Death Most Definite (Death Works Trilogy #1) by Trent Jamieson

Sep 18, 2012 Kelly Maybedog Hawkins rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who likes male protagonists in UF and doesn't mind some love story mixed in.

Shelves: what-modern-fantasy, what-beware-of-dog, what-not-u-s, what-male-protagonist, what-dogs, what-he-has-a-scythe, what-cover-me-tickled

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....more

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Jan 12, 2013 Maria Schneider added it

Meh. Started out really strong and got continuously darker and darker. There was a good mystery going that degraded to a mess of going back and forth to "hell" with people who died, but sort of didn't (or at least could still be talked to and learned from) and then died again (or were at least still in the process of dying from a soul standpoint) and morphed here and there...it got pretty tangled and more ridiculous as it went. It's not a horrible book if you like noir, but I think the latter 1/...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Yvonne Boag rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, supernatural, australian

Steve is a Pomp, a doorway that allows the dead to travel to where they are meant to be. Most of his family are as well and run it as a business. Death is scheduled, Pomps know when they are going to pass someone through and they know who. So when Steve sees the dead girl at the food court and she warns him to run, he knows something is really, really wrong. And then his family begin dropping off like flies and Steve realises that someone is trying to take over the organisation. He has to stay a...more

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Apr 18, 2012 Tal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-book, sf-fantasy

Steven de Selby has a hangover. Bright lights, loud noise, and lots of exercise are the last thing he wants. But that's exactly what he gets when someone starts shooting at him.

Steven is no stranger to death-Mr. D's his boss after all-but when a dead girl saves him from sharing her fate, he finds himself on the wrong end of the barrel. His job is to guide the restless dead to the underworld but now his clients are his own colleagues, friends, and family.

Mr. D's gone missing and with no one in ch...more

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Mar 12, 2012 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more 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 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.

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Oct 25, 2011 Sequelguerrier rated it 4 of 5 stars

Odin's ravens and the world tree provided a completely unexpected link between the book I read just before, The Age of Odin, and 'Death Most Definite' by Australian Trent Jamieson. The story happens in the present in Australia but it is once again a present seen through a distorting lens. Steven de Selby follows, without terribly much conviction it can be said, the family profession. He is a 'pomp' a human conduit that helps the souls of the dead to transit to the nether world. He has a serious...more

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Jul 17, 2011 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-5-stars

Plot: 4.5 Stars
The structure of the pyschopomps (or reapers) and the way they conducted business was very efficient, unique, and amusing. I thoroughly enjoyed the little details in regards to the psychopomping, and how the souls of the dead moved on. There was also a lot of detail involved in the underworld and the One Tree, without it feeling overwhelming to the reader. This was probably my favorite book containing zombies ever, because zombies tend to be hit or miss for me. And I'll admit, it...more Plot: 4.5 Stars
The structure of the pyschopomps (or reapers) and the way they conducted business was very efficient, unique, and amusing. I thoroughly enjoyed the little details in regards to the psychopomping, and how the souls of the dead moved on. There was also a lot of detail involved in the underworld and the One Tree, without it feeling overwhelming to the reader. This was probably my favorite book containing zombies ever, because zombies tend to be hit or miss for me. And I'll admit, it probably took me a bit longer than it should've to realize that what Steven and his family/co-workers called "stirrers" were indeed zombies. All in all, this was a very unique urban fantasy tale, and I'm glad the main character was male.

Pace: 4 Stars
This novel was split up into two parts. Part one, which took up about two thirds of the book, really set the novel up in terms of worldbuilding and introducing characters. Although it was a bit slow at times, it was definitely needed to fully grasp the rest of the book. It was a roller coaster ride, setting up for the second part of the book which was non-stop action. There were plenty of twists and turns, and quite a few near-death moments. At least twice, I asked myself how Steven was going to make it. There was a point near the end of the book that got a bit philosophical, but the author handled it really well. What could've possibly been a very confusing scene, instead turned into Steven growing up and taking responsibility.

Characters: 5 Stars
Steven is my favorite male urban fantasy main character ever. I related to him so well, between his sarcasm, his laziness, and his lack of enthusiasm for the family business. When everything started going downhill, he really had to buckle down and grow up. I also enjoyed Lisa, the ghost of a fellow psychopomp that helps Steven on his adventure. Although she helps him out throughout the novel, that doesn't stop her from giving him hell along the way. The dynamic between the two was great, the two sharing both highs and lows. I wished we could've seen more of his cousin (and drinking buddy) but I'm hoping that will happen in the next book. And I loved that they referred to Mr. D as such.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this cover. I love that the cover model is in a suit, because it really gives off a business feel, and since the novel is about the business side of death it fits. Plus, Steven runs around in a suit for a while, a detail that stayed with me because I would hate to be stuck in a suit while running for my life in the summer. I also really liked the orange and yellow hues chosen for the cover. It's an under-used color choice in the genre and gives the cover a serious feel without being depressing as well. The last detail, the tree in the background, is actually there for a reason. All in all, this cover is very striking, but also very accurate.

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment. (less)

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Jul 11, 2011 Myhotstylist rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Grim Reapers in Austrailia meets Zombies slash love story slash action flick, add blood, gore, and Death himself. In all honesty, this story line would make a pretty cool movie if someone got ahold of it.

Terminology:

Pomper: Grim Reaper equivilent. Humans that work for Mr D. (Death himself) and are conduits for sending dead souls into the underworld.

a pomp: a soul needing to be or sent back to the underworld.

to pomp: the act of sending the soul back.

Still with me? Ok lets continue

Stirrer: a lon...more

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Apr 15, 2011 Loupie rated it 4 of 5 stars

http://gcbooks.wordpress.com/2010/11/...
Blog post - 26/11/2010

I quite like the Urban Fantasy sub-genre – seeing the gritty streets of L.A. or London through the gritty eyes of the protagonists, often as they splatter said streets with the bubbling ichor of dread demonic hordes, foul undead legions and any other evil adversary with extra added grit. And, since I grew up in Brisbane, I hugely enjoyed reading Death most definite by Trent Jamieson, which sees some very gratifying splattering on the...more http://gcbooks.wordpress.com/2010/11/...
Blog post - 26/11/2010

I quite like the Urban Fantasy sub-genre – seeing the gritty streets of L.A. or London through the gritty eyes of the protagonists, often as they splatter said streets with the bubbling ichor of dread demonic hordes, foul undead legions and any other evil adversary with extra added grit. And, since I grew up in Brisbane, I hugely enjoyed reading Death most definite by Trent Jamieson, which sees some very gratifying splattering on the streets of Brisbane and its inner suburbs.

But even without the hometown nostalgia this is just a good book – a very clever idea, explained but not exhausted (leaving plenty of room for sequels), which launches a fast-paced running battle as the hero is forced to try and avert a zombie-filled regional apocalypse. And it even has laugh out loud bits, so what more could I ask for?

Death most definite is about the business of death, where corporate takeovers are simply lethal. The Mortmax company has diversified its interests, but its core business is that it employs psychopomps. Pomps pomp – the word is used both as a noun to describe the people who act as psychopomps and as a verb to descibe the act of channelling a dead person’s soul from this world into the world of Death (the afterlife/Hell/whatever).

Steve is a pomp. But he’s also a bit of a loser and a slacker; a clock-watcher with the bitter taste of a not-all-that-recent divorce still in his mouth. Although his family are all pomps, he’s an outsider that doesn’t really fit in. In other words, an unlikely hero. But then things get very bad, very quickly, and with the bodies of the recently dead being reanimated and his life literally exploding around him, Steve has to get involved, despite being half-crippled by a blinding hangover and armed only with a nice line in self-deprecating humour. Plus, I just love that he has to rely on public transport and a bicycle. It’s a wild ride, but definitely worth jumping aboard.

If you like the Dresden files, or have enjoyed Richard Kadrey’s novels then I recommend you add Death most definite to your reading list.(less)

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Mar 03, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: death-works, urban-fantasy

I have to say off the bat what a breath of fresh air this book is. It hooked me from the very beginning, engaging me right away with our charming, geeky, slacker hero, Steven the Psychopomp. If you're not familiar with the concept of the pomp, he is a person who helps ferry the souls of the dead to the underworld. And for Steven, it a family profession. But he's kind of coasting; bummed out about a failed relationship; drinking too much... nothing too terrible, but he's not about to win employee...more I have to say off the bat what a breath of fresh air this book is. It hooked me from the very beginning, engaging me right away with our charming, geeky, slacker hero, Steven the Psychopomp. If you're not familiar with the concept of the pomp, he is a person who helps ferry the souls of the dead to the underworld. And for Steven, it a family profession. But he's kind of coasting; bummed out about a failed relationship; drinking too much... nothing too terrible, but he's not about to win employee of the year.

Everything changes for Steven when someone starts shooting at him in the middle of a crowd, in broad daylight. He'd be a goner, if the spirit of the newly dead Lissa hadn't been there to help guide his escape. In quick fashion, all the pomps on the continent are being killed off --and their bodies inhabited by souls trying to escape the Otherworld. Steven goes on the run with Lissa's ghost, really having no idea how to fight what's happening and who is behind it all. Of course, when the mystery is unraveled, he must face off with the mastermind behind the plan, in a fight with stakes higher than he ever imagined.

I really liked this book right off the bat. Steven is likeable and relatable. For the most part, the world building was clear and easy to understand.. though things did get a little murky for me about 2/3 of the way through, while Steven was in the underworld. I lost a little momentum there... but not much. And don't worry --I was still satisfied at the end. My only (small) issue with the book was that it was set in Australia, and some of the language didn't entirely connect for me as a reader in the Southeast United States. (For instance, one character was noted to be wearing "cords & skivvies" and I still have no idea what that means.) But even that wasn't all bad, because it was kind of nice to have such a different setting than I've grown used to with other Urban Fantasy books.

I was also a little surprised --and pleased-- to have a little romance thrown in. We even had a love scene, which I enjoyed. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if it were in a little more detail. (**wink**)

I would definitely recommend this one --and I can't wait to get started on the sequel, Managing Death. 4 1/2 stars.

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Dec 30, 2010 Yolanda Sfetsos rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I have to admit that I've been interested in reading this book since the first time I saw the cover and read the blurb. And now that I've read it, I'm very happy to say that I've been sucked into this series.

Steven de Selby is a Pomp who lives in Brisbane. It's in his blood, and while he doesn't actually love the job, it's a way to pay the bills and not have to do/think too much about the job. You see, Pomps help the spirits of the dead to pass over after death. All it takes is a touch, and the...more I have to admit that I've been interested in reading this book since the first time I saw the cover and read the blurb. And now that I've read it, I'm very happy to say that I've been sucked into this series.

Steven de Selby is a Pomp who lives in Brisbane. It's in his blood, and while he doesn't actually love the job, it's a way to pay the bills and not have to do/think too much about the job. You see, Pomps help the spirits of the dead to pass over after death. All it takes is a touch, and the spirits use him as a conduit to the next phase in their life... or should I say, death? It's a business, and there are many Pomps to keep the job balanced between them in their separate regions of the world.

But the day that a beautiful dead girl (Lissa) appears, warning him that he's in danger, his world changes--turns upside down. All of a sudden, he's getting shot at. He's continually being chased, his house blows up, and he's forced to go on the run. And not only that, but his family, friends, and co-workers are being slowly killed off. One after the other, until the number of Pomps is so small that most of the dead are using him as a gateway.

Oh, and then there's the problem with the Stirrers. These are horrible creatures who reside in the Underworld and like to literally suck the life out of people, and then inhabit the bodies of the dead. Someone's helping them make this easier by killing off the Pomps, since they're the ones who keep them in check with their blood and touch.

Soon, Steven and Lissa find themselves in the middle of a Regional Apocalypse and are forced to travel from one side of Brisbane to the other, and even into rural Queensland. As they try to save a ravaged Australia from being totally killed off and consumed by these disgusting things.

Death Most Definite is an amazing roller-coaster ride of a book that hooked me in from the very beginning and wouldn't let go. I pretty much strapped in for the ride and stayed with it until I got to the end, which only took me about a day. This is an urban fantasy story that has a bit of everything in it: action, betrayal, secrets, surprises, vivid locations, a real Aussie feel/appeal, a little romance, an intoxicating plot, and characters that get under your skin and you just can't shake. It's also got some pretty awesome world building, and a voice that makes the story flow.

I loved everything about this book, and really liked Steven. He might be a bit of a smart–aleck with his snarky humour, and carefree attitude, but I loved that about him. And hey, I always get a real kick out of reading an urban fantasy book set in Australia.

This one's a total keeper! And I want to read the next book in the series. Now. ;)

If you like urban fantasy, you've got to check this out!
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Aug 23, 2010 Tessa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-urban, fantasy-alternate-world

This is the first book in a new series - the Death Works.

Steven de Selby is a necromancer. Not just any old necromancer, but a bona fide white collar nine-to-five psychopomp who works for Mortmax, a company (based in Brisbane) that specializes in bringing the dead to where they're supposed to go.

I have to admit that I almost put the book down after the first few pages - the writing, or rather the expressions used, are rather Australian and thus a little odd to my eyes. It's also written in pre...more

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Aug 16, 2010 Karina Sumner-Smith rated it 3 of 5 stars

In my search to find urban fantasy novels that don't make me roll my eyes, I thought I'd give Death Most Definite a try. While I'm not going to declare it the find of the year, I'll admit that it kept me entertained on my morning subway ride.

Steven de Selby is a bit of an underachiever: when he's not working as a psychopomp for Mortmax Inc. (a good 9 to 5 job sending souls of the departed on to ... wherever it is they need to go), he's sulking over his ex and drowning his sorrows in a pint (or s...more

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Jul 26, 2010 All Things Urban Fantasy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-by-abigail

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 desperate...more 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 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.(less)

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Feb 05, 2012 Melbourne on my mind rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, australian, 2012

Well. Death really IS most definite in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it though. The action starts from the first page, and by the end, I pretty much just wanted to give Steve a cup of warm Milo and tell him that he deserves a good lie down.

Steve is in the family business - pomping the dead. Basically, he's a reaper, transporting the souls of the dead from this dimension to the next. When other Pomps (including basically everyone he knows) start turning up dead, he's left running for his life....more

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Oct 20, 2011 Dorothy rated it 2 of 5 stars

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)...more 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 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...
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Mar 04, 2011 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-with-male-protagonist

Steven de Selby comes from a long line of Psychopomp (or Pomp, for short). His job is to help the dead to the Underwold. He is good at what he does but he is also a slacker. He is not one with ambition to become part of management at the place where he works, Mortmax Industries. He still likes to get drunk to get over his brokenheart. Until a dead girl tells him that he is in danger and soon Pomps are being gunned down and murdered ... and Steven must fight to survive while finding out what happ...more Steven de Selby comes from a long line of Psychopomp (or Pomp, for short). His job is to help the dead to the Underwold. He is good at what he does but he is also a slacker. He is not one with ambition to become part of management at the place where he works, Mortmax Industries. He still likes to get drunk to get over his brokenheart. Until a dead girl tells him that he is in danger and soon Pomps are being gunned down and murdered ... and Steven must fight to survive while finding out what happens by tracking down his big boss, Mr. D or Death himself.

WOW, this book hooks me from the get go. It starts with a bang, as Steven stares at a dead girl and then he is being shot. The whole book is one long adventure of Steven running, with the help of the dead pomp, Lissa, avoiding bullets and bombs, while realizing that people he knows and loves are being killed. The villain is revealed in the middle but it doesn't mean that the story slacks after that. We still have Steven trying to find out the real reason behind the villain's action ... until that one climax when Steven fighting for his life.

Steven is very likeable hero. Funny thing is, he doesn't try to be. He doesn't have that sarcasm or tortured soul or loner kind of hero. He is simply a twenty seven year old employee, who sometimes still comes in late to the office, or muddling about his failed relationship, and just wants to take life as it goes. It makes him so down-to-earth and relatable.

This story also has a love story ... as Steven finds himself falling for Lissa, the dead girl who helps him in his running. It's funny reading his inner monologue about how the relationship will never work (of course, she's dead, Steven!). I also enjoy his friendship with his cousin, Tim, a Black Sheep (meaning that he doesn't have the Pomp ability, even if his parents do)

The fantasy world is easy to understand and totally intriguing. Mr. D is a charming character, and I enjoy Steven's trip to the Underworld when he is trying to rescue Lissa, doing The Orpheus Maneuver (cool name).

Another thing that is a plus point for me is the setting. I admit I don't read many urban fantasy set in Australia. Definitely fun to imagine.

I cannot wait to read the next book, since the repercussion of what happens at the end definitely brings a significant changes in Steven's life. Hopefully, in the next book, there will be more of Tim (Steven's cousin) and Alex (one of the dead pomps's son).(less)

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May 29, 2011 Jenny Delandro rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

There is a lot to learn about the world created by Trent

Death is a person and he has people who work as POMPS

who aid the souls departure from the mortal world..... they can see dead people..

POMPS also stop STIRERS from trying to sneak into the dead body....from the 'other' side

(view spoiler)...more There is a lot to learn about the world created by Trent

Death is a person and he has people who work as POMPS

who aid the souls departure from the mortal world..... they can see dead people..

POMPS also stop STIRERS from trying to sneak into the dead body....from the 'other' side

(view spoiler)

this is the start of something
what an interesting world

You would think th(less)

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Jan 07, 2011 Sean the Bookonaut rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: australian-spec-fic

Death Most Definite was Trent Jamieson's debut novel. It's now become part of his Death Works series, book two Managing Death ,was released late last year and I will be reviewing it in the coming weeks.

The novel is classed as Urban Fantasy but could also comfortably fit in to the Paranormal category, well maybe Paranormal for blokes. I like that Orbit have gone with a sensible cover too - not a tribal tattoo in sight.

I am not a fan of paranormal fiction, or pop culture shows like the Ghost Whis...more Death Most Definite was Trent Jamieson's debut novel. It's now become part of his Death Works series, book two Managing Death ,was released late last year and I will be reviewing it in the coming weeks.

The novel is classed as Urban Fantasy but could also comfortably fit in to the Paranormal category, well maybe Paranormal for blokes. I like that Orbit have gone with a sensible cover too - not a tribal tattoo in sight.

I am not a fan of paranormal fiction, or pop culture shows like the Ghost Whisperer. I am also fairly skeptical when it comes to the 'ability' of people to speak to the dead.

This is fiction, however, and what I enjoy is a good story with a bit of action, humour and romance. Death Most Definite has a good apportioning of each. I am reminded a bit of Gaiman and Pratchett in Good Omens and Jim Butcher's work. Death Most Definite, though, has a feel that is uniquely Australian.

The Story
Steven de Selby is a pomp (Psychopomp), a person with the ability to help the deceased pass over into the underworld. He's not that good at his job though, he's listless, born into the business and not all that keen, though the money is good. Steven works for Mortmax Industries the company with the market share on pomping in the Australian region.

His life changes dramatically when he is saved by a dead girl who refuses to be 'pomped'. On the run from a crazed gunman he begins to unravel a plot involving a corporate takeover. Someone is trying to kill all the pomps and take over Mortmax and the business of death down under, it's up to de Selby and this mysterious dead girl to get to the bottom of it before de Selby ends up on the other side- permanently.

What I liked/b>
Steven's self deprecating humor and wit - equal measure of witty one liners and more high brow offerings.

The Australian location and references; I used to suffer a bit of cultural cringe when reading Australian spec fic writers who set their stories in Australia, perhaps my tastes are maturing or the writing is better. Jamieson's Brisbane,however, doesn't feel contrived or out of place- he has used the setting to great effect, to enhance the story and give us something that feels real.

The picture Jamieson's paints of the Death Works underworld is refreshingly unique also. There's no ley lines or standing stones and not a bit of Celtic knot work in sight. Neither does he appropriate any faux-aboriginal spiritual tropes. If anything Jamieson's underworld has its roots in more classical interpretations of the death and the underworld.

What I didn't
This is a good first novel and there only a couple of minor quibbles that lessened my enjoyment(even that might be putting it too harshly). Steven de Selby does a lot of running around, unsure of what to do, perfectly realistic though this is, it had an effect on the momentum of the story. While I thoroughly enjoyed the wit, at one point I distinctly remember being jolted out of my enjoyment of the story by a one liner. The humour began to feel overused, unnecessary. Then the momentum swept me away again and all was forgiven.

Summing it up
Trent Jamieson has won a fan here with witty writing and a unique take on the afterlife. I am am keen to read Managing Death to see how Jamieson has refined his character and writing.

This book was supplied at no cost to myself by Orbit Australia.

Cross posted on Adventures of a Bookonaut(less)

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Jan 02, 2012 Siew Ee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Steven de Selby is a Psychopomp (Pomp), a person who uses himself as a portal where souls of the departed gain entry to the Underworld. A respected occupation and an inherited trait, Pomps also use their blood to stall demons called Stirrers, preventing them from inhabiting bodies of the dead and creating havoc on earth.

Right from the start of the book, we see Steven dodging bullets and trying to find out why Pomps were dying left, right and centre, and why there was Stirrer activity aplenty. Li...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Gary rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Steven de Selby is a Pomp, also known more commonly as a Grim Reaper. He is just one of many Pomps working for the Regional Manager (RM) Mr. D, otherwise known as Death itself, in the Brisbane Regional Headquarters (Yes, this book is set is Australia!). There are other RMs too, of other states in the country. Each of them is in charge of their region's Pomps to help direct lost souls to where they should belong -- the Underworld. At the same time, they have to keep Stirrers, which are angry and...more Steven de Selby is a Pomp, also known more commonly as a Grim Reaper. He is just one of many Pomps working for the Regional Manager (RM) Mr. D, otherwise known as Death itself, in the Brisbane Regional Headquarters (Yes, this book is set is Australia!). There are other RMs too, of other states in the country. Each of them is in charge of their region's Pomps to help direct lost souls to where they should belong -- the Underworld. At the same time, they have to keep Stirrers, which are angry and deranged souls who inhabit dead bodies (somewhat like a zombie), from disturbing the peace. When a betrayal of a good friend and colleague results in a Schism, or simply put, a takeover, a Regional Apocalypse looms and it is up to Steven, with a couple of friends including a dead Pomp Lissa, to put an end to it.

So that's roughly what the book was about. I have never read anything based in Australia before, so I wasn't really used to Aussie slang and whatnot, especially the settings. I actually struggled with the first couple of chapters because I thought the writing was quite choppy, and the sentences didn't really flow well enough. Fortunately, it got better after the first quarter, and I found myself hooked to the storyline, which I didn't expect at all. I mean, if you started a book badly, you'd have thought it would not be a good book at all, but "Death Most Definite" actually managed to redeem itself for the rest of the book.

I thought the concept was quite interesting and fresh. Grim Reaper plots are quite common, and sometimes it's hard to come across one which is...different. The first book in a trilogy, "Death Most Definite" was a book full of chase scenes, fight scenes, suspense and even romance. It followed Steven's journey to prevent a Regional Apocalypse, and the bulk of that journey was a harrowing trip to the Underworld.

I felt that Jamieson's world-building of the Underworld especially, wasn't that convincing and realistic. I couldn't visualise precisely what he was actually narrating about of the settings. It was a pity though, because if written with more intricate details, it could have been better.

However, I really loved the characters. The leads in particular -- Steven and Lissa. Steven was your average 27-year-old, just trying to get by with his life as a Pomp while working hard to not offend his immediate superior, Derek. Lissa, on the other hand, started out as a mysterious character. It seemed as if she was evil, but as the story progressed, you'd discover that she's a nice and helpful 'person'. Well, not a real person technically, but a ghost. Without Lissa's help, Steven wouldn't be able to go as far as he alone would have. Throughout Steven's journey, both he and Lissa formed a 'so-close-yet-so-far' relationship; because Steven's a Pomp, and Lissa's a ghost, so they couldn't touch each other or she'd get pomped to the Underworld.

"Death Most Definite" didn't warrant a 4-star rating for me, but I'm willing to give the sequel a chance. The first book ended on a high note, and I'm pretty excited to find out what comes next for Steven and Lissa.(less)

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Oct 07, 2010 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

I was keen to read this book because the author is an Aussie boy and even better from Brisbane in Queensland. Me being a Queenslander myself. This was his first book published too.
I found it a little hard to get into at first. I know it sounds sexist, but most of the books I read are written by females, so of course us females write from a different frame of mind. I was surprised to find myself sucked into it by about the 3rd chapter. Trent gets quite discriptive with his scenery and the many ch...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, collected-work, urban-fantasy, reviewed

All in all a strong debut. Steven de Selby is your average office slacker. He stays up all night, and comes into work drunk. He gets his work done, barely, and only the intervention of family and friends in high places are keeping him from being terminated. But Steven doesn't have an average job. He's a Reaper, as in the grim kind. Technically, he's a psychopomp, someone or something that transports the souls of the dead to the underworld. His Regional Manager, Mr. D, apportions his powers out t

...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Stephen Wolfe rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved it! I've never read anything quite like the story of Steven De Selby before, which made for refreshing change. All of the characters are well rounded, and you can't help but root for Steven while simultaneously wanting to give him a good kick up the butt! I really liked Lissa, too. She had a really unfortunate circumstance to deal with, as well as trying to keep Steven alive, yet she rarely complains or makes a big deal out of it. She's a real no-nonsense kind of girl. Well, n...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Nikki rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Unlike a lot of people, I don't have a particular hate-on for present tense narration. I do it myself, often, when I write -- but sometimes it just doesn't work, and it didn't work here. For the first chapter I was just wondering what felt off, but once I noticed it, I couldn't stop noticing it. Because it's in first person, it pretty much has to be the person's own thoughts: but it's impossible to believe that when the narrator keeps explaining things to the reader. It's a difficult line to wal...more

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Feb 17, 2012 Azhureheart rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I was disappointed by this book. The blurb made the story looked like it would be something I would like and I was actually interested in the background and the universe that it described. The ideas were good. The execution... not so much.
The hero is a reaper who falls in love with a dead girl in the first few pages of the first chapter. Even before we have a chance to learn about him, his work or his world. I couldn't let myself believe that and since that was one of the core elements of the b...more

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Sep 22, 2011 Ed Nemo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I liked this book. It started a little slow, and it took me quite a few chapters to realize they were located in Australia, but it was a fun read.

I have always liked the concept of the personification of Death. This is reminiscent of Piers Anthony's, On a Pale Horse, in that Death is a human doing a necessary job. Jamieson takes it a step further and has made Death a business. A very necessary business. He painted a firm picture in my mind of mortician dressed people standing at funerals and act...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Jean Tatro rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, urban-fantasy

This is a gut puncher of a book. It hits hard, fast, and right where it hurts the most. This book made me cry twice.

Fast paced and energetic, this book feels like the grand opening for the series, getting all the ducks in a row for future plots. The characters are rather loosely sketched, but I still got a good feel for the most important ones.

I love the mythology. It feels deep and real, and confined to one culture's view of the afterlife. And the book gets extra points for having Australia as...more

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Oct 21, 2010 Jenny rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Jenny by: Courier Mail review

Shelves: spec-fiction

This is a well-contructed, expertly written story about Steven, a young man with an unusual profession: He helps the newly departed to the other side. Without Grim Reaper types like Steve (Pomps, as they're called here), the dead would have no way into the afterlife. When our young hero is confronted by ghost, Lissa, in the middle of busy Brisbane one day and it's clear no one has been assigned to 'pomp' her, Stevn gets the feeling something is amiss. When the undead begin shooting at him, he kn...more

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Sep 07, 2010 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

“Death Most Definite” is the first book in Trent Jamieson´s new Urban Fantasy series called Death Works which deals with the corporate side of death. It´s written in a first person´s POV.

Main character and narrator is Steven de Selby, a slightly underachieving twenty-something who works, just like the rest if his family for Mortmax as a pomp. The reader is thrown into the story quite abruptly and is introduced to the world alongside. The book is divited into two different parts which are quite...more “Death Most Definite” is the first book in Trent Jamieson´s new Urban Fantasy series called Death Works which deals with the corporate side of death. It´s written in a first person´s POV.

Main character and narrator is Steven de Selby, a slightly underachieving twenty-something who works, just like the rest if his family for Mortmax as a pomp. The reader is thrown into the story quite abruptly and is introduced to the world alongside. The book is divited into two different parts which are quite different in their pacing.

In the first part, the reader is introduced to Steven and the few secondary characters, including Lissa, love interest, life-saver and the girl he can never get. This first part is slower paced and tells mostly about how Steven is reacting to all the trouble, life-changing and threatening events that happen to him. This is however quite in character, as Steven comes across as a guy who is not really motivated and enthusiastic about his job, who just gets it done. He has few friends outside of his family, knows only little about his workmates and still grieves over his last failed relationship, at least at the beginning of the book. He comments the whole story with his dark, sly and sarcastic humor.

Once he meets Lissa however, his life changes. Lissa is quite the contrary of Steven himself. She seems to know a while lot more about pomping and also seems to be well-known and liked by other pomps. Later however, it is hinted that she never really liked her job as well. Steven falls in love literally at first sight of Lissa, even though he knows he can never get her. Because, you see, Lissa´s dead. Her spirit?/soul? lingers and refuses to be pomped in order to help Steven sort out the mess that is going on in Brisbane. The bittersweet relationship between those two is written very well and touching.

“The city has never looked more beautiful than it does now. I smile, and Lissa´s smiling too. She´s never looked more gorgeous. Ah, I tumble so fast, but this is different. I want to hold her hand, but I can´t. I want to wrap my arms around her and I can´t. She´s all I want but to touch her would destroy her and take away the little that we have. This perfect moment is nothing but a lie.”

Steven struggles to survive against Stirrers, zombie like creatures that inhabit the bodies of newly deceased, which leads to a few very tough situations for him and tries to decide whom to trust, because as more and more pomps die, it becomes obvious that it must be an inside job.

While he seems rather passive and more driven by others than by his own motivation or decision, his character slightly changes in the second, highly paced part of the book. After the enemy is finally revealed, Steven is forced to take resposibitily to avert Regional Apocalypse. Also, as his feelings for Lissa are getting deeper and more intense, he becomes willing to go through hell to save her, himself and also Australia.

The theme of Trent Jamieson´s book, to show Death from a corporate, highly efficient and strictly planned side is very original and instantly peaked my interest. Add the bittersweet lovestory that can only be described as “doomed to fail” and you get an entertaining and amusing story. It features numorous different mythologies of death and various allusion to pop culture.

Altogether, “Death Most Definite” with a new and surprising take on death a very wry humor and interesting, rich worldbuilding make for a great read. This is a series you should keep your eye on!

3.5 out of 5 points from me!(less)

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Death Most Definite (Death Works Trilogy #1)

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