Review: Death's Academy by Michael Bast

Death's Academy is the first book by Michael Bast that I have read and I was pleasantly surprised. The title sound quite gruesome, however, I found this book interesting, without too much blood and guts, and suitable for kids.
 

Midnight Smith (Night) needs to pass an exam to get into school. But this isn’t any exam. It’s the exam to get into Death’s Academy, the only school for hoodies (Grim Reapers) like Night. When the halos (guardian angels) and the hoodies go away to an island for the Reapless holiday; Night, his friend Mal, and the halo Brilliance have to fight unicorns (mortal enemies) to get the Scythe back, the key to the hoodies’ powers. This book throws you head first into a magical world that adores adventure and scorns stereotypes.

This read was very entertaining. I loved the twist on the classic theme of good versus evil, and it was nice to watch Night slowly starting to understand the secret of his father. The book really sucks you in and prevents you from putting it down. This is also a fast paced book, and a good one to read when you are in the mood for something quick and light but with lots of action.

I would thoroughly recommend this book and look forward to reading another book by Michael Bast. To leave you on a good note, remember, ‘becoming a reaper can be fatal.’ 

By Keying Huo-Smith

Review: Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown

Darth Vader and Son is a simple picture/comic book with many different scenarios of, if Darth Vader was raising a 4 year old Luke Skywalker.

Mostly this book reminds me of Farside calendars, they are silly little scenarios with puns and laughs, except this one is with Star Wars scenarios. Not all of them hit the mark but overall it's a good cheap book with laughs and will keep many a guest that comes to your house entertained. 

Is this a great kids book? Probably not, it probably reaches in the kid in us! So probably a great one for dads and his sons/daughters who love Star Wars. 

The pictures are well drawn and the book itself is well made and sturdy (you can let kids rifle through it).

My only gripe is that I wish every scene was something to do with Star Wars rather than a generic father raising a son scenario.

So if you are looking for a nice present for someone who likes Star Wars (or yourself!), I think you've got your ticket here.

Here are a couple of pages from the book.