Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Death of the Body (Crossing Death #1)” as Want to Read:
Death of the Body
(Crossing Death #1)
by
I grew up in a world of magic. By the time I was ten I understood nature, talked to the trees, and listened to the wind. When the kingdom of men conquered my town, I was murdered by one of my own—the betrayer of my kind. But I didn't stay dead.
I woke to find myself in a strange new world called Los Angeles. The only keys to the life I remembered were my father’s ring, my u ...more
I woke to find myself in a strange new world called Los Angeles. The only keys to the life I remembered were my father’s ring, my u ...more
Paperback, 398 pages
Published
December 13th 2013
by Orenda Press
(first published December 12th 2013)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Death of the Body,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about Death of the Body
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Death of the Body (Crossing Death #1)

I was given a copy of this book for the blog tour in exchange for an honest review. What to say about this book? Well, let me just say that I have not read anything like this!! It is so imaginative, witty, action-filled, scary, creepy, surprising and awesome. I was enjoying the book and when I was just getting a sense of what I thought was happening, Rick changed it!! Something completely unexpected happened and it changed into something else. But this did not detract from the story or the circu
...more

Amazing!! This book has such a unique idea and is completely gripping from beginning to end! Rick's imagery is absolutely phenomenal. I felt like I was watching it on the big screen the entire time I was reading it and I got really excited to eventually see it in movie form. Just be aware it may not be appropriate for children under 13. I think it's a must read!!!
...more

"What if all religions were stories, and all stories were true?"
4 Fantastically Bloody Stars
Ok…so I am an Urban Fantasy virgin.
I know right?
Death of the Body was my FIRST read in this genre.
And. WOW. It did not disappoint.
Edmund is a 10 year old boy living in a world of magic. He lives in the quiet town called Orenda. He talks with nature…communicates with the Earth herself.
But. Edmund's world comes crashing down around him when he and his people are betraye ...more
4 Fantastically Bloody Stars
Ok…so I am an Urban Fantasy virgin.

I know right?
Death of the Body was my FIRST read in this genre.
And. WOW. It did not disappoint.
Edmund is a 10 year old boy living in a world of magic. He lives in the quiet town called Orenda. He talks with nature…communicates with the Earth herself.
But. Edmund's world comes crashing down around him when he and his people are betraye ...more

I was instantly captivated by this book as soon as it started. The beginning will blow your mind. You’re like what in the world happened. So of course I kept reading because I needed to know more about what was happening. It is such a wonderful story that will keep you reading and your interest peaked.
I absolutely adored Edmund. He was such a great kid. As soon as the book starts you are in love with him and his friends. They are all wonderful. Then you learn their secrets and you can’t help but ...more
I absolutely adored Edmund. He was such a great kid. As soon as the book starts you are in love with him and his friends. They are all wonderful. Then you learn their secrets and you can’t help but ...more

This book is not the present you'd buy your great Aunt Muriel. This is a grizzly, awesome, dark, smart, and scary little book. It starts off with the ten year-old main character waking up after being slashed across the stomach. It keeps going from there.
This is a book about resurrection and rebirth, and you have to live behind the eyes of someone who happens to die a lot. Not a lot a lot, but more than I have. I've never died before, but after reading Death of the Body, I kinda feel like I have. ...more
This is a book about resurrection and rebirth, and you have to live behind the eyes of someone who happens to die a lot. Not a lot a lot, but more than I have. I've never died before, but after reading Death of the Body, I kinda feel like I have. ...more

Edmund lives in a world that is magical and he can commune with the earth itself. It's pretty cool and unlike any other story I have ever read.
He has a destiny and an amazing magic. He is out hunting with his friends when things go seriously wrong. Edmund loses everything within a short amount of time and has been betrayed by a trusted man who ultimately ushers in his demise.
Characters are very believable for me all well described as well as the scenery. The author paints a grand picture in bot ...more
He has a destiny and an amazing magic. He is out hunting with his friends when things go seriously wrong. Edmund loses everything within a short amount of time and has been betrayed by a trusted man who ultimately ushers in his demise.
Characters are very believable for me all well described as well as the scenery. The author paints a grand picture in bot ...more

I will admit in the beginning of this book I was a little unsure. I had heard nothing but good thoughts and read very positive reviews, so I trudged on dutifully knowing not all can be revealed in the first chapter. But, as I got about 8 pages in I was grasped by the story and it's characters.
I felt myself being thrust through every twist and turn and, as though I was watching an action packed thriller on screen. The world of magic and elementals is explained in an all new light giving the read ...more
I felt myself being thrust through every twist and turn and, as though I was watching an action packed thriller on screen. The world of magic and elementals is explained in an all new light giving the read ...more

Oct 16, 2013
Jams
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
rated-r,
advanced-copy
---Advanced Copy Reader Review---
I decided to give this a quick reread in preparation for the release of book 2 (Death of the Spirit) in the series.
Death of the Body was just as creative and interesting the second time through.
---Original Review given Oct 2013---
This is probably my all time favorite beta read. Mr. Chiantaretto's "Death of a Body" was so well written and unique that it was a pleasure to read.
The characters where interesting enough that I wanted to know more about all of them... ...more
I decided to give this a quick reread in preparation for the release of book 2 (Death of the Spirit) in the series.
Death of the Body was just as creative and interesting the second time through.
---Original Review given Oct 2013---
This is probably my all time favorite beta read. Mr. Chiantaretto's "Death of a Body" was so well written and unique that it was a pleasure to read.
The characters where interesting enough that I wanted to know more about all of them... ...more

This is only a portion of my review, the rest can be found on my blog
Accepted Wisdom
I would describe Rick Chiantaretto’s writing as vivid and articulate. The horror elements in his writing are gruesome and fear-inducing. The world he creates is astonishing and quite complex; it draws you in and takes you on hell of a ride that will leave you gasping for breath. His character development is remarkable; each character comes to life before your eyes in such a realistic manner. You can literally fe ...more
Accepted Wisdom
I would describe Rick Chiantaretto’s writing as vivid and articulate. The horror elements in his writing are gruesome and fear-inducing. The world he creates is astonishing and quite complex; it draws you in and takes you on hell of a ride that will leave you gasping for breath. His character development is remarkable; each character comes to life before your eyes in such a realistic manner. You can literally fe ...more

This book had me so engrossed that I didn't want to eat, sleep or work! I will NOT be getting mommy of the year, due to this book! I loved the way this writer made everything he described so vivid in my imagination. It was like I was in the book walking right along with the characters, seeing, hearing, almost feeling everything they felt. If a writer can do that to you, you've lucked into finding an amazing story teller and you should gobble up everything he writes! I know I will. Not even some
...more

"What if all religions were stories, and all stories were true?"
Death of the Body is possibly one of those most unique stories I have ever read. From the first page I became fully engrossed in the world that Rick Chiantaretto created and I was not able to put it down until I finished it. It was so good in fact that I finished the book in one sitting.
Death of the Body is the story about Edmund and his journey from another world (or as the book describes it, another level) called Orenda. Orenda is ...more
Death of the Body is possibly one of those most unique stories I have ever read. From the first page I became fully engrossed in the world that Rick Chiantaretto created and I was not able to put it down until I finished it. It was so good in fact that I finished the book in one sitting.
Death of the Body is the story about Edmund and his journey from another world (or as the book describes it, another level) called Orenda. Orenda is ...more

This is not the kind of book I would've picked to read. That said, I'm glad I gave this book and this amazing story a chance because I LOVED it!
I'm not going to tell you what the book is about you can read it and figure it out yourself, I'm going to tell you what I loved about the book and consequently the author.
The story flows easily and it gives you a clear understanding of the main character and his journey through a magical world.
The images described are vivid and colorful, incredibly real. ...more
I'm not going to tell you what the book is about you can read it and figure it out yourself, I'm going to tell you what I loved about the book and consequently the author.
The story flows easily and it gives you a clear understanding of the main character and his journey through a magical world.
The images described are vivid and colorful, incredibly real. ...more

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I started this novel thinking that my kids would like it. I could not have been more wrong. What was really so amazing about this book was that it was not a quick read for me.
This story begins with a 10 year old mage and then we travel through some deadly adventures with him. The reason this was not a quick read for me is because the details that enriched each sentence. Not only that, but the importance of each detail really grabbed me.
Edmun ...more
I started this novel thinking that my kids would like it. I could not have been more wrong. What was really so amazing about this book was that it was not a quick read for me.
This story begins with a 10 year old mage and then we travel through some deadly adventures with him. The reason this was not a quick read for me is because the details that enriched each sentence. Not only that, but the importance of each detail really grabbed me.
Edmun ...more

I was very lucky to read the Beta version of Rick's book. Fantastic! I've not read a book in a long time with such interesting concepts, fascinating ideas. The way Rick describes the characters and surroundings brings it all to life. It will be great fun to re-read it when it is released.
...more

**review to come**
I'm still too butthurt that I can't read book two yet! ;) (Totally KIDDING! Yes, I did like it that much that I neeeeeeeeeed more!) ...more
I'm still too butthurt that I can't read book two yet! ;) (Totally KIDDING! Yes, I did like it that much that I neeeeeeeeeed more!) ...more

Ok, something is obviously wrong with me. I feel like I'm reading darker and darker books as time progresses - could I be a closet masochist or something? Hmmm... Nah, I believe I'm perfectly fine and nothing has changed my preferences to scarier reads! (I think...)

Edmund is a young mage, who, at the tender age of ten, can understand nature and bend the elements to his will - or, to put it more correctly, he is in perfect sync with them, they usually do as he requests. But what is a boy to do wh ...more

Edmund is a young mage, who, at the tender age of ten, can understand nature and bend the elements to his will - or, to put it more correctly, he is in perfect sync with them, they usually do as he requests. But what is a boy to do wh ...more

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect given the genre, but I was very pleasantly surprised by what I read. The way the book is structured it’s laid out in such a way that keeps you guessing where the plot is going, and how it will all intertwine and wrap up, but to me that was the appeal. If I can figure a plot out quickly I am usually quite disappointed. Some may not like the jumping around of the storyline(s) but the transitions were written well
...more

I began reading this book with little idea of what it would contain. The early chapters frustrated me for the same reason I've heard other reviewers mention, the narration doesn't seem to match the age of the narrator. But once I got into the third part of the book, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to find out where everything was going, and felt rewarded when I got to the end.
I enjoyed the mythologies that were pulled together for weave the world in which Edmond grows up. The ideas about the wo ...more
I enjoyed the mythologies that were pulled together for weave the world in which Edmond grows up. The ideas about the wo ...more

I was given the opportunity to receive and review an ARC of this book by the author. If you are looking for a dark urban fantasy full of magic, unexpected twists, and a little romance on the side then this book is for you.
It starts out with the main character Edmund who is 10 years old at the time but is betrayed and killed by one of his own. Edmund actually wakes up and is 21 years old and in a different time and world but struggles to make sense of his surroundings. This is when I started tak ...more
It starts out with the main character Edmund who is 10 years old at the time but is betrayed and killed by one of his own. Edmund actually wakes up and is 21 years old and in a different time and world but struggles to make sense of his surroundings. This is when I started tak ...more

This is a quote of the first part of the book. I like Rick Ch's writing style as this is the first book I've read of his. I recommend this book if this is a genre you are fond of.
I watched in disbelief as blood seeped through my fingers and dripped, thick as syrup, to the ground. I heard each drop thud against the ground beneath me. The echo in my ears beat louder than any drum. For the first time in my ten years of life, I cursed the connection I had with the planet. I cursed it for its betraya ...more
I watched in disbelief as blood seeped through my fingers and dripped, thick as syrup, to the ground. I heard each drop thud against the ground beneath me. The echo in my ears beat louder than any drum. For the first time in my ten years of life, I cursed the connection I had with the planet. I cursed it for its betraya ...more

Captivating from the very first chapter. Leaves you asking questions than draws you into reading more just to have them answered, yet replaced with many more. The way in which the story is written makes you feel as if you are the main character, confused, frustrated, scared and just a plain and simply a boiled mixed emotions, and questions.
This has a religious insight within I have never seen before, and was quite intrigued by. Far warning though, those with high or easily offended belief showe ...more
This has a religious insight within I have never seen before, and was quite intrigued by. Far warning though, those with high or easily offended belief showe ...more

Feb 13, 2014
Jennifer Treviño
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
favorites,
paranormal,
demons,
shape-shifters,
witchcraft,
magic,
hunters,
horror,
terror,
reaper
My kind of book! Fantasy, Faith, Fear, & Fabulous! MORE...more...MORE...that's what I kept thinking! =) A story that is full of wonder, magic, & has the ability to creep you out all at the same time. LOVE IT! Very different from what I've been reading the last few weeks. The beginning had my full attention with the mages & the evil lurking. I enjoyed learning the ways of Orenda & feeling all of the emotions portrayed. While the twist took me a few moments to wrap my head around it definitely mad
...more

Interesting and we'll written, Death of a Body is a good read.
Edmund is betrayed and then killed, only to wake up as someone else. He's confused, and the only familiar thing is the murmur of the trees. ...more
Edmund is betrayed and then killed, only to wake up as someone else. He's confused, and the only familiar thing is the murmur of the trees. ...more

meh ... a LOT of religion when I wasn't expecting it. the story was all over the place and hard to follow at times. most certainly not my cup of tea, you know?
...more


4 Stars|Goodreads|Amazon
Meg's Review:
This novel was a raw and highly engaging read. We start off with a jolt and it never stops going. The main character in this book dies. Often-ish. I know that's vague, but I really want you to read it and don't want to give too much away. I mean we meet Edmund at age ten and from there we travel with him through these horrific but not horrific, but still scary and interesting journeys. The definition of great Urban Fantasy.
Some parts of this book I ...more

now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
I've often been accused of having done more in my life than the average person my age, but if I were completely honest I'd have to tell you my secret: I'm really 392.
So after all this time, I'm a pretty crappy writer.
I'm the author of the Crossing Death series and Facade of Shadows , as well as 'Tailored for the King,' a short story found in Twice Upon a Time . I have a bunch more half-w ...more
So after all this time, I'm a pretty crappy writer.
I'm the author of the Crossing Death series and Facade of Shadows , as well as 'Tailored for the King,' a short story found in Twice Upon a Time . I have a bunch more half-w ...more
Other books in the series
Crossing Death
(2 books)
News & Interviews
Listen up, because our colleagues here at Goodreads have some excellent audiobook recommendations for you! Of course, the books they've...
38 likes · 23 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“What if all religiouns were stories, and all stories were true?”
—
2 likes
“I remembered what it was like to die-the pain, the fear, the doubt, and the unknown. Somehow I had cheated death once. Now I was about to try again.”
—
1 likes
More quotes…