My Inspiration

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 " The short stories in Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume 1 by Griz Calderon were surprisingly thought-provoking and, at times, delightful. Most cultures have some concept of the Grim Reaper, some more positive than others. Through this collection of stories, we can witness the Grim Reaper evolve from a spirit who merely performs a task to one who has an interesting new perspective.

The Grim Reaper has one defined purpose: to collect and escort the dying to whatever happens beyond. Vital to his role, he provides peace and comfort to the dying. But just as he can make the last moments of life more comfortable, he can give justice to the lawbreakers by sharing the pain, terror, and despair of their victims. We see glimpses of what happens after death in these stories, usually quite positive. I love the message that we will see our loved ones again in the afterlife.

There are words of wisdom scattered throughout that I found inspiring, encouraging growth, recognizing worth, and edifying to one’s relationship with oneself and others. While the Reaper collects souls, he dispenses wisdom to those he visits, and, in return, the souls inspire and intrigue the Reaper.

Calderon fleshes out the characters quickly and cleanly, and I found most of them relatable. The stories range from older adults to children to animals, from reality-based characters to the fantastic, from ancient times to modern times, and beyond. The whole range of types of death is covered. Some characters appear in more than one story, offering different perspectives on the event that ends a person’s life. Some stories are almost complete biographies of the character’s life. Others show the Reaper appearing in a person’s life more than once.

The technical aspects of the writing are excellent. I found no errors, and the editing was professional. This is important to me because I am easily distracted from the text if there are errors. The cover artwork and artwork contained within illustrate the content well.

I rate Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume 1 by Griz Calderon a 5/5 for captivating content, professional editing, and organization of the stories. I would highly recommend this book to older teens and adults who are open to mystical possibilities and want to experience the wisdom within."
—MSKELLY65

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 "This is a book about the Grim Reaper, but with a twist. The Chronicles of the Grim Reaper is about the harvesting of souls, but not in the conventional way society has thought about the Reaper. The author sees him as a compassionate and caring guide to the departing souls, and also has the responsibility to tell some that it is not their time. This book is a quick and easy read, as it is made up of short stories of individuals and the unique circumstances of their passing.

In society norms, the Grim Reaper has been portrayed as an ominous and unwelcome spirit. His appearance definitely suggests that. The author humanizes the Reaper’s role. Griz Calderon portrays the Reaper more as a compassionate guide, escorting souls to their next chapter. Whether it be somewhere peaceful and beautiful or somewhere dark and foreboding.

Some stories are thought-provoking, and some are set in the author’s imagination. The stories covers vast walks of life. Some will touch your heart, and some will touch your mind.

One story had me thinking for days after. It presented a situation that caused me to think, What would I do? A decision had to be made; one that hurt others, no matter which way was chosen. Would you have difficulties answering like I did? Read this book and see what answer you would give.

The stories range from natural deaths to deaths by suicide and to deaths involving domestic violence. So if suicide and domestic violence are triggers for you, you should not read this book.

I enjoyed reading this book. Some stories have a lesson that can be learnt from them. Such as the bond between people, our differences, but also our commonality, and the one constant for all of us is death.

The best part was when two stories mingled with each other. I felt a completeness after reading these. It’s hard to explain. Another part I liked about the book was that it was in short chapter form. It was easy to decide to read another chapter or put the book down for the night. I don’t like stopping in the middle of a chapter.

I did not notice any grammatical errors, and there was no foul language or sexual content. But as I mentioned before, there is suicide and domestic violence.

The only suggestion I have for the author is that I would be interested in reading a sequel to this book, picking up each story where it left off and expanding each person’s experience of their next chapter. I would be interested to hear the author’s interpretation of what comes after death.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is a fresh book idea that made me think and feel. That is a sign of a good book to me.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys simple, easy reading. No crimes to solve, no romances to get drawn into, just simple, mostly sweet stories that conclude quickly."

—BOBBIE WOLF

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 "I'm not sure how I feel after reading this book. I want to feel hope and optimism about death and dying, but skepticism is holding me back. I absolutely love what the author, Griz Calderon, is saying, but I find it all so sad.

 This book, a short story collection, contains many short scenarios, mostly unrelated, but all about the same thing: death. The reader feels the intense sadness of the despair surrounding suicide and the pain of the dying child's parents, and it is all balanced with a strange acceptance of the inevitable. The main character, the Grim Reaper, is a silent, mysterious being who takes the souls of the dead and helps them to understand their fate. This entity seems all-powerful, sympathetic and occasionally merciful. The 'other side' is made to seem peaceful and perfect.

The short stories are easy to read. I enjoyed the beautiful prose used and the atmosphere created in each one. Each story has been written so well, with surprisingly little or no violence, end-of-life pain, gore, or profanity. It all seems very calm. The religious aspect that one might expect is absent, and the word 'God' is not mentioned.

This could be a good book for the classroom. I know this might seem controversial, but it might help a child who is suffering sadness and grief from the loss of a family member or pet.

I particularly liked the story, 'The Last Breath', in which a brachiosaurus has seen devastation and death all around him during a cataclysmic event and who will die soon, with the Grim Reaper there waiting for him.

This is rather a poignant book, which forces the reader to contemplate death. It definitely darkened my day a little, although with underlying feelings of optimism. The editing was excellent. Because of the above reasons, I will take a point off and award it four stars out of five. It was well-written but sobering."

—REBECCA DE FIGUEIREDO

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"The Grim Reaper is reimagined in this collection of short stories. In each story, you walk aside the immortal as he collects souls with varying lives and experiences. Too often the Grim Reaper is seen as the villain, collecting unwilling souls, and death is depicted as scary and lonely. In the various ways that each character faces death, they find a guide and peace at the end – and for some, the beginning.

The author beautifully retells the Grim Reaper as a compassionate being and calming presence as he guides souls through various circumstances of death. It will make you question your perception of death and expand your mind on what the end truly means. From the very first story, it evokes emotions and reminds us of the ways death touches us all.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I started this book and questioned if it would focus more on the pain and tragedy that death brings. I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that each story focused on death, but equated it with feelings of peace, freedom, and the absence of pain. This collection has moved me to think differently of death—and what it means to meet your end.

I was particularly touched by a story of a little girl of only five, who had been ill all her life. She was in pain, and yet she was surrounded by love. When the Grim Reaper came for her, she was reassured that she would watch over her parents and that they would be okay. Once she finally let go—she was free of pain, something that she had never experienced before. In this sad moment, you find a strange sense of joy that she is able to experience moments without excruciating pain. The Grim Reaper then holds her hand as they leave the hospital together—where she sees for the first time what the world looks like beyond her hospital room walls."

—DEHJA AUSBERRY

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“When curiosity meets mortality, answers are found in the silence between life and death.” This is one of my favorite quotes from Griz Calderon’s Chronicles of the Grim Reaper.

This volume features a collection of well-crafted 37 tales about the Grim Reaper, a character that is often associated with death in popular literature, but here he assumes different forms and roles. At times he is the silent companion in strenuous moments, at times a guide, and more in different situations.

This collection is about mortality and rebirth, about hope and death, and through each tale, the author explores a unique facet of existence. I loved this book."

—RUFFINA

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“The reviewer praises the author’s use of language and imagery, which creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that draws the reader in. They also highlight the book’s ability to balance darkness and light, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty that keeps the reader engaged. These stories are meditative, thoughtful, and illuminating."

—CHRISTIAN

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 “Wonderful. Beautiful. Instant favorite."

—JENNY

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 “A poignant and heartfelt reflection on death, approached with love rather than fear. Profound, touching, and truly uplifting. I can’t wait to see what else Griz Calderon creates. "

—HANNAH

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“I felt less apprehensive about dying after reading this book. The stories told about the Grim Reaper harvesting souls of the newly departed in such a compassionate way gave me peace of mind. There will be times you will feel the emotion of the person passing, and at times it will make you think, “What would I do?”

The book presents the author’s belief that the Grim Reaper should not be feared, as he brings peace to the soul’s departure. The Reaper escorts the soul to the verge of a new chapter of existence, and that is where each story ends. The author does not expound on what happens next. I enjoyed reading this book, and I think you will too.”

—ROBERTA L. WOLF

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“This book is a collection of short stories around a theme. That theme being that the Grim Reaper isn't what you would at first think, but that he (it?) is a guide and a comfort at the time of transition, and for that matter, other times as well. (He can also be something quite different, but you will need to read them all yourself because I am not going to spoil it by telling you.) The short stories in the book run the gamut of emotions and there is sure to be a number of them that speak to you personally. I can whole heartedly recommend this book for anyone who wants to take a peek into, what I would now consider, one of the most important jobs to ever exist.”

—TOBIAS J.

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“A beautiful book about life and death with such a precious, warm, peaceful perspective on the Grim Reaper and the larger picture of life and our place within it. It is loving and hopeful and deep and wise. The story brought tears to my eyes. Amazing piece of work. This book is a gift.” 

—SAM C.

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“I just loved it. A heartwarming portrayal of the Reaper as a compassionate guide, leading souls to the end of their journey with kindness. It’s a sweet and thoughtful read that reimagines the Reaper as a symbol of comfort and transition rather than fear. There is a story for everyone in this adorable book.”

—SALLY G.

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“I love the way the Grim Reaper is presented in this series of short stories. It gave me a new perspective on life & death and a new found feeling of hope. There will be stories that will bring you to tears. So, keep a box of Kleenex close by. Great job Griz this fantastic book!” 

—MARIA C.

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“Absolutely amazing! @chroniclesofthegrimreaper @grizcalderon
As my good friend @bartlett.books said I'm not usually big on short stories but as soon as I heard about this I had to check it out!
This book definitely a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in my eyes!!
It had me in my feels just a little bit 👉 by a little bit I mean at least 3 of the stories had me in tears!
Some of them were on the less serious side and had my emotions all over.
But the one that hit home the most was The Gift that had me all in my feelings.
The Hunt and The Day the Sky Fell were heavy as well.
I highly recommend this book to pretty much anyone. It's a different perspective on the grim reaper and it will definitely have your feelings all over and it makes you think about things just a bit. ❤️❤️” 

—ASHLEY

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“Wow. I’m usually not drawn to short stories, but I was immediately drawn to this book due to its premise. A real, natural look at the perspective of a figure in all of our lives—inside & out of our books. Chronicles of the Grim Reaper gave me a sense of comfort & sorrow while I dealt with my own personal griefs that I was able to relate to in stories in the book.

My top three would probably be The Quilt, The Hunt, & The Day the Sky Fell.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially to those who may be dealing with grief and are on their healing journey. I’m sure I’ll be coming back to this book over the years of life.” 

—MANDA

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 “These short stories challenge readers to view death not as an end, but as a transformative passage, leaving a lasting impression on how we perceive life's final chapter. As someone who is terrified of dying, Chronicles of the Grim Reaper provided a comforting shift in perspective. Calderon’s thoughtful storytelling turned death from something to fear into a complex, transformative process. The stories of regret, redemption, and healing allowed me to rethink death as not just an end, but a part of life’s journey, leaving me with a sense of peace and acceptance I hadn't expected.”

—LIA R.

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 “I absolutely love Griz Calderon’s Chronicles of the Grim Reaper. The storytelling was captivating, and the characters really felt real. It’s clear a lot of heart went into this book. The stories are just long enough to keep my attention but leaving me wanting to read on to the next one. Highly recommend these stories to anyone looking for a great read!” 

—COLLEEN J.

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“I have really enjoyed Griz's Reaper stories at bedtime. I believe the Reaper can appear at any time to take us into the next world. He comforts us in our last moments.”

—STELLA L.

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“I like the creativity and imagination of Griz's stories. They make me wonder who will be next? I once thought he was lurking in the darkness in my bedroom. I was paralyzed in fear, after reading her stories, I am no longer afraid.”

—SEBASTIAN I.

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“I loved the stories. It was different. Everyone associates the Grim Reaper as a dark, sad, cold person. I loved how you transformed him into a cool dude watching over everyone. I loved the themes of love and loss. It makes one think about their life and how we should cherish it. Well put together stories.”

—BERYL K.

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“The stories about the Grim Reaper you share deeply move us with the humanity behind each encounter. Far from being dark, they illuminate the path toward profound and transformative life lessons. Each page is an invitation to grow and embrace our fragility with courage and wisdom. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this very special journey!”

—SANDRA ALDANA

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“Wow, just wow … if you’re wanting some quick titillating stories which give an alternate and provoking perspective on life and death, look no further. Chronicles of the Grim Reaper by Griz Calderon is an amazing collection of tales which absolutely do not disappoint! In a world of social media reels, this refreshing compilation allows you to enter a magical and interesting realm of distinct characters and their delicious life-to-death stories—in a sitting! I enjoyed experiencing their unique life transitions but, moreover, seeing it through Death’s eyes itself. Totally unexpected! The Reaper truly comes to life in this series and gives a unique, refreshing perspective on love, life, loss, and everything in between. A great nightly read!”

—TERI H.

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 “The Chronicles of the Grim Reaper is deep, entertaining, and definitely a good read for anyone that has ever believed in the existence of the Grim Reaper. 

The stories tackle deep and spiritual elements about the meaning of life, the consequences of our choices, and the finality of our final moments.

Griz’s approach of words on driving your imagination from very specific time periods to some of the most amazing and heavenly views to the darkest corners of death row is extraordinary. 

She carefully plotted the past, present and future of her characters and somehow this would inevitably lead them to their encounter with the Reaper.

Some of the characters left questions or unfinished business in a story so she delivered them back in another story to give us some insight.

Griz’s stories have changed my perspective. Maybe the Reaper isn't the EVIL figure that once appeared to be sitting on the couch in my dark hospital room. I was so afraid that I would pull the sheets over my head. I now believe he can bring us comfort and help us find inner peace as we take our last breath. I look forward to more of Griz’s books of stories.”

—CLAUDIA D.

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“Chronicles of the Grim Reaper is a collection of stories that allows us to re-imagine the Grim Reaper as a guide between life and death. I really enjoyed that there are stories based on different time periods throughout the book. I loved the different interactions between the Grim Reaper and characters in each story. It allowed me to have hope that our loved ones can watch over us, and that someday we will be reunited with them. Or that some can receive a second chance at life or a second chance at redemption. Someday we will all have a chance to meet the Grim Reaper, and I hope we will not be afraid like we have always been taught to be. If you have ever wondered about what happens between life and death. I highly recommend reading the Chronicles of the Grim Reaper.”

—MARE C.

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“Your stories resonate with me, and I think about them and the endless possibilities of what happens to us.”

—CELESTE C.

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“Thank you! I love your stories. The Reaper is a wonderful character. I honestly feel it’s sacrilege that more ears don’t hear them, and I wish more people found your channel.” 

—FIONA CAHILL

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“Chronicles of the Grim Reaper gives a comforting view of death. The Chronicles view death from a perspective rarely considered and in doing so, it connects the reader with a view of life. I enjoyed the short stories and would recommend this book to anyone who has dealt with the death of a loved one or has had an experience of their own.”

—HEATHER A. YARIN

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“I really enjoy listening to these while going to sleep. The stories are very captivating and interesting. Love all the stories."  

—LUCAS V.

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“I absolutely love these stories! They are so captivating and some of them even make me tear up. I love listening to them while I'm driving or getting ready for bed. The audio version is just fantastic.”

—ANA V.

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“This is the perfect collection to enjoy at night. The short, intriguing stories help me relax and drift off to sleep, while the vivid descriptions of characters and scenes draw me in as if I'm watching a movie. The variety of tales—from different time periods to magical creatures and lost giants—keeps each story fresh and engaging. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys being fully absorbed in a world of imagination before bedtime.”

—ISABEL C.

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“A timeless saying holds true here: "Don’t judge a book by its cover." This book is the perfect example. There are no ghouls or goblins, just captivating stories that pull you in and keep you hooked. Whether you choose to listen or read, it's a must-have experience.”

—AL

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“I absolutely love Chronicles of the Grim Reaper. It gave me a whole new perspective on the Grim Reaper. I see him differently now—not just as someone who comes because of death, but as someone who shows up when you need him most. He gives you a chance, brings comfort, and is there to help guide you. That’s what I love about it. I love it, love it, love it—and I’ll definitely keep reading!”

—TAMMY

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 Illuminating
"This was a wonderful read. The title suggests you would be reading about death, but this author delivers short stories that show a unique perspective on a character—the Grim Reaper—that accompanies humans and other creatures through different moments and phases of life. Each story is unique, exploring different themes—death as the beginning of something new, a comforting presence, love and loss, and more. You'll enjoy the writing as well as the well-crafted, yet brief tales in this engrossing collection."

—THE SERIAL READER

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“For some reason and beyond my own comprehension, these stories bring me comfort. The stories are thoughtful, and your voice is soothing. Thank you.” 

—BAEBO762

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“Love this one. Very moving. I usually can’t read or watch anything that has animals in it as I’m just so sensitive to animal abuse, but this was beautifully written. A lovely tale to hear cuddled up in bed with my puppy this morning. Well done, Reaper!”

—FIONA CAHILL

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“I love the artwork with which you illustrate your stories, the malevolent glint in the eyes of Francine’s Demon is perfect.” 

—FIONA CAHILL