The Reaper by Melissa Roehrich is a novella in the Lady of Darkness series. This book focuses on the story of the Ash Rider, Rayner, from the time he kind of became an adult to when he joined Sorin’s Court. Trigger warnings include violence, references to sexual trauma, and jealous/possessive themes. It is quite dark.

The Lovely: I liked how Rayner and his relationships with others were portrayed. He may have been the Reaper but he had noble intentions.

The Mundane: Well now I want a novella about Eliza. And Sorin. And Briar and Sawyer.

The Dreadful: I still have a lot of open questions about Rayner/ the Ash Riders. How did Ashtine know the Ash Riders could rescue her? What exactly is Moranna’s relationship to Alaric? How did the Ash Riders come to be?

Rating: 4/5 stars

Recommendation: If you’re reading the rest of the Lady of Darkness series, don’t skip this novella. It goes in between Book 4 and Book 5. The background it provides, not just on Rayner, is beneficial. And now I feel like Rayner just needs a hug too. ( )

5⭐️

"Let me save you."

Wow. While this was short, this novella is filled with heavy darkenss. Rayner has always been my favorite. I'm grateful that I got to hear his history and understand him more. I only wish for a happy ending for him. The writing from Melissa in this novella is powerful. She has captured the emotion that was intended and makes the reader feel it all.

This was not a cute happy story. It is dark.

So much torment for my Rayner... he did all of that, finally saved her, just for her to die. I nearly cried when he was begging her. I don't know how Rayner isn't more haunted than he is. Everything that he went through? I think I have a better understanding of his protectiveness of Tula now. He see's her as his little sister. ( )

1.5

I’m sorry but just no. Rayner was an idiot in this and both of his sisters paid the price. This was over the top and cheesy - even for a novella it lacked substance and character. rape as the main plot line is all this had. ( )