DNF @ 10%. There was an entire chapter at the start of this book where all that happened was the character made a meal? It was just so dense, and also the Reaper jerking off to come into his power... literally. The MC kept putting herself in dangerous situations with no real reasoning of having an effect on it at all. She literally follows a Vampire into a bathroom knowing she's going to feed on someone and then just does nothing about it? I don't know it just didn't work for me at all.

The Reaper - Jackson P. Brown

I was lucky enough to get an eARC of this through Netgalley. It caught my eye, then I saw that Samantha Shannon had loved it and I was sold, so I was thrilled for the notification that I was allowed to read it early!

An Urban Fantasy, set in London (we love a London setting) with heavy BIPOC rep and some queer rep too (this is more subtle.) I really enjoyed the premise of this book. The Grim Reaper finds a human empath with extraordinarily refined abilities and they team up for a mission.

We have the supernatural world, witches, warlock, vampires, werewolves, basilisks. We have corruption and politics. We have characters who feel isolated due to their abilities. This was a fun book to read.

I felt like it could have done with more depth to it. London felt like a setting rather than a mercurial character. I liked our characters, rooted for them, but didn’t emotionally connect with them, they didn’t quite leap of the page for me.

That said, I enjoyed this book, I think many of you would enjoy this book when it releases on 10th July. It’s a strong debut by Jackson P Brown and I look forward to their future works!

3.5/5

3.5 stars

I have mixed feelings about The Reaper, but I enjoyed my reading experience overall. I think the premise is excellent, and I was very excited when I started reading because the plot and characters felt new. I also loved that the characters were in their mid to late 20s and beyond. It is always nice to read about people closer to my own age! I am absolutely picking up the next book because this series has a lot of potential.

By the end of the book, I felt attached to the characters. Everyone had their own problems and motivations, making their actions more realistic. The different genres interwoven into the story meant that the characters encountered many challenges, from the magical to the political. I personally enjoyed the political elements because they added another layer of interest to the story. Again, this felt like something different and inventive, which I appreciate.

There were a few pacing issues throughout that took away from my overall enjoyment. Some parts felt much too fast for the gravity of the situation, and other parts were slightly too slow. However, this is a debut and the first book in the series, so there is room for growth. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.

I got to 50% and I just can’t find the energy to finish this. I’m a little bit disappointed in myself as I rarely dnf but I’ve just had a day off, normally that means me reading but this just didn’t keep my attention. Literally picking up my phone halfway through a sentence.
After a weird start, things picked up (although an entire chapter about making breakfast should have been my warning). This had so much potential and I liked the characters but the plot collapsed into a mess of political shenanigans.
I do think that the author has potential, there were some great ideas and lots of originality.

I would like to thank Cornerstone Books and Jackson P. Brown for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. What drew me to this book was the idea of the grim reaper reimagined working alongside an empath in a part of London, but not the one we know.

The plot sets its own pace and is easy to follow. I really enjoyed the first part of the story as it introduces both characters, their personalities and backgrounds altering from the viewpoint of each and telling the story from different perspectives. The characters themselves are intriguing and cover a wide spectrum of supernatural races which I found fascinating.

The authors world building is very detailed and atmospheric especially her reimagining of ‘underground London’ which was particularly detailed and easy to imagine yourself there. From the houses to the streets everything is built with an otherworldly feel which fits perfectly with characters and mood.

I did however struggle a bit later on in the book as it got a bit political for my personal tastes and I got confused as to where it was going. This book does deal with real world problems so I applaud the author for tackling them in her own way. The ending I found was a bit anti climactic but still good fun.

To summarise, an enjoyable supernatural book with a good plot, amazing places and fascinating characters. I’d say this is for the young adult audience and they would maybe feel more connected to the characters. I myself had fun reading it.

Thank you for an early review copy of The Reaper.
The book follows Amy, an empath with Jamaican heritage and Gerald, who is essentially the grim reaper. The story incorporates the mortal world of London as we know it along with a mirror image "below" that houses ghouls, warlocks, witches, vampires and all manor of other worldly beings.
We are introduced to Amy following the death of her grandmother as she stumbles upon Gerald undergoing some sort of transformation in a London street. He follows her, and impressed with her heightened empath ability, invites her to work with him. So follows a chase through the Downstairs as they work to keep this hidden from us mere mortals.

I took my time reading this, often leaving it for a few days and coming back to it. I found it easy to follow but also didn't have the urge to want to pick it up and finish it quickly. A number of things were confusing. The first scene when Amy meets Gerald and the certain action that is occurring seemed a little out of place and I expected some sort of explanation of this at some point in the story but it never came (excuse the pun) It then felt like a pointless scene with no real purpose. I expected maybe more spice (and just to be clear this book does not need spice) as it is quite a graphic scene but there was none.
The chapter numbering was quite confusing and the chapters towards the end of the book from Ulrich and Hollows POV didn't really serve a purpose. I didn't feel like I gained anything through reading them. Obviously there had to be some POV as Gerald couldn't enter and I found that to take away from the suspense of finding Amy. The element of adding in current political issues was insightful and brave but almost wasn't enough. i wasn't sure if it was trying to be a dark fantasy novel a political middle finger?
The twist at the end, while I didn't see it coming, I also felt it was anti climatic. That particular character wasn't given much air time in the book, i didn't even see them as secondary and honestly my first thought was it was another character. I wanted some sort of relationship to form between Amy and Gerald and was disappointed when, although it was very vaguely alluded to, nothing happened. The ending also hasn't given me any real urge to read a book 2, unless this is more like a series of different events within each book (similar to Rivers of London)

I do want to be clear that I received a very early version of this book. The punctuation wasn't great and the layout wasn't ideal, especially when a large group of characters was talking in one scene. It also means that some of the above may have been addressed or amended since the time of me receiving it.

Despite all the above, this has the potential to be brilliant. Both Amy and Gerald are brilliantly written characters, both likeable, despite your urge to remember that Gerald is the creator of death. I found their relationship and interactions interesting and intellectual and the inclusion of small segments of Amy's Caribbean heritage a really great addition, she is unlike a character I have met before and that was refreshing. The background characters were also enjoyable to meet and learn about and the attention and detail to their different elements was really well done.
I liked the introduction of the downstairs and the detail to London and it's counterpart. It had a really great mix of plot and setting/surroundings. I think I would purchase the book on release because I would like to see and read the changes since the early edition I have. In terms of the cover I have seen two different ones. The above, which to me gives futuristic Ready Player One vibes which I don't think is in keeping with the genre of the book. the other one showing Amy in the foreground and the Reaper at the back is perfect and I think is a perfect representation of the both of them.
I would definitely pick up this book to read once published and would potentially look for more from this author in the future.

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This is a fantasy novel set in London, and London is incredibly vividly realised in this book. We follow Amy who is an empath and uses her powers to research and document the supernatural residents on London. We meet her initially observing a couple of vampires. However it’s not long until she encounters an aura like nothing she has ever experienced before and she’s compelled to follow it. This leads her to Gerald, a reaper. Amy finds herself immersed in supernatural culture beyond anything she has ever imagined when she starts helping Gerald.

Amy and Gerald are great characters and really easy to root for. They are both nice people, naturally curious and open minded towards others. They both have a unique experience of the world given their specific powers. I found them both likeable and I was vested in their success. They work really well together and their powers complement each other perfectly. I did find Amy was very fast to trust Gerald which was a bit jarring. I understood it was because of her passion and desire to understand the supernatural and Gerald was able to open doors for her, but I was feeling like she should be a bit less trusting that early on!

This was an interesting take on reapers that felt quite different to other books exploring this. It reads quite like a crime novel due to the particular jobs we join Gerald for. I enjoyed what I saw of the supernatural in this book and would have happily had even more of this as we got glimpses into werewolves, vampires and witches to name just a few.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (athenafreyag on Instagram)

The Reaper is an urban fantasy set in London, with a Jamaican empath and the kindest Reaper in history of Reapers. I truly enjoyed this book, and I believe that it definitely deserves more hype.

Amy is our empath. She has grown up with her grandmother who she inherited this gift from. Now that her grandmother is gone, Amy is lonely and a bit lost, so she goes out and observes any supernatural beings she can find. She has notebooks (colour-coded, too!) with her findings and observations throughout the years, which she writes as letters to her grandmother as a way to stay close to her and share with her what she finds. Amy is brave but also logical. She takes risks but backs away when she realizes there's nothing she can do and chooses self-preservation. Whereas I sort of understand that maybe some people think "well if she isn't doing anything, why go and check it out?", I didn't see it like that. Amy is a curious woman, with morals and survival instinct. She wants to see and discover, but she also doesn't want to die. I liked that about her. I also liked that she wasn't judgy. She didn't judge or look down on any supernatural being, no matter their appearance, way of living, or job.

Our Reaper, Gerard, is a conundrum. He is so kind, gentle, and polite; he talks to every being with a smile and genuine sweet politeness that he is literally melting hearts everywhere! I loved him! And I found his character development fascinating. It's not that he goes from selfish and evil to a moral teddybear, no. He grows as a person. He realizes that there are plenty ways to be a Reaper that don't include torture after every mistake. He feels deeply, especially regret, and due to his teachings while growing up, he beats himself up for every mistake. A scene between him and his best friend was soothing, self-reflective, and I loved how Gerard learned to forgive himself and go on.

Blythe, Gerard's best friend, is a delight!! He scowls at every turn, and it feels like the one thing he likes is Gerard even though he scowled at him, too, haha. I loved him so much!!!!

The worldbuilding was inclusive and fascinating. The way the author weaves different backgrounds and incorporates them to an urban fantasy set in London was truly interesting. I'd love to see what more worlds this author comes up with. However, I'd like a faster pace and more suspense during mystery solving.

Other than that, this was a great read!! More people should be talking about it! I believe that there is a book two planned, and I will certainly read it as soon as possible! What a marvellous debut!

Sadly I didn’t love this, I started some time ago but the book just didn’t grab my attention like I love a fantasy to do. I did finish the book but again, it took some time sadly. The plot was good, I thoroughly enjoyed following the characters and the amazing world building.

I didn’t enjoy the political side of the story I didn’t expect it if I’m truly honest but it’s not something I very much enjoy in a fantasy.

I really believe this will be well loved by many once released but was just not personal favourite unfortunately

What made The Reaper so fun was the unpredictability of it all. Amy’s naivety and Gerald’s intense sense of duty create a unique chemistry between them. It feels like a partnership made in chaos, but their dynamic really works.

This one moved a bit slow for me and I just couldn't get in to it. Gave it my best try and I usually enjoy dystopian novels, but this one just didn't get me.

I don't tend to read books that have vampires and the like, I hadn't realised that this book had them in. However, they fit into the story, so weren't a distraction.
Overall, the story focused on the two main characters, but with some side stories adding to the depth.
It felt like a bit of a romance developing between the two MC's, but it wasn't dwelt upon thankfully. Too many books lose their way by adding in romance to the story.
I think I'd like to read the follow up please.

The Reaper is an intense, dark fantasy romance with compelling characters. The plot was slow and it took a while to get emersed in it, but I'm glad I stuck with it. A really solid story!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sadly this book wasn’t for me, I really struggled to get into it and found it very hard to follow what was going on, it was more dystopian rather than fantasy

Unfortunately I DNF'D this title at 21%.
The story moves very slowly & I don't feel any connection to the main characters. I severely struggled with the world building aspects of the story, as they didn't feel well put together nor compelling.
What I did appreciate in the 21% that I did read was the connection to the FMC Jamaican heritage.
Not one for me & not likely one that I would recommend.

This was so FUN! I loved that it was set in London (and the special shout out to one of my favourite venues, Electric Ballroom) and the vibrancy that every character appeared to have. Amy's empath abilities were intriguing and I loved how vivid each being or emotion was described. At times the political aspects of the assassinations got a bit wearying, but overall I loved the dynamics in the novel.

4.5 stars

I loved every minute of this incredible urban fantasy debut! Set in modern London, following empath Amy as she discovers an auto that is unlike all the supernatural and otherworldly creatures she has ever experienced. This amazing adventure transpires as The Reaper himself who forms a partnership with Amy.

Underground London full of werewolves, witches, vampires and so many more cool and complex characters that all feel truly developed with their own complexities and intricacies but the real stars are Amy and Gerald who bring this fast paced, exciting fantasy book to life.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two and how their partnership evolved as their relationship’s with both themselves and together played out. With such big (and heavy topics with it being modern London) learning about their personalities, characteristics really emphasised who they are and what they’re willing to fight for.

This is everything I truly look for in a gripping, exciting and bloody cool urban fantasy and I really hope we get to see more of Amy and Gerald!

The Reaper is the urban fantasy book I've waited a very long time for. Set in London, it's an engaging and thrilling adventure featuring a Jamaican empath, Amy, who teams up with an unusual but also kind of perfect and dynamic partner, the grim reaper. Together, they take on dark and insidious, supernatural, and very human forces. Amy and The Reaper have very different perceptions of London, both dark and comforting alike. What Brown does well, and there's a lot, is Amy and Gerald's partnership. It's not rushed for the plot's sake but develops earnestly throughout the novel. Instead of telling us about their growing friendship, we don't just see it. We believe it and are rooting for it. The Reaper is an adult novel with a youthful flare. It is a bit of a slow burn as Brown develops two worlds, the upstairs and the supernatural one, the downstairs.

She has also expertly woven a layered mystery with threads untangling as the novel progresses and beyond. I loved that Obeah was name-dropped, and Amy's Caribbean heritage was not just a casual reference but a celebrated and venerated part of the story, not only by Amy herself in living within her grandmother's legacy but also by other characters. If you're looking for a book that is both paradoxically even, dark and cozy, and if you love endearing found families, this is a compelling debut that you must read. You will leave this novel wanting to see more from this author as well as the series.

The Reaper by Jackson P. Brown was one of the most enjoyable, unexpected reads I’ve had in a while. It’s the kind of book that blends genres and tones in the most fascinating way - almost like a dark fantasy comedy sketch that somehow manages to be both hilarious and thrilling at the same time. It’s quirky, sharp, and entirely gripping. I absolutely loved it.

What made The Reaper so fun was the unpredictability of it all. Amy’s naivety and Gerald’s intense sense of duty create a unique chemistry between them. It feels like a partnership made in chaos, but their dynamic really works.

The world-building was absolutely fascinating too. I loved the idea of this secret underground city, filled with things Amy has only ever felt faint traces of. It gave the book a rich, immersive feel without being overly complex or bogged down with excessive details. Everything about the setting felt fresh, and the mix of dark fantasy elements with hints of humor added a unique flavor that kept me laughing and on edge at the same time.

I honestly cannot wait for book two. There’s so much potential for these characters and this world to grow, and I’m already eager to see where the story takes them next. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, supernatural intrigue, and characters that feel both relatable and fantastical, The Reaper is absolutely worth the read. Highly recommended!

Thank you so much to DelRey for gifting me this e-arc for review!

Urban paranormal fantasy is so back!

Brown has wrote a stellar first book to this series and I had such a great time reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed the evolving dynamic between Amy and Gerald, and their partnership felt really fleshed out and well established as they journeyed through this mystery of locating Gerald’s targets. The paranormal elements were well thought out and gave substance to the evergreen paranormal beings we readers are familiar with.

The side characters are fun to read and compliment the story as well - being tangible in their existence but not detracting too much away from the main characters.

From a more subjective point of view as a Londoner, the culture imbued into the story gave The Reaper an extra layer of realism for me and made it all the more compelling to read.

Brown also did a great job balancing other themes within the story - grief, loneliness, familial expectations, morality - and I can see how they can be explored deeper in future books. There’s so much to be explored in this urban fantasy story and I’m looking forward to seeing where Amy and Gerald end up!