It's a Wonderful Death
Sarah J Schmitt
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Release Date: October 6th, 2015
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Release Date: October 6th, 2015
Seventeen-year-old RJ always gets what she wants. So when her soul is accidentally collected by a distracted Grim Reaper, somebody in the afterlife better figure out a way to send her back from the dead or heads will roll. But in her quest for mortality, she becomes a pawn in a power struggle between an overzealous archangel and Death Himself. The tribunal presents her with two options: she can remain in the lobby, where souls wait to be processed, until her original lifeline expires, or she can replay three moments in her life in an effort to make choices that will result in a future deemed worthy of being saved. It sounds like a no-brainer. She’ll take a walk down memory lane. How hard can changing her future be?But with each changing moment, RJ’s life begins to unravel, until this self-proclaimed queen bee is a social pariah. She begins to wonder if walking among the living is worth it if she has to spend the next sixty years as an outcast. Too quickly, RJ finds herself back in limbo, her time on Earth once again up for debate. RJ is a snarky, unapologetic, almost unredeemable, very real girl. Her story is funny and moving, and teens will easily connect with her plight. Prepare to meet the Grim Reaper, who’s cuter than you’d expect; Hawaiian shirt–wearing Death Himself; Saint Peter (who likes to play Cornhole); and Al, the handler for the three-headed hound that guards the gates of Hell. This cast of characters accompanies RJ through her time in the afterlife and will do their best to gently shove her in the right direction.
Note: I got this as an eARC from a book tour.
RJ had an awesome voice. I loved her personality. She was defiant and stood up for herself. She didn't let anyone hold her back. I liked that about her. I've always loved defiant, rebellious characters. (Perhaps because I'm a rule-sticker-to? Hm...a good question for a psychologist to answer.)
And she made some amazingly witty remarks. She was snappy and sarcastic. Very good on her feet. I admired that. (Because, again, I'm not RJ-ish in any way. Sigh.)
The book brought up an interesting point. You can change your future if you want to. You can change who you are. Your future isn't set in stone. You can be the change.
I know I sound preachy. I know. But that's the truth. The world is constantly moving. You gotta catch up and change if you want to go anywhere.
I liked that all the characters got happy endings. They got the positive end. I liked that. That gives people hope. And hope is all that you need.
I haven't read books with happy endings lately. (Ehem. 'This Is Where It Ends'. Ehem.) I've read a lot of unhappy endings. Tragedies instead of comedies.
This was a nice little reprieve. Something different.
My favorite part wasn't the redemption or anything. It was Madeline. She was so good-natured. So kind-hearted. Some might be turned off by that, but I'm someone who sees the darkness and sucks it up. I notice that. I see the murder reports. I see the bullying. I see it all and absorb it in my own way. Madeline fought Death Himself (Love the name) and gained something better than her morality.
She gained light. (Holy. I sound like a preacher.)
Sadly, it felt short. I wanted more. Maybe what happens after. And maybe we get to see Madeline again. I wanted more. Maybe a sequel? Or maybe a companion story all about Madeline. I'd like that.
And she made some amazingly witty remarks. She was snappy and sarcastic. Very good on her feet. I admired that. (Because, again, I'm not RJ-ish in any way. Sigh.)
The book brought up an interesting point. You can change your future if you want to. You can change who you are. Your future isn't set in stone. You can be the change.
I know I sound preachy. I know. But that's the truth. The world is constantly moving. You gotta catch up and change if you want to go anywhere.
I liked that all the characters got happy endings. They got the positive end. I liked that. That gives people hope. And hope is all that you need.
I haven't read books with happy endings lately. (Ehem. 'This Is Where It Ends'. Ehem.) I've read a lot of unhappy endings. Tragedies instead of comedies.
This was a nice little reprieve. Something different.
My favorite part wasn't the redemption or anything. It was Madeline. She was so good-natured. So kind-hearted. Some might be turned off by that, but I'm someone who sees the darkness and sucks it up. I notice that. I see the murder reports. I see the bullying. I see it all and absorb it in my own way. Madeline fought Death Himself (Love the name) and gained something better than her morality.
She gained light. (Holy. I sound like a preacher.)
Sadly, it felt short. I wanted more. Maybe what happens after. And maybe we get to see Madeline again. I wanted more. Maybe a sequel? Or maybe a companion story all about Madeline. I'd like that.
Rating:
4/5
BOOK LINKS:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hIlejx
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
TRAILER:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah J. Schmitt is a K-8 school librarian and Youth Service Professional for Teens at a public library who, in addition to planning a variety of events, enjoys opening up the world of books to reluctant readers. She runs a teen writing program that combines Skype visits from well-known authors and screenwriters and critique group style feedback.
Prior to immersing herself in the world of the written word, Sarah earned her Masters of Science in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Indiana University where she worked with first year college students as they acclimated to college life. Sarah lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband, two kidlets and a cat who might actually be a secret agent. She is an active member of SCBWI, ALA and the Indiana Library Federation and is a regular participant at the Midwest Writer's Workshop. Her debut novel, IT'S A WONDERFUL DEATH, comes out Fall 2015 from Sky Pony Press.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJSchmitt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Prize: WIN A GIRLS KICK BUTT PRIZE PACK (winner will win all the following items) - US ONLY
- A SIGNED copy of The Heir by Kiera Cass OR a SIGNED copy of HOOK'S REVENGE by Heidi Shultz
- Handmade bracelet in RJ's favorite color: purple
- IT'S A WONDERFUL DEATH SWAG PACK: a key chain, a button, a handmade paper clip bookmark and a necklace charm
- Funko Pop! Pocket Keychain (Game of Thrones Daenerys Targaryen)
Hosted By:
BOOK LINKS:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hIlejx
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
TRAILER:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah J. Schmitt is a K-8 school librarian and Youth Service Professional for Teens at a public library who, in addition to planning a variety of events, enjoys opening up the world of books to reluctant readers. She runs a teen writing program that combines Skype visits from well-known authors and screenwriters and critique group style feedback.
Prior to immersing herself in the world of the written word, Sarah earned her Masters of Science in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Indiana University where she worked with first year college students as they acclimated to college life. Sarah lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband, two kidlets and a cat who might actually be a secret agent. She is an active member of SCBWI, ALA and the Indiana Library Federation and is a regular participant at the Midwest Writer's Workshop. Her debut novel, IT'S A WONDERFUL DEATH, comes out Fall 2015 from Sky Pony Press.
Prior to immersing herself in the world of the written word, Sarah earned her Masters of Science in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Indiana University where she worked with first year college students as they acclimated to college life. Sarah lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband, two kidlets and a cat who might actually be a secret agent. She is an active member of SCBWI, ALA and the Indiana Library Federation and is a regular participant at the Midwest Writer's Workshop. Her debut novel, IT'S A WONDERFUL DEATH, comes out Fall 2015 from Sky Pony Press.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJSchmitt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Prize: WIN A GIRLS KICK BUTT PRIZE PACK (winner will win all the following items) - US ONLY
- A SIGNED copy of The Heir by Kiera Cass OR a SIGNED copy of HOOK'S REVENGE by Heidi Shultz
- Handmade bracelet in RJ's favorite color: purple
- IT'S A WONDERFUL DEATH SWAG PACK: a key chain, a button, a handmade paper clip bookmark and a necklace charm
- Funko Pop! Pocket Keychain (Game of Thrones Daenerys Targaryen)
Hosted By:
This sounds really good! I absolutely love the sound of someone fighting against death. I wish I had known about this book earlier!! O_O Thankfully this means I can read it now :3
ReplyDeleteFaye at The Social Potato
It was pretty awesome! I really did like it. Enjoy, Faye!
ReplyDelete