School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Following a stranger named Basil to the Harbinger-an otherworldly ship of souls-Rhett is stunned to learn that he and his parents were killed in a car accident. No one can tell him the Harbinger's destination, but he quickly learns that he is now a syllector and will help collect souls and save them from wandering the world confused. The overwhelming personal changes he faces take a back seat to his new cause; his concerns for the souls of his parents and threats from psychons, monsters who eat souls, become his priority. This pirate thriller starts off running and doesn't stop, but the relationships between Rhett and his new companions-all young like himself-mirror the reality of the adolescent need for acceptance in a way that transcends entertainment. Rhett may be only 17, but he matures beyond his youth as he finds purpose in the meaningfulness of his work. The strong character development in this story gives layers to the engaging fantasy element. -VERDICT This series starter will please teens who enjoy the ghostly tales and dark sarcasm of Neil Gaiman and Ransom Riggs.-Kerry Sutherland, Akron-Summit County Public Library © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
After his accidental death, Rhett becomes part of a team collecting the souls of the dying. But even the afterlife has its dangers: soul-devouring monsters are stalking the team, and another frightening entity is specifically targeting him. The premise of a newbie reaper learning the ropes is familiar, but the mythos and setting (aboard the Harbinger, a freighter en route tono one knows, exactly) are original and the atmosphere spooky. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Rhett is dead. His car and his body were left crumpled on the side of the road, but he still woke up afterwards. He's one of the few chosen to be a syllektor, who ferries the souls of the dead, on the ghost ship Harbinger. He just wants to move on, but the captain of the Harbinger convinces him to stay, promising Rhett that he will see his parents soon. Rhett's first mission to claim a soul goes well enough, but he still wants to run away. He doesn't fit in with his new crew, and the thought of having to claim souls forever doesn't really appeal to him. It's only in fighting soul-stealing monsters called psychons that he finds meaning and usefulness in his death. Debut novelist Taylor has a way with words, but occasionally goes a bit overboard with flowery prose and similes. Still, he presents an interesting twist on the world we know, which should appeal to teen readers looking for the fun of piracy with the spook of a good ghost story.--Stacey Comfort Copyright 2018 Booklist