Death Most Definite

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/06/review-death-most-definite-by-trent.html

It’s been a bad day for Steven de Selby. He has a hangover from a night of drinking with his cousin, and best friend, Tim, a dead girl is following him around (who he might actually be falling in love with), someone is killing his co-workers, and there’s already been an attempt on his life. Steven is a Pomp, or a Psychopomp, working for the family business (Mortmax), drawing the souls of the newly dead through to the Underworld. He’s been living quietly with his border collie, Molly, and moping over a break up that happened nearly 3 years ago, when all hell seems to break loose at once. His Regional Manager is missing, show more and Morrigan, family friend and higher up at Mortmax, can barely contain the sudden violence. Steven suspects that Stirrers are involved, who pretty much do the same thing as Pomps, but hunger for both the living and the dead, creating pain and havoc wherever they strike. Losing his co-workers is bad enough, but when the violence hits very close to home, Steven vows to get to the bottom of things, before it’s too late for him too.
I’m a sucker for male protagonists (I like kick-ass chicks too, but this is a soft spot, k?), so when I started Death Most Definite, I was full of hope that I’d discover a new fave. Well, I have. Steven de Selby is everything I love in a male lead. He’s sensitive, kind, and a bit vulnerable. He doesn’t have a tortured past, and except for a rather bad run with women, there’s no serious angst that he’s dealing with when the you-know-what hits the fan. He’s just a (taller than usual) guy, doing the day to day in the family biz (albeit an odd family biz), and trying to catch a bit of happiness wherever he can. See, I get that (except for the guy part), and his humanity is part of what makes him so damn likeable. The author puts Steven though the emotional and physical wringer in this one, and it’s almost more than one man can handle. De Selby reminds me a bit of Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden, but in Australia, instead of Chicago, and without as much of the snark , although there’s plenty of it for this snark fan. I thought the pacing was just about perfect, and I really enjoyed the little things, like the author’s references to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Firefly, and Mad Max. I love his world of inklings (tattoos that come to life), beautiful fig trees that ease the passing from life into death, and even zombies (of the non-brain-eating variety). Add car chases, explosions, some awesome twists, a chilling trip through the Underworld, and one of the funniest renderings of Charon I’ve ever read, and you’ve got a must read! I’ll definitely be back for more with Managing Death, book 2 in the Death Works series. show less

This was fun. There's lots of humor but there's a lot of action and drama too.

Things that are really great:
Different world from the usual fantasy fare. The only "standard" things in this aren't that common: a being called Death and psychopomps, except these are human. There have been great TV shows with reapers such as Dead Like Me and Reaper but this is still different. It really felt fresh to me.

Non-stop action.

Humor that is fairly funny.

Main characters who actually have families and friends. I don't remember the last time I read a series where the lead is close to Mom and Dad, where they're in his life on a regular basis. They aren't constantly bitching at him or being crazy or evil, and he's not constantly trying to avoid them show more like is so prevalent in UF, when the parents even appear at all.

This man cries. He's not a crybaby but he weeps when he's faced with things like loved ones dying.

There's a border collie who's just a ordinarily smart dog, nothing supernatural or over anthropomorphized.

Death the character is different in that there are 13 of them. He's not usually amiable and fun, nor is he terrifying all the time which is cool and not the norm for UF.

This author loves science fiction and there are hidden references throughout. My favorite is that Steven says on several occasions, "I'm a pomp not a [insert job here]." Fans of the original Star Trek will understand. I particularly like that no one calls attention to them so you'll only notice if you're a true fan.

His hair. This was laugh-out-loud funny to me. He is always worrying about his hair looking good. He survives a bloody attack and the first thing he asks his ally is, "Does my hair look okay?" He comments more than once, "At least my hair looked good." It was definitely supposed to be funny and it was. It fit the shallow slacker he was.

He wears a suit through the majority of the book. I just love this break from UF stereotypes of tight leather and even tighter t-shirts.

Steven goes through a lot of changes and growing up throughout.

The love interest is awesome; although he falls in love way too quickly, it's not love at first sight, either. If this weren't an excellent story without the love story, I'd label it as paranormal romance. It's the kind where he would do anything for her. I just slurp that stuff up.

The ending was quite a surprise. I knew what was coming only in the last chapter or so and even then I thought there would be a slightly different resolution.

It takes place outside of North America in a city I know nothing about except that it's in Australia. Jamieson made Brisbane come alive for me. It's obvious that he loves this city and really knows it well.

Things I didn't like as much:

Although the women were strong and equal, all the positions of power were held by men (except for one near the end that was mentioned in one sentence). The others were necessarily women for the characterization: Mom, the love interest, and one of two pomps in a heterosexual relationship. The only other women mentioned were a couple of aunts that were scary and no one liked, and another main character's wife. I don't think Trent is consciously sexist. I think that when we think about directors and top leaders we are conditioned to naturally think of men. I think it usually has to be a conscious choice to put a woman in a place of power. I just wish more people would think about it and make that conscious choice.

One solution to the problem at hand was put off even though the world was ending because it would be extremely painful. If he'd known what it entailed, I would understand, but he was used to pain and when he was desperate and almost killed over and over again, he still didn't consider this solution until 3/5ths of the way through the book.

They only talk about Hell as the place where everyone goes. It's not really Hell, it's more like the Greco-Roman underworld, but it is referred to hell several times. I don't think Hell makes sense without a Heaven or at least some relevant mythology so I wish he'd never called it Hell.

Overall:

The likes way outweigh the dislikes for me.

Ironically, I started this book in the wee hours of the morning, and by the time I got back to it, I had had to put my own beloved border collie mix to sleep. I chose to read it because it was funny and light. Then it got heavier and sadder and talked about death a lot including the death of his border collie but somehow it was what I needed. I'm thankful to the book for that and it will always resonate with me because of it. show less

This was fun. There's lots of humor but there's a lot of action and drama too.

Things that are really great:
Different world from the usual fantasy fare. The only "standard" things in this aren't that common: a being called Death and psychopomps, except these are human. There have been great TV shows with reapers such as Dead Like Me and Reaper but this is still different. It really felt fresh to me.

Non-stop action.

Humor that is fairly funny.

Main characters who actually have families and friends. I don't remember the last time I read a series where the lead is close to Mom and Dad, where they're in his life on a regular basis. They aren't constantly bitching at him or being crazy or evil, and he's not constantly trying to avoid them show more like is so prevalent in UF, when the parents even appear at all.

This man cries. He's not a crybaby but he weeps when he's faced with things like loved ones dying.

There's a border collie who's just a ordinarily smart dog, nothing supernatural or over anthropomorphized.

Death the character is different in that there are 13 of them. He's not usually amiable and fun, nor is he terrifying all the time which is cool and not the norm for UF.

This author loves science fiction and there are hidden references throughout. My favorite is that Steven says on several occasions, "I'm a pomp not a [insert job here]." Fans of the original Star Trek will understand. I particularly like that no one calls attention to them so you'll only notice if you're a true fan.

His hair. This was laugh-out-loud funny to me. He is always worrying about his hair looking good. He survives a bloody attack and the first thing he asks his ally is, "Does my hair look okay?" He comments more than once, "At least my hair looked good." It was definitely supposed to be funny and it was. It fit the shallow slacker he was.

He wears a suit through the majority of the book. I just love this break from UF stereotypes of tight leather and even tighter t-shirts.

Steven goes through a lot of changes and growing up throughout.

The love interest is awesome; although he falls in love way too quickly, it's not love at first sight, either. If this weren't an excellent story without the love story, I'd label it as paranormal romance. It's the kind where he would do anything for her. I just slurp that stuff up.

The ending was quite a surprise. I knew what was coming only in the last chapter or so and even then I thought there would be a slightly different resolution.

It takes place outside of North America in a city I know nothing about except that it's in Australia. Jamieson made Brisbane come alive for me. It's obvious that he loves this city and really knows it well.

Things I didn't like as much:

Although the women were strong and equal, all the positions of power were held by men (except for one near the end that was mentioned in one sentence). The others were necessarily women for the characterization: Mom, the love interest, and one of two pomps in a heterosexual relationship. The only other women mentioned were a couple of aunts that were scary and no one liked, and another main character's wife. I don't think Trent is consciously sexist. I think that when we think about directors and top leaders we are conditioned to naturally think of men. I think it usually has to be a conscious choice to put a woman in a place of power. I just wish more people would think about it and make that conscious choice.

One solution to the problem at hand was put off even though the world was ending because it would be extremely painful. If he'd known what it entailed, I would understand, but he was used to pain and when he was desperate and almost killed over and over again, he still didn't consider this solution until 3/5ths of the way through the book.

They only talk about Hell as the place where everyone goes. It's not really Hell, it's more like the Greco-Roman underworld, but it is referred to hell several times. I don't think Hell makes sense without a Heaven or at least some relevant mythology so I wish he'd never called it Hell.

Overall:

The likes way outweigh the dislikes for me.

Ironically, I started this book in the wee hours of the morning, and by the time I got back to it, I had had to put my own beloved border collie mix to sleep. I chose to read it because it was funny and light. Then it got heavier and sadder and talked about death a lot including the death of his border collie but somehow it was what I needed. I'm thankful to the book for that and it will always resonate with me because of it. show less

If it wasn’t for Dark Faerie Tales’ debut urban fantasy authors reading challenge, I never would have picked up Death Most Definite, and I would have been missing out on a fantastic novel.

Trent Jamieson‘s debut novel is all about a Psychopomp, or Pomp, named Steven de Selby. His job? Helping the dead get to the Underworld, and banishing Stirrers (those who come back to occupy dead bodies) when they show up in Brisbane. It’s a family business — his parents are both Pomps but his cousin and best friend, Tom, is what they call a Black Sheep — someone who comes from a Pomp family but who chooses not to be a Pomp.

Life is moving along at its normal mediocre rate for Steven when a dead girl pops up and saves him from a gunman. This show more event is but one of many attacks on Pomps across the city and Steven soon finds himself pomping friends, family, and colleagues, while the big boss, Mr. D., remains out of touch. It’s up to Steven and the dead girl to figure out what’s going on and stop the regional apocolypse.

I have to admit, I wasn’t totally sold on Death Most Definite when I first saw it on the list of potential reads for the challenge. Nothing against male protagonists but it just didn’t grip me the way some of the other back blurbs did. But it was in the store the other day when I went looking for new reads and I took it as a sign that I should invest. I’m really glad that I did because it was a fun, riveting story.

Steven reminds me of Harry Dresden in some ways. They’re both self-deprecating, with ghostly sidekicks. However, Harry’s a powerful wizard and Steven’s a middling Pomp, so the similarities are mostly personality-based. That being said, if you like the Dresden Files, it would be a good idea to check this book out. Death Most Definite has a great plot that keeps you wondering what’s going to happen next, plus some wonderful world building, particularly later on in the book. (I won’t use specifics to avoid spoilers.) All of the characters are great, particularly Lissa, Wal, and Mr. D., for different reasons. Steven is a great main character, with enough flaws that he’s not annoying. And Trent Jamieson injects enough dry humour into the narrative to keep you hooked.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a paranormal adventure, with a touch of romance. The next book in the series, Managing Death, comes out in just a few days, and I’m going to get it the first chance I get!

Also available at http://ireadgood.wordpress.com show less

Alright, I've finished the book, and now I’m sure: To my mind, Death most definite is just OK.

Despite an intriguing opening sentence: "I know something's wrong the moment I see the dead girl standing in the Wintergarden food court.",
the book is not particularly original. The main character is familiar (to quote myself) “We’ve yet another male-less-than-stellar-magic users; thrown in to the thick,” but this time the protag’s got more of an occult power. He’s a psycho pomp (Read: grim reaper) whose family business it is to transition dead souls to the afterlife, while keeping nasty beings called Stirrers from inhabiting the vacant body. The idea of Death as a business (or reaping for your daily bread), has been done before show more too. (Not the best example; but I love the TV show, “Dead like Me”)

The cinema-ready action of this story is built around what amounts to a decidedly hostile and bloody corporate take-over, which our reluctant hero has got to survive and surmount. The protagonist is no inept, for a change. Steven de Selby is more of the "slacker-suddenly-responsible-to-save-the-world" Sort of guy we’ve seen before. So he’s a bit behind the curve in getting the job done.

The book's world view and what happens in the after-life are a bit drear, and not clearly stated until the end, but the character is redeemable enough that I’m mildly interested to see what may happen to him, and his world, after the conclusion of this book. The next book, Managing Death (Death Works, #2) is available and I might pick it up on the cheap from an Amazon.com seller. But truth be told; I think the real appeal I found in Death most definite, is that it takes place in Brisbane with attendant vernacular. I’ve got friends from the region, so as I read, I heard the dulcet tones of Queensland in my mind’s ears. Sad but true, it seems the accents of my Australian friends may have been more influential in my finishing Death Most Definite, than its story and narrative.

If I do get the next book, I’ll have to thank my friends appropriately; perhaps with a chiko roll... show less

Steven is a Pomp. He acts as a conduit for the souls of the recently dead to pass on to the underworld. Working for Mortmax industries with his fellow Pomps, they work in the Brisbane subsidiary (with other branches across the world) to ensure the ghosts pass on and the evil Stirrers don’t come back the other way

Except things are going badly wrong. Pomps are dying, ghosts are going unpomped and the whole organisation has fallen apart. Worse, the Stirrers are coming through in greater and greater numbers, hunting down more Pomps and increasing the amount of bleakness and death in the world.

Leaving Steven alone except for Lissa – a ghost of a Pomp who won’t pass on, is determined to see Stephen survive and for whom he has developed show more a disturbing attraction. He’s the only one left to track down what is happening, to stop the Stirrers, to Pomp ghosts into the afterlife and, above all, stop a Regional Apocalypse that could consume all of Australia.

I’ve seen a couple of versions of humans acting as Grim Reapers as it were but nothing like this. It’s an original story with a novel world and concept. For uniqueness alone I’d give it a lot of points simply because it is so very new.

Except for the epic ending, the characters are also rather lacking in woo-woo super powers which also adds an interesting twist. This isn’t a “my new shiny ability will save the day” situation. Pomps have, abilities, certainly, but when being chased by people with guns there’s not a whole lot they can do except run or die.

The nature of the stirrers was also an interesting enemy. Creatures dangerous not because they’re zombies (though it’s a new twist on the idea of zombies) but because they suck in life and hope out of the world, leading people to despair, people to just lay down and die, birds fall from the sky, plants wilt, even the microbes in the soil to die from their presence

It’s also set in Brisbane, Australia, which is pretty unusual for most Urban Fantasy I’ve read. Add in, there was a clear sense that the author clearly knew the city well. I get a very strong sense of place and location from the book, a reality to it that comes from knowledge and experience.

It also manages emotional impact. Even while being funny and downright slapstick and silly at times (perhaps a little too much now and then, but I laughed so I won’t criticise) but we still have emotional impact of how much he’s lost – and the Stirrers in the bodies of his loved ones.

Read More show less

Review courtesy of AllThingsUrbanFantasy.blogspot.com

DEATH MOST DEFINITE is the first in a new urban fantasy series about the corporate side of death, that blends an amalgam of afterlife mythologies, and a zombie uprising, all told from the POV of the underachieving guy who realizes he has to save the world and fight Death itself for the girl he can never get.

Pomps pomp the dead, we draw them through us to the Underworld and the One Tree. And we stall the Stirrers, those things that so desperately desire to come the other way. Every day I’m doing this – well, five days a week. It’s a living, and quite a lucrative one at that. – DEATH MOST DEFINITE

The mythology of death and the afterlife in DEATH MOST DEFINITE, specifically the show more idea of 9-5 working class Pyschopomps who aid the newly dead to the underworld, Stirrers who reanimate the dead, and Mr. Death himself are fresh and compelling concepts that help elevate this story above the mass of urban fantasy titles released this year.

And while I loved the world building, I did struggle with the pacing of DEATH MOST DEFINITE. It’s broken up into two parts and I almost wish I could review each part separately. The first part, while doing a great job of introducing readers to the dry, deprecating wit of protagonist Steven de Selby, is a bit sluggish in terms of advancing the plot. Once Steven found out what was happening, I got impatient with him as he sort of ran around doing nothing until right before part two when he—and the story--launched into hyper drive.

Overall, DEATH MOST DEFINITE is a sly, subtly humorous urban fantasy with a bittersweet love story and a novel approach to the business of death. The first half is a bit slow, but the breakneck pace of the second half, and an a sarcastic protagonist saves this tale that fans of The Dresden Files should love. The next book in the Death Works series, Managing Death, will be released on January 11, 2011

Sexual Content: References to sex. A brief masturbation scene. A brief sex scene. show less