6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Welcome to the dark side of DEATH, Mar 4 2011
By Theresa - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Serpent's Storm (Mass Market Paperback)
When Thalia, Death's Daughter's power hungry sister, escapes prison, Callie learns, no matter how hard she tires, she can't escape her destiny as the not-so-normal girl. Serpent's Storm, the third installment of this series goes to the darker side of Death Inc. Callie's unwillingness to fully embrace the family business has disastrous consequences after someone near and dear to her reaps the benefit from the power of being "Death". Unfortunately for both, not in a way either expected, or wanted. Dealing with the trivial relationship issues with her smoking hot new boyfriend with have to wait as, once again, the Afterlife world is thrown into chaos. This time however, Callie faces each challenge with self-reliance, strength and determination.
The evolution of the protagonist from the shallow, self-involved "normal" girl in book one, to a thoughtful, motivated and brave young woman in book three, represents a true "Hero's Journey." One that is delivered via plenty of wit, likable characters and fantastical adventures with more twists and turns than a giant Sea Serpent's body. My only (minor) disappointment in this installment was the lack of my favorite characters, Runt, the Hellhound pup and the adorable techno-sis, Cleo. Luckily, this series will be continuing for, at least, two more books. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait to see where our hero goes next. Will she use a wormhole to get there or just swim? :)
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A turn for the "grim", Feb 28 2011
By Kelly (Fantasy Literature) - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Serpent's Storm (Mass Market Paperback)
Calliope Reaper-Jones's life takes a turn for the grim in Serpent's Storm, the third book in Amber Benson's series about the daughter of Death. These books have always featured some serious content, and Serpent's Storm still contains some humor, but overall this is the most serious CALLIOPE book so far.
The beginning is a little annoying, with Callie in full-on flippant mode, bored with her boyfriend Daniel for a rather obnoxious reason. It isn't long, though, before Callie's life is irrevocably shaken up. Benson yanks most of Callie's "security blankets" away in a cascade of tragedies and betrayals. Callie now has to take on great responsibilities while trying to figure out who is on her side and who is a secret enemy.
The character relationships are heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking; the tragic events in Serpent's Storm hit both Callie and the reader pretty hard. In addition to the cast we know and love, Benson also introduces several new, quirky supporting characters and places them in the unique vistas we've come to expect from her.
The wrap-up of the main plot is satisfactory. Callie undergoes a large amount of growth, and develops into a stronger, more independent character who is ready for heavier responsibilities. The epilogue, though, is simply evil! It's not a cliffhanger for the main plot, but it leaves a particular subplot hanging and readers longing for a happy resolution to that aspect of the story.
If you've enjoyed the CALLIOPE REAPER-JONES books all along, you'll like this one despite its darker tone; Callie goes through some changes but is still recognizably her endearing, snarky self. If you thought the first two books were a little too fluffy, Serpent's Storm is just what you were looking for. There's very little fashion talk, Callie becomes more mature, and the book explores some of the gloomier possibilities of a Death-themed series.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
3rd In the Series, Mar 15 2011
By SciFiChick "The SciFiChick" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Serpent's Storm (Mass Market Paperback)
Calliope Reaper-Jones has been dating Daniel, the Devil's protégé, but having a hard time dealing with their intimacy. Then, on her way to work, Calliope is attacked by the Ender of Death. It seems that Callie's sister made a deal with the Devil to take over Death Inc. after they remove Callie and her father (Death himself) from the picture.
Calliope has done a lot of growing up over the last couple books. Though she still wants to live a normal human life, she still steps up and takes responsibility when it's thrust upon her. She no longer pines for material things as she used to. Even her shaky relationship with Daniel is a step forward. I love the direction Benson is taking these incredible characters.
This is the third installment in the Calliope Reaper-Jones series. And with the evolution of Calliope's character, comes a darker story, with less silliness and a bit less humor. Though, as always, there is plenty of action-packed adventure and fun. Callie encounters numerous villains, seemingly hopeless situations, the death of loved ones, and realizes a startling revelation about herself. Benson has brought the series to a new impressive height - dark, startling, and plenty of shocking surprises. Urban fantasy fans should not miss this fantastic series.