointing book. 12 chapters in & easily 95% has been nothing but the MC droning on & on about nothing. Knowing she would NOT become a reaper, did we really need the elaborate rundown of the 7R's (or maybe it was 6?). A 6 month time jump after chapter 10 makes it seem like the authors were lazy. The MC is a stuck-up know-it-all who is jealous her brother got what she wanted (that he did NOT want) to the point that she cuts him out of her life. She has yet to show a single endearing quality. Yes, she beat up a creep... but despite the book saying otherwise, I felt no emotion about her drive to defend her friend. It felt more like she did it for kicks than anything else, but also in a boring way. I had to close it up and stop... For those with the stamina to push thru the emotionless monotony, I hope it gets better.
This is sad for me. I loved the Chronicles of an Urban Druid series!!! That series was gold - it had heart, action, and snark! Maybe Anderle needs swap Monroe out & go back to only writing with Tempest? Or maybe Tempest is the better of them all? I am not usually this mean... This represents how much I truly dislike this book and its MC.
This is sad for me. I loved the Chronicles of an Urban Druid series!!! That series was gold - it had heart, action, and snark! Maybe Anderle needs swap Monroe out & go back to only writing with Tempest? Or maybe Tempest is the better of them all? I am not usually this mean... This represents how much I truly dislike this book and its MC.
June 9, 2022
Note: This review is for the first three books in the series so there might be a spoiler or two if you haven’t read any of them or only the first one.
After reading the first book in the series I was really undecided. Especially since the first book really was setting things up for the main story arc. There was a pretty cool twist at the end though.
So I decided to read the second book as well and found it… lacking. It was not as good as the first and the first was already average at best. But again, it was continuing to set things up and it appeared that the ending was actually the real start for Zoey’s adventures.
So call me gullible but I decided to gamble and read the third book as well. The third book was better than the second but still… I was hoping for more. I did not feel that I wasted my time though. There was indeed some enjoyable moments but unfortunately also a lot of rubbish parts.
Overall I give the series three stars but only two of the three books I’ve read was worth three stars and that was barely.
So, as I wrote, the first book is a lot of setting up. The books feels a bit slow and a lot of it is spent on Zoey not being able to reap. Since she is supposed to be a Grim Reaper that is a bit of an issue. The books is also dragged down by a bunch of woke bullshit that the author felt he had to throw in to appease the small but loudmouthed woke/cancel mob.
I mean, seriously? A homosexual hellhound with three heads. Is there no end to this crap? And don’t get me started about the silly “head” jokes. At least the hound himself, who talks by the way, is quite cool once you filtered out the rubbish.
The first book is saved by the ending which has a quite cool twist. One that sets the path for Zoey’s future adventures.
The second unfortunately felt mostly boring with a bunch of scheming, plotting and backstabbing. It kind of continued the story from the first book but it wasn’t until the very end that Zoey was finally released on the path that I assume she will follow in the coming books.
The third book is better than the second. Zoey has assumed her role as “reaper for hire”. Overall the story is not that bad and I do like Zoey and her Hellhound. But the story is just that, not bad but not great either. There are quite a few enjoyable moments but also quite a few silly or stupid moments.
For example the just standing there staring while the bad guy is nocked over and wait until he recovers stupid moment. Then we have this idea of Charon the ferryman on the river Styx apparently investing in crypto and buying Gummi bears. What the fuck? Did the author really think that was funny?
So, the bottom line is that this series is just barely good enough for me to give it three stars and that is with some hesitation. Will I continue this series? Well, that is a big maybe and I am certainly not in a rush to do so.
After reading the first book in the series I was really undecided. Especially since the first book really was setting things up for the main story arc. There was a pretty cool twist at the end though.
So I decided to read the second book as well and found it… lacking. It was not as good as the first and the first was already average at best. But again, it was continuing to set things up and it appeared that the ending was actually the real start for Zoey’s adventures.
So call me gullible but I decided to gamble and read the third book as well. The third book was better than the second but still… I was hoping for more. I did not feel that I wasted my time though. There was indeed some enjoyable moments but unfortunately also a lot of rubbish parts.
Overall I give the series three stars but only two of the three books I’ve read was worth three stars and that was barely.
So, as I wrote, the first book is a lot of setting up. The books feels a bit slow and a lot of it is spent on Zoey not being able to reap. Since she is supposed to be a Grim Reaper that is a bit of an issue. The books is also dragged down by a bunch of woke bullshit that the author felt he had to throw in to appease the small but loudmouthed woke/cancel mob.
I mean, seriously? A homosexual hellhound with three heads. Is there no end to this crap? And don’t get me started about the silly “head” jokes. At least the hound himself, who talks by the way, is quite cool once you filtered out the rubbish.
The first book is saved by the ending which has a quite cool twist. One that sets the path for Zoey’s future adventures.
The second unfortunately felt mostly boring with a bunch of scheming, plotting and backstabbing. It kind of continued the story from the first book but it wasn’t until the very end that Zoey was finally released on the path that I assume she will follow in the coming books.
The third book is better than the second. Zoey has assumed her role as “reaper for hire”. Overall the story is not that bad and I do like Zoey and her Hellhound. But the story is just that, not bad but not great either. There are quite a few enjoyable moments but also quite a few silly or stupid moments.
For example the just standing there staring while the bad guy is nocked over and wait until he recovers stupid moment. Then we have this idea of Charon the ferryman on the river Styx apparently investing in crypto and buying Gummi bears. What the fuck? Did the author really think that was funny?
So, the bottom line is that this series is just barely good enough for me to give it three stars and that is with some hesitation. Will I continue this series? Well, that is a big maybe and I am certainly not in a rush to do so.
July 26, 2022
Can tell.....
A man or two wrote this for sure. The story took very long and way too much just scrolling and glazing over to get through.... I liked the base beginning, eh middle, and ahhh the enda as in ahh wow "I bet they're going to be making a series" ahh I hope it gets better but we will see
A man or two wrote this for sure. The story took very long and way too much just scrolling and glazing over to get through.... I liked the base beginning, eh middle, and ahhh the enda as in ahh wow "I bet they're going to be making a series" ahh I hope it gets better but we will see
May 4, 2022
The author explains EVERYTHING whether it is central to the story or some trivial aside. Sometimes she goes over some random statement two or three times. By eliminating a lot of descriptive and repetitive prose, the story would be tighter and more engaging to read.
October 9, 2023
This was new and refreshing and had me barking with laughter from time to time.
Just gotta love Cerberus!
Just gotta love Cerberus!
April 13, 2022
Zoey is supposed to take over from her father
Zoey and her twin brother are reapers. Zoey is the oldest by 5 mins and already 2 levels higher than her brother. They go on assignment together but Zoey can not reap the soul, Morty has to. What is wrong?
Zoey and her twin brother are reapers. Zoey is the oldest by 5 mins and already 2 levels higher than her brother. They go on assignment together but Zoey can not reap the soul, Morty has to. What is wrong?
May 11, 2023
A story about family and hope wrapped up in urban fantasy goodness!
I really enjoyed this one. It had a bit of a slow start, and our main character Zoey does spend a lot of time with an internal monologue. The tale does pick up substantially when she finds our what she can do, and how she can help save people in the human world.
I loved her relationship with her dad, and her healthy awareness of her twins foibles. She didn't sugar coat the issues and worked with her family to make things work. I'm still on the fence about Kevin and we will have to see how the story develops, but I really liked the secondary characters like Sienna.
It does have similar features to other novel by Michael Anderle, if you've been a fan of his other books this might be a good series to try.
I really enjoyed this one. It had a bit of a slow start, and our main character Zoey does spend a lot of time with an internal monologue. The tale does pick up substantially when she finds our what she can do, and how she can help save people in the human world.
I loved her relationship with her dad, and her healthy awareness of her twins foibles. She didn't sugar coat the issues and worked with her family to make things work. I'm still on the fence about Kevin and we will have to see how the story develops, but I really liked the secondary characters like Sienna.
It does have similar features to other novel by Michael Anderle, if you've been a fan of his other books this might be a good series to try.
January 24, 2023
There were several instances that I didn't like MCs behavior but it wouldn't be a problem if not for a lot of insta solutions in the second book. And they were also very naive. Several times I was wondering how silly can Zoe be to believe things some of the other characters were sprouting... But later on I was stumped to realize that all those lousy excuses were true... Which made the motivations and actions taken by the characters... Well... Stupid!! This is why this part got 3 stars but I won't be continuing the series. I also don't like the fact that all paranormal creatures are monsters ☹️.
March 13, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
2.25*
I thought it was an interesting idea, just poorly executed. The pacing for me was off, the authors seemed to over explain stuff that didn't need explaining.
I can get past that in a first book, if I really like the characters, but I just didn't care for any of the characters apart from the the hellhound Cerberus.
I didn't dislike anyone, which is why its not a 1 star.
First time read the author's work?: Yes for Monroe. -- No for Anderle.
Will you be reading more?: Possibly for Monroe's other work, since I've got more of them.
Would you recommend?: Maybe
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
2.25*
I thought it was an interesting idea, just poorly executed. The pacing for me was off, the authors seemed to over explain stuff that didn't need explaining.
I can get past that in a first book, if I really like the characters, but I just didn't care for any of the characters apart from the the hellhound Cerberus.
I didn't dislike anyone, which is why its not a 1 star.
First time read the author's work?: Yes for Monroe. -- No for Anderle.
Will you be reading more?: Possibly for Monroe's other work, since I've got more of them.
Would you recommend?: Maybe
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
January 1, 2025
Of Zoey and Morty Grimm, twins of The Grim Reaper, Azrael there was no doubt overachieving Zoey was the heir apparent and she’d wear their dad’s mantle well when the time came. After all, she had his moves, his cunning and was the only student in centuries to match him in the final exams. In the moment of truth, Zoey can’t reap! Slacker Morty will live Zoey’s dream, he’d inherited the talent, she didn’t! But one thing is certain she won’t hang around and be pitied!
With a vague plan to find the mom she never knew, Zoey’s settled in KC with reaper skills but not talent, a minimum wage job as a barista, slowly breaking one of the two strong ties to the underworld and determination to make her own way in the world. That leaves just one question in Zoey’s mind, what’s she going to do now?!?!?!
This offering from a new to me author leaves me torn. There’s quite a lot of ‘mansplaining’ and inner dialog (leaving a huge wish for a tighter read); not to mention the uneven pacing was a bother. But there was humor (including corny jokes and puns) and the underlying storyline for Zoey’s new destiny still has a lot of potential to this reader’s taste.
Rating: 3.25stars
With a vague plan to find the mom she never knew, Zoey’s settled in KC with reaper skills but not talent, a minimum wage job as a barista, slowly breaking one of the two strong ties to the underworld and determination to make her own way in the world. That leaves just one question in Zoey’s mind, what’s she going to do now?!?!?!
This offering from a new to me author leaves me torn. There’s quite a lot of ‘mansplaining’ and inner dialog (leaving a huge wish for a tighter read); not to mention the uneven pacing was a bother. But there was humor (including corny jokes and puns) and the underlying storyline for Zoey’s new destiny still has a lot of potential to this reader’s taste.
Rating: 3.25stars
April 19, 2022
Fascinating
A fun way to look at famous mythos. However, the author tends to repeat a lot of the angst in this book.
A great look at what happens to a reaper who can't reap human souls. Never expected vampires to show up in this book. As strange as it seems, the vampires read almost like an afterthought like the author wasn't quite sure how to make this work and suddenly came up with a Hail Mary. Still worked.
A fun way to look at famous mythos. However, the author tends to repeat a lot of the angst in this book.
A great look at what happens to a reaper who can't reap human souls. Never expected vampires to show up in this book. As strange as it seems, the vampires read almost like an afterthought like the author wasn't quite sure how to make this work and suddenly came up with a Hail Mary. Still worked.
April 20, 2022
Good start to the series. Would have liked to have seen supernaturals other than vampires. The main ones here were Dracula and Nosferatu, and it felt as if the names were used just to set the scene and show the heroine was so good. However a reaper who can only reap supernaturals makes an interesting premise. The background idea that the Olympian gods are running the show seems a bit off - where are all the other pantheons.
April 23, 2022
Grimm Reaper extra
Great start to a new series. I very much enjoy all the characters, especially Zoey and her dad. The story lines are fun and have a bit of an unexpected twist and there is plenty of action and humor in the book. I am looking forward to the next book to get to know the characters better and see where the story goes.
Great start to a new series. I very much enjoy all the characters, especially Zoey and her dad. The story lines are fun and have a bit of an unexpected twist and there is plenty of action and humor in the book. I am looking forward to the next book to get to know the characters better and see where the story goes.
November 28, 2022
Addictive!!
Wow I loved this book!! Really enjoyed Zoey's journey and the sassy attitude taking no rubbish but standing by those she calls friend. Some interesting twists and new friends...am dying to find out what happens next...and think you will too!! Maybe there's a box set somewhere... :-)
Wow I loved this book!! Really enjoyed Zoey's journey and the sassy attitude taking no rubbish but standing by those she calls friend. Some interesting twists and new friends...am dying to find out what happens next...and think you will too!! Maybe there's a box set somewhere... :-)
January 18, 2023
Different from the usual....
A little too descriptive and a little too tame, but a great storyline!! Would read this series when relaxing and In need of a quiet moment! Zoey is strong and independent which makes you automatically cheer for her, but she needs to get into more trouble or have more fun!!
A little too descriptive and a little too tame, but a great storyline!! Would read this series when relaxing and In need of a quiet moment! Zoey is strong and independent which makes you automatically cheer for her, but she needs to get into more trouble or have more fun!!
February 24, 2023
Awesome book
The book delves into the business of reaping souls, paranormal and human. The characters are interesting and realistic. I could just imagine the Grim Reaper and his family. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This looks to be a great series to dive into.
The book delves into the business of reaping souls, paranormal and human. The characters are interesting and realistic. I could just imagine the Grim Reaper and his family. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This looks to be a great series to dive into.
May 10, 2025
DNF
I tried the box set less then a year ago and decided to stop reading maybe 10 chapters in because the writing style was geared towards a younger audience and I just got bored. some books under YA are fun fluffy reads and others are just to simplistic to enjoy as an adult and unfortunately this book just did not do it for me
I tried the box set less then a year ago and decided to stop reading maybe 10 chapters in because the writing style was geared towards a younger audience and I just got bored. some books under YA are fun fluffy reads and others are just to simplistic to enjoy as an adult and unfortunately this book just did not do it for me
April 8, 2022
3stars
While this was a great edge of your seat mystery wanting to know about her reaper skills, it lacked something to make it great. The dialogue, for me, was probably the problem. Sort of juvenile. I don't think I'll read the next.
While this was a great edge of your seat mystery wanting to know about her reaper skills, it lacked something to make it great. The dialogue, for me, was probably the problem. Sort of juvenile. I don't think I'll read the next.
May 2, 2022
Vampires Beware the Reaper
What a creative idea for a book. A reaper that can only reap supernaturals. A fun book to read. Great characters, great storyline, great action. The perfect book. Theophilus and Michael are an outstanding team.
What a creative idea for a book. A reaper that can only reap supernaturals. A fun book to read. Great characters, great storyline, great action. The perfect book. Theophilus and Michael are an outstanding team.
May 7, 2022
Disappointing
I thought that the plot ×was very weak. The first three quarters of the book were just too slow. The main character seemed
narrow minded. I think the author could have arrived at the same point in a more interesting way.
I thought that the plot ×was very weak. The first three quarters of the book were just too slow. The main character seemed
narrow minded. I think the author could have arrived at the same point in a more interesting way.
August 6, 2022
Chronicles of Zoe Grimm #1
This waz a surprise read for me. I didn't have any expectations just was intrigued with the brief description. The authors have great characters and a surprise storyline.
This waz a surprise read for me. I didn't have any expectations just was intrigued with the brief description. The authors have great characters and a surprise storyline.
September 17, 2022
Wow! I was not prepared for this story.
I originally thought this was part of the Kurtharian stories, but was pleasantly surprised that it is not. The plot, with its twists and turns was great.
I look forward to the 2nd book.
I originally thought this was part of the Kurtharian stories, but was pleasantly surprised that it is not. The plot, with its twists and turns was great.
I look forward to the 2nd book.
September 18, 2022
Fun!
This is a new spin and really fun with these two writers collaborating. A reaper who can't reap, her underachiever brother now setup as the heir, not sure where dad is gonna end up and omg didn't see the thing with her mom coming at all! Really looking forward to book 2!
This is a new spin and really fun with these two writers collaborating. A reaper who can't reap, her underachiever brother now setup as the heir, not sure where dad is gonna end up and omg didn't see the thing with her mom coming at all! Really looking forward to book 2!
November 13, 2022
better read than expected.
I was mostly looking for something to read out of boredom, but this caught my interest and kept it. I love most books with Cerberus, this was no exception. Awesome story line looking forward to the next book.
I was mostly looking for something to read out of boredom, but this caught my interest and kept it. I love most books with Cerberus, this was no exception. Awesome story line looking forward to the next book.
March 14, 2023
One doesn't always get what they want. Zoey was no exception to being highly disappointed. She could not even accept what life had for her and even saw it as a challenge. The story unfolds in a suspensive fashion that makes waiting to read the next one exciting.
April 11, 2023
Action-packed, twisty, full of interesting characters and great humor! A great combo for a first book! Can’t wait to see if there are more surprises along the way! Oh and I love Cerberus! 😁
:༻🦋༺: Definitely a must read! :༻🦋༺:
:༻🦋༺: Definitely a must read! :༻🦋༺:
April 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. It was a great introduction to a number of characters, and I don't think any of them got on my nerves. There is obviously more tales to tell as this book is very much an introduction to what promises to be a very entertaining series.
April 5, 2022
awesome read
Sets the stage for what should be a tremendous series.
Great character development.
I found the book entertaining, it was worth my time to read
Sets the stage for what should be a tremendous series.
Great character development.
I found the book entertaining, it was worth my time to read
May 20, 2022
Very good
Enjoyed this story very much. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Will have to check out some his other books
Enjoyed this story very much. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Will have to check out some his other books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews