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Living Dead Girl
In a return to her urban fantasy roots, author Rachel Vincent introduces a world full of action, humor, and passion, in which one heavily armed and acerbic woman must ultimately choose between herself, her love, and the fate of the entire world…
Alexandra Walker is bitter, bored, foul-mouthed, and much older than she looks. A self-styled “retrieval specialist,” she is at your disposal to reclaim whatever—or whoever—you’ve lost, and while her methods are rough around the edges, her reputation is unrivaled. Which is why an arrogant, powerful new client (species: unknown) is offering her something much more valuable than money.
A plane went down with his cargo on board, yet neither the cargo nor the copilot were found in the wreckage. Locating them seems simple enough until Lex finds herself fighting off assassins from all angles—and of all species. With a capricious hellhound at her side and some super-hot competition on her heels, it doesn’t take her long to realize that completing this mission could have dire consequences. For all of humanity.
Alexandra Walker is bitter, bored, foul-mouthed, and much older than she looks. A self-styled “retrieval specialist,” she is at your disposal to reclaim whatever—or whoever—you’ve lost, and while her methods are rough around the edges, her reputation is unrivaled. Which is why an arrogant, powerful new client (species: unknown) is offering her something much more valuable than money.
A plane went down with his cargo on board, yet neither the cargo nor the copilot were found in the wreckage. Locating them seems simple enough until Lex finds herself fighting off assassins from all angles—and of all species. With a capricious hellhound at her side and some super-hot competition on her heels, it doesn’t take her long to realize that completing this mission could have dire consequences. For all of humanity.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2022
42 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Vincent
65 books9,780 followers[Note: Though Rachel's blog entries are cross posted here, she does not frequent Goodreads. The best ways to contact her are FB, Twitter, or her Wordpress blog. PLEASE DO NOT SEND HER MESSAGES HERE. SHE DOES NOT CHECK THEM.]
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 27, 2022
I was excited to read this one, an new UF from a favorite author, sadly it fell short for me. I feel like I should have liked it more, but there were a couple times I almost dnf'ed, but kept going because...favorite author. After I finished, mostly I was glad to be done.
I liked Lex, wanted to know more of her background, like what the farm meant to her, why she was the way she was and why the dig seemed to randomly follow her and more importantly, listened to her.
What feel flat for me was the case that Lex was working. It took her all over, had her run into so many different things/people, all of whom were out to get her and cause mayhem on the world. At the end there was this big fight, prices were paid, yet it all went away with a wish, seemed too pat for me.
I'm not sure if this one is the first in a new series, if so, I won't continue it, there just wasn't enough here that I liked to keep going.
I liked Lex, wanted to know more of her background, like what the farm meant to her, why she was the way she was and why the dig seemed to randomly follow her and more importantly, listened to her.
What feel flat for me was the case that Lex was working. It took her all over, had her run into so many different things/people, all of whom were out to get her and cause mayhem on the world. At the end there was this big fight, prices were paid, yet it all went away with a wish, seemed too pat for me.
I'm not sure if this one is the first in a new series, if so, I won't continue it, there just wasn't enough here that I liked to keep going.
January 23, 2023
it was nice
Not my favorite from Rachel . Lex isn’t really a character I could fall in love with and Cal wasn’t that interesting. After 250 years you think Lex would know how to handle emotions better.
Forever will be a Marc and Faythe lover from stray. Although Ethan was one of my favorites too. The Stray series are just so well written and make you fall in love with them all. I compare every fantasy book to that series.
Not my favorite from Rachel . Lex isn’t really a character I could fall in love with and Cal wasn’t that interesting. After 250 years you think Lex would know how to handle emotions better.
Forever will be a Marc and Faythe lover from stray. Although Ethan was one of my favorites too. The Stray series are just so well written and make you fall in love with them all. I compare every fantasy book to that series.
December 16, 2023
Oh, this was such a great read, loved this world and characters, and I just loved the story!
December 31, 2022
Really enjoyed my return to Rachel Vincent!!!
Read
February 5, 2023Got until the end of Chapter 7.
Have you ever read a book where the badass female lead was very badass, but a lot of time is being spent on telling us how badass she is, instead of the story actually unfolding? That's what I felt up until Chapter 7.
Fortunately/unfortunately I'd also read a review that mentioned she basically goes up and down, in and out, then the issue is just sorted out with an easy spell/was sorted out way too easily.
I would like to know though, was the hell hound following her as she's potentially a grim reaper? I'm just interested to know how the 'dog' is doing. Ooh, or was it a sentient being trapped as a hellhound? Let me know.
Have you ever read a book where the badass female lead was very badass, but a lot of time is being spent on telling us how badass she is, instead of the story actually unfolding? That's what I felt up until Chapter 7.
Fortunately/unfortunately I'd also read a review that mentioned she basically goes up and down, in and out, then the issue is just sorted out with an easy spell/was sorted out way too easily.
I would like to know though, was the hell hound following her as she's potentially a grim reaper? I'm just interested to know how the 'dog' is doing. Ooh, or was it a sentient being trapped as a hellhound? Let me know.
May 12, 2025
3.5 stars
I see the potential of this book/series. Firstly, I thought it was going to be a standalone, since there is no talk of sequels, but it's so unfinished. It ends on a pretty big cliffhanger. So that was a bit disappointing. I understand why Rachel Vincent called Lex an "old-school" UF protagonist, because she kind if is, but I am still reading series like this, so they still exist out there. I really like Lex; she is a classic gruff on the outside and slightly vulnerable on the inside MC. The moments where we see that Lex wasn't born into this world, she was a normal human girl, are so sweet and sad. The mystery of her death and resurrection is so interesting, because she has no clue whatsoever why it happened and what it means. Cale is on okay likeable guy. Rachel could have done a bit more with him, and he was a huge disappointment in the end. However, I loved the light and fun moments, as well as the sweet and caring moments, between him and Lex. They had great chemistry. The premise was interesting enough and it kept me engaged. I loved Orthus!
Now for the negatives. Some of the action scenes didn't make sense, unless the antagonists moved in slow motion. Lex was doing one thing and conveniently the bad guys were frozen for a second. I found the exposition chapters so boring. Exposition is never fun, but the way the author wrote it in was the most dull way. I didn't really care about the lore around Djinni and demons. Also, just pick one. Two (maybe three) things happened in this book that made me really confused, and will have to be in spoiler brackets.
So those are my thoughts. I enjoyed it, but there were definitely some issues and questionable plot choices.
I see the potential of this book/series. Firstly, I thought it was going to be a standalone, since there is no talk of sequels, but it's so unfinished. It ends on a pretty big cliffhanger. So that was a bit disappointing. I understand why Rachel Vincent called Lex an "old-school" UF protagonist, because she kind if is, but I am still reading series like this, so they still exist out there. I really like Lex; she is a classic gruff on the outside and slightly vulnerable on the inside MC. The moments where we see that Lex wasn't born into this world, she was a normal human girl, are so sweet and sad. The mystery of her death and resurrection is so interesting, because she has no clue whatsoever why it happened and what it means. Cale is on okay likeable guy. Rachel could have done a bit more with him, and he was a huge disappointment in the end. However, I loved the light and fun moments, as well as the sweet and caring moments, between him and Lex. They had great chemistry. The premise was interesting enough and it kept me engaged. I loved Orthus!
Now for the negatives. Some of the action scenes didn't make sense, unless the antagonists moved in slow motion. Lex was doing one thing and conveniently the bad guys were frozen for a second. I found the exposition chapters so boring. Exposition is never fun, but the way the author wrote it in was the most dull way. I didn't really care about the lore around Djinni and demons. Also, just pick one. Two (maybe three) things happened in this book that made me really confused, and will have to be in spoiler brackets.
So those are my thoughts. I enjoyed it, but there were definitely some issues and questionable plot choices.
December 31, 2022
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring.) (I do not read reviews before I read a book, I like to go in with an open mind.)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
February 15, 2023
Holy hell, what a ride! Seeing as this was one of her earlier works put on the back burner for a hot min, it's safe to say Vincent always knew how to tell a good story.
My only concern is since this was written many years ago, I wonder if she also wrote a sequel. The ending was great, but if this was a standalone book, it was also not satisfying at all. In fact, it's the type of ending that demands a sequel, and I worry we will never get one. I sure hope we do. There were so many unanswered questions.
That being said, I'm glad to see another adult book back in her urban fantasy roots. Don't get me wrong; she writes the best YA. (though I may be biased since literally anything of any genre Vincent writes is literary gold for me). But she also writes amazing adult, and I feel like we haven't seen that in a while. And technically still haven't since this was originally written years ago, only now to resurface and polish up for modern times.
This story had me right from the start. Vincent knows how to give a good chapter cliffhanger that keeps you reading straight until the very end. If you are a fan of Vincent's earlier works, like the Shifters series (a great series, by the way), you'll also love this book. I will never stop recommending Vincent's books to anyone who will listen to me.
My only concern is since this was written many years ago, I wonder if she also wrote a sequel. The ending was great, but if this was a standalone book, it was also not satisfying at all. In fact, it's the type of ending that demands a sequel, and I worry we will never get one. I sure hope we do. There were so many unanswered questions.
That being said, I'm glad to see another adult book back in her urban fantasy roots. Don't get me wrong; she writes the best YA. (though I may be biased since literally anything of any genre Vincent writes is literary gold for me). But she also writes amazing adult, and I feel like we haven't seen that in a while. And technically still haven't since this was originally written years ago, only now to resurface and polish up for modern times.
This story had me right from the start. Vincent knows how to give a good chapter cliffhanger that keeps you reading straight until the very end. If you are a fan of Vincent's earlier works, like the Shifters series (a great series, by the way), you'll also love this book. I will never stop recommending Vincent's books to anyone who will listen to me.
January 15, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was a good read to ease into the new year with! It was easy to get into the world and understand the fantasy aspect. I think it helped to have some background knowledge of urban fantasy but it does a good job of explaining if this was someone’s first dive into the genre. I liked how kickass the main character Lex is. Her background was really interesting and I’m still itching to know more about it. I liked the romance between her and Cale but it did feel slightly rushed. Honestly I thought the whole book felt a little rushed. I don’t know if there are plans to make it into a series, or even a duology, because there are definitely still a lot of unanswered questions and the ending was pretty big and then it was just over! There was a little bit of spice in the story but it didn’t take over. I would definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy all kinds of urban fantasy or those who want to see it the genre is for them.
This was a good read to ease into the new year with! It was easy to get into the world and understand the fantasy aspect. I think it helped to have some background knowledge of urban fantasy but it does a good job of explaining if this was someone’s first dive into the genre. I liked how kickass the main character Lex is. Her background was really interesting and I’m still itching to know more about it. I liked the romance between her and Cale but it did feel slightly rushed. Honestly I thought the whole book felt a little rushed. I don’t know if there are plans to make it into a series, or even a duology, because there are definitely still a lot of unanswered questions and the ending was pretty big and then it was just over! There was a little bit of spice in the story but it didn’t take over. I would definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy all kinds of urban fantasy or those who want to see it the genre is for them.
February 21, 2023
Yes! Rachel Vincent is back writing Urban Fantasy. She weaves this tale with all kinds of characters. There is Lexi Walker who isn’t even sure what category she should be in. She died. She does remember that. But there was a hazy period and then she was “alive” again. But she doesn’t get any older. And now 250 years later she may have a chance to get her answers. She is contacted by an evil, super rich man who insists she take his job offer. She doesn’t have the option of saying no. She embarks on this quest and meets many different species along the way. And a very helpful Hell Hound has decided she needs his help. I really liked this book for the quick and easy banter. And the heart of the characters. I hope she has more stories in this world to tell us.
August 16, 2023
Alexandra Walker, "Lex", lived up to her description and I cannot get enough so truly hope after books ending this becomes a new series to enjoy!
Not only was this action packed and had a superb setup but its twists were excellently executed for me as well.
The information level built believably and all in all no complaints except now story has ended not sure what is next for Lex or the rest.
The excerpt/introduction to "Fat Cat" made me happy to have a copy on hold to borrow from my library hopefully within the next month or so when it becomes available to me.
Not only was this action packed and had a superb setup but its twists were excellently executed for me as well.
The information level built believably and all in all no complaints except now story has ended not sure what is next for Lex or the rest.
The excerpt/introduction to "Fat Cat" made me happy to have a copy on hold to borrow from my library hopefully within the next month or so when it becomes available to me.
February 18, 2023
An interesting premise with still so much to be revealed - who is responsible for the situation that Rachel Vincent has placed her latest character, Alexandra Walker, in. I certainly enjoyed the world building and there is much to still see developed in this new series - I'm certainly hope there is more adventure to come for Alex - a woman who has lived a long long time - and now has a hell hound to play with. I've always enjoyed Rachel Vincent's novels and this one did not disappoint.
October 2, 2024
I liked the story and the world unfortunately there were still a lot of unanswered questions at the end which was a bit abrupt so hopefully there will be at least one more book to answer everything. Lex is a good main character and I did think Cale was a good match for her until the end of the book. Now I don't like him at all.
December 24, 2022
Excellent Female MC
I enjoyed this book, especially the MC, Lex. Long lived, tough and addicted to twinkies, Lex is strong female character. I'd love to know more about her past and see if her relationship with Cale develops. I'm hoping there will be a sequel.
I enjoyed this book, especially the MC, Lex. Long lived, tough and addicted to twinkies, Lex is strong female character. I'd love to know more about her past and see if her relationship with Cale develops. I'm hoping there will be a sequel.
January 2, 2023
5 stars
Lex is a fabulous badass heroine. Such a great mystery why she didn't move on after her death, instead still among the living. Retrieving an artifact for a billionaire culminates in an action filled confrontation, and a twisty.
Lex is a fabulous badass heroine. Such a great mystery why she didn't move on after her death, instead still among the living. Retrieving an artifact for a billionaire culminates in an action filled confrontation, and a twisty.
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June 10, 2023Review is in Storygraph, an app that actually works and also allows partial stars and surveys pacing among other features.
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
January 2, 2023
For some reason I had a little bit of a hard time getting into this book at the beginning I was completely involved. The ending had me wanting to buy the next. It will suck to have to wait. I loved Vincent’s series and I’m happy she’s back at it.
February 10, 2023
I loved it!! I love everything Rachel writes. There is room for a sequel!
April 29, 2023
3.5 stars Took me awhile to get into it but I ended up enjoying it and I want to know more about Lex and the whys and wherefores of her past so I hope there is a sequel in the works.
July 10, 2023
A fun read, but the ending was pretty problematic. I wouldn't read a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews