Croak

By: Gina Damico

Narrated by: Jessica Almasy

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Fed up with her wild behavior, 16-year-old Lex’s parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape. But Uncle Mort’s true occupation is much dirtier than shoveling manure. He’s a Grim Reaper. And he’s going to teach Lex the family business.

She quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. But Lex can’t stop her desire for justice - or is it vengeance? - whenever she encounters a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again. Will she ditch Croak and go rogue with her reaper skills?

©2012 Gina Damico (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Meant for young adult but fun for all ages

Any additional comments?

This book uses language that is probably more familiar to younger audiences, I thought that added to its appeal actually. Lots of sarcasm (the good kind) and wit (also the good kind) can be found here. It's worth picking up for a fun, quick read.

Great story!

I read this story years ago and liked it and I now still do. The narrator was great and brought to life the characters and their personalities. each chapter left me guessing what would happen next and I loved it. Great all around.

Captures and entertains.

Surprisingly clever. Held my attention to the very end.
Can't wait to start next book.

How I spent my Summer

Where does Croak rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Loved this. I love Jessica Almasy's narration. Great plot, and fun book until boom it gets very dark at the end.

What other book might you compare Croak to and why?

I don't know that I have read another Grim Reaper YA book. The strong female protagonist who needs to save the day is very similar to Hunger Games, and the divergent series.

Have you listened to any of Jessica Almasy’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I listened to the Infinte series by Lori M. Lee. I loved this one just as much.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes. I hated when I had to stop and wished I had had 8 plus hours to just devote to it.

I enjoyed this right up till the end

This was a fun story or teen-aged Grim Reapers in training. I had some issues with how the author treated these teens and their job. It seemed a little too slap-dash and there are some real moral dilemmas that are touched on but only superficially. It is a common issue I have with other YA books. The story though is fun and the main character, once the author stopped making her a violent lunatic, was funny and had her moments. Then the book had a heartbreaking climax that was very well done. Which the author then ruined with the actual ending, which was unrealistic and painful. As if she had written herself into a corner and had to take a sledgehammer to the plot to get back to where she wanted to be. Still, that painful bit of writing was only a very small part of the story and I am still interested in picking up the sequel to see how the series continues.

Love. Love. Love. Love.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Because it's one of the smartest books ever! SOOOOOO funny, witty, clever, great story, unique characters, can't beat it!

What did you like best about this story?

I really liked the board game scene. Funny and very telling. The chemistry between Driggs and Lex. The bond between Mort and Lex. Good stuff!

What does Jessica Almasy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She's one of my favorite voice actors. She has charm and diversity in all her voices. I enjoy all her work.

Any additional comments?

I would give this book 6 stars if I could. Can't wait for book 2!

Enjoyable book, No desire to read further

what I enjoy the most about this book is the main character. She's a teenager that is always angry and out to prove ... something. But she doesn't know what, and is frustrated by that feeling. And I really like that angle, and I think the narrator really executed this character well.

The story took some nice unexpected turns, and the supporting cast is all fun and enjoyable. That being said, I don't have a desire to read books 2 & 3. This first book just didn't capture my imagination enough. Still, I think that this book would do really well with a younger audience, 10yrs to 15yrs I think

great

Love the sarcasm! Love the historical character references, funny! Love the lighthearted spin on what is usually a "grim" tale.

I love this book series

this is a great series. the narration is fantastic. I would recommend. the story draws you in and you can't wait till the second book.

A great story

It is so nice to find a storyline so different from most out there anymore. Buying the next book as soon as I finish this review.