Death Books!

I answer your questions about my upcoming novel, talk about the Grim Reaper books you recommended, and discuss some other Death novels I've read (for better and worse).
Support Vampire Reviews on Patreon: / mavenoftheeventide
Mailing address:
Elisa Hansen
PO Box 480749
3515 David Cox Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28269

[@tangally]

when i was about 14 or 15, i had this idea for a story called "the grim reaper's wife" which would be about, the grim reaper, his wife, their son, and the girl who the son has to prevent from dying due to an undiagnosed heart condition. it never really got past the concept phase, and there are defiantly some teenagery plot points i'm embarrassed by, but you inspired me to maybe give it another look.

[@Ekami-chan]

DietBillie That sounds interesting and possibly really sweet, good luck with that idea :D

[@darthgriffin7741]

It sounds nice but why name it after the wife when it seems to be more about the son?

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

I'm so proud of you! I've been watching you since you first popped up in Lindsay's videos as The Makeover Fairy and Dr. Tease, and it's been fun watching you grow into a reviewer, mom, and author! ❤ I can't really think of any books or stories about Death as a character going on adventures that hasn't already been mentioned (Grim Fandango, and The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy), but if you're looking for books about death, maybe check out Ask A Mortitian's YT channel, as she often has great suggestions for death books written by her colleagues from The Order of the Good Death!

[@kat8295]

Not a book, but a TV show with death in it. In the 80's there was a show called "The Storyteller" by Jim Henson and it was this Irish guy who would tell European fairy tales in front of a fireplace. Some are well known tales, others obscure. One tale in particular is called, "A Soldier and Death". This is (I believe) a Russian tale about a soldier coming across Death and the consequences of making a deal with the devil and getting on Death's bad side. This is not a skeleton death, more like a Voldemort looking death....but hey--Death! The show is amazing anyway if you haven't already seen it and I think you can watch the episode of A Soldier and Death on KZbin too! Congrats on the book!

[@MavenoftheEventide]

Oooo I am definitely looking this up. Thanks!

[@rodrolliv]

I remember that show! The storyteller was played by the late John Hurt. That particular story was certainly based on a Russian tale.

[@gravestoneXD2]

The only deaths I can really think of that you didn't mentioned are Grim Fandango or The Grim Adventure of Billy and Mandy (which is probably my favorite), but both of those are also comedy

[@texaskc]

I've had this crazy idea of you and "Ask A Mortician" doing a crossover about the real vampires of the past.

[@inannaenigma9391]

The Mask of Red Death, great story. There's a movie starring Vincent Price as the antagonist of the film, Death is more a stand alone figure in the story than anything else, but it's brilliant.

[@BlancheNeigefan]

You're the reviewer that got me into Blip.com and That Guy With The Glasses. I can't wait to buy your book, the plot sounds AMAZING. Death and vampires together, your sense of humor and, I hope, some macabre elements and lots of character development. I have a bachelor's degree in English and would love to translate your book, for free. I just love your work that much, and I can't wait to see it all become reality ! I'm so excited !

[@inkycap13]

Piers Anthony has an eight novel series called Incarnations of Immortality that's pretty good, the first book "On a Pale Horse" deals with the incarnation of death. It's an interesting set up where death, fate, nature, time, war, good, and evil are not specifically individuals but offices of extreme power and responsibility. Each book follows a mortal individual through their life and subsequent ascension to one of these roles, the trials they face and the evolving struggle against a multi-generational plot of the incarnation of evil. It's a fun, semi-light read with some adult situations and a sprinkling of misogyny that is no where as deep as it try's to be, though played straight and not for laughs.

[@cyberdjinn]

Maven, are you aware of Piers Anthony's Incarnations of Immortality series? Each of the major 'forces' (death, time, fate, war, gaia, etc) are offices that are held by a person until replaced. Death is replaced when he goes to claim a soul that kills him (because he's become lax). It's YA, but a really good series and a universe that involves magic and science working together. The whole series is worth it.

[@ranthropologist]

You should look into some non-fiction death books, too!! -Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty talks about her first few years in the death industry, and how she sort of woke up to how the industry is broken -From Here to Eternity also by Caitlin Doughty describes her trips around the world to see new and old death customs -(Caitlin also has an amazing KZbin channel called Ask a Mortician!) -The American Way of Death is an exposé on the American death industry originally published in the '60's -The Hour of Our Death is an enormous tome about the history of death and funerals in the western world (at least, it's all western so far, I'm only partway through). -Working Stiff by Judy Melinek is about some of the things she's seen as a medical examiner in NYC -The Bone Lady and Trail of Bones by Mary Manhein is about some of the things she's seen as a forensic anthropologist.

[@davidwhitfield6025]

Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations and well done. I will be curious to see your take of Death and vampires, especially how you are going to present the bloodsuckers.

[@kareembrown5235]

I'm reporting this video because Maven ISN'T wearing a form fitting, eye catching corset.

[@spacechimp5141]

no kidding.

[@ghosturiel]

Terry Pratchett's "HogFather" is my personal favorite film adaptation of Death. Hooded Skeleton with the scythe but with a personality that's very comforting. And of course the Discworld Novels are awesome as well.

[@imthestein]

You have no idea how much you're speaking to my soul with your take on Death. I've been wanting a story like this for so long

[@fatcoyote2]

You seem...tense. Perhaps a 'screaming-into-the-sky-until-hoarseness-follows' is called for. Anyways, congratulations on the book deal. Look forward to reading them. Also, look up the Calliope Reaper-Jones series by Amber Benson. Not quite what you're looking for, but a possible thing to look into.

[@popcornceiling3287]

She's probably nervous and exited because her work is going public.

[@fatcoyote2]

I realize that. She's vibrating. Like, she's literally vibrating the entire time she's talking. She needs to let the stress out.

[@TeacherTom01]

Nice to see what you really look like under all the costume stuff.

[@susiearnold]

OMG you got a publisher that is amazing do you know how lucky you are (this isn't a comment on your writing skills which outside of a reveiw format I have yet to encounter but simply comes from the knowledge of the publishing industry from my mother who is an author herself) getting a publisher to agree to take your book is like winning the lottery after playing for 5 years and to get accepted so quickly to Wow! (I'm assuming it was relatively quick considering how young you seem to be but hey maybe you've been trying to get this book published centuries what do I know ; )) either way congratulations Maven!

[@Treeslawood]

There's a book called Rage where a girl becomes War, the horseman of the apocalypse and Death does show up in the book a lot. It has some heavier themes though

[@angiea3843]

I can't wait to purchase your book, you've been my favorite content creator for years and i'm so happy for you!!

[@FalCorianHojasanta]

It's SO adorable to watch you out of character, you look so honestly thrilled exited and somewhat nervous at the same time. At some point i thought you would crack into tears (of joy) while explaining. Anyway already sold me on the idea of the book. Congrats again on your book sounds like a dream come true, i snicerely hope it does well.

[@alorapendrak9752]

That's great news! Good for you!

[@JoeEnglandShow]

Congratulations on your book, I hope it's a great success!

[@brandyloutherback9288]

Your ideas sound so original! Especially the gothic Wizard of Oz!

[@MordredsGirl]

It's the last book in a quartet but Breath by Jackie Morse Kessler is a good Death book. It's more in the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' route but it's more the serious route as well. It's YA but does not skimp on the heavy stuff (each book focuses on a different topic and Breath's is suicide, so you know not Light Reading). I really enjoyed the whole quartet (although it's been a few years since I read it so YMMV) and would definitely recommend it!

[@jasonbean7296]

I think it's a good choice to have a professional reader. As much as I enjoy your voice, it's your entire style of dramatic presentation that I find appealing. Without your hand gestures and eyes, it wouldn't be the same. A book I'm just finishing, "Dayworld" by Philip Jose Farmer, is worth a read. While death doesn't feature in it as a character, the concept of the death of self is highlighted.

[@SapphireShelle91]

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and I can't wait to read your book!

[@Rasiar]

There's a series I loved in high school, Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony. The first book is called On a Pale Horse and it's all about Death, and in the later books Death is a recurring side character. I think you would like them.

[@remusragathon3341]

I'm from germany and I won't wait until it's getting translated. I'm gonna buy it as soon as it comes out. :)

[@thebeatisdead]

It's awesome that you're getting a chance to publish your book series! I'll be looking out for it.

[@TheTWK70]

The more you talk about your book the more excited I get. I genuinely can't wait till it's released, and since I live in the UK I'll most likely get the ebook, it's just easier. Once again congratulations :D

[@backgroundzombieno.9449]

Your making me want your book more and more

[@40YearOldGirlgin]

Amber Benson also has a 4 part Vampire series called Shadowplay.

[@meghanjean2624]

It makes my booky little heart so pleased to see Mary Roach and Caitlin Doughty in your stack.

[@sarahp6554]

As a teen, I started writing a story where death freezes time for a girl about to commit suicide. He calls her Perdita (meaning Lost) and lets her explore the frozen world trapped between seconds. Along the way she weighs the good and bad of the world to decide if life is worth it. I couldn’t decide where to go with the story though, so I stopped writing it. Death was very much a calm friendly sort of guy though.

[@shelbyfrancis3961]

I havnt seen anyone recomend it yet but "On a Pale Horse" by Piers Anthony, book one of Incarnations of Immortality. It's not without problems( there is only one main female character, and of course she's the love interest) but it is some neat world building and its a pretty quick read. It's another "Human becomes the Grim Reaper" story, but in this case it is still one person doing the job, and he becomes the classic "skeleton in a hood" type of Death.

[@sandyudontneedtoknow2826]

So excited for you Elisa! Cant wait to read the book!

[@Tyrgermanic]

this is a unique chapter for this YT channel or any really. no pun with the chapter thing,I've never seen what it's like getting a book published even in a documentary.

[@40YearOldGirlgin]

In regards to Reaper books Amber Benson (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) wrote The Caliope Reaper-Jones series. Starting with Death's Daughter.

[@ariellakahan-harth8831]

Scythe is fantastic! It's not about Death proper, but it's sort about different Deaths.

[@b1merio]

Congrats on the book and all. But I LOVE that shirt (?). Where can I get one? But seriously, can't wait to read your book. Also, love the Christopher Moore books. So funny.

[@markkoehr5003]

The tv show Supernatural has one of my favorite portrayals of Death.

[@jordang7479]

Yay!! I can't wait to read it!!

[@thirteenfury]

I know you're mostly looking for fiction recommendations, but you should read "Cemetery Stories" by Katherine Ramsland. It's a fairly short but interesting book about death customs throughout history, what it's like to run a morgue or a cemetery, and legends about unusual/famous deaths. There's not much about the Grim Reaper himself, but I liked it a lot.

[@captainhit-guy9424]

I am being impatient and should wait until you get to the end of the video but I have one book suggestion just in case... I realize that Piers Anthony is a...problematic author, but the first book in his Incarnations of Immortality series, On a Pale Horse, is about the poor schlub that has to take over the job of the Grim Reaper after accidentally killing the previous poor schlub during a botched suicide attempt. It's been years since I read it but I remember that book and the 2 or 3 after that being quite good at the time.

[@reynemoriarty9431]

Bookshelf tour? Pretty please? I'm so happy to see your videos and that you'll be published soon!

[@Rikku147]

Reyne Moriarty I really wanna see her bookshelves too, especially the Death one.

[@c.w.r.794]

This sounds AWESOME!

[@centreoftheselights]

Death books: the Madison Avery series (Once Dead, Twice Shy and its sequels) is a YA 'Dark Romance'-ish series which focuses on a group of formerly-human Grim Reapers. It isn't really Death but it isn't a comedy either. Actually, I read the series mostly on the strength of the prequel short story in the Dark Romance anthology Prom Nights From Hell, back when every book was black with a flower on the front cover.

[@BlazeQuadZ]

Julian Richings is my favorite live-action death, he was wonderful in both Supernatural (before the show jumped the shark) and in the short he was in. With Last Action Heroes' Ian MKellen being the only other genuinely good movie death I can think of.

[@JennaWeisz]

Hey another Death book would be On A Pale Horse by Piers Anthony. It's part of a series that involes the incarnations like time, fate, war, etc. Fun series. 😊 love your channel and I look forward to your book!

[@travissmith6380]

congratulations. That's so cool

[@Rikku147]

Wait Death and the Girl Next Door actually has the personification of death? I saw it at my library but the synopsis didn't make it sound like there was an Death as an actual character in it, and if there is, I will definitely try it. I'll have to check out Death with Interruptions! Also sounds like it's right up my alley. I do hope they keep The Company of Death as a title! I know they have to think about the kind of title that'll catch the most eyeballs while also attracting the right fanbase and maybe there's an even better title for it, but I really like this one! And I can't wait to see the cover for it! (And speaking of I really loved the covers for those Christopher Moore books. Cute Grim Reaper is cute 😘)

[@MavenoftheEventide]

So I just read Death and the Girl Next Door and it IS the personification of Death, in fact much more so than many other things I've read. He's the One and Only Death too, not some random person who becomes a grim reaper. HOWEVER... it was a pretty terrible book. I could just not get into the writing style or the characters. I can't even really explain why. It theoretically had everything I absolutely wanted in a book. And yet... just ugh... reading it was SUCH a slog :(

[@michaeldavis2001]

I live in the UK and I have your Audiobook. It's very Good. I like it .

[@bridgeface1920]

Yours will be the first book I've read since school haha. Congrats!

[@CrimsonVipera]

If I didn't know you have more than enough work already (what with writing, recording, editing, cons AND a child on top of all that) I'd probably beg you to look into recording an audiobook (not of your own book, of ANY book). I love listening to you.

[@DiehardMechWarrior]

I think Valiant Comics might have a few things up your alley in this department. Ever read Shadowman or Doctor Mirage?

[@l.g.keltner1823]

I definitely plan to read your book! I'm so happy for you! Good luck with the edits.

[@jenniferharris61]

CONGRATS!!!!!!

[@muja_bunny]

I'm excited for the audiobook! I'll preorder on audible once it goes up :)

[@LupineShadowOmega]

"You might be a king or a little street sweeper, but sooner or later you'll dance with the reaper..." I am indeed a fan of Bogus Journey's Death.

[@noeffortrandomness3182]

The death in the book on a pale horse is pretty cool its like the Santa clause but its a guy who becomes death after killing death while trying to commit suicide don't misunderstand its a good read you should like it

[@dornravlin]

i look forward to reading it

[@yam1171]

I can't wait until the book comes out!!

[@Lazarus1095]

Mrs. Hansen, congratulations once again on having crossed the threshold into becoming a "true", bona fide writer. This is, I am sure, the start of a long, fulfilling career. All I ask is that you never give up on being the Maven of the Eventide, because while you are growing beyond it, you are indisputably awesome at it. And why NOT go into reading audiobooks as well?! Sure, reading your own book may be out of the question (you'd probably go blind if you did it too often- just ask Stephen King), but you have a great voice and are perfectly capable of reading someone else's work. So give it a shot!

[@Peachroof]

Piers Anthony's on a pale horse book is very good part of a wonderful series. He leans towards humour in his books but a great read.

[@HogandDice]

I'm really looking forward to buying and reading it. Congratulations.

[@Jvoidz]

oh I so wana read this book I love your videos

[@makutaicarus8934]

There is a short easy read book I enjoyed in High school called Creed by Lindsay Currie and Trisha Leaver. I think you might like it. Then again, I didn't have an analytical take on it when reading.

[@katharineargall6289]

Have you read the whimsical children’s picture book featuring Death called “Keeper of Soles” by Teresa Bateman? (soles being the soles of shoes). It is a story of a cobbler, who being visited by Death, makes a creative and humorous approach to the announcement “I’ve come for your soul” by making Death an assortment of wild shoes.

[@amberhancock2039]

Keturah and Lord Death is pretty awesome

[@JoeServo]

'On a Pale Horse' by Piers Anthony is the first thing I thought of.

[@cyberdjinn]

I just commented the same - I didn't see your comment at the time. Good choice :D

[@markkoehr5003]

I hope you enjoyed scythe. I really enjoyed it.

[@melodiemaiden172]

I read a book in high school called Keturah and Lord Death. Lovely writing, interesting protagonist, and subtle romance. Death is the gentlemen lover here, but the interactions were meaningful and never forced as compared to other YAs. The plot reminded me of Shahrazade and the King from Arabian Nights a little. Probably going to reread it now lol.

[@mistressofthedark5353]

Melodie Maiden i was going to recommend that one too. it was quite good from what i remember of it.

[@beauweevil]

I love that one, it has a real folktale feel.

[@melodiemaiden172]

Exactly! I’m glad I’m not the only one who remembered it and liked it

[@bardic_grin]

Congrats!!!

[@wastelanddv8062]

Read Terry Pratchett's The Fifth Elephant :) Death has a small part but its with my other favorite character in those novels. Oh one more edit I think this is the one where the city watch gets a vampire too.

[@kurt05081994]

I just remembered a book that has Death in it Dødens Terning/Deaths Dice It is a story about a boy who befriends a lot of Biblical characters like Lucifer and his demons. He also meets Death who is called Mortimer. He is not a skeleton but an old man. His sister is life. The book is about the boy is sent to Death to help him get his dice back. the dice he uses to determent how long humans live. the boy then needs to use his detective and good luck to find the dice in hell and also learn about why death is important. He doesn't really have a lot of feelings about what he does outside of the feeling of being overworked. he is more of the mentor character (the wise old man) It is also a danish book and I do not think it is translated

[@gamelairtim]

Please check out the bibliography of Tanith Lee! She has a series of Fantasy stories about Death's Mistress, who is exactly what it says on the tin.

[@alyssagoss2299]

I love how you have separate death and vampire bookshelves. Are there ghosts? I've been thinking a lot about ghost stories lately. Could there be ghosts after you finish the death book? They could be vampiric ghosts; I'm pretty sure there are folk tales about that sort of thing.

[@johnmartinez631]

I prefer the skeletal reaper myself to. Can't wait for your book and congrats on your success.

[@zZLadyDeathZz]

Congratulation!! Looking forard to read it

[@PrincessOzaline]

I don't think Death of the Endless is a total subversion, she's kind of reflective and thoughtful more than anything. She's usually more pleasant than scary but it's not a total 180. One thing that comes to mind for Death story but is totally comedic is a 4 issue comedy comic called Mort the Dead Teenager, wherein a Teen is brought back to haunt his family. He his brought back by Teen Death, Death's son... Again though, not a serious story at all. Anyway looking forward to your book, for sure.

[@23Koneko]

Well there is the Grave Witch series by Kalayna Price and while Death, well Deaths since in the universe there are several, isn't the main character he is a major one and is one of the main character's love interests. On a pale horse (Incarnations of Immortality series) by Piers Anthony is also good.

[@rhys12435]

I dunno if it'll be up your alley but you ought to check out the Court of the Dead, it's an ip that Sideshow Collectibles is making. It's all about death and the citizens of the underworld and their interactions with heaven and he'll, it's really interesting.

[@NorybDrol82]

Yay!

[@calebleland8390]

Have you ever done a review of Forever Knight, or have I missed it? If not, I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Honestly, the second season is the best, but it's vampire melodrama at its best.

[@mosesblack2295]

I'm happy for you good shit

[@lorcannagle]

It's ironic you mention Death Takes a Holiday, and having not read any of Sandman. There's a Death miniseries, the High Cost of Living, where a young man runs into a woman who may or may not be Death of the Endless, and she claims to be spending a day on Earth. She refers to Death takes a Holiday by name as a parallel to what she says she's doing. I'm not a big fan of Sandman, but I love this story, it's the only part of the saga I own.

[@writerspen010]

This is so exciting :D :D :D I'm so happy for you! :D And thanks so much for these book recommendations. Coincidentally, I started my own story about Death a few months ago, but since I had never read any books about the Reaper specifically before, I've been finding this writing project harder than I usually do. I think reading a couple of these will help me in getting my story off the ground, so thanks and, once again, congratulations~~

[@MetaSynForYourSoul]

I would totally read your book, but I'm illiterate. JK! 😁Sorry just didn't know when I'd get a better chance to use that joke. This will be the first KZbinr book I've purchased. I can't wait either. Good luck, Elisa! You deserve all the success I know you'll have.

[@racehorse9720]

I’m writing a book about mythology with fantasy characters including death

[@buggydust]

i'm not sure if anyone mentioned it in the last video but there's a comic series called East of West about the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse and death is one of the main characters. he's not the classic skeleton in a dark robe but is instead portrayed as a kind of old cowboy? and his story line is about him choosing not to resurrect with the other 3 horsemen bc Reasons and go do his own thing. there's lots of other stuff happening too so it might not ultimately be something you're into but it's a great series imo and worth a read

[@MavenoftheEventide]

That actually sounds super amazing! And I've never head of it. Thanks!!

[@9liveslie-cat-lie129]

way to go. But is it kinda strange to see her not in wardrobe lol

[@somthingbrutal]

congratulations again. this is a series you might enjoy Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony

[@MavenoftheEventide]

I've heard a lot about that one, but haven't had the chance to pick it up. Another "human becomes the new Death" story, but might have some fun stuff.

[@rjmayo]

I’d be interested in hearing about what the query process was like for you, if you want to talk about it.

[@marxionSama]

A bit late. But Maybe Wings of desire (German movie) can be Interesting for you. It’s not the skeleton death. But it’s an more serious movie about Death. It was later remade as an Hollywood movie City of angels but I think the original did it better.

[@Xxx_EvilSmurf_xxX]

I can’t wait to read it!

[@imbatmanhi3363]

love the jumper very day of the dead

[@Lavaros]

I'm curious have you seen/read Soul Eater? It's an Anime and Manga where death his prominently featured and he has a son who's one of the main characters. It's honestly one of the more interesting interpretations of the character. Especially the manga version.

[@MavenoftheEventide]

I have not! You're the second person to suggest it. It sounds like something I need to find.

[@calebleland8390]

I was just about to recommend this. I think you would really like it. It's very trippy, and you have to like anime/manga. But I think it would be up your alley. Huge congrats on the book deal!

[@Stillenacht3D]

Congratulations!

[@JRAndrach]

I don't know that I have any actual recommendations off the top of my head, but do you follow Caitlin Doughty by any chance? She's great fun and might have some ideas as far as books/resources regarding representations of Death in media. Her youtube channel is pretty awesome and she covers a wide range of very interesting death-related topics (being a mortician and all). I look forward to hearing more from you about the process. Congratulations!

[@blushmuffin5259]

Bentham's head....

[@vlasisv3415]

You should also work on some research book, or at least video, on the pop history of vampires and monsters or something like that.