Source: Audiobook Purchase, Kindle Purchase, Physical Book PurchaseFormat: Audiobook
Working Stiff by Rachel Caine
Narrator: Julia Whelan
Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
Date Read: July 2013
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
More Information:Bryn Davis knows working at Fairview Mortuary isn't the most glamorous career choice, but at least it offers stable employment--until she discovers her bosses using a drug that resurrects the clientele as part of an extortion racket. Now, Bryn faces being terminated--literally, and with extreme prejudice.
Wit the help of corporate double-agent Patrick McCallister, Bryn has a chance to take down the bigger problem--pharmaceutical company Pharmadene, which treats death as the ultimate corporate loyalty program. She'd better do it fast, before she becomes a zombie slave--a real working stiff. She'd be better off dead..
Publisher: Penguin Audio, Roc
Series: Revivalist #1
Also by this author: Glass Houses, Ill Wind, Heat Stroke, Undone, CarniePunk
Also in this series: Two Weeks' Notice, Terminated
Read/Listened for Fun (Audible/Kindle/Paper Copy)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 3.75
First Thought when Finished: Wicked, Dark, and just a bit funny! I really enjoyed Working Stiff!
Story Thoughts: I am a fan of zombies in all shapes and forms: Scary, Mindless, Thinking, Snarky, Scary, and Functioning. If the story frames the “zombie” lore well, I can totally buy it. Working Stiff manages to make me believe that we can revive the dead and they can survive on something other brains. The strongest part of this story though was the mystery. I was really caught up in the tracking, planning, and taking down of the baddie.
Character Thoughts: I LOVED Bryn! She was a great combo of snark, realism, and flippant enough to roll with the punches. The fact that she had an armed forces background helped sell the other parts of her character that made her kick-ass. The boys were great too! While I not quite on board with the romance (which to me was very secondary in Working Stiff-as it should have been), I see myself jumping on that train in book 2! All around great character development and introductions.
Audio Thought:
Narrated By Julia Whelan / Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
Overall I think Julia did a wonderful job with the narration. It took about 3 hours for me to really click the characters with her “sound” but after that it was totally enjoyable. I expect that my audio rating will be higher for book 2.
Final Thoughts: I found a new to me series that I will totally enjoy, I think!
- Reviews of books written by Rachel Caine
- Reviews of books narrated by Julia Whelan
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During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.
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Yay!! You liked it!! I read and liked this one but I still need to read the next two. Of course, for the same challenge, too 🙂 I think if I like the next one as much then I’ll be sold on the series. I love your short reviews; I need to work on that!!!
Oooo…Rachel said she had something new brewing in the adult arena. Sounds very interesting. Need to tackle the Weather Warden series first.
This one sounds like I’d really like it. I haven’t read anything by her yet and I know a lot of people like her work.
I meant to read this series awhile ago after reading great reviews but forgot. I just added it to my TBR notebook!
I really liked Bryn, too! She’s tough and deals pretty darned well with a terrible situation (can you believe what happened to that poor girl?!?). An interesting series — maybe not my favorite of Caine’s but very enjoyable.
One of these days, you’re gonna get me to read a zombie tale.
I’ve been wanting to try this series! Love that you enjoyed it. Sorry it took a moment to click, but so glad you did! 🙂
I read this when it first came out and while I liked it, I wasn’t over the moon over it and still haven’t felt compelled to pick up the next book. The romance just kind of bugged me as well!
I do wonder, the Caine book I read did not work at all for me, but then this is another series
Nice review Felicia. I did read this book, but I just don’t like zombie things. I wished for Bryn to be stronger at times, especially with her military background. Looking forward to your review of book 2, as I am not continuing this series.
I really enjoyed this one. The next one is even better.
I can’t wait to start the 3rd.