The Reapers are the Angels

by Alden Bell
The Reapers are the Angels cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Technical
  • ID: 1488
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-07
  • ISBN: 9780230755321
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2010-09-03
  • Reviews: 4

The Reapers are the Angels by Alden Bell is a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller set in a world ravaged by the undead. Temple, a young woman hardened by the brutal realities of her environment, navigates a landscape where the remnants of humanity struggle to maintain their sanity and morality. Her journey is not just a fight for survival but also a quest for redemption, as she seeks to atone for the dark deeds she has committed in her past. Along the way, she encounters various factions and individuals, some striving to rebuild civilization and others who have embraced the chaos to create their own ruthless order. Temple's path is fraught with danger, especially as a vengeful man relentlessly pursues her, determined to end her life in this world gone mad. /n/n The novel explores themes of morality, survival, and the human condition in the face of extreme adversity. Temple's character is complex and compelling, making her a unique protagonist in the post-apocalyptic genre. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of a desolate world and the desperate measures people take to survive, offering a stark and thought-provoking look at what it means to be human in the most inhuman of circumstances.

Reviews
fantasybookreview.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-11-21
brilliant 4.00

The Reapers Are the Angels is a literary zombie novel with a fifteen-year-old protagonist, Temple, who wanders a post-apocalyptic landscape. The book is compared to works by Cormac McCarthy and Faulkner, featuring Southern Gothic style and a protagonist who is both violent and innocent. The story is derivative but stands out for its prose, making it a recommended read for those not burnt out on zombie novels.

The Reapers Are the Angels is a unique take on the zombie genre, featuring a fifteen-year-old protagonist named Temple who navigates a world ravaged by the undead. The novel's strength lies in its artful prose and Southern Gothic style, reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy and Faulkner. Temple is a complex character, both violent and innocent, who embarks on a journey with a mentally disabled man, encountering various horrors and a few kindnesses along the way. The story is derivative of other zombie novels but is elevated by its literary quality. The book is recommended for those who enjoy zombie fiction and are looking for a more sophisticated take on the genre.

Quick quotes

    If Cormac McCarthy wrote a YA zombie novel.

    You get old, Temple. The wide world is a pretty adventure for a long time, it’s true. But then one day you wake up and you just want to drink a cup of coffee without thinking about livin or dyin.

    It has become something to her, that memory — something she can take out in dismal times and stare into like a crystal ball disclosing not presages but reminders.

fantasyliterature.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
great 4.00

The book is a collection of interconnected short stories that defy easy definition, with each story following someone connected to a record company executive. The title refers to time as a goon that robs people of their youth and vitality. The most iconic chapter is told through Powerpoint slides, but there are other remarkable stories as well.

A Visit From The Goon Squad is a unique and well-crafted book that reads like a novel but is actually a collection of thirteen interrelated short stories. Each story follows someone connected to record company executive Bennie Salazar, exploring different stages of life and various locations and time periods. The title refers to time as a goon that robs people of their youth and vitality, a theme that connects all the characters. The most iconic chapter is told through Powerpoint slides, but there are other remarkable stories as well, such as one about a kleptomaniac and another about a wildlife safari gone wrong. The book is incredibly well-written and meticulously crafted, but it can be a frustrating read as it requires multiple readings to fully appreciate.

Quick quotes

    How did I go from being a rock star to being a fat fuck no one cares about?

    The book is incredibly well-written and meticulously crafted.

    It’s one I’d only recommend picking up if you’ve got the time and brain space to dedicate to it, as it deserves no less.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
intriguing 4.50

The reviewer enjoyed Adam Savage's memoir, finding it inspiring and insightful. They appreciated the personal stories and high-quality diagrams, but wished for more content and future plans.

Adam Savage's memoir, 'Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It', offers a personal and engaging look into his life and career. The reviewer found the book inspiring, particularly the stories about Savage's early experiences and his passion for making and building. The high-quality diagrams and images added to the enjoyment, and the reviewer appreciated the emotional and funny insights into Savage's journey. However, they wished the book was longer with more diagrams, images, lists, plans, and stories from his work, especially about his 'One-Day Builds' and his love for cosplay and Comic-Con. Overall, the reviewer highly recommends the book for anyone who is passionate about making, building, or simply enjoys Savage's work.

Quick quotes

    I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this memoir/autobiography/help guide, despite having the building abilities of a goldfish I felt as though this book would be able to change my approach to things, especially to my studies!

    The personal look into his life, his times and his failures along the way really allow for an emotional and funny insight into how things wound up like they are.

    Honest, intriguing, and personal 'Every Tools a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It' is a must have for any nerd, maker, builder, cosplayer or lover of people who are really passionate about what they do.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
remarkable 4.50

The reviewer praises Jennifer Egan's 'A Visit From the Goon Squad' for its innovative structure and compelling narrative, highlighting the author's ability to weave together diverse storylines and characters. The book's unique approach to storytelling and its exploration of themes like love and time's passage are particularly noteworthy.

Jennifer Egan's 'A Visit From the Goon Squad' is a remarkable piece of fiction that defies traditional narrative structures. The book is a collection of interconnected stories that span over 40 years, each told from a different perspective. The reviewer is impressed by Egan's ability to maintain coherence and momentum despite the fragmented nature of the plot. The characters and their interconnected lives are brought together by a tone of simmering regret, arising from love's wreckage and time's relentless devouring. The reviewer also praises Egan's versatility, noting her success in various forms of writing, from second-person narratives to futuristic visions. Overall, the book is a testament to Egan's creativity and skill as a storyteller.

Quick quotes

    The reviewer is impressed by Egan's ability to maintain coherence and momentum despite the fragmented nature of the plot.

    The characters and their interconnected lives are brought together by a tone of simmering regret, arising from love's wreckage and time's relentless devouring.

    The reviewer also praises Egan's versatility, noting her success in various forms of writing, from second-person narratives to futuristic visions.

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