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Fate Worse than Death
A necromancer with an attitude meets a killer with a vendetta.
After facing off with a Jinn, a Minotaur, and a siren, necromancer Octavia Hollows thought she’d seen the most vicious creatures in existence.
Until she learns of a depraved serial killer hunting young women. One of his victims is still missing while someone close to Octavia is being held by police in connection to the crimes.
Flanked by hot-as-sin wolf-man, Reid, and her undead pig, Bacon, Octavia races to stop the killer and clear her friend’s name. Yet as she risks her neck for those she loves, she may land on the chopping block of a merciless madman…
***CLIFFHANGER ENDING***
" Stacey Rourke is an expert wordsmith. She has a way of captivating readers and never fails to deliver an unforgettable story. Fate Worse Than Death contains all the necessary ingredients for a truly enjoyable read —romance, action, suspense, and even a pig! I simply couldn't put this book down! " - Mary Ting, Benjamin Franklin Award-Winning Author
"A thrilling murder mystery with True Blood and Dexter vibes. Octavia's latest journey brings her closer to the darkness than ever before. " -Award-winning author Tish Thawer
" Holy undead pig! This is a non-stop thrill ride of wicked badassery. Stacey grabs you by the gumballs and never let’s go. Hands down one of the best books of the year! " -USA Today Bestselling author Rue Volley
After facing off with a Jinn, a Minotaur, and a siren, necromancer Octavia Hollows thought she’d seen the most vicious creatures in existence.
Until she learns of a depraved serial killer hunting young women. One of his victims is still missing while someone close to Octavia is being held by police in connection to the crimes.
Flanked by hot-as-sin wolf-man, Reid, and her undead pig, Bacon, Octavia races to stop the killer and clear her friend’s name. Yet as she risks her neck for those she loves, she may land on the chopping block of a merciless madman…
***CLIFFHANGER ENDING***
" Stacey Rourke is an expert wordsmith. She has a way of captivating readers and never fails to deliver an unforgettable story. Fate Worse Than Death contains all the necessary ingredients for a truly enjoyable read —romance, action, suspense, and even a pig! I simply couldn't put this book down! " - Mary Ting, Benjamin Franklin Award-Winning Author
"A thrilling murder mystery with True Blood and Dexter vibes. Octavia's latest journey brings her closer to the darkness than ever before. " -Award-winning author Tish Thawer
" Holy undead pig! This is a non-stop thrill ride of wicked badassery. Stacey grabs you by the gumballs and never let’s go. Hands down one of the best books of the year! " -USA Today Bestselling author Rue Volley
295 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2023
15 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 20, 2024
"Fate Worse than Death" is book two in Stacey Rourke's series " The Journals of Octavia Hollows." Octavia is a necromancer and is trying to find out who the serial killer is that is targeting young girls. Her close friend is being accused of the murders and she is doing her best to get them off the hook. She loses a family member to the serial killer, and this fuels her to find who did it more.
I enjoy how she and Reid banter back and forth, and then Reid lets on that he knows more about her life than she thought was possible. My absolute favorite character is Bacon, her pet pig.
I enjoy how she and Reid banter back and forth, and then Reid lets on that he knows more about her life than she thought was possible. My absolute favorite character is Bacon, her pet pig.
February 23, 2023
I have no words for what I just read.....
Let's start with the characters. Octavia is still my favorite kick butt character and Bacon, you can't forget Bacon!! I felt everything that Octavia was feeling!! You can't help not connecting with Octavia!! And our adorable four-legged Porker helped break the tense moments with his sassy little self.
The storyline was so intense. There were times I smiled, times I laughed out loud, cried and then the suspense that leads up to a jaw dropping scene that I never saw coming!! And then the OMG, cliffhanger at the end has left me speechless and wanting to yell at the author!! I was so hooked to this book, my kindle died too. Rourke knows how to keep her audience on the edge of our seats and BAM hit us with the climax!! This was a remarkable story and I can't wait to find out what happens next and I HIGHLY recommend this read!!!
Let's start with the characters. Octavia is still my favorite kick butt character and Bacon, you can't forget Bacon!! I felt everything that Octavia was feeling!! You can't help not connecting with Octavia!! And our adorable four-legged Porker helped break the tense moments with his sassy little self.
The storyline was so intense. There were times I smiled, times I laughed out loud, cried and then the suspense that leads up to a jaw dropping scene that I never saw coming!! And then the OMG, cliffhanger at the end has left me speechless and wanting to yell at the author!! I was so hooked to this book, my kindle died too. Rourke knows how to keep her audience on the edge of our seats and BAM hit us with the climax!! This was a remarkable story and I can't wait to find out what happens next and I HIGHLY recommend this read!!!
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December 31, 2024First of all, I didn't realize I had the 2nd book in a series. But the cute recap at the beginning caught me up. Second of all, cliffhanger much? Do not read this thinking you are going to be able to stop. Clever author, lol. In fact the only reason I am not reading the 3rd book right this minute is that I need to sleep sometime, and if I start it tonight that won't be happening. But best believe I'll be starting the 3rd book in the morning. At some point I'll go back and read the 1st one, but I have to know what happens next! This is a rich supernatural world filled with interesting people. Bacon is definitely my favorite character, though Amity is a close second. My inner hippy-dippy weirdo liked her "not so inner" hippy-dippy weirdo. Don't get me wrong I like Octavia, but it was the entire cast of supporting characters that made this story come alive. Pun absolutely intended...
October 31, 2024
Octavia is the best. I love her snark and her determination to get to the bottom of things. Things get a bit dark and I feel they may get darker yet, but her humor, per undead pig, and sexy werewolf companion, I have full faith all will work out. The mystery here is pretty good and I’ll admit, she got me a bit.
Just know the ending is a cliffhanger - big hook and reason to pick up the next which I’ll be doing of course!!!
Just know the ending is a cliffhanger - big hook and reason to pick up the next which I’ll be doing of course!!!
April 29, 2025
I LOVE the Octavia Hollows series! I adore her snark and wit. I have enjoyed many of Rourke's books and series, but these books have a special place in my heart and on my shelves. It felt so good to be back in Octavia's world and see what she and her companions were up against next. The plot in this one kept me turning pages. I loved the characters old and new and how they bantered and interacted. The race to the conclusion was intense, and Rourke did me dirty with that ending!!!! I am starting the next book immediately. These books are pure joy to read.
April 24, 2024
reading with Bacon is a must
I absolutely am in love
With Octavia Homlowa
And her undead pig, Bacon. This story had so many twists and turns i couldn’t put it down. Reid and Octavia’s story is swoon worthy!! I highly recommend
I absolutely am in love
With Octavia Homlowa
And her undead pig, Bacon. This story had so many twists and turns i couldn’t put it down. Reid and Octavia’s story is swoon worthy!! I highly recommend
February 25, 2023
No, no, No, no, NOOOOOOOOO!!!
This can NOT be happening!!!! That is a sentiment that uncontrollably ripped from me repeatedly while flipping these pages! Don’t get me wrong….this book is amazing as all get out!! But anyone who knows Octavia Hollows KNOWS she has a ridiculously hard time not landing in the middle of a NO, no, NO, no, NOOOOOOOOO situation!!! So many moments I can’t even list them all without an extra thick notebook & backup pens handy. That being said, I still adore Octavia & her spunky little oinker sidekick, Bacon. Dina is a other favorite of mine, but Amity brought so many giggles this go round too. I’m highly intrigued with Tiresias & hoping we see more of him in the future. I’m still a bit on guard when it comes to the Red Wolf Pack who’s so interestingly mysterious. Also, totally swooning over Reid (Again!)!!!! Seriously though, can he get any hotter?!? Now, if I didn’t love Rourke & all her snarky adorableness I would really hate her with this world shattering cliff hanger she left us flailing to grasp!!! I’ll be back as soon as I get the next book!
This can NOT be happening!!!! That is a sentiment that uncontrollably ripped from me repeatedly while flipping these pages! Don’t get me wrong….this book is amazing as all get out!! But anyone who knows Octavia Hollows KNOWS she has a ridiculously hard time not landing in the middle of a NO, no, NO, no, NOOOOOOOOO situation!!! So many moments I can’t even list them all without an extra thick notebook & backup pens handy. That being said, I still adore Octavia & her spunky little oinker sidekick, Bacon. Dina is a other favorite of mine, but Amity brought so many giggles this go round too. I’m highly intrigued with Tiresias & hoping we see more of him in the future. I’m still a bit on guard when it comes to the Red Wolf Pack who’s so interestingly mysterious. Also, totally swooning over Reid (Again!)!!!! Seriously though, can he get any hotter?!? Now, if I didn’t love Rourke & all her snarky adorableness I would really hate her with this world shattering cliff hanger she left us flailing to grasp!!! I’ll be back as soon as I get the next book!
March 13, 2023
After what has felt like forever, the second Octavia Hollows book as finally arrived, and it was well worth the wait. Full of mystery, action, humor, and an adorable, resurrected piggy named Bacon, this is definitely a series worth reading.
Just when you think you know what Octavia is going to do or how she’s going to handle a situation, she surprises you. She’s got a twisted sense of humor that I can’t get enough of. Bacon is always there to add to the fun.
I love the way this author presents each mystery, and they’re not simple to figure out. I like that I can’t immediately figure out who the bad guy (or girl) is. Another great thing is that it’s not just a one problem story. There are multiple things going on to figure out.
The chemistry between Octavia and hot werewolf, Reid, is awesome. I was dying to find out where they would end up. I don’t want to say too much though and give anything away.
My only complaint is the cliffhanger, but I also understand why it’s necessary.
Just when you think you know what Octavia is going to do or how she’s going to handle a situation, she surprises you. She’s got a twisted sense of humor that I can’t get enough of. Bacon is always there to add to the fun.
I love the way this author presents each mystery, and they’re not simple to figure out. I like that I can’t immediately figure out who the bad guy (or girl) is. Another great thing is that it’s not just a one problem story. There are multiple things going on to figure out.
The chemistry between Octavia and hot werewolf, Reid, is awesome. I was dying to find out where they would end up. I don’t want to say too much though and give anything away.
My only complaint is the cliffhanger, but I also understand why it’s necessary.
April 26, 2023
Wow. I’m not sure who I need to contact about a book 3 but we need it now. Like YESTERDAY now.
I was absolutely thrilled to read this second installment to Octavia Hollows, following a necromancer through her dangerous adventures with a werewolf by her side. The first one lead you on an emotional roller coaster and this second one did not disappoint. Octavia’s witty attitude is perfectly continued in this sequel and even though there were a few times Fate Worse Than Death made me cry, there were also MANY times Octavia and Reid made me laugh out loud. I love the connection this necromancer has with her swine-kick (AKA her undead pig named Bacon) and her HOT werewolf, Reid. This book two brought it new characters and revisited some old ones, all of which kept this story fresh and enchanting.
I very much enjoyed this book and will be looking out for a part 3 (that hopefully comes out ASAP)!
I was absolutely thrilled to read this second installment to Octavia Hollows, following a necromancer through her dangerous adventures with a werewolf by her side. The first one lead you on an emotional roller coaster and this second one did not disappoint. Octavia’s witty attitude is perfectly continued in this sequel and even though there were a few times Fate Worse Than Death made me cry, there were also MANY times Octavia and Reid made me laugh out loud. I love the connection this necromancer has with her swine-kick (AKA her undead pig named Bacon) and her HOT werewolf, Reid. This book two brought it new characters and revisited some old ones, all of which kept this story fresh and enchanting.
I very much enjoyed this book and will be looking out for a part 3 (that hopefully comes out ASAP)!
February 24, 2023
This is the next one in this amazing series. Stacey once again brings you along on the wild ride of Octavia and her side kick Bacon. But hold on because this one will take you on quite the rollercoaster ride. I was hooked wanting to see where I was going this time with Octavia and she did not disappoint by any means. I absolutely love Octavia's character. She is strong, stubborn and a warrior. I absolutely love reading about her. Getting bacon added into the mix just makes this book even better. But I will warn you, yep I am all about warning. Stacey will throw you for a loop at the end and having you want to curse her out. Believe me I so wanted too. The ending is not only shocking but heartbreaking. I cant wait to read the next one. Highly recommend not only this series but this writer.
April 7, 2023
A Necromancer, a Wolfman and an Undead Piggy walk into a room....and go on a mystery hunt for a serial killer to stop more young women dying and to clear a friend's name. The author doesn't disappoint in bringing suspense,romance, action and with a side of Bacon(I can't get enough of that pig). Stacey draws in the reader and keeps them gripped to the story to the very end! The story is compelling, the characters relatable and the storyline eventful! I didn't want to put it down and can't wait for the next book because I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers because they keep you invested in the next book but then you have to wait for the next book. As always the author has got me hooked on her writing and another series!
March 12, 2023
Octavia Hollows and Bacon are back! Their adventures continue when Octavia’s foster mom and coven sister calls for help. A sister witch has gone missing. She got tangled up with a local were pack and fell in love with one of the pack. Did the pack disappear her? Or is it someone else that has been abducting supernaturals and killing them. It's a race against time to find the killer before their friend is the next victim.
I was so excited to find out that Stacey Rourke was writing another Octavia Hollows book! I love this series and its fun characters! This one is no exception. More Octavia and Bacon please. I can’t wait to read the next adventure!
5 stars for Fate Worse than Death
I was so excited to find out that Stacey Rourke was writing another Octavia Hollows book! I love this series and its fun characters! This one is no exception. More Octavia and Bacon please. I can’t wait to read the next adventure!
5 stars for Fate Worse than Death
June 3, 2023
Simply cannot WAIT for the next book!
But I have to, don't I. Not for long, fortunately, because I started this series just a few weeks before the next book comes out. Because that ending...
Anyway, if you read the first book, you already know what kind of woman Octavia is, what kind of pig Bacon is, and how hot the wolfman is. Unlike the last book, this one centers on one mystery instead of a bunch of them. The stakes are so high (as was Bacon after eating one of Amity's edibles!), and I couldn't stop reading. I couldn't read it fast enough.
I'm clearing my calendar for the next book's release day!
But I have to, don't I. Not for long, fortunately, because I started this series just a few weeks before the next book comes out. Because that ending...
Anyway, if you read the first book, you already know what kind of woman Octavia is, what kind of pig Bacon is, and how hot the wolfman is. Unlike the last book, this one centers on one mystery instead of a bunch of them. The stakes are so high (as was Bacon after eating one of Amity's edibles!), and I couldn't stop reading. I couldn't read it fast enough.
I'm clearing my calendar for the next book's release day!
February 26, 2023
Octavia, Reid, and Bacon are back for another weird adventure. This time Sister Dina calls for her aid in a missing persons case.
This time the book is one whole story and not novellas. The twists and turns leave you wondering what will happen next. While I did figure out the twist kinda early one, I wasn't expecting the very ending to be how it ended up being.
Stacey did another wonderful job of painting a realistic picture and made us feel everything along the way. Every emotion and every punch was detailed in just the right way.
I will for sure be reading the next book!
This time the book is one whole story and not novellas. The twists and turns leave you wondering what will happen next. While I did figure out the twist kinda early one, I wasn't expecting the very ending to be how it ended up being.
Stacey did another wonderful job of painting a realistic picture and made us feel everything along the way. Every emotion and every punch was detailed in just the right way.
I will for sure be reading the next book!
January 26, 2024
Octavia and Reid are taking a much-deserved vacation time. Octavia gets a call from Sister Dina asking for help. Someone she cares about is missing. When Octavia starts to investigate, she finds there is a serial killer snatching young women. They also find a wolf pack that is very interested in Reid. They encourage him to run with them and spend time with them so he can learn more about being a wolf and controlling his wolf. Octavia is worried she will lose Reid to the wolf pack. There is some lose I wasn’t expecting and a cliff hanger – but the next book is available!
March 9, 2023
This author sure knows how to keep me reading until the very end. Then she knows how to make me anxious for the next in the series.
This book has all the elements I look for in a book. Anger, hope, surprise, laughter, and the ultimate conclusion. This story has it all and then some. I love the way the author strings me along and keeps my curiosity peaked. From one page to the next, I couldn't put the book down. Excellent writing and story telling!
This book has all the elements I look for in a book. Anger, hope, surprise, laughter, and the ultimate conclusion. This story has it all and then some. I love the way the author strings me along and keeps my curiosity peaked. From one page to the next, I couldn't put the book down. Excellent writing and story telling!
April 1, 2023
Oh my goodness. This book was so good. It definitely is a "Don't put the book down book." The story keeps you riveted and wanting to know what is next. Bacon is the perfect side kick ever. Besides the ending **spoiler**, it was full of everything you would want in a book. Now, I will sit on the edge of my seat, not patiently waiting for the next book. If you haven't read this book or the series, what, are you waiting for?!
February 27, 2024
BACON!!!
I’m obsessed with that curly tailed lil bean! This supernatural murder mystery was a great read! Octavia is a bad ass Necromancer with a quick witted/funny/sarcastic personality - which I loved! Reid her strong, supportive and laidback Werewolf protector is definitely the cool to her crazy! A serial killer targeting female supernaturals is wreaking havoc on a small town and it’s up to them to solve the case. This book definitely had my heart pumping at times!
I’m obsessed with that curly tailed lil bean! This supernatural murder mystery was a great read! Octavia is a bad ass Necromancer with a quick witted/funny/sarcastic personality - which I loved! Reid her strong, supportive and laidback Werewolf protector is definitely the cool to her crazy! A serial killer targeting female supernaturals is wreaking havoc on a small town and it’s up to them to solve the case. This book definitely had my heart pumping at times!
March 13, 2023
I was given an ARC of this book by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Once again Stacey Rourke pulls out all the stops. This book is a fantastic thrill ride between the genres of fantasy and true crime. Octavia is a true badass protagonist, that is only one-upped by a side of Bacon. Can't wait for the next chapter in this awesome saga.
Once again Stacey Rourke pulls out all the stops. This book is a fantastic thrill ride between the genres of fantasy and true crime. Octavia is a true badass protagonist, that is only one-upped by a side of Bacon. Can't wait for the next chapter in this awesome saga.
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March 25, 2023The second book in the series left me with so many emotions.
Octavia is one of those girls who always seems to land her and her sidekick bacon in a no situation.
This story sure was a Rollercoaster ride and I'm glad I took it.
The fact that it left on a cliffhanger made me want to throw my kindle but that just means we will have another amazing book to read hopefully soon.
Octavia is one of those girls who always seems to land her and her sidekick bacon in a no situation.
This story sure was a Rollercoaster ride and I'm glad I took it.
The fact that it left on a cliffhanger made me want to throw my kindle but that just means we will have another amazing book to read hopefully soon.
November 10, 2024
wow
Octavia and Bacon, along with wolf shifter Reid, reluctantly agree to help her friend find missing friend. Turns out there is more than one missing girl and now her friend is accused of murder. The mystery was intense and the ending was surprising. However, the story is not over yet!
Octavia and Bacon, along with wolf shifter Reid, reluctantly agree to help her friend find missing friend. Turns out there is more than one missing girl and now her friend is accused of murder. The mystery was intense and the ending was surprising. However, the story is not over yet!
February 27, 2023
Great continuation of the story of Octavia Hollow and all of her adventures. This book is filled with plenty of action, suspense, and OMG moments. The ending is definitely one of those OMG moments. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
March 14, 2023
OMFG Octavia and Bacon and Ried are back in this exciting sequel to the Journals. and boy was it absolutly fantastic. i couldnt put it down. The cliffhanger had me stunned because i couldnt believe that happened. so i cant wait for the next book in this series i really love these characters alot
March 22, 2023
I hate cliffhangers
I gave it three stars because I hate cliffhangers and I like HEAs. Not only is there a cliffhanger, there is no HEA. I think I'm not going to read this author again. I'm feeling so let down and dissatisfied. It was a good book though.
I gave it three stars because I hate cliffhangers and I like HEAs. Not only is there a cliffhanger, there is no HEA. I think I'm not going to read this author again. I'm feeling so let down and dissatisfied. It was a good book though.
February 25, 2023
Wow! This was an amazing read. I was pulled into the story and what a ride. Oh, and the ending. Such a cliffhanger. Impatiently waiting for the next one.
March 26, 2023
A thrilling murder mystery with True Blood and Dexter vibes. Octavia's latest journey brings her closer to the darkness than ever before.
May 27, 2023
Even better than book 1
Great follow-up to book 1. I needed more Octavia, Bacon and Reid. This is a quick read. Full of action and suspense.
Great follow-up to book 1. I needed more Octavia, Bacon and Reid. This is a quick read. Full of action and suspense.
October 19, 2023
Cant get enough of these books.
March 13, 2023
Octavia and Bacon are back!!! This book does not disappoint either. From page one to the last, there is mystery, mayhem, laughs (lots of laughs because it is Octavia we're talking about), a few tears, and of course all the piggy cuteness by Bacon. Never underestimate piggy power!
This is a must-have book! I've added it to my Stacey Rourke collection. You should too
This is a must-have book! I've added it to my Stacey Rourke collection. You should too
February 25, 2023
No, no, No, no, NOOOOOOOOO!!!
This can NOT be happening!!!! That is a sentiment that uncontrollably ripped from me repeatedly while flipping these pages! Don’t get me wrong….this book is amazing as all get out!! But anyone who knows Octavia Hollows KNOWS she has a ridiculously hard time not landing in the middle of a NO, no, NO, no, NOOOOOOOOO situation!!! So many moments I can’t even list them all without an extra thick notebook & backup pens handy. That being said, I still adore Octavia & her spunky little oinker sidekick, Bacon. Dina is a other favorite of mine, but Amity brought so many giggles this go round too. I’m highly intrigued with Tiresias & hoping we see more of him in the future. I’m still a bit on guard when it comes to the Red Wolf Pack who’s so interestingly mysterious. Also, totally swooning over Reid (Again!)!!!! Seriously though, can he get any hotter?!? Now, if I didn’t love Rourke & all her snarky adorableness I would really hate her with this world shattering cliff hanger she left us flailing to grasp!!! I’ll be back as soon as I get the next book!
This can NOT be happening!!!! That is a sentiment that uncontrollably ripped from me repeatedly while flipping these pages! Don’t get me wrong….this book is amazing as all get out!! But anyone who knows Octavia Hollows KNOWS she has a ridiculously hard time not landing in the middle of a NO, no, NO, no, NOOOOOOOOO situation!!! So many moments I can’t even list them all without an extra thick notebook & backup pens handy. That being said, I still adore Octavia & her spunky little oinker sidekick, Bacon. Dina is a other favorite of mine, but Amity brought so many giggles this go round too. I’m highly intrigued with Tiresias & hoping we see more of him in the future. I’m still a bit on guard when it comes to the Red Wolf Pack who’s so interestingly mysterious. Also, totally swooning over Reid (Again!)!!!! Seriously though, can he get any hotter?!? Now, if I didn’t love Rourke & all her snarky adorableness I would really hate her with this world shattering cliff hanger she left us flailing to grasp!!! I’ll be back as soon as I get the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews