Death’s Academy
Author Michael Bast
Published Jan 2014
Middle school – teen readers
I think equally appealing for boys and girls
Ok, for starters, when my copy of Death’s Academy arrived in my mailbox, the return address was from a certain M. Blast from Arizona. Now I realize M. Blast could be an assortment of assistants or publishing house associates, but I prefer to believe that the Michael Bast himself package up my copy in special bubble wrap and sent it out with his very own handwriting, all the way across the country (and part of another) to arrive with anticipation at my mailbox in the woods.
I like that personal touch. It made me feel special. 
On the website for Death’s Academy, Mr. Bast describes himself:
‘I am by nature, somewhat of a goofball and dork with an imagination that leans towards the bizarre side.’
This gives you a pretty good feel for the book.
The story starts with the main character Midnight Smith, a young ‘hoodie’ who feels ostracized in his community and desperate to get into Death’s Academy, a place where he will train to be a fully mature Grim Reaper.
At first glance I was a little worried that the tone of the story might be a little too dark for my 9yr olds. But as Mr. Blast also states on his website:
‘They (Hoodies) are grim reapers so in my mind they would lean toward the mischievousness, toward the darkness, but not evil.’
I found this to be very true.
Mr. Blast’s own youthful sense of humour and imagination really shine through the entire story!
Along with a few fart jokes, there is also a lot of drama, intrigue and mystery. Hoodies, Halo’s, Grim Reapers, Shorties and Unicorns!
I knew I was hooked at the appearance of the first elusive Unicorn. With names like Raindrop and Sparkle-star, you might be inclined to picture a ‘little pony’ type creature. And while they are beautiful, they are more like ponies on steroids with a serious evil streak! Loved the Unicorns!
I also loved the Unicorn city. In my mind I could picture it on the ‘big screen’ with a somewhat ‘Willa Wonka’s Chocolate Factory – Tim Burton-esque, sugary and colourful but slightly creepy feel.
Along with all the action, my other favourite aspect of the story was the great friendship between ‘Night’ and his best friend Malificent, and his unlikely ally and Halo, Brilliance.
It’s the kind of relationship that you enjoy watching as it develops and hope to see more of in perhaps *ahem* future novels.
Overall, this is a book I will encourage my kids to read and look forward to more! I give it a total high-five, or fist pump, or whatever the kids are doing these days…
Mr. Blast, I thank you for sending me a copy of your heart and soul and writing my name out on the envelope yourself! I hope Night and Mal and Brilliance have many adventures ahead of them!
p.s. if you ever make Unicorn action figures, you have my address xo
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…still waiting for my unicorn dolls…
I love this idea! Kids have always been enthralled with the supernatural and I love seeing twists on the classics. My 10 year old girl might love this book! I am going to get it for her