Review: The Reaper's Kiss by Abigail Baker (Deathmark #1)


Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

“Bonjour, Stygians. I am Olivia Iris Dormier. I put a Deathmark on a Grim Reaper. I fled Québec City. I am a rebel. And I am a Master Scrivener.”


Olivia Dormier isn't your ordinary tattoo artist. She's a Scrivener, someone whose job it is to give someone the image that marks them for death. The thing is, Ollie isn't your ordinary Scrivener either. She's showing signs of being a Master Scrivener but she needs to keep her increasing powers a secret or she may get in trouble with the Head Reaper and his minions. But then she meets Brent Hume, who himself is not your ordinary Grim Reaper. He's an Eidolon Reaper who just happens to be part of a growing rebellion. Ollie is key to destroying the fascist Head Reaper but is she willing to do what it takes?

The Reaper's Kiss is the first novel in the Deathmark series from author Abigail Baker and was originally released in a few years ago under the title Tattoo of Your Name Across My Soul, which received the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Network’s Golden Pen in Paranormal Romance in 2011. This was a breath of fresh air in a genre that's often thought of as only being about ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and angels. Ollie Dormier is an extraordinary female lead character whose journey from a Scrivener to someone who has the potential to be the much-needed harbinger of change in their world.

Ollie, whose nickname I love because it's my beloved furry four-legged baby boy's nickname as well, was such a kick-ass heroine, someone whose transformation was a thrill to read. She's courageous yet isn't afraid to show that she still experiences moments of doubt or fear. She's loving and loyal, especially to those who mean the most to her, and when she lets you in, she's more than willing to put everything on the line. She's tenacious and while she leads with her heart, she also listens to her head, making her a young woman who is already well-balanced even as she continues to find her foothold in a chaotic environment.

The book ends in a cliffhanger of sorts because we don't really get much of a resolution as to the rebellion and to Ollie and Brent's relationship. I have no clue when the sequel is set for release, but suffice it to say that it's already on my to-be-read list. Abigail Baker has created an intriguing story and an interesting set of lead characters, all of which you become invested in, and this urban fantasy series appears to be one that is on the brink of becoming a favorite. I'm highly recommending you check out The Reaper's Kiss as soon as you can because I really do feel that it'll be worth your time. This 2015 favorite gets five-plus stars. ♥

Release Date: 24 August 2015

Date Read: 22 August 2015

Learn more about Abigail Baker here.

Purchase The Reaper's Kiss on Amazon | B&N | Kobo.

Comments

  1. Jennifer - Thank you so much for reading and reviewing The Reaper's Kiss. I got misty eyed reading your thoughts. And I love that you chose that quote to start off the post--it is one of my favorite moments in the book. Book 2 will be out in June of 2016. Be well and stay away from those Reapers. xAbby

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    Replies
    1. It was such a pleasure for me to read an immensely refreshing story that was headlined by a character who I wish I could meet in real life. :)

      Thank you for letting me know about book two's release! If only I could speed up time...

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