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Soul Screamers #3.5
Reaper
Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him—and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed. And then the car accident occurred. Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
102 people are currently reading
5976 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Vincent
65 books9,784 followers[Note: Though Rachel's blog entries are cross posted here, she does not frequent Goodreads. The best ways to contact her are FB, Twitter, or her Wordpress blog. PLEASE DO NOT SEND HER MESSAGES HERE. SHE DOES NOT CHECK THEM.]
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 582 reviews
January 31, 2011
This is a great bonus story for fans of the Soul Screamers series. Unlike many of the discounted/freebie novellas that authors release, this one really enhances the story arc and provides a different and more balanced perspective. It's fun to be inside Tod's head and I was surprised at how touching some of the scenes were. I've always liked this character, but this novella made me understand and enjoy him even more.
This novella is a especially meaningful for fans as the series heads into If I Die, as I think Tod's going to be playing a pretty pivotal role in the story to come.
This novella is a especially meaningful for fans as the series heads into If I Die, as I think Tod's going to be playing a pretty pivotal role in the story to come.
November 28, 2010
Per Rachel's blog: "It's come to my attention that "Reaper" is up for pre-order for the Nook at Barnes & Noble. Which would be cool, except that it's listed with a price of $2.99. That will eventually be the right price at e-book stores, but for the first few months, "Reaper" will be free in most formats, in most places. And it will stay free in PDF format on my website."
-----------------------REVIEW-----------------------
Reaper is Tod's novella. I wish he'd get a full novel, but I'll take what I can get. Throughout the Soul Screamers series, Tod has been my favorite character. He jumped up even higher on that scale in the 3rd book of the series, My Soul to Keep.
In REAPER, we learn how Tod becomes a reaper, the pre-reaper relationship between him, his mom and brother, Nash. And his first intro to Levi. There are 1-2 "hmmm" tidbits thrown in to look out for how they'll play out during the upcoming books. Overall, a good read, although too short for my liking. :)
-----------------------REVIEW-----------------------
Reaper is Tod's novella. I wish he'd get a full novel, but I'll take what I can get. Throughout the Soul Screamers series, Tod has been my favorite character. He jumped up even higher on that scale in the 3rd book of the series, My Soul to Keep.
In REAPER, we learn how Tod becomes a reaper, the pre-reaper relationship between him, his mom and brother, Nash. And his first intro to Levi. There are 1-2 "hmmm" tidbits thrown in to look out for how they'll play out during the upcoming books. Overall, a good read, although too short for my liking. :)
February 13, 2012
I love Tod, end of story.
January 16, 2011
It was interesting to be in Tod's head for a change and we finally found out how he stumbled into this unusual job of his.
I don't know what to make of all the information I got, but I guess I'll find out sooner or later.
I don't know what to make of all the information I got, but I guess I'll find out sooner or later.
November 23, 2017
Bless you, Tod.
November 13, 2018
Μα είναι δυνατόν??? Ούτε 50 σελίδες και εγώ ήμουν έτσι σχεδόν στις μισές από αυτές...
Εξαιρετική νουβέλα!!!
Εξαιρετική νουβέλα!!!
December 23, 2010
A 3.5, but I'll round up because Tod is my favorite character and having him as first person narrator was a thrill. Getting a look at how and why he became a reaper did much to solidify my opinion of him. He's a smart-ass, a practical thinker, and no matter how gruff he comes off, he cares for his family very much.
Although Tod's reactions to his afterlife were telling, I only wish Vincent had seen fit to drop some of the recapping. Readers of this story are likely aware of her universe, and so too much of the information was old news. It fit with the theme of Tod's initiation, but left me unsatisfied.
The novella includes a good deal of Nash, too. Since we've always seen him through Kaylee's love-struck eyes, the new viewpoint is refreshing. Guess what? I still don't like the kid, but now I have a better handle on why.
As a stand-alone, I'm not sure this does much. As an in-between novella, it's gotten me ready to crack open My Soul to Steal. Mostly because I want more Tod!
Although Tod's reactions to his afterlife were telling, I only wish Vincent had seen fit to drop some of the recapping. Readers of this story are likely aware of her universe, and so too much of the information was old news. It fit with the theme of Tod's initiation, but left me unsatisfied.
The novella includes a good deal of Nash, too. Since we've always seen him through Kaylee's love-struck eyes, the new viewpoint is refreshing. Guess what? I still don't like the kid, but now I have a better handle on why.
As a stand-alone, I'm not sure this does much. As an in-between novella, it's gotten me ready to crack open My Soul to Steal. Mostly because I want more Tod!
January 8, 2015
OHMYGOD, THE AWESOMENESS THAT IS TOD MUST BE SHARED. ♥
He is HILARIOUS. :)
He is HILARIOUS. :)
October 31, 2019
Toddddddddddd!
September 12, 2012
I adore Tod, and now . . . well, I can't get enough of him! Rachel knows exactly what I need when it comes to her characters. She can equally make me love one character while hating another all while bowing down to her story-telling greatness. Even in the two novellas I've read for this series, I couldn't get enough. If you haven't started this series, DO! There is no reason not to.
March 23, 2016
Tod, the reaper...
December 22, 2021
I love Todd.
December 5, 2010
I love just about everything Rachel Vincent writes! No joke! Her Shifters series was amazing and I so can't wait to read her next adult series that should come out some time next year if I remember correctly. And her YA series, Soul Screamers is amazing as well! And the short novellas that Rachel has now written that take place before My Soul to Take are incredible! You get to know the backstory behind certain events.
The first novella, My Soul to Lose, told us of Kaylee's time in the hospital when she was admitted for being "odd" so to speak. And now in Reaper, we get to find out how Tod, Nash's older brother became a reaper. And boy what a story that was!
It's hard to write a review for a novella since it's already so short, but basically, like in My Soul to Lose and getting a glimpse of Kaylee's life before My Soul to Take, we get a glimpse of what Tod was like when he was still human and how he became to be a reaper. And like I said it was a very interesting story. It shines new light onto some of the other characters involved as well.
Kaylee wasn't really in this one since it was about Tod, but Nash was there and Sabine was mentioned. Sabine will be a character we see in My Soul to Steal that comes out later this month and who is already a problem child. There was a printed published short story called Fearless, that was about her in an anthology that was recently published this year, Kiss Me Deadly. I haven't read that one either.
But overall this was a very enjoyable short story. It took me maybe an hour to read. I can't remember what time I actually started it, but I know it was well before noon! I'm an early riser and I had already been reading. I finished up one book, then read this before starting another one around 11:30ish.
So I give the story 5/5 stars because it was seriously good and I love getting the backstory behind what happened to Tod to where he got to today.
And since it's currently a free download, I highly suggest reading it! Here's a link to Rachel's blog where she has listed the many places where you can get an e-copy of Reaper. Also, please note that this won't stay free forever. I don't know the cut off date, but since it just released December 1, there's still plenty of time to read it!
The first novella, My Soul to Lose, told us of Kaylee's time in the hospital when she was admitted for being "odd" so to speak. And now in Reaper, we get to find out how Tod, Nash's older brother became a reaper. And boy what a story that was!
It's hard to write a review for a novella since it's already so short, but basically, like in My Soul to Lose and getting a glimpse of Kaylee's life before My Soul to Take, we get a glimpse of what Tod was like when he was still human and how he became to be a reaper. And like I said it was a very interesting story. It shines new light onto some of the other characters involved as well.
Kaylee wasn't really in this one since it was about Tod, but Nash was there and Sabine was mentioned. Sabine will be a character we see in My Soul to Steal that comes out later this month and who is already a problem child. There was a printed published short story called Fearless, that was about her in an anthology that was recently published this year, Kiss Me Deadly. I haven't read that one either.
But overall this was a very enjoyable short story. It took me maybe an hour to read. I can't remember what time I actually started it, but I know it was well before noon! I'm an early riser and I had already been reading. I finished up one book, then read this before starting another one around 11:30ish.
So I give the story 5/5 stars because it was seriously good and I love getting the backstory behind what happened to Tod to where he got to today.
And since it's currently a free download, I highly suggest reading it! Here's a link to Rachel's blog where she has listed the many places where you can get an e-copy of Reaper. Also, please note that this won't stay free forever. I don't know the cut off date, but since it just released December 1, there's still plenty of time to read it!
October 31, 2011
by Rachel Vincent
Free Download
Format: Kindle Edition,
Novella from the Soul Screamers Series
File Size: 203 KB
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (December 1, 2010)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Description from rachelvincent.com
The author of the Shifters series, Rachel Vincent is also the author of Soul Screamers. If you have read any of the Soul Screamer series Reaper answers many questions about the main male (Nash) character's brother, Tod, who is dead, but who also serves a purpose in the after life as a Reaper.
Nash is and Tod was, male Bean Sidhe. Bean Sidhe (Ban-shee) are best known as the wailing beings who presage a death. Male Bean Sidhe support the females and help the dying.
I have always wondered how Tod died, how he became a Reaper and why there is animosity between the brothers. This book provides us with answers to how and why Tod died. It gives us some insight into Tod's character. We meet a girlfriend who provides us with a very sexy scene that moves the book into that YA-Adult crossover location.
Tod's death is handled quietly, almost clinically. While his mother is remarkably sanguine about her loss, she does show significant emotion. This is such a realistic trait, you can know one thing and feel another. As a female bean-sidhe she knows the score but as a mother she feels the pain. What do you have to lose, it's free! But, even though it's free, it is no less well-written, developed or exciting than any of the other books by Rachel Vincent I have read. Enjoy!
Free Download
Format: Kindle Edition,
Novella from the Soul Screamers Series
File Size: 203 KB
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (December 1, 2010)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Description from rachelvincent.com
Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food, and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him—and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it should have been a very long life indeed.
All of that changed in one horrible moment and suddenly Tod had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....
The author of the Shifters series, Rachel Vincent is also the author of Soul Screamers. If you have read any of the Soul Screamer series Reaper answers many questions about the main male (Nash) character's brother, Tod, who is dead, but who also serves a purpose in the after life as a Reaper.
Nash is and Tod was, male Bean Sidhe. Bean Sidhe (Ban-shee) are best known as the wailing beings who presage a death. Male Bean Sidhe support the females and help the dying.
I have always wondered how Tod died, how he became a Reaper and why there is animosity between the brothers. This book provides us with answers to how and why Tod died. It gives us some insight into Tod's character. We meet a girlfriend who provides us with a very sexy scene that moves the book into that YA-Adult crossover location.
Tod's death is handled quietly, almost clinically. While his mother is remarkably sanguine about her loss, she does show significant emotion. This is such a realistic trait, you can know one thing and feel another. As a female bean-sidhe she knows the score but as a mother she feels the pain. What do you have to lose, it's free! But, even though it's free, it is no less well-written, developed or exciting than any of the other books by Rachel Vincent I have read. Enjoy!
December 3, 2010
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
Honestly, this is not the Tod story I was hoping for, at least not all of it.
REAPER tells the story of Tod’s last day alive, his recruitment by the Reapers, and his first few days on the job, so to speak. It is fun seeing the relationship between Nash and Tod while they are both alive, and finally learn the details about how Tod died. Plus there is an interesting twist at the very end that I’m betting will come into play in the future.
Free is free, and it’s fantastic that Rachel keeps releasing these free novellas, but my big disappointment is that after waiting this long to get inside Tod’s head, he doesn’t answer the questions I’ve been dying to know. REAPER doesn’t go on long enough for Tod to see Kaylee. I know he likes her, there have been too many hints for him to only think of her as Nash’s girlfriend, but I was really hoping to learn how much. I hope that maybe Rachel is planning on writing more from Tod’s perspective, because this taste isn’t enough.
I would recommend not reading REAPER until after you’ve read MY SOUL TO STEAL as I think the introduction to Nash’s ex-girlfriend and their relationship is better swallowed in the past tense. In REAPER, it’s more then a little unsettling to see Nash all Bonnie and Clyde with her. More so if you haven’t seen what happens in MY SOUL TO STEAL. My suggestion is to download REAPER now while it’s free and read it after MSTS releases on January 1st.
Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
Honestly, this is not the Tod story I was hoping for, at least not all of it.
REAPER tells the story of Tod’s last day alive, his recruitment by the Reapers, and his first few days on the job, so to speak. It is fun seeing the relationship between Nash and Tod while they are both alive, and finally learn the details about how Tod died. Plus there is an interesting twist at the very end that I’m betting will come into play in the future.
Free is free, and it’s fantastic that Rachel keeps releasing these free novellas, but my big disappointment is that after waiting this long to get inside Tod’s head, he doesn’t answer the questions I’ve been dying to know. REAPER doesn’t go on long enough for Tod to see Kaylee. I know he likes her, there have been too many hints for him to only think of her as Nash’s girlfriend, but I was really hoping to learn how much. I hope that maybe Rachel is planning on writing more from Tod’s perspective, because this taste isn’t enough.
I would recommend not reading REAPER until after you’ve read MY SOUL TO STEAL as I think the introduction to Nash’s ex-girlfriend and their relationship is better swallowed in the past tense. In REAPER, it’s more then a little unsettling to see Nash all Bonnie and Clyde with her. More so if you haven’t seen what happens in MY SOUL TO STEAL. My suggestion is to download REAPER now while it’s free and read it after MSTS releases on January 1st.
Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
September 15, 2016
*3,5/5 stars*
“The scythe was a little tricky at first, but—much like golf—turns out it’s all in the swing.”
Sad but still fun short story in Tod's typical humor, about one car accident and how he became the reaper. Tod is clearly the best character in Soul Screamers series, and this novella just once again shows who is the 'better brother'.
“So, you reap souls and crush hopes? Is that part of the job, or just a service you offer for free?”
If you love Tod and want to know more about his character, this novella provides a must read backstory for you.
Reaper can be read even after finishing the first book, this story takes place before the storyline in book 1.
“Would you say I’m closer to a zombie or a vampire? I gotta know—are my parts going to rot and fal off, or am I forever frozen in youthful perfection?”
“The scythe was a little tricky at first, but—much like golf—turns out it’s all in the swing.”
Sad but still fun short story in Tod's typical humor, about one car accident and how he became the reaper. Tod is clearly the best character in Soul Screamers series, and this novella just once again shows who is the 'better brother'.
“So, you reap souls and crush hopes? Is that part of the job, or just a service you offer for free?”
If you love Tod and want to know more about his character, this novella provides a must read backstory for you.
Reaper can be read even after finishing the first book, this story takes place before the storyline in book 1.
“Would you say I’m closer to a zombie or a vampire? I gotta know—are my parts going to rot and fal off, or am I forever frozen in youthful perfection?”
November 24, 2010
I've read this book in about one hour and let me tell you that it was one hell of a hour. Everything about this novella was intriguing and right on target. If anything, it made me want Tod even more.
This novella is base on Tod and the events leading up to his death. Ms. Vincent wrote a wonderful story fulfilling everything I wanted to know about Tod. There were some things that were revealed that would help me understand My Soul to Steal better. Although it does make me weary to read it seeing that I know something about Nash's past. It's makes squirm and worry for Kaylee. *bites fingernails*
Tod was smart, witty loving brother. The things he did for Nash are want any other brother would do. I saw the hurt and pain Nash and his mother went through. Ms. Vincent successfully made me cry during that part. But nonetheless, it was a great short story that I would recommend all Soul Screamers fans to read. Ms. Vincent has once again got me hooked and begging for more.
June 12, 2012
Read and reviewed November 22, 2010:
In a nutshell, Reaper gives us the back-story on how and why Tod came to be a reaper, his very first introduction to Levi and his first visit home after his death. But it also reveals just a little something else…but you’ll have to read it to find out.
It is nice to be able to see things from Tod’s perspective and get a bit more insight on who he is – as a son and and older brother – and learn that his sarcasm wasn’t something he developed postmortem.
And it’s also good to finally know just where all those teaser quotes that author Rachel Vincent was Tweeting about fit into the story. This is totally worth the read – for free or otherwise.
Reaper can be read at any point during the series, but would recommend at least one or two of the books be read first so that there is a better understanding of the setting and characters.
Re-Read June 11, 2012. On re-read I would give it 5 STARS!
In a nutshell, Reaper gives us the back-story on how and why Tod came to be a reaper, his very first introduction to Levi and his first visit home after his death. But it also reveals just a little something else…but you’ll have to read it to find out.
It is nice to be able to see things from Tod’s perspective and get a bit more insight on who he is – as a son and and older brother – and learn that his sarcasm wasn’t something he developed postmortem.
And it’s also good to finally know just where all those teaser quotes that author Rachel Vincent was Tweeting about fit into the story. This is totally worth the read – for free or otherwise.
Reaper can be read at any point during the series, but would recommend at least one or two of the books be read first so that there is a better understanding of the setting and characters.
Re-Read June 11, 2012. On re-read I would give it 5 STARS!
February 15, 2012
I started reading the 5th book in The Soul Screamers series (If I Die). About 1/4 of the way in I had to stop and read this book. I had a sudden desire to learn more about Tod. I've always liked Tod but as he started to take a big role in I was compelled to learn more about him.
If you are a Soul Screamers fan this novella is a must read. It's a short read but provides so much vital information within its pages. This fits in as book 3.5 in the series but I would recommend reading book 4 first and then going back and reading this one. Sabine is mentioned and I liked not knowing anything about her relationship with Nash when I started book 4.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Similar to the others in the series - language, innuendo, crude comments, talk of sex
Source: Bought
If you are a Soul Screamers fan this novella is a must read. It's a short read but provides so much vital information within its pages. This fits in as book 3.5 in the series but I would recommend reading book 4 first and then going back and reading this one. Sabine is mentioned and I liked not knowing anything about her relationship with Nash when I started book 4.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Similar to the others in the series - language, innuendo, crude comments, talk of sex
Source: Bought
March 19, 2013
Non so se avete capito dalle mie recensioni che Tod è in assoluto il mio personaggio preferito dell'intera serie.
Influenzata dai commenti delle mie amiche che hanno già letto i libri? molto probabilmente si, ma Tod, come tutti i personaggi che all'apparenza possono sembrare superficiali, un po' egoisti, nasconde un animo fragile e che ha bisogno, più di tutti d'affetto, di qualcuno che possa credere in lui.
Reaper è la dimostrazione di come Tod sia un persona pieno d'amore e speciale, che nonostante il suo sorriso sarcastico in lui c'è del buono e che aspetta solo la persona giusta che lo capisca.
Influenzata dai commenti delle mie amiche che hanno già letto i libri? molto probabilmente si, ma Tod, come tutti i personaggi che all'apparenza possono sembrare superficiali, un po' egoisti, nasconde un animo fragile e che ha bisogno, più di tutti d'affetto, di qualcuno che possa credere in lui.
Reaper è la dimostrazione di come Tod sia un persona pieno d'amore e speciale, che nonostante il suo sorriso sarcastico in lui c'è del buono e che aspetta solo la persona giusta che lo capisca.
May 6, 2011
This is a must read for all Soul Screamers fans, IMO. I feel like I understand Tod so much better now and to my surprise, I also like him much better now.
August 23, 2015
That's NOT Tod on the cover! The cover is unpleasant!
May 7, 2017
Great book! Loved it! Can't wait for more from Rachel!
October 24, 2020
Its not a secret that I'm a huge fan of Tod. So it was nice to have him be the narrator for this one. ZIt told the story of how Tod became a reaper.
I feel bad for Nash kind of, too. He's just trying to get through his day to day life and now he just has this awful knowledge of his brother trading his life for him
I feel bad for Nash kind of, too. He's just trying to get through his day to day life and now he just has this awful knowledge of his brother trading his life for him
March 18, 2019
I really enjoyed the POV of Todd and getting a look at how he ended up a reaper. This story has made the character grow on me more and I look forward to seeing where he ends up in the series.
February 3, 2022
Poor Tod
June 8, 2022
CW: death, underage drinking, casual ableism, grief
March 8, 2012
Dying is the easy part! The one who SURVIVES, who LIVES, got the harder part!
Reaper is a short story, centered on Todd. It was good to understand Todd and I got to see a different side of him. However, this doesn't change how I feel about him. The best I can come up with is I’m indifferent when it comes to Todd. He is an enigma.
1st off, Todd’s choice brought Nash misery! He would live with the guilt of killing his brother for a long time; worse Nash’s mother did blame Nash for his brother’s death… At least at first. Nash WAS supposed to die, but Todd’s choice changes that. Yet again Todd’s the hero?
Todd died out of his own GUILT! He didn’t want to be guilty for he's part in his brother's death. He didn’t want to be an instrument. Yet, by choosing to die in place of Nash, he inadvertently sentenced his younger brother to the same FATE that HE was trying to escape from. Todd’s no MARTYR. I still don't understand the fascination readers have for Todd. (Poor Nash). Nash would HAVE died regardless. His sneaking out of the house didn’t cause Todd’s death. Todd’s did leave the house too. I feel like Nash will forever be blamed for everything because Todd's choices seem to screw him over majorly.
Todd’s, choice to die led to Nash's guilt. Then his choice to save Addy led to Nash’s accidental drug exposure resulting into addiction. I hope Nash finds reprieved soon because he's a good kid. He feels, he loves, may be too much. In the end what I got is Todd's choice made him a reaper, soon to gradually lose his humanity, to linger, never to move on. He is charismatic … Ah… yes, but empty because his 1st assignment after his promotion was by choice he chose to take the drunk drivers soul instead of the person’s who was supposed to die. I guess he has started losing his humanity or playing god. Or revenge? Right or wrong?
Todd is no Martyr. He took his brother’s choice and changed what was supposed to be.
Nash is going to always carry the guilt his brother sentenced him to. Maybe that's why he can't seem to want to be around Todd because seeing Todd is a constant reminder of his part in Todd’s death. If anything I would say Nash and Kaylee, has something more in common BOTH are living on borrowed time and BOTH families had lied to protect them… or at least so they say. Makes me wonder when Nash’s borrowed time will end. And what he’d do when he finds out.
Great read! Vincent did a superb job and again another thought provoking read! I can’t wait for the next installment and I am anxious to see where all these leads to in the end
Reaper is a short story, centered on Todd. It was good to understand Todd and I got to see a different side of him. However, this doesn't change how I feel about him. The best I can come up with is I’m indifferent when it comes to Todd. He is an enigma.
1st off, Todd’s choice brought Nash misery! He would live with the guilt of killing his brother for a long time; worse Nash’s mother did blame Nash for his brother’s death… At least at first. Nash WAS supposed to die, but Todd’s choice changes that. Yet again Todd’s the hero?
Todd died out of his own GUILT! He didn’t want to be guilty for he's part in his brother's death. He didn’t want to be an instrument. Yet, by choosing to die in place of Nash, he inadvertently sentenced his younger brother to the same FATE that HE was trying to escape from. Todd’s no MARTYR. I still don't understand the fascination readers have for Todd. (Poor Nash). Nash would HAVE died regardless. His sneaking out of the house didn’t cause Todd’s death. Todd’s did leave the house too. I feel like Nash will forever be blamed for everything because Todd's choices seem to screw him over majorly.
Todd’s, choice to die led to Nash's guilt. Then his choice to save Addy led to Nash’s accidental drug exposure resulting into addiction. I hope Nash finds reprieved soon because he's a good kid. He feels, he loves, may be too much. In the end what I got is Todd's choice made him a reaper, soon to gradually lose his humanity, to linger, never to move on. He is charismatic … Ah… yes, but empty because his 1st assignment after his promotion was by choice he chose to take the drunk drivers soul instead of the person’s who was supposed to die. I guess he has started losing his humanity or playing god. Or revenge? Right or wrong?
Todd is no Martyr. He took his brother’s choice and changed what was supposed to be.
Nash is going to always carry the guilt his brother sentenced him to. Maybe that's why he can't seem to want to be around Todd because seeing Todd is a constant reminder of his part in Todd’s death. If anything I would say Nash and Kaylee, has something more in common BOTH are living on borrowed time and BOTH families had lied to protect them… or at least so they say. Makes me wonder when Nash’s borrowed time will end. And what he’d do when he finds out.
Great read! Vincent did a superb job and again another thought provoking read! I can’t wait for the next installment and I am anxious to see where all these leads to in the end
June 30, 2012
Originally posted at Fantasy Literature.
Rachel Vincent’s Reaper is a novella set in her SOUL SCREAMERS world. I read it because it was free for members at Audible during one of their promotions. I haven’t read any of the SOUL SCREAMERS novels, but I’m familiar with the premise because I’ve read Kelly’s reviews (at FanLit) of the series.
Reaper is the story of how Tod, sacrificing himself for his impulsive younger brother Nash, became a reaper. We get to know Tod, Nash, and their mom pretty well. We also learn a bit about Sabine, Nash’s girlfriend, and Addison, Tod’s ex-girlfriend-turned-pop-star.
Fans of the SOUL SCREAMERS series won’t want to miss Reaper because it contains a moving background story. However, this novella can stand alone for those who haven’t started the series yet, and it may be a quick and easy way to discover if you want to venture further into Vincent’s world.
Personally, I struggled with Reaper — not because there was anything wrong with it (there wasn’t), but simply because it was devastatingly emotional. I don’t like stories where the crux of the plot involves children or teenagers getting hurt. As the mother of two teenage boys who are very close to each other, I thought this story was especially disturbing. It was a lot like reading the famous Dear Abby column called “Please, God, I’m Only 17.” If you don’t mind that sort of emotional gut punch, you’ll like this one better than I did.
Reaper is available on Kindle or audiobook. The audiobook version was read by Anthony Haden. His performance was good except that I didn’t like the slimy voice he used for Nash. However, Kelly, who has read the series, thought the slimy voice was appropriate.
Rachel Vincent’s Reaper is a novella set in her SOUL SCREAMERS world. I read it because it was free for members at Audible during one of their promotions. I haven’t read any of the SOUL SCREAMERS novels, but I’m familiar with the premise because I’ve read Kelly’s reviews (at FanLit) of the series.
Reaper is the story of how Tod, sacrificing himself for his impulsive younger brother Nash, became a reaper. We get to know Tod, Nash, and their mom pretty well. We also learn a bit about Sabine, Nash’s girlfriend, and Addison, Tod’s ex-girlfriend-turned-pop-star.
Fans of the SOUL SCREAMERS series won’t want to miss Reaper because it contains a moving background story. However, this novella can stand alone for those who haven’t started the series yet, and it may be a quick and easy way to discover if you want to venture further into Vincent’s world.
Personally, I struggled with Reaper — not because there was anything wrong with it (there wasn’t), but simply because it was devastatingly emotional. I don’t like stories where the crux of the plot involves children or teenagers getting hurt. As the mother of two teenage boys who are very close to each other, I thought this story was especially disturbing. It was a lot like reading the famous Dear Abby column called “Please, God, I’m Only 17.” If you don’t mind that sort of emotional gut punch, you’ll like this one better than I did.
Reaper is available on Kindle or audiobook. The audiobook version was read by Anthony Haden. His performance was good except that I didn’t like the slimy voice he used for Nash. However, Kelly, who has read the series, thought the slimy voice was appropriate.
February 26, 2013
"Just FYI, in your case, I think it's okay to fear the reaper."
Reaper was exactly what I needed. In fact, it's what every Tod fan needs! I've always loved Tod in the Soul Screamers series and getting the chance to read on how he became a reaper, and why, is priceless. I would suggest, however, not reading this book until after you read a couple of the Soul Screamers series books because it will reveal a major secret of the series, plus the read will be that much more sweet if you have read the first 3 books in advance.
It is a quick read, but by no means light. It is full of crucial information and character development. In it you get to see what a spoil brat/jerk Nash was(seriously, this guy is a pain in the ass, he is competing with Shane from Morganville Vampires for the #1 spot in my list of jerkwads), and how Tod has always been, well, Tod-ish; a flirt, a charmer, a smart ass (the only ass he cares to know), and a tough loving brother. Tod's one liner's are legendary.
"You date a criminal, and you're eventually going to have to share her with the state" [when talking about Sabine]
He isn't exactly a bad boy, but has all the right characteristics to make you swoon...
Overall Reaper was a satisfying 45 pages. I wish it could have had more pages T_T, being inside Tod's head is pretty great. Furthermore Reaper isn't just a pretty filler like many other novellas seem to be, instead it helps to develop a number of characters (Tod, Nash, their Mother, Levi, and heck you even get a glimpse of Kaylee) further (like all novellas rightfully should). Now all I really want to do is pick up my copy of My Soul to Take, again, and read it with a whole new perspective. Sounds like fun ;)
Reaper was exactly what I needed. In fact, it's what every Tod fan needs! I've always loved Tod in the Soul Screamers series and getting the chance to read on how he became a reaper, and why, is priceless. I would suggest, however, not reading this book until after you read a couple of the Soul Screamers series books because it will reveal a major secret of the series, plus the read will be that much more sweet if you have read the first 3 books in advance.
It is a quick read, but by no means light. It is full of crucial information and character development. In it you get to see what a spoil brat/jerk Nash was(seriously, this guy is a pain in the ass, he is competing with Shane from Morganville Vampires for the #1 spot in my list of jerkwads), and how Tod has always been, well, Tod-ish; a flirt, a charmer, a smart ass (the only ass he cares to know), and a tough loving brother. Tod's one liner's are legendary.
"You date a criminal, and you're eventually going to have to share her with the state" [when talking about Sabine]
He isn't exactly a bad boy, but has all the right characteristics to make you swoon...
Overall Reaper was a satisfying 45 pages. I wish it could have had more pages T_T, being inside Tod's head is pretty great. Furthermore Reaper isn't just a pretty filler like many other novellas seem to be, instead it helps to develop a number of characters (Tod, Nash, their Mother, Levi, and heck you even get a glimpse of Kaylee) further (like all novellas rightfully should). Now all I really want to do is pick up my copy of My Soul to Take, again, and read it with a whole new perspective. Sounds like fun ;)
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