When I Was Death by Alexis Henderson | Audiobook Review

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Final Destination meets House of Hollow in this haunting and lyrical speculative horror about a group of girls doing Death's bidding in exchange for preserving their own lives.

'The kind of story I wish I could experience for the first time all over again.' Angela Montoya, author of A Cruel Thirst

Roslyn Volk isn't herself any more. It's been almost a year since her older sister, Adeline, died under suspicious circumstances, and she's still shackled by grief. When six mysterious girls appear in town one morning, Roslyn finds herself inexplicably drawn to them, soon learning that Adeline spent her last summer with the group.

Desperate to find out what really happened to her sister, Roslyn agrees to accompany the girls on their road trip. But this strange sisterhood share an inconceivable secret. All of them have been spared from Death's clutches and now must pay for the privilege. Gifted with Death's touch, the girls travel the country reaping other people's souls in return for preserving their own lives.

As Roslyn becomes more entangled with the girls, in particular the group's leader Shiloh who she gravitates towards, it becomes clear there is only one way to discover the truth about her sister. She must strike her own deal with Death . . .

Praise for When I Was Death:

'Atmospheric and achingly lyrical. When I Was Death is a tale of untamed girlhood, defiant loyalty and a relentless search for truth.' Sophie Clark, author of Cruel is the Light

'Henderson's hauntingly beautiful prose explores how girlhood and grief are often intertwined. I savoured every single page.' Cynthia Murphy, author of Win Lose Kill Die

'Hauntingly beautiful and equally heart-wrenching, When I Was Death explores love and loss in a way that both hurts and heals. Henderson has crafted an intimate, powerful and utterly unputdownable tale.' Channelle Desamours, author of Needy Little Things

'A searing portrayal of girlhood, at once sparkling and violently dark. When I Was Death is thrilling and wholly original.' Goldy Moldavsky, author of The Last Girl

'This is girlhood at its darkest and most glittering. When I Was Death is the culty road trip fantasy of your dreams. It's horror with heart, unafraid to explore the sharp edges of friendship and sisterhood.' Maria Meservey, author of The Ironfell Inheritance

'Henderson's prose glows with honesty, her characters richly textured and utterly alive.' Abby Dewsnup, author of Rabbit Heart

'I couldn't put it down! When I Was Death is brilliant from start to finish.' Abiola Bello, author of Love in Winter Wonderland

'A beautiful exploration of grief and girlhood. Five stars. I'll be haunted by this one for a long time.' Beth Tomlin, author of To Hell With You

Why Did I Listen To When I Was Death by Alexis Henderson?

When I Was Death is Alexis Henderson’s YA debut. I so enjoy her adult books particularly via audio. So, I knew I just had to experience her latest book also in audio — thanks to PRH Audio by the way. While I am not a huge horror reader, I do not mind YA horror particularly when it is written by an author whom I think very highly of. Plus, the premise of this book sounded like it was going to be captivating. Friends, this was quite the engaging listen.

What’s The Story Here?

Alexis Henderson’s When I Was Death follows Rosalyn, a biracial teenage girl who is struggling with the loss of her sister. Adeline died in the woods a year ago under mysterious circumstances. Rosalyn has this need to know what happened and to get some closure before she is able to move on. While at the local diner, she encounters a caravan of teenage girls who are familiar. As it happens, Adeline was traveling with them prior to the her death and they may have the key to what happened. So, Rosalyn tells her parents she is going to summer camp when really she is joining up with the girl gang for the summer.

It turns out, Rosalyn gets more than she bargains for. She learns the girls work for Death and help people cross over. Each has made her own bargain with Death. For Rosalyn to stay on, she must help the girls. Rosalyn is not dying, but she makes a bargain that if she brings souls to Death, he will tell the truth of what happened to her sister.

How Did I Like When I Was Death?

Overall, I found When I Was Death to be another fantastic read from Alexis Henderson. I thought it was a little less scary and intense than her books for adults — however, that was to be expected. This is written with a YA audience in mind and to my understanding, was written perfectly from that lens. Rosalyn is a compelling character and I could feel her grief and her desire for answers as I listened to this book. I could feel how stifling her town felt and why she wanted to travel with the girls – for answers but also I think to get out as well. Her little romance was interesting too. The portrayal of Death as almost someone who is trafficking these girls was unique as well. When I Was Death succeeds in the execution of the concept and I can’t help but recommend this – particularly if you want to dip your toes in horror.

How’s The Narration?

I love a new to me narrator! Alexis Henderson’s YA debut is narrated by Khaya Fraites. It is 7 hours 22 minutes unabridged. I listened at 1.5x speed. Fraites has a voice that is youthful and easy on the ears. I thought she embodied Rosalyn really well. Her vocal style is well suited to this story. I think regardless if you read with your ears or eyes – this is a superb book. Pick it up in particular for fall or Summerween!

@aprilbooksandwine

Reading update!! Books mentioned: When I Was Death by Alexis Henderson (I have finished this) Ramin Abbas Has Major Questions by Ahmad Saber Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Latest posts by April (Books&Wine) (see all)

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