Over the course of sharing these stories, I have been deeply moved by the responses from readers and listeners. Your words have not only inspired me to keep writing but have also shown me the unique ways these tales resonate with each of you. Thank you for your kindness, your reflections, and for being part of this journey.
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"Join the Grim Reaper while he uses compassion, wisdom, and connection to guide human souls to the afterlife.
What if the Grim Reaper wasn’t a figure to fear, but a quiet companion in our final moments—a guide who sees more than just death?
Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume I invites readers into a world where the Reaper is not a shadowy omen but an empathetic witness to the transitions that shape us. In this collection of 37 short stories, the Reaper encounters souls from all walks of life—humans, animals, mythical beings, even prehistoric creatures—each with a story that echoes the complexities of love, loss, justice, and redemption.
These tales offer more than a reflection on endings. They illuminate the moments that define our humanity, exploring the emotions and connections that linger as we move from one state of being to the next. Sometimes comforting, sometimes bittersweet, each story adds another layer to the Reaper’s existence—revealing a presence that is patient, watchful, and deeply aware of the significance of every soul.
Whether you're drawn to stories of quiet reflection, emotional resilience, or powerful turning points, this collection offers a fresh lens on the inevitable. The Reaper may not speak—but he listens. And in every story, you just might find a piece of yourself.
Grab a box of tissues and some comfort snacks and dive into Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume I, which promises to take readers on a journey alongside the legend himself. The Grim Reaper has always existed, his existence a constant presence throughout the history of time, but forever beyond the comprehension of mortal minds. So long painted as a fearsome stealer of souls, Chronicles of the Grim Reaper poses a different hypothesis: the Grim Reaper is not the cause of death or maleficence, but a guide to accompany in our final breaths. In this collection of 37 short stories, readers reflect on what truly defines humanity. Every soul has significance in the world. Each has experienced love and pain, and each will one day embark on the life’s final journey: death. This collection has something for every reader, whether it’s reflecting on life’s quiet moments, exploring our own emotional resilience, or trying to understand the complexities of human life. Join Grim as he guides his charges with compassion, retrospect, and companionship. And just because a person’s mortal life is over, it does not mean Grim cannot help some of his lost souls find meaningful connection and solace in the afterlife.
It's been a long time since a book has affected me so emotionally. I wasn’t sure what I expected when I started Chronicles of the Grim Reaper, but it wasn’t the powerful connection I felt while reading about the Grim Reaper and experience how it must feel to be in his shoes. Death is still so full of unknown truths and fear among humans, so it is not difficult to contemplate how a figure like the Grim Reaper has evolved into a dark, malevolent symbol over time. This book made me realize that the real truth is that it’s not even the Grim Reaper that we fear and detest, it is knowing that our time on Earth is finite and could end at any moment. Humans have always feared the unknown, and as technology and science have advanced, we have made it a mission to try and find ways to maintain our youth and figure out the secrets of the universe. Maybe, though – some things are not meant to be comprehended by mortal minds. As the character of John says when Grim comes to guide his father to the afterlife: “And in a way that’s a comfort, isn’t it? Knowing that some things are beyond our control, beyond our understanding.”
I am a firm believer that our favorite books find us at times when we need them most. After going through a rough few months, Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume I reminded me of some hard, but valuable truths of life. Some things truly are beyond our control and understanding. It’s okay to fear the unknown, but that doesn’t mean the unknown has to be vilified because of our fears.
Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume I is a beautiful collection of stories that culminate the true meaning of what it means to be human. The free-flowing prose, emotional integrity, and vivid details, when added to the sensitive subject matter, make this collection perfect for readers looking to learn a little bit more about themselves and their own fears, and try and gain new understanding about what it means to be human. This is a truly exceptional book, and I recommend it to all."
—MEGAN WEISS
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“Chronicles of the Grim Reaper, Volume I is a compelling mosaic of stories that explore life, death, and the tenuous threads between them. Griz Calderon crafts a collection of vignettes: from “The Ending” and “The Beginning,” which frame the collection as explorations of transition, to mesmerizing tales such as “The First Harvest,” “The Quilt,” and “The Gift,” which meditate on memory, legacy, and the small acts that define a life. The scope of this collection is vast—the Presence in the Shadows” and “The Visit” offer intimate, spectral encounters with the Grim Reaper, while “Between Worlds,” “The Price of Deception,” and “The Hunt” confront moral questions and justice at the threshold of mortality. Later stories like “The Last Witness,” “The Day the Sky Fell,” and “The Last Breath” are elegies to loss and remembrance. Pieces such as “The Silent Plea,” “The Final Farewell,” and “A Quiet Sacrifice” delve into the quiet heroism and enduring love discovered at the edge of existence. This collection introduces the Grim Reaper, who is a multifaceted character — guide, silent witness, and sometimes, a companion. And no, it is not always about death, but a presence, and a connection to both humans and other creatures.
Across these thirty-seven stories, Calderon’s Grim Reaper is not merely a harbinger of death, but a nuanced, often compassionate figure—a guide, a judge, sometimes a silent witness to human suffering and courage. The characters, whether facing literal or metaphorical endings, are shaped by their choices, regrets, and acts of grace. Themes of justice, redemption, memory, and interconnectedness recur, as does the motif that every ending births a new beginning. Calderon’s prose is exquisite, and the storytelling is accomplished in a voice that is confident, often shifting between introspection, descriptive prose, and engaging narrative. I loved how the author captures the link between the mystical and the mundane, using motifs of light and shadow, silence and revelation, to evoke the liminality of moments between life and death. The collection’s structure—divided into sections like “Ripples of Justice” and “Unyielding Spirits”—underlines humanity’s search for meaning in suffering and the hope for renewal. Through rich imagery, layered symbolism, and empathetic storytelling, Chronicles of the Grim Reaper invites readers to reflect on mortality not as an end, but as an integral, even generative, part of the human journey. Each story felt like a cookie to me; I went from one to the next with the aftertaste of the previous story."
— BRENDA BAIOCCHI
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"Oh to be able to put this into words. Griz Calderon is a magnificent storyteller. She brings a historical character onto the scene in a totally different light than he is perceived from Hollywood and other authors. Griz takes the Grim Reaper and makes him a calming, caring, supportive, gentle spirit who is not here to terrify but to give a sense of peace to those about to pass on. This perspective is not one I have ever thought of with this character.
Griz writes a collection of 37 short stories where the Grim Reaper appears to people who need to be reminded of their worth and purpose at their lowest and encourages them when they still have life to live and differences to make. He also comes to provide a peaceful transition to those who are in their last moments of this earth.
I loved the short stories she provides. It allows you time to process each story. I would read a story while drying my hair, a few stories on my lunch break, a few more stories before bed, etc. Several of the stories overlap with another so that we are able to see different perspectives of the same incident or how encouraging helped change their life for the better.
This book was very well written. I felt so many feelings from each story. Some I laughed, some I cried, some I sat smiling like a clown. Calderon takes you on a journey. There are stories that each of us can somehow relate to in our lives. I highly encourage you to read this book. I took my time reading it to be able to fully process the stories I was reading, but it was so worth it."
—LAWREN
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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.
Some questions to ponder: What does death look like if you knew you’d have a compassionate being to guide you? What questions, or moments of peace would you want to have before you go?"
—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 OS
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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 SIA
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“Wonderful. Beautiful. Instant favorite."
—JENNY
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—RONNIE RHODUS
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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 K.
“I just finished Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume 1, and it hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I went in thinking I was about to read a dark or eerie take on death, but what I found instead was something gentle, empathetic, and honestly, kind. I don’t think I’ve ever read a portrayal of the Grim Reaper that felt this human before. What stayed with me most were the quiet moments. The way each story held space for the soul in front of him. Not judging, not rushing, just witnessing. It’s rare to read something about death that actually makes you feel more connected to life while you’re reading it. The variety of voices and lives you brought into these stories made it feel like every soul mattered. Even the ones that would have been ignored in any other narrative. I could feel the care in the writing. It never felt heavy for the sake of being heavy. It felt honest. I don’t usually get emotional reading short fiction collections, but this one got to me. It made me slow down. It made me think about the people I’ve loved and lost. And it reminded me that the fear is never really about death itself, but about the fact that we don’t get forever. So I just wanted to say thank you for writing something that treats the end of a life with dignity and softness. It felt like a conversation I didn’t know I needed until I was inside it.”
—ELIRA WEXFORD
“Wow, what an eye opening, thought provoking & touching collection of stories. Several stories bought me to tears. Griz Calderón has written a book I couldn't put down.”
—ANONYMOUS
“Griz Calderon’s collection of short stories CHRONICLES OF THE GRIM REAPER is surprising, poignant, and beautiful. Centered around the Reaper who collects the souls of the dead, it delves into the character of the Reaper himself as much as the stories of the collected souls. Whether it’s an accidental death, a murder, or natural causes, there’s beauty, compassion, and hope involved. It avoids clichés and easy answers, while rendering deeply moving characters and situations. CHRONICLES OF THE GRIM REAPER is a collection of the beauty and hope that is a part of grief and loss.”
—INDIE READER
“This book feels like poetry, with each chapter its own thoughtful meditation on what comes after. Calderon has crafted a collection of vignettes on death that are like soup for the soul. I love how this book explores death from not only the human perspective, but also from the view of the animal kingdom and the fantastical realm (dragons and vampires!). Anyone who feels the urge to quietly contemplate the unknowable and find comfort there will enjoy this book.”
—PARKER
“I'm absolutely thrilled about these short stories! The series can't come soon enough!”
—THRIFT BOOK READER
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“Oh to be able to put this into words. Griz Calderon is a magnificent storyteller. She brings a historical character onto the scene in a totally different light than he is perceived from Hollywood and other authors. Griz takes the Grim Reaper and makes him a calming, caring, supportive, gentle spirit who is not here to terrify but to give a sense of peace to those about to pass on. This perspective is not one I have ever thought of with this character.
Griz writes a collection of 37 short stories where the Grim Reaper appears to people who need to be reminded of their worth and purpose at their lowest and encourages them when they still have life to live and differences to make. He also comes to provide a peaceful transition to those who are in their last moments of this earth.
I loved the short stories she provides. It allows you time to process each story. I would read a story while drying my hair, a few stories on my lunch break, a few more stories before bed, etc. Several of the stories overlap with another so that we are able to see different perspectives of the same incident or how encouraging helped change their life for the better.
This book was very well written. I felt so many feelings from each story. Some I laughed, some I cried, some I sat smiling like a clown. Calderon takes you on a journey. There are stories that each of us can somehow relate to in our lives. I highly encourage you to read this book. I took my time reading it to be able to fully process the stories I was reading, but it was so worth it.”
—LAWREN HADDEN
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“I loved this collection of short stories that brings the beauty of life and death full circle. The way the Grim Reaper was betrayed in these stories as a comforter was vey unique. These stories were beautifully written and showed how we don’t have to be afraid of leaving this life. Each story was had its own perspective that showed how different everyone’s life and death story can be.”
—BOW BECKETT
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“I enjoyed "Chronicles of the Grim Reaper" very much. The book is a series of stories that showcase the compassion, kindness, and gentleness, in most cases, of the Grim Reaper when he escorts someone from this life to the next. The stories are of both people and animals. It's wonderful to finish a book and feel hopeful and encouraged. This book does that.”
—JOANNY7
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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 BARTLETT
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“This book is a really great look at life and death. It’s a collection of short stories with a lot of variety, all centered around the end of one’s life and also what comes after. It can be sad at times, which comes with the territory, but besides that it’s a great read!”
—JONATHAN
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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 MCNAMARA
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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 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 D.C.
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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 SIA
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—CHEYENNE MCOWAN
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“A book of short stories featuring the dreaded Grim Reaper. Enjoyable."
—BECKYBOTS
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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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"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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"I’m honestly not sure what to say about Chronicles of the Grim Reaper. At first I liked it. The way the author connects certain stories together to get a full picture of the lives and deaths that connect, the heartwarming tales of being greeted by a warm entity to point you in the right direction when you’ve passed on. However, as the book went on I felt that the stories were too short, ranging from 2 to 10 pages. The author seemed to be grasping at straws for another story (dragons and dinosaurs) and the stories seemed to be repetitive. For this reason, I have to give the book 4 stars. The author has a pleasing writing style and the stories are very easy to read. I would be interested to read something else of hers because I enjoyed the style of writing. Chronicles of the Grim Reaper was just not for me."
—PAGE TURNER 16
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Chronicles of the Grim Reaper is a book of short stories; some as little as five pages and some as long as ten pages. While most of the stories are stand-alone some of them connect together so the reader gets the full story from each side. Each chapter starts off with a title that indicates what the topic will be and three or four stories will follow; the individual story has its own heading letting you know the surrounding story. I found this helpful, letting me know what was coming.
I enjoyed the way Griz Calderon writes, the way she constantly builds the description of the Grim Reaper. He is warm, compassionate and empathic towards the souls he's tasked with collecting. We learn that he stands alone; patiently waiting in corners of hospital rooms, riding elevators and even dives deep into oceans to collect our souls. He leads the departed where they need to go, or when our time hasn't come yet. His deep soothing nature helps people to accept death and not be afraid. I honestly couldn't help liking him.
Within the covers of this book, we learn the Grim Reaper has been doing his job since time began. We experience the extinction of the dinosaurs from the eyes of a baby dinosaur. We are witness to lives well lived, the passing of animals, lives taken to soon, a death row inmate and his victims. We also witness souls that have past but stay close to and help out the ones left behind. We even get a taste of the next extinction.
This is a compassionate book. It helps the reader to see the time of our passing as nothing to fear but as our next chapter, a beautiful chapter where we are reunited with our loved ones, our pain and suffering is gone, our minds clear, confusion gone.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who fears of the next chapter and to anyone who has lost a loved one."
—MELISSA EDWARDS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I absolutely love this book. The format of short stories allowed me to spend time with each character in a meaningful way without getting lost in long, sprawling narrative. Each story stands on its own yet together they are deeply moving ..a tapestry about the beauty of life and death ..all the stories are touching, Each one almost personal. I highly recommend this lovely book.”
—MICK48
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Chronicles of the Grim Reaper by Griz Calderon is an engrossing book that I am happy I have read. My perception of the Grim Reaper before reading this book was indeed grim, which Merriam Webster defines as forbidding, somber, gloomy, or ghastly. That does not describe the Grim Reaper I met in this book. The author gives the reader a comforting image of death, in most cases.
The book is a series of case histories of people and animals meeting their end on earth. Usually, I don’t care to read about children or animals suffering and dying, or see the loss of family members after someone they love dies. The author softens these losses by showing the Grim Reaper as a compassionate, kind, and gentle guide through death’s door. There is hope and love in the encounters between the person or animal and the Grim Reaper. The stories are beautifully written and heartwarming.
My almost eighteen-year-old cat died just after I finished reading Chronicles of the Grim Reaper. I am still grieving her loss. This book has several case histories of animals who meet their end, and the stories are lovingly written. This quote is from the “Fading Light” chapter; Life, no matter how brief, deserves to be honored and remembered for the beauty it brings to the world. My cat brought beauty to my life, and I’m sure the Grim Reaper kindly guided her from this life. That thought comforts me, as does the concept presented in this book. Unless you are a wicked person, and there are portrayals of evil people in the book, death is not something to dread.
I recommend Chronicles of the Grim Reaper because it is well-written, and because I love the portrayal of the Grim Reaper as an understanding being who is not frightening, but rather is reassuring and gentle. I give the book a rating of 5 out of 5 because I found only one error, and the book held my attention. This edition is Volume I. I look forward to reading Volume I."
—JOANNA PERRY
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
" 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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"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
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I chose Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume 1 by Griz Calderon because it would shed new light on this otherworldly being, which has often been portrayed in a solemn and negative light, instead offering hope and peace. It brings a new perspective and makes death not so scary in a sense because there's a possibility of this entity being overwhelmingly positive in the most difficult moment in your life. As long as your life was positive and you didn't hurt people.
At its core, the book is about the Grim Reaper helping people with various lives move on to the afterlife. This being, which has existed since the beginning of time. There is a sort of conflict in characters that the entity despises, such as the vampire who did not care for life or the old lady who scams old men out of their money, which makes the Grim Reaper angry. He is a being who seeks justice and makes what has been wronged right.
One of the book's strengths was the original way the Grim Reaper is shown, in such a caring and sympathetic light, which is shown each time he has to help guide a soul to the next life. And when the Grim Reaper allowed himself to imagine love for a moment before realizing he had a job to do. This showed that he could wonder about things he had not experienced himself, such as humanity.
While there are strengths, there is also a weakness. I noticed the pacing was slow in some areas, especially the first few chapters and a few other stories. This stood out because it made the book more difficult to get through. But there were also more interesting stories, so in the end that weakness wasn't a big deal.
This book would appeal most to people who want to see a story of helping people to the afterlife, and seeing the lives of those people. The stories range from vampires to humans, and even more unusual ones, such as dinosaurs. Readers looking for a more adventurous read that won't cause you to tear up from time to time may find it less suitable.
I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I chose this rating because some stories weren't the most interesting, but the story didn't deserve fewer than 4 stars. It had introspective moments, personalities, and justice. Those things made it special. I didn't notice any errors, so I'd say that this book appears to be perfectly edited. "
—FELLOW INTROVERT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The one thing that I love about this book is that it kept me wanting to read more. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book. But what I didn’t expect was to be emotionally enthralled by it. The Grim Reaper is never portrayed as the good guy in any way. He is completely emotionless, unbiased and direct about doing his job. His job to me always seemed to be to collect souls, have little to no conversation, or get emotionally unnerved in any way.
This one did in a lot of ways that I never would’ve expected. The Grim Reaper knows he has a job to do, but still can connect with the person on a certain level. In the beginning he seemed to have empathy for this young lady that lost her life too early. The way he comforted her, especially knowing that the great love that she longed for wasn’t to be had in her human form. But knowing that she found her soulmate after he passed as well made my heart melt. It put a calmness in me about death that I wasn’t expecting. And when I read a part in the book where the Grim Reaper felt a sense of comfort in holding hands, considering you’d never consider him holding hands at all. It was another part in this book where he had to collect the soul of a little girl, it made my heart heavy. I know he collects all souls, but she seemed a little special to him. He comforted her in knowing that all her pain and suffering would be gone. And her parents can be sure that she wasn’t suffering anymore. He held her hand like her dad used to and that’s what she felt going into her afterlife. The love and affection of her father lets her know that everything will be okay.
Another thing I didn’t realize is that the Grim Reaper collects the souls of all living creatures. I enjoyed how he checked on people’s lives while doing his job. Even though he wasn’t coming for their soul, but the soul of a relative. He helped the families feel a sense of calm over their loved ones death. A sense in knowing they’re suffering is finally over and that even though they’re sad, they’re happy the pain is finally over for them. I will admit though, the banter between the Grim Reaper and Dracula surprised me. The way he interrupted Dracula’s feeding and commanded him to stop was chilling and it caught me off guard. I never would’ve imagined that either one of them would collide with one another in any sort of way. But I suppose if you think about it, they both deal in death. I guess I never thought about them crossing paths. Dracula was feeding and the way the Grim Reaper told him to stop. Then proceeds to put him in the memories of the victims in their final moments, as well as make him feel their feelings. Putting him in a sense of torment had me at the edge of my seat waiting to read what’s happening next. It’s actually a sense of calmness in knowing how peaceful things may seem in the end. How not to think of the Grim Reaper in a negative way, but it is a way to normalize how his job is. And also even though he has indifference to things, he still shows a sense of compassion and wonderment for human life. I will say though, that the way played with his emotions made me feel justice for the people he feasted on in his lifetime.
With this book, I was both intrigued and surprised about the Grim Reaper. Especially to learn of the fact that he takes all souls alike. There’s no difference in anyone or anything. I honestly was quite impressed with this book putting me in my feelings, it was very unexpected. But I will admit that it puts me at ease about death in general. And is moving on sometimes this peaceful when we know we’re about to pass? But more than anything, the thought of him having some type of feelings for a lady he followed throughout her life was beautiful. Because even though he knew it would never be, the fact that he knew she was safe and happy was enough for him. I felt for him in these moments. Once I got a chance to really get into this book, I couldn’t put it down. I just wanted to keep reading til the end. This book is a great read for anyone and I definitely recommend it."
—DEANDREA PAYNE
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Most of us have had an encounter with death, having lost someone or even for some having come close to dying themselves. Everyone has a different perspective on it, whether they have accepted it as a part of life or fear it deeply. Its natural to fear and want to understand death. We know so little of what its like and what comes after. Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume 1 is a compilation of short stories following the grim reaper as they go about their duty, collecting the souls of the deceased. It offers an interesting concept of the process of dying and what comes after. The book takes a look at death as less of an ending and more of a beginning. The author tries to bring a perspective of hope and solace to death and they do a great job at that. That being said, the story is still often heartbreaking (which is honestly a testament to how well it is written) and I will be honest cried more than once. This is the kind of book where some stories are just going to hit close to home and that is not a bad thing. There is a wide array of stories with varying types of people and even animals. The author is skilled at writing short but impactful stories and they have clearly thought a lot about death and the philosophy behind it. The book is both sad and comforting, but that duality is what makes it such a good read. While I would say perhaps skip this book if you are feeling down or depressed, I otherwise would absolutely recommend it to others. The writing is excellent and the author is clearly passionate and talented. I think this book would be interesting to a wide array of people, death being an inevitable concept to everyone. Overall, I'm glad I read this book (even if it made me cry)."
—JONATHAN NIEVES
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"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
⭐⭐⭐
"I just finished reading "Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: volume1". This is my honest review:
*Just a warning this book talks about abuse, murder, mental illness and suicide *
Chronicles of the Grim Reaper is a book of short stories; some as little as five pages and some as long as ten pages. While most of the stories are stand alone some of them connect together so the reader gets the full story from each side. Each chapter starts off with a title that indicates what the topic will be and three or four stories will follow; the individual story has its own heading letting you know the surrounding story. I found this helpful, letting me know what was coming.
I enjoyed the way Griz Calderon writes, the way she constantly builds the description of the Grim Reaper. He is warm, compassionate and empathic towards the souls he's tasked with collecting. We learn that he stands alone; patiently waiting in corners of hospital rooms, riding elevators and even dives deep into oceans to collect our souls. He leads the departed where they need to go, or when our time hasn't come yet. His deep soothing nature helps people to accept death and not be afraid. I honestly couldn't help liking him.
Within the covers of this book, we learn the Grim Reaper has been doing his job since time began. We experience the extinction of the dinosaurs from the eyes of a baby dinosaur. We are witness to lives well lived, the passing of animals, lives taken to soon, a death row inmate and his victims. We also witness souls that have past but stay close to and help out the ones left behind. We even get a taste of the next extinction.
This is a compassionate book. It helps the reader to see the time of our passing as nothing to fear but as our next chapter, a beautiful chapter where we are reunited with our loved ones, our pain and suffering is gone, our minds clear, confusion gone.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who fears of the next chapter and to anyone who has lost a loved one. "
—MELISSA EDWARDS
⭐⭐⭐
"I enjoyed this book. I liked how the stories were not all the same and how the author described the grim reaper and keep him as the main character but did not make it all about him at the same time. I wished some of the stories were a little longer as I wanted to see what would happen in The Ending with Jacob and Maddie after they met in the after life. I felt The Choice was well written and showed how Henry made a sacrifice, willing to leave his family inorder for many families not to lose there loved ones. I hope I would be that brave if I had to make that choice.I did not realy care for the dinosaur one. The author dose a great job of making the reader get attached to the reaper and I felt bad he did not get to have the love of his not life. The author did a great job of developing the charters with out going in to too much detail and dragging the stories on to long. The author did well in showing different situitations from the chareters passing when young to them growing old. The Last Witness was suspenseful but I liked the girls got justice in the end. I almost cried reading Keeper of Hears as Timmy is such a great character and I felt his affection for the animals. I can't pick one I liked the best as there all good in there own way. I feel like the only thing I would have changed is maybe take out the dinosaur and maybe the wale one. I like how the author is able to make the stories short but still meaningful enough to be remembered and I think every reader can find one to relate to. I enjoyed the book and feel the character's were done well . I think it would be great if Griz made longer stories about some of these short ones. They would be good stand alone books."
—MOLLIE AKER
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I love the artwork with which you illustrate your stories, the malevolent glint in the eyes of Francine’s Demon is perfect.”
—FIONA CAHILL
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being part of the journey.
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