Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Del Rey UK for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.


TW: death, body horror, abuse, torture, violence, blood, grief

Within Camden, another version of London exists- one populated by witches, vampires, werewolves and wraiths and most importantly of all, the Reaper. Amy has long known she’s an empath, capable of seeing the auras of supernatural creatures, but it’s only the recent death of her grandmother that’s driven her to seek out the “others” living among humanity in London. Lacking in knowledge, and eager to learn more, Amy watches and takes notes. Gerald is a Reaper- a killer for hire- and a significant one for his tribe, though he finds little joy in the murdering side of his work. On the verge of Awakening abilities that will make him more powerful, but more difficult to control his bloodlust, Gerald is determined not to let his family down. When Amy stumbles across Gerald one night, she notices his strange aura. Offering him aid after he collapses, Gerald makes her an offer: to become his partner and he’ll show her the shadowy underworld she’s determined to find. All they have to do is to find a girl who vanished into thin air.

‘The Reaper’ is a really strong debut, establishing a secret underground world of the supernatural within London, with two powerful lead POV characters. I enjoyed Amy’s curiosity a lot, even as much of it is driven by guilt after the loss of her grandmother, and her methodical ways of tracking various creatures through the streets. I loved how she met Gerald and how he was the exact opposite of what you’d expect a Grim Reaper character to be- his incredible politeness and friendliness was one of the parts that stood out to me most, especially because he doesn’t want to be defined by his abilities. His powers are terrifying the few times we truly see them (especially from Amy’s perspective) and the respect his position gains him in the underworld is well written. London feels like a character all of its own, both Above and Below, and I really liked how Amy is forced to reconsider the world she grew up in. However, there were times when the language was a little stilted, it felt a little overlong and some of the side characters (primarily ones further into the book) were hard to keep track of because they didn’t all stand out to me. I am glad I read this and I know I’ll be picking up the sequel!

This wasn’t for me, unfortunately which is such a shame because it was one of my most anticipated reads of the year.
I couldn’t get past some of the details, the way she immediately trusted him after he literally broke into her house and they spoke for 5 minutes, his name being Gerald and speaking like an aristocrat, it just, didn’t work for me for a grim reaper character.
The writing was strong but I couldn’t move past the convenience of their initial meetings and interactions so i unfortunately didn’t finish :(

I really enjoyed The Reaper, I want to start by saying it may not be for everyone since the pace is a little slow at times but I personally felt this built up the narrative, characters and reflected the story well. The characters themselves were fantastic, I loved Amy the most but Gerald was a close second. As I already mentioned, Brown is fantastic at building the scene and really immersing you in the story. It’s impossible to not bond with the characters due to this, well in my opinion.


I enjoyed the pacing myself since I felt it built tension and a sense of wanting to know what was going to happen next.This is personally previous done. If you do enjoy urban fantasies with a brilliant cast and interesting story this one is for you. I had preordered it before I finished the ARC and as soon as it arrived I started re-reading!

The Reaper is a gripping debut that blends urban fantasy with contemporary themes, set against the richly imagined backdrop of London’s supernatural underworld. Amy, a 29-year-old empath, and Gerald, a newly awakened Grim Reaper, form an unlikely partnership that drives the heart of the story. Their dynamic is both chaotic and compelling, offering moments of humour, vulnerability, and genuine connection.

Brown’s world building is immersive, with vivid descriptions of “Downstairs”, a hidden city teeming with vampires, witches, and wraiths. The magic system is intricate, and the political undertones add depth without overwhelming the plot.

While the pacing falters slightly in chapter five due to a sudden shift in narrative perspective, the overall structure remains engaging. Amy’s journey of self-discovery and Gerald’s emotional complexity make them a duo worth rooting for. The novel also explores themes of identity, isolation, and justice in a way that feels timely and thought-provoking.

A strong start to what promises to be an exciting series. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book two.

I started off quite liking this. The characters of Amy and Gerald were interesting as were the descriptions of the downers and the alternative world. However, I think the storyline went on a little too long for me when essentially it was just a hunt for the baddie. Fun and easy to read, a summer comfort read.

3.75

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was easy to sink into and the found family Gerald and Amy built was amazing. I never thought I'd like Hollow but he really surprised me, he showed restraint and humanity I'm a way I didn't expect.

I liked the fact that Gerald was able to navigate his complex emotions in a safe space with those that understand him. I loved that he was reminded that sometimes what we are taught by our parents doesn't always have to be the only guide to navigate our lives.

Can't wait for the next book.

I really enjoyed this. The vibes were absolutely immaculate, and I had such a good time reading this. It was good, and I’d recommend it. It just wasn’t super memorable for me? 3.5 stars

I absolutely loved the London setting for this. I spent my late teens early 20s in Camden going to electric ballroom and underworld and the book perfectly captured north London.

Empath meets reaper with some political intrigue and assignation along the way and a spot of tea drinking.

Gerald was funny and charming and Amy was tough and interesting. The she just dove into the downers world with Gerald without batting an eye.

I found the political intrigue interesting and exciting an overall fun and exciting read.

I found this book just ok, it was very slow going and overly descriptive on alot of things that just turned me off the story, I would say this read like a YA book and certainly not adult, sadly not for me. The world building was good though.

Ive not read anything like this before but I really really enjoyed it! I loved the supernatural element set in modern day London it made the book feel more realistic with it being set somewhere real! The characters were all likeable (except one in particular 😒) and had their own unique personalities that I loved. I’m not sure if there is going to be a book 2 but i would love to see what they all get up to next 😁

Urban fantasy following Amy, an empath, and Gerald, a reaper, as their lives intertwine.
I enjoyed the world-building as we are introduced to the world of Downers, magical beings who live in an underground city away from the Uppers, who are normal humans. It was interesting getting to grips with the main characters' powers, especially Amy's who has the ability to answer auras, and people's intentions within said auras.
I just got a little bored with the plot and didn't find that aspect of the book super engaging. The dialogue also felt a little stilted to me at times.
An interesting world though, and one I'd be happy to return to.

Amy is an empath who after her nan's death has been able to sense supernatural auras. She never believed her nan when she told her these creatures existed, but now she investigates them as a way to feel closer to her. One night, she feels an aura that she has never felt before, so she decides to track down the being with the powerful aura. Not her smartest idea, but it brings her to Gerald, the reaper. His family is known for taking on assassinations, and his first bog mission since his awakening is to track down a couple of gang leaders. However, the leaders have been escaping justice for years now, and they are not easy to find. So Gerald and Amy team up—Gerald will use Amy's gift to track down the criminals and Amy will find out more about the supernatural world that exist right underneath London.

I enjoyed how the author gave the characters both strength and weaknesses, which they were able to talk about with each other. Both Amy's and Gerald's pasts are complicated and shaped them in a way that left them lonely as they couldn't enjoy the presence of other people easily. I'm glad they found each other, and I hope that romance will blossom the two of them. I shipped them from the beginning, but to know for sure, we'll need to wait for book 2!

Thanks you DelRey and NetGalley for an eARC of the book.

I'm truly gutted about this situation. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the book and I was so excited for it but unfortunately, this just didn't land for me. Firstly, it reads a little bit like a YA that got bumped up to adult for some reason. Secondly, it's slow, like really slow. Everything is overly described. There's an entire chapter (4 full pages) of Amy waking up and making porridge, that's it. 4 whole pages to make porridge. I found myself repeatedly picking my phone up completely distracted and when I read the paragraph about her buying, a beef and patty, eating said patty and then buying a Rubicon, I just couldn't continue.

"After work, she bought a beef and cheese patty from the Caribbean shop and nibbled away at it as she walked. It was her first meal of the day, and as her anxiety sunk into the souls of her feet, her appitite steadily returned. After her patty, she bought a carton of mango Rubicon from he shop a few yards down, finishing it soon afterwards."

A lot of telling and not showing. And like I say, this isn't the first instance.

I really am gutted about this one, I was so excited for the empath, vampires and reaper. But alas, it was not meant to b

I loved this book!

This debut is a masterpiece and follows The Grim Reaper reimagined as a charming, tea-loving assassin and Amy St Clair, a Jamaican-born empath who stumbles into the underworld beneath the streets of Camden.

I loved discovering ‘Downstairs’ through Amy’s eyes. It’s layered, secretive and yet still deeply rooted in reality. The descriptions of ‘Downstairs’ are so vivid that you get a sense this hidden world has been there all along and Jackson’s just opened our eyes to it.

I also loved how the characters complemented each other. Amy, as an empath, feels everything and Gerald has been taught to feel nothing. Amy’s journey from bystander to partner is exciting and her dynamic with Gerald is funny and increasingly intimate.

The plot itself is intriguing with plenty of action, political intrigue, suspense and revelations. Alongside this, Jackson highlights systemic inequalities, exploitation of refugees and corruption. Access to magic and the underworld is used as a weapon and a currency hoarded and abused by those in power.

This is everything urban fantasy should be, it’s gritty and magical. and I can’t wait for book 2!

An unputdownable supernatural urban thriller, meet Amy who sees Gerald who is starting to become a grim reader. This is a fast paced read that had me hooked from the start. I loved the interaction between the two main characters. Over all an enjoyable read and I will look forward to this authors next book. Thanks to Random House UK/Cornerstone and Netgalley for this review copy.

The Reaper by Jackson P. Brown is one of the most enjoyable dark urban fantasy novels I’ve read in a long time. Set in a shadowy version of London teeming with supernatural creatures, this book delivers sharp wit, immersive world-building, and two unforgettable characters: Amy, a 29-year-old empath, and Gerald, a newly awakened Grim Reaper.

From the very start, the chemistry between Amy and Gerald leaps off the page. She’s curious, compassionate, and determined to uncover the truth about her abilities. He’s a powerful, emotionally complex assassin who drinks tea, avoids clichés, and unintentionally charms everyone around him. Together, they form a chaotic yet compelling team drawn together by trauma, isolation, and a shared sense of justice.

What sets The Reaper apart is how seamlessly it blends fast-paced supernatural action with deeper themes like identity, political corruption, and the treatment of refugees. It’s a smart, funny, and unflinchingly honest take on the genre. The secret underground city beneath London is populated by vampires, wraiths, witches, and werewolves. It feels both magical and grounded, a reflection of modern society through a fantastical lens.

Amy’s powers are fascinating, and her relatability anchors the story. I have seen others complimenting how it is refreshing to see an older female lead in fantasy especially one still learning, growing, and defining her place in a complex world. Gerald, meanwhile, is the exact opposite of what you’d expect from a Grim Reaper: quiet, thoughtful, emotionally sincere, and deeply human.

If you love rich world-building, gritty urban fantasy with heart, and a duo you’ll immediately root for, The Reaper absolutely deserves a spot on your reading list. A brilliant debut with so much promise and I cant wait to see if we get a second book.

What a fantastic read and a great take on the story of the Grim Reaper and other magical beings.

Amy, an empath, stumbles upon Gerald, a reaper, during his awakening and joins him on an unexpected journey into a new world.

It was refreshing for a fantasy book to have an older female main character. While it's fantastic for teens to have an FMC around their age and read their coming of age - what about us older readers? So I am thrilled that our protagonist, Amy, is 29.

The urban setting for this was fantastic and it was great to have such a familiar setting - while I'm not a London native, I do visit often so it was nice to have that familiarity of the areas I knew, it helped it feel more real to me.

I loved the venture into the magical realm - the Downstairs - as a copy of the city above, with so many means of access within London - to those in the know at least! With this, I really enjoyed the variety of magical beings - their skills and powers were a great mix, but based on that which I was already familiar with. I enjoyed how some powers mirrored our own human technology (but no spoilers as to what!)

The banter between all the characters was fantastic and felt natural. Everything flowed well and felt so much more casual than some fantasies can often feel. It really helped me connect with the characters and become attached to them. I enjoyed that later within the books we got chapters from new characters as we met them and became familiar with them.

Amy's powers were fantastic and one I haven't seen within a book before. I also enjoyed the fact that rather than being a full-on magical being, she's more like an "enhanced" human. Alongside that, I enjoyed the take on the Reapers, with it being a curse and leaving them unable to touch anything with their bare hands without killing them. I also liked the aspect of them being from their own tribe, rather than just some "mystical beings" and they just look like normal humans (aside from the skeleton hands.

The only thing I didn't get on with so much was the conversation between Blythe & Gerald - it all felt very forced and stilted compared to everyone else, but that may well just be down to Blythe's personality.

Overall, an absolutely fantastic read, especially for older readers, and I can't wait to see what becomes of this series - I'll definitely be picking up the other books! I'd love to see more backstory for everyone within the wider cast of characters.

A new staple of the genre, this was an action packed, energetic adventure that will leave you thinking about it for days on end once it is finished.

#QOTD  Would you rather have skeleton hands that unalive whoever you touch (but gloves protect you) or be able to feel everyone's emotional aura around you?

Title: The Reaper
Author: Jackson P. Brown
Pages: 400
Rating: 5/5
Spice/Romance level: 🩷 - there is talk of relationships but not relevant to main characters nor main plot
#Arc eCopy ( #gifted ) - review left voluntarily
UK publish date - 10th July 2025

This was just a perfect urban fantasy read. If you like authors such as benedict jacka and Ben aaronvitch, you'll enjoy this. The descriptions of Camden had me smiling. It was just *chefs kiss* the plot had me guessing and I was just excited to get back to this book.

I loved the interactions between each character. The wardens were bad ass and the down below was so well described.

I loved Amy. An empath navigating the world. And Grim. They both build an unlikely partnership investigating murders.

I was gripped with the plot. The team. Even the sentient house!

This was a refreshing read of 2 people creating a friendship.


You'll love this book if you like
- found family
- urban fantasy
- friendship, no romance
- urban UK grime fantasy
- mythical creatures
- secret underworld
- POC MC representation
- supernatural thriller

A fantasy tale set in London. Amy is an empath, who senses much more about people and supernatural beings than an ordinary person. She comes across an intriguing aura, and while following it she finds Gerald. Who it turns out has come into new powers as a Grim Reaper. Someone charged to kill on request. Amy is at once intrigued to find out more, yet finds Gerald’s world dangerous and distasteful. Although Amy is useful to Gerald in tracking those he is charged to kill, she comes to mean more to him than just being a sidekick. More than just a moral compass as well. Can he keep her and himself safe in an underworld full of deadly supernatural creatures as corruption leaks down from the top. Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.