Death's Academy-Learning How to Be Death

Where does Death learn how to do his job?  At Death's Academy of course.  In this middle school age book, we follow Midnight Smith as he tries to figure out the tricky pearls of teenage life all while learning how to be Death.   I was given a copy of Death's Academy by Michael Bast to review.

From the author:

           "Midnight Smith has a problem. He is a Hoodie. Well, almost. He's got to go through Death's Academy so he can learn the ropes of how to snuff out Shorties like you and me, and how to outsmart those pesky Halos. Then he'll get his shroud and calling and become a full-fledged Reaper. But to get into Death's Academy, there is a real killer exam... and Midnight stinks at exams.
What he doesn't know is that the exam will be the least of his worries soon enough. Because when the Hoodies and Halos go on their yearly retreat, the time will be ripe for an old enemy to strike. The only ones left to stop the attack are Midnight and his friends--and this is something he just can't fail at."

My review:

This middle school aged book is a cute fun story. Midnight is faced with challenges over coming his father's failed reputation, making Midnight a big of an outcast by default. He also has normal boy problems including playing in a big game against the Halo's (guardian angels).

I loved the development of the characters, the world the author created and the story line.  It was just a fun unique idea for a book.  I liked that Midnight and his kind live in our world but to regular human eyes things are disguised and look normal. His explanation of how things were and appeared was fun to read and pretend it is real.  I especially liked his friend Mal. This is the beginning of what could be a great series. This book is written as if the main character is talking to the reader, which works really well with this book. 

The one thing that bothered me at times was how disrespectful Midnight was to his parents, often completely disobeying them. While it felt real and true based on the story, as I read certain passages and his thoughts it made me cringe a little to think of my son reading this book.  In the end though it teaches some great lessons and his whole family's relationship is greatly improved.  

Overall, I loved the story and idea of the book.

You can find the book and the author on Facebook// Twitter//

You can pick up a copy of Death's Academy at the following locations

Cedar Fort//Amazon//Barnes & Nobel//

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book to review, all feelings and opinions are my own and truthful.

What is the last book you read?  I'm always looking for new books to read.