GRAVE MEMORY by Kalayna Price

 

One of my first reviews when I started the blog (2 years ago this coming February!) was of this series.  I loved it then, and I love it now.  Let me 'splain.

The Alex Craft Novels aren't as well-known as some other urban fantasies.  I can kind of understand b/c there are so many great UFs out there.  But as far as story goes, I'm not sure why it's not as popular.  I dig that, though, because it makes me feel like I'm part of some special, super-secret club.

Those of us who know Death vs. Those of us who don't.

Believe me, you want to know Death.

 

The hero in this series is irresistible.  First, he's Death with a capital "D," like the personification of death itself.  Second, he's a reaper ,and Alex is a grave witch (i.e. human who can raise shades and speak to the dead).  The reapers have all these rules--including this whole "no fraternizing with humans" rule--so if you want forbidden romance?  There you go.  Third, Death is a rule breaker.  This is probably my favorite reason to fall for Death.  He steps in to save Alex's life time and time again, sometimes in heart-stopping ways.  This book was no exception. 

Oh yeah, and he looks great in a pair of jeans, has a thing for coffee, and is willing to give up his immortality for Alex.  Death = Reaper rule-breaking heartthrob.  There is a lot of Death in this book, so yeah.  The romance was on point.  I laughed, swooned, held my breath.  Some might say there's a triangle, but I only see Alex and Death.  Hope to see more of their relationship in this series.  And thank you Kalayna Price for choosing the right guy for our girl!

Another great reason to read these books (and this one in particular) is PLOT.

I'll be honest.  This book didn't pick up for me until about page 100.  That's because, as with most series, authors feel the need to "catch everybody up."  The first hundred were basically a reintroduction to the world of Alex Craft.  I didn't need it--but hey, new readers might have.  For me, page 124 is where it really took off.  I'm about to reveal a bit of the plot, so if you don't want to read, skip down past the ***SPOILER*** labels.

***SPOILER***

"A queasy uneasiness reverberated through every cell in my body.  Three bodies couldn't be a coincidence.  Nekros had a serial killer.  Weapon of choice: suicide."--page 124

***END SPOILER***

That made the sleuth in me sit up and say, "Ooooh."  The plot itself was inventive and unique.  The part where Alex finally figured it out made me perk up, and I read the last 2/3 of the book a lot quicker.  And then, of course, Death played a key role in the last half of the book, which really made this one a winner in my eyes.

I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say that Kalayna Price is my new best friend.  I'd make coffee for Death any day.  Caleb, Alex's fair-weather fae friend, is currently on my "you kinda suck" list.  Agent Falin needs to get his crap together.  Alex and Death forever.  And I can't wait to read book 4!

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl