This is a unique story that creates a different version of the afterlife, one where spirits are portrayed as emotional beings with jobs to do and roles to undertake. It’s a fresh take that moves away from traditional beliefs about the spirit world as floating around or haunting people and builds something both imaginative and meaningful. One of the strongest elements in the story is its use of time travel—not just as a gimmick, but as a smart, well-explained tool that helps the reader explore the limits of spiritual power and the value of patience. Even though the story is full of supernatural elements, its heart is very human, captured through flashbacks that are touching, and which give the story a strong emotional base.

The Observer was a very fascinating read about the afterlife. The story was well developed and well written. There was good character development. I would recommend this book to any kinda of Science Fiction reader and Christian adventure reader. I am looking forward to the second book

The Observer by Brian Thompson is an interesting take on life after death. Frank slowly wakes to find himself enclosed is a very confined area and is so confused about where and WHO he is that it is hard not to feel sorry for him. As he revives after a long sleep (?) he isn’t sure what is happening, and thus starts the story in a suspenseful and dramatic way that really continues through the rest of the book.

After slowly waking, Frank is informed by someone named Michael, who he does not know, that he is enclosed for his own protection. Not sure that is the most helpful way to start the day but eventually his mobility is enhanced and he is set free to find out he is dead. Huh?

Frank then starts training as an Observer, or his death job. He will be watching over people and situations to keep the other not so friendly spirits like Demons from causing chaos and eliminating humans from earth. Michael takes him to different times and places and shows him how to “interact” with people and try to keep them safe.

It is a classic good versus evil story, or is it? It is worth reading to try to figure out what is good and what is evil on our planet. It is suspenseful all the way.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the prepublication copy to read and review.

The Observer is one of those books that grabs you from the very first scene and doesn’t let go—even after you’ve finished the last page. Frank Hess wakes up dead, with no memory and no idea who he was, and somehow that starting point feels more alive and human than a lot of stories set firmly in the land of the living.

The afterlife world-building is incredibly creative. Observers, Tricksters, Demons, energy fueled by core drives—it all feels fresh, layered, and thoughtfully constructed without ever getting confusing. I loved how the spiritual “rules” of this world tied directly into emotion, purpose, and identity. It’s not just cool powers and cosmic battles (though there are some great action moments); it’s about what drives you at your core and what you do when everything you thought you knew gets ripped apart.

Frank’s journey is emotional in the best, most gut-punchy way. As he slowly starts to recover his memories, you feel every bit of his guilt, grief, and hope. The book doesn’t shy away from heavy themes—loss, failure, regret—but it balances them with growth, forgiveness, and the possibility of redemption. When those big revelations hit (especially that Chapter 24 twist 👀), it forces you to rethink everything that came before without feeling cheap or forced.

The character dynamics are another huge highlight. Michael, the 4000-year-old mentor with a teenager’s attitude, brings humor and warmth that keeps the story from getting too dark. His banter with Frank had me smiling more than once. Rebekkah is also a standout—empathetic, layered, and far more than she first appears. The relationships feel real and messy, full of trust issues, secrets, and loyalty that’s always being tested.

What I appreciated most is how morally gray this world is. There’s no simple “good guys vs. bad guys.” Gods manipulate, heroes lie, and almost everyone has an agenda. It makes every choice feel risky and every alliance feel fragile, which kept me completely hooked.

If you enjoy urban fantasy with rich world-building, emotional depth, and big questions about purpose, faith, and what comes after death, The Observer is absolutely worth picking up. It’s gripping, thoughtful, and surprisingly heartfelt—a story that lingers with you after you close the book.

I am trying to branch out on the types of books I read and I liked this supernatural book. The story was good the characters relatable!! it was a good read.