Dying for a Living Boxset: Vol 2

I read the first box set because it was on sale. A unique story with likable and relatable characters made the first 3 books hard to put down. Even though the grammar and sentence structure was something I would expect to see from a high school kid flunking remedial English. I thought to myself “self, at least you like the story, maybe the second half will be better”. I was kidding myself. Not only does the author have a poor grasp on the English language, she also has no idea how to write conflict resolution, and no consistency in her own book. For example in chapter X Jesse does something. Then later in chapter Y Ally is talking to herself about how she can’t believe that she (herself) was the one who did the thing Jesse did in chapter X (trying to be intentionally vague for spoilers) SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! The entire series has been building up the conflict between Jesse, Caldwell and Georgia. Five books worth of build up. When they finally get to the climax the author ends it in 3 4 words “then she killed him”. Again I thought to myself “ self, perhaps this can be overlooked because he was “dead” when she found him.” But even so, there was no inter struggle of, He’s my dad he was a good guy once, nothing. Then we get to Georgia who was not dead when they met up. They talk door about a chapter about nothing new or plot heavy and then “she killed her”. Someone please tell me how you can write a book with super powered people and not have one hell of a closing fight scene? Well there’s 2 of the main bad guys out of the way but Her sister told her that since Georgia was her heart she would probably want to fight Jesse after Georgia was dead. Nope!! She willingly gave up her powers and her life to Jesse. While I do think that fits her character it is not consistent with the previously told story. After Jesse had all the partis powers that the book spent so much time building up on, the real problem begins. What choice will she make. Only the previous 6 books hyped the partis fights so much that they barely scratched the surface of the true problem. The only thing that they mentioned was Jesse would have to choose. Now there is this fight in the South Pole- why there? Who knows the book doesn’t tell you. I honestly felt no desire to finish the last book once the partis were all dead because the author does not no how to close out conflict and I had no connection with what was going on at that point.

I really enjoyed the entire Dying for a Living series. The plot is compelling and the cast of characters totally works. Can’t wait to read some more titles from this author.

I’m not a young adult, (as a matter of fact, I’m the mother of a few) and I chose the 1st book, Dying for a Living, because I was out of books and it was offered free on Bookbub. I’m glad I did, because I loved all of these books, and have been waiting for the finale for what seems like ages! I’ve read hundreds of books between 1-7 and 8, but the characters are so developed and compelling I have thought about their world and their story many times in between. When I realized that their ending was finally well, final, I almost didn’t want to read it! I re-read the first 7 to refresh my memory and stall the end some, but Dying Day was was one of the few finales from television, books, or movies that didn’t leave me feeling gypped for investing so much of myself. From the first book, Shrum’s newest series seems like it will be just as captivating if not more, and I can’t wait for the next installment.

The series is well written, fast paced and a great adventure. I highly recommend this and fully expect it to be made into a movie or television series.