There were a lot of things that I liked when I read The Ferryman Institute but one great big fat thing that I hated blotted out the whole lot of them. What I remember most about this novel was its dreadful representation of women. Charlie chooses to save Alice from killing herself and thus puts himself in danger, setting up the action of the novel. Alice is sad because her boyfriend broke up with her. She cheers up because Charlie marries her and gets a 'happy glow' when she gets pregnant. Her depression evaporates because there is Charlie to make her think happy thoughts. She has absolutely zero interiority. I hope that Gigl writes again in the future but he could do with some serious work on how he writes his female characters.

I knew next to nothing about this book before going in to it except that the basic description seemed pretty interesting. It sounded like a school for Ferrymen ... those who help the recently departed cross over from life to the after-life. The book was so much more than that and both more and less than I was anticipating based on the general description.

Charles Dawson is a Ferryman. In fact, he's one of the best that there has ever been according to all who work for the Ferryman Institute. He arrives just prior to someone's death and kindly, gently helps them recognize that they are now deceased and accompanies them to their next destination. He doesn't know what lies in store for each individual. But he assures them that it will be fine and they trust him. Charles has been doing this for over two centuries when he was recruited to the office by one William Cartwright.

But as good as he is, Charlie doesn't want to do it any longer. Being present at every person's demise is taking a mental toll on Charlie. He keeps requesting a transfer out and his requests keep being denied. On his off time he cliff dives ... not into water, but off a cliff onto solid rock. Charlie, like all Ferrymen, is immortal - a fact which causes much frustration for the fed-up Ferryman.

But one day, Charlie is given a special assignment: Be a Ferryman or save the girl.

It's against Institute policy, but since his assignment had an option, Charlie interrupts Alice Spiegal, who is about to kill herself, and convinces her that she has a bright future.

But because it's against policy, Ferryman Javrouche (who has it in for Charlie anyway) sets out to make matters right by killing Alice and bringing Charlie to Ferryman court.

This book is ... wow. It is a humorous fantasy action romance.

Author Colin Gigl moves the story along rapidly and smoothly and he creates some delightful chemistry between Charles and Alice but also between Charles and Javrouche and between Charles and his immediate superior, Melissa.

I totally bought in to the concept behind this book and I absolutely love the characters. Even Javrouche, despite the fact that he goes a little over-board in his pursuit of Charlie. Because I bought in to the concept of the Ferryman Institute, I can't help but believe that there's something good in Javrouche all the same.

There are surprises in store for the reader which should delight and add to the enjoyment of the book. This was truly the sort of book that one picks up and really enjoys reading. It's a perfect vacation book.

I note that the publisher is comparing it to Jasper Fforde and Christopher Moore, but I think that does this book a disservice. I don't believe this book is primarily interested in providing humor (despite having plenty of it) the way that Fforde and Moore do. This is a story about a guy who's trapped in a job he hates and manages to find love.

Gigl has set us up for a sequel, but I'm not sure I need (or want that). I liked this story enough. Another volume is likely to be a bit of a downer (given the circumstances) or a laugh-a-minute riot. Neither seems right for these characters and this setting.

Whether or not there's another volume to come, you should take a chance and read this book.

Looking for a good book? <em>The Ferryman Institute</em> by Colin Gigl is an absolutely delightful read; part romance, part fantasy, part thriller, filled with humor and genuine characters that will feel so real.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The Ferryman Institute is a witty and emotional story about life and death. It’s about revenge and holding onto things instead of letting go. It’s about letting go when you should hold on. It’s about remembering what life is about, even when all seems bleak. It is about a lot of things, really. And it’s compelling as hell.

Charlie is a ferryman for the Ferryman Institute. He’s spent the last 250ish years ferrying souls of the dead to their next stage, with the help of his team. He’s sent to the location where someone is going to die before their time of death, waits as they die - watches them die, in fact - and then he talks them into going through a door he unlocks with his ferryman key, using personal information his navigator has collected about them to persuade them. Note that his ferryman key also allows him to remain invisible to mortals, so they only see him when he dies.

Only, this time when he steps through to someone’s impending suicide, he’s given a choice. Be a ferryman or save the girl. He saves her. And breaks several rules doing so, including the one where he’s not supposed to let go of his key and become visible to mortals.

Alice is… done with the world. Ready to give in. She’s in a rough place after a variety of unpleasant life situations have dumped themselves on her, and she wants it to end. But, you know. Having a crazy guy barge into your room to stop you from shooting yourself in the head is a bit of a game changer - especially when you shoot him in the head instead and he doesn’t die.

The two end up on the run as Charlie tries to save Alice, not entirely knowing why he’s doing it (in a way, his reasons are more about himself than about her). Lots of little realisations hit them both as the story progresses, in fact. Alice wonders why she’s special enough to be saved (and must learn how to deal when she realises she’s not special and it was just a coincidence she was the one he saved). Charlie wonders why he’s going to so much trouble for a girl he’s just met (which again is more about his own issues - it’s hard being immortal and seeing people die, unable to do anything about it - than about her, at least to start). Their journey brings to light a lot of personal issues the two have, and makes them see truths that before were unclear to even them. It’s a nice, natural progression of character growth and changing motivations and desires.

Overall, a very good read. Some great secondary characters too. Melissa is great - and Cartwright too! But probably skip this one if you’re triggered by depression or suicide.

This was a light and engaging read under the guise of a book with heavier subject matter. I loved Charlie's irreverent mannerisms and attitude, even if it is a cover, but felt that concept (boy hides overwhelming depression with dark humor) overdone. Alice's character is written textbook suicide, and while it was compelling, it sadly didn't nake her likeable. The subplot about Javrouche was slightly overdone, and the laissez-faire way the higher ups treat their situation seems odd to me, given who they are. I loved the world build a lot more than the characters and found the storyline to be refreshing and new, but would like to see character growth if there is a sequel.

On a happier note, killer cover!

Call me sexist if you want, but there's a reason why I try to stay away from books written by guys: Mostly I can't stand their f***g voices. Or what is known as "male gaze".
There's a few exceptions like author Soman Chainani and I was going to say author Peter S. Beagle... but meanwhile the author wrote Summerlong and s**t hit the fan with that one. Don't know what is it with guys and old age, for crying out loud.

So, male gaze, right?
I can't stand it. I have allergy to it.
That's why after reading five percent of this I was done with it.
This was supposed to feel adult, instead it felt juvenile. And I hated the voice's guy!
This was what I wrote in September, the first and last time I forced myself to pick this up:
"Was this supposed to be YA? Because this feels YA. And the over the top adjectives are already making my eyes twitch."
Sorry, but my new book resolutions for 2017, revolves around dnf arcs that aren't working for me.
So long, farewell, hope I never see you again!