The Business of Death (Death Works Trilogy, #1-3)

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The Business of Death (Death Works Trilogy #1-3)

by Trent Jamieson (Goodreads Author)

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 · rating details · 189 ratings · 38 reviews

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...more

Mass Market Paperback, 1st Edition, 848 pages

Published September 19th 2011 by Orbit

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Feb 02, 2012 Experiment BL626 rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, unhappy-ending

--> Posts of Interest:

Cover Launch by Lauren Panepinto.
Ten Things I’ve Learnt about Writing about Death by Trent Jamieson

--> Blurb for the third volume:

Life is tough at the top when work is a matter of life or death.

It’s one thing to run Mortmax International as head of a team, but it’s quite another to rule alone. Staff fatalities have left Steven by himself on the Throne of Death, and there’s no time to get comfortable. The Stirrer god’s arrival is imminent, threatening life as we know i...more

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Sep 22, 2011 Ami rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars_rating, urban-fantasy-with-male-protagonist

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. My first reaction when I finished this one was muttering to myself, "I hate you Trent Jamieson, I hate you for making me cry with the ending"

This is the last book of The Death Works Trilogy. Over the course of two books, I fall in love with Steven de Selby, because I think he is different from other male protagonists in urban fantasies that I have read so far. I always see him as a slacker, and even in book #2, I write in my opinion that he comes as a bit incompetent (he seems to need a lot of h...more My first reaction when I finished this one was muttering to myself, "I hate you Trent Jamieson, I hate you for making me cry with the ending"

This is the last book of The Death Works Trilogy. Over the course of two books, I fall in love with Steven de Selby, because I think he is different from other male protagonists in urban fantasies that I have read so far. I always see him as a slacker, and even in book #2, I write in my opinion that he comes as a bit incompetent (he seems to need a lot of help from others, especially his girlfriend Lissa, and his cousin Tim). I remember he drinks much in the beginning of the series. But he has a kind heart and I find him endearing; his humor is never sarcastic but feels more down to earth, like this, for example ...

When you decide to do something, you're better off just doing it. That was my mum's philosophy. Mine was, and still is: think about it, procrastinate, check email, post a couple of witty tweets, check email, check hair in the mirror by my filing cabinet, consider filing, consider employing someone to do my filing, see if anyone's relationship status has changed on Facebook ... (Chapter 6)

I mean, that is so what most of us usually do, right??

Anyway, in this book, with the End of Days coming, as the Stirrer God approaches and threat to wipe away all lives, in addition to an ancient entity, The Death of Water, is pissed at Steven because he pomped 150 lives of plane crash that were supposed to be dead in the water (in book #2), the first thing that come in the book is that Steven is thinking to propose to Lissa. I mean, what-the, right?? But that is how I love him so. He is still human -- he has the loving heart, he refuses to let his Ankous make sacrifice for him, in order to stop the End of Days. In the end, Steven is doing his best -- he makes a deal with Death of Water and he is able to send back the Stirrer god ((view spoiler)).

Then comes the end ... oh, God, how bittersweet. I admit that I take a peek because, that's what I do, I'm a peeker. Still, even if I know how the ending is, it doesn't stop my tears from flowing HARD when I reach those final chapters. (view spoiler)).

It's a wonderful ride (even with the tears that I shed). It's refreshing to have a great urban fantasy series from Down Under. So, thank you for the trilogy, Mr. Jamieson. Now, excuse me while I'm being mellow ...(less)

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Feb 07, 2012 Sequelguerrier rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, war

This is the third and last of Trent Jamieson's Death Works series. (The kindle edition regroups all three books) Steven de Selby, having become the Death of the world, faces life's ancient enemy. His supporting cast of employees of Mortmax (death's industrial organisation that assures the souls of people who die find their way into the afterworld), mates and lover Lisa is all there again and ready (more than he) to fight by his side for the survival of humanity. There is a difference to the tone...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Juliet rated it 2 of 5 stars

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Oct 10, 2011 Yolanda Sfetsos rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This edition actually contains the three books in the Death Works trilogy. I've already read DEATH MOST DEFINITE and MANAGING DEATH. So I was looking forward to reading the third book, THE BUSINESS OF DEATH.

Steven de Selby's life is very complicated. He's Death, which means dealing with a very dark power from within, the Hungry Death. There's also the Stirrer god very close to breaching our world. And the Death of the Water is also very angry with Steven and wants revenge.

That's a lot for one...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Siew Ee rated it 4 of 5 stars

This third book wraps up the Death Works series by Trent Jamieson. A roller coaster ride right from the start, with nary a pause in action in-between books. Steven De Selby, promoted against his will as Death manifest, fights against time to defeat the Stirrer God.

Steven is a likeable protagonist, and a strong enough character to carry the series. In the first book, he did come across as a little wishy-washy but he grew in character and had an unassuming honesty that’s easy to relate to and eas...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Sean the Bookonaut rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have a special affection for The Death Works series. It was Trent’s books that got me into this book reviewing gig. A fact for which my gratitude swings dependant on the books I get sent.

But seriously it’s been a pleasure reading the series and getting to the end.

Clearing things up

To clear up any confusion, the Death Works series was originally released as a trilogy, I reviewed the first two books earlier thisyear (Death most Definite and Managing Death).

Business of Death was to be the titl

...more I have a special affection for The Death Works series. It was Trent’s books that got me into this book reviewing gig. A fact for which my gratitude swings dependant on the books I get sent.

But seriously it’s been a pleasure reading the series and getting to the end.

Clearing things up

To clear up any confusion, the Death Works series was originally released as a trilogy, I reviewed the first two books earlier thisyear (Death most Definite and Managing Death).

Business of Death was to be the title of the third book. But to my knowledge it was never released as a single volume. Instead Orbit decided to release the third and final book in the series as part of a Omnibus edition(including the other two novels). Business of Death became the title for the Omnibus as well as the title of the third instalment.

The Story continues…

At the end of Managing Death, Stephen De Selby ended up being the Orcus, the 13 Regional Managers in one. He held the Hungry Death within him and managed to finish off his nemesis Rillman. Now he hears the heartbeat of the world, feels each of the departed souls that his minions pomp.

But this is Stephen we are talking about and he’s got that lackadaisical, “avoid the uncomfortable part of the job until the last minute” thing going. If he wasn’t trying to avoid asking Lissa to marry him I fear nothing would get done.

But things need to be done, hell is beginning to freeze over, the Stirrer god is coming - now appearing in the sky as a blazing comet. If this wasn’t enough he’s pissed off the Death of the Water. To say things are looking bleak is an understatement.

Ultimately Stephen grows up and begins directing action rather than letting circumstance dictate it. It’s a heroic ending and like all heroic endings infused with some tragedy.

What I enjoyed…

Stephen’s growth as a character. From loser to reluctant participant to world saving demi god. I really did think he’d come of age be the end of the book. I also liked and was frustrated by his relationship with Lissa. I had to refrain from yelling at the character to just “ask her already”.

I appreciated the subtle referencing and remixing of myth and legend- Charon building an Ark.There was a distinct impression that the events in the book had all happened before, that echoes had reverberated down through history. I felt centred me as a reader while still being treated to a fresh and original backdrop.

What I didn’t…

I didn't enjoy the ending, it was perfectly executed though. I just wanted it to end differently (an old romantic at heart). The ending is what made the story more dark/urban fantasy than paranormal for me.

Recommendations

I heartily recommend the whole trilogy to anyone who wants to read some fast paced, original, Australian flavoured urban fantasy. I found the book to be visually enticing and think it would translate well to television. Jamieson manages to deliver something that is both mile-a-minute and morbidly evocative.

This copy was provided to me at no cost by the publisher.

(less)

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Dec 01, 2011 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wishlist

I hate you and love you at the same time. I had the same reaction with your books that I would have had if Patrck Rothfuss decided to end his series like yours, and with books that are as long as all three of yours put together. And can I just say, the model on the cover? H. O. T. Looking back, I have decided that it is nice to think that someone can always step up and become a great leader, even if they were a lazy, mopey, alcoholic before. I don't know, I can't really find the words to do this...more

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Aug 03, 2012 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

The ultimate horror, a thing that seeks not only your death but to consume your soul. Reaming your most essential essence that makes you who your are. It draws ever closer. Everything that Steven de Selby has faced in just a few months won't make a difference.

...more

As our story winds to a close, Steven has nigh ultimate power. Even so, the approaching deity has even more. Steven was given a tremendous ace in the hole in the last novel and yet, the problems that he must face are almost more than he can bear. The darkness is coming and Steve must rally the troops and lead them against an unstoppable force.

His world is spirally into unreality and yet the real worries on his mind are whether or not to propose. To some this might seem like your standard paranormal romance pablum. On the contrary, Steve doesn't waste time analyzing his feelings for Lissa or hers for him. In light of everything they've been through, they are sure of their love for one another so the "normal" paranormal romance rules don't really apply here. Steve's worries are more adult. He worries more about responsibility, a growing dependence on alcohol and his job.

This is a dark and gritty series. Jamieson pulls it off much better than others writing today. The darkness doesn't revolve around Steve's determination to be darker or edgier or to do whatever it takes no matter who it hurts. Part of it has to do with Steve being offered up as a sacrificial lamb and instead of living down to the expectations of slackerdom that his family and co-workers had of him, he learns and grows and lives up to the demands of his ever-growing responsibilities.

(view spoiler)

(less)

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Mar 17, 2012 Alexandra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

I really enjoyed the first of the Deathworks trilogy, Death Most Definite. I was more lukewarm towards the second, Managing Death, but I got a bit more excited about this final instalment. Mostly, it must be said, because of the ending, which I have no intention of spoiling here. It should be taken for granted that there are spoilers for the first two books in this little review.

The Business of Death opens with Steve having the entire Hungry Death inside of him, and as the only Regional Manager...more I really enjoyed the first of the Deathworks trilogy, Death Most Definite. I was more lukewarm towards the second, Managing Death, but I got a bit more excited about this final instalment. Mostly, it must be said, because of the ending, which I have no intention of spoiling here. It should be taken for granted that there are spoilers for the first two books in this little review.

The Business of Death opens with Steve having the entire Hungry Death inside of him, and as the only Regional Manager left alive. Plus the Stirrer God is getting closer. Oh, and Steve took some deaths that weren't rightfully his but the Death of the Water's, so now that ancient being is also pissed at him. Oh yes, this is going to be a great few weeks in the offices of Mortmax.

This is absolutely a final book in a trilogy. I don't imagine it would make much sense by itself, it ties together all sorts of loose ends, generally in interesting ways, and there are only one or two minor new things introduced. It sees the important relationships change towards a generally better place - misunderstandings cleared up, differences resolved or accepted. And some more of the history of Mortmax, and the business of death, is revealed, filling in a few more gaps to interesting effect.

I grew pretty apathetic towards Steve in the second book. He was just a bit too much of an anti-hero, a bit too whingy and a rather annoying slacker. He improves here. He still whinges a bit, but he takes action when it is necessary - sometimes even before the world is threatening to collapse around his ears! (/snark)

Look, overall it's a really clever trilogy, as a take on Death and how it might work. Plus, set in Brisbane! Not many sf novels set in Brisbane, friends.

OK, I do want to say something about the conclusion... (view spoiler)(less)

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Sep 02, 2011 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book contains all three volumes of the deathworks trilogy, but this is the only book that contains the final volume. Now I have had a chance to read the final book I have to say that this is a bittersweet read. By the end of it a God has come to earth and Steve knows everything about Death.

I've enjoyed this series, but it's hard to see how there can be any more sequels past the final volume and it's probably the best urban fantasy I've seen come out of Australia.

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Dec 29, 2011 Lauren Murphy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-author, paranormal

This review was first posted at The Australian Bookshelf

The conclusion to the trilogy continues with the adventures of Steven de Selby, the regional director (a.k.a Death) of all pomps in Australia who help those who die move into the afterlife. Once again Lissa and Steven are at each other’s throats in a love/ hate relationship. Lissa is dedicated to the company and Steven always needs a little push and motivation to fulfil the role he was assigned to manage.

I was surprised by the ending, a lit...more

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May 05, 2013 Sterling rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this because of how much I loved Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey, and while this was no Sandman, it was a really good read. The characters didn't really grow all that much, other than the protagonist, and the plot twists could be predictable, but there was so much hear that just made for a good story. The plot didn't drag at all and there was always the tensions of "the bad thing" happening. The book bred a subtle tension in me that I wouldn't realize until I put it down and would relax.

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Oct 03, 2012 Joy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantastic-fiction, urban-fantasy, zombies-ghosts

Better than average writing with an imaginative twist to the role of Death (as a corporate being) has in the world. If you are familiar with Dead Like Me on TV this story will seem familiar although the author credits Pratchett, Gaiman and Fritz Leiber as his inspirations.

This is Aussie fiction so the setting is naturally in Australia. They have some of the best fantasy writers.

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Apr 07, 2013 Jeremy rated it 3 of 5 stars

A decent enough book, loved the first one, the 2nd a little less and the third I liked again up until the end.

The ending stank. Hated it. hatehatehatehate.

Those of you who read this book might ask "How could it have ended differently?" I don't know. I don't care. I just hate the ending with a fiery, burning passion that could ignite the core of a glacier.
My hatred for this ending could start the fusion burn of a star.

When taken together, I suppose I enjoyed the trilogy, but the ending on the thi...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Lesley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved the first two books in this series and really enjoyed reading this one, but Mr J misses out on a five star rating because I absolutely loathed the ending. I don't demand kittens and rainbows, I don't mind books that come to a somewhat dark conclusion, but if the colour of hope is white, then this finale was pitch black.

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Feb 18, 2013 James Hein rated it 4 of 5 stars

Just finished Book 1 (This version contains all three books) and so far so good. Interesting story variation and since I lived in Brisbane for 5 years the places strike a chord as they are used in the story. It will be interesting to see where Book 2 takes the reader.

Just Finished Book 2. The story line is continuing on well enough and it will be interesting to see how the series will be conclused. At the very least I expect a huge battle of some kind.

Finally finished the series. The last book...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Thoraiya rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 25, 2012 Dustin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Started off slow or maybe it just took me a while to learn the new language of his mythology but I really enjoyed the story and then it took off. I'll read the next two books and am looking forward to see the where the series is headed.

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Jun 19, 2012 Mr. Noah Sturdevant rated it 3 of 5 stars

It isn't fair of me to give this series such a low score, based solely on the ending, but I have to anyway. I admit it isn't fair, but the end really upset me that I had put so much time into this series and bought into the whole experience only to feel really bummed out and slightly angry at the last page. I know many fantastic books, both classic and modern, chose to toss a sad ending in for some reason, but when I have been along for the ride I guess I just expect things to work out OK. Agai...more

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Jan 22, 2012 Pete Aldin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourite-reads

As someone not attracted to urban fantasy, I've found the three of Jamieson's Death novels bloody fantastic. They're funny, they're gross, they're mildly frightening (in the sense of making me worried for the wellbeing of characters)...did I say they're funny.

And to read a great horror/fantasy novel set in Australia that works was a bonus for me.

Brisbane as a gate to the underworld? Sure, I believe that. :)

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Jul 03, 2012 Leslee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: apocalypse-dystopia, urban-fantasy

Typed out a review and lost it, don't feel like repeating everything. This was decent, not the best take on Death ever but enjoyable enough.

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Jun 19, 2012 Tehani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: australian, urban-fantasy

An action packed and slightly unexpected ending to the trilogy - glad I finally got to read it!

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Mar 24, 2012 Brad T. rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, started-but-didnt-finish

Couldn't make it past page 75 this sucked so bad

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Feb 01, 2013 Danielle Lanier rated it 3 of 5 stars

I've just finished the first book - Death Most Definite - and it was a light, fast read. Very imaginative Underworld, IMHO though I haven't read too many books about it, so take that with a grain of salt.

As an atheist, I did like that there was a non-religious feel to the Underworld in this story.

On to the second book, Managing Death!

Update (sorry it's been so long) - I'm finished with this book now and the whole thing was a light, fast read, and very action-packed. I liked it.

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Dec 03, 2011 Kristin marked it as to-read

What the hell?!

So I purchased the first two books separately and now I'm expected to pay $16 for an omnibus if I want to read the third and final book?

Nice try, but I don't think so. This is one series that I loved but won't finish unless I can get the third book by itself, though it doesn't seem like that's going to be happening. If I had known they'd be doing this, I would've just waited for The Business of Death instead of buying the first two books.

Thanks Orbit!

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Apr 30, 2012 Deborah rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, booksfree, series, gr-authors, reviews

I'm so disappointed in the ending.

Even though all three books are in this one volume I have rated the other two separately. I actually read the first book from the library.

I liked the first book (4 stars). The second book was weaker (3 stars), but the third book was much better (4 stars) ... until the ending (1 star).

The ending ruined the entire series for me and I wish I hadn't read it at all.

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Dec 27, 2012 Ubiquitousbastard rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, romance, australia

Well, screw that. Way too predictable, felt super rushed all through the second half, and just generally left me dissastisfied with pretty much everything. I would give this one star, except I mostly liked the series before this and can't quite bring myself to do it. A part of me is glad that it's over, and part of me wishes it had never started so I wouldn't have been so disappointed.

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Dec 10, 2011 Karen Desmond rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 04, 2011 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fan

The Business of Death was a great final chapter on this trilogy. Trent Jamieson keeps the witty humor that helped the reader to digest the rather dark story lines. While the ending was not filled with fluffy bunnies and sunshine; it was very appropriate and ended the trilogy in an honest way.

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