Dying for a Living

This sci-fi book took me by surprise. Characters you love, hate, and wonder about. I quickly got addicted to this series and have read all but one. While there is seemingly a clear villain that emerges, the light-hearted interactions offset our heroine's clearly dark past as she cares for her friend Ally, her dog, connects with other diverse characters, and makes self discoveries while acting to save many people from dying. It is a hoot!

I thoroghly enjoyed this writers writing style. It is smooth flowing and held my interest to the end. Her main character was witty and sarcastic. The author devised a very unusual and original storyline having someone with the ability to take your place and die for you.
A fun read and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Dying for a Living is a great read. Shrum envisions a completely new universe, unlike the tired 'zombie apocalypse' of far too many authors, she's built a world where death does NOT come for everyone - at least not for those who acquire the services of someone like Jessie Sullivan...

This opening gambit novel introduces an likeable cast of characters, from Jessie's two love interests to the federal agent who has been protecting her for years, unbeknownst to her. It also sets up a terrific story arc with the revelation that Jessie's long dead father may not be so dead after all - and is likely the driving force determined to end Jessie's life for good.

If you enjoyed getting to know Rachel Morgan, I guarantee you'll want to get to know Jessie Sullivan!

I really enjoyed the concept of this book, the "necronites" were a new and interesting take on the typical zombie or vampire genre. The protagonist is a quirky and highly likeable character and I loved the themes of LGBT. However, I reached the end of the book feeling somewhat underwhelmed. I think it would've benefitted from being a little longer, with each section drawn out and explored a little more. At times I felt like I'd skipped a part reading because a scene was skimmed over, or I would be wondering who this or that character was. I've not read the sequels (yet) but I do hope that they are a step up from this first book.

Having said that, it was still an enjoyable, easy read and I've personally recommended it to several friends.

Great idea, great premise, well realized. My reasons for 4 stars instead of 5: a couple of places read like the author was a bit of a beginner, with two many secondary characters that were too much alike and could be combined and the book would be much stronger. Also the main character seemed to change a touch sometimes, without reason, especially in the romances.

Still, overall I enjoyed this fantasy and will read more by the author.

The book was definitely different from what I was expecting. I was hooked from the first page and loved how the author described each character and developed them through the storyline. The torture of the past presentation and future all rolled into one girl who's job it is to take the place for people who are supposed to die. Only to find out the bureau she works for just might be trying to kill her permanently. Definitely looking for the next in the series

This is a well written story with unique characters and story. The ideas of this genre are new to me, I usually prefer mysteries, but I really liked this book. Jesse is a replacement for when humans die; she dies over and over again. Now, someone is killing the replacers and she doesn't know who is after her. It could be the church, the army, or someone she hasn't even considered. Jessa has had a fairly rocky past before she was recruited. Now, it's not easy trying to solve the crime while being chased and seeing an angel.

This book was well-written and highly entertaining, with a unique take on the idea of "zombies" that I've never seen before.

I do have to admit I'm a little disappointed that the romance subplot didn't end with polyamory, since that seems like it would solve a great many of their entangled issues there, but I also predict that Jesse will find Lane even more annoying and overbearing as an Official Partner than she did when he was "just" there for casual sex, so I can't see that official status lasting too long.

Read it almost in one sitting. Good characters, writing. Very imaginative. The treatment of zombies was refreshing. I really enjoyed this, and recommend it. The foibles seem real, serving to make the characters more human. Enough loose ends/unanswered questions to whet the appetite for book 2.

I enjoyed the characters and storyline very much! Plenty of action, twists and turns and you can't predict where this story is going! The heroine is appropriately jaded and sarcastic. It's hard to tell who the good guys are and who is there to game. Curious to see where this goes and continue the entertainment! I looked forward to finding time and using some to continue reading. Cliffhanger but the author was kind enough to have part of the next book to ease any disappointment. Highly recommended read!!!

I really enjoyed this book. It's a supernatural but it has a new twists on it, something I haven't seen before which kept me interested. Lots of times I stayed up just because I had gotten to parts where I wanted to know what was happening next.

This book started slow for me, but it gained momentum, and in so doing had me hooked. I loved it! The heroine gets into all kinds of scrapes, but manages to muddle through. The ending though, was a total disappointment. I wanted to go through everything with her, not given a short synopsis. Otherwise, an excellent read.

Found the author entertaining! Has a great sense of how to keep the reader involved in the atory. A definite page turner. I got this book as a free download from bookbub and wish there was more by this author for foree, however I must add that the price of the other books written, is well worth it for the amount of entertainment and enjoyment you will receive from reading this.

What a fantastic idea. Certainly not the usual crap about Necronites. ('Zombie' is so yesterday.) The story flowed at a good steady pace, there was no pandering to my intelligence - either I got it or I didn't. No need to spoon-feed the info. That's one of my pet peeves with books now. The author who steps out of the story to explain something he/she thinks I might not understand.
Jesse Sullivan is yet another flawed but courageous woman who refuses to sit in the back seat.

Jesse Sullivan is a Necrorite which means she can actually die for someone else so they don't have to die. She is on her 65 death when something strange happens. Jesse is murdered and she becomes the suspect. She has to catch the real killer or she will die. It is a riveting story with a a new twist. I enjoyed learning about the world of Necrorites.

I LOVED this book! Such interesting ideas. Yes, it has angst like a teen novel, but it's so good I had to read until I was done. Then I had to get the next book. Want to find out what's like to die to earn your living? Read this book.

Great story - I was sucked right into the premise. People that can "die" for others so that they can live longer. But somebody is out to permanently kill them. Each character has it's own problem that leads to another plot twist and each person is likeable in his own way. It was great and I look forward to the next book. There was very little sex in it, not too much graphic violence, swearing of course but I would let an older teen read it.

Very original take on the Thanathos theme!
Loved the approach and the humour! Although the main subject is death, this story is not morbid and dark, but rather upbeat and optimistic, no matter what is happening any given time. Of course, many things, not at all good, occurs and there is plenty of danger too!
I must say: loved it!

Truly enjoyed this book as I had read nothing like it before. The title got me and then when I started reading it was really different. The characters are great and of course this is not the only book but I do recommend you give it a try. It's really good.

This story has an unusual twist that takes a couple of chapters to be able to wrap your brain around before the reader can settle in and enjoy the plot development. I am glad I stayed with it, because by the 30% point, I was hooked on finishing the book and learning what was going to happen to our "heroine". This is a quick read with very little distracting editing or grammar mistakes. I enjoyed the story and will be looking for more from this author.

I was genuinely skeptical about liking this read... SURPRISE, SUPRISE! I LOVED it- so much so, that I purchased the next three in the series! This is outside my usual genre, as I'm not a fan of the paranormal, but this read and the series is nothing short of EXCELLENT!!

Well-written first book of the series. The world is interesting and novel, and I especially liked that Jesse is bi. It's action filled and it kept me until the end.

I especially loved the idea of death replacements agents.

I should have reviewed this much sooner. I'm having to go off of memory that is sketchy at best. Since I do remember the book, that's a good thing. I enjoyed the premise but the interactions/behavior of the police is a bit off. They were much too gung-ho to "get their man" regardless of the evidence at hand.

I "purchased" this book for free on the store. Not many free books are well written stories, as other readers can verify.
However, this story is very fresh and entertaining and I now have another good author to follow.
I appreciate the sense of "real life" Ms Shrum has depicted, along with the paranormal elements which I enjoy - in a sense like Kim Harrison's The Hollows series.
I will be purchasing her other books, not just waiting & hoping they will be offered for free at some point, the way I tend to do if I'm only somewhat interested in the story line.
Ms Shrum is a talented writer with a vivid imagination. I'll be anxiously awaiting the release of the next installment this fall!

Having been bored with many paranormal books here lately, this was so fresh and so different, I stayed up half the night to finish it. Some may not like that it is a series, but I love reading books that come in a series.
The heroine Jesse is a caring and brave young woman who jumps into dangerous situations to help her friends, even without super powers. I can't wait to put the kids to bed and read book Nr. 2.

Kudos to the author for coming up with a different and unique storyline for this book. It was intriguing and kept my interest until the end. I was not comfortable with some of the concepts in the book, but overall it was a good book with a good ending. It should make an interesting series.

Great spin on the zombie/paranormal genre! I am so glad I picked up this book: zombies (Necronites) being paid to take our place so we don't have to die when it's our time, very interesting! I look forward to seeing where this inventive and intriguing story line goes and can't wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're a fan of the Anita Blake series.

Wonderfully creative story about a young woman whose genetic make-up allows her to die in place of another person. Who gets to live is the underlying moral conflict, and those intent on eliminating the people with the ability adds the physical confrontation. Well crafted and enjoyable characters carry out a great story. Different idea from anything I've read. Loved it.

I loved this book. It has an interesting premise that draws the reader in. It is fast paced and the characters are well developed. This book is a must read for anyone who likes something different and fascinating.

Ms. Shrum has concocted a very entertaining story about necronites, rare humans who are able to die in another's place and then return to life to do it all over again.

I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. If I had proofread this book, I would have made 17 corrections.

I needed a "beach read" and it was free. Surprised to find it was a great little book! Unique plot, good characters and overall well written. You can tell the author is young, but for an early work it's impressive. Will probably buy the next one too. The lead character reminds me of the iZombie show. Fun read.

This story had so many unique facets to it. Always a new thread to weave, a new dimension to something. Kept me flipping the pages like they were on fire to figure things out. I love Gabriel so much, prolly my favorite support character. All of the support characters were great tho. I look forward to continue this series.

Wow never thought I would enjoy a zombie book. I dont care for the whole genre. This was witty and not your typical eat brains stereotypical walking dead scene. If you do not like the typical zombie books I encourage you to try this one Looking forward to reading the next book in the series

Story flowed in circles. I really hate zombie stories but this was well outside of brain eating zombies. A good mystery, page
Turner and lots of depth to characters and story. Well done. I will look forward to future stories by living dead or dead living by you.

A refreshingly different story. I loved it. I wasn't sure since I don't usually read supernatural-type books. I breezed through it and immediately bought the second book. I'm recommending it to my book club.

I've never read anything like this. Soul regeneration - ingenious! Dying for a Living makes you wonder "what if" on more than one level.
You start off getting to know the characters, then BAM, the author opens up and let's you in for a spectacular ride. There's ups, there's downs, but there are definitely no lulls. In this spectacular book, Jesse Sullivan, a reject in society invites you to share her life of love, death, friendship, and murder. I literally couldn't put the book down. I got so lost in the story that before I knew it I was at the end of the book. I'm looking forward to book 2 in this series.
Kudos to this creative author for leading me where I've never been taken. It was refreshing to read such an original piece. Thank you Kory. I certainly look forward to reading many more of your pieces.

Gotta say, this is one of the most original ideas I've seen in a storyline in some time! From the beginning, I fell into the plot and hurried to it's conclusion in my spare time. I will be purchasing the second book of the series for sure! Kudos to the author! Highly recommend if you are looking for something different in the urban fantasy genre!

I love the concept of necronites in this book. But it's not just the original idea, its the great delivery. Jesse is a fabulous character with some crazy probability on her plate. Breast start to a new series. Fans of the Dresden Files and Kim Harrison's Hallow series will enjoy this.

"Dying for a Living" starts with an original concept--a society where "death replacement agents" can step in at the moment of a person's death, and die for that person--and builds on it.

Jesse Sullivan is a death replacement agent who must solve her own murder. And that's just the begining. With vivid characters that quickly grow on you, "Dying for a Living" draws the reader in and doesn't let go. I found the book to be a real page-turner, keeping me up late each night until I finished it. The mystery around Jesse grows and has a number of good twists, building to a suspenseful climax.

For fans of mysteries, thrillers, and just plain good stories, I heartily recommend reading "Dying for a Living" and getting in at the start of what promises to be an entertaining series of adventures.

This book had an interesting focal point that I enjoyed a lot. The characters made me laugh and sigh in irritated relief at points, I liked the way the author built the story at a steady pace. I am looking forward to seeing how the next book pans out, this could be an amazing series!

The "zombie" concept introduced in this book is unique and interesting, certainly worth writing about and detailing, so I understand the author's desire to turn it into a 3-part series. However, the first book is really the only one worth reading, as the second and third go downhill from here. I do wish the author had dug a little more into emotions, relationships, interactions, etc as this feels like a story almost written for younger audiences. Overall, it was an okay read.

Completely different from what I normally read. The audio book kept me and my husband entertained in the car. If there is a sequel, we probably won't buy it,Just not our cup of tea. But we did like the main character and her snarky attitude made us smile.