Monday 29 October 2012

Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway: Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista



Today I'm pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista.  This tour is hosted by AToMR Tours and you can find the complete tour schedule here.  Be sure to scroll down below my review and enter the rafflecopter for a chance to win and e-copy of Reaping Me Softly.  



Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Publication Date: October 30th 2012
My rating: 3 stars

 

 
Book Description: Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.

At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?

Reaping Me Softly was an engaging start to a planned trilogy.


Arianne has a lot going on in her life.  Her sister Carrie is sick in the hospital, she has the full attention of Darla, the queen bee and ruling bully of the school, and Ari has a special ability to see the souls of those who’ve died.  There is one bright spot in her life, Niko a classmate she’s had a crush on since freshman year finally takes notice of her after years of crushing on him. 

Niko is a Reaper, one who is depressed and lost the desire to live. He sees no purpose or reason to his life after living lifetime after lifetime reaping souls.  Why? What is the point?  That is until Arianne catches his attention and saves him when he foolishly allows himself to fade.   

Arianne is at a point in life, when you crush on a boy and it means the world to you.  Her feelings felt very young, although not uncommon for someone her age.  I should know, I’ve felt that all-consuming crush drown out the rest of my life before, while in school.  What I did have to wonder at was Niko’s feelings.  Why has Niko only just now noticed Ari after spending three years in the same school, and sharing classes with her?  Now he’s suddenly entranced by her? The whole thing smacks of insta-love on his part.  I will say that there was chemistry between these two, and a few swoony scenes as well. 

Darla is the obligatory mean girl, in this story but for a reason that surprised me.  I was happy there was a twist in the usual plot-line.  I liked the unexpected.  Arianne’s best friend, Ben, was an interesting secondary character, and I wished we would’ve seen him a little more fleshed out.  Her sister Carrie was sweet and positive in spite of her condition, and I always love reading about close sister relationships, so it was a pleasure to read their interactions.

The Reaper aspect and world in this story ended up being more interesting that I expected, and I’m wondering how this will factor into the next couple of books. 

All in all, I felt like Reaping Me Softly was a promising start to the series. 

A big thanks to AToMR tours and Omnific Publishing for allowing us to participate in the tour. 

You can find out more about the author at these links:



Kate Evangelista
Social Media links:
Twitter: @KateEvangelista


Make sure you enter in the rafflecopter for a chance to win one of the ten e-books up for grabs.  Good luck and thanks for stopping by!


 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

13 comments:

selkiereads said...

I love Kate and I love the world-building in her books! I'm definitely looking forward to this one. Great review!

- Ellie @ The Selkie Reads Stories

Suzanne (Parabooklover) said...

Great review Rachel. I was looking forward to this one, I liked the sound of it. But while I love YA books, I don't like childish immature characters, but I'd still like to give this one a go. Thanks for the giveaway :)

Mel@Thedailyprophecy said...

Such a pretty cover! I love it (L)

This sounds really interesting, although I'm not a huge fan of instant-love and immature characters :) I think I will give it a shot. Great review!

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited about this since the author is a a fellow countrywomen XD (Not sure if there is such a word but... Feminism \m/) I am little worried about the inta-love part though.

Great review, Rachel!

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

*sigh* That cover looks so promising, I expected this book to blow my mind. I'll still read it, of course, but I won't expect too much, which might turn out to be a good thing.
I do have a soft spot for reapers and who doesn't? :)
Great review.

Aa'Ishah said...

Hmm, the insta-love is very disappointing, but I'm still curious to read this; I really want to find a reaper book that I'm into and to be honest that cover is calling. ;) Wonderful review, Rachel! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

Delaney said...

Wow! Even though there was a few little things, it still sounds very wonderful! :) The cover is gorgeous, and I hope it goes well for anyone who entered. I don't think I could because it's eBook and I can't read on a eReader or the computer because it loses my focus, but wonderful review!

Keertana said...

I've seen the cover for this one EVERYWHERE but haven't been too interested by it. I have to admit that the insta-love is a big turn-off, but I might check this one out, depending on how the sequel is. Wonderful review, dear! :)

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I am on the fence on this one, it is everywhere and I am not a big fan of the cover...it sounds promising but I think my feelings would fall in line with yours, an average read. Thanks for the information have a happy Monday!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Sounds like an interesting read. I don't know if it's for me, exactly, but I'm glad you enjoyed it overall. I do love the cover!

Lauren

Jen (Books and Other Happy Ever Afters) said...

I haven't been seeing the BEST reviews for this book--mostly mixed reviews. It sounds like a so-so book, to me. The premise sounds really intriguing, but the romantic relationship seems a bit iffy and shaky. Yay for sister relationships though! :) Great review, and thanks for your honest thoughts. :)

Kate Evangelista said...

Thank you so much for participating in the tour! *hugs*

Rachel said...

My pleasure! :)

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