Libitina

by M.A. Savino, Etheric Tales (illustrator)

When the Grim Reaper comes for Libitina at birth, her high-pitched wail causes it unspeakable pain, forcing it to let her go. Refusing to leave emptyhanded, the soul-taker takes her mother instead. Intrigued by her unique ability, it follows her home.
Whta is soon discovers is that there is more to this little girls power than chaeting death—for the more it stalks and questions her purpose, the more dangeros and secretive she becomes.

391 pages, Hardcover

First published December 7, 2023

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stylistically inconsistent, filled with self-indulgent fluff and contrived dialogues, featuring an annoying main character that lacks any real depth in a cast of characters that come across as paper thin and an eyeroll inducing ending. I really wanted to like this book, the idea was so good, but the execution was really not it.

[Britt Nowak · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the moment of her birth, the Grim Reaper had plans to take Libitina. Instead, she survived and her mother was taken, setting into motion a chain of events that would change the world. Libitina was chosen by God to yield the power of deciding the fate of humanity. Throughout her life she discovers what her purpose is and who God created her to be - a difficult existence she will have to come to accept. This was an emotional read; what with the religious aspect and the choices of one person knowing the ways of the world, this story was definitely something original.
The first chapter is unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s such a powerful and haunting beginning to an even more tragic story. The author was gracious enough to share the first chapter in a book page I follow, and upon asking for an ARC copy, I was provided with one.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libitina, by M.A Savino. WOW!!5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! What a truly amazing book. I was captivated at page 1 and couldn’t stop reading the story. There were many twists I didn’t see coming and it was a beautiful story. I would recommend this book to everyone! Thank you Melissa Savino - author for giving me this special book to read!

[Audrey Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel a little disappointed in this book. I waited for so long to be able to read it bc when the author first teased the first page I was like WOW I need to read more!! Butttttt this book doesn’t really follow a grim reaper at all and that was what I expected. He died in the weirdest way ever. Things were happening that didn’t make sense and the dialogue had me cringing 😬

I think maybe I wasn’t the target audience for this book but I still finished it nonetheless so that’s why I rated it a 3 star. I think with a little more work with dialogue and honestly taking out a bunch of stuff would’ve made this book great!!

I know she’s a new author so take that into consideration, I know writing a book is a lot of work so congrats on getting the book out and with a little more work I think your books could be great!!!

[Brit Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not crying, its onions.

The author recommended this book in a Facebook group and the only words I can think to say is holy moly. Amazing read and amazing how much I agreed in the end. I hope those who read this give 5 stars too. Amazing, amazing, amazing!! The book made me cry in the end because of how true it is. We have utterly destroyed this world as human beings. 💔 It has opened my eyes back up to the bigger picture of things. How we treat each other and when this day comes I hope to be on the chain end of the outcome.

100/10 read.

[Felecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing and eye opening

I'm literally almost speechless. It was extremely hard to stop reading this book. Whenever I could continue reading, I couldn't get enough of this book. The statement that sticks out to me is, 'I have faith, just not hope.' The weight of that statement alone, wow. This book was the first that I've read of this author and my mind is absolutely blown. I've so many thoughts and emotions going through my mind about this book. The only thing that I can say, 'Read this book. You will not regret it.' Well done M.A. Savino. Well done.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book bamboozled me. I was so excited to read this and it was so promising, until it wasn’t. I was drawn in by the Grim Reaper, for nothing. What an unceremonious ending it had after all the time it spent with Libby. I had a sense early on where the book was heading, but I persevered when really I wanted to DNF it and that’s saying something, because I don’t DNF books. Ever.

I felt like there was so much potential here and it was wasted. Some of the story was unnecessary while other parts were amazing. I was probably 80% in before it started to really grab my attention. Then, it reached its climax very quickly and fizzled out, over what appeared to be a very short period of time. And it was A LOT of things happening.

If I’m being honest, I felt tuned out when the more prominent descriptors of religion came into play. It’s not my vibe and I probably wouldn’t have read it had I known before hand. But that’s just me.

Overall, I’m disappointed, but for others, it may be just the vibe they’re looking for and to that I say, ENJOY!

[Elly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off so fantastically, was a plot I hadn’t really ever read before.

Got to the middle and it suddenly felt so rushed.

Then I was lost in the end when the whole focus ended on the religious belief of “god”

Still giving it 4 stars because even though I am an atheist I can still appreciate the plot, and the first half really swept me in.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the concept of a reaper taking souls and a mysterious baby that could harm the invincible reapers!

Unfortunately, the delivery was poor and took away from the reading experience. Some of these include typos, weird grammar, odd POV switching, one-noted characters, and terrible pacing. Anytime emergency services is called (which is a lot) they show up in a blink of an eye, even if it was a major plot point that the family is lost and can't find their way out. Good thing the paramedics can immediately locate and teleport to the exact location they are needed!

The first third of the book follows the struggles of a nurse turned social worker trying to find a suitable home for Libitina after her mother dies in childbirth and her father gives up parental rights. This section is just needlessly long, and it barely comes up later. Truthfully, this advice could be spread to the first 400 pages, as there are just a lot of unnecessary descriptions and repitition.

Another issue I had was just how flat and one-sided the characters felt. Libitina's family? Her father is fatherly and does yard work. Her mom is motherly and housework. Her sister is Libitina's number 1 fan and likes goats (I guess that's one personality trait). Their entire personality is their love for Libitina and God. I would have preferred to get to know these characters so that when their lives were put in danger, I would feel something.

All in all, I really wanted to like this book. The premise seemed so interesting! However, the execution left a lot to be desired and read like a first draft. I think having an editor review it would help the delivery significantly!

[PJsOnTheOutside · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libitina by M.A. Savino presents an intriguing premise with the tale of a young girl who escapes death's grasp at birth. The initial setup is compelling, and the mysterious powers of Libitina keep readers engaged. However, several aspects of the story hinder its overall impact.

One of the major drawbacks is the frequent and substantial jumps in time throughout the narrative. These leaps make the story feel disjointed, disrupting the flow and making it difficult to fully connect with the characters. Just as you start to invest in a particular moment or development, the timeline shifts, leaving a sense of unfinished business and lack of continuity.

The characters, while initially promising, often come across as unrealistic. Their actions and reactions sometimes feel forced or inconsistent with their established personalities. This inconsistency makes it challenging to fully empathize with their struggles and triumphs, detracting from the overall emotional resonance of the story.

Additionally, the religious and Christian themes woven into the plot are not adequately disclosed beforehand. For some readers, this might come as an unwelcome surprise, especially if they were expecting a purely supernatural or horror narrative. The incorporation of these themes feels heavy-handed at times, potentially alienating readers who were not anticipating this aspect.

Despite these issues, Libitina still has its merits. The initial point of view in the novel from the perspective of a grim reaper is fascinating, and the writing itself is engaging. However, the execution falls short of its potential, making it a mixed experience.

Overall, Libitina is an interesting read with notable flaws. For those who can overlook the disjointed timeline, inconsistent characters, and unexpected religious messages, it offers an engaging story with unique elements. I would rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Shelby Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

The released 1st chapter was SO GOOD and had me really excited to read this once it was released. Unfortunately, the dialog throughout was pretty cringe and the description of the book and 1st released chapter made it sound like the content of the book would be very different than what it actually was. I am a person of faith and found the faith-based sections of the book were not accurate at all to what has been predicted by the Word.

With some major fluff removal and some help with dialogue/detail management this book could be very very good. The concept of the storyline has huge potential.

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where darkness and light collide in the scales of judgment, Libitina awaits…

From time immemorial, the Grim Reaper has collected the spirits of the dead, guiding them to the afterlife. But when this harbinger of doom arrives to claim Libitina at her birth, the infant's piercing cry agonizes the Reaper, compelling it to spare her life. Libitina's survival disrupts the cosmic balance. Still, the Reaper will not leave empty-handed - it steals away the soul of Libitina's mother as recompense. Intrigued, the Reaper lingers to study this strange child who thwarted its harvest. But Libitina's power proves more complex than mere resistance. A sinister game of cat and mouse ensues, each seeking to understand the other. Both the Reaper and Libitina are determined to uncover the truth.

The first chapter of Libitina assaulted me like no other with its raging emotional rollercoaster. I was paralyzed, gripped with a kind of book paralysis I'd never experienced before. This opening chapter alone left me breathless and reeling, unable to tear myself away from the pages. Libitina is a rollercoaster of emotions that pulls the reader in many directions. Feelings of suspense and intrigue give way to sorrow and sadness, before anger and loathing surge to the forefront and back around. The author skillfully weaves together these contrasting moods into a complex tapestry that keeps the reader guessing and gripped until the very last page. Through evocative language and masterful storytelling, the full spectrum of human emotion is explored and laid bare. Each turn of the page promises new revelations that alternately surprise, sadden, enrage, and disgust, yet compel us forward through the darkness. This is a book that does not shy away from plumbing the depths of the human condition.

The characters in M.A Savino’s book are an intricate cast that works together in fascinating ways. We are introduced to spiritual beings with specific roles: The Reaper harvests souls at death, demons escort them to hell, and angels guide them to heaven. At the center of it all is the mysterious Libitina, whose critical importance is best discovered through reading. As various life-and-death events unfold, these characters intersect in intriguing ways. The Reaper is present when souls depart earthly bodies. Demons or angels then determine the soul's eternal fate. Savino artfully intertwines the relationships between her supernatural players as their paths cross during significant moments. While further discussion would reveal spoilers, Libitina binds the narrative together. Savino's imaginative cosmic hierarchy and the characters' high-stakes interactions make for an engaging read.


Libitina by M.A. Savino offers a thought-provoking journey through life and death. This novel follows Libitina and her family as they navigate a world filled with mystery and wonder. Though the ending may surprise readers (as it did me), it perfectly caps off Savino's masterful storytelling. For those seeking an original tale that inspires reflection, Libitina comes highly recommended. Savino crafts an unforgettable narrative that earns a full 5 out of 5 stars. Her deft writing and unique premise make this a must-read book. Readers looking for a novel unlike anything they've encountered before will find Libitina wholly satisfying.

[John Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that follow the rules. Then there are books like Libitina, ones that don’t just break the rules but seem wholly unaware they ever existed. I don’t mean that as criticism. I mean it as the greatest compliment I can give to a novel this raw, this strange, and this unflinchingly emotional. What starts as a supernatural thriller, Death interrupted by a newborn’s scream, spirals into something much harder to categorize. This isn’t genre fiction. This is spiritual fiction written with a broken pen and a bleeding heart.

Savino takes a bold risk narrating much of the story from the point of view of a Reaper, a cosmic soul-taker thrown off his rhythm by a girl who shouldn’t exist. It’s through his eyes that we watch Libitina grow, a child whose life defies the laws of mortality. What surprised me is how emotionally resonant the Reaper’s perspective becomes. His confusion, his curiosity, and the way his emotional distance begins to erode mirror our own as readers. He doesn’t just observe Libitina; he begins to feel something deeper. And for me, that slow unraveling of detachment is what gives the novel its pulse.

When this book works, it works. I’m talking about scenes that knock the wind out of you, passages where you don’t realize you’ve stopped breathing until the page turns. Savino doesn’t play it safe with emotion. There’s grief here, and longing, and the impossible weight of spiritual purpose. There were moments where I felt like the book wasn’t just telling me a story. It was holding up a mirror and daring me to look into it. That’s not something most novels do. That’s not even something most great novels do.

What lingers with me most isn’t the premise or even the plot. It’s the feeling this book leaves behind. There’s a grief humming underneath the surface, a quiet question about why some people live and others don’t. And Savino doesn’t try to answer that neatly. They let it hang in the air, daring you to sit with it.

What I admire most is that Libitina doesn’t chase trends. It leans fully into its strangeness, into its faith, into its emotional messiness. It’s not afraid to ask questions most books avoid. What happens when death fails? What does it mean to live a life that was never supposed to begin? And how does the world, physical and spiritual, bend around that anomaly? The answers aren’t always clear, but the asking is relentless, and that’s what gives the story its gravity.

Libitina isn’t about a reaper or a miracle child. It’s about the ache between what we believe and what we fear. It’s a book that takes risks, dares you to feel everything, and lingers long after the final page. In a landscape of supernatural fiction often driven by tropes and pacing tricks, Libitina opts for stillness, for weight, for meaning. It reminded me less of thrillers and more of grief-fueled myth.

And it would be a mistake not to mention the cover. The Libitina cover leans into grief through stark imagery and atmospheric color grading. The image of hands clinging to a bare back, hair spilling forward like unraveling threads, paired with a dark forest path fading into light, it’s arresting, almost mournful. It captures the spirit of Libitina perfectly: intimacy edged with dread, grief tangled with the divine. This is one of those rare covers that feels like part of the story itself.

[The Stray Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This intriguing premise drew me to pick this book up. Yes, the questions will be answered, and it was personally...a long journey to get there.

The Good

- The mystery surrounding Libitina is certainly a great hook. It grabs you right away, drops hints here and there, and gives it all out at the second half of the book in good pacing. No cliffhangers.

- Seeing Libitina's childhood unfold through the reaper's eyes was a great narration device because he was just as itching to get as much answers as the readers.

- There are many interesting and realistic characters in the story and they, for the most part, are consistent with their motivations throughout the book.

- Lastly, while I think a religious person would enjoy this better, the religious atmosphere really only overtakes the plot in the last few chapters.

The Not-So-Good

The characters felt one-dimensional , and it shows in the dialogue exchanges because no one really evoke any emotion in me. The circumstances made me feel the worry, the sadness, the relief... but the dialogues themselves feel too scripted.

I found the flow of the narration monotone . A lot of things happen in this book, and I mean A LOT. There are deaths, there are cult appearances, there are narrow escapes from abuse, a hurricane, an adoption, a wedding, a kidnapping ... but I didn't feel any buildup. Things happened, appropriate words for the situation are said, and then we just jump to the next thing. I even felt the switch of the narration from the reaper's to Libitina's POV jarring because it was so sudden.

What I like least is the reaper's insignificance to Libitina's life at the end of the day. He was such a huge part of the book since we started in his POV but it turns out there wasn't anything special linking her to him. At the end I just found myself questioning why the other reapers didn't have the same uncomfortable reaction every time she cried if he wasn't specifically chosen for something. What did make him a special reaper than the rest? They didn't even develop any sort of strong relationship for the reaper's part in the ending to matter. He just said he likes his job to a teenager who has nothing for him but irritation growing up, yet Libitina was supposed to feel something about that and include that in her consideration. I didn't love that.

Final Thoughts

'Libitina' has a really interesting hook, but it felt both fast-paced and slow-paced at the same time due to the lack of atmosphere building between significant events. While that is unfortunate, at least I can say that a lot of things do happen - enough to keep the reader interested to stick around and solve the mystery of Libitina's identity.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy interesting mysteries/theories surrounding the end of times from a Christian perspective without the heavy religious atmosphere.

[Micki · Rating 2 out of 5]

The good – I have admiration for anyone who has the ability to write a book. So hats off to the author for writing this and publishing it herself. The cover art is especially beautiful. The first paragraph and first chapter is amazing! It absolutely draws you in and made me very excited to read the rest of the book. I was so hooked! The unique idea of telling a story from the POV of the grim reaper was a unique idea.

The not so good – the grammar is especially bad, and I’m not generally picky about things like that. However, the sentence structure was so jarring that I had to keep rereading sentences to figure out what the author meant and to whom the author was referring. There were so many typos and misuses of basic words (passed vs. past for example).

As the story continues, it gets very disjointed from one page to the next. The events don’t connect to each other, as if the author forgot what she had written just a few pages previous. Things like – characters are lost in a corn field, but an EMT who is called immediately joins them without directions. A character is standing in the kitchen thinking about watching tv, but then two sentences later jumps up from her chair. The two toddlers are in car seats, but somehow “put their heads together and cry”. A police officer can’t get through a crowd in his car and has to run a block to a house, but then the main characters are immediately able to escape the home with no issues. The family moves into a new house, and on the first day, they turn around and a 1-year-old has her bottle and has turned on the tv, while the mom is doing dishes….they just walked into a new home...

Then there are just things the author didn’t seem to consider… a tiny, barely newborn baby being fed baby food, rather than a bottle; delivery drivers showing up just as the sun in coming up in the summer in the northern US…as if a florist is delivering flowers (to a tornado ravaged neighborhood) at 7am. One of the main characters is a devout and pious Christian, who cooks for her whole neighborhood, yet then rudely speaks to random people, and refuses to allow a nun (who appears from nowhere in a residential neighborhood) to bless her child. I could continue, but I won’t.

Generally, I can get over a few errors in self-published works, there’s always a few things that get past a word processing program. But this book absolutely must have an editor and some dedicated critical ARC readers so the author can re-do this manuscript and make it into the amazing book that it started off as, and that it could really be shaped into. It’s a diamond in the rough, and with a little care and shaping, it would be amazing.

[Hayley Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libitina by M. A. Savino
Genre: Religious Horror
Triggers: Murder, Death of an infant or mother during childbirth, Suicide, Domestic Violence, child neglect/abuse, kidnapping, animal sacrifice, bullying, cult, child cancer, miscarriage, rioting, mass shooting, infertility, seizure disorder
5/5

Wow! Where to even begin.
I was hooked from the very first page. Once again Savino has outdone herself with another out of this world novel.

Savino creates characters that the reader quickly connects with.
Libitina - the young child who death comes to take
The Alvarez Family - a caring family who helps Libitina along the way
The Dark One - death

Savino pulls the reader in with a heart wrenching beginning making them emotionally invested in the story and its characters. Without skipping a beat she continues to pull you in with the building of the story around Libitina and how the world is changing around her.

Without unexpected twists and turns along the way Libitina has some many life experiences and choices to make along the way. I was constantly wanting to reach into the story to help Libitina along the way. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! Great read, M. A. Savino does not disappoint.

#bookloungereviewteam

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in less than 24 hours. I could not put it down and was seriously invested in the characters. I initially picked up this book because I had never read a book about a Grim Reaper and I loved the idea. I love horror and I am especially creeped out by scary kids! When I received it I was blown away by the quality. The book was GORGEOUS and the pages felt incredibly soft. The story was amazing. The author started down one road and just when I thought I had it figured out, the author changed course. The book made me literally laugh out loud and I shed a few tears at the end. I will say that even if you don't normally like horror, I would pick this up. I was expecting grim reaper horror and received so much more. The author went deep on a philosophical level and explored some very heavy themes towards the end. I cannot say much more without spoiling it. I do not cry easily when reading, so if an author can make me feel to that extreme, they get a 5 star rating from me. Go buy this book and read it ASAP!

[Brittany Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I waited so long to read this one. I loved it.

Libitina is a start to finish movie in your mind that is well played out. 95% of the time I jump into books with little to no knowledge of what they are about. Libitina is extremely eye-catching, the cover art is absolutely gorgeous which is what drew me in to start. I read the synopsis and my first thought was "this book is religious based and not for me." So I avoided reading this until I won a Facebook contest and the original book I wanted wasn't an option, I owned the others by this author and so I chose Libitina. The beginning of this one is immediately gripping and I found myself needing to know what happened next. I couldn't put the book down. Yes it has religion in it and good vs evil but the story is so beautifully written it was 100% worth the read. There are mixed reviews on this one and I can understand that but had I read those and decided not to read this one I would have missed out on this one. I personally found it to be executed well, the chapter titles let you know that we've jumped ahead and Libby is a beautiful soul that is finding her way. Every book written is not for everyone but I highly recommend Melissa's books and before reading reviews give it a try because it might just be one of your most favorite reads of the year! Libitina is certainly in my top faves.

[Sissy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libitina is not your average child. Libitina is something special, and the reapers, angels, and demons know it to be true. However, exactly what is Libitina's purpose here on Earth? What does God have planned for Libitina? Only when the time is right will God let her know about her true purpose. And then, only then, can Libitina make her decision on how to handle the news.

Told through the eyes of Libitina and her family, this book is captivating from the first sentence to the last. I loved this book so much and had to make myself stop reading so I could get some sleep. M. A. Savino has delivered a positively gorgeous piece of work that sucks you in and leaves you breathless.

M. A. Savino's writing style is lyrical and is very well done. Her characters are well written and come to life on the page. This book is a must for anyone who loves a great horror/paranormal/thriller type of book. I definitely will be reading more from this amazing author.

[Christain Meshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written book. It’s not my usual read, there was nothing horror or romance about this one. I can say I quite loved this book. It’s not your average end of days, rapture, or left behind books. It’s the story of the girl who was chosen. Not coming into this world with the best of circumstances, but she was given a purpose. Defying odds, beating the system and having a genuinely good life to have it ripped from you in the blink of an eye. Then she discovers her purpose. Is it forgiveness and to save us all or for us to feel the God’s wrath. It gives all the be better feelings. There is a good and there is an evil no matter how you look at it. 🖤

[Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read. It has very devastating events, weird dialog, and some stuff that had me questioning the whole book. Libitina was born with the weight of the world on her. There is a lot that happened to her. Yet her love for her family is really front a center. The religious aspects, while a huge part of the novel, weren't bothersome and didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. Libitina is odd and different, but I can't help but like her. It's a weird sort of admiration and liking. Will I ever read this book again? Probably not, but it was interesting, and I'm glad I ended up reading it.

[Shennel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libitina by M.A. Savino
4.25 stars

I am not sure what I expected from this book but WOW it definitely was a good one. From the start of the book to the end of the book it had me thinking and questioning everything. I am one of those who feels you don’t have to attend a church to believe in God or something higher than you. I am also a person who feels us as humans have ruined and taken advantage of all that has been given to us. That being said, Libitina is a book that will have you questioning so much. The journey Ms.Savino takes you on throughout this book is eye opening and thought provoking. Highly recommend!!

[Ellen TK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the book really drew me in, especially as it’s told from the POV of the reaper. M.A. Savino does a great job with story telling and invoking emotion, however the dialog in the book is why I rated this a 4 star vs. 5. At times it felt a lot of the characters had very similar styles of dialog and it felt too blended. Also, I felt the reaper has a bit more influence on character’s actions. It would be more believable if he was more of an observer than partial interventionist. However, I am excited to see the author develop and do more writing.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally consumed me while I read it. It’s drew me in and grabbed me right until I was finished. We all know the job of the grim reaper. But what happens when he failed one of his jobs? Libitina was special but the reaper didn’t know how special she really was. This story was so good and the anticipation of each page was incredibly strong. I couldn’t read it fast enough to find out what was coming and why it was happening. I throughly enjoyed this but it also got me thinking about life and the future. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Tiffany Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good and a quick and easy read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that likes suspense/mystery books. It also has a religious element to it as well.

From the first paragraph I was HOOKED. After the first few lines, I just NEEDED to find out what happened. It was sad at times and happy at others.

The last like three chapters are heavy on the religious element, but the rest of the book didn’t seem overly religious.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened across a first page sneak peek for ARC readers on a bookish Facebook page and was immediately hooked. This was one of the rare books for me that had me thinking of it for weeks afterward without any romance. It made me question my views on humanity as a whole and my judgement of people at a glance. If you are a fan of “The Egg” by Andy Weir or “Needful Things” by Stephen King I think you’ll really enjoy this book. Overall I would rate this a solid 11/10.

[Morgan jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just wow, the twists and turns throughout the book and wether reckoning or redemption is the way to go is so well written. The characters in this book are amazing and all hold unique traits that make you love or hate them. although a couple massive plot twists near the end this book made me feel all the emotions good and bad. The ending was amazing made me feel both happy and sad. 100% worth the read !!!!!!

[Samm Maletz · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good!

I could not put this one down! Libitina and her family are the sweetest! And the goats!
This book explores what is truly wrong with this world. I am not a religious person, but this one was so real. I laughed, I cried. I didn't want it to end.
The writing in this is top-notch. I could feel every emotion each character was going through. (And there are A LOT of emotions in this one!)
I will definitely be looking for more to read from M.A. Savino!

[Roseann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed the journey this book took me on. I began to enjoy the angel of deaths fascination with this creature, Libitina. I too needed to know why she was born and how her role in life was going to evolve. Spoiler…the angel of death meets its demise as I was beginning to really enjoy its journey, that being said Libitinas destiny takes shape amidst the destruction she creates. This story/journey stayed with me after I finished the book. It makes you think. A definite must read.

[Chelsea Worrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even start?!? From the very beginning, it’s just intense and you are trying to figure out what exactly is going on. As you read and Libby begins to understand, so do you…it all starts to make sense. Truly an amazing, well written book! I was immediately sucked in and couldn’t put it down. It has a very religious, right and wrong, and good vs. evil plot. So, just beware as that might be a possible trigger.