The Reaper by Jackson P. Brown (Gifted/AD)

Hello Readers,

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey for the early copy of The Reaper by Jackson P. Brown. I received a complimentary eBook in exchange for an honest review. Since it’s publication day, rest assured this review is completely spoiler-free.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the cover image featured in this post. It is used under Fair Use for the purposes of review and recommendation, in line with sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act.
 
Happy Publication Day  

Title: The Reaper
Author: Jackson P. Brown
Genre: Horror fiction, Mystery, Dark fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Romantic fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy
Pages: 418
Cover Image:


Synopsis: Amy is an empath, able to sense the auras of the supernatural creatures that stalk London at night. But sorely lacking in knowledge, she spends night after night searching for answers.

Gerald is a Reaper - a weapon for hire - on the verge of his Awakening. Of coming into his power and becoming the man his family need him to be. The man they demand he be.

When Amy stumbles onto Gerald one night, she notices his strange aura, unlike anything she has seen before. And so, against her better judgement she helps him. In thanks he makes her an offer she can't refuse: become his partner and he will introduce her to a world she has only ever felt the shallow surface of: the secret underground city.

And their first mission together: find the girl who murdered her parents.

Miniature Review

The Reaper by Jackson P. Brown is one of the most enjoyable dark urban fantasy novels I’ve read in a long time. Set in a shadowy version of London teeming with supernatural creatures, this book delivers sharp wit, immersive world-building, and two unforgettable characters: Amy, a 29-year-old empath, and Gerald, a newly awakened Grim Reaper.
 
From the very start, the chemistry between Amy and Gerald leaps off the page. She’s curious, compassionate, and determined to uncover the truth about her abilities. He’s a powerful, emotionally complex assassin who drinks tea, avoids clichés, and unintentionally charms everyone around him. Together, they form a chaotic yet compelling team drawn together by trauma, isolation, and a shared sense of justice.
 
What sets The Reaper apart is how seamlessly it blends fast-paced supernatural action with deeper themes like identity, political corruption, and the treatment of refugees. It’s a smart, funny, and unflinchingly honest take on the genre. The secret underground city beneath London is populated by vampires, wraiths, witches, and werewolves. It feels both magical and grounded, a reflection of modern society through a fantastical lens.
 
Amy’s powers are fascinating, and her relatability anchors the story. I have seen others complimenting how it is refreshing to see an older female lead in fantasy especially one still learning, growing, and defining her place in a complex world. Gerald, meanwhile, is the exact opposite of what you’d expect from a Grim Reaper: quiet, thoughtful, emotionally sincere, and deeply human.
 
If you love rich world-building, gritty urban fantasy with heart, and a duo you’ll immediately root for, The Reaper absolutely deserves a spot on your reading list. A brilliant debut with so much promise and I cant wait to see if we get a second book.

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