Ferryman was one of those unexpected books that creep up on you and wedges its way into your heart. It starts very cryptically but then seamlessly blends itself into the beginnings of one of life's greatest mysteries, "What happens to us when we die?"

As Dylan crawls out of the rubble of her train's lethal crash, she sees the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel where she is greeted by Tristan, a Ferryman charged with guiding lost souls on their journey.

While I was intrigued by Dylan's journey traversing the "wastelands" and narrowly avoiding demonic forces along the way, the real star of this book for me was Tristan. The author pens quite a creative spin on the classic Greek Mythological tale of Charon, which was pretty enjoyable for a YA narration.

Tristan was such a complex character and I truly enjoyed peeling back his many layers. He has only known the life of a Ferryman and has never questioned why things are the way they are, he just simply exists. “I exist because you need me."

His experience as a ferryman gripped me from the onset and as he begins to develop feelings for Dylan he questions his existence and his true purpose. I think there is something beautifully poetic about yearning to live while immersed in death.

As Dylan fights for Tristan, forsaking her little slice of heaven, and Tristan yearns to do more than exist something magical happens that transcends heaven and hell and fate and destiny, but blossoms from the power of love.

The author weaves an enchanting tale that quickly blurred the lines between dreams and reality. The ending though emotional was satisfying in a simplistic way.

I would caution readers that this is a Young Adult fantasy and the writing, premise, and world-building is very much geared towards a younger audience.

Thank you to the folks over at Candlewick Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.