Before I say anything else, remember that a 2-star rating from me on Goodreads means what Goodreads says it does--it was okay. NOT terrible, just okay. Although it was quite violent and dark, I kept with this story because it had characters and a setting with a ton of potential. However, as the story progressed, it felt like the main focus was on that darkness, not on fulfilling the potential.

The writing is strong and evocative, and the storyline progresses quickly for the most part (the backstory on each new character is sort of dumped all in one go, but it's interesting backstory and presented almost as part of the narrative, so it doesn't really slow the story down). I think it suffers in audiobook form because there are a lot of fight scenes, which, when read, mostly become confusing rather than exciting.

All in all, it was not my cup of tea, but if you like darker themes, a bleak setting, and lots of action, you'll probably like this book.

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eath comes for one who does not want to go. This one does the unthinkable, he trades his son for more living time. His son, Nathaniel, becomes Death's apprentice. He works happily beside Death, learning is trade until something becomes known that will force him to face what he wants to be. The devil has plans, his plans involved horrible torture, scarifies and a bleak future for the human world. His minions are ready to start a war, and Nathaniel may be the one who can change to outcome.
This is one dark, dark story. It started out slow with a nice urban fantasy feel then quickly dove into horror and stayed there for the rest of the story. It also took on a strong religious storyline at about the 1/2 way point. I was a bit miffed and felt like I was tricked into reading this religious fiction. There was suddenly "Devil, God, Angels, Hell..." What did I land onto a Hell and Brimstone church meeting ? So, with that being said I enjoyed the 'horror' of it it was wonderfully written. I did not enjoy the religious tone. ( )

Interesting take on the mythos here. It says it's a bit of spin on the Brothers Grimm fairytales, but I see more Christian overtones than anything. I'm not familiar with a Death's apprentice Grimm story though. ( )

http://www.zomboscloset.com/zombos_closet_of_horror_b/2013/04/deaths-apprentice.... ( )

I received this book as a Goodreads ARC giveaway. This was a great book and I really enjoy it ( )