What do you think?
Rate this book
Death Needs a Holiday
Death used to be simple.
For centuries, Slate has done his job—gently collecting souls and guiding them to whatever comes next. But in a future where the wealthy can upload their consciousness into synthetic bodies, souls no longer come whole. What’s left behind are frightened fragments—echoes of humanity trapped between worlds.
Now Death himself is running out of time.
As the number of true deaths dwindles, Slate and his eager apprentice Flicker struggle to survive in a universe where even Death has quotas. When they cross paths with Demetrius Helveti—the brilliant scientist who made immortality possible—they uncover a truth more terrifying than the technology that promised eternal life has shattered the human soul.
To restore balance, Death may have to break every rule he’s sworn to uphold… even if it means ending immortality itself.
Death Needs a Holiday is a darkly emotional, thought-provoking novella that explores what it means to be human, what it means to die—and what happens when we forget how.
For centuries, Slate has done his job—gently collecting souls and guiding them to whatever comes next. But in a future where the wealthy can upload their consciousness into synthetic bodies, souls no longer come whole. What’s left behind are frightened fragments—echoes of humanity trapped between worlds.
Now Death himself is running out of time.
As the number of true deaths dwindles, Slate and his eager apprentice Flicker struggle to survive in a universe where even Death has quotas. When they cross paths with Demetrius Helveti—the brilliant scientist who made immortality possible—they uncover a truth more terrifying than the technology that promised eternal life has shattered the human soul.
To restore balance, Death may have to break every rule he’s sworn to uphold… even if it means ending immortality itself.
Death Needs a Holiday is a darkly emotional, thought-provoking novella that explores what it means to be human, what it means to die—and what happens when we forget how.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 15, 2026
Read for free with Kindle Unlimited
(and paperback also)
----
Death is one of the certainties of life in a chaotic world 🌎 💔. Yet we know nothing about what happens afterwards.. there's many theories around and maybe some of them are right 🤷♀️🤷♂️.
Like the song from Peter Pan says :
"It's nice to think that no one knows for sure, perhaps that's what beyond the stars ✨️ is for."
There's comedy and suspense and makes some good points about the world in its own way.
Would you choose to be immortal? Or would you want to die naturally and see what's next?
Wouldn't mind seeing more of Slade's backstory someday, I could sense the history stretching out behind him... I bet he has some very interesting stories.
Highly recommend 👌.
(and paperback also)
----
Death is one of the certainties of life in a chaotic world 🌎 💔. Yet we know nothing about what happens afterwards.. there's many theories around and maybe some of them are right 🤷♀️🤷♂️.
Like the song from Peter Pan says :
"It's nice to think that no one knows for sure, perhaps that's what beyond the stars ✨️ is for."
There's comedy and suspense and makes some good points about the world in its own way.
Would you choose to be immortal? Or would you want to die naturally and see what's next?
Wouldn't mind seeing more of Slade's backstory someday, I could sense the history stretching out behind him... I bet he has some very interesting stories.
Highly recommend 👌.
April 22, 2026
Novella, 78 pages. Good/OK. Demetrius invented a process to extract a person’s consciousness and put it into a synthetic body that can last for centuries. What he didn’t know, but after seventy-three years of his own synthetic body he can feel something missing, is that one’s soul doesn’t transfer. This is not only bad for the synthetic human, but for the deaths, Slate, Flicker, etc., that collect the souls. Demetrius starts sitting at deathbeds in order to communicate with a Death. To Slate this is a breach of the rules and he won’t respond. That is, until things start getting worse and prompting from Flicker. Deaths collecting only fragments are becoming weaker and in turn being preyed upon by Reapers.
I thought there was an inconsistency in the premise. How is it that everyone is transferred, if it’s only for the rich? The figure of ten million jibes with only-the-rich, but is paltry compared to the world population. There should be plenty of ordinary deaths. I went with it, but it stretches the suspension of disbelief.
I thought there was an inconsistency in the premise. How is it that everyone is transferred, if it’s only for the rich? The figure of ten million jibes with only-the-rich, but is paltry compared to the world population. There should be plenty of ordinary deaths. I went with it, but it stretches the suspension of disbelief.
April 30, 2026
I couldn’t make it past page 9. It read too much like ChatGPT wrote it.
February 7, 2026
Interesting concept for a short, explores the duality of life and death, and how we understand it as humans
January 20, 2026
My fav of Shawn Inmon 100% and surprisingly heartfelt for a scifi novella.
Humans, no matter how many cautionary tales we read or tell, despite knowing it’s not natural and the only certainty in this life, is death - will always be chasing that dream of immortality - and I loved this spin on it.
Death as a character(s) is always for me and this did NOT disappoint.
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Humans, no matter how many cautionary tales we read or tell, despite knowing it’s not natural and the only certainty in this life, is death - will always be chasing that dream of immortality - and I loved this spin on it.
Death as a character(s) is always for me and this did NOT disappoint.
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
January 12, 2026
I expected more of a comedy, but this short story did not disappoint! I would have loved for it to be longer so I could get more backstory on Slate and Flicker.
February 16, 2026
Dual read Kindle + Audible
May 16, 2026
3.5 Stars.
With reading more short stories and novellas lately, I'm begging to understand the flow and structure of their story telling. Requiring the reader to understand the plot and characters with limited back story and character development can be tough, but Death Needs a Holiday does a pretty solid job at delivering on both.
With the technology to transfer human souls into synthetic bodies, death is no longer a given and causing strain for those whose job it is to collect and guide these souls (the collectors of souls are know as "Deaths") of the dying. Since these "Deaths" are unable to meet their quota of collecting souls, they are fading into nonexistence and will soon leave the world with no one to guide the souls of the dying.
I've read a few books lately with different concepts of the afterlife and found this one interesting enough, but nothing that stands out. The same could be said for it's three main characters. There were a few points in the story where I could poke holes but nothing that would disturb the plot.
Overall This was a decent read and would recommend to anyone looking for something to blow through within 1-2 sittings.
With reading more short stories and novellas lately, I'm begging to understand the flow and structure of their story telling. Requiring the reader to understand the plot and characters with limited back story and character development can be tough, but Death Needs a Holiday does a pretty solid job at delivering on both.
With the technology to transfer human souls into synthetic bodies, death is no longer a given and causing strain for those whose job it is to collect and guide these souls (the collectors of souls are know as "Deaths") of the dying. Since these "Deaths" are unable to meet their quota of collecting souls, they are fading into nonexistence and will soon leave the world with no one to guide the souls of the dying.
I've read a few books lately with different concepts of the afterlife and found this one interesting enough, but nothing that stands out. The same could be said for it's three main characters. There were a few points in the story where I could poke holes but nothing that would disturb the plot.
Overall This was a decent read and would recommend to anyone looking for something to blow through within 1-2 sittings.
February 7, 2026
Death Needs A Holiday by Shawn Inmon
Rating : 4⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 89 Pages
Duration : 2 days (I'm away for the weekend)
----------------
Death is one of my all time favourite characters in any book, purely down to Terry Pratchets character.
But this Death is different, for a start there are no cats, or Binky much to my disappointment, this death however is struggling to exist, due to technological advancements people are just not dying anymore, instead they transfer their being into a immortal synthetic body, but with that complications arise.......
Such a beautifully written short story about what it is to live
----------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
----------------
Rating : 4⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 89 Pages
Duration : 2 days (I'm away for the weekend)
----------------
Death is one of my all time favourite characters in any book, purely down to Terry Pratchets character.
But this Death is different, for a start there are no cats, or Binky much to my disappointment, this death however is struggling to exist, due to technological advancements people are just not dying anymore, instead they transfer their being into a immortal synthetic body, but with that complications arise.......
Such a beautifully written short story about what it is to live
----------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
----------------
January 13, 2026
The cover caught my eye, but it was the synopsis that really made me want to read it. What a fascinating look into Death and reapers and immortality. I think the idea of uploading your consciousness into a synthetic body and what that could do to a person's soul is such an interesting thing to explore. What makes a person a person? Is it the memories alone that give you your personality or is there something else that brings that spark that makes you you? What happens if the process of uploading yourself into another body fragments your soul? What do you become then?
This was such a thought-provoking book.
This was such a thought-provoking book.
November 4, 2025
in the zone 🤘🏻
Shawn is clearly in his comfort zone with this novel, delivering a story in a language that feels incredibly natural and effortless. The writing is easy to read, which makes the whole experience smooth and engaging. The fast-paced plot keeps the momentum going from start to finish, holding the reader’s attention throughout without any dull moments. Overall, it’s a good novel with an interesting story that captivates and entertains — a true testament to the author’s confident and comfortable storytelling style.
Shawn is clearly in his comfort zone with this novel, delivering a story in a language that feels incredibly natural and effortless. The writing is easy to read, which makes the whole experience smooth and engaging. The fast-paced plot keeps the momentum going from start to finish, holding the reader’s attention throughout without any dull moments. Overall, it’s a good novel with an interesting story that captivates and entertains — a true testament to the author’s confident and comfortable storytelling style.
January 2, 2026
1.5
Very repetitive for such a short book, and lacking attention to detail.
In one paragraph a MC doesn't know if a task is possible, in the next paragraph or two he describes what will happen during that task and how to complete it.
If such a thing were possible. Is that even possible? This shouldn't be possible. Impossible.
"We have to try"
Welp, turns out it's possible.
It would be better for middle grade/young adult.
Very repetitive for such a short book, and lacking attention to detail.
In one paragraph a MC doesn't know if a task is possible, in the next paragraph or two he describes what will happen during that task and how to complete it.
If such a thing were possible. Is that even possible? This shouldn't be possible. Impossible.
"We have to try"
Welp, turns out it's possible.
It would be better for middle grade/young adult.
February 25, 2026
This...this book brought me to tears 😢.
There were some minor editing errors.
But only a small few.
The World 🌎 built here, was genuinely unique. I loved the originality of the vision that gave birth to it.
I think You will too...
Even if you don't feel a wetness at the 👀,
I think you will at least feel why.
This is the 1st book 📚 I've ever read from Shawn Inmon.
I am now on a Shawn I. Snipe Hunt!
Wheeee!
There were some minor editing errors.
But only a small few.
The World 🌎 built here, was genuinely unique. I loved the originality of the vision that gave birth to it.
I think You will too...
Even if you don't feel a wetness at the 👀,
I think you will at least feel why.
This is the 1st book 📚 I've ever read from Shawn Inmon.
I am now on a Shawn I. Snipe Hunt!
Wheeee!
November 11, 2025
Another imaginative, thought provoking offering from Shawn Inmon. I have read every book in his Middle Falls collection and even though this book is not a part of the collection, it caught my eye.
Inmon asks some important questions in this book. What effect is technology having on humanity? And what is the worth of a soul? Beyond these questions though, is a short and entertaining read.
Inmon asks some important questions in this book. What effect is technology having on humanity? And what is the worth of a soul? Beyond these questions though, is a short and entertaining read.
October 30, 2025
Different, but Shawn's optimism shines through
Shawn always finds the good in the universe and amplifies it. Thank goodness because it scares me to think of the terror his imagination could bring if he amplified the evil.
Shawn always finds the good in the universe and amplifies it. Thank goodness because it scares me to think of the terror his imagination could bring if he amplified the evil.
November 2, 2025
Phenomenal
Well thought out without being predictable. I loved how Death had a conscience and couldn't hurt souls like the Reapers were doing. Such a great read I was sorry it ended!
Well thought out without being predictable. I loved how Death had a conscience and couldn't hurt souls like the Reapers were doing. Such a great read I was sorry it ended!
November 11, 2025
A fascinating and thought provoking "what-if" story on artificial and natural immortality, what comes next, and what meddling with processes may entail - a weighty topic - told in easy, natural voice that Shawn Inmon has become so well known for. Does not disappoint!
November 15, 2025
Loved it
This book was so thought provoking . Does technology override the natural order. Should we consider the impacts of technology on our souls? Enjoy the life you lead and accept what is to be
This book was so thought provoking . Does technology override the natural order. Should we consider the impacts of technology on our souls? Enjoy the life you lead and accept what is to be
November 30, 2025
Wonderful colorful represention of death
Wonderful representation of dying with purpose. Let us not be fragments wandering around flat and unwhole, but with dignity and a sense of self-fullfillment. This was an excellent read!! 1
Wonderful representation of dying with purpose. Let us not be fragments wandering around flat and unwhole, but with dignity and a sense of self-fullfillment. This was an excellent read!! 1
December 7, 2025
Very well written and really cool concept and story from the perspective of Death. But for a short story it did take me longer than normal to read and finish. I was not compelled to keep going back and pick it up, but still a very good book just not my absolute favorite.
December 15, 2025
Wonderful side adventure takes us back to the future!
This book was a great read! I really flew through it and didn’t want it to end. Cool view behind the curtains of the afterlife in the future!
This book was a great read! I really flew through it and didn’t want it to end. Cool view behind the curtains of the afterlife in the future!
December 30, 2025
fun read
I enjoyed this short book. The story line kept me interested. The subject was very interesting about the different types of “ Deaths” good spin on the afterlife and how we get there. After all who really would want to live forever.
I enjoyed this short book. The story line kept me interested. The subject was very interesting about the different types of “ Deaths” good spin on the afterlife and how we get there. After all who really would want to live forever.
January 3, 2026
How About That!
This very short story moves along easily. It's not what I thought it would be. Protagonist or good guys, Death has emotions. Having watched "Dead Like Me", I wasn't sure I would like it. But I did. Let Shawn tell you about it. He is much better than I.
This very short story moves along easily. It's not what I thought it would be. Protagonist or good guys, Death has emotions. Having watched "Dead Like Me", I wasn't sure I would like it. But I did. Let Shawn tell you about it. He is much better than I.
January 8, 2026
This was an interesting short read. I think I was going into it expecting/wanting it to be about something else, but overall, I see why the author did what he did. The whole “life versus living” idea. It was middle of the road.
January 19, 2026
I was heading toward rating this 3 stars because it was just too quick, not enough background, more telling than showing. But as I got closer to the end, it just really resonated with me. This concept is worth a longer story, but I’ll take what the author has given, I guess 😅
November 3, 2025
Wonderful story!
November 10, 2025
Another good read.
I have never read a bad book from this author
. Every work has been quite worthwhile. Please keep writing, Mr Inmon
I have never read a bad book from this author
. Every work has been quite worthwhile. Please keep writing, Mr Inmon
December 14, 2025
Death Needs a Holiday
I just love the way Shawn Inmon's mind works. This is a very intriguing take on death. The grim reaper, literally. I finished it in one sitting.
I just love the way Shawn Inmon's mind works. This is a very intriguing take on death. The grim reaper, literally. I finished it in one sitting.
January 2, 2026
Totally unexpected storyline, absolutely loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews