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Netherworld #1
Don't Fear the Reaper
Grief-stricken by the murder of her twin, Keely Morrison is convinced suicide is her ticket to eternal peace and a chance to reunite with her sister. When Keely succeeds in taking her own life, she discovers death isn’t at all what she expected.
Instead, she’s trapped in a netherworld on Earth and her only hope for reconnecting with her sister and navigating the afterlife is a bounty-hunting reaper and a sardonic, possibly unscrupulous, demon. But when the demon offers Keely her greatest temptation—revenge on her sister’s murderer—she must uncover his motives and determine who she can trust.
ecause, as Keely soon learns, both reaper and demon are keeping secrets and she fears the worst is true—that her every decision will change how, and with whom, she spends eternity.
398 KB
Instead, she’s trapped in a netherworld on Earth and her only hope for reconnecting with her sister and navigating the afterlife is a bounty-hunting reaper and a sardonic, possibly unscrupulous, demon. But when the demon offers Keely her greatest temptation—revenge on her sister’s murderer—she must uncover his motives and determine who she can trust.
ecause, as Keely soon learns, both reaper and demon are keeping secrets and she fears the worst is true—that her every decision will change how, and with whom, she spends eternity.
398 KB
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2011
About the author
Michelle Muto
7 books1,249 followersWriter of urban fantasy, the paranormal, and all things eerie and curious. Lover of scary books and funny movies, sports cars, chocolate, and changes of season. Owned by two incredible dogs and an iMac. Author, wife, sister, freelance tech writer, and IT geek.
Author of the bestselling novel The Haunting Season, The Book of Lost Souls, Don't Fear the Reaper, Nature's Fifth Season Of Shadow & Stone, and Diary of the Damned.
. Read the 1st chapter of Don't Fear the Reaper here.
Join her mailing list and read NATURE'S FIFTH SEASON for FREE!
http://smarturl.it/MMuto-News
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Author of the bestselling novel The Haunting Season, The Book of Lost Souls, Don't Fear the Reaper, Nature's Fifth Season Of Shadow & Stone, and Diary of the Damned.
. Read the 1st chapter of Don't Fear the Reaper here.
Join her mailing list and read NATURE'S FIFTH SEASON for FREE!
http://smarturl.it/MMuto-News
FB Author Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
October 23, 2016
After the death of her twin sister Keely Morrison has sank further and further into a depression and now has decided that suicide is her only way out and a chance to reunite with her sister. Keely finds herself in the bathtub when a man appears and Keely thinks that he has saved her until he parents come home. Then she learns that her attempt was a success as she watches her parents grieve over her body.
Keely finds that the man she thought saved her life is actually a reaper and now Keely is trapped in a netherworld on Earth. Her hope of finding her sister and seeking revenge on her murderer has Keely in an in between state fighting for her soul and her sister to find peace or spend eternity in hell.
Don't Fear the Reaper was an OK story of what could happen in the afterlife but I felt that it really didn't wow me with originality either. I've read others that are very similar to this one and while there are some interesting things tossed in to explain Keely and her depression and the overall plot was enjoyable enough it did seem to be a bit predictable.
I think for me what could have been done a bit better is Keely's interactions with Banning and Daniel. Her situation gets slowly explained with these two seeming to have the answers but just not being forthcoming which made the story drag along where I would prefer there just be more action happening.
Overall, an OK read, good writing just not much to stand out as new and original to have me extremely excited in this read.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Keely finds that the man she thought saved her life is actually a reaper and now Keely is trapped in a netherworld on Earth. Her hope of finding her sister and seeking revenge on her murderer has Keely in an in between state fighting for her soul and her sister to find peace or spend eternity in hell.
Don't Fear the Reaper was an OK story of what could happen in the afterlife but I felt that it really didn't wow me with originality either. I've read others that are very similar to this one and while there are some interesting things tossed in to explain Keely and her depression and the overall plot was enjoyable enough it did seem to be a bit predictable.
I think for me what could have been done a bit better is Keely's interactions with Banning and Daniel. Her situation gets slowly explained with these two seeming to have the answers but just not being forthcoming which made the story drag along where I would prefer there just be more action happening.
Overall, an OK read, good writing just not much to stand out as new and original to have me extremely excited in this read.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
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September 25, 2011Since this is my book, I don't think it fair to rate it.
November 21, 2011
I sat down yesterday to read Don’t Fear the Reaper by Michelle Muto and I didn’t get up until I had finished it. It was the kind of book that you just don’t put down.
I am struggling with figuring out how to explain why this book is so good. I know that I can’t simply say “It just is” and you’ll take my word for it. You want details, right?
Part of the draw for me is this author’s amazing writing style. It’s dark and haunting, but beautiful and delicate even while dealing with a sensitive, ugly subject. It certainly grabs you by the front of the shirt from the very first page and doesn’t let you go until you finish reading. It takes a skilled author to do that.
I’ll tell you right now, the subject matter is a bit dark. Keely, the main character, commits suicide in the first chapter. She is tortured by her twin sister’s murder and takes her own life. But this author doesn’t glorify suicide or make it appear as a great ‘get out of jail free’ card. Rather, she shows its ugliness, its hopelessness. Keely is forced to come to terms with her death- and there isn’t a moment that she doesn’t regret her actions.
Keely goes on to purgatory, where she works with her Reaper and a demon to find her sister in the afterlife and fulfill her purpose. Muto’s take on the afterlife is fascinating and sucks you in with exquisite detail. Can there be a Happily Ever After when a book starts with the main character’s suicide? The answer is yes, when the author is skilled enough to make you actually like a demon, she is skilled enough to make the ending satisfying.
I’m really hoping that there will be a sequel, because folks, I’m just going to be honest. I think this is my favorite book of 2011. You should definitely read it.
I am struggling with figuring out how to explain why this book is so good. I know that I can’t simply say “It just is” and you’ll take my word for it. You want details, right?
Part of the draw for me is this author’s amazing writing style. It’s dark and haunting, but beautiful and delicate even while dealing with a sensitive, ugly subject. It certainly grabs you by the front of the shirt from the very first page and doesn’t let you go until you finish reading. It takes a skilled author to do that.
I’ll tell you right now, the subject matter is a bit dark. Keely, the main character, commits suicide in the first chapter. She is tortured by her twin sister’s murder and takes her own life. But this author doesn’t glorify suicide or make it appear as a great ‘get out of jail free’ card. Rather, she shows its ugliness, its hopelessness. Keely is forced to come to terms with her death- and there isn’t a moment that she doesn’t regret her actions.
Keely goes on to purgatory, where she works with her Reaper and a demon to find her sister in the afterlife and fulfill her purpose. Muto’s take on the afterlife is fascinating and sucks you in with exquisite detail. Can there be a Happily Ever After when a book starts with the main character’s suicide? The answer is yes, when the author is skilled enough to make you actually like a demon, she is skilled enough to make the ending satisfying.
I’m really hoping that there will be a sequel, because folks, I’m just going to be honest. I think this is my favorite book of 2011. You should definitely read it.
September 29, 2011
5/5 Stars....not nearly enough! More stars needed!
Author Michelle Muto has done something for me, no other author ever has, she made me cry. This is a good thing! Don't Fear The Reaper for me was absolutely the perfect read. The story so well executed and flawlessly written. Only a few times in my life have I devoured a book and not wanted it to end. I won't do the typical rehashing the plot, because this book is too good to give anything away about it! Just read the preview blurb that should hook you! Don't Fear The Reaper has a storyline that keeps you glued to whatever format you're reading it in! The characters are so damn 3 dimensional you feel like you are right there with them every step of the way. The style of writing flows and the dialogue is spot on, never corny or over the top. As I read I found myself becoming more and more emotionally invested in all the characters, something that will make me treasure this book always and look upon it as easily my favorite read of all time.
If any agent reads this review, you would do well to grab Michelle as your client, because you will only be kicking yourself if you don't! Michelle Muto is destined to become a giant in this industry, if you don't believe me, then read "Don't Fear The Reaper," and you will know exactly what I'm talking about!
5 stars is not enough for this beautifully executed and brilliant work of literature.
So I'm breaking the rules and giving it infinity plus 1!
Author Michelle Muto has done something for me, no other author ever has, she made me cry. This is a good thing! Don't Fear The Reaper for me was absolutely the perfect read. The story so well executed and flawlessly written. Only a few times in my life have I devoured a book and not wanted it to end. I won't do the typical rehashing the plot, because this book is too good to give anything away about it! Just read the preview blurb that should hook you! Don't Fear The Reaper has a storyline that keeps you glued to whatever format you're reading it in! The characters are so damn 3 dimensional you feel like you are right there with them every step of the way. The style of writing flows and the dialogue is spot on, never corny or over the top. As I read I found myself becoming more and more emotionally invested in all the characters, something that will make me treasure this book always and look upon it as easily my favorite read of all time.
If any agent reads this review, you would do well to grab Michelle as your client, because you will only be kicking yourself if you don't! Michelle Muto is destined to become a giant in this industry, if you don't believe me, then read "Don't Fear The Reaper," and you will know exactly what I'm talking about!
5 stars is not enough for this beautifully executed and brilliant work of literature.
So I'm breaking the rules and giving it infinity plus 1!
November 17, 2011
I am in awe of Muto’s sheer writing abilities! This book sucked me in and didn’t release me until the final page was tucked neatly inside my head. I can’t get over how amazing, how breathtaking, and how riveting this book is. Don’t Fear the Reaper is one of those books that I’m going to read again and again. It’s one of those books I wish could hit the big screen; it’s that good. This is that book that leaves you stunned and wanting more, much more, upon its conclusion. Seriously, why are you still reading this review? You need this novel now!!!
Muto has created a very powerful novel about suicide, and though I feel like the messages it portrays to the readers are subtle undertones, they speak volumes, nonetheless. Yes, this novel is about the netherworld and Keely’s attempts to reconnect with her sister, but it’s about so much more than that. Muto portrays the raw truth concerning suicide and its effects on those left behind, and even though this is just a book, I felt so strongly for the characters that I actually cried on multiple occasions. I am not a crier, by any means, but this novel really touched me and made me feel as if I was a part of it, looking the awful truth of suicide straight in the face. What the person committing suicide doesn’t realize is how much of an affect they’ll have on those they leave behind, devastating everyone around them, just as Keely does when she succeeds in killing herself. The fact that she has to stand there and witness the chaos she left behind in a fit of selfishness, watching her family mourn her, is all too powerful, and I feel like this novel does a phenomenal job showing readers that suicide really isn’t the answer. Yes, I realize that this is the subtle undertone of the novel, and that it really isn’t about the suicide as much as it is about Keely making the correct decisions in the netherworld, but it spoke volumes to me and I can’t get over how powerful this story really is...
To read my full review (12/8):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Muto has created a very powerful novel about suicide, and though I feel like the messages it portrays to the readers are subtle undertones, they speak volumes, nonetheless. Yes, this novel is about the netherworld and Keely’s attempts to reconnect with her sister, but it’s about so much more than that. Muto portrays the raw truth concerning suicide and its effects on those left behind, and even though this is just a book, I felt so strongly for the characters that I actually cried on multiple occasions. I am not a crier, by any means, but this novel really touched me and made me feel as if I was a part of it, looking the awful truth of suicide straight in the face. What the person committing suicide doesn’t realize is how much of an affect they’ll have on those they leave behind, devastating everyone around them, just as Keely does when she succeeds in killing herself. The fact that she has to stand there and witness the chaos she left behind in a fit of selfishness, watching her family mourn her, is all too powerful, and I feel like this novel does a phenomenal job showing readers that suicide really isn’t the answer. Yes, I realize that this is the subtle undertone of the novel, and that it really isn’t about the suicide as much as it is about Keely making the correct decisions in the netherworld, but it spoke volumes to me and I can’t get over how powerful this story really is...
To read my full review (12/8):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
January 7, 2012
3.5 out of 5
Too much explaining in the middle, rather than showing. However, the actual story was good enough to keep me reading. Really liked the characters.
I'll explain more later.
Too much explaining in the middle, rather than showing. However, the actual story was good enough to keep me reading. Really liked the characters.
I'll explain more later.
October 25, 2016
3 ½ ★
This is one of the harder books to review for me. I’m not really sure what to say without really spoiling it but I try and I make it short .
I also should warn, that this book might not be for everyone. It deals with the rather sad and dark subject of suicide, teen suicide to be exact as Keely commits a pretty graphic suicide in the first chapter.
When she wakes up in purgatory she finds the reaper and a demon there to escort her to hell. But it is clear very early on that there is much more going on.
Keely has to be remain with Daniel and Banning until her fate for her afterlife is revealed for sure.
Purgatory is not such a nice place to be and not very safe and even with Manning and Daniel by her site things start to get out of hand. Plus, both of them are keeping things from her and she does her best to figure it out and what is the truth.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/dont...
This is one of the harder books to review for me. I’m not really sure what to say without really spoiling it but I try and I make it short .
I also should warn, that this book might not be for everyone. It deals with the rather sad and dark subject of suicide, teen suicide to be exact as Keely commits a pretty graphic suicide in the first chapter.
When she wakes up in purgatory she finds the reaper and a demon there to escort her to hell. But it is clear very early on that there is much more going on.
Keely has to be remain with Daniel and Banning until her fate for her afterlife is revealed for sure.
Purgatory is not such a nice place to be and not very safe and even with Manning and Daniel by her site things start to get out of hand. Plus, both of them are keeping things from her and she does her best to figure it out and what is the truth.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/dont...
September 29, 2011
I put this review off for a day after I finished. Not because it was something I didn’t want to do, but mainly because the book was so good I wanted to make sure I did Michelle’s story justice. I’m still not positive that I can do that, but here it goes.
Don’t Fear the Reaper is a dark story about the afterlife of a teen who commits suicide. It doesn’t glorify suicide and not once is Keely happy with her decision. As a matter of fact, almost immediately she regrets doing what she did and wants to take it back. Even before she knows she is truly dead. It is definitely a book for older more mature teens. It delves into the grief of those left behind and the regret of the teen who took her own life, but it also does so much more than that.
To me, the main focus of Don’t Fear the Reaper was undying love. Not only the love of Keely and her sister and the love that they both had for their parents but also the love that other characters shared and the ultimate sacrifices that many of them made. The book began with suicide and ended with hope and the journey that Michelle takes you on to get you there is unforgettable.
Michelle’s characters have so much depth that you feel like you know them personally by the time you are through. Basically Keely is led through her short time left on Earth by her reaper, Banning and a demon, Daniel. Being a demon you would think that Daniel is the bad guy and in essence he is, but I always found something lovable about him. Maybe it was his sarcastic humor in the beginning. Regardless I think he may have been my favorite character. Banning was a fatherly figure for Keely and mostly the voice of reason, but not perfect. They all played off each other perfectly and the dialog between them was fun to keep up with and all of it moved the story along flawlessly.
I love Michelle’s style of writing and even though I knew that this story was going to be a lot darker than The Book of Lost Souls, I went into it knowing that I was going to love it. I obviously wasn’t disappointed. Was it a hard book to read? Of course, but the action and the suspense made it impossible to put down. Did I shed a few tears? Yes, and I expected to, but the tears weren’t all tears of sadness. It was a very emotional read, especially near the end, but it was worth every minute. Michelle’s take on the afterlife and her touching depictions of what families experience during times of tragedy and grief are well worth any tears shed. Now I’m going to wait very patiently for Michelle to get back to Ivy and her friends, but whatever she writes next, I will be sure to pick up.
Don’t Fear the Reaper is a dark story about the afterlife of a teen who commits suicide. It doesn’t glorify suicide and not once is Keely happy with her decision. As a matter of fact, almost immediately she regrets doing what she did and wants to take it back. Even before she knows she is truly dead. It is definitely a book for older more mature teens. It delves into the grief of those left behind and the regret of the teen who took her own life, but it also does so much more than that.
To me, the main focus of Don’t Fear the Reaper was undying love. Not only the love of Keely and her sister and the love that they both had for their parents but also the love that other characters shared and the ultimate sacrifices that many of them made. The book began with suicide and ended with hope and the journey that Michelle takes you on to get you there is unforgettable.
Michelle’s characters have so much depth that you feel like you know them personally by the time you are through. Basically Keely is led through her short time left on Earth by her reaper, Banning and a demon, Daniel. Being a demon you would think that Daniel is the bad guy and in essence he is, but I always found something lovable about him. Maybe it was his sarcastic humor in the beginning. Regardless I think he may have been my favorite character. Banning was a fatherly figure for Keely and mostly the voice of reason, but not perfect. They all played off each other perfectly and the dialog between them was fun to keep up with and all of it moved the story along flawlessly.
I love Michelle’s style of writing and even though I knew that this story was going to be a lot darker than The Book of Lost Souls, I went into it knowing that I was going to love it. I obviously wasn’t disappointed. Was it a hard book to read? Of course, but the action and the suspense made it impossible to put down. Did I shed a few tears? Yes, and I expected to, but the tears weren’t all tears of sadness. It was a very emotional read, especially near the end, but it was worth every minute. Michelle’s take on the afterlife and her touching depictions of what families experience during times of tragedy and grief are well worth any tears shed. Now I’m going to wait very patiently for Michelle to get back to Ivy and her friends, but whatever she writes next, I will be sure to pick up.
November 18, 2011
Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me. The Carriage held but just ourselves And Immortality - Emily Dickinson
Keely Morisson lost more than half of herself when her twin Jordan was murdered. wallowing in grief and hoping to be reunited with her sister, Keely commits suicide. the afterlife, however, was not what she expected. with a reaper and a demon for company, she finds out what being dead really is and that the battle for souls including her own is being wagered.
author Michelle Muto's book is a haunting journey and exploration of what lies beyond the grave. it is dark and sometimes frightening to contemplate but more often than not, it is filled with nostalgia and a deep-seated longing for forgiveness, justice and peace for and from both the living and those who have passed on.
Keely is caught in a purgatory of her own doing. her suicide condemns her to witness and be part of a world of demons, angels, reapers and wandering souls. she is unable to cross over and her soul's final destination hangs on a balance.
the author's premise that love does not stop with one's final breath does not surprise me. the idea that it becomes stronger and more tenacious even in death is something i agree with. the possibility of departed loved ones continuing to love and watch over those they left behind somehow brings me relief and some closure. i find it very comforting too .
i find the book's details quite plausible. Keely's story is also a reminder to live for the moment and to be thankful for everything and everyone.
i have to admit as well that this was a very emotional read for me. my late parents, relatives and friends were constantly on my mind as i read about Keely and her wanderings in the afterlife. my hope is that their transition from this world to the next was smooth and joyful and very unlike Keely's own.
Keely Morisson lost more than half of herself when her twin Jordan was murdered. wallowing in grief and hoping to be reunited with her sister, Keely commits suicide. the afterlife, however, was not what she expected. with a reaper and a demon for company, she finds out what being dead really is and that the battle for souls including her own is being wagered.
author Michelle Muto's book is a haunting journey and exploration of what lies beyond the grave. it is dark and sometimes frightening to contemplate but more often than not, it is filled with nostalgia and a deep-seated longing for forgiveness, justice and peace for and from both the living and those who have passed on.
Keely is caught in a purgatory of her own doing. her suicide condemns her to witness and be part of a world of demons, angels, reapers and wandering souls. she is unable to cross over and her soul's final destination hangs on a balance.
the author's premise that love does not stop with one's final breath does not surprise me. the idea that it becomes stronger and more tenacious even in death is something i agree with. the possibility of departed loved ones continuing to love and watch over those they left behind somehow brings me relief and some closure. i find it very comforting too .
i find the book's details quite plausible. Keely's story is also a reminder to live for the moment and to be thankful for everything and everyone.
i have to admit as well that this was a very emotional read for me. my late parents, relatives and friends were constantly on my mind as i read about Keely and her wanderings in the afterlife. my hope is that their transition from this world to the next was smooth and joyful and very unlike Keely's own.
March 21, 2013
I really hate to cry, so I usually avoid reads that I know will get me all teary eyed. When I read the first chapter of this book I not only cried, I bawled. Michelle Muto is a talented author that captured the feelings of grief exquisitely. Not only did I feel sorry for Keelie in that opening scene, I ached for her.
If you've ever felt despair or know someone who has, you'll probably connect with Keelie. She just lost her sister (identical twin), who was murdered and couldn't deal with the pain of her death. All I have to say is where were her parents? The only issue I had with this book was with Keelie's absent parents. Who would leave a girl who had a history of drug abuse alone in a house with prescription pills? I know they were grieving too, but at some point people have to think about their living children. There was no mention of counseling even though her sister was murdered. I could go on, but then you would think that this wasn't a good book. That isn't the case at all.
This is an exceptional read with real emotions packed on nearly every page. Some of it is gritty and deals with hard issues, but the story itself is a beautiful unfolding of coming to terms with loss and consequences of choice.
I expected the ending to turn out the way it did, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. So if you don't mind some tears, or even if you do, Don't Fear the Reaper is worth the emotion. At least it was for me, who usually sticks with books I know I'll get a happily ever after.
I'm not going to give away the ending, but it was satisfying, at least to this reader. Great job, Michelle Muto. I'll be looking forward to your other works.
If you've ever felt despair or know someone who has, you'll probably connect with Keelie. She just lost her sister (identical twin), who was murdered and couldn't deal with the pain of her death. All I have to say is where were her parents? The only issue I had with this book was with Keelie's absent parents. Who would leave a girl who had a history of drug abuse alone in a house with prescription pills? I know they were grieving too, but at some point people have to think about their living children. There was no mention of counseling even though her sister was murdered. I could go on, but then you would think that this wasn't a good book. That isn't the case at all.
This is an exceptional read with real emotions packed on nearly every page. Some of it is gritty and deals with hard issues, but the story itself is a beautiful unfolding of coming to terms with loss and consequences of choice.
I expected the ending to turn out the way it did, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. So if you don't mind some tears, or even if you do, Don't Fear the Reaper is worth the emotion. At least it was for me, who usually sticks with books I know I'll get a happily ever after.
I'm not going to give away the ending, but it was satisfying, at least to this reader. Great job, Michelle Muto. I'll be looking forward to your other works.
March 7, 2012
Wow. This book was so poignant and thought provoking I almost don't know how to describe it in words. What happens when you commit suicide? What do your parents go through? Your friends? What sort of afterlife awaits you? These types of questions are addressed in this book in such an emotional and intense way I found myself in tears throughout the story. It's beautiful and moving, and probably one of the best young adult...no...one of the best books that I have ever read. Seriously, go read this book!
December 5, 2012
Some part of me has always been attracted to those who work between the Living and The Other Side. From dramedies like "Dead Like Me," where Reapers collect their assignments at Der Waffle Haus, to Wim Wenders' elegiac masterpiece, "Wings of Desire," I've been fascinated by these go-betweens. It's almost like I'd rather send somebody else into The Light than go there myself.
Michelle Muto's novel, "Don't Fear the Reaper" attempted to create such a world. She had a number of things working against her. First, her protagonist--Keely Morrison--commits suicide in the first chapter. As if suicide weren't difficult enough a topic to cover in a YA novel, there's the added stigma that many faiths and cultures consider suicide to be one of those capital-S Sins that gets you an automatic ticket on the Down elevator. Second, Keely's twin sister, Jordan, had been brutally murdered just a couple months before; indeed, it was Keely's unbearable grief that led her to cut her wrists, in the hope that she and Jordan would be reunited. Keely's voice narrates "Reapers," and we hear her regret as she bleeds out, how she wishes she could get up and call for help.
These are delicate subjects for the first chapter of a YA novel. Michelle Muto handles them masterfully.
Keely is disappointed to find that she is welcomed to the afterlife, not by her sister, but by a Reaper named Banning, and a wise-cracking demon, named Daniel. Because Keely is a suicide, Daniel is there to claim her soul for Hell. Banning is there to safeguard her, because there are extenuating circumstances, and Keely's banishment will be subject to review.
I liked the mythology Ms Muto creates as far as life and afterlife. I call if "mythology," because nobody really knows how it works. Well, billions do, but they're all dead, so they're no help at all.
In the days between her death and her funeral, Keely deals with grief and regret, of course, but she learns about empathy, kindness, tenacity, and the power of love. By the time she reaches her "trial," she is a much stronger and wiser person than the teenaged girl who cut her wrists in that bathtub.
"Don't Fear the Reaper" avoids most of the potholes this type of subject matter presents. I like the evolution of Banning, Daniel, and Keely as an odd little family, and when the "trial" ends as it does, it makes perfect sense.
Inevitably, I drew comparisons between Keely's first few days between worlds, and how Georgia Lass faced a similar adjustment in "Dead Like Me." The circumstances are different, and Keely seems to have an easier time, though with less breakfast food and fewer f-bombs.
From the heading, the book is entitled "Don't Fear the Reaper (Netherworld, #1)." This novel works so well as a one-off, that I'm not sure how this could carry on as a series. I can't worry about sequel feasibility right now. I found "Don't Fear the Reaper" to be thoroughly captivating, and that's all that matters now. (after I stayed up all night reading it straight through). Recommended.
Michelle Muto's novel, "Don't Fear the Reaper" attempted to create such a world. She had a number of things working against her. First, her protagonist--Keely Morrison--commits suicide in the first chapter. As if suicide weren't difficult enough a topic to cover in a YA novel, there's the added stigma that many faiths and cultures consider suicide to be one of those capital-S Sins that gets you an automatic ticket on the Down elevator. Second, Keely's twin sister, Jordan, had been brutally murdered just a couple months before; indeed, it was Keely's unbearable grief that led her to cut her wrists, in the hope that she and Jordan would be reunited. Keely's voice narrates "Reapers," and we hear her regret as she bleeds out, how she wishes she could get up and call for help.
These are delicate subjects for the first chapter of a YA novel. Michelle Muto handles them masterfully.
Keely is disappointed to find that she is welcomed to the afterlife, not by her sister, but by a Reaper named Banning, and a wise-cracking demon, named Daniel. Because Keely is a suicide, Daniel is there to claim her soul for Hell. Banning is there to safeguard her, because there are extenuating circumstances, and Keely's banishment will be subject to review.
I liked the mythology Ms Muto creates as far as life and afterlife. I call if "mythology," because nobody really knows how it works. Well, billions do, but they're all dead, so they're no help at all.
In the days between her death and her funeral, Keely deals with grief and regret, of course, but she learns about empathy, kindness, tenacity, and the power of love. By the time she reaches her "trial," she is a much stronger and wiser person than the teenaged girl who cut her wrists in that bathtub.
"Don't Fear the Reaper" avoids most of the potholes this type of subject matter presents. I like the evolution of Banning, Daniel, and Keely as an odd little family, and when the "trial" ends as it does, it makes perfect sense.
Inevitably, I drew comparisons between Keely's first few days between worlds, and how Georgia Lass faced a similar adjustment in "Dead Like Me." The circumstances are different, and Keely seems to have an easier time, though with less breakfast food and fewer f-bombs.
From the heading, the book is entitled "Don't Fear the Reaper (Netherworld, #1)." This novel works so well as a one-off, that I'm not sure how this could carry on as a series. I can't worry about sequel feasibility right now. I found "Don't Fear the Reaper" to be thoroughly captivating, and that's all that matters now. (after I stayed up all night reading it straight through). Recommended.
March 2, 2017
Review to come
November 9, 2016
1 star. Alright, so I am going to try and word this review as tactfully as possible because I do believe that this book came from a painful place.
This novel is about a teenage girl named Keely who was recently devastated by the death of her twin sister, Jordon. In one swift move, she succeeds in taking her own life in an attempt to reunite with Jordon on the other side. Unknowingly, a reaper and a demon wait for her instead. Heaven or hell, it's up to them to decide, and it's up to Keely to discover the truth regarding the circumstances surrounding her own death.
So, I had a lot of issues with this plot. Sure, at first it seemed interesting but after Keely died the plot (or was there really ever a plot to begin with?) simply unraveled. To be quite frank, I started skim reading at approximately 30 percent but it was easy to see that the whole book was about Keely traipsing along in the afterlife with a reaper and a demon in some strange quest to find her sister. There was little effort made to garner any emotion from the reader except for perhaps the first...mmm....20-30 pages in the book. Poor characterization. Sketchy plot. And I could tell that the author was trying her best to make the reader feel a connection with Keely, but sadly, all the interactions with the surrounding characters seemed a little off considering that she was dead. I mean these weren't her highschool chums. We're talking about a reaper and a demon here.
Anyways, I appreciate that the publisher sent me the book but I think the author still has a lot to work on in terms of overall story structure and character depth.
This novel is about a teenage girl named Keely who was recently devastated by the death of her twin sister, Jordon. In one swift move, she succeeds in taking her own life in an attempt to reunite with Jordon on the other side. Unknowingly, a reaper and a demon wait for her instead. Heaven or hell, it's up to them to decide, and it's up to Keely to discover the truth regarding the circumstances surrounding her own death.
So, I had a lot of issues with this plot. Sure, at first it seemed interesting but after Keely died the plot (or was there really ever a plot to begin with?) simply unraveled. To be quite frank, I started skim reading at approximately 30 percent but it was easy to see that the whole book was about Keely traipsing along in the afterlife with a reaper and a demon in some strange quest to find her sister. There was little effort made to garner any emotion from the reader except for perhaps the first...mmm....20-30 pages in the book. Poor characterization. Sketchy plot. And I could tell that the author was trying her best to make the reader feel a connection with Keely, but sadly, all the interactions with the surrounding characters seemed a little off considering that she was dead. I mean these weren't her highschool chums. We're talking about a reaper and a demon here.
Anyways, I appreciate that the publisher sent me the book but I think the author still has a lot to work on in terms of overall story structure and character depth.
December 6, 2011
4.5 STARS: A really great read, I highly recommend!
From the moment I picked up this book I was instantly drawn into the story. Don’t Fear the Reaper opens with the protagonist, Keely, taking her own life, and reflecting on the things that lead to that moment. The pain she felt throughout the book felt very real to me even though in most of the book she is “living” through very different situations than one generally faces.
Michelle Muto’s writing is absolutely beautiful, and all the characters have depth and are well developed. I really don’t have anything negative to say about this book. It brought me close to tears on more than one occasion, and I can count with the fingers on one hand the books that have made me cry. I could also relate to this book on a more personal level because I am a twin myself, and felt I understood Keely’s connection with her sister very well.
One thing that set this book apart for me and made me love it was that it was in no way a cookie-cutter YA novel. It was original and raw, and the author did not put anything in that took your attention away from the plot to add interest when it didn’t need it. Once you read YA for a while, you really start to appreciate it when an author relies purely on their own originality and ideas and doesn’t go to any “plot formulas” to lead their story on.
In short, this is a beautifully written, emotion-evoking book, and I highly recommend it.
From the moment I picked up this book I was instantly drawn into the story. Don’t Fear the Reaper opens with the protagonist, Keely, taking her own life, and reflecting on the things that lead to that moment. The pain she felt throughout the book felt very real to me even though in most of the book she is “living” through very different situations than one generally faces.
Michelle Muto’s writing is absolutely beautiful, and all the characters have depth and are well developed. I really don’t have anything negative to say about this book. It brought me close to tears on more than one occasion, and I can count with the fingers on one hand the books that have made me cry. I could also relate to this book on a more personal level because I am a twin myself, and felt I understood Keely’s connection with her sister very well.
One thing that set this book apart for me and made me love it was that it was in no way a cookie-cutter YA novel. It was original and raw, and the author did not put anything in that took your attention away from the plot to add interest when it didn’t need it. Once you read YA for a while, you really start to appreciate it when an author relies purely on their own originality and ideas and doesn’t go to any “plot formulas” to lead their story on.
In short, this is a beautifully written, emotion-evoking book, and I highly recommend it.
August 21, 2013
My Thoughts:
This was a very well crafted, written, and executed story. I really, really, really liked it! Has got to be one of my faves this year so far.
You have characters that are real, three-dimensional, and distinctive. The book opens with Keely's death. Her response to her own death is so believable, you actually think it's real. Like maybe the author followed Keely into the afterlife and wrote down her reactions.
Loved the bounty-hunter reaper, his name is Banning. He has that mysterious touch, silent and strong and you're not quite sure what motivates him. I found myself having an internal debate on whether he wanted to help Keely or trap her somehow.
And the sardonic, possibly unscrupulous demon? Daniel? His voice is so strong and yeah, he's a *likeable* demon. Whether or not he's unscrupulous is up to the reader to find out. But hint: he's a *demon* kiddos.
I loved the tension and interaction between the characters. I thought the pacing was excellent. Keely's motivation throughout was clear, and she pretty much stuck to her guns. I'm a little disappointed that we didn't learn of Daniel's past...why he is what he is and what his motivations were. And was the ending a tad predictable? Perhaps a little. These 2 reasons are why this didn't earn a full 5 stars, but there one or 2 things that did catch me by surprise, and all the little trails wound around the story and tied together in the end.
A very enjoyable ride.
This was a very well crafted, written, and executed story. I really, really, really liked it! Has got to be one of my faves this year so far.
You have characters that are real, three-dimensional, and distinctive. The book opens with Keely's death. Her response to her own death is so believable, you actually think it's real. Like maybe the author followed Keely into the afterlife and wrote down her reactions.
Loved the bounty-hunter reaper, his name is Banning. He has that mysterious touch, silent and strong and you're not quite sure what motivates him. I found myself having an internal debate on whether he wanted to help Keely or trap her somehow.
And the sardonic, possibly unscrupulous demon? Daniel? His voice is so strong and yeah, he's a *likeable* demon. Whether or not he's unscrupulous is up to the reader to find out. But hint: he's a *demon* kiddos.
I loved the tension and interaction between the characters. I thought the pacing was excellent. Keely's motivation throughout was clear, and she pretty much stuck to her guns. I'm a little disappointed that we didn't learn of Daniel's past...why he is what he is and what his motivations were. And was the ending a tad predictable? Perhaps a little. These 2 reasons are why this didn't earn a full 5 stars, but there one or 2 things that did catch me by surprise, and all the little trails wound around the story and tied together in the end.
A very enjoyable ride.
March 5, 2013
Keely’s twin sister’s dead. Her parents are grieving. And reformed bad-girl Keely has had enough of being left to sorrow alone. Her moods have driven everyone away. Now she drives herself on one last journey, but finds the end somewhat different to all she’d expected. Isn’t hell a given if you kill yourself?
Deeply intriguing, filled with haunting and haunted characters and no easy answers, Michelle Muto’s Don’t Fear the Reaper introduces a very different grim reaper from legend, his curiously sympathetic sidekick, and a purgatory that’s like nothing you’ve ever imagined. A tale that blends touches of sympathy for the devil with hauntingly descriptive passages, deeply moving mysteries, and heart-searching decisions, this book lets you see death through a dead girl’s eyes and long for life.
In the end, the devil’s sure he’ll win, but his minions might have minds of their own, the almost-damned might still be seeking redemption, and the almost-saved might stay to save someone else. Whatever you believe about life after death, this is a novel of fascinating imagination, thought-provoking ethical questions, great humor and compelling characters, one that will stay with you long after the final pages are turned. Think Touched by an Angel but much darker.
Disclosure: I won an ecopy of this novel. Lucky me!
Deeply intriguing, filled with haunting and haunted characters and no easy answers, Michelle Muto’s Don’t Fear the Reaper introduces a very different grim reaper from legend, his curiously sympathetic sidekick, and a purgatory that’s like nothing you’ve ever imagined. A tale that blends touches of sympathy for the devil with hauntingly descriptive passages, deeply moving mysteries, and heart-searching decisions, this book lets you see death through a dead girl’s eyes and long for life.
In the end, the devil’s sure he’ll win, but his minions might have minds of their own, the almost-damned might still be seeking redemption, and the almost-saved might stay to save someone else. Whatever you believe about life after death, this is a novel of fascinating imagination, thought-provoking ethical questions, great humor and compelling characters, one that will stay with you long after the final pages are turned. Think Touched by an Angel but much darker.
Disclosure: I won an ecopy of this novel. Lucky me!
December 5, 2011
Dark and exquisitely beautiful!
My first impression upon opening this book was: Best first chapter in a novel - Ever! Michelle Muto hooked me from word one and kept me gripped until the end. This is a beautifully written dark tale of life, death, and everything that comes after. It was absolutely mesmerizing.
This is hands down, one of the best books of 2011! From the opening chapter that all authors should learn from, to the bittersweet ending, Don't Fear the Reaper will keep your heart on edge as you continue to turn the pages.
My first impression upon opening this book was: Best first chapter in a novel - Ever! Michelle Muto hooked me from word one and kept me gripped until the end. This is a beautifully written dark tale of life, death, and everything that comes after. It was absolutely mesmerizing.
This is hands down, one of the best books of 2011! From the opening chapter that all authors should learn from, to the bittersweet ending, Don't Fear the Reaper will keep your heart on edge as you continue to turn the pages.
May 2, 2012
"Don't Fear the Reaper" by Michelle Muto was a devastating view of what happens to not only the family after two daughters die, but also to the twin sisters, Keely and Jordan...the deceased. Heart breaking, scary at times...the book just doesn't stop pounding on your senses. Add in Angels, Demons & Reapers and what you've got is a thrill ride that makes a roller coaster look flat! I recommend this book to anyone still breathing. A strong round of applause to Michelle Muto!
March 2, 2012
Skilfully written book, emotionally challenging, dark, deep, amazing and unusual. Definitely not relaxing reading - it makes you feel, hurt, think, cry, sympathize, sometimes shudder and in rare moments grin ( but it's only thanks to our charming Daniel). Highly recommended!
January 21, 2013
So here’s the thing, I love Indie authors and finding new ones because let’s be honest… I LOVE TO READ! My friend Heather has been raving about Michelle Muto and her amazing books, so I had to check it out. I bought all three of her books but haven’t had the chance to get to them, bad me, I know. The thing is, lol, it’s not that I haven’t wanted to but you know when you get caught up in a book that you thought was a standalone to find it a series and well you can’t just stop at the one, it’s like this compulsion takes over and you HAVE to read them all? Yea well I got onto a few series like that and each time a new book came out for the series I dropped what I was doing to pick it up, but for like the whole month of December I took a reading sabbatical. I only read books that I ARCs that I promised to authors…. So one of the first book’s I’ve read this year to break my sabbatical was Michelle Muto’s Don’t Fear the Reaper. Let me tell you how right Heather was about Michelle’s books. I am absolutely in LOVE with this book and hear there’s a second one coming so Michelle if you are reading this…. HURRY!
“I didn’t want to die. Not really. I was just tired
and didn’t know of another way to stop the pain.”
So if you don’t know already this book is about suicide. I love when an author can take a controversial subject and write about it beautifully. I see a lot of myself in Keely. I’m sure you are wondering why right? Well I’ll tell you because suicide isn’t a joke and don’t always believe what you hear or pass judgment onto those who are at that level. Though my circumstances were different than Keely, I’ve been that low before. About 10 years ago I was going through some massive issues and I attempted suicide. I was convinced that was the only way to escape everything. Like Keely the death of her twin hit her hard and well with some added push that you will find out when you read DFTR went through with it.
“It was easier to appear strong than to show my feelings,
even when things began to crumble around me.”
You don’t really appreciate life unless something major happens and sometimes it’s too late. Which is what happened to Keely, but now all she wanted to do was find her twin. Apparently it’s a sin to kill yourself so Keely’s soul is up on trial because Banning’s. Whose Banning’s you might ask? Well he’s this really awesome, like seriously bad-assed Reaper. Not the welcoming committee Keely was expecting, but a start to an amazing journey she has to go through. Then there’s Daniel. Daniel is a demon and I have to say I’m kind of intrigued by him. I want to know his story and I hope we see more into him in the next book. We get a glimpse into Banning and you can’t help but feel the fatherness rolling off of him. Yes I know fatherness isn’t a word but well that’s how I describe Banning because he’s like the afterlife father figure to Keely.
One thing that draws me to an author that will make me pick up any book they write is the words itself. You can read many books but it’s the books that captivate your mind that leave a lasting impression. Words are able to create an image. Those images are then turned into a movie; well they are to me at least. It’s the way I connect to the characters, but you can’t do that when someone doesn’t know how to capture your mind in the way needed to form those images. I’ll give you an example on how I was fully submersed into this story by 19% in
“Just the powder blue skyline with a whisper thin moon that hinted at the coming darkness”
Do you see how much more beautiful that is then saying twilight or dusk? The poetic flow of those words had me picturing what Keely was seeing, what she was feeling when she was in that room looking out the window. The feeling of hopelessness that what you really want isn’t going to happen. As I’ve said before, only truly great writers can have you, the reader, feeling what they felt when they wrote the story, what the character was feeling as it was living it. Things start getting a little more intense when Keely finds out how, well why she’s not getting carted off to hell with Daniel. Banning’s trying to redeem her soul while Daniel was sent to make sure she fails. Talk about having an angel and devil on your shoulder right? Ok so not funny, but Michelle was still able to keep the humor in the story and as often as I found myself tearing up, I was also laughing.
“There should have been a joke in there somewhere about a reaper, an earthbound, and a demon crossing the road. The punch like seemed equally stupid, but had a weird twist on words-- to get to the other side. I almost laughed.”
Well I did, I laughed hard. I really liked Keely and Jordan. You meet Jordan when they find each other and both want to do whatever it takes to get the other to heaven and out of purgatory. Which is where things go all crazy and the demon is not so demonic maybe? You’ll have to see what happens. The book is seriously amazing. Like SERIOUSLY. I hope the next book has a little Daniel and Keely action. I have a feeling there’s more going on than we see in DFTR. I know Keely was in love with Miles, her on and off again boyfriend, but I can definitely see something going on with Daniel, I mean he kind of defied his orders! If you want to know what I’m talking about go buy Don’t Fear the Reaper right now and find out for yourself!
So I leave you with this to ponder, another quote from Michelle Muto and this awesome book, because well I had too many to fit into this one review without making it insanely huge!
“Happiness, even in death, is what we make it.”
“I didn’t want to die. Not really. I was just tired
and didn’t know of another way to stop the pain.”
So if you don’t know already this book is about suicide. I love when an author can take a controversial subject and write about it beautifully. I see a lot of myself in Keely. I’m sure you are wondering why right? Well I’ll tell you because suicide isn’t a joke and don’t always believe what you hear or pass judgment onto those who are at that level. Though my circumstances were different than Keely, I’ve been that low before. About 10 years ago I was going through some massive issues and I attempted suicide. I was convinced that was the only way to escape everything. Like Keely the death of her twin hit her hard and well with some added push that you will find out when you read DFTR went through with it.
“It was easier to appear strong than to show my feelings,
even when things began to crumble around me.”
You don’t really appreciate life unless something major happens and sometimes it’s too late. Which is what happened to Keely, but now all she wanted to do was find her twin. Apparently it’s a sin to kill yourself so Keely’s soul is up on trial because Banning’s. Whose Banning’s you might ask? Well he’s this really awesome, like seriously bad-assed Reaper. Not the welcoming committee Keely was expecting, but a start to an amazing journey she has to go through. Then there’s Daniel. Daniel is a demon and I have to say I’m kind of intrigued by him. I want to know his story and I hope we see more into him in the next book. We get a glimpse into Banning and you can’t help but feel the fatherness rolling off of him. Yes I know fatherness isn’t a word but well that’s how I describe Banning because he’s like the afterlife father figure to Keely.
One thing that draws me to an author that will make me pick up any book they write is the words itself. You can read many books but it’s the books that captivate your mind that leave a lasting impression. Words are able to create an image. Those images are then turned into a movie; well they are to me at least. It’s the way I connect to the characters, but you can’t do that when someone doesn’t know how to capture your mind in the way needed to form those images. I’ll give you an example on how I was fully submersed into this story by 19% in
“Just the powder blue skyline with a whisper thin moon that hinted at the coming darkness”
Do you see how much more beautiful that is then saying twilight or dusk? The poetic flow of those words had me picturing what Keely was seeing, what she was feeling when she was in that room looking out the window. The feeling of hopelessness that what you really want isn’t going to happen. As I’ve said before, only truly great writers can have you, the reader, feeling what they felt when they wrote the story, what the character was feeling as it was living it. Things start getting a little more intense when Keely finds out how, well why she’s not getting carted off to hell with Daniel. Banning’s trying to redeem her soul while Daniel was sent to make sure she fails. Talk about having an angel and devil on your shoulder right? Ok so not funny, but Michelle was still able to keep the humor in the story and as often as I found myself tearing up, I was also laughing.
“There should have been a joke in there somewhere about a reaper, an earthbound, and a demon crossing the road. The punch like seemed equally stupid, but had a weird twist on words-- to get to the other side. I almost laughed.”
Well I did, I laughed hard. I really liked Keely and Jordan. You meet Jordan when they find each other and both want to do whatever it takes to get the other to heaven and out of purgatory. Which is where things go all crazy and the demon is not so demonic maybe? You’ll have to see what happens. The book is seriously amazing. Like SERIOUSLY. I hope the next book has a little Daniel and Keely action. I have a feeling there’s more going on than we see in DFTR. I know Keely was in love with Miles, her on and off again boyfriend, but I can definitely see something going on with Daniel, I mean he kind of defied his orders! If you want to know what I’m talking about go buy Don’t Fear the Reaper right now and find out for yourself!
So I leave you with this to ponder, another quote from Michelle Muto and this awesome book, because well I had too many to fit into this one review without making it insanely huge!
“Happiness, even in death, is what we make it.”
March 24, 2017
DNF@68%
*Book source ~ NetGalley
Keely Morrison is so filled with grief and guilt after the murder of her twin that she decides to end her own life just to make the pain stop. Except it doesn’t. Stop, that is. She’s now an earthbound. Not bad enough to go to hell and not good enough to go to heaven, she’s trapped in purgatory until her fate is decided. Accompanied by a reaper and a demon, Keely learns about her new existence all while trying to find her sister.
Blah, blah, blah. This story started out with so much promise and then…crash and burn. I had to give up and mark it DNF at 68%. I just couldn’t take another page of it. The first part, where Keely takes her own life, is so well-written that I was on the edge of my seat, wild with anticipation for what was to come. Boy, what a letdown. I slogged on and on and on through terrible writing, shallow characters trying so hard to be deep, Keeley being the biggest twat on her plane of existence, annoying facial expressions of all kinds, and the secrets. Omfg, the secrets that the reaper and the demon are keeping (as well as some random dude named Dave and her own sister), but Keely just ignores. Because I mentioned she’s a twat, right? She swings so wildly from whiny bitch to thoughtful and wise beyond her years and back again to the whiny bitch that I wanted to either prescribe her some meds or just beat the shit outta her. Seriously. By 68% I finally had to ask myself why I was still reading such a terrible book. The answer was, I have no clue. It’s not like anything was being revealed or explained or Keely suddenly grows a spine and demands answers. So, goodbye Keely. I hope you go to hell, you whiny, self-centered, stupid twat.
*Book source ~ NetGalley
Keely Morrison is so filled with grief and guilt after the murder of her twin that she decides to end her own life just to make the pain stop. Except it doesn’t. Stop, that is. She’s now an earthbound. Not bad enough to go to hell and not good enough to go to heaven, she’s trapped in purgatory until her fate is decided. Accompanied by a reaper and a demon, Keely learns about her new existence all while trying to find her sister.
Blah, blah, blah. This story started out with so much promise and then…crash and burn. I had to give up and mark it DNF at 68%. I just couldn’t take another page of it. The first part, where Keely takes her own life, is so well-written that I was on the edge of my seat, wild with anticipation for what was to come. Boy, what a letdown. I slogged on and on and on through terrible writing, shallow characters trying so hard to be deep, Keeley being the biggest twat on her plane of existence, annoying facial expressions of all kinds, and the secrets. Omfg, the secrets that the reaper and the demon are keeping (as well as some random dude named Dave and her own sister), but Keely just ignores. Because I mentioned she’s a twat, right? She swings so wildly from whiny bitch to thoughtful and wise beyond her years and back again to the whiny bitch that I wanted to either prescribe her some meds or just beat the shit outta her. Seriously. By 68% I finally had to ask myself why I was still reading such a terrible book. The answer was, I have no clue. It’s not like anything was being revealed or explained or Keely suddenly grows a spine and demands answers. So, goodbye Keely. I hope you go to hell, you whiny, self-centered, stupid twat.
February 5, 2017
What I Liked: 1) All of the characters. It seems strange to say that I liked all f the characters in the book, especially when none of them belong to the land of the living. Keely is an earthbound (ghost), Banning is a Reaper (as in Grim), and Daniel is a demon. But they all have such lively personalities that I couldn't help but be drawn to them. Especially Banning. He made me think of, like a big brother, or maybe like a father-figure. I liked him a lot. 2) The themes. I don't talk a lot about themes, mostly because when I read for pleasure, finding themes is not one of the major things I think about. But this one stands out. It's all about making sacrifices for those that you love, and how love can transcend death. I have big sister syndrome in a big way, and would sacrifice anything for my siblings, which is what we see happening in Don't Fear the Reaper. Except, they are twins, not older/younger siblings. 3) Keely and Jordan's relationship. It reminded me of mine and my sisters. We're very close as well, and I could empathize with their feelings. It always makes a book better when you can relate to the emotions characters are feeling, I think. 4) One heck of a final battle. Seriously, for those of you who like a lot of action in your books, this one has a fantastically written final battle scene. It's not just, blink and it's over, either, which I find happens a lot. Battle scenes have a tendency to run short, and this one didn't. 5) Hard topics. Topics like teen suicide are always hard to discuss. And this one certainly didn't make light of that, or gloss over any of the side effects of it. Instead, it really explored emotions of people affected, and even the emotions of Keely, after her death. It was an interesting take on the hard topic, and I give props to any author who ventures out into that field.
What I Didn't Like: It's hard to say that there was nothing I didn't like about this book when there were things going on like death and suicide. No one likes death or suicide. But those were big topics of the book and I felt they were well written and handled with care as sensitive subjects should be. So, no, there was nothing that I didn't like.
Overall thoughts: This book wasn't the scary story I thought it was going to be. I found it more intriguing and suspenseful than out and out scary. But there are great characters, a plot that keeps the reader interested, and a truly fabulous writing style. I've already said that I'm a big fan of Miz Muto's, and I'd recommend this book to anyone!
What I Didn't Like: It's hard to say that there was nothing I didn't like about this book when there were things going on like death and suicide. No one likes death or suicide. But those were big topics of the book and I felt they were well written and handled with care as sensitive subjects should be. So, no, there was nothing that I didn't like.
Overall thoughts: This book wasn't the scary story I thought it was going to be. I found it more intriguing and suspenseful than out and out scary. But there are great characters, a plot that keeps the reader interested, and a truly fabulous writing style. I've already said that I'm a big fan of Miz Muto's, and I'd recommend this book to anyone!
January 28, 2012
After reading The Book Of Lost Souls, Michelle Muto became one of my favorite authors. Her books are funny and original, so i couldn't really say no to Don't Fear The Reaper.
Don't Fear The Reaper is a lot darker than Book of Lost Souls but it keeps a light feeling when you read. We follow Keely's after death time, while she tries to find her sister and avoid going to hell accompanied by a reaper and a demon. I think the strongest aspect of the book are the characters. Don't get me wrong, the story is amazing. It has surprises, action, sad moments, funny moments..it's captivating and for me was impossible to not read all at once. In less than a day was done. But the characters....oh my...
All three main characters are complex. And by that i don't mean difficult to understand. I mean they have full back-stories, depth and for every action they take and every opinion they have there is a reason. You see that their back-story, good or bad, is what made them take the decisions they do.
Keely is a little strange. At first i couldn't really connect with her, because on how different POV of my life i have. But due time, when things explained i could understand her. And the fact, that she learns and grow as a person means a lot. It's a progress that makes sense. She is also a really strong girl, which kick ass when she wants and that makes her more awesome. She might took her life, but she is learning and standing up at her feet again..even if it's afterlife.
Then we have our reaper and demon. Both of them are awesome! They are the most weird duo ever! Banning (the repear) is a real badass! And who said a reaper is a bad guy? He is protective, clever, reasonable sympathetic but when its needed can be harsh too. It's impossible to not like him.
And lastly it's Daniel. A demon with heart and honor? I don't say he doesn't do tricky or bad things. It's his nature, but he is also a good guy who doesn't afraid to sacrifice things for what he thinks it's right.He truly is the guy who will do bad for good. + I do have a soft spot for the name "Daniel".
What else can i say? I know i just fell in love with one more book by Michelle Muto and i can't wait to read the rest of the series. I recommend the series to everyone who like YA.
Don't Fear The Reaper is a lot darker than Book of Lost Souls but it keeps a light feeling when you read. We follow Keely's after death time, while she tries to find her sister and avoid going to hell accompanied by a reaper and a demon. I think the strongest aspect of the book are the characters. Don't get me wrong, the story is amazing. It has surprises, action, sad moments, funny moments..it's captivating and for me was impossible to not read all at once. In less than a day was done. But the characters....oh my...
All three main characters are complex. And by that i don't mean difficult to understand. I mean they have full back-stories, depth and for every action they take and every opinion they have there is a reason. You see that their back-story, good or bad, is what made them take the decisions they do.
Keely is a little strange. At first i couldn't really connect with her, because on how different POV of my life i have. But due time, when things explained i could understand her. And the fact, that she learns and grow as a person means a lot. It's a progress that makes sense. She is also a really strong girl, which kick ass when she wants and that makes her more awesome. She might took her life, but she is learning and standing up at her feet again..even if it's afterlife.
Then we have our reaper and demon. Both of them are awesome! They are the most weird duo ever! Banning (the repear) is a real badass! And who said a reaper is a bad guy? He is protective, clever, reasonable sympathetic but when its needed can be harsh too. It's impossible to not like him.
And lastly it's Daniel. A demon with heart and honor? I don't say he doesn't do tricky or bad things. It's his nature, but he is also a good guy who doesn't afraid to sacrifice things for what he thinks it's right.He truly is the guy who will do bad for good. + I do have a soft spot for the name "Daniel".
What else can i say? I know i just fell in love with one more book by Michelle Muto and i can't wait to read the rest of the series. I recommend the series to everyone who like YA.
October 8, 2023
When seventeen-year-old Keely commits suicide, she expects to be reunited with her murdered twin sister Jordan, whose death she never recovered from, in the afterlife. Instead, she wakes up looking at her own corpse and in the company of two men in suits: Banning, a reaper employed to escort her to the afterlife, and Daniel, a demon. Suddenly death doesn’t seem so simple.
Now in purgatory, bound to walk the earth amongst the other souls unable to move on, Keely is faced with a choice. She wants to find her sister’s killer, and when Daniel offers her that chance, she finds herself torn between saving her own soul and avenging her sister.
This is the first book by Michelle Muto I’ve read, and it was amazing! Don’t Fear the Reaper is a haunting take on life after death, and I was instantly drawn in from the first chapter. The themes of teen suicide and murder are undoubtedly bleak, so I knew this wasn’t going to be a light read, but Muto does an excellent job of capturing the emotions surrounding death and in particular, Keely’s realisation of the pain she has caused her family. Her regret and grief make her sympathetic despite her selfish act.
Sad and poignant, this is an extremely well-written novel which draws on the idea of purgatory as simply earthbound, lingering in the living world. This unseen world of reapers, angels and demons is made plausible through the details and through the characterisation. Daniel is another interesting character: a demon with a conscience. Daniel is unable to help what he is, but as it’s his job to convince Keely to give up her soul, he is not trustworthy even though he may be Keely’s last hope to find her sister.
I found the lack of romance refreshing for YA novel, and I didn’t feel it detracted from the story. Far more important was the sisters’ close bond and the personal stories of the individual characters. This is a powerful and thought-provoking tale of death, life and hope, and I will definitely be reading more from this author!
November 21, 2011
Original review: http://onabookbender.com/2011/10/31/r...
This book is not for the faint of heart. And it is tough. Keely, the main character, does not spend much of her story alive. Instead, we are first launched into her suicide in grim detail from the very beginning, and then into her utter disbelief and denial about being dead. I have long since wondered if people who commit suicide think of the consequences of their actions on other people, and that thought is explored in detail in Don’t Fear the Reaper. I didn’t always agree with Keely’s actions or decisions, but I wanted her to find the peace she was searching for.
Though I have never lost a sibling like Keely, I have lost loved ones, and the exploration into the afterlife was of particular interest to me. There are scenes in Reaper that dredge up old memories of mine — of my grandmother, of my dog — that wreaked havoc on my emotions, forcing me to relive my grief right along with Keely. This is one of those books that transcend the words that are written, and burrow into your own experiences, making it difficult to disconnect the two. More than a story about death, Don’t Fear the Reaper is a story about love — but not just any kind of love; it is the kind of love that does not end with death, but simply changes and morphs into something different.
While I was able to somewhat guess at what would have to happen at the end, Don’t Fear the Reaper was a suspenseful read that left me questioning everyone’s motives and trying to figure out how the story could conclude as happily as possible. I especially enjoyed Banning and Daniel as characters — Daniel perhaps the most — because there was so much more to both of them than it first appears, and I love a little mystery. I look forward to future books.
This book is not for the faint of heart. And it is tough. Keely, the main character, does not spend much of her story alive. Instead, we are first launched into her suicide in grim detail from the very beginning, and then into her utter disbelief and denial about being dead. I have long since wondered if people who commit suicide think of the consequences of their actions on other people, and that thought is explored in detail in Don’t Fear the Reaper. I didn’t always agree with Keely’s actions or decisions, but I wanted her to find the peace she was searching for.
Though I have never lost a sibling like Keely, I have lost loved ones, and the exploration into the afterlife was of particular interest to me. There are scenes in Reaper that dredge up old memories of mine — of my grandmother, of my dog — that wreaked havoc on my emotions, forcing me to relive my grief right along with Keely. This is one of those books that transcend the words that are written, and burrow into your own experiences, making it difficult to disconnect the two. More than a story about death, Don’t Fear the Reaper is a story about love — but not just any kind of love; it is the kind of love that does not end with death, but simply changes and morphs into something different.
While I was able to somewhat guess at what would have to happen at the end, Don’t Fear the Reaper was a suspenseful read that left me questioning everyone’s motives and trying to figure out how the story could conclude as happily as possible. I especially enjoyed Banning and Daniel as characters — Daniel perhaps the most — because there was so much more to both of them than it first appears, and I love a little mystery. I look forward to future books.
December 31, 2011
I've been aware of Michelle Muto for months, but only just got around to reading one of her books. She's an up and coming indie writer whom I hope we'll be hearing a lot more from.
If it weren't for holiday craziness, I'd have read this in one sitting - partly because it's well written and easy to devour, and partly out of desperation to see if things ever get better for the protagonist. I should warn you, the main character commits suicide in the first scene, and Muto doesn't pull punches when describing the scene, sensations, or the horrified reactions of family when they discover the body.
Once dead, Keely Morrison finds herself in purgatory, which in this case is right here on earth. Her welcoming party are a demon and a reaper, no angels, which doesn't bode well for where she'll end up, but here's the catch, there's some dispute among the higher powers that be over where she ought to spend eternity and the decision won't be handed down until her funeral. Her job in the meantime is to avoid any temptations that will take her out of heaven's reach.
But how easy is that to do in Keely's situation? She killed herself out of grief in order to find her sister, Jordan, a murder victim. The murderer is still at large and not slated to go to trial. Demons offer her the chance to take out her revenge on him, but if she does, that'll condemn her to hell. Add to this the fact that her demon escort, sent to tempt her, isn't always clear cut in his motives. Is he really trying to help her sometimes, or is that just another layer of deception?
Add to *that* the fact that Jordan is still in purgatory herself, when Keely assumes that she'd have gone straight to heaven. The story there puts yet another twist on the moral dilemmas of the plotlines. I'll admit I did predict the ending, but I still enjoyed sitting back and watching it unfold.
If it weren't for holiday craziness, I'd have read this in one sitting - partly because it's well written and easy to devour, and partly out of desperation to see if things ever get better for the protagonist. I should warn you, the main character commits suicide in the first scene, and Muto doesn't pull punches when describing the scene, sensations, or the horrified reactions of family when they discover the body.
Once dead, Keely Morrison finds herself in purgatory, which in this case is right here on earth. Her welcoming party are a demon and a reaper, no angels, which doesn't bode well for where she'll end up, but here's the catch, there's some dispute among the higher powers that be over where she ought to spend eternity and the decision won't be handed down until her funeral. Her job in the meantime is to avoid any temptations that will take her out of heaven's reach.
But how easy is that to do in Keely's situation? She killed herself out of grief in order to find her sister, Jordan, a murder victim. The murderer is still at large and not slated to go to trial. Demons offer her the chance to take out her revenge on him, but if she does, that'll condemn her to hell. Add to this the fact that her demon escort, sent to tempt her, isn't always clear cut in his motives. Is he really trying to help her sometimes, or is that just another layer of deception?
Add to *that* the fact that Jordan is still in purgatory herself, when Keely assumes that she'd have gone straight to heaven. The story there puts yet another twist on the moral dilemmas of the plotlines. I'll admit I did predict the ending, but I still enjoyed sitting back and watching it unfold.
November 16, 2011
Don't Fear the Reaper has a beautiful cover that pulls you in.The first chapter of this book is one of the most haunting, breath-taking and heart stopping I have read. In fact, the first paragraph quickly shows Michelle's awesome,descriptive writing style.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for they are with me. I repeated my version of the psalm as I watched the ribbon of blood drift from my wrist. I’d hoped it would be a distraction—something to stop me from wondering what my sister’s dying thoughts had been. Exhaling slowly, I let the emptiness consume me."
-Michelle Muto. Don't Fear the Reaper (Kindle Locations 53-57).
(Spoiler Alert!!)
I will be honest and tell you exactly what happens; Keely commits suicide in the first chapter of this book, because she thinks that she was responsible for her twin sister, Jordan's death. When I said that this book is breath taking, I meant it. There are some graphic scenes as she does the deed, but not so gruesome to make you sick. You literally hold your breath waiting to see if she follows through, and then to see if she is really dead. I do want you to know though, suicide is NOT glorified in this novel, in fact, it is exactly the opposite. Author Michelle Muto, does a marvelous job of showing the great remorse that Keely has about what she has done. She shows how much Keely wishes she could be alive again. She especially shows the sorrow she is enduring, seeing how much she hurt her parents, by killing herself.
To read the rest of my review please go to my blog at:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot....
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for they are with me. I repeated my version of the psalm as I watched the ribbon of blood drift from my wrist. I’d hoped it would be a distraction—something to stop me from wondering what my sister’s dying thoughts had been. Exhaling slowly, I let the emptiness consume me."
-Michelle Muto. Don't Fear the Reaper (Kindle Locations 53-57).
(Spoiler Alert!!)
I will be honest and tell you exactly what happens; Keely commits suicide in the first chapter of this book, because she thinks that she was responsible for her twin sister, Jordan's death. When I said that this book is breath taking, I meant it. There are some graphic scenes as she does the deed, but not so gruesome to make you sick. You literally hold your breath waiting to see if she follows through, and then to see if she is really dead. I do want you to know though, suicide is NOT glorified in this novel, in fact, it is exactly the opposite. Author Michelle Muto, does a marvelous job of showing the great remorse that Keely has about what she has done. She shows how much Keely wishes she could be alive again. She especially shows the sorrow she is enduring, seeing how much she hurt her parents, by killing herself.
To read the rest of my review please go to my blog at:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot....
July 16, 2012
Guilt-ridden former drug addict Keely Morrison, 17, commits suicide after the death of her sister. Waking in a bath of blood, she has no idea if she is alive or dead until the appearance of a reaper, Banning. Although Banning seems to want to help her, a demon accompanying him, Daniel, seems more keen on escorting her straight to hell. Keely has unfinished business though and ridden with guilt over her sister's suicide is determined to track her down before she will let anyone take her to hell.
When her parents discover her dead body, it brings home the reality and the selfishness of what Keely has done. Filled with further regret and sadness, her fate undecided, she must accompany Banning as he carries out his duties with the demonic Daniel in tow. Together they encounter angels, demons and the ghosts of the Earthbound as a kaleidoscope of secrets are revealed about their collective pasts. With a reaper and a demon as her only unlikely allies in this terrifying new world, Keely must find her sister and the redemption she craves before she is taken to hell.
From the opening chapter I really felt that I was inside the mind of a tormented 17 year old girl as Keely experiences the effects her suicide has on her family. This supernatural tale of loss and regret about two sisters and their battle to find one another in the afterlife pulls no punches in dealing with the emotions and the reality of suicide. It focuses heavily on what these actions mean for the loved ones left behind and serves as a great reminder as to how precious life can be and how important it is to cherish it whilst we still have the time.
Strong messages and a great storyline; Reaper is another thoroughly rewarding read from Michelle Muto.
When her parents discover her dead body, it brings home the reality and the selfishness of what Keely has done. Filled with further regret and sadness, her fate undecided, she must accompany Banning as he carries out his duties with the demonic Daniel in tow. Together they encounter angels, demons and the ghosts of the Earthbound as a kaleidoscope of secrets are revealed about their collective pasts. With a reaper and a demon as her only unlikely allies in this terrifying new world, Keely must find her sister and the redemption she craves before she is taken to hell.
From the opening chapter I really felt that I was inside the mind of a tormented 17 year old girl as Keely experiences the effects her suicide has on her family. This supernatural tale of loss and regret about two sisters and their battle to find one another in the afterlife pulls no punches in dealing with the emotions and the reality of suicide. It focuses heavily on what these actions mean for the loved ones left behind and serves as a great reminder as to how precious life can be and how important it is to cherish it whilst we still have the time.
Strong messages and a great storyline; Reaper is another thoroughly rewarding read from Michelle Muto.
November 14, 2012
I originally read Michelle Muto's novel back when it first came out in 2011 and it just happened to be around the same time that news reports about two Australian twin sisters having shot themselves in an apparent suicide pact in Colorado. I have to admit that I couldn't go any further with the book at that time. I just felt uncomfortable with the premise of the novel despite the fact that Michelle Muto is an author of considerable talent and one whose work I've read and enjoyed before.
I returned to "Don't Fear The Reaper" recently, having expunged the memories of that terrible news story from my stream of consciousness and what I found in Muto's novel was a compelling journey taken by the protagonist Keely Morrison on the other side of this mortal coil. I was reminded somewhat of the film "What Lies Beneath" only in the sense that I was drawn to the possibilities that story presented and again, here in Muto's novel I was similarly attracted to her take on the after life. And, once again, Muto bends a genre to her will giving it a resounding freshness. Her characters are very well drawn and convincing. There is a sense of dark adventure within these pages and the tome is tense, exciting and thought provoking. Muto does not shy away from the exploration of suicide and its consequences both for her protagonist and for the people she has left behind. It is a risky subject to approach and yet I felt Muto addressed it in such a way that wasn't glamorizing it.
Don't Fear The Reaper is a deftly handled adventure that has moments of real emotion that makes for a rich and enjoyable reading experience.
I returned to "Don't Fear The Reaper" recently, having expunged the memories of that terrible news story from my stream of consciousness and what I found in Muto's novel was a compelling journey taken by the protagonist Keely Morrison on the other side of this mortal coil. I was reminded somewhat of the film "What Lies Beneath" only in the sense that I was drawn to the possibilities that story presented and again, here in Muto's novel I was similarly attracted to her take on the after life. And, once again, Muto bends a genre to her will giving it a resounding freshness. Her characters are very well drawn and convincing. There is a sense of dark adventure within these pages and the tome is tense, exciting and thought provoking. Muto does not shy away from the exploration of suicide and its consequences both for her protagonist and for the people she has left behind. It is a risky subject to approach and yet I felt Muto addressed it in such a way that wasn't glamorizing it.
Don't Fear The Reaper is a deftly handled adventure that has moments of real emotion that makes for a rich and enjoyable reading experience.
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