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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
A little flat but fun ideas
Usually when I read a book I don't totally love, I have really strong, specific reasons why, and I often think the book is bad. I don't think this book is bad, I just couldn't find much to hold onto. The characterization felt flat, or at least I had trouble either identifying with the characters or sympathizing. The world-building holds up on a humor level, but not so much beyond that; I found it hard to believe (for example) that a self-described slave of 300 years would soothe her frustrations with retail therapy. The plot seems bigger than any of the characters' reactions, which then makes the plot feel smaller than it is. It also felt like it ended before the story was really even started (perhaps because of that amazing plot-shrinking I mentioned), but maybe that's my distaste for the very popular serialization of stories now. If you're selling me a section of a book, don't call it a book. But the exploration of a more inclusive, light-hearted afterlife had fun moments. I'll be passing on the rest of the series but if you like lighthearted supernatural fare, you might enjoy it.
Usually when I read a book I don't totally love, I have really strong, specific reasons why, and I often think the book is bad. I don't think this book is bad, I just couldn't find much to hold onto. The characterization felt flat, or at least I had trouble either identifying with the characters or sympathizing. The world-building holds up on a humor level, but not so much beyond that; I found it hard to believe (for example) that a self-described slave of 300 years would soothe her frustrations with retail therapy. The plot seems bigger than any of the characters' reactions, which then makes the plot feel smaller than it is. It also felt like it ended before the story was really even started (perhaps because of that amazing plot-shrinking I mentioned), but maybe that's my distaste for the very popular serialization of stories now. If you're selling me a section of a book, don't call it a book. But the exploration of a more inclusive, light-hearted afterlife had fun moments. I'll be passing on the rest of the series but if you like lighthearted supernatural fare, you might enjoy it.
I just love how Roquet waves together all the religions afterlifes into a "world" that is navigated by our heroine Lana Harvey. Action, intrigue and a bit of romance. Win-win. I can't wait to read the rest of the series now!
I read this book quite a while ago and though I absolutely loved it I decided to read the rest before writing my review. I just finished the last book of the series a few moments ago… and I loved every single one of them. They’re not too long and they make an awesome light read. I loved the world and its quirky characters, the good humor that was present even through the hard times and Lana’s spunky tomboy attitude. So, if you’re looking for something a little different this might do the trick. I know it did for me. ^_^
More like 2.5 this book was weird. Not the good weird that I like but the bad all over tbe place, I have no idea where this story is going kinda weird. Too much here, not enough there. All around not interested in following up this series
Nah. I couldn't finish this. I didn't think it was possible but it was too much.too many characters, too much background. I got confused too quickly and nothing was explained all too well. I think parts of it could have been a good idea, as well.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Limbo City is the result of a treaty between all the many overseers of afterlife locations. In an attempt to simplify the retrieval of souls and distribution to the right realms, reapers work for all religions and belief systems equally, bringing souls to the nexus, from which they are taken in boats to their final destinations.
I found this perspective rather original and unique. From a manpower perspective, it makes perfect sense. Rather than each deity maintaining their own retrieval and transport infrastructure, reapers and Limbo City serve all, from ancient Egyptian gods that have few remaining adherents, to modern pop-up cults with huge television audiences.
Lana is a three century old reaper that manages to screw up just enough to avoid climbing up the ladder toward management. She likes the simplicity of doing her job just the way it is. All is going well, until she gets noticed. She gets reluctantly assigned to a special highly-visible project.
This first book in the series was very enjoyable and somewhat humorous, as well as a quick read. As a bonus, each chapter starts with a pithy observation. One of my favorites was:
"You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."
—Anne Lamott
I am looking forward to the second volume.
I found this perspective rather original and unique. From a manpower perspective, it makes perfect sense. Rather than each deity maintaining their own retrieval and transport infrastructure, reapers and Limbo City serve all, from ancient Egyptian gods that have few remaining adherents, to modern pop-up cults with huge television audiences.
Lana is a three century old reaper that manages to screw up just enough to avoid climbing up the ladder toward management. She likes the simplicity of doing her job just the way it is. All is going well, until she gets noticed. She gets reluctantly assigned to a special highly-visible project.
This first book in the series was very enjoyable and somewhat humorous, as well as a quick read. As a bonus, each chapter starts with a pithy observation. One of my favorites was:
"You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."
—Anne Lamott
I am looking forward to the second volume.
This book shows how hard writing really is. While there were bright spots and some compelling imagery, there were also grammar errors, made-up words ("tuff of hair"), and other things that made this English teacher crazy. I like the idea of the afterlife built by human belief, but the main character was too human for me. The fun of fantasy is getting away from the mundane. I believe this author has potential, but I don't feel compelled to finish this series.
Funny and good execution
Although the first chapter was a little uneven, the characters and story quickly picked up. Good sense of humor and without over complicated attempts to blindside the reader made it a quick and enjoyable experience
Although the first chapter was a little uneven, the characters and story quickly picked up. Good sense of humor and without over complicated attempts to blindside the reader made it a quick and enjoyable experience