Book 1
by Kate Evangelista
Published October 30, 2012
Published by Omnific Publishing
Format Reviewed: eARC from Omnific (pre-edits)
Synopsis:
Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.
At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?
My Thoughts:
I love the updated take on Reapers that Kate Evangelista has created. No longer are the days where the image of the reaper is a shrouded figure pointing the way to the afterlife with its scythe. Nope, now they wear Armani, or if they are truly demented, clothing that Madonna discarded in the 80s. And their scythes? They match the reaper's personality and are unique to each. And the biggest image squashed? That reapers are skeletons or something ugly to be afraid of. They are beautiful, just as Death is beautiful; a beacon to guide souls to their true homes.
Arianne has had it rough for the past few years. Her sister Carrie's kidneys are failing, Arianne almost died while trying to donate her kidneys and woke up able to see dead people. Not your usual seventeen year old girl problems. To add to her distress, while she was coming to terms with her sister's illness, she turned to someone who continues to plague her even though things had been over for a while. For the most part, she only has Ben, her next door neighbor and best guy friend. And a huge crush on Niko, the hottest guy in school. But Niko isn't who he seems to be, and when Arianne finds out who he really is, she must decide what is more important: life or love.
Reaping Me Softly was an extremely engaging read. Once I picked up the book, I couldn't put it down. I couldn't help but feel for Arianne. She has a life that revolves around the hospital where her sister lives and everyday is a waiting game. She is being bullied by resident mean girl Darla (who reminded me a bit of the vampire Darly via Buffy, school girl uniform and all!) And then finally after years of gazing from afar, Niko notices Arianne and the chemistry is palpable. Both of them feel a connection and if it wasn't for Arianne, Niko may have let himself fade away - suicide for reapers. But now he has something or someone to live for. Until he reaps her sister.
Arianne is an interesting character. She puts so much on her shoulders. And when Carrie passes, she just lets go. Part of it from losing her sister and another part losing Niko. I want to feel sorry for her, but at other times I want to smack her to remind her that she is still alive and can live the life Carrie could not. Letting herself waste away is selfish for so many reasons. Niko is a sexy conundrum. Why is he just now noticing Arianne? He has been in school with her for years and it isn't like she isn't noticeable; she has bright red hair that looks like flames. And why all of a sudden does he fall instantly for her? He risks his existence for her, but why? I would have loved a little more insight into what he sees in her other than her beauty. And then Ben. He is probably the most infuriating character of all. His actions are baffling.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Reaping Me Softly. I love Kate Evangelista's writing. However, even though they are completely different, I can't help but compare this book to her first novel, Taste. While the writing is more solid in RMS, Taste was a more memorable read for me. But that is just my personal opinion. Kate has a way with building worlds and every image is crystal clear. She is very talented at putting the reader in the story. The last thing I will say is that I NEVER pictured the ending. Um, what?? But, it does leave the story open for the next book in the trilogy: Unreap My Heart. When is that coming out again??
★ ★ ★ ★ ½
About the Author:Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads YouTube
When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to read your awesome books! I can't wait for more :) And thank you for stopping by my post. It means so much to me *hugs*
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