Reaper's Gamble: Of Black Sand and Ash is the first book in a YA fantasy series by R.E. Holding. Released 24th June 2024, it's 358 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a young adult novel, emphasis on *young*. The characters are often immature and dangerously impulsive (and whiny), but overall, although youthful, the prose is honest and accessible. MC Loren is reluctant to venture out of his stepdad's basement, content to shutter himself away and plan for a life as a roundsman instead of being pushed to follow his sister's more traditional (illustrious) path.

Stepdad sends him to The Guild's (capitalization intentional) summer camp to push him, where he finds a group of friends and stumbles into a conspiracy which could have profound implications. There's a very summer camp vibe to the first third of the book. Everything is shrouded in mystery and it's not clear if that's 100% intentional on the author's part or if it's being figured out further on down the line in the series.

It's fairly well written, but not polished. There are good bones to the story, but it's not yet quite hit its stride. It'll be interesting to see how Ms. Holding develops the storyline further.

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for home reading, or a buddy read. It will appeal more to YA readers.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I read into 8% of the book before giving up, I'm not sure if it's me that's just slow at catching up on what is going on and what some these characters were. The writting is smooth, and I liked the relationship I got to see between the mc and his stepfather, he was not the nicest when talking but also wasn't cruel.

I stopped halfway through. The characters in this are supposed to be young adults, but they are all incredibly immature. I also was bothered by the fact that every time there was a reference to male characters, even just people going by in passing, it was always "man" yet no matter how old, the female characters were always "girl." Damaetra's sisters were older than her, yet with literally everything about the descriptions of them and the references to them, I was given the impression of young pre-teen girls.

4 ⭐
1/2 🌶️

Reaper's Gamble surprised me. Looking at the cover, I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but surprisingly enough, it was an interesting amalgamation of what I would call sci-fi, urban fantasy, dystopian, a bit of horror (just a smidge), and dare I say, a love story. Its pacing seemed odd at times, and the world-building was sketchy (however, the glossary I found at the end helped a great deal). But the story entertained me all day today as I read the book in one sitting. Learning about this odd world and the prejudices and social structure set the stage for the "school" Lor (our slacker hero) must attend to find his guild. In many ways, the world seemed like it could be the setting of an RPG video game. The Guilds' roles in society are the main classes your character would play. It even goes as far as potions or draughts made to heal, enhance, or destroy. This story is just beginning, and I see this pack of talented friends from different guilds (all having talents that help the group) having many adventures. Is it high literature? No. But is it fun? Yes, definitely!

Thank you, NetGalley, R.E. Holding, and Cliff Cave Books, for the eArc. I liked this book and these are my opinions.

I was expecting more from this book. Don't get me wrong I loved it anyways but it's not my comfort zone type of books. Surely a great story neverthless.