Audiobook Review: School of Deaths by Christopher Mannino!

• Written by: Christopher Mannino
• Narrated by: Joel Froomkin
• Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins 
• Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-21-16
Publisher: Christopher Mannino
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 the 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 enslave a race of mysterious magicians, and echoes of an ancient war with Dragons. Caught in the middle of a plot to overthrow the World of Deaths, Suzie must uncover the reason she's been brought there: the first female Death in a million years.
My Thoughts:

This was such a unique and enjoyable take on the Grim Reaper. I ended up thoroughly enjoying it!!

13 yer old Suzie is rapidly losing weight and her parents are worried. Despite her reassuring them that there is nothing wrong with her, and she is eating, she is like a skeleton. Test after test comes back with the result that she is healthy, so why is he like this? Well that's answered one evening when a man dressed up like a reaper with a real scythe come knocking at her door. Nest thing she knows, Suzie is transported to a place she doesn't know. She is told that she has the choice of either staying at the school of deaths and becoming a grim reaper, or going straight back home and dying. Not much of a choice but the only thing is that if she stays a year in the school and passes her exams, she has another choice of continuing on to become a Grim or going back home after the year. Suzie decides to stay the year and then head home, but then she is informed that she is the first female death in a million years, and the last female one, turned bad! It's very much a male dominated world!

Suzie was awesome!!! She is dying in the real world and when given the choice, she chooses to stay the year and pass the test and then return home. Despite most of the school, and indeed, some of the teachers bullying and belittling her, Suzie keeps her head high and carries on. She is brave, kind, loyal to her friends and smart. With her small band of friends, Suzie thrives and tries to become the best grim she can be.

The plot of this was fast paced and engaging. I loved the world the author has created, with the Elementals, Grims, Living Scythe, Dragons and the lore behind everything. It was fascinating and entertaining. The author really brings it to life with the vivid details and rich detail! The author also deals with the bullying issues really well. Her friends rally behind her and help her through it.

Anyway, in all this is a fresh and unique take on an age old idea, that will grab you from the start and not let go. From it's captivating characters, to its gripping plot, School of Deaths is a must read. I, for one, can not wait for the next one!!

*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*