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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Review and Giveaway: The Reapers (My Demonic Ghost #2) by Jacinta Maree

REVIEW:

Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth, Vanity, and Envy

To rule out any doubt, I will start by saying that I liked the book. Very much. It is a worth reading book.

The Reapers is the second volume of the My Demonic Ghost series and, being forced to skip the first volume, I was nervous that I'll need some information from the previous book to feel the story in full. That was not the case; The Reapers does not need any leverage. It is a great stand alone story, well-knitted, motivated and fine driven. However, I cannot deny, that now I am eager to read the first book because, if it is to resemble even partially with The Reapers, the full product will be a "mind blowing".

I used above the verb "to feel" and I did not do it for nothing. The story makes you feel. It is pure tension, atmosphere and excitement. Of course, it can be read just as an action story too. You will find, among other good things: a rhythm whose crescendo is obvious, twists, unexpected, thrill, suspenseful struggle of life and death (I mean the destruction of the spirit, not physical death because, remember, we are dealing with reapers), losses, comrades and enemies, allies that can kill you in an instant at the order of others ... I'll just tell you that The Reapers is a true (successful) Dystopia of that perfect world that is promised to all of us... in accordance with our own deeds. But if you read the book only as an adventure story you will lose. A lot. Even if the image of the Underworld as a corrupt world, in which the very ideas of good and evil, purity and sin are perverted, is fully "appealing".

The Spirit World was cracking. A battle for power was about to break the line between demons and angels. I had never thought in my wildest dreams I would be the culprit trying to tear down Heaven. We were always told that the Angels were good, but I suppose the reality isn’t always what the stories make them out to be.

Every action of the heroes is accompanied by emotions and feelings, by a substrate about that I could say it is a philosophical one, where the very distinction between good and evil makes that evil to be actually good and vice versa, where what must be done and what should be done are two things not only different, but opposites.

“Are you a corrupt spirit?” I asked with my brow raised. “Would you trust a demon even if it told you it was trustworthy?” “You’re not a demon.” “Sometimes I have my doubts.”

The emotions that the author manages to convey are sometimes overwhelming and lead the story to an entirely different level. At least it did it for me. I was gripped from the first paragraph, but I was subdued by the first chapter, the author with her inspiration gaining a loyal reader in me.

Each flake of life and identity broke and scattered until I became nothing but a vacant breath, lost in death.

The richness of language, the figures of speech used at the right moment and in right way enjoyed my mind and heart. In the same way, some of the characters’ names enchanted me to look for hidden meanings and nuances.

The Reapers brings together, skillfully intertwined: action, suspense, a wide range of feelings, doubts, the journey of a self discovery, the uncertainty of the existence of the Underworld, the reward or penalty, enabling the reader not only to read a beautiful story, but also to seek answers about himself and what it is, if it is, AFTER.

“There’s a world out there ruled by spirits and creatures that I am still trying to understand.”

About the author:
Self confessed chocaholic, Jacinta was born and raised in Melbourne Australia with her loving family of five. Even as a child Jacinta had an itch to write. Writing was the one constant hobby she clung to, also trying her hand at piano, flute, tennis, horseback riding and drama.

Jacinta works full time in the family business and spends her afternoons either playing basketball, reading, writing or hanging out with friends. She is always happy to try something new; getting her real estate license, practicing ninjitshu, Zumba and parkour to name a few.

For her future, Jacinta sees herself writing. It is a large part of her identity and something she hopes to continue. Aside from her love of stories she loves Japan and its unique and beautiful culture and history. From their delicious sushi dishes right down to their wooden sandals and kimonos. She is also a huge cat person and loves to snuggle up in front of the fire for a good movie or book. Her favorite genres are paranormal and fantasy but she also loves anything written by thriller writer, Stephen King.


Author's Giveaway

2 comments:

Giselle said...

This sounds like an emotional ride I wouldn't have thought so, but it makes it sound even more compelling. I def have to give this one a try myself! Wonderful review!

Unknown said...

Wow, thank you so much I can't express how amazing this makes me feel. Thank you for your kindness and for the time and effort you put into this beautiful review. It really means the world to me.