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The First Assignment by Billy Kramer
Shawn has no idea how he passed away, but he is aware that it may happen again. That is, until he decides to play the part of the “Reaper” and steals people’s souls for himself. Shawn’s only goal is to live to see his second (and last) life through after being sucked into an undead university of dark secrets, antiquated customs, and competing values.
His contract has straightforward guidelines. Do the work. Avoid interacting with live people. Avoid being late. Simple, right? That is, until Shawn is suddenly visible to a living girl who is not supposed to be able to see him—and not just Shawn, but ALL the reapers. Shawn must choose between doing what is right and listening to his instincts when faced with someone who can see and understand their situation.
I was completely engrossed from the start by The First Assignment. The way Kramer writes is so captivating that it transported me into the story and gave me a sense of the characters’ experiences. Reading this novel brings what makes life worth living into the forefront in a way that only darkness can allow to shine, through horrific, gut-wrenching times to the tiny delights of living.
I was completely engrossed by the incredible world-building, rules, inventive takes on traditional night and undead monsters (such gargoyles), and foreshadowing of spectacular battles and upheaval to come. There are a few clunky editing spots here and there, as well as a few world-building issues that could have used more development.
I’m eager to see what happens in volume two because The First Assignment definitely raised the bar for this series. Parents should be warned that some subject matter may be a bit gloomy and explicit for the younger end of YA even though these characters are written in an academic setting comparable to YA works (12-year-olds). However, a parent evaluation might be able to help.
About The Book
Dead.
Seventeen-year-old Shawn Turner no longer belongs to the world of the living. Armed without a heartbeat, he starts his afterlife as a reaper. After being given the name of a person destined to die in the next seven days, he must go out and collect their soul.
As Shawn separates himself from the living and moves below ground, he attends Wayward Academy which teaches him the training and traditions all first-year reapers need to know to perform their duty.
The only thing is, Shawn isn’t sure he can handle this new responsibility. Dying at seventeen, Shawn never got to make the impact he wanted. So, when an opportunity arises, he has a choice to make. Does Shawn stay in his lane as a reaper, or go out of his way to make a difference?
The Review
The First Assignment
8.5 Score
Kramer writes a chilling and adventurous tale that will appeal to YA fantasy fans everywhere. His descriptive writing envelopes the reader in a new, haunting world that introduces a myriad of characters and storylines, leaving the reader begging for the sequel. This introduction to the series is reminiscent of fantasy favorites like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson; however, The First Assignment centers on the unique mythological figure of the grim reaper that adds an extra layer of darkness and macabre to the fantasy theme. The icing on the cake is that the author made sure to include a diverse set of characters. If you learn anything from this story, it's that you never know how much time you have left--so grab yourself a copy now!
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