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Dying for a Living #4-7
Dying for Living Boxset Vol. 2: Books 4-7 of Dying for a Living series
Read the series with 700 five-star reviews! A contemporary fantasy series unlike any other. Don’t believe us? Download a free sample and see for yourself!
The Dying for a Living Boxset Vol. 2 includes Dying Light, Worth Dying For, Dying Breath, and Dying Day (Books 4-7) in the Dying for a Living series. If you like "supernatural thrill-rides" and a quirky team that can't be beat, you'll love this series.
Jesse Sullivan’s father is a sadistic murder with plans to rule the world. Given his ability to control minds and teleport at will, it seems his dark vision is coming to fruition. All that stands in his way is Jesse.
Yet no matter how badly he has hurt her and the ones she loves, Jesse can’t seem to forget he is her father. She must somehow forget the man she remembers from her childhood and see him for the monster he truly is.
And she almost can…until he offers her the one thing she can’t refuse.
The Dying for a Living Boxset Vol. 2 includes Dying Light, Worth Dying For, Dying Breath, and Dying Day (Books 4-7) in the Dying for a Living series. If you like "supernatural thrill-rides" and a quirky team that can't be beat, you'll love this series.
Jesse Sullivan’s father is a sadistic murder with plans to rule the world. Given his ability to control minds and teleport at will, it seems his dark vision is coming to fruition. All that stands in his way is Jesse.
Yet no matter how badly he has hurt her and the ones she loves, Jesse can’t seem to forget he is her father. She must somehow forget the man she remembers from her childhood and see him for the monster he truly is.
And she almost can…until he offers her the one thing she can’t refuse.
1184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2018
330 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books646 followersKory M. Shrum has published over thirty books including the bestselling Shadows in the Water and Dying for a Living series.
She also hosts two podcasts: “Who Killed My Mother?” the true story of her mother’s tragic death. And A Well Cared For Human - a mental health and self-care podcast.
You can listen to these shows for free on YouTube or your favorite podcast app. She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, eating, reading, podcasting, or indulging in her true calling as a stay-at-home dog mom, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She also hosts two podcasts: “Who Killed My Mother?” the true story of her mother’s tragic death. And A Well Cared For Human - a mental health and self-care podcast.
You can listen to these shows for free on YouTube or your favorite podcast app. She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, eating, reading, podcasting, or indulging in her true calling as a stay-at-home dog mom, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 15 reviews
September 12, 2024
3.5 Stars
Dying for a Living Boxset #2 contains Books 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the Dying for a Living series by Kory M. Shrum. It is a very original ‘zombie’ story- an urban fantasy with plenty of action, adventure, mystery, agendas, a quest of sorts, danger, family, friendship, high stakes, suspense, tension, secrets, deception, politics, religion, intrigue, drama, kidnapping, a game of cat and mouse, time running out, gripping developments, gritty/raw scenes, and much more.
I developed an addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled onto her Shadows in the Water series -> where one book led to two, which then led to me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. As there’s a wait for the twelfth book in that series to be released, I needed a ‘fix’ of more of her storytelling, so I went searching for more, discovering a wealth of stories to choose from, and ultimately choosing this series to dive into, before I go on to more.
I really enjoyed this series, but I think if I had not read Shadows in the Water first, my rating would be a bit higher, as the Shadows series has set the bar extremely high. So, if you are interested in Ms. Shrum’s work, I suggest starting here with the Dying for a Living series, before you embark on any other of her work/s.
Jesse Sullivan has Necronitic Regenerative Disorder, a neurological disorder which means that a person can die, but won’t stay dead. But don’t call her a Zombie, because that’s considered rude. The term zombie brings images of mindless, rotting, animated corpses- which is anything but what Jesse and the other NRD positive people are/look like. They look like ‘normal’ humans, just with the ability to ‘come back to life’. Discovering she had this ability had its own trauma, but ultimately led Jesse into the death replacement industry, where she gets paid to die for her clients- ensuring their life is not cut short – so when the story starts, Jesse has already ‘died’ dozens of times. Things take an interesting twist, which I won’t go into here, as I really don’t want to spoil it for you- suffice to say that there was a lot of intense, action-packed developments that made for an engrossing read.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one, picking up where the other left off- building a much bigger picture as they go- so they really need to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate the books/series- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which is great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Dying for a Living (Book #1)
-Dying by the Hour (Book #2)
-Dying for Her (Book #3)
-Dying Light (Book #4)
-Worth Dying For (Book #5)
-Dying Breath (Book #6)
-Dying Day (Book #7)
So, if you are after a highly original urban fantasy series to sink your teeth into, this might just be what you are looking for!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
Dying for a Living Boxset #2 contains Books 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the Dying for a Living series by Kory M. Shrum. It is a very original ‘zombie’ story- an urban fantasy with plenty of action, adventure, mystery, agendas, a quest of sorts, danger, family, friendship, high stakes, suspense, tension, secrets, deception, politics, religion, intrigue, drama, kidnapping, a game of cat and mouse, time running out, gripping developments, gritty/raw scenes, and much more.
I developed an addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled onto her Shadows in the Water series -> where one book led to two, which then led to me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. As there’s a wait for the twelfth book in that series to be released, I needed a ‘fix’ of more of her storytelling, so I went searching for more, discovering a wealth of stories to choose from, and ultimately choosing this series to dive into, before I go on to more.
I really enjoyed this series, but I think if I had not read Shadows in the Water first, my rating would be a bit higher, as the Shadows series has set the bar extremely high. So, if you are interested in Ms. Shrum’s work, I suggest starting here with the Dying for a Living series, before you embark on any other of her work/s.
Jesse Sullivan has Necronitic Regenerative Disorder, a neurological disorder which means that a person can die, but won’t stay dead. But don’t call her a Zombie, because that’s considered rude. The term zombie brings images of mindless, rotting, animated corpses- which is anything but what Jesse and the other NRD positive people are/look like. They look like ‘normal’ humans, just with the ability to ‘come back to life’. Discovering she had this ability had its own trauma, but ultimately led Jesse into the death replacement industry, where she gets paid to die for her clients- ensuring their life is not cut short – so when the story starts, Jesse has already ‘died’ dozens of times. Things take an interesting twist, which I won’t go into here, as I really don’t want to spoil it for you- suffice to say that there was a lot of intense, action-packed developments that made for an engrossing read.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one, picking up where the other left off- building a much bigger picture as they go- so they really need to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate the books/series- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which is great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Dying for a Living (Book #1)
-Dying by the Hour (Book #2)
-Dying for Her (Book #3)
-Dying Light (Book #4)
-Worth Dying For (Book #5)
-Dying Breath (Book #6)
-Dying Day (Book #7)
So, if you are after a highly original urban fantasy series to sink your teeth into, this might just be what you are looking for!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
November 15, 2019
start the series with Book 1-3 Bundle, or the whole 7-book Bundle and read in order!
Dying for a Living Book 4, Dying Light
Book 4 picks up about 2 months after Book 3. Jesse and Ally are trying to survive an encounter with Jason, trapped in a burning building with no way out. Except out the window and down 34 stories. Ouch! Jesse dies again. I advise paying attention to the chapter heading that gives the Point of View; first-person switches from person to person. Ally has insisted that she and Jesse help Jeremiah save the orphans. Gabriel shows Jesse choices, confusing and frightening, for the future of the Earth. Caldwell explains what has to be done to prevent a looming cataclysm, but can he be trusted? Many questions still need answers.
Dying for a Living Book 5, Worth Dying For,
Book 5 picks up New Year's Eve, with Jesse, Ally, Gideon, Maisie and Rachel. They have a plan for taking down Caldwell. Again, I advise paying attention to the chapter heading that gives the Point of View; first-person switches from person to person. Gloria and Monroe, another partis, join them in the effort to end Caldwell's quest for power as the top apex. Things don't go according to plan. The book rolls inexorably to a Shakespearean tragedy-like ending: many people die. But it's a cliff-hanger, with two acts left.
Dying for a Living Book 6, Dying Breath
Book 6 picks up immediately at the end of Book 5. Jesse must finish off Caldwell before he recovers and kills her. The already high tension mounts as the climactic apotheosis nears. Jesse finally makes her decision that Gabriel has been waiting for.
Dying for a Living Book 7, Dying Day
If you've read through Book 6, you're not going to stop here. Keep going! It gets even better.
It's started: Armageddon, Apocalypse, End of Days, whatever. Jesse and Gabriel are at the Convergence Point, located at the South Pole, guarding the Gate. They are fighting off Caldwell's Angel, Michael, and his minions, plus the human forces sent to arrest (or preferably kill her). Ally, Maisie, Gloria, Nikki and Winston are at Jeremiah's refuge. The tension mounts as Jesse and Gabriel battle Michael and his angelic (or whatever they are) host for control of the Gate at the Convergence Point. The action goes at a furious pace until the final apotheosis. Be sure to read the epilogue.
Dying for a Living Book 4, Dying Light
Book 4 picks up about 2 months after Book 3. Jesse and Ally are trying to survive an encounter with Jason, trapped in a burning building with no way out. Except out the window and down 34 stories. Ouch! Jesse dies again. I advise paying attention to the chapter heading that gives the Point of View; first-person switches from person to person. Ally has insisted that she and Jesse help Jeremiah save the orphans. Gabriel shows Jesse choices, confusing and frightening, for the future of the Earth. Caldwell explains what has to be done to prevent a looming cataclysm, but can he be trusted? Many questions still need answers.
Dying for a Living Book 5, Worth Dying For,
Book 5 picks up New Year's Eve, with Jesse, Ally, Gideon, Maisie and Rachel. They have a plan for taking down Caldwell. Again, I advise paying attention to the chapter heading that gives the Point of View; first-person switches from person to person. Gloria and Monroe, another partis, join them in the effort to end Caldwell's quest for power as the top apex. Things don't go according to plan. The book rolls inexorably to a Shakespearean tragedy-like ending: many people die. But it's a cliff-hanger, with two acts left.
Dying for a Living Book 6, Dying Breath
Book 6 picks up immediately at the end of Book 5. Jesse must finish off Caldwell before he recovers and kills her. The already high tension mounts as the climactic apotheosis nears. Jesse finally makes her decision that Gabriel has been waiting for.
Dying for a Living Book 7, Dying Day
If you've read through Book 6, you're not going to stop here. Keep going! It gets even better.
It's started: Armageddon, Apocalypse, End of Days, whatever. Jesse and Gabriel are at the Convergence Point, located at the South Pole, guarding the Gate. They are fighting off Caldwell's Angel, Michael, and his minions, plus the human forces sent to arrest (or preferably kill her). Ally, Maisie, Gloria, Nikki and Winston are at Jeremiah's refuge. The tension mounts as Jesse and Gabriel battle Michael and his angelic (or whatever they are) host for control of the Gate at the Convergence Point. The action goes at a furious pace until the final apotheosis. Be sure to read the epilogue.
October 25, 2020
Dying Light: 3 stars – I find that Jesse’s refusal to kill someone (who is very powerful and trying to kill her) when she can because she can’t do it in front of Ally very off-putting. Here is someone who isn’t hesitating to attempt to kill her (and Ally as collateral damage), but she lets him live. So much for self-preservation. Ally doesn’t seem to have a problem with Jesse offing Jason. Also, Jesse seems to anger way too easy, not just anger, but almost uncontrollable excessive anger. They explain later that the more powers one has, the more unstable they become, but so far Jesse only has two powers.
We get flashes of a possible future, a destroyed future that Jesse can hasten or prevent. Lots of emotion, tension, action. I loved the first three books in the series. This one didn’t hold me as well; I’m not sure why. It’s a good read, I just don’t feel it’s up to par as the earlier books.
Worth Dying For: 3 stars – A good read, lots of tension/action. Definitely not a stand alone novel as we need the next one to (hopefully) find out what happens.
Dying Breath: 4 stars – The first chapter is very exciting. Maisie is telling this part we get a view of the conflict she has with her mother, father, and Jesse. There’s a lot of action in this book.
Dying Day: 4 stars – Although I love the series, I really have a problem with Jesse’s obsession (I think that’s a good word for it) with Ally. Love I can understand, but Jesse takes it to the extreme. That being said, I’m still giving it 4 stars because the author has created a very good read, characters, and the ending was wrapped up neatly after all the action and emotion that has run throughout this book (and the six preceding it). I definitely recommend this series to anyone who is into the sci-fi/fantasy genre.
We get flashes of a possible future, a destroyed future that Jesse can hasten or prevent. Lots of emotion, tension, action. I loved the first three books in the series. This one didn’t hold me as well; I’m not sure why. It’s a good read, I just don’t feel it’s up to par as the earlier books.
Worth Dying For: 3 stars – A good read, lots of tension/action. Definitely not a stand alone novel as we need the next one to (hopefully) find out what happens.
Dying Breath: 4 stars – The first chapter is very exciting. Maisie is telling this part we get a view of the conflict she has with her mother, father, and Jesse. There’s a lot of action in this book.
Dying Day: 4 stars – Although I love the series, I really have a problem with Jesse’s obsession (I think that’s a good word for it) with Ally. Love I can understand, but Jesse takes it to the extreme. That being said, I’m still giving it 4 stars because the author has created a very good read, characters, and the ending was wrapped up neatly after all the action and emotion that has run throughout this book (and the six preceding it). I definitely recommend this series to anyone who is into the sci-fi/fantasy genre.
January 19, 2019
Why have I been out of touch? Because I just read the full box set of the Dying for a Living books. I like these books a lot. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but there is so much going on, it makes it all much more enjoyable if you read the series - in order. Hence, the box set. Jesse (and others) die for a living - people now know when (but not how) they are going to die, and they can hire people with a certain condition to die for them. These people are able to come back from the dead (no they're not zombies). As if that doesn't complicate life enough, Jesse (and others) have developed powers and the power comes with a guardian angel. Jesse's angel is frustratingly cryptic. And now someone is murdering the people with the powers. Jesse is dealing with a chaotic romantic life while trying to keep herself (and the people - and dog - she loves alive). The near-future world is thoroughly believable, and the characters are wonderful. Good young adult book, but language and situations are often mature.
June 30, 2018
I download the book set through a promotion.
Although I didn't enjoy the first 3 books very much I continue to the next four, not because I wanted to know how it will end, but because I wanted to know if Jesse and Ally will manage to be together. I didn't have expectations when I start reading and was supprised that book four and some of book five were actually written quite good, but it didn't keep and by the end of book 5 I just wanted to get to the end.
I also feel there are some information gaps, things happening but it is not clear way, the reader knows exactly what the characters know and sometimes I felt like something is missing because the characters were not surprised or anything.
I gave this series more chances then I usually give, and although I liked the ending I don't think it was worth it.
Although I didn't enjoy the first 3 books very much I continue to the next four, not because I wanted to know how it will end, but because I wanted to know if Jesse and Ally will manage to be together. I didn't have expectations when I start reading and was supprised that book four and some of book five were actually written quite good, but it didn't keep and by the end of book 5 I just wanted to get to the end.
I also feel there are some information gaps, things happening but it is not clear way, the reader knows exactly what the characters know and sometimes I felt like something is missing because the characters were not surprised or anything.
I gave this series more chances then I usually give, and although I liked the ending I don't think it was worth it.
August 19, 2018
A great binge read from a truly imaginative writer - hard to put down. I obtained the first box set as a promotional giveaway. Whilst not really my genre, I so enjoyed reading the stories I had to rush out and purchase the second box set to get to the end!
Overall well written and finished, a few typos and some poor expression, but not enough to detract.
Although the main cast are young and naive, their characters really "grow" on the reader. Lots of action, imaginative concepts - especially the "gifts"; moving - at times funny, at times sad, never boring. Interesting retake on creationism in the background. Highly recommend reading the entire series!
Overall well written and finished, a few typos and some poor expression, but not enough to detract.
Although the main cast are young and naive, their characters really "grow" on the reader. Lots of action, imaginative concepts - especially the "gifts"; moving - at times funny, at times sad, never boring. Interesting retake on creationism in the background. Highly recommend reading the entire series!
May 24, 2018
Could there be anything worse than knowing you have to make a decision about either destroying or saving the world, and either way - you get to die? The struggle to become the most powerful of the 12 Partis, all with different talents, results in a "kill or be killed" situation. The series has been totally engrossing, and the ending is majestic.
November 11, 2019
Living worlds
Loved the concept and the buildup, however to get to the climax was too long and drained out, predictable and the set up for the future is interesting but lacking. I will love to keep reading though, it has great potential and I would love to see what happens to the assassin and girl. The soothsayer needs to be fleshed out more. The afterworlds are interesting
Loved the concept and the buildup, however to get to the climax was too long and drained out, predictable and the set up for the future is interesting but lacking. I will love to keep reading though, it has great potential and I would love to see what happens to the assassin and girl. The soothsayer needs to be fleshed out more. The afterworlds are interesting
March 2, 2023
Dare to Take This Journey
Dare to journey with these heartfelt characters through an era of danger not unlike our own, in a world touched with fantasy, yet also not unlike our own. You'll finish the adventure with a new perspective, and you'll be glad you went. Warning: Late night reading sessions ahead.
Dare to journey with these heartfelt characters through an era of danger not unlike our own, in a world touched with fantasy, yet also not unlike our own. You'll finish the adventure with a new perspective, and you'll be glad you went. Warning: Late night reading sessions ahead.
December 23, 2017
I picked dying light for my review.
As usual there is lots of twists and turns. Intrigue, love, jealousy, you name it and it’s probably in there. I always reading these books. Very entertaining.
I read an advanced reader copy.
As usual there is lots of twists and turns. Intrigue, love, jealousy, you name it and it’s probably in there. I always reading these books. Very entertaining.
I read an advanced reader copy.
December 9, 2018
Dying for a living
Thoroughly enjoyed both box sets it was fresh, a little different, an amazing idea, death replacement wow and powers and angels? Also lesbian love... loved it a beautiful ending to a riveting read from start to finish.
Thoroughly enjoyed both box sets it was fresh, a little different, an amazing idea, death replacement wow and powers and angels? Also lesbian love... loved it a beautiful ending to a riveting read from start to finish.
June 8, 2022
I was hooked
From Jesse's sass to Ally's crazy ability to keep her shit mostly together. An interesting look into humanity's power\weakness\caring\vulneralbilty\narrowmindneas and heart. I would love their heaven more if there was good fishing. Thanks for the fun.
From Jesse's sass to Ally's crazy ability to keep her shit mostly together. An interesting look into humanity's power\weakness\caring\vulneralbilty\narrowmindneas and heart. I would love their heaven more if there was good fishing. Thanks for the fun.
April 11, 2018
Great box set
This box set was amazing. I feel like Jesse is part of the family. It touched me so much. I will miss her and Ally a lot. Thanks for the book set.
This box set was amazing. I feel like Jesse is part of the family. It touched me so much. I will miss her and Ally a lot. Thanks for the book set.
October 21, 2022
Great conclusion
Great conclusion to a very interesting series full of novel ideas and fascinating characters. Shrum's writing is top notch and so professional.
Great conclusion to a very interesting series full of novel ideas and fascinating characters. Shrum's writing is top notch and so professional.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 15 reviews