Reaper by Rachel Vincent Series: Soul Screamers #3.5
on January 1st 1970
Pages: 64
Goodreads
Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him--and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed.
And then the car accident occurred. Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice.
Life... Death... or something Between....
When I found out there was a novella about Tod I knew I had to get my hands on it. This novella used to be quite easy to find but as it was out a few years ago it isn’t online anymore. Luckily I managed to track down a copy in Soul Screamers Volume 2 (yes I bought this even though I already owned My Soul to Keep and My Soul to Steal – that is how much I like Tod!). I’m very glad that I did!
This novella tells the story of how Tod actually became a reaper. Even if I wasn’t such a big fan of the character I would still have wanted to read it. Reaper really solidified my love for Tod. I read it after finishing the main series (would have preferred to read it in order but oh well!) so I already know what happens with Tod later on but I couldn’t pass up the chance to be inside his head even if I already knew the reason he became a reaper in the first place.
The novella focuses on Tod’s last day alive. His mother leaves him to watch over Nash who has gotten into trouble with his girlfriend Sabine. Nash sneaks out to a party without Tod realising he is gone but later calls his brother to come and pick him up. They get into a car crash on the way home.
**SPOILER ALERT – HIGHLIGHT TO VIEW**
Nash dies and Tod confronts the reaper who has come to take his brother’s soul. The reaper (Levi!) offers up an alternative. He can exchange his life for Nash which Tod readily accepts on the proviso that Nash can never know what has transpired.
**END OF SPOILER**
Tod wakes up one week later and is given yet another choice – he can become a reaper.
Oh Tod. Words cannot describe how much I love you. I have a soft spot for snarky, wise-cracking characters and Tod is on top form in this novella, despite the grim nature of the story. Reaper also shows his caring, sweet side – he would clearly do anything for the ones he loves. Tod makes the ultimate sacrifice in Reaper and his life is changed irrevocably.
Reaper isn’t a particularly long novella but it is definitely worth reading if you are a fan of the series (and Tod!).
[…] This is the story of how Tod became a Reaper – and it’s an absolute doozy! Seriously, one of the best novellas for this series and in general, to be honest. I adore this series and Tod is my favourite. You can read my review here. […]