stefu1
Written on Nov 23, 2014
Dante Walker is flippin' awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of Hell's best - a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag. Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante's an equal opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he'll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment: Collect Charlie Cooper's soul within 10 days. Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that's a permanent ticket out of Hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he's come to collect-he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions long ago buried.
- ISBN10 1322641617
- ISBN13 9781322641614
- Publish Date 1 January 2013
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 4 March 2015
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Entangled Publishing
- Format eBook
- Language English
Reviews
jnikkir
Written on May 18, 2013
I have to be honest - it took me a while to get into this book. And by "a while", I mean like, weeks. Initially, I wasn't going to even give it a chance. The tagline on the cover? The summary? Sorry, but this Dante guy did not sound like a character I wanted to read about. I mean, I enjoy a bad-boy book-boyfriend as much as the next person, but Dante just struck me as over-the-top, and not someone I wanted to read about, let alone have the story told from his POV. But then I saw all these reviews that convinced me I needed to give the book a chance - "Dante is awesome," they said. "Don't let his attitude fool you, this is a great book!" And so I believed, got the book, and started reading.
I was ready to give up after 20 pages. And I ended up doing just that. I put the book down, deciding that however good it got, it wasn't worth putting up with Dante's insufferable attitude.
Don't ask me why I picked it back up. I have no. idea. But I'm actually really glad I did.
I still feel the same about early-chapters-Dante as I did when I first started the book. But for some reason in my second try reading, I was able to power through the Intensely Annoying Parts, and by the time I made it to page 50, I was starting to see glimmers of something else. Dante is insufferably arrogant and a total jerk most of the time. He doesn't care that it's his job to ruin people's lives - in fact, he quite enjoys it. (And it did get to the point where I was laughing just because the things he said or did were so ridiculous.) But in the process of trying to collect the soul of his new assignment - Charlie - his personality slowly (very, very slowly) changes for the better. We also find out that he's got some pretty big emotional baggage of his own, and maybe that's why he's gone to such an extreme of just enjoying being a jerk. But that's how the book finally caught me. I actually really liked watching Dante as he slowly comes to realize that he might be on the wrong side.
I liked Charlie, Dante's assignment-turned-love-interest, but she ended up feeling like a means to an end, to me - to get Dante to Change His Ways (which obviously I am a fan of, so idk why Charlie bothers me, but oh well). Also I wasn't terribly happy with the way things ended for her... No spoilers, but I wish certain things hadn't happened, or had at least been reversed, so we got the full effect of Dante's transformation and acceptance of the "real" Charlie. Who knows, maybe this will happen in the sequel? My fingers are crossed.
In conclusion...
Crazily enough, it was Dante who really made this book, for me. Charlie was okay, and I really did love her and Dante together - but it was Dante's narration that ultimately was so refreshing - or maybe 'refreshing' isn't the right word, but at least unique enough to make it feel like Something New and Different. It's nothing terribly mind-blowing, and most of it is mindless fun (which is why the 3.5 stars), but Dante's POV and more emotional story-arc made me finally decide that I am actually going to count myself a fan of this series, and I really am curious to find out what happens in Book 2. Bring it on!!
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{ This review can also be found at my blog, There were books involved... }
Angie
Written on May 5, 2013
I have to say that The Collector was the most fun I’ve had reading so far this year! Dante Walker. You’ll either hate him or love to hate him! I have a soft spot for unlikeable characters if they’re written right (which he is), so I fall into the latter group. He made a terrible first impression on me, but I had to keep reading! His voice is unique, clearly male, and magnetic. Even if he does seem a bit like a rich, bad boy caricature, I found him believable. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to get more of his story!
The Collector begins with Dante beginning his newest assignment. He must collect the soul of one Charlie Cooper. Charlie is a walking, talking stereotype of the ultimate loser with a heart of gold and a tragic past: acne, too skinny, frizzy hair, glasses, crooked teeth, a limp, wears both backpack straps, witnessed the death of both parents and volunteers every Saturday. Wow. I think the only thing left out is an annoying, nasally voice. Dante is not impressed with Charlie..at all…in fact, he’s kind of repulsed by her. But he must befriend her and corrupt her within the next 10 days if he wants that big shiny promotion!
What follows is a light-hearted and hilarious story. Charlie is just so happy and good, and of course she eventually earns Dante’s affection. I loved watching Dante slowly turn into less of a jerkwad as The Collector moved forward. He’s still incredibly shallow throughout the whole book, but I think in his case, actions speak louder than words. He repeatedly stands up for Charlie and does what he thinks is right at the time, even if it might not be.
Despite being rude, crude, and down right bad, Dante Walker is a wonderful narrator. The Collector would not have been the same if he was any different, so if you can get past the first few pages, you are in store for a real treat!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
e_rodz_leb
Written on Apr 3, 2013
Dante stole my heart from the very first page! The Collector is an amazing debut by author Victoria Scott.
For reasons that are too spoilery (yes, I know it's not a word!), Dante lands downstairs when he dies, and in order to be able to walk on Earth, he chooses to become a Collector. There are some intricacies and politics tied to exactly how it works, but it works fine for Dante. I mean, he is handsome, confident, and loves the perks that come with the job. The problem is that he is sent to collect a special soul, namely Charlie.
At the beginning of the story Dante is all those things I said above, plus selfish, angry and cocky. You might think that these adjectives are negative, but somehow Ms. Scott created a character that is full of depth and is so ‘bad’ that it becomes endearing. In contrast, Charlie is Dante’s complete opposite. She is not outwardly beautiful, but her soul is pure and bright and so is her personality. Dante feels an inexplicable pull and attraction towards her, but he has a work to do and he is use to look out for himself. The transformation and the conflict that overtakes Dante is as fun to read as the rest of this story, and it’s gradual as well.
Other characters in the book are well fleshed out and add to the story. Annabelle and Blue are Charlie’s best friends and they form a tight circle of support and protection around her. Max is Dante’s best friend and also a fellow collector, he is also cocky and self-assured, but a loyal friend. Valery (Red) is a bit confusing to me, but can’t add anything else, least I spoil the book for you ;)
The plot is well thought out and it has a few twists and turns. Not everything is explained in this installment and, to be honest, there are a lot of unanswered question at the conclusion of the book. The writing is a gem. The story is told in first person, from Dante’s point of view and his thoughts are a thing of beauty. I also appreciate that, although the story lasted about two weeks, the romance piece didn’t feel like insta-love.
If you like ‘bad boys’, paranormal stories, demons and angels and a great romance, The Collector is the book for you.
lizarodz
Written on Apr 3, 2013
Dante stole my heart from the very first page! The Collector is an amazing debut by author Victoria Scott.
For reasons that are too spoilery (yes, I know it's not a word!), Dante lands downstairs when he dies, and in order to be able to walk on Earth, he chooses to become a Collector. There are some intricacies and politics tied to exactly how it works, but it works fine for Dante. I mean, he is handsome, confident, and loves the perks that come with the job. The problem is that he is sent to collect a special soul, namely Charlie.
At the beginning of the story Dante is all those things I said above, plus selfish, angry and cocky. You might think that these adjectives are negative, but somehow Ms. Scott created a character that is full of depth and is so ‘bad’ that it becomes endearing. In contrast, Charlie is Dante’s complete opposite. She is not outwardly beautiful, but her soul is pure and bright and so is her personality. Dante feels an inexplicable pull and attraction towards her, but he has a work to do and he is use to look out for himself. The transformation and the conflict that overtakes Dante is as fun to read as the rest of this story, and it’s gradual as well.
Other characters in the book are well fleshed out and add to the story. Annabelle and Blue are Charlie’s best friends and they form a tight circle of support and protection around her. Max is Dante’s best friend and also a fellow collector, he is also cocky and self-assured, but a loyal friend. Valery (Red) is a bit confusing to me, but can’t add anything else, least I spoil the book for you ;)
The plot is well thought out and it has a few twists and turns. Not everything is explained in this installment and, to be honest, there are a lot of unanswered question at the conclusion of the book. The writing is a gem. The story is told in first person, from Dante’s point of view and his thoughts are a thing of beauty. I also appreciate that, although the story lasted about two weeks, the romance piece didn’t feel like insta-love.
If you like ‘bad boys’, paranormal stories, demons and angels and a great romance, The Collector is the book for you.
Amber
Written on Apr 3, 2013
Here's another list for you guys because YAY, lists!
Full review on Books of Amber
Kelly
Written on Mar 29, 2013
Dante is easily one if the hottest young adult characters to date, in the same category as Kaiden from the Sweet Evil series, and Daemon from the Lux series. He's obnoxious, he's overconfident and he'll set your pages on fire. Easily the most anticipated new series of 2013, you'll fall in love with Charlie, she's a beautiful young lady who has a sweet and naive innocence.
The next in the series just can't be released soon enough!
Ashley
Written on Mar 8, 2013
BookNook — Young Adult book reviews
4.5 Stars
It needs to be said right now that Dante Walker is bad. Really bad. Like judgmental, douchebag, arrogant asshole bad. But for some reason, I was okay with it. Victoria Scott made me fall in love with an asshole.
I am Dante Walker. I am not merciful.
The Collector by Victoria Scott, Page 94
Steph from Cuddlebuggery actually made me draw a connection between Dante and Daemon from Obsidian. Both guys are complete and utter douchebags. They're hot, but they're both self-absorbed assholes. So why did I love Dante but hate Daemon? At first I gave Daemon a chance because I thought he would come out of his shell and be a nice guy... but he never ever did. And that's why I hated him. But with Dante, it's like I knew from the beginning that it was just a matter of time before he outgrew his shallow ways and proved that he was actually a great guy... and I was right. So, when he was acting like a womanizing asshat, I just rolled with it. Instead of being annoyed and disgusted, I laughed. It was almost so absurd that it was actually funny! I was able to deal with it because I knew he would change... and he did.
Ain't no one do bad like I do.
—The Collector by Victoria Scott, Page 94
I know I've hurt her by implying she's not beautiful, but we have to face facts to move forward.
—The Collector by Victoria Scott, Page 97
In addition to being downright hilarious, The Collector has some of the best character development ever. Dante truly transforms. He starts out being a guy who really does deserve to be in Hell, but he slowly but surely realizes what an asshole he's been. And that's the thing—the slow progression makes it very believable, and I loved that! There isn't really a sudden moment of supreme realization, it's something that slowly develops piece by piece. I love that I can't pinpoint exactly when Dante started to 'see the light', because it really happened gradually over time.
"So let's get this rollin'. What's your dealio, Fire Crotch?" I light my cigarette and drop down on the bed, crossing my red sneakers at the ankle. "You've obviously got something on your chest besides cheap silicone."
—The Collector by Victoria Scott, Page 210
Overall, I think there's something really awesome about how in The Collector, the hot sex-on-a-stick boy from Hell ends up with the not-that-pretty, kind-of-dorky, innocent girl who loves to volunteer. And at the beginning, I actually found myself thinking, "Is this seriously who Dante is going to fall in love with?" I just couldn't picture it. They are such an unlikely couple that I actually couldn't believe it. I would have said they had no chemistry and that there was no way it was going to happen... but I was proven wrong. Because by the end of the book, it just worked. It totally clicked. Dante and Charlie really grew into each other, and it was done in a way that I could believe, despite all my doubts.
Second chances—they were never for me. But Charlie, she just gave me one. She just saw something in me.
—The Collector by Victoria Scott, Page 202
My favourite thing about The Collector was just so darn funny. Mostly I was laughing at Dante's hilarious bad boy fasçade. I highlighted so many lines in The Collector because they had me cracking up and giggling insanely! On more than one occasion, my boyfriend had to ask me if I was okay.. probably because he thought I'd gone insane with all the giggles.
The only thing I didn't quite believe had to do with why Charlie was so special. I just couldn't buy that her charity was going to change the world. There are so many charities out there and I just had a hard time accepting that her little part-time one was the charity that would make all the difference.
I think that if you can see past Dante's asshole attitude at the beginning and find ways to laugh at it instead of being offended, then just about everyone will enjoy this book!