Death Dealer by Ashley Robertson
Published: July 2013
Publisher: Obsidian Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: A Death Angel Novella (#1)
Page Count: 140
Synopsis: Death: a word Mia Baron was all too familiar with since the murder of her parents when she was a young girl. Her drive for vengeance was the reason she became a Death Dealer—a soul guide through the spirit realm—signing her life away in her own blood. Pain forged a concrete wall around her heart and no one or nothing would ever penetrate it…until she got what she desired most—revenge.
Deacon Gage craves justice for his own horrific tragedy that forced him into the same life Mia chose, with the same promise of vengeance dangling just out of reach. His expert training makes him an Elite—one of the few Death Dealers to ever achieve such a status—and no one can shift his focus from the blood he seeks.
But when the two are partnered for yet another job and a heart-shattering case rips open Mia’s heart, Deacon realizes he’s the only one who can save her…at a price that might be too much to pay: opening his heart to her. The clock is ticking and her life hangs on the balance of whether he can truly let go or will hold onto his desire for blood.
Review:
3.5 / 5 stars
I have been lucky enough to receive an ecopy of Death Dealer as part of a book tour hosted by IMR Blog Tours,which does in no way reflect my opinion of the book.
Death Dealer is only 140 pages so like with all novella's I'll try not to give too much away.
What I first noted and loved throughout the whole of the book was the world building, because whilst it's set on Earth as we know it, the characters spend a lot of their time in the Spirit Realm which is obviously something we have no knowledge of. I love the description for this world, the dangers it held and how spirits reacted to being here.
Also I really loved the whole concept of Death Dealers, they're regular people like you and I who are approached to become a Death Dealer who after training is allowed to collect the souls of the dead, transport them to the Spirit Realm and guide them to the correct gate - Heaven or Hell - but of course its not always that easy, some spirits aren't happy with the decision and well there are other dangers in the Spirit Realm.
Demons attack Mia and Deacon at every opportunity in the Spirit Realm and this is great because not only is it interesting to see how the spirits react but also to see them fighting, I love fight scenes especially when the fighter *cough*Deacon*cough* has to prioritise his fighting over checking that someone *cough*Mia*cough* is okay - his internal struggle was lovely.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was some of the "romancy-er" (I know this isn't a word) scenes were at really awkward times, like you know over the dead body of a murderer. It just felt a little out of place. But seeing their relationship grow - at none awkward times - was great. I just wish characters weren't as oblivious to their own feelings.
I'm looking forward to the sequel, now that their relationship has been established there shouldn't be any of that awkward "why do I feel this way?" and we got a teaser of Blood Promise (A Death Angel Novella #2) at the end of the book which was a nice way to make us eager.
* When purchasing through this link, I will earn a small amount, once I have enough saved up I'll put it towards a giveaway.Also I really loved the whole concept of Death Dealers, they're regular people like you and I who are approached to become a Death Dealer who after training is allowed to collect the souls of the dead, transport them to the Spirit Realm and guide them to the correct gate - Heaven or Hell - but of course its not always that easy, some spirits aren't happy with the decision and well there are other dangers in the Spirit Realm.
Demons attack Mia and Deacon at every opportunity in the Spirit Realm and this is great because not only is it interesting to see how the spirits react but also to see them fighting, I love fight scenes especially when the fighter *cough*Deacon*cough* has to prioritise his fighting over checking that someone *cough*Mia*cough* is okay - his internal struggle was lovely.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was some of the "romancy-er" (I know this isn't a word) scenes were at really awkward times, like you know over the dead body of a murderer. It just felt a little out of place. But seeing their relationship grow - at none awkward times - was great. I just wish characters weren't as oblivious to their own feelings.
I'm looking forward to the sequel, now that their relationship has been established there shouldn't be any of that awkward "why do I feel this way?" and we got a teaser of Blood Promise (A Death Angel Novella #2) at the end of the book which was a nice way to make us eager.
Giveaway!
One ecopy of Death Dealer.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author Bio:
Ashley Robertson
Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida, and loves writing about anything paranormal. She also composes poems and songs, though she learned long ago she doesn't have a singing voice. When she isn't writing you'll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, travelling and exploring new places, and drinking fine wines and gourmet coffees from her Nespresso machine.Visit her website to learn about her upcoming releases, guest blog posts, and featured giveaways at: AshleyRobertsonBooks.com2013 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist of the Fantasy genre for her book Unguarded.
Thanks for the review Lauren. I'm always trying to push the envelop when writing books, creating scenes and twists that leave people thinking and talking about what they read. Blood Promise (book #2) has so much more going on that it'll end up being a longer novella for sure. More action, more romance, more DEACON! ~AR
ReplyDeleteNo worries, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to Blood Promise a lot :)
DeleteHmmm... romance with dead bodies in close proximity... I'll pass! LOL
ReplyDeleteFor the record, it wasn't sex by the dead body. Mia and Deacon are soul collectors (Death Dealers) and were fighting these feelings that had been developing between them. They are partnered on a job together—a very emotional one—and as they wait for the soul, there's a romantic kiss. There is no raunchy, bloody rolling in the hay with dead bodies like I've seen on True Blood and everyone thought it was gross but cool. Anyway, I hope you'll reconsider, and give Death Dealer a chance. I encourage you to check out some of the other reviews on it too. But if you won't reconsider, no worries at all. :-)
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