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The SynCorp Saga #3.2
Optional Retirement Plan
When retiring isn't an option, it's kill or be killed. Stacks Fischer is a killer for hire. For more than three decades, he’s loyally served the Syndicate Corporation as its most-feared and respected enforcer around the solar system. He’s buried the company’s dirty laundry six feet deep, no matter who had to be taken out to do it. Now, Stacks has a problem—he’s losing his mind to an incurable form of dementia, and unwittingly spilling corporate secrets in public. When SynCorp decides Fischer has outlived his usefulness, they decide it's time to permanently retire him. But Stacks isn’t quite ready to go. With every one of SynCorp’s Five Factions gunning for him—and his own mind slowly rebelling—Fischer leads a pack of would-be assassins in a final, deadly chase across the solar system. The old hitman refuses to fade quietly into oblivion at the hands of his disease or the business he's dedicated his life to. He’s choosing an Optional Retirement Plan. Don't miss this pulse-pounding science fiction thriller filled with twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It's perfect for fans of Titanborn, The Expanse, and Minority Report. Also available on Audible, narrated by the award-winning R.C. Bray (The Martian, Galaxy's Edge).
274 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2019
158 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Chris Pourteau
47 books63 followersChris Pourteau is the bestselling author of the sci-fi thriller novels of the SynCorp Saga (co-authored with David Bruns), the post-apocalyptic Serenity Strain novels, and the military sci-fi collection Tales of B-Company. His first novel, Shadows Burned In, earned the 2015 eLit Book Awards Gold Medal for Literary Fiction. The Lazarus Protocol, the first novel in the SynCorp Saga, placed in the Top Ten in Read Freely's 2018 50 Best Indie Book of the Year contest; it was the highest-rated Sci-Fi novel in the contest.
He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded.
His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum. Chris Pourteau is the bestselling author of the sci-fi thriller novels of the SynCorp Saga (co-authored with David Bruns), the post-apocalyptic Serenity Strain novels, and the military sci-fi collection Tales of B-Company. His first novel, Shadows Burned In, earned the 2015 eLit Book Awards Gold Medal for Literary Fiction. The Lazarus Protocol, the first novel in the SynCorp Saga, placed in the Top Ten in Read Freely's 2018 50 Best Indie Book of the Year contest; it was the highest-rated Sci-Fi novel in the contest.
He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded. His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum.
When he’s not writing, editing, or working the dayjob, Chris loves exercising regularly, watching shows like Star Trek and Stranger Things, and reading his favorite authors. Those include Bernard Cornwell, Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Edgar Allan Poe, and Max Collins. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and two dogs. (He’s a HUGE dog person, by the way.)
Find out more about Chris and his writing through his newsletter. Sign up and get free stuff at https://chrispourteau.com/newsletter.
He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded.
His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum. Chris Pourteau is the bestselling author of the sci-fi thriller novels of the SynCorp Saga (co-authored with David Bruns), the post-apocalyptic Serenity Strain novels, and the military sci-fi collection Tales of B-Company. His first novel, Shadows Burned In, earned the 2015 eLit Book Awards Gold Medal for Literary Fiction. The Lazarus Protocol, the first novel in the SynCorp Saga, placed in the Top Ten in Read Freely's 2018 50 Best Indie Book of the Year contest; it was the highest-rated Sci-Fi novel in the contest.
He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded. His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum.
When he’s not writing, editing, or working the dayjob, Chris loves exercising regularly, watching shows like Star Trek and Stranger Things, and reading his favorite authors. Those include Bernard Cornwell, Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Edgar Allan Poe, and Max Collins. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and two dogs. (He’s a HUGE dog person, by the way.)
Find out more about Chris and his writing through his newsletter. Sign up and get free stuff at https://chrispourteau.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 30, 2021
A neat noir science fiction thriller by Pourteau! Our main protagonist 'Stacks' Fischer is a hit man for the corporation (Syndicate, or Syncon) that rules the solar system, but he is getting a little long in the tooth. In fact, he is facing the onset of 'oldtimers' disease-- Alzheimers. The book starts off with Stacks being called into see his boss, Tony two-point-oh, and basically given three days to live before his 'forced' retirement. Worse, after leaving the meeting, he finds out that other factions in the corporation have put a bounty on his head! Stacks is 'old school' and hard boiled as they come. He knows his days have run short, but still, he wants to end it in his own way...
ORP, as stated in the acknowledgements, is something of a homage to Glen Cook's Garrett, P.I. series, which I have not read, and seems to be a stand alone book within a universe Pourteau and others have written in. This was my first book by Pourteau and he gives us just enough background to make the story come alive without info dumps. 50 years or so ago, Earth's various governments had basically ruined the planet with pollution and corruption; the Syndicate corp now runs the show and humanity has colonized the solar system, with Mars being the 'hot spot' for industry and so forth.
So, the story consists of us following Stacks around, to the moon and then Mars, while trying to elude the various bounty hunters after him, and also taking some surprising twists and turns. You really have to pull for old Stacks, a 'principled' hit man who will not 'wack' kids or women, especially when he has to deal with memory and other issues. ORP has a graphic novel feel to it, which probably comes from Pourteau being a comic book author as well as a novelist. Interesting premise and ORP manages to pull some emotional strings. 4 wacked stars!!
ORP, as stated in the acknowledgements, is something of a homage to Glen Cook's Garrett, P.I. series, which I have not read, and seems to be a stand alone book within a universe Pourteau and others have written in. This was my first book by Pourteau and he gives us just enough background to make the story come alive without info dumps. 50 years or so ago, Earth's various governments had basically ruined the planet with pollution and corruption; the Syndicate corp now runs the show and humanity has colonized the solar system, with Mars being the 'hot spot' for industry and so forth.
So, the story consists of us following Stacks around, to the moon and then Mars, while trying to elude the various bounty hunters after him, and also taking some surprising twists and turns. You really have to pull for old Stacks, a 'principled' hit man who will not 'wack' kids or women, especially when he has to deal with memory and other issues. ORP has a graphic novel feel to it, which probably comes from Pourteau being a comic book author as well as a novelist. Interesting premise and ORP manages to pull some emotional strings. 4 wacked stars!!
December 9, 2019
Eugene “Stacks” Fisher was one of the best Enforcers for an organization known as ‘The Syndicate’, having worked loyally for one of the 5 Families that made up the Corporation that ruled Mars, the Moon and all the surrounding interests, ever since Earth had become unlivable and abandoned previously.
However, being an Enforcer requires a couple of specific job skills, one of which is to be able to keep secrets, and recently, Stacks, has had trouble with this particular aspect of his work due to a medical condition.
Stacks, unbeknownst to him, has been leaking like a sieve, to just about anyone who will listen. The problem is, the wrong people have been listening, and now, Stacks is in a world of hurt.
Stacks has been told by his former employer, one of the big 5, that he has 3 days to put his affairs in order, before he is going to be ‘put into the best care possible’, which is future talk, for going for a swim with the fishes.
Stacks however, has different ideas on how he should go, like all good Enforcers.
And this is where the story really accelerates, as Stacks tries to find out if he is really sick, and with the help of an old Female Cop ‘Friend’, tries to sort out the end of his life.
This book has a real cyberpunk feel to it, like if Blade Runner was crossed with a Humphrey Bogart movie, this would be the outcome. Stacks has so many brilliant one liners that it would be too hard to list them here, I would have to reprint a third of the book, but needless to say, he has a line for every occasion and you find yourself either smirking or outright laughing like a little kid at a lot of his lines.
Humour aside, this book has a serious side in that Stacks has been afflicted with a serious mental condition, and the Author approaches this and the subsequent side effects of the illness with a extraordinary amount of respect, and it is clear that he has also done a lot of research to get his facts straight.
This book is one of those exceptional character driven thrillers, that you just can’t put down, and you find yourself still reading at some horrendous hour in the morning (or if you are like me, you actually still have your Blu-Tooth earphones on in the Supermarket so you can listen, and get caught cacking yourself laughing in the middle of an aisle with no one else around, and people backing away from you slowly – Hey, I told you it was funny!!).
The character work is outstanding, Stacks is easily one of the best characters I have come across in a book this year, with his caustic wit, but likeable character, you can’t help but immediately like the guy and start rooting for him as he seems to be fighting ever surmountable odds. His old Partner, Darrow is equally caustic, but just as likeable, and the pair of them make an impressive team as they work through the puzzle before them, trading sarcastic comments with both each other and bad guy alike.
There has been a lot of time and effort put into the world building as well, to give the story a well-built background in which the characters can play, with locations and places that flow easily and are well known. The Author has obviously put a lot of time and effort into this universe and it shows.
This has to be one of the best books I have read all year for its clever story (which admittedly, is not new, but has been done in a creatively new way), and with a main character that is just exceptional, and a support cast that are outstanding. Set in a dystopian future that has had a lot of creative love, the story has a wonderful backdrop in which it can play out, which is important with this style of story.
With its blend of Noir and Cyberpunk, (I swear you can see Decker standing on a street corner), this is a beautifully told story of one man’s fight to redeem himself. Doesn’t matter what genre you like, you just have to read this.
However, being an Enforcer requires a couple of specific job skills, one of which is to be able to keep secrets, and recently, Stacks, has had trouble with this particular aspect of his work due to a medical condition.
Stacks, unbeknownst to him, has been leaking like a sieve, to just about anyone who will listen. The problem is, the wrong people have been listening, and now, Stacks is in a world of hurt.
Stacks has been told by his former employer, one of the big 5, that he has 3 days to put his affairs in order, before he is going to be ‘put into the best care possible’, which is future talk, for going for a swim with the fishes.
Stacks however, has different ideas on how he should go, like all good Enforcers.
And this is where the story really accelerates, as Stacks tries to find out if he is really sick, and with the help of an old Female Cop ‘Friend’, tries to sort out the end of his life.
This book has a real cyberpunk feel to it, like if Blade Runner was crossed with a Humphrey Bogart movie, this would be the outcome. Stacks has so many brilliant one liners that it would be too hard to list them here, I would have to reprint a third of the book, but needless to say, he has a line for every occasion and you find yourself either smirking or outright laughing like a little kid at a lot of his lines.
Humour aside, this book has a serious side in that Stacks has been afflicted with a serious mental condition, and the Author approaches this and the subsequent side effects of the illness with a extraordinary amount of respect, and it is clear that he has also done a lot of research to get his facts straight.
This book is one of those exceptional character driven thrillers, that you just can’t put down, and you find yourself still reading at some horrendous hour in the morning (or if you are like me, you actually still have your Blu-Tooth earphones on in the Supermarket so you can listen, and get caught cacking yourself laughing in the middle of an aisle with no one else around, and people backing away from you slowly – Hey, I told you it was funny!!).
The character work is outstanding, Stacks is easily one of the best characters I have come across in a book this year, with his caustic wit, but likeable character, you can’t help but immediately like the guy and start rooting for him as he seems to be fighting ever surmountable odds. His old Partner, Darrow is equally caustic, but just as likeable, and the pair of them make an impressive team as they work through the puzzle before them, trading sarcastic comments with both each other and bad guy alike.
There has been a lot of time and effort put into the world building as well, to give the story a well-built background in which the characters can play, with locations and places that flow easily and are well known. The Author has obviously put a lot of time and effort into this universe and it shows.
This has to be one of the best books I have read all year for its clever story (which admittedly, is not new, but has been done in a creatively new way), and with a main character that is just exceptional, and a support cast that are outstanding. Set in a dystopian future that has had a lot of creative love, the story has a wonderful backdrop in which it can play out, which is important with this style of story.
With its blend of Noir and Cyberpunk, (I swear you can see Decker standing on a street corner), this is a beautifully told story of one man’s fight to redeem himself. Doesn’t matter what genre you like, you just have to read this.
November 23, 2019
ORP concludes a significant story arc in the SynCorp opus and provides a full blown stand alone follow up novel to Bruns and Pourteau's two space opera trilogies. You need not have read the previous books by these authors, but it helps as the main character (Stacks Fischer) is an 'enforcer' for one of the 5 corporate factions in that series. So if you know Fischer from his previous appearances you might have a bit more sympathy for him now that he's the one who is running for his life with a bounty on his head (no spoiler here, this is the premise of the book).
You'll likely have sympathy for Fischer regardless as he's suffering from an incurable (? story keeps you guessing ?) disease of the mind. Pourteau handles the Alzheimer's disease motif with a deft and sympathetic hand. The author also does a good job with the 'chase plot' trope, providing a seamless and believable rationale for all the characters' actions and reactions. What's more, the author uses an interesting writing technique, breaking the fourth wall in a unique manner with the main character's first person POV. Had me confused slightly at the end, however, which took away a bit of the satisfaction of a solid, if somewhat poignant conclusion.
Recommended for fans of space opera noir, sci-fi detective, and character based and theme oriented stories. Adult language warning as well. Overall, well-written, fast-paced, and gripping. 4 1/2 stars.
You'll likely have sympathy for Fischer regardless as he's suffering from an incurable (? story keeps you guessing ?) disease of the mind. Pourteau handles the Alzheimer's disease motif with a deft and sympathetic hand. The author also does a good job with the 'chase plot' trope, providing a seamless and believable rationale for all the characters' actions and reactions. What's more, the author uses an interesting writing technique, breaking the fourth wall in a unique manner with the main character's first person POV. Had me confused slightly at the end, however, which took away a bit of the satisfaction of a solid, if somewhat poignant conclusion.
Recommended for fans of space opera noir, sci-fi detective, and character based and theme oriented stories. Adult language warning as well. Overall, well-written, fast-paced, and gripping. 4 1/2 stars.
December 29, 2019
Mini-Review:
4.5 Stars for Narration by R.C. Bray
4 Stars for Characters
4 Stars for Story Atmosphere & Setting
3 Stars for Plot
The book was great because it totally delivered what it promised in the blurb. A fun, noir style hitman story.
4.5 Stars for Narration by R.C. Bray
4 Stars for Characters
4 Stars for Story Atmosphere & Setting
3 Stars for Plot
The book was great because it totally delivered what it promised in the blurb. A fun, noir style hitman story.
October 7, 2020
This was easily one of my favorite reads this year!
I grabbed this book off Amazon because I believed it to be a solo story which was ideal because I'm juggling multiple book series already, and it's totally a complete story and now I wish it wasn't. (I know it's led into a series in the same world, will definitely put that on my list to read)
The story has a great mix of classic mafia tropes and a futuristic sci-fi world, neither aspect has a shortcut taken, it meshes very well in a way readers wouldn't question.
While the main character "Stacks" is a bad guy, who has killed a lot of people you will see a different side of the former killer for hire and will become enamored with him on his final journey as he deals with a failing brain and a massive target on his back.
I won't say more, you should read this if it sounds even remotely interesting to you...!
And I must add, I do hope Chris decides to write some stories about Stacks from his younger days, I'd buy them for sure!
I grabbed this book off Amazon because I believed it to be a solo story which was ideal because I'm juggling multiple book series already, and it's totally a complete story and now I wish it wasn't. (I know it's led into a series in the same world, will definitely put that on my list to read)
The story has a great mix of classic mafia tropes and a futuristic sci-fi world, neither aspect has a shortcut taken, it meshes very well in a way readers wouldn't question.
While the main character "Stacks" is a bad guy, who has killed a lot of people you will see a different side of the former killer for hire and will become enamored with him on his final journey as he deals with a failing brain and a massive target on his back.
I won't say more, you should read this if it sounds even remotely interesting to you...!
And I must add, I do hope Chris decides to write some stories about Stacks from his younger days, I'd buy them for sure!
January 9, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This book is told in the first person POV of our main character, Stacks Fisher. Several times, while narrating the story, the 4th wall is broken and Stacks speaks directly to the reader - this part was a nice twist. It immediately reminded me of the film noir type of story - The Maltese Falcon where Humphrey Bogart narrates. Right from the beginning, Stacks, an assassin, is told that he is going to be executed but because of his service - there will be a delay to Monday so that Stacks can enjoy his last weekend. From that point, the action does not stop. There is a lot of really good humor and you start rooting for Stacks to survive. I was so drawn into the story that I finished this in one setting.
The narration by RC Bray was fantastic. The narration is done with the perfect touch of sarcasm/wit but with a lot of charm. This is my first time listening to RC Bray and it certainly will not be my last.
This book is told in the first person POV of our main character, Stacks Fisher. Several times, while narrating the story, the 4th wall is broken and Stacks speaks directly to the reader - this part was a nice twist. It immediately reminded me of the film noir type of story - The Maltese Falcon where Humphrey Bogart narrates. Right from the beginning, Stacks, an assassin, is told that he is going to be executed but because of his service - there will be a delay to Monday so that Stacks can enjoy his last weekend. From that point, the action does not stop. There is a lot of really good humor and you start rooting for Stacks to survive. I was so drawn into the story that I finished this in one setting.
The narration by RC Bray was fantastic. The narration is done with the perfect touch of sarcasm/wit but with a lot of charm. This is my first time listening to RC Bray and it certainly will not be my last.
March 9, 2020
Stacks Fischer takes you on a ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Staying alive for three days is no easy thing. Enforcers, bounty hunters and even the police want to take him down. He'll have to rely on old-school cunning, maintain a level head and, occasionally, hope that Lady Luck favors him. It's only too bad that he won't outpace dementia.
I couldn't help but enjoy the noir-like tone. Fischer can really entertain with his raw-boned and gritty point of view. It's his voice that kept me most interested. And he keeps this up throughout the story as he tells his story to another character. Who? You'll have to read until the end to find out.
Don't hesitate to pick this one up.
I couldn't help but enjoy the noir-like tone. Fischer can really entertain with his raw-boned and gritty point of view. It's his voice that kept me most interested. And he keeps this up throughout the story as he tells his story to another character. Who? You'll have to read until the end to find out.
Don't hesitate to pick this one up.
November 25, 2019
Audio
Excellent story. I've read lots of "assassin retires" type stories and this was one of the best. The "oldtimers" angle gave it a fresh take and the author handles that with care and accuracy.
Excellent story. I've read lots of "assassin retires" type stories and this was one of the best. The "oldtimers" angle gave it a fresh take and the author handles that with care and accuracy.
Read
November 13, 2020DNF at 36% because while I have enjoyed parts of it so far, and I like this genre set in space, it has become boring and, as the MC might himself point out, life is too short for that. I'm glad others enjoyed it. It just isn't for me.
November 16, 2019
I'm a huge fan of character-driven writing, as long as it's supported by a good plot and / or a fascinating universe. In this case I'm already a great fan of the vision of earth's future that Chris has built and of course, of Stacks Fischer. I love the story of his road to retirement, though I can't say I loved the ending, it felt right at the same time.
March 4, 2021
This old dog still has some bite left in him...
Optional Retirement Plan is the story of how Stacks Fischer, an aging Syndicate Corporation hitman, chose to 'go out' -- like a badass and on his own terms. The book is set in a future where humanity has colonized the moon and mars, the earth is dying, and everything is ruled by the mob-like and iron-handed Syndicate Corporation. Once trusted with the Syndicate's darkest secrets, now old-man Fischer and his waning mind has become a liability and must be put down, one way or another.
Optional Retirement Plan is a well-written and fast-paced page-turner. It's best to start reading it on a long weekend, as you'll have a hard time putting it down. You would think "fast-paced" and old man wouldn't mesh together well in a story, but Fischer is an old dog that refuses to be put down. Fischer is a well-developed character and the narrative is told from his first-person perspective. You'll feel his deep pain and frustration over the betrayals at the end of his life (those of his own body, mind, and the Syndicate) and can't help but to connect to the old bastard. The whole story feels like a sci-fi film noir and while it certainly goes to some dark places, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat, rooting for Fischer. This is the first book I've finished this year, but I can tell it's going to be one of the best too.
The audiobook for Optional Retirement Plan is performed by R.C. Bray, who is an outstanding narrator and a longtime favorite of mine. It's for Bray that I gave the audio version of the book a chance, and he takes a great book and makes it even better. His voice is perfect for Fischer's first-person account and I can't find a single flaw in the performance. Even if my review doesn't convince you to get the book, get the audio version for Bray.
Thank you to Aethon Books who provided me this book free of charge at my request.
Optional Retirement Plan is the story of how Stacks Fischer, an aging Syndicate Corporation hitman, chose to 'go out' -- like a badass and on his own terms. The book is set in a future where humanity has colonized the moon and mars, the earth is dying, and everything is ruled by the mob-like and iron-handed Syndicate Corporation. Once trusted with the Syndicate's darkest secrets, now old-man Fischer and his waning mind has become a liability and must be put down, one way or another.
Optional Retirement Plan is a well-written and fast-paced page-turner. It's best to start reading it on a long weekend, as you'll have a hard time putting it down. You would think "fast-paced" and old man wouldn't mesh together well in a story, but Fischer is an old dog that refuses to be put down. Fischer is a well-developed character and the narrative is told from his first-person perspective. You'll feel his deep pain and frustration over the betrayals at the end of his life (those of his own body, mind, and the Syndicate) and can't help but to connect to the old bastard. The whole story feels like a sci-fi film noir and while it certainly goes to some dark places, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat, rooting for Fischer. This is the first book I've finished this year, but I can tell it's going to be one of the best too.
The audiobook for Optional Retirement Plan is performed by R.C. Bray, who is an outstanding narrator and a longtime favorite of mine. It's for Bray that I gave the audio version of the book a chance, and he takes a great book and makes it even better. His voice is perfect for Fischer's first-person account and I can't find a single flaw in the performance. Even if my review doesn't convince you to get the book, get the audio version for Bray.
Thank you to Aethon Books who provided me this book free of charge at my request.
December 6, 2019
What do you do when you’re a hitman whose boss thinks you’re slipping into Alzheimer’s and wants to “permanently retire” you before you can spill any more of the company’s secrets? That’s the problem facing Stacks Fischer in Chris Porteau’s excellent sf thriller, Optional Retirement Plan. To make matters even worse for Fischer, he’s not even sure he has Alzheimer’s and so he’s trying to figure out if he’s actually sick or being set up while trying to avoid assassins trying to collect the bounty on his head.
Stacks Fischer is a fascinating protagonist. He should not be likable, but he truly is. He should not be sympathetic, but you can’t help but feel for him as he struggles to find out what’s wrong with him. He has a code of honor and a sense of—well not justice, but something remarkably close to it that makes him easy to cheer for. It helps that narrator R.C. Bray has the perfect voice for Fischer, bringing his pain to life as he struggles to keep living for just a few more days.
I’ve noticed that Porteau has other books set in this universe. I’m going to have to give them a try.
I received this book from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Stacks Fischer is a fascinating protagonist. He should not be likable, but he truly is. He should not be sympathetic, but you can’t help but feel for him as he struggles to find out what’s wrong with him. He has a code of honor and a sense of—well not justice, but something remarkably close to it that makes him easy to cheer for. It helps that narrator R.C. Bray has the perfect voice for Fischer, bringing his pain to life as he struggles to keep living for just a few more days.
I’ve noticed that Porteau has other books set in this universe. I’m going to have to give them a try.
I received this book from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
September 13, 2020
Tired of those books where everyone is young, buff and good looking? Where the main character is either too clever by half or too stupid to live but has luck the casinos would envy? Well, Stacks Fisher breaks the mold!
Middle-aged, with a bit of a paunch and a brain that is betraying him, Stacks Fisher is handed the news that he has 3 days until his final retirement. As an assassin, he's pretty sure the promises of a tropical paradise have been greatly exaggerated.
While he might have accepted that it is the end of his career, he's going out on his terms. Thus begins a rollicking adventure as he races though the solar system fighting enemies both internal and external.
This book is part of a series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Middle-aged, with a bit of a paunch and a brain that is betraying him, Stacks Fisher is handed the news that he has 3 days until his final retirement. As an assassin, he's pretty sure the promises of a tropical paradise have been greatly exaggerated.
While he might have accepted that it is the end of his career, he's going out on his terms. Thus begins a rollicking adventure as he races though the solar system fighting enemies both internal and external.
This book is part of a series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
December 20, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this. This story is set in a world in which this author has co-authored other books, but you don't need to have read those to enjoy this. It is a sad, though very realistic, tale of an enforcer being 'retired' because he has what is colloquially known as Oldtimer's, although it is properly known as Alzheimers, although I think I may start using Oldtimer's from now on!
Anyway, it's fun! If you like your tales to have more than a splash of sarcasm, humour, and yet underneath that there is a good, well-written story, then read this!
Anyway, it's fun! If you like your tales to have more than a splash of sarcasm, humour, and yet underneath that there is a good, well-written story, then read this!
November 25, 2019
I received a free review copy of this audio book, at my request, and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
First let me say the audio book is broken. At the end of audibles chapter 2 (the books chapter 1) there is 2 minutes of dead silence, then the narrator says "chapter 2" then 5 seconds of silence then "chapter 3" and the story continues. After downloading the book 2ce and streaming it to make sure, I got an email from the publisher saying they knew of the problem and it was being worked on. So, not a big deal, just confusing. And maybe taken care of any day now.
A definite 3.5 star book, with some issues, but it really good overall.
The book is a 1st person narrative being told by a former body guard/hitman, who has developed Alzheimers (referred to as "old timers") and need to taken care of.
My first issue with the book is about the Alzheimers. Not only is this serious and devastating disease treated like a joke through out the book, but it is also not depicted properly. For example, the book is told first person, as a story being recounted, so episodes of memory loss and confusion wouldn't be able to be related. Really, the story would have been better served by a new condition, one that can have what ever symptoms the author wants, rather than a current disease that will be mistreated.
However, apart from that, the story is very good. I didn't know it until after reading, but it is a single story in a larger universe. The fact I didn't know it, shows its ability to stand alone and still fill in the world. The whole universe gives a sense of being lived in. The main character has routines and acquaintances. Old haunts and various contacts. Everything about the story seems familiar, even though I've never been there before.
The main character is complex and we see a flawed world through his eyes. He has conflicting motivations and very little is clear cut. It often references parts of his past, leading to a clearer picture of our view into the universe. However, because it is told first person, we are given little to no insight into any other characters. They remain flat, single purpose. As this is a personal journey, this isn't completely bad, but is does take away from some of the insight into other motivations
RC Bray does an amazing job, as always. His range of voices, his cadence, his characters, first class all the way.
All in all a really good book, with some minor problems. Great voice work, and great world building. A few issues, like the depiction of Alzheimers, and the ending keep it from being a great book.
+++spoilers +++
So, there is a major problem with the ending. The story is being told to us, the listener/reader. It happens after the gun fight at the end of the book, we are meant to play the roll of the other assassin in the room. We are bound and tied, with a cop stunned next to us. We are told the stun doesn't last long, and there are troops waiting outside. All this seems fine till you remember the book is 7 and a half hours long!
The ending doesn't make sense in this way, a d I was very disappointing. I would have preferred the main character escape and be tracked down to tell the story, or it have been in the interrogation room at the police station, etc. It was poor oversight, in my opinion.
First let me say the audio book is broken. At the end of audibles chapter 2 (the books chapter 1) there is 2 minutes of dead silence, then the narrator says "chapter 2" then 5 seconds of silence then "chapter 3" and the story continues. After downloading the book 2ce and streaming it to make sure, I got an email from the publisher saying they knew of the problem and it was being worked on. So, not a big deal, just confusing. And maybe taken care of any day now.
A definite 3.5 star book, with some issues, but it really good overall.
The book is a 1st person narrative being told by a former body guard/hitman, who has developed Alzheimers (referred to as "old timers") and need to taken care of.
My first issue with the book is about the Alzheimers. Not only is this serious and devastating disease treated like a joke through out the book, but it is also not depicted properly. For example, the book is told first person, as a story being recounted, so episodes of memory loss and confusion wouldn't be able to be related. Really, the story would have been better served by a new condition, one that can have what ever symptoms the author wants, rather than a current disease that will be mistreated.
However, apart from that, the story is very good. I didn't know it until after reading, but it is a single story in a larger universe. The fact I didn't know it, shows its ability to stand alone and still fill in the world. The whole universe gives a sense of being lived in. The main character has routines and acquaintances. Old haunts and various contacts. Everything about the story seems familiar, even though I've never been there before.
The main character is complex and we see a flawed world through his eyes. He has conflicting motivations and very little is clear cut. It often references parts of his past, leading to a clearer picture of our view into the universe. However, because it is told first person, we are given little to no insight into any other characters. They remain flat, single purpose. As this is a personal journey, this isn't completely bad, but is does take away from some of the insight into other motivations
RC Bray does an amazing job, as always. His range of voices, his cadence, his characters, first class all the way.
All in all a really good book, with some minor problems. Great voice work, and great world building. A few issues, like the depiction of Alzheimers, and the ending keep it from being a great book.
+++spoilers +++
So, there is a major problem with the ending. The story is being told to us, the listener/reader. It happens after the gun fight at the end of the book, we are meant to play the roll of the other assassin in the room. We are bound and tied, with a cop stunned next to us. We are told the stun doesn't last long, and there are troops waiting outside. All this seems fine till you remember the book is 7 and a half hours long!
The ending doesn't make sense in this way, a d I was very disappointing. I would have preferred the main character escape and be tracked down to tell the story, or it have been in the interrogation room at the police station, etc. It was poor oversight, in my opinion.
November 1, 2020
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This work contains some dialogue and language.
Chris Pourteau writes Optional Retirement Plan, a fast-paced story about a washed up hitman with cerebral issues. It's a unique concept, and it remains fresh throughout. R. C. Bray narrates this work, and his legendary skills are immediately obvious. Despite its short duration, this novel is easy to recommend.
Protagonist Stacks Fischer used to be a top enforcer for SynCorp, one of the largest corporations in the galaxy. Unfortunately for him, he's having memory problems, and he's no longer sure who to trust. After his business relationship with SynCorp dissolves, Stacks finds himself on the run. His only plan? Survive as long as possible. This is a quick moving thriller with plenty of action and unpredictable situations. None of the characters are particularly likable, but they all have strong personalities and clear motivations. Conversations are believable and humorous. Stacks is easily the strongest character, with convincing dialogue and a quick wit (most of the time). Pourteau writes an intriguing narrative that remains compelling throughout the seven hour and 34 minute run time.
According to Wikipedia, R.C. Bray has narrated over 250 works. Optional Retirement Plan is an excellent example of his commitment to spoken productions. His voice perfectly matches Stacks' rough, brash personality. He conveys strong emotion through his inflections and accents. His pronunciation is clear and his flow is smooth. Stacks is portrayed exactly how he's written. Bray does an admirable job with the other characters, as well. He maintains a strong distinction between voices, and he seamlessly transitions among them. If you'd like to hear some of the best narration available, Bray won't disappoint.
Optional Retirement Plan is exciting, fun and humorous. Pourteau writes a compelling story that rarely succumbs to common sci-fi pitfalls. Characters are believable and convincing with plausible dialogue. The action is quick and the situations are unique. Bray masterfully conveys the narrative with all the emotion and passion you'd expect from a veteran of the business. You'll enjoy this book if you like fiction, sci-fi or great narration.
Chris Pourteau writes Optional Retirement Plan, a fast-paced story about a washed up hitman with cerebral issues. It's a unique concept, and it remains fresh throughout. R. C. Bray narrates this work, and his legendary skills are immediately obvious. Despite its short duration, this novel is easy to recommend.
Protagonist Stacks Fischer used to be a top enforcer for SynCorp, one of the largest corporations in the galaxy. Unfortunately for him, he's having memory problems, and he's no longer sure who to trust. After his business relationship with SynCorp dissolves, Stacks finds himself on the run. His only plan? Survive as long as possible. This is a quick moving thriller with plenty of action and unpredictable situations. None of the characters are particularly likable, but they all have strong personalities and clear motivations. Conversations are believable and humorous. Stacks is easily the strongest character, with convincing dialogue and a quick wit (most of the time). Pourteau writes an intriguing narrative that remains compelling throughout the seven hour and 34 minute run time.
According to Wikipedia, R.C. Bray has narrated over 250 works. Optional Retirement Plan is an excellent example of his commitment to spoken productions. His voice perfectly matches Stacks' rough, brash personality. He conveys strong emotion through his inflections and accents. His pronunciation is clear and his flow is smooth. Stacks is portrayed exactly how he's written. Bray does an admirable job with the other characters, as well. He maintains a strong distinction between voices, and he seamlessly transitions among them. If you'd like to hear some of the best narration available, Bray won't disappoint.
Optional Retirement Plan is exciting, fun and humorous. Pourteau writes a compelling story that rarely succumbs to common sci-fi pitfalls. Characters are believable and convincing with plausible dialogue. The action is quick and the situations are unique. Bray masterfully conveys the narrative with all the emotion and passion you'd expect from a veteran of the business. You'll enjoy this book if you like fiction, sci-fi or great narration.
November 30, 2019
A wild and crazy ride to the end...
Optional Retirement Plan by Chris Pourteau and narrated by R. C. Bray is one hell of a listen! A def must listen if you’re into this genre. The action starts pretty much from the get-go and never lets up. I can’t recall the last time a book wowed me with so much non-stop action.
What’s it about? Stacks has been the top hit man for the SynCorp for years. Now his Oldtimer’s (dementia) has kicked in, resulting in him spilling company secrets and making him the target. Instead of enjoying his last couple days the higher ups have given him, someone has put a hit out on him and everyone is trying to cash in the bounty. But Stacks is going out on his terms and it’s a wild and crazy ride to the end. The story is nicely done- you get a sense of what it’s like to slowly lose your mind. The snarky humor mixed with the somber reality works and works well.
The narrator, R. C. Bray, was the perfect fit. He really brought Stacks and his story to life.
“A man in my condition shouldn’t have to wade through that many dictionary words at one time.”
“I’ve learned Lady Luck is like any other female- short of patience for male baboonery and easy to piss off.”
“I guess you really do earn your fate.”
“I edged an eye around the corner and saw True Believer acquainting himself with his newfound state of being dead.”
“And the more spoiled the kids, the more likely they are to lose what those who came before them built.”
Overall I highly recommend, especially if violence, action, and noir style stories are your thing.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: If you’ve ever known or taken care of someone with dementia/Alzheimer's, it may hit close to home (especially the sundowning). Swearing, death (the story revolves around assassins), violence, and similar elements. Chin@m@n used once.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
Optional Retirement Plan by Chris Pourteau and narrated by R. C. Bray is one hell of a listen! A def must listen if you’re into this genre. The action starts pretty much from the get-go and never lets up. I can’t recall the last time a book wowed me with so much non-stop action.
What’s it about? Stacks has been the top hit man for the SynCorp for years. Now his Oldtimer’s (dementia) has kicked in, resulting in him spilling company secrets and making him the target. Instead of enjoying his last couple days the higher ups have given him, someone has put a hit out on him and everyone is trying to cash in the bounty. But Stacks is going out on his terms and it’s a wild and crazy ride to the end. The story is nicely done- you get a sense of what it’s like to slowly lose your mind. The snarky humor mixed with the somber reality works and works well.
The narrator, R. C. Bray, was the perfect fit. He really brought Stacks and his story to life.
“A man in my condition shouldn’t have to wade through that many dictionary words at one time.”
“I’ve learned Lady Luck is like any other female- short of patience for male baboonery and easy to piss off.”
“I guess you really do earn your fate.”
“I edged an eye around the corner and saw True Believer acquainting himself with his newfound state of being dead.”
“And the more spoiled the kids, the more likely they are to lose what those who came before them built.”
Overall I highly recommend, especially if violence, action, and noir style stories are your thing.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: If you’ve ever known or taken care of someone with dementia/Alzheimer's, it may hit close to home (especially the sundowning). Swearing, death (the story revolves around assassins), violence, and similar elements. Chin@m@n used once.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
February 13, 2021
It was fun. Not great, but fun. I cheered this aging hitman on even though he has lead a questionable life. I love the idea of sticking it to a big corporation, one that Stacks had served loyally for many years.
Stacks decided long ago not to get the implant that would let him connect to whatever world wide web on whatever planet he’s currently on. The implant does other cool stuff like early detection of most medical problems. However, it’s also possible for nefarious people (and law-abiding do-gooders) to track someone down through their implant. So when Stacks starts to suffer from Old Man’s Disease (most likely Alzheimer’s), it’s gone too far. I really related to this aspect of the story, suffering from a wee bit of brain damage (which the doctors say is like the first stages of Alzheimer’s). The story did a great job capturing what it’s like to be in Stacks’s head with his wonky memory and other issues.
The pacing is sometimes a bit slow and sometimes spot on with wit and action. There are some rambly bits where Stacks is just sharing his wealth of wisdom with us readers and sometimes I yawned. But there were a lot of great moments too. I liked his banter with Not-Sarah, a starport waif who offers to keep an eye on Stacks’s ride for a fee. Then there’s the action scenes which are well choreographed. I especially loved how Stacks has a love-hate relationship with so many of his old contacts. Generally, they had the Corporation more so they give Stacks a hand.
The story gave me a very satisfying end. Stacks gets to be a hero, kind of. The Corporation doesn’t get everything it wants (yay!). 4/5 stars.
The Narration: R. C. Bray, as usual, gives a great performance. I love his gruff, older voice for the demented Stacks. Bray also performs accents and passable female voices. I liked his goodie-two-shoes voice for Bright Stripe, a nickname for a corporation guard. The pacing is perfect & there are no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
Stacks decided long ago not to get the implant that would let him connect to whatever world wide web on whatever planet he’s currently on. The implant does other cool stuff like early detection of most medical problems. However, it’s also possible for nefarious people (and law-abiding do-gooders) to track someone down through their implant. So when Stacks starts to suffer from Old Man’s Disease (most likely Alzheimer’s), it’s gone too far. I really related to this aspect of the story, suffering from a wee bit of brain damage (which the doctors say is like the first stages of Alzheimer’s). The story did a great job capturing what it’s like to be in Stacks’s head with his wonky memory and other issues.
The pacing is sometimes a bit slow and sometimes spot on with wit and action. There are some rambly bits where Stacks is just sharing his wealth of wisdom with us readers and sometimes I yawned. But there were a lot of great moments too. I liked his banter with Not-Sarah, a starport waif who offers to keep an eye on Stacks’s ride for a fee. Then there’s the action scenes which are well choreographed. I especially loved how Stacks has a love-hate relationship with so many of his old contacts. Generally, they had the Corporation more so they give Stacks a hand.
The story gave me a very satisfying end. Stacks gets to be a hero, kind of. The Corporation doesn’t get everything it wants (yay!). 4/5 stars.
The Narration: R. C. Bray, as usual, gives a great performance. I love his gruff, older voice for the demented Stacks. Bray also performs accents and passable female voices. I liked his goodie-two-shoes voice for Bright Stripe, a nickname for a corporation guard. The pacing is perfect & there are no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
December 14, 2019
I'm not going to re-hash the plot (former crack assassin has early-onset Alzheimer's and his old boss wants him dead before he blabs too many company secrets).
I'm going to tell you that this is one hell of a rollercoaster, entertaining ride. I couldn't put it down.
I kept waiting for Fisher's Alzheimer's to be something he'd solve -i.e. he'd had a chip secretly implanted or had been given a drug and these were causing him to think he was losing his mind, but the character actually has Alzheimer's. This is handled in a very sensitive and realistic way. (My dad has early onset dementia, and has similar symptoms and moments of confusion - so this book was personal in some ways for me).
The worldbuilding, pace and characterisation stand out in this book. It was hard not to love Stacks Fisher, not to barrack for him (Aussies do not say "root" - that means to have sex!!) even if he was a hitman.
So much so, that I was sad to part ways with him at the end. I would have liked to have another book to go straight onto, I enjoyed this so much.
I would especially like to recommend the audiobook version, which is read by the fabulous RC Bray.
I've not read any of Chris Porteau's work before. Now, I'm going to make sure that I do.
Disclosure: Aethon Books, the publisher, provided me with a review copy of the audiobook version of the book. Opinions expressed above are my own honest views...I really, really LOVED this book!
I'm going to tell you that this is one hell of a rollercoaster, entertaining ride. I couldn't put it down.
I kept waiting for Fisher's Alzheimer's to be something he'd solve -i.e. he'd had a chip secretly implanted or had been given a drug and these were causing him to think he was losing his mind, but the character actually has Alzheimer's. This is handled in a very sensitive and realistic way. (My dad has early onset dementia, and has similar symptoms and moments of confusion - so this book was personal in some ways for me).
The worldbuilding, pace and characterisation stand out in this book. It was hard not to love Stacks Fisher, not to barrack for him (Aussies do not say "root" - that means to have sex!!) even if he was a hitman.
So much so, that I was sad to part ways with him at the end. I would have liked to have another book to go straight onto, I enjoyed this so much.
I would especially like to recommend the audiobook version, which is read by the fabulous RC Bray.
I've not read any of Chris Porteau's work before. Now, I'm going to make sure that I do.
Disclosure: Aethon Books, the publisher, provided me with a review copy of the audiobook version of the book. Opinions expressed above are my own honest views...I really, really LOVED this book!
April 23, 2023
I have no clue how this book ended up in my library. Sale? Clicked on the wrong box? That last one is a contender. I can't think how I read the blurb for this and still picked it up. I almost didn't finish it. Keep reading.
Our protagonist is a man who has lived on the wrong side of morality and the law for most of his adult life. He's a bodyguard and trigger man for a wealthy corporate slimeball. Think legal organized crime. That's pretty much the world build here. Godfather in the stars.
Our protagonist is a bad guy getting on in years and much to his chagrin, is being retired the old fashioned way after forgetting himself and talking too much to the wrong people. He's got the old timers disease. He hasn't noticed, but people around him have. Now he's a liability. Now he's been notified and given three days to get his affairs in order--out of respect for their years together. Except our guy takes one last job.
The writing is great. The voice is pitch perfect. This isn't the story you've read over and over. Well, maybe a little, but the twist is good. The reason I almost didn't finish this is because the subject of losing your mind, your life, your dignity, one step at a time is just something I didn't want to witness, even fictionally. I did and I have no regrets. The story is a fantastic little gem.
Our protagonist is a man who has lived on the wrong side of morality and the law for most of his adult life. He's a bodyguard and trigger man for a wealthy corporate slimeball. Think legal organized crime. That's pretty much the world build here. Godfather in the stars.
Our protagonist is a bad guy getting on in years and much to his chagrin, is being retired the old fashioned way after forgetting himself and talking too much to the wrong people. He's got the old timers disease. He hasn't noticed, but people around him have. Now he's a liability. Now he's been notified and given three days to get his affairs in order--out of respect for their years together. Except our guy takes one last job.
The writing is great. The voice is pitch perfect. This isn't the story you've read over and over. Well, maybe a little, but the twist is good. The reason I almost didn't finish this is because the subject of losing your mind, your life, your dignity, one step at a time is just something I didn't want to witness, even fictionally. I did and I have no regrets. The story is a fantastic little gem.
December 8, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Whatever your name is... "
He had been the most famous and feared enforced in the universe, Tony's go-to guy. But now he was old had been replaced by Richard, a younger enforcer, Tony's right hand man. And more than that, he was becoming a liability, talking about things he shouldn't to anyone who would listen, blanks in his daily life, memory failing. And there was no going back. No cure for this Old Man disease. Tony called him in to tell him he has three days to put His affairs in order before his retirement began. But others are not as generous: with a price on his head, it seems everyone else is out to get him.
This fast actioned, warm hearted, humerous story, unusual in the main protagonist being someone well past their sell-by date, is a terrific read which holds attention and excitement from the first sentence to the end. Written in the first person, the reader is right there with the old enforcer as, against all the odds, he runs between planets and old friends he hopes he can still trust. And also from himself and the advancing illness. And he talks directly to his audience: very c!every done. R.G.Bray, narrator is our old assassin, breathing even more life into his rapidly disintegrating world, as well as giving individual voice to all other characters and reading with emotional involvement, great pacing and intonation. A great performance.
I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of Optional Retirement Plan, by the rights holder, via Aethon publishing and Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. I had been looking forward to reading this book and it exceeded my expectations. Author Chris Pourteau is now definitely on my favourite authors list and I look forward to discovering more of his work in the future. A wholehearted recommendation to all who enjoy S.F, thrillers and action stories.
"Whatever your name is... "
He had been the most famous and feared enforced in the universe, Tony's go-to guy. But now he was old had been replaced by Richard, a younger enforcer, Tony's right hand man. And more than that, he was becoming a liability, talking about things he shouldn't to anyone who would listen, blanks in his daily life, memory failing. And there was no going back. No cure for this Old Man disease. Tony called him in to tell him he has three days to put His affairs in order before his retirement began. But others are not as generous: with a price on his head, it seems everyone else is out to get him.
This fast actioned, warm hearted, humerous story, unusual in the main protagonist being someone well past their sell-by date, is a terrific read which holds attention and excitement from the first sentence to the end. Written in the first person, the reader is right there with the old enforcer as, against all the odds, he runs between planets and old friends he hopes he can still trust. And also from himself and the advancing illness. And he talks directly to his audience: very c!every done. R.G.Bray, narrator is our old assassin, breathing even more life into his rapidly disintegrating world, as well as giving individual voice to all other characters and reading with emotional involvement, great pacing and intonation. A great performance.
I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of Optional Retirement Plan, by the rights holder, via Aethon publishing and Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. I had been looking forward to reading this book and it exceeded my expectations. Author Chris Pourteau is now definitely on my favourite authors list and I look forward to discovering more of his work in the future. A wholehearted recommendation to all who enjoy S.F, thrillers and action stories.
December 7, 2019
Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the studio in exchange for an honest review.
Story:
About 15 minutes into this book, I knew I was going to enjoy it. It's gritty, it's fast paced, and the author wastes no time whatsoever getting you into the universe. It wasn't until about halfway through that I found out this isn't the only book in this series, though it seems to be the only one produced as an audiobook.
If you like a light space opera feel, with private eye/fixer elements, this is the book for you. I'd call it a mix of the early parts of The Expanse and Ray Donovan, with a sprinkling of Alzheimer's mixed into it. Because the book is so fast-paced, and doesn't have any "fluff" like many other audiobooks out there, it is a very quick read/listen.
Performance:
This book gets an additional star just for having RC Bray perform it. I'll be honest, knowing he was the voice was about 80% of the treason I even started it, and as always, I don't regret that decision.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the studio in exchange for an honest review.
Story:
About 15 minutes into this book, I knew I was going to enjoy it. It's gritty, it's fast paced, and the author wastes no time whatsoever getting you into the universe. It wasn't until about halfway through that I found out this isn't the only book in this series, though it seems to be the only one produced as an audiobook.
If you like a light space opera feel, with private eye/fixer elements, this is the book for you. I'd call it a mix of the early parts of The Expanse and Ray Donovan, with a sprinkling of Alzheimer's mixed into it. Because the book is so fast-paced, and doesn't have any "fluff" like many other audiobooks out there, it is a very quick read/listen.
Performance:
This book gets an additional star just for having RC Bray perform it. I'll be honest, knowing he was the voice was about 80% of the treason I even started it, and as always, I don't regret that decision.
November 11, 2020
A good noir style SF, made more interesting by the main character's early onset Alzheimers. Written in the first person, with a very conversational style as the protagonist tells the story to an unknown listener. Almost entirely plot driven with a good amount of action. There were a couple of irritating plot errors though. Any SF author writing about space ships should know the difference between velocity and acceleration - the latter causes G-forces, not the former! The other was a little subtler; money transactions are via a "syncer" worn on the wrist and at one point he takes one off a body and gives it to someone, implying that they'd get the money he'd just transferred to the dead person's syncer. But even today that wouldn't work, any electronic wallet has some sort of id lock. Neither error got in the way of the plot but it's annoying nonetheless. Just 3 stars because it's no more than the basic story - entertaining enough but nothing extra and a pretty standard style.
November 29, 2019
Why am i cheering on a cold blooded hitman?
Because Stacks Fischer is the man! Even if he does pee his pants occasionally! LOL
Let me start by saying RC Bray is a rocks star as always. His narration of this book was spot on and really had me invested in the character.
The way the book is formatted threw me off a bit at first and it took me a minute to realize that Stacks Fischer was actually retelling his story to another character in the book that you the listener/reader is taking the place of…. Yeah that’s it!
Pourteau did a great job with this story and it turns into one of those strange books that by the end has you cheering for a cold blooded murderer and that’s weird but also an interesting change. I highly recommend this book
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Because Stacks Fischer is the man! Even if he does pee his pants occasionally! LOL
Let me start by saying RC Bray is a rocks star as always. His narration of this book was spot on and really had me invested in the character.
The way the book is formatted threw me off a bit at first and it took me a minute to realize that Stacks Fischer was actually retelling his story to another character in the book that you the listener/reader is taking the place of…. Yeah that’s it!
Pourteau did a great job with this story and it turns into one of those strange books that by the end has you cheering for a cold blooded murderer and that’s weird but also an interesting change. I highly recommend this book
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 13, 2019
I've read and enjoyed several of Chris Pourteau's earlier works, and decided to check up on him by grabbing this audio book. It's the first SynCorp book that I've read and luckily for me it's a complete stand-alone... and I Loved it! It's now my favorite of all the Chris Pourteau books that I've read!
It's kinda a last hurrah for Stacks Fischer and maybe even a parting gift to the fans of the protagonist and original series, and it could have been really morose... but, that's not how the book plays out. Fischer is too stubborn to go gently into that good night! With determination, wry wit, and with all his faculties, he chooses the when, and the where of his departure... and it's a beautiful thing!
Just so you know, RC Bray's performance is SPOT-Freaking-ON !!!
So grab this, edge of your seat, action packed book, and disappear into the Optional Retirement Plan!
It's kinda a last hurrah for Stacks Fischer and maybe even a parting gift to the fans of the protagonist and original series, and it could have been really morose... but, that's not how the book plays out. Fischer is too stubborn to go gently into that good night! With determination, wry wit, and with all his faculties, he chooses the when, and the where of his departure... and it's a beautiful thing!
Just so you know, RC Bray's performance is SPOT-Freaking-ON !!!
So grab this, edge of your seat, action packed book, and disappear into the Optional Retirement Plan!
November 27, 2019
Most assassin stories usually start with them wanting to get out early or being used as an escape goat to cover something up. This assassin actually makes it to an old enough age that he starts to suffer from a form of Dementia. He doesn't want to retire and doesn't really believe anything is actually wrong with him. The story also takes place in the future where humans have ventured out into space and adds some good sci-fi elements. I didn't really care for how the story was written, because the main character is actually talking to you and telling you a story which led to a slightly disappointing ending. It was still an enjoyable short read. RC Brays narration was great as usual, not much needs to be said about it. I received this book for free for my honest review.
February 5, 2020
Grizzled hit man for the space mafia finds out he has Alzheimer's, and his boss wants to retire him with a bullet. A lot of unnecessary hijinks ensues.
This book began as a great premise. Was he really losing his memory, or was something more sinister going on? Given 3 days to get his affairs in order before his replacement comes for him, this guy chooses to go out fighting instead. But what follows was just a mess of subplots and conspiracies that lead all the way up to the very top of interplanetary government/corporation and frankly, made no sense.
Really? Couldn't it just be about an old guy fighting to die with dignity? (And to put those young whipper snappers in their place.) No. Clearly, no it couldn't. But it should have been.
This book began as a great premise. Was he really losing his memory, or was something more sinister going on? Given 3 days to get his affairs in order before his replacement comes for him, this guy chooses to go out fighting instead. But what follows was just a mess of subplots and conspiracies that lead all the way up to the very top of interplanetary government/corporation and frankly, made no sense.
Really? Couldn't it just be about an old guy fighting to die with dignity? (And to put those young whipper snappers in their place.) No. Clearly, no it couldn't. But it should have been.
April 6, 2022
I usually read YA (young adult) since that’s what I write, but this time I delved into adult sci-fi for a change. What a unique plot—a hitman with dementia whose days are numbered to three. I loved the wry/dry humor in the book (Kirkus calls it “gallows humor”), and enjoyed how everything all played out to the end. Some bloody violence and bad language are included, which aren’t my preferred content, but it wasn’t overdone and it did match the character and setting. The ending was perfect, very fitting for the story. In the last pages, I had to refigure my notion of Fischer talking directly to the reader as ”you”—he was actually talking to one of the characters instead. (I don’t think that’s a spoiler, just an FYI so other readers aren’t confused like I was.)
March 9, 2020
Stacks Fischer takes you on a ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Staying alive for three days is no easy thing. Enforcers, bounty hunters and even the police want to take him down. He'll have to rely on old-school cunning, maintain a level head and, occasionally, hope that Lady Luck favors him. It's only too bad that he won't outpace dementia.
I couldn't help but enjoy the noir-like tone. Fischer can really entertain with his raw-boned and gritty point of view. It's his voice that kept me most interested. And he keeps this up throughout the story as he tells his story to another character. Who? You'll have to read until the end to find out.
Don't hesitate to pick this one up.
I couldn't help but enjoy the noir-like tone. Fischer can really entertain with his raw-boned and gritty point of view. It's his voice that kept me most interested. And he keeps this up throughout the story as he tells his story to another character. Who? You'll have to read until the end to find out.
Don't hesitate to pick this one up.
November 5, 2019
This was a well told story that pulled me in and kept me reading. The main character was well developed with an enjoyable level of snark that kept me smirking through much of the book.
The only down side was his age/condition/symptoms did not really match reality all that well. If you replace Alzheimer's with some fictitious condition, it would work just as well and not have had me constantly saying, but that's now what Alzheimer's is like.
The only down side was his age/condition/symptoms did not really match reality all that well. If you replace Alzheimer's with some fictitious condition, it would work just as well and not have had me constantly saying, but that's now what Alzheimer's is like.
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