Grim Reaping

Your pitch caught my eye, this was at the bottom of my WL but I had to check it out first.
After reading that the Grim Reaper's voice was that of Stephen Fry (I love Stephen Fry), I heard his voice narrating the story, which really added something extra to the writing.
What a fabulous and different way to look at death. I found myself chuckling on a few occasions just in the prologue and first chapter. This was effortless to read and a highly enjoyable start to my Sunday.
I will give you 5 stars for now and keep you on my WL to come back to.
Again, I must say, what a remarkable take on our souls living this world. I loved it!!

Luciana House
'Burning Angel'

Read the first chapter and would have gone on, but there is some kind of glitch/error that won't let me proceed. Too bad, I was enjoying your work. Very original spin on death. Found the whole conversation between Grim and the grave digger witty, yet profound. I have nothing concrete to offer in this comparison, but something about the story and your style reminds me of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol. I was engaged from the moment I read your pitch. This could be a noteworthy piece. BTW-You have what seems to be your prologue listed as Chapter One along with the real Chapter One. 5 stars, would probaby be six if I could read on. This is something I would buy.
Dina of The Last Degree and Halo of the Damned

I could really hear Stephen Fry's voice in my head, as I read this book. I loved that.
Grim Reaper has great potential.
It is unusual and held my attention throughout the first chapter.
I don't usually read comedys, but this is so unique, I believe I would actually buy it.
Where have the rest of the chapters gone? I really wanted to read on.
I clicked the link on authonomy's 'pitch me' on the home page.

Grim Reaping is an entertaining story. I read the first three chapters. I like the humour & I think you maintain your voice well which makes it an easy book to read. I like that a visa is needed to go to heaven or hell. The chainsaw incident is nice & gory. The plot has a lot of potential from what I read. It seems to be going in an interesting direction.
I noticed that at the top chapter 2 it says chapter 3 & at the top of chapter 3 it says chapter 4. Also I spotted a few typos. In chapter 2 it says "... one who pays - paid - me me wages ...". In chapter 3 it says "Why would anyone I know what to kill me?" Also I noticed "ok" which should be "OK" or "okay".
Tim
VITALITY

You don't really make it clear what grim looks like. From the hints I would assume the classic skeleton with black robes and scythe, but I'm not sure. If he does look like that then you've gone for a pretty familiar version of death, one that's been used many times, most notably by Terry Pratchett. I only mention this because it immediately came to mind and you may want to establish your character as separate from people's preconceptions.

The start was a little confusing. i wasn't sure if the gravedigger was dead abd his ghost was digging, or if he was digging and then fell in the hole, releasing his spirit. I don't think it's very clear exactly what's going on in that scene, although I did get the gist of it. Messy.

The writing is pretty good, with a strong voice for the main character, but it's a little exposition heavy, especially for a first chapter. Stopping to explain things really slows the pace down and isn't necessary. It's a bit like writing a bank heist and stooping to mention who designed the get away car and which year the town mayor opened the bank. I'm sure a lot of this stuff is relevant but pauing to explain stuff to the reader makes it feel very stop-start. There are better techniques for getting info to the reader that you could maybe employ, and not necessarily in the first chapter when you're trying to engage the reader. Generally it feels quite theatrical and overwritten at times. Although the same could be said of Stephen Fry.

Once the mystery of who and why someone had a grave dug for death the pace realy dropped off a lot. The constant questions and lack of any kind of answers made it very unsatisfying to read. i realise you're building up the mystery, but again there are more effective ways of doing it. A baffled MC talking to other equally baffled characters doesn't make for a very interesting read, especially when it goes on at length. The kind of vaudevillian double-talk you have them go into gets old very quickly. By the end of chapter 4 (what happened to chapter two by the way?) I got the feeling you were going to string things out like this a lot and it didn't make me want to read on. I'm not saying that is what happens in the rest of the book (obviously I haven't read to find out) but that's how it made me feel.

i think you have a strong grip on Grim's personality and point of view, but the pace really works against you (imo). If you could be slightly less repetitive at the start (bear in mind repetition in writing has a very marked effect, much more than in real life) and if you use more than one approach for the mystery of 'them' (at the moment it's just everyone knowing nothing - does the job, but not in a very interesting way) then i think it would make for a much stronger opening. The idea of someone wanting death out of the way is a promising one, but I found all the asides and emphasis on no one knowing anything to be more distracting than intriguing.

Hi Anthony, Quite an enjoyable read. I love the confidence of your protagonist Reaper as well as his devil-may-care demeanor. You have a great flow of verse and you definitely know how to spin a good yarn! This is on my shelf and I look forward to reading more. JupiterGirl (Twins of the Astral Plane)

hullo Anthony, again. this story is even more interesting. An interesting occupation and the chainsaw incident was almost as good as it would have been had the chainsaw been in mortal hands. We must keep a positive perspective about death since we will have that appointment someday. Very good again.
Already shelved and backed.
Please take a look at my book if you have not and thanks for that.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

I have begun reading your book and had to shelve it as it is such an interesting storyline to begin with and I have only gone through Chapter one. This definately appeals big time. Only a weekender so I will only be here then to read and comment. Anyway, to start with, congrats on the great start which drew me in.
Cat

Interesting pitch, strong writing so far, and a humour which makes me smile ("In a nice way, and not in the way when walking down dark alleys gunning down hoods" Thank you Mike Hammer)

You also have the pace about right, and apart from a little comment below re Terry Pratchett's 'Mort' (something which seems to be dumped on anyone writing about Death as a humerous character these days) I found the whole concept and the way you dealt with the action to be well done, and worth reading.

Many thanks. Backed with pleasure.

wonderful!

I erally liked your beginning, and I'm going to keep reading =D My friend, the author of Mercy, backed this or I might not have ever found it, which would have been a crime. Ch1 was very amusing, and I think you did a great job on Grim =]
~Zero, No Title Needed

Very amusing. =) Great plot, great voice.

Intriguing. Shades of Terry Pratchett - and me! I'm not going to criticize for fear of meddling with your style - nothing stands out as irksome. I'll have to finish reading what you've put up on this site. Shelved.

Dear Anthony, I love fiction, fantasy, & comedy - what a mix. :) Your blurb is good because it prepared me to read your book. Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing/commenting on your book to help it advance. Could you please return the favor by taking a moment to back/comment on my TWO books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & the unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories." Thanks, Susie :)

Backed with pleasure. Interesting read so far. I will look more when I get time. HONEST...

Backed
Brendan Doherty
The Russian Hat

What an intriguing premise.. Diaries of the Grim Reaper! absolutely love the humour element and the writing is fresh and crisp.. Enjoyed the first few chapters - Backing now with pleasure!

"A scream and the sound of something soft going through a blender."
A forgotten chainsaw running out of petrol . . .
The "shades" . . . .
Backed yesterday. Marianne (Saint Paddy and the Sundial)

This is a clever story. I liked the way it's written by Death. Very orginal. Gives a whole new slant on things. I'm adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is awesome - funny and edgy and so very unique. BACKED with a smile!

Liz
The Cheech Room

I agree w/smcint04. All the reference to publishers and agents was not in line with the rest of the book. It might work as part of an introduction, but not the first chapter of the book.

LIke the sense of humor. Take this for what it's worth, but the first chapter just didn't work for me. I would suggest making chapter 2 the start, IMHO.

Hi Anthony,
I loved reading this. Your sense of hunour is brilliantly judged and executed and I found myself getting drawn deeper and deeper into the story - Shelved.
Good luck,
James (The Lycetta Legacy).

Loved this book, had me laughing all the way through and I would love to read the rest of the book to see how it ends. The narrative style is very engaging and the humour keeps you hooked all the way through, a very imaginative and well thought out read.

Nice. Very amusing from what I've read. I like a humorous take on Death. I tend to take one in my own writing sometimes. There is a wit and charm to your writing that will appeal to many. Best of luck in getting this published.
Stuart

Cool. Looking forward to sinking my teeth into this one.

Hi Anthony, I love the premise of your book. Clever to come up with something that's been staring us in the face (that's what it always seems like when you see it done by someone else.) The writing's worthy of the premise thankfully - what a waste that would have been - and I'm sooooo glad that it is humerous. Lots of lovely tongue in cheek moments. I don't have anything to suggest on how I think it could be improved unfortunately. Backed, Scott.

I like the mordant, blackly comic tone of your opening! This is an intriguing premise with great potential What I would suggest--and this is meant as constructive criticism--is that you hone and polish your style/sentence structure.

For example, change 'gravesides; to 'graveyards' How about beginning with 'For some reason that I find perplexing, graveyards are associated with death. Odd, that, when you come to think of it. After all, very few people actually die in graveyards.. But let me not get ahead of myself...''

What an astute opening (and quiet funny). Your play on word is very good. Your sensory predicates in your narrative sets this up very well and the characterisation of Grim. Great story, fully enjoyed.

I thought I had backed your book before Anthony, but on looking through my paperwork I could not find it. I must have read the first chapter and somehow deleted you from my watchlist. Now here I am to correct the error. I thoroughly enjoyed what I have read, very good writing and you must have a good sense of humour. This is one story which stands out for me. Good Luck Anthony.
Norman. The Witch of Hambone Bk.3. And, Muddledydo.

This is smoothly written, and is very funny. Grim has a unique voice. It seems apt that Death would talk like this. You have a knack of ending your chapters in a way that urges the reader to read just one more. I read far more of this than I intended to. Backed.

Patrick
Trinity

How creative! So unique...you have a gem here. Congrats and good luck. Backed.

BD Nelson
Abigail's Cries

Genuis! Shelved.

Maria.

I like books that are unique enough to have been near to an original idea and not the rehashed genre sellers that get churned out en mass. This is well written and me old mate Death takes on a different persona. Nice one. Backed. B. Cameron Lee

This is really well written and really enjoyable and humorous from the start. Gets my backing.

You write with a good amount of humor. I found myself laughing along with the text on more than one occassion. I was interested in which way you would take the character of Death and I was not dissapointed. Backed.

Fabulous - lovely twists on expressions like 'Johnny B God' and 'I am only immortal.' A great hook at the end of chapter 2, and then things take a turn for the weirder in three. Grim is a great MC - I know Pratchett wrote his Death character, but you make Grim your own. Backed.

Absolutely brill. Loved the use of 'plopped' at the start of chp 1 - it set the tone for the book. Definitely one I'd buy should it be published.

Backed with enthusiasm

Ibby (Near Miss)

Wonderful! The premise is funny of course but your writing is extremely polished and gives the humour it's dry wit: more 'thoughtful' humour, than belly laughs - right up my street! The interaction of 'call me Grim' with others, particularly the grave digger and Pinkie, are lovely. Shelved with a smile and a chuckle, Carolyn.

Anthony,

Great premise. I love the idea of death being a person. The writing flows well, an enteraining and humorous read.

Shelved.

Laurie - Into The Master's Lair

Call me Grim. Death is papework. And especially Johnny B. God. This is wild. Death as a beaureaucrat -- what an awesome voice. I skipped into later chapters and you maintain the momentum. Delicious humor. Backed.

Funny and entertaining. Human's are like a disease . . . heh, heh, one that gives an itchy rash. The ghost of Boris was comical. Time didn't permit me to read past chapter 4, but since the grave was for Death, who is clearly already dead or never was alive to begin with, what happens to him when he dies? Wouldn't he just end up where he started? I was curious about that and I'm sure you explain somewhere down the line. No complaints with your writing here, just wondering about Death's death. Heh heh.

This is such a unique concept, the pitch really sold me but it was your writing that had me hitting the 'back' button! Very well done, funny and engaging!

Missy

I really like this! The cover is excellent, I love black. I also love the pitch, the life of death, brilliant and the rest of it excellent too. I liked the opening chapter, funny and dryly sarcastic. I also liked the fact that his middle name is Fandango, brilliant. Excellent writing that is intriguing and funny, wonderful and backed,

Sandie
The Crown of Crysaldor

I found the start intrigued and captured me so that I wanted to read more. The book is well written.

Brilliant first couple of chapters. Made me want to read on anyway! Love this whole idea of making God and the Grim Reaper into seemingly more human characters! Hope this gets published :) I'll back it with pleasure :)
If you have any time available, i would really appreciate it if you could look at my book, The Secret Life Of A Part-Time Shark, thanks!

This really shines, be it with the voice of death. This has some great humour and I'm glad you shared it with us. I wish you every success, Sana

Funny and well written. I am a fan of this genre and so I always approach the reading ready to be let down. This didn't let me down at all. Backed.

I love the humour in this. It is so funny yet you are talking about a serious subject. I like your plot and the way you write and so I am backing it and I hope it climbs up the charts to the Editors desk.

Best Wishes

Anna

hahah I loved this, its a great idea and I like the read. great start and great chapter 2 :D

This is fantastically irreverent, funny, and just plain old crazy. Why is it so far down on the list? I'd really like to see this book do a whole lot better; it almost begs for an illustrated version - along the lines of Crumb.