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Soul Broker #1
Waking the Dead
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ISBN 1944728139 here.
The road to hell begins when the reaper darkens her door.
A chance encounter with a dying stranger opens an empathic connection between down-on-her-luck caregiver Vivian Bedford and the world of spirits. Lazarus Darkmore, a grim reaper in a charming and seductive package, seeks to recruit her as a soul broker. Guardian spirit Ezra and his new apprentice Zeke offer protection from the reaper—so long as she works on their side of afterlife management. But these guardians are no angels, and their methods leave Vivian fearing the price of their protection.
Her ability to channel conscious energy from the living, something no guardian or reaper can do, could be a game changer. If she can control it, she can use this power as leverage. And she needs a bargaining chip, especially when she discovers that incapacitated living mortals can supply energy for the spirit realm, making her disabled sister Mae a prime target for guardian and reaper alike.
Can she move from pawn to major player in order to save Mae, and herself, from a horrific fate beyond the simple and fleeting terrors of death?
The road to hell begins when the reaper darkens her door.
A chance encounter with a dying stranger opens an empathic connection between down-on-her-luck caregiver Vivian Bedford and the world of spirits. Lazarus Darkmore, a grim reaper in a charming and seductive package, seeks to recruit her as a soul broker. Guardian spirit Ezra and his new apprentice Zeke offer protection from the reaper—so long as she works on their side of afterlife management. But these guardians are no angels, and their methods leave Vivian fearing the price of their protection.
Her ability to channel conscious energy from the living, something no guardian or reaper can do, could be a game changer. If she can control it, she can use this power as leverage. And she needs a bargaining chip, especially when she discovers that incapacitated living mortals can supply energy for the spirit realm, making her disabled sister Mae a prime target for guardian and reaper alike.
Can she move from pawn to major player in order to save Mae, and herself, from a horrific fate beyond the simple and fleeting terrors of death?
- GenresParanormalRomance
Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
94 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
D.B. Sieders
33 books129 followersI was born and raised in East Tennessee and spent a great deal of my childhood hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains and wading barefoot in creeks, chasing salamanders, fish, and frogs. We camped a lot, and we loved to tell stories while sitting around our campfire.
Those days of frog chasing sparked my interest in biology, which I pursued in college and later in graduate school. A working scientist by day, I never lost my love of sharing stories. I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember and am thrilled to be working as a writer.
I live in Nashville, Tennessee with my husband, two children, three cats, and my very active imagination.
Those days of frog chasing sparked my interest in biology, which I pursued in college and later in graduate school. A working scientist by day, I never lost my love of sharing stories. I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember and am thrilled to be working as a writer.
I live in Nashville, Tennessee with my husband, two children, three cats, and my very active imagination.
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November 4, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/4/2019)! 🎁
April 17, 2018
3.5/5.0
March 28, 2017
This book was not just interesting and fantastic it was deep and soulful as well. Good vs Evil, light vs dark, right and wrong. Everything is put in perspective. A big grey perspective. I found Vivian to be realistic. She is not perfect. She has dark thoughts and even loses herself sometimes. And everyone does. No one is perfect. She is not always strong and not always right. I love that.
I love Zeke as a side character. I find him very noble. I know he isn't perfect either but I think he is a good guardian spirit. I like Ezra but I love Zeke more lol. Lazarus scares the hell out of me. I know thats kind of stupid to say as he is a fictional book character. However how he is described and the way Vivian feels whenever he is around, the way he toys with her, gives me the shivers.
This was a great book that everyone should read. I really hope I have the chance to read the next one.
I love Zeke as a side character. I find him very noble. I know he isn't perfect either but I think he is a good guardian spirit. I like Ezra but I love Zeke more lol. Lazarus scares the hell out of me. I know thats kind of stupid to say as he is a fictional book character. However how he is described and the way Vivian feels whenever he is around, the way he toys with her, gives me the shivers.
This was a great book that everyone should read. I really hope I have the chance to read the next one.
May 9, 2018
I was tempted to give this 2 stars, but I felt it wasn't fair because D.B. Sieders is a talented author, just not my typical style in the fantasy genre. I read this because I was given an advanced copy of Chasing the Dead, a short story based in this world. I felt giving a critique to the short story wasn't appropriate unless I knew more about the series because it was clearly targeted to those who already experienced Soul Brokers. Any books that focus on romance bits are not my cup of tea, thus my main problem with Waking the Dead, and it was slower paced than my usual read. I would say this was more so light fantasy, focusing on the relationships of the characters more so than the ability Viviane had to harness a living person's anguish into energy.
I did appreciate how strong of a main character Viviane was, and how the author portrayed the hardships of caring for a disabled sibling. You don't see situations like that very often, especially a character who has a sensory processing disorder.
I did appreciate how strong of a main character Viviane was, and how the author portrayed the hardships of caring for a disabled sibling. You don't see situations like that very often, especially a character who has a sensory processing disorder.
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March 6, 2017**Two Boundless Stars** Full Review and Rating will be up on Boundless Book Reviews.
March 24, 2017
Waking the Dead caught my attention by the cover and the synopsis. So I jumped in.
Vivian is involved in a really bad car accident/pile up. She stumbles upon a victim, that’s about to pass. But during that moment something happens to her, that forever changes everything.
I wanted to really love this. But it is written in the Third POV and it was really difficult for me to connect with the characters on an emotional way. On the other hand, I feel that it was a really cool concept.
I don’t think I even really liked Vivian. She was very all over the place and jumped to conclusions frequently. The Soul Brokers that are on her side, seem to speak in riddles. They don’t give her all the information about what's going on in their world. Only certain things, which in all honesty would drive me crazy. There is the whole good vs evil going on as well.
Overall, I give this Two Boundless Stars. it was okay for me.
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Vivian is involved in a really bad car accident/pile up. She stumbles upon a victim, that’s about to pass. But during that moment something happens to her, that forever changes everything.
I wanted to really love this. But it is written in the Third POV and it was really difficult for me to connect with the characters on an emotional way. On the other hand, I feel that it was a really cool concept.
I don’t think I even really liked Vivian. She was very all over the place and jumped to conclusions frequently. The Soul Brokers that are on her side, seem to speak in riddles. They don’t give her all the information about what's going on in their world. Only certain things, which in all honesty would drive me crazy. There is the whole good vs evil going on as well.
Overall, I give this Two Boundless Stars. it was okay for me.
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February 5, 2017
Depressing paranormal with trigger warnings for long term caregivers of severely disabled people. Harmful or suicidal depression mentioned several times. Uncomfortable romance with no lead up to engage me with the characters, therefore felt gratuitous sex was unwarranted and added little to the story for me. There was absolutely no "comic relief" in this grindingly morbid, sad novel. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for Netgalley.
February 12, 2017
I fell in love with this book pretty quickly. There is an emotional, raw honesty in Vivian and her struggles to care for her sister, Mae. It's so rare to find a heroine, one we root for, who is not a saint but is desperately trying to do the right thing and is not always perfect.
The mystery and suspense are so well done, too!
Highly recommend.
The mystery and suspense are so well done, too!
Highly recommend.
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April 5, 2017This review will appear in an edition of InD'Tale Magazine http://www.indtale.com/
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March 3, 2017
Caring for the seriously ill and dying isn’t always the selfless, romantic career choice we’ve all seen in countless movies made for TV. Just ask Vivian Bedford, who’s just about at the end of her rope trying to care for her disabled sister. Just when things look their bleakest, she’s approached by both the Grim Reaper -- with a deal she’s terrified to refuse, and a pair of Guardian Spirits offering protection from the Reaper. Protection that comes with a huge catch.
And stuck in the middle, batted back and forth like a tennis ball, lies the fate of her sister. Vivian has just one slim chance to keep herself and her sister safe. She’ll have to take on the Grim Reaper and her two “Guardians” by herself. And if she fails, there will be Hell to pay.
I’ve been a D. B. Sieders fan for a long time. For me, her mix of the occasional lapse into scientific-speak, coupled with an easy, informal and Southern style of writer’s voice – and the perfect amount of sass, irony, and even humor -- is irresistible.
WAKING THE DEAD is NOT Heathcliff mumbling to himself as he stumbles around the moors. This is Southern story telling around the campfire, at its level best. It’s Faulkner and Fannie Flagg telling you one Hell of an entertaining ghost story. Do I enthusiastically recommend it – and her other works? Darlin’, is a pig’s butt pork?
And stuck in the middle, batted back and forth like a tennis ball, lies the fate of her sister. Vivian has just one slim chance to keep herself and her sister safe. She’ll have to take on the Grim Reaper and her two “Guardians” by herself. And if she fails, there will be Hell to pay.
I’ve been a D. B. Sieders fan for a long time. For me, her mix of the occasional lapse into scientific-speak, coupled with an easy, informal and Southern style of writer’s voice – and the perfect amount of sass, irony, and even humor -- is irresistible.
WAKING THE DEAD is NOT Heathcliff mumbling to himself as he stumbles around the moors. This is Southern story telling around the campfire, at its level best. It’s Faulkner and Fannie Flagg telling you one Hell of an entertaining ghost story. Do I enthusiastically recommend it – and her other works? Darlin’, is a pig’s butt pork?
January 10, 2018
Repost of my Amazon review. :D
By Michelle Casson (Chell Cass)
Format: Kindle Edition
First my disclaimer: I got this book as a ARC ( Advanced Read Copy) for my honest review.
My honest review is: I love this book. Once I started reading it, i just could not put it down. I am very eager to read the next in the series.
Vivian the main character, cares for her wheelchair-bound, dying sister. Its not easy. In fact, it is downright hard and things get out of hand at times. There are fears, regrets and anger all bubbling under the surface of all that love and devotion. But she also has her own life to live. On one of those days where she has a little "me time", she has a near-death experience. This catapults her into the world of spirits and guardians. Driven by the need to help a dying man, she holds his hand, until he passes. Then her world turns upside down, when the next morning, he is in her kitchen making breakfast. You will have to read it to find out the rest!!
By Michelle Casson (Chell Cass)
Format: Kindle Edition
First my disclaimer: I got this book as a ARC ( Advanced Read Copy) for my honest review.
My honest review is: I love this book. Once I started reading it, i just could not put it down. I am very eager to read the next in the series.
Vivian the main character, cares for her wheelchair-bound, dying sister. Its not easy. In fact, it is downright hard and things get out of hand at times. There are fears, regrets and anger all bubbling under the surface of all that love and devotion. But she also has her own life to live. On one of those days where she has a little "me time", she has a near-death experience. This catapults her into the world of spirits and guardians. Driven by the need to help a dying man, she holds his hand, until he passes. Then her world turns upside down, when the next morning, he is in her kitchen making breakfast. You will have to read it to find out the rest!!
August 31, 2017
Different than what I usually read, and that is a good thing. I am glad that I have a new author that I can enjoy. Vivian has had a hard life and unfortunately for her things just seem to get more complicated. This just shows what happens when fate meets destiny. The turmoil that Viv has went through makes it easy for some to make her question if she is good or evil. This book was full of some very interesting new ideas that I enjoyed reading. Thank you NetGalley and D.B. Sieders for allowing me to read and write an honest review of this book.
December 24, 2017
great new look at urban fantasy. Mae offers a twist we don't usually see. This brings a lot of humanity to Vivian, our lead character, even though she's in an inhuman place.
The characters are fresh, the danger is real, and the ending will have you reaching for the next book!
The characters are fresh, the danger is real, and the ending will have you reaching for the next book!
January 16, 2018
I found this to be a very unusual book. It was emotive for me, particularly when it came to the character of Vivien and her relationship with her severely disabled sister, Mae.
Having lost her parents only a few months previously, Mae's care is left to Vivien. Sieders' writing is very descriptive. I felt Vivien's internal dilemma that would never EVER be spoken aloud. The "I love you and I will look after you forever" versus the "Why don't you just die and let me have a life" debate constantly going on in her head. The guilt at even just thinking this way. This is brutally honest dialogue, that's probably known to carers everywhere - if they are honest with themselves. My heartfelt thanks to the author for this. I think some readers may find Vivian's 'caring' parts of the story as repetitious and boring. Well, that's real life, folks!
I must be honest and say that I skipped past the descriptions of Zeke and Vivien's intimacy. I felt these didn't really add extra value to the story, as we knew how strongly they felt for each other.
I enjoyed this book very much as the storyline is different, the characters are full and believable, and I felt that I was right there at every event from page one. I loved the descriptions of the souls and energy and especially Mae's role in this. Vivien had so much compassion. This is a new author to me, and I will certainly buy the rest of this series.
I was given an ecopy of this book, which I voluntarily read and reviewed. This is an honest review and the opinions are my own.
Having lost her parents only a few months previously, Mae's care is left to Vivien. Sieders' writing is very descriptive. I felt Vivien's internal dilemma that would never EVER be spoken aloud. The "I love you and I will look after you forever" versus the "Why don't you just die and let me have a life" debate constantly going on in her head. The guilt at even just thinking this way. This is brutally honest dialogue, that's probably known to carers everywhere - if they are honest with themselves. My heartfelt thanks to the author for this. I think some readers may find Vivian's 'caring' parts of the story as repetitious and boring. Well, that's real life, folks!
I must be honest and say that I skipped past the descriptions of Zeke and Vivien's intimacy. I felt these didn't really add extra value to the story, as we knew how strongly they felt for each other.
I enjoyed this book very much as the storyline is different, the characters are full and believable, and I felt that I was right there at every event from page one. I loved the descriptions of the souls and energy and especially Mae's role in this. Vivien had so much compassion. This is a new author to me, and I will certainly buy the rest of this series.
I was given an ecopy of this book, which I voluntarily read and reviewed. This is an honest review and the opinions are my own.
January 20, 2018
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
This book grabbed my attention and would not let go. I had to keep reading to find out what everyone's story was, what really happened, and what was going to happen. Even though this book was heavy on action, the plot was easy to follow. But the story was very much about the characters. Vivian had anger issues about having to care for her disabled sister. That had damaged her relationships with her family, friends, and even ended her relationship with her boyfriend. Her job was on hold and she definitely had money problems Her two guardians had dark secrets that they did not want to reveal. One had more than one dark secret that caused Vivian to doubt his integrity and ability to keep her safe. She felt he simply wanted to use her.And then there is Darkmore. He is a very scary character, but he seems to help Vivian and keep her safe at times. You know you can't trust him, but you aren't sure where he stands in all of this. This was a very enjoyable story that I highly recommend.
This book grabbed my attention and would not let go. I had to keep reading to find out what everyone's story was, what really happened, and what was going to happen. Even though this book was heavy on action, the plot was easy to follow. But the story was very much about the characters. Vivian had anger issues about having to care for her disabled sister. That had damaged her relationships with her family, friends, and even ended her relationship with her boyfriend. Her job was on hold and she definitely had money problems Her two guardians had dark secrets that they did not want to reveal. One had more than one dark secret that caused Vivian to doubt his integrity and ability to keep her safe. She felt he simply wanted to use her.And then there is Darkmore. He is a very scary character, but he seems to help Vivian and keep her safe at times. You know you can't trust him, but you aren't sure where he stands in all of this. This was a very enjoyable story that I highly recommend.
March 8, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
Vivian Bedford had a chance encounter with a dying stranger and it opens an empathic connection between her and the world of spirits. She ends up caught between the grim reaper Lazarus Darkmore and a guardian spirit Ezra and his apprentice Zeke - plus both sides want her to work for them. However Vivian has the ability to channel energy from the living and if she can control it it will give her leverage over both sides and be able to stay independent - especially as she needs to find a way to protect her disabled sister Mae who has become a target of both sides due to her stored energy. She just needs to be able to control and handle all the players and power.
I loved this story - it was a clever plot and story which I found fascinating. It was well written and there were plenty of twists and turns in the story to keep your interest. Vivian was a strong woman and it was nice to read a story with such a strong woman in the centre of all the action.
Vivian Bedford had a chance encounter with a dying stranger and it opens an empathic connection between her and the world of spirits. She ends up caught between the grim reaper Lazarus Darkmore and a guardian spirit Ezra and his apprentice Zeke - plus both sides want her to work for them. However Vivian has the ability to channel energy from the living and if she can control it it will give her leverage over both sides and be able to stay independent - especially as she needs to find a way to protect her disabled sister Mae who has become a target of both sides due to her stored energy. She just needs to be able to control and handle all the players and power.
I loved this story - it was a clever plot and story which I found fascinating. It was well written and there were plenty of twists and turns in the story to keep your interest. Vivian was a strong woman and it was nice to read a story with such a strong woman in the centre of all the action.
January 16, 2018
This is not a light hearted book. It is not sunshine and butterflies. It deals with very real issues that very few people could ever understand. It is heart wrenching and devastating at times. It deals with depression and care giver burnout in a brutally honest way.
The paranormal and fantasy story is excellent. After a near death experience, and watching someone die in front of her, Vivian is pulled into the world of Guardian Spirits and Reapers. She not only has to learn how to navigate this new world, but she has to learn to trust herself, accept help, and forgive herself. All while being the sole caregiver for her sister.
I received an ARC, and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
The paranormal and fantasy story is excellent. After a near death experience, and watching someone die in front of her, Vivian is pulled into the world of Guardian Spirits and Reapers. She not only has to learn how to navigate this new world, but she has to learn to trust herself, accept help, and forgive herself. All while being the sole caregiver for her sister.
I received an ARC, and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
March 8, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Vivian Bedford, is the sole caregiver to her younger disabled sister Mae, and after being involved in an accident, Vivian seeks out to offer comfort to a dying man. Little does she know, that the encounter leaves her with a gift. This gift allows her to see the dead, and also, to intervene on their behalf.
Along the way, Vivian learns the truth about the night, she offered comfort to Zeke, who is now her guardian, along with Ezra. The reaper, Darkmore, also has an interest in Vivian. Vivian learns some powers to help protect herself, but she's going to have to decide who to trust and a plan that will protect her sister.
Very interesting storyline!
Vivian Bedford, is the sole caregiver to her younger disabled sister Mae, and after being involved in an accident, Vivian seeks out to offer comfort to a dying man. Little does she know, that the encounter leaves her with a gift. This gift allows her to see the dead, and also, to intervene on their behalf.
Along the way, Vivian learns the truth about the night, she offered comfort to Zeke, who is now her guardian, along with Ezra. The reaper, Darkmore, also has an interest in Vivian. Vivian learns some powers to help protect herself, but she's going to have to decide who to trust and a plan that will protect her sister.
Very interesting storyline!
March 14, 2017
Lovely story of Vivian who's having a really tough time in life until she meets the grim reaper and then the fun begins. Fantastic story that was a privilege to review. A not to be missed story
March 11, 2018
Not kindle unlimited, was originally supposed to have gotten it through librarything but ended up getting it through the writer/her publishing house when didn't get it through lt. This one of the 4 1/2 I talk about here and there, where have to figure out whether it's closer to a 4 or a 5, but since didn't see any major issues, and it's something haven't really read before {the subject matter or more to this story way} will go with 5. There was a quick start but then going back to fill in details so had to wrap my mind around that, but that's not unusual thing to see done in stories. Not sure why the chick lit stuff is in there or 'romance' or whatever, but I sped read past it all, so while noted that's one of my ewww don't think so but I don't let it affect the rating unless it's way in my face overboard/senseless..
The road to hell begins when the reaper darkens her door. A chance encounter with a dying stranger opens an emphatic connection between down-on-her-luck caregiver Vivian Bedford and the world of spirits. Lazarus Darkmore, a grim reaper in a charming and seductive package, seeks to recruit her as a soul broker. Guardian spirit Ezra and his new apprentice Zeke offer protection from the reaper--so long as she works on their side of afterlife management. But these guardians are no angels, and their methods leave Vivian fearing the price of their protection. Her ability to channel conscious energy from the living, something no guardian or reaper can do, could be a game changer. If she can control it, she can use this power as leverage. And she needs a bargaining chip, especially when she discovers that incapacitated living mortals can supply energy for the spirit realm, making her disabled sister Mae a prime target for guardian and reaper alike. Can she move from pawn to major player in order to save Mae, and herself, from a horrific fate beyond the simple and fleeting terrors of death?
Waking the Dead (Soul Broker Book 1)
Raising the Dead (Soul Broker Book 2)
The road to hell begins when the reaper darkens her door. A chance encounter with a dying stranger opens an emphatic connection between down-on-her-luck caregiver Vivian Bedford and the world of spirits. Lazarus Darkmore, a grim reaper in a charming and seductive package, seeks to recruit her as a soul broker. Guardian spirit Ezra and his new apprentice Zeke offer protection from the reaper--so long as she works on their side of afterlife management. But these guardians are no angels, and their methods leave Vivian fearing the price of their protection. Her ability to channel conscious energy from the living, something no guardian or reaper can do, could be a game changer. If she can control it, she can use this power as leverage. And she needs a bargaining chip, especially when she discovers that incapacitated living mortals can supply energy for the spirit realm, making her disabled sister Mae a prime target for guardian and reaper alike. Can she move from pawn to major player in order to save Mae, and herself, from a horrific fate beyond the simple and fleeting terrors of death?
Waking the Dead (Soul Broker Book 1)
Raising the Dead (Soul Broker Book 2)
October 7, 2019
So, this book has a little more romance than I typically like but it's really good. The main character is pretty realistic and I'm glad D. B. put a different perspective on caregiving. I know that's not the main focus but how the main character feels isn't something that a lot of people are willing to talk about. You put on a happy face even though you're dying a little inside and you truly hate how you feel. This book partly reminds me of the movie Ghost at least a little bit and I like the idea of a normal person helping a reaper.
June 15, 2020
Waking the dead by D.B. Sieders.
This is book 1 in the soul broker series.
Vivian Bedford is Down on her luck until Lazarus Darkmore a grim reaper seeks to recruit her as a soul broker. She has the ability to channel conscious energy from the living something no guardian or reaper can do. Her sister is disabled. Can Vivian protect her?
I really enjoyed this book. Great story and some good characters. Vivian was my favourite character.
I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
This is book 1 in the soul broker series.
Vivian Bedford is Down on her luck until Lazarus Darkmore a grim reaper seeks to recruit her as a soul broker. She has the ability to channel conscious energy from the living something no guardian or reaper can do. Her sister is disabled. Can Vivian protect her?
I really enjoyed this book. Great story and some good characters. Vivian was my favourite character.
I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
May 4, 2017
4.5/5.0
A unique cast of characters drives this beautifully crafted tale that demands you keep a box of tissue on hand.
Read full review in the 2017 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A unique cast of characters drives this beautifully crafted tale that demands you keep a box of tissue on hand.
Read full review in the 2017 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 11, 2018
D. B. Sieders writes an amazing supernatural tale involving Vivan Bedford and her struggles to balance taking care of her disabled sister and becoming a soul broker. The characters are well developed and you can't help but to get emotionally involved. You'll be cheering for Vivian as she navigates the pitfalls springing up before her.
December 13, 2018
Waking The Dead
Loved it! An amazing story with well developed characters, complex plot lines and amazing imagery. Trusts betrayed, overwhelming obstacles, but the sheer determination of the heroine to do it her way and no compromising of her values; it flowed like a river; deceptively slow at times, then white water rapids fast!
Loved it! An amazing story with well developed characters, complex plot lines and amazing imagery. Trusts betrayed, overwhelming obstacles, but the sheer determination of the heroine to do it her way and no compromising of her values; it flowed like a river; deceptively slow at times, then white water rapids fast!
January 29, 2020
Good read
This was a good book. The story and characters were well developed.
Vivian Bedford nearly avoided a tragic end. But her survival has it's consequences. Now she can see spirits and auras.
*I received a copy of this book for free. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
This was a good book. The story and characters were well developed.
Vivian Bedford nearly avoided a tragic end. But her survival has it's consequences. Now she can see spirits and auras.
*I received a copy of this book for free. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
March 22, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
I am having a hard time reviewing this book. For the most part it is well written but sometimes a bit confusing here and there. It is also a bit depressing and I felt bad for both Vivian and Mae. Overall, it was an ok book.
I am having a hard time reviewing this book. For the most part it is well written but sometimes a bit confusing here and there. It is also a bit depressing and I felt bad for both Vivian and Mae. Overall, it was an ok book.
November 17, 2017
Vivian /Viv is almost at the end of her rope taking care of her severely disabled sister Mae. Vivian has had a hard life. Vivian is a loan officer. According to the doctors Mae’s condition is deteriorating quickly Vivian is driving and ends up in a car accident. Vivian manages to get out of her car and wonders why the car didn’t completely go in the ditch and she may have died. Viv noticed there was some commotion ahead of her and she walks slowly there and sees a man she believes in dying in twisted wreck and reached in and took the man’s hand and when she tried to pull away the man wouldn’t let go and the last thing he says to Viv is “ I’m sorry”. Viv didn’t know she and the dying man opened up a connection her and the world of spirits. Vivian now has the ability now to channel energy from the living and the dead. The the Grim Reaper Lazarus and she is afraid to not go along with his request. Then There is also a pair of Guardian Spirits Ezra and his apprentice Zeke offer to protect Vivian from the Reaper and help her come to grips with her new abilities. . Mae has also become a target for both Lazarus and Ezra as she is valuable for her store of living energy. Vivian must protect herself as well as Mae.
I had mixed feelings for this book. I liked how the author showed how hard it is mentally as well as physically on a family member taking care of a disabled family member especially one as disabled as Mae. But I felt like this book was a little too depressing to read at least for me. I respected the fact that Vivian didn’t just put Mae in a home and didn’t even want to return to work just to be there for Mae after what the doctor had said. But I also found this book confusing for me at times. My heart went out to both Vivian and Mae. I am not completely sure how I feel about this book except it was really dark for me. But I still wanted to finish reading this book and I did. But as I said I had mixed feelings.
I had mixed feelings for this book. I liked how the author showed how hard it is mentally as well as physically on a family member taking care of a disabled family member especially one as disabled as Mae. But I felt like this book was a little too depressing to read at least for me. I respected the fact that Vivian didn’t just put Mae in a home and didn’t even want to return to work just to be there for Mae after what the doctor had said. But I also found this book confusing for me at times. My heart went out to both Vivian and Mae. I am not completely sure how I feel about this book except it was really dark for me. But I still wanted to finish reading this book and I did. But as I said I had mixed feelings.
October 16, 2018
I truly enjoyed this book with all it's charm and dark moments. Vivian is a 3-dimensional character who has a sincere kindness that overshadows the darkness in her soul that she would rather not face. She has inherited the soul withering responsibility of caring for her sister with Cerebral Palsy without the finances to making her chore less of a burden. An incident on her way home from work one evening was not merely an inconvenience, it was life-changing, in that she has suddenly become the broker for souls, deciding their final destiny once they've died. What she doesn't know is that this power also makes her vulnerable to dark powers when she denies their will by saving a soul from their clutches. And then there's Zeke. Oh, I love Zeke. Adore his spirit. Literally and figuratively. The difficult choices she makes are the sort that could have lasting ramifications for her and her disabled sister Mae.
I loved this book and found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. Only a really good story will do that to me. I'm an impatient reader and will abandon a book if it doesn't capture me right away. This one grabbed me in the first paragraphs and didn't let me go. D.B. Sieders' characters will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
I loved this book and found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. Only a really good story will do that to me. I'm an impatient reader and will abandon a book if it doesn't capture me right away. This one grabbed me in the first paragraphs and didn't let me go. D.B. Sieders' characters will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
October 8, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
DNF
Interesting premise.
DNF because I read to escape 'real life' and this book was just hitting too close for me.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
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How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
DNF
Interesting premise.
DNF because I read to escape 'real life' and this book was just hitting too close for me.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
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