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anca_antoci's review
5.0
I read a lot of fantasy and I love fantastic creatures, but somehow most of the books I've read lately revolve around fae, vampires, shifters. Nothing wrong with that. I love them all. This book was a breath of fresh air, introducing new mythology: the reaper. I know there are a fair amount of books in that vein, but this was my first and I loved it.
The book starts with an epic scene where a murder of crows envelops Sinisa, a sixteen-year-old girl, taking her to Veltuur to become a reaper. The scene is dark and magnificent with a strong gothic vibe and sets the tone for the entire book.
The world-building was beautifully done, vivid and immersive and the characters well fleshed out. I loved Sinisa from the start, but Acari took some time to grow on me.
The pace of the story is good (it's very fast, just how I like it), as is the writing, although at times it gets too close to purple prose (but not enough to take me out of the story). However, the story was so good, I could easily move past it.
I also love the plot twist at the end and look forward to seeing what will happen next.
The book starts with an epic scene where a murder of crows envelops Sinisa, a sixteen-year-old girl, taking her to Veltuur to become a reaper. The scene is dark and magnificent with a strong gothic vibe and sets the tone for the entire book.
The world-building was beautifully done, vivid and immersive and the characters well fleshed out. I loved Sinisa from the start, but Acari took some time to grow on me.
The pace of the story is good (it's very fast, just how I like it), as is the writing, although at times it gets too close to purple prose (but not enough to take me out of the story). However, the story was so good, I could easily move past it.
I also love the plot twist at the end and look forward to seeing what will happen next.
la_vampiresa's review
5.0
(I am updating my review, because I apparently missed a lot key details the first time around. Still worth the 5⭐)
There are some themes that may be triggering such as grief, trauma, killings/death (because Reapers, of course).
Our FMC is a reaper, who was sent to carry out an order on a royal member. This happens to introduce our 2nd MC, a prince. His sister was the target. He was willing to save his sister at all cost, even if it meant escaping the castle. The Reaper and Prince end up forming an unlikely alliance.
All Reapers have crows to help them carry out their bidding. At first, the bond was undeniable and initially thought "okay, they are like familiars, protectors...it's kind of adorable", boy was I wrong...and that's all I am saying.
I loved the unlikely friendship between the reaper and prince. They had a understanding of each other. Sometimes friends help you through tough times.
Soul of the Crow was beautifully written and Jessaca did such an amazing job with the world building. I was hooked from the very beginning. There were twist and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat. Also, I would suggest reading the prequel, Assassin's Reaper, a few characters show up. Can't wait to see what happens next in book 2. Also, the cover is stunning and really fitting with the story!
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
There are some themes that may be triggering such as grief, trauma, killings/death (because Reapers, of course).
Our FMC is a reaper, who was sent to carry out an order on a royal member. This happens to introduce our 2nd MC, a prince. His sister was the target. He was willing to save his sister at all cost, even if it meant escaping the castle. The Reaper and Prince end up forming an unlikely alliance.
All Reapers have crows to help them carry out their bidding. At first, the bond was undeniable and initially thought "okay, they are like familiars, protectors...it's kind of adorable", boy was I wrong...and that's all I am saying.
I loved the unlikely friendship between the reaper and prince. They had a understanding of each other. Sometimes friends help you through tough times.
Soul of the Crow was beautifully written and Jessaca did such an amazing job with the world building. I was hooked from the very beginning. There were twist and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat. Also, I would suggest reading the prequel, Assassin's Reaper, a few characters show up. Can't wait to see what happens next in book 2. Also, the cover is stunning and really fitting with the story!
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
sincerelyabiblio's review
4.0
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much to the author for this wonderful read!
This book honestly went so above my expectations. I wasn’t fully sure what this book was going to be like but I’m so happy I read it! Actually, I more devoured it.
It is written in duel perspectives, switching between the prince Acari and the Reaper Sinisa. Reapers are who a mortal turns to when they want someone or some type of life dead. This includes animals and insects. Mortals put in a request with a Reaper who works for the underworld and carry the souls through passing. If a mortal takes a life, they then become a Reaper. This story follows Sinisa as she is contracted to kill the secret princess. Acari, her older brother, refuses to let this happen and runs away with his toddler sister. Sinisa must follow and complete her contract or face her own punishments in the underworld.
The world building of this novel was so well done. I feel like I was so immersed in this world and the characters were really well fleshed out! I was in love with Acari and all his goofy flaws. It made him a really fun character. It really makes his character as a 16 year old prince who was never supposed to be a ruler believable!
Pros and Cons: MAY HAVE MINOR SPOILERS
Pros:
1. I loved Sinisa’s story. Having it all fall together and realizing why she is in the position she is was absolutely heartbreaking and eye opening. It really brings into question if a life ever deserves to be taken.
2. Princess Gem and Prince Acari’s little speech differences really add an almost comical but sad feeling to the story. The fact that even royals can be unwanted and this uneducated is so sad.
3. The world building was absolutely amazing in this novel. It was really well thought out and every time I questioned something, it was answered within the next few chapters.
Cons:
1. Sometimes the dialect was a little off. For example, Sinisa would say something and it would seem weird or like it did not quite match her usual tone. It could be distracting every now and then.
2. I wasn’t all too surprised with the ending. The story could be a little predictable at times but overall it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story! I think all stories have their areas of being predictable.
3. It was a bit of a slow start for me. I wasn’t fully sure where the story was going or what exactly was happening. But everything really came together nicely! Just let yourself be confused for a little while.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading what happens next! I highly recommend it to any YA fantasy lovers.
This book honestly went so above my expectations. I wasn’t fully sure what this book was going to be like but I’m so happy I read it! Actually, I more devoured it.
It is written in duel perspectives, switching between the prince Acari and the Reaper Sinisa. Reapers are who a mortal turns to when they want someone or some type of life dead. This includes animals and insects. Mortals put in a request with a Reaper who works for the underworld and carry the souls through passing. If a mortal takes a life, they then become a Reaper. This story follows Sinisa as she is contracted to kill the secret princess. Acari, her older brother, refuses to let this happen and runs away with his toddler sister. Sinisa must follow and complete her contract or face her own punishments in the underworld.
The world building of this novel was so well done. I feel like I was so immersed in this world and the characters were really well fleshed out! I was in love with Acari and all his goofy flaws. It made him a really fun character. It really makes his character as a 16 year old prince who was never supposed to be a ruler believable!
Pros and Cons: MAY HAVE MINOR SPOILERS
Pros:
1. I loved Sinisa’s story. Having it all fall together and realizing why she is in the position she is was absolutely heartbreaking and eye opening. It really brings into question if a life ever deserves to be taken.
2. Princess Gem and Prince Acari’s little speech differences really add an almost comical but sad feeling to the story. The fact that even royals can be unwanted and this uneducated is so sad.
3. The world building was absolutely amazing in this novel. It was really well thought out and every time I questioned something, it was answered within the next few chapters.
Cons:
1. Sometimes the dialect was a little off. For example, Sinisa would say something and it would seem weird or like it did not quite match her usual tone. It could be distracting every now and then.
2. I wasn’t all too surprised with the ending. The story could be a little predictable at times but overall it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story! I think all stories have their areas of being predictable.
3. It was a bit of a slow start for me. I wasn’t fully sure where the story was going or what exactly was happening. But everything really came together nicely! Just let yourself be confused for a little while.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading what happens next! I highly recommend it to any YA fantasy lovers.
angelsbookstaloves's review
3.0
I received an e-arc from the author and BOMM tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Jessaca Willis!
This book was absolutely amazing. The world is so fascinating. I love how well developed the Reapers are. I mean, you could kill literally ANYTHING and you'd become a Reaper (which I would most definitely be one because of how many doggone evil gnats I've killed
This book was absolutely amazing. The world is so fascinating. I love how well developed the Reapers are. I mean, you could kill literally ANYTHING and you'd become a Reaper (which I would most definitely be one because of how many doggone evil gnats I've killed
womanon's review against another edition
4.0
This book. Oh my gosh this book. It was so so good! I was interested from the very first page: the fast pace, the immersive writing style, and the plot. This book had it all. And this book is just perfect to read during the spooky season, it gave me all the perfect vibes. So excited for the second book!
tabatha_shipley's review
5.0
What I Did Like:
-A new take on the Reaper tale. I have to admit, I was worried about this only because I’ve read other amazing takes on it. But this gives a fresh spin to the concept and I adored it.
-High fantasy at its best. This one is layered with details about the world that just make you so completely comfortable you’ll feel like you live there. The language made sense immediately and the people felt real. I never felt lost, even in the Underworld.
-Twists that take your breath away. I can’t spoil them, obviously, but this one is packed with emotional turns that make the story an amazing ride.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fantasy fans. Specifically those readers who like dark fantasy.
-Readers who like playing with mythological ideas or paranormal.
My Rating: 5 Stars. This one will appeal to a wide range of readers. Give it a try!
For Full Review (including what I didn’t like): https://youtu.be/1jfdY7tanH0
kylielovesbooks's review
4.0
This book was a pleasant surprise. It was really unlike anything I have read before. Reapers are not a common character in books, and their job was fleshed out well in a way that wasn't confusing. It's very interesting that if people kill anyone or anything (including bugs), they will become reapers. Instead, if people want someone or something (a pig for the meat for example) killed, they have to request a reaper to come do it.
When the king of Oakfall requests a reaper (Sinisa) to kill his young daughter because she has a deformity (cleft lip, it's a law people with deformities be killed), her brother, Prince Acari knows he has to save her. I absolutely loved the sibling dynamic between Acari and Gem. Acari was so protective and it was obvious Gem absolutely adored him. Bring reaper Sinisa into the mix who is trying to get her 5000th kill to get promoted and become a Shade, and the plot line just took off. It wasn't 100% action, but enough to keep me interested and always wanting to know what happened next.
There were a lot of twists that I didn't see coming and a few I did guess right before they were revealed. I really enjoyed that the ending was not a cookie cutter happy ending. I was absolutely not expecting it to end how it did and it set it up for the sequel in a way that really makes me want to read it.
Thank you to BOMM and the author for a copy of the book for an honest review!
When the king of Oakfall requests a reaper (Sinisa) to kill his young daughter because she has a deformity (cleft lip, it's a law people with deformities be killed), her brother, Prince Acari knows he has to save her. I absolutely loved the sibling dynamic between Acari and Gem. Acari was so protective and it was obvious Gem absolutely adored him. Bring reaper Sinisa into the mix who is trying to get her 5000th kill to get promoted and become a Shade, and the plot line just took off. It wasn't 100% action, but enough to keep me interested and always wanting to know what happened next.
There were a lot of twists that I didn't see coming and a few I did guess right before they were revealed. I really enjoyed that the ending was not a cookie cutter happy ending. I was absolutely not expecting it to end how it did and it set it up for the sequel in a way that really makes me want to read it.
Thank you to BOMM and the author for a copy of the book for an honest review!
adventureinlit's review
4.0
This book ended up being so much more than what I had expected. Sinisa is a Reaper for the realm of Veltuur. Meaning she is responsible for collecting souls when it is their time to pass on and feeds the souls back to the realm of Veltuur.
On the day she's meant to reach 5,000 souls claimed and earn an ascension to Shade (a much more responsible role), she meets a prince that changes her entire life. He's talking about the ancient Guardians like they're still around protecting people and this has the Veltuur council nervous enough to change SInisa's mission from one of taking the soul of the princess, to helping the prince find the Guardians.
Sinisa, the Reaper, and Acari, the prince, were such fun characters to learn about. Acari is a bumbling fool of a prince - always tripping and struggling to speak. But his genuine innocence and compassion for his little sister is what moved me the most. Sinisa is a fantastic character as well - her naivety as to how the world works and her inexperience with "friends" makes their interactions comical at times.
A quick paced read that kept me guessing what was going to happen until the very end and now I'm looking forward to the next installment and can't wait for it! If you're in the mood for, or usually enjoy, a fantasy adventure in various realms with powers and unknown expectations, then you'll enjoy this YA read. The darkest things mentioned are about capturing and taking of souls, but otherwise is a fairly clean novel and story for all ages.
On the day she's meant to reach 5,000 souls claimed and earn an ascension to Shade (a much more responsible role), she meets a prince that changes her entire life. He's talking about the ancient Guardians like they're still around protecting people and this has the Veltuur council nervous enough to change SInisa's mission from one of taking the soul of the princess, to helping the prince find the Guardians.
Sinisa, the Reaper, and Acari, the prince, were such fun characters to learn about. Acari is a bumbling fool of a prince - always tripping and struggling to speak. But his genuine innocence and compassion for his little sister is what moved me the most. Sinisa is a fantastic character as well - her naivety as to how the world works and her inexperience with "friends" makes their interactions comical at times.
A quick paced read that kept me guessing what was going to happen until the very end and now I'm looking forward to the next installment and can't wait for it! If you're in the mood for, or usually enjoy, a fantasy adventure in various realms with powers and unknown expectations, then you'll enjoy this YA read. The darkest things mentioned are about capturing and taking of souls, but otherwise is a fairly clean novel and story for all ages.
enchantingliterature's review
4.0
3.5 stars
I received an Earc in exchange for an honest review.
First things first can we talk about this cover?! I'm usually not a big fan of covers with people on them but I will make an exception for this one. Its stunning.
Now I went into this completely blind. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started but I will say I was pleasantly surprised. This book was easy to follow, easy to connect to the characters, and more original than I thought it would be.
Overall I enjoyed this story but wanted more and will check out more of Jessaca Willis's books.
I received an Earc in exchange for an honest review.
First things first can we talk about this cover?! I'm usually not a big fan of covers with people on them but I will make an exception for this one. Its stunning.
Now I went into this completely blind. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started but I will say I was pleasantly surprised. This book was easy to follow, easy to connect to the characters, and more original than I thought it would be.
Overall I enjoyed this story but wanted more and will check out more of Jessaca Willis's books.