The Reaper’s Son by A.L. Brody
This book is available for pre-order, release date is set for 08/13/2024 – Available now!
Synopsis: From popular BookTok author A.L Brody, The Reaper’s Son is a heart-wrenching and unforgettable paranormal romance perfect for fans of Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End, Gayle Forman’s If I Stay, and Neil Shusterman’s Scythe.
Do not make friends.
Do not develop emotional attachments.
Do not interfere in the balance between life and death.
You have one job: to reap.
Alex Sonnum is the son of Death. On Alex’s eighteenth birthday, he will take over the role from his father. With this destiny comes world-altering responsibility, as well as lifelong loneliness. This is a price Alex is willing to pay-until he meets Nia Solomon.
Alex has spent his life avoiding connection. But from the moment he meets Nia, a talented, troubled young woman, Alex’s heart opens up in ways that are terrifying and exhilarating. As Alex allows himself to feel for the first time, he also helps Nia see a light amidst her own darkness. But there are shattering secrets that have been hidden from Alex, and a death-obsessed madman with a very personal vendetta hunts his family. And as his feelings for Nia threaten the Underworld itself, Alex must decide if he is willing to abandon his eternal destiny for the chance at a mortal life.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am writing this review voluntarily.
I will start by saying there are few books that can take a full tour of your emotions – all at once breaking your heart while repairing it. There are definitely tear-jerker books out there; for me this book digs so much deeper. In one moment relaying the joy of new love, while in the next taking a look into the most difficult aspects of life (and death).
The author pulls us into Alex’s life, and the mixed emotions he has with his “destiny”. Despite his inclination to not get attached to anything because his life lacks permanence – he never completely shuts out the world. There’s a longing to be apart of the “normal” teenage population. Which is further fueled by his meeting of Nia. It can be tricky to tell a story from the perspective of multiple characters, but the author does an excellent job of weaving it altogether so it makes sense.
Without giving too many spoilers this book does cover things like: mental health, suicide, bullying, abuse, murder, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and death.
I have struggled with my own mental health and suicide, and there was a point where Alex advises Nia, “It’s okay to not be okay.” – and that hit me hard. Because so often we tell ourselves that – but to hear it from someone we care about makes us feel seen. I have lost friends and family to cancer, and sometimes there’s a tendency to paint it in a better light. However in this book the moments are raw and real, truly capturing the feelings of being in that position or proximity.
The whole book really pulls you in and places you into the story. At times I felt what Alex felt, the crushing weight of responsibility tied with all the surprises that unfolded personally for him. Other moments I was in Nia’s shoes, someone who had so many dreams but felt they had to be put on hold for a greater responsibility. I’ve read it twice so far and each time it’s had me in tears. It’s such a beautiful and well written book, I couldn’t give the author thanks enough.
My only “criticism” is that I wish there had been more delving into the process of taking the role of death, the Ankou’s and some of the lore that was woven in. It was probably the most interesting portrayal of death I have read and I really would have just liked to know more. So I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel that would delve more into this world.
When the author advised the book would break your heart and put it back together again, he was absolutely correct. This book is a beautiful piece of fiction that I think everyone should read.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Re-readability Rating: 10/10
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