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thenovelbookshelf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Ren Scarborough is half British Reaper and half Japanese Shinigami, for centuries she's been reaping the souls of London.
When she loses control of her Shinigami powers while being beaten and bullied for being a 'foreigner', she decides to flee everything that she has known, accompanied by her full reaper brother.
Ren must accept an impossible task to become accepted as a Shinigami by the Japanese Goddess of Death, along the way she must find out who she is and what she wants most.
A thrilling story that takes you on Ren's journey on Earth as well as the underworld. Beautiful and strong world building sets the scene for a fast paced fantasy filled with myths and legends of death around the world.
When she loses control of her Shinigami powers while being beaten and bullied for being a 'foreigner', she decides to flee everything that she has known, accompanied by her full reaper brother.
Ren must accept an impossible task to become accepted as a Shinigami by the Japanese Goddess of Death, along the way she must find out who she is and what she wants most.
A thrilling story that takes you on Ren's journey on Earth as well as the underworld. Beautiful and strong world building sets the scene for a fast paced fantasy filled with myths and legends of death around the world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Death, and Bullying
Minor: Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Grief, Genocide, Torture, Physical abuse, and Violence
anniereads221's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Death, Grief, Abandonment, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Racism, Torture, and Violence
annegoodreads's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The dark fantasy/horror/thriller is set in 1890s Britain and Japan. But the story gives insight into worldwide folklore surrounding death and the idea of Death personified. Death is one thing every single person in this world has in common. Half British Reaper, half Japanese Shinigami, Ren Scarborough is a tormented girl. She’s unloved by her father and stepmother. She’s bullied for being biracial. And she’s harboring her secret magical powers. She does know the amazing true love of her stepbrother Neven. For all the torment and darkness in the story, Neven is hopeful, loving, and empathetic. Ren flees Britain to go to Japan to find her mother. Neven goes with her just because he loves her. The venture to Yokohama. They meet the Goddess of Death Izanami. To try to find her purpose and place of belonging Ren must defeat the Yokai. Neven is so nice and trusting, he doesn’t stand a chance in the underworld.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Abandonment, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Racism, Torture, and Violence
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