Reaper's Deliverance

The Grim Alliance, Book 1

By: Miranda Stork

Narrated by: Ian McEuen

Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

When Ryder dies in a horrific motorbike accident, he's left facing a choice. Go onto his next life, more terrible than his last, or become a Reaper.

Ryder's life has little meaning to him. A violent hedonist who left his broken childhood behind, he would rather spend his time chasing women and smashing up bars than consider his future. But when it all comes to an abrupt end, he's forced to make a decision that changes everything.

Elizabeth is a single mother, and the light of her life, her son Thomas, is terminally ill. With no time for a job, a normal social life, and definitely not a relationship, her world is turned upside-down when Ryder strides in with his biker boots. She's always known there was something more to the universe than what she can see. But when she learns the real reason for him being in their lives, she has to do something she hasn't done for a long time. Trust someone.

When little Thomas is threatened by an evil that would misuse his special gift, they must work together, along with a troubled but caring group of reapers. Time is running out to get him back, and Helheim beckons with its black jaws. All of them must fight, and be prepared for the centuries-waiting battle they will kick off.

And will Ryder finally gain his redemption?

Please note, this book is in UK English. And there's also swearing, sexual scenes, violence, and a lot of sarcasm.

©2014 Miranda Stork (P)2017 Miranda Stork

Stork strikes gold and reaps the benefits

I was going to comment in the headline for how this reminded me of the old movie, The Heavenly Kid, but since it is such a minor connection I passed. But, you have to admit that there are some similarities, bad boy biker dies and is given a choice to go back and help a kid get his life on track or go downtown (Hell). Here we have a bad boy biker who dies and is given a choice, work as a reaper or go somewhere unpleasant. . .sound a little familiar?

This book works on a lot of different levels. There is the obligatory Maguffin, a young child in danger, but there is so much more going on here. There is a slight love story, but nothing that drags the story down or overwhelms the plot. There is action, and danger, but this book is really about second chances and bettering oneself. There is an underlying theme of rebellion, of trust, and of redemption. Stork's writing style is detailed and full of vivid imagery. She has impactful dialogue, and meaningful scenes. Like I say this isn't your average paranormal book.

Ian McEuen masterfully narrates his way through this tale like a man possessed. He plays Ryder in the perfectly punkish way, and you get a Sid Vicious feel from him. He plays both genders as if he had a second throat, and provides each character a distinctive vocal signature. I really enjoyed listening to him unveil each new sentence, and deliver each line like he was going for an Oscar.

I enjoyed this story, and was glad to see all the major stuff wrapped up, with an opening for another book. I can't wait for the next one. Don't miss out on what looks to be a great series.

The cover is ok, and sets you up letting you know that the lead character is a biker and is in some otherworldly setting. Beyond that, though, it really doesn't do much. There is no action, no hint of what is to come. Just a biker staring off into infinity and beyond. It doesn't sell the story like it should, but then neither does it do a disservice to the tale either. This is a mediocre cover, and I do not add or remove stars for covers. I only comment because a cover sells the book, and I try to tell authors what they need to do to sell their story. Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and honestly, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.

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