Christopher Mannino

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I decided to pick up this book because it gave an impression that this would be quite a unique story after reading its synopsis and indeed it was. The book introduced us to the world of deaths which was nicely done and there were many details that were quite creative and interesting. Although I did not really like the main characters, I found other characters like the Elementals, dragons and professors quite interesting and wish they had more roles in the future.

The books contained many plots some of which were predictable and others which kept me reading the book. I found the book entertaining especially in the beginning but not so much towards the end as I found it quite slow. I think that the romance here seems awkward and not fitting. The lack of more detailed actions and the few roles of the villains left me quite unsatisfied as I wish Susan would participate in more action.

Overall, I found the book enjoyable to a certain extent and I think the book would suit the young readers. I look forward to seeing Susan's growth in the next book.… (mehr)

I would like to thank MuseItUp Publishing for a copy of this e-book to review. Though I received this e-book for free, that has no impact upon the honesty of my review.

Goodreads Teaser: "Susan Sarnio made a choice, and will spend the rest of her life as the only female Death. Last year she was bullied and ostracized. Now, to her complete bewilderment, four Deaths via for her affection. Yet, something is terribly wrong at the College of Deaths. When a ship Carr scythe metal is attacked, many blame the newly-freed Elementals, but Susan knows the Elementals are innocent.

Shadows from the distant past come to light. Dragons circle the horizon, blood spills, and nothing is what it seems. Susan and her friends struggle to stop a war. They search for the fabled First Scythe, hoping to sway the balance, but who is the true enemy?"

Continuing in the same vein as the first book, this one is rich with colorful characters, interesting challenges, and thoughtful messages embedded within the story itself. Suzie, now going by her full name of Susan, finds yet another mystery to be unraveled right along with the unfinished mystery from book one. Only this time she's got her legs underneath her, so to speak; starting from a much more powerful position Susan once again is the central figure in the ongoing saga that is no longer just the College of Deaths, but now involves the world of Deaths.

At the tender age of fourteen Susan is still struggling to eke out a place in a society that's been devoid of women for a million years. And now she's got the added challenge of coping with multiple admirers, though that does help balance out the considerable grief she still faces from those who've long become accustomed to an all male society. Billy, Frank, and two others vie for her affections, while still trying to find the right balance of remaining her friend should she chose one of them. And while there is romance, it is very age appropriate, again going no further than sweet kisses (which may in many cases be somewhat idealistic in the world today's teens must navigate).

While many of the core characters continue to develop, Frank steps into the next largest role. Much of this book bounces between following the development of both Susan and Frank. As they grow into themselves they propel the story forward, tackling old and new challenges alike. The intrinsic strength of each of these teenagers is surprising and a nice affirmation that young adults can be powerful and strong on individual levels. Though they may lean on each other from time to time, they are also able to better stand on their own than they did just one short year ago. Part of the challenge they all face is who to trust among their peers, among the adults in their lives, and how far they can trust their own judgment. It's a nicely framed situation that reflects the balance all teens struggle to find as they grow older and more independent.

Ending with a solid cliffhanger, this middle book of the trilogy is a lovely addition to the series. The characters continue to be well thought out and developed, as does the plot they are following. The arc of this story is nice and smooth, with the action and introspection well blended to avoid a glut of one or the other in any section of the book. As the dust settles it's clear that this entry is not only well thought out but well written, leaving this reader looking forward to the conclusion of the trilogy, as I'm sure it won't disappoint.… (mehr)

I would like to thank Christopher Mannino/MuseItUp Publishing & Book Publicity Services for a copy of this book to review. Though I received this book for free, that has no impact upon the honesty of my review.

Goodreads Teaser: "Thrust into a world of men, can a timid girl find bravery as the first female Death?

Thirteen-year-old Suzie Sarnio always believed the Grim Reaper was a fairy tale image of a skeleton with a scythe. Now, forced to enter the College of Deaths, she finds herself training to bring souls from the Living World to the Hereafter. The task is demanding enough, but as the only female in an all-male College, she quickly becomes a target. Attacked by both classmates and strangers, Suzie is alone in a world where even her teachers want her to fail.

Scythes hungry for souls, Deaths who subjugate a race of mysterious magicians, and echoes of an ancient war with Dragons.

As her year progresses, Suzie suspects her presence isn't an accident. She uncovers a plot to overthrow the World of Deaths. Now she must also discover the reason she's been brought there: the first female Death in a million years."

Suzie is a wonderful protagonist, especially for middle grade readers and older. Though put into challenging and dangerous situations she doesn't simply sit down and cry, instead she decides to handle each situation as best she can. This doesn't mean she hasn't got weak moments from time to time, but without those she certainly wouldn't read as authentically as she does. She starts out as pretty much an average middle class white American kid, complete with the two parents and older brother. But things have begun to go wrong for her before we even meet her. Even before the massive life change she goes through she shows some signs of being pretty levelheaded.

Once at the College of Deaths everything seems to go wrong. Being the first female in a million years is a tough spot to be in, especially for a thirteen year old girl. Though the first few faces she meets are kind enough, they all warn her of the hardships she'll be facing. The only female in an all male environment. There aren't any other women in the College at all. Not teachers, not regular staff, none. She's alone and adrift, and facing intense hostility. But between her own belief in herself and the support of the few friends she has, Suzie will muddle through her first year. And do most of it pretty well!

The various events that happen to occur surrounding Suzie, as well as her own emotional journey, make this an interesting and engaging read. Beneath and between the different situations that are encountered are solid pieces of advice and messages worth reading, absorbing, and learning. And Mannino does a great job of making those lessons and messages so much a part of the story that they aren't obvious or forced. Rather they simply are part of Suzie's experience, and as such pieces can be used or discarded by each reader as required.

Even the mysteries and various major events involve teachable moments. And they'll make for good group discussions, and hopefully lively conversations both in and out of the classroom; I feel that this could be a good reading list book in grade school. And it's nice to have an adventure where the lead character is a female who isn't a damsel in distress, but rather a smart, caring, strong girl that's more than capable of handling the problems and events put in front of her. And her empathy shows its own power and strength, without making her weak. Lots of good things to be discovered in Suzie's adventures throughout the College of Deaths and beyond. But you won't know nearly any of them until you read this book, so grab yourself a copy and get comfortable.… (mehr)

What if you were dead, but still had life, in an unusual sort of world? What if you were the only female in this world and had to work extra hard to prove yourself?

In SWORD OF DEATHS, Book 2 in the Scythe Wielders’ Secret Series, Author Christopher Mannino’s novel for young adults, Suzie Sarnio finds herself in such a situation. She is a Death, the only female death. Frank is an Elemental (Mental) in disguise. Deaths hate Mentals. Suzie knows Frank is a Mental; he’s also her friend, and they must keep his secret. She has another secret too: she likes Billy, also a Death. Add dragons, the enemies of Deaths into the picture, and you have a story with plenty of action and danger.

The author has created interesting characters who are simply trying to survive and to do their jobs. They are grim reapers, you see. My favorite character is Frank. He’s brave, kind, and I just like him. The reader sees the story through different points of view of the characters, which is neat.

I need to read the first book in the series now so maybe I’ll understand some of the things that happen in SWORD OF DEATHS that were a bit confusing to me. I think meeting the characters earlier would help me to understand their world and them and their goals better. This is a good novel, especially for fantasy lovers.

###… (mehr)