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Glorious Mishaps #2
Penny for Your Soul: Glorious Mishaps Series
The dead don’t wait.
But they do work in the factories, decide over policies, and hate to stay buried six feet under. Petula Upwood is about to find what the undead genuinely want. She follows strangers into the night to awaken a man who many would prefer to stay under. She will soon realize that being a necromancer is more about politics than perfecting the art of waking the dead. And she hates it.
Herbert Ringworm, a sculptor and a werewolf-wrestler, is willing to kill to serve his justice. Not that easy when he is forced to pair with a genteel ghoul. The only thing he wants is Ona to be alive again.
Morris Reinhardt, a banker, needs to get tonight right to save his late father’s bank from the ruins by starting a conspiracy. He just isn’t sure about his accomplices and should have known better than put Petula’s life in danger. Everything is going haywire.
If they want to survive tonight, they need to cooperate, and that is not exactly easy.
Penny for Your Soul is an economic and political satire with humans, ghouls, and undead willing to do anything to have a win. It is full of personal stories and a few jokes about metaphysics and humanity.
But they do work in the factories, decide over policies, and hate to stay buried six feet under. Petula Upwood is about to find what the undead genuinely want. She follows strangers into the night to awaken a man who many would prefer to stay under. She will soon realize that being a necromancer is more about politics than perfecting the art of waking the dead. And she hates it.
Herbert Ringworm, a sculptor and a werewolf-wrestler, is willing to kill to serve his justice. Not that easy when he is forced to pair with a genteel ghoul. The only thing he wants is Ona to be alive again.
Morris Reinhardt, a banker, needs to get tonight right to save his late father’s bank from the ruins by starting a conspiracy. He just isn’t sure about his accomplices and should have known better than put Petula’s life in danger. Everything is going haywire.
If they want to survive tonight, they need to cooperate, and that is not exactly easy.
Penny for Your Soul is an economic and political satire with humans, ghouls, and undead willing to do anything to have a win. It is full of personal stories and a few jokes about metaphysics and humanity.
- GenresFantasyHumorParanormal
380 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2019
26 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Ashcomb
4 books52 followersK.A. Ashcomb is a writer. Worth Of Luck is her debut novel. With an MA in Comparative Religion, seasoned with Social Psychology and Sociology, she has set out to create a comical fantasy universe which mirrors our own world. K.A. Ashcomb began creating stories about gods, unfortunate heroes, and jerks when she was working behind a bookshop’s counter. When she isn’t writing books or crafting stories for video games, you can find her in the woods, roaming there while trying to find her way back home to her keyboard and beloved books—and, oh yes, her beloved husband and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this unusual fantasy tale, based in a city where necromancy is an everyday fact, where you’re likely to choose to come back for a second existence once you’ve died the first time! Normally necromancy in fiction is associated with the darker side of fantasy, often visceral happenings in Grimdark, but here it’s rather lighter. A fact of everyday life and death in this city.
Some of the main characters are necromancers, with Petula being a particularly interesting lead character. The plot involves the complications of running this city, Necropolis, the mayor being a necromancer. But it’s not really the undead, the ghouls or human or other inhuman citizens that are the issue causing conflict, but bankers! In fact, the book makes several diversions into a city crisis caused by banking (a reference to 2008?), the nature of money and the role of the government in the free market. I’m making this sound a bit heavy but it isn’t really. I thought it was clever making them one of the main villains of the piece in such an inhuman city. Some bankers do seem to me to belong to the ‘undead’ in terms of human empathy…
One difficulty I had was the large cast of important, recurring characters. This was fine when you read the story in big chunks, but on a few occasions life forced me to leave day sized gaps in my reading and it took a few pages to get back into the flow with the backstories of some named characters. Maybe a simple cast list of characters would have helped my reading restarts. However, the big cast of characters did also allow for quite a bit of variation in their natures and motivations. Few were just ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Some I was unsure whether to be sympathetic with or not, given their complexity, such as Herbert who murders but does he have good reasons to do so?! If you’re not following me, I think that the prolonged uncertainty about sympathy or otherwise for some characters was a good thing in this story!
The prose was good. Strangely, I came across a couple of phrases early on that didn’t seem right, which I thought might be a translation issue or English not being the author’s first language. But then I found nothing more like that; I had no problem immersing myself into the story - some of the more observational comments were excellent, and I highlighted some. Not sold on the footnotes used in the text, every few pages. I didn’t find they added to the story telling.
Apparently the author sees Terry Pratchett as an influence, amongst others. I sort of see that. A city of disparate beings living recognisably human lives. But this story was very different - a bit darker in places than Pratchett, not so wise cracking. I thought it stood on its own pretty well, free of obvious influences.
Recommended by a couple of GR friends who have good taste, and I’d agree with them. Enjoyable, fun, thought provoking sometimes. I also see, after I started reading, that it’s entered into the current SPFBO competition. Actually, I have good form in my predictions for SPFBO, despite only reading a small number each year. I recognised the winner two years ago a mile off, well before it won; last year, not so good, though my choice was a contender until quite late, and I still think it should have won! This book I certainly would expect to be a finalist. We’ll see what my mystic powers are like in a year…
Plus side of 4* and I’ll read more by this author.
EDIT: I see this book is now into the semifinals of SPFBO. So my bet at the bookies is still safe…
Some of the main characters are necromancers, with Petula being a particularly interesting lead character. The plot involves the complications of running this city, Necropolis, the mayor being a necromancer. But it’s not really the undead, the ghouls or human or other inhuman citizens that are the issue causing conflict, but bankers! In fact, the book makes several diversions into a city crisis caused by banking (a reference to 2008?), the nature of money and the role of the government in the free market. I’m making this sound a bit heavy but it isn’t really. I thought it was clever making them one of the main villains of the piece in such an inhuman city. Some bankers do seem to me to belong to the ‘undead’ in terms of human empathy…
One difficulty I had was the large cast of important, recurring characters. This was fine when you read the story in big chunks, but on a few occasions life forced me to leave day sized gaps in my reading and it took a few pages to get back into the flow with the backstories of some named characters. Maybe a simple cast list of characters would have helped my reading restarts. However, the big cast of characters did also allow for quite a bit of variation in their natures and motivations. Few were just ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Some I was unsure whether to be sympathetic with or not, given their complexity, such as Herbert who murders but does he have good reasons to do so?! If you’re not following me, I think that the prolonged uncertainty about sympathy or otherwise for some characters was a good thing in this story!
The prose was good. Strangely, I came across a couple of phrases early on that didn’t seem right, which I thought might be a translation issue or English not being the author’s first language. But then I found nothing more like that; I had no problem immersing myself into the story - some of the more observational comments were excellent, and I highlighted some. Not sold on the footnotes used in the text, every few pages. I didn’t find they added to the story telling.
Apparently the author sees Terry Pratchett as an influence, amongst others. I sort of see that. A city of disparate beings living recognisably human lives. But this story was very different - a bit darker in places than Pratchett, not so wise cracking. I thought it stood on its own pretty well, free of obvious influences.
Recommended by a couple of GR friends who have good taste, and I’d agree with them. Enjoyable, fun, thought provoking sometimes. I also see, after I started reading, that it’s entered into the current SPFBO competition. Actually, I have good form in my predictions for SPFBO, despite only reading a small number each year. I recognised the winner two years ago a mile off, well before it won; last year, not so good, though my choice was a contender until quite late, and I still think it should have won! This book I certainly would expect to be a finalist. We’ll see what my mystic powers are like in a year…
Plus side of 4* and I’ll read more by this author.
EDIT: I see this book is now into the semifinals of SPFBO. So my bet at the bookies is still safe…
June 26, 2020
Penny for Your Soul is a character-driven book. Especially if we include Necropolis itself as a primary character (with the Economy as its wacky sidekick).
In P4YS Ms. Ashcomb has done something very imaginative and unusual (beyond creating a living, growing goth-child drama-queen City of the Dead). She dances a dozen characters with whom readers sympathize, even like, though they scurry about on complex schemes and sudden acts that define them as lunatics, functionaries or even bad guys.
Your usual anti-heroes are twits who avoid the pain of empathy with a 'I once suffered too' card they whip from the empty pocket of their hearts to explain to frightened townsfolk why they don't give a damn.
But the cast of 'Penny' are not anti-heroes; they are mundane sorts, whether human, ghoul or revenant. They do care, sorta-kinda, but have their own ghosts following behind, worries gnawing within, ambitions drawing them forwards. Sending them rushing across the roofs or beneath the streets of Necropolis, crashing into one another.
It is no easy task to keep a reader's judgement at a balance of antipathy and empathy for so many characters with realistic flaws (or bloody knives, greedy hearts). As a writing challenge most fantasy writers would fail at it. I'd never even try.
But at the back of the theatre cast is the stage set itself; and it is alive, people. Necropolis has an absurd reality that rivals Minas Tirath, Lankhmar and Tai Tastegon. The lantern light shines on dirty fog and wet stone, gargoyle shadows and dangerous markets, while carriages rattle past on decadent and unnatural missions.
I can picture the map and the personality of Necropolis growing, someday becoming a place we no longer need a guide to explore, but can wander the Mess or the Goul's tunnels or the rock-concert fog-filled cemeteries on our own. Not that I'd do it on my own. Not going to wind up in a rug at the Meat Market. Yuck.
Excellently imaginative book; deserves five stars alone for the daring tone of the cast of characters.
In P4YS Ms. Ashcomb has done something very imaginative and unusual (beyond creating a living, growing goth-child drama-queen City of the Dead). She dances a dozen characters with whom readers sympathize, even like, though they scurry about on complex schemes and sudden acts that define them as lunatics, functionaries or even bad guys.
Your usual anti-heroes are twits who avoid the pain of empathy with a 'I once suffered too' card they whip from the empty pocket of their hearts to explain to frightened townsfolk why they don't give a damn.
But the cast of 'Penny' are not anti-heroes; they are mundane sorts, whether human, ghoul or revenant. They do care, sorta-kinda, but have their own ghosts following behind, worries gnawing within, ambitions drawing them forwards. Sending them rushing across the roofs or beneath the streets of Necropolis, crashing into one another.
It is no easy task to keep a reader's judgement at a balance of antipathy and empathy for so many characters with realistic flaws (or bloody knives, greedy hearts). As a writing challenge most fantasy writers would fail at it. I'd never even try.
But at the back of the theatre cast is the stage set itself; and it is alive, people. Necropolis has an absurd reality that rivals Minas Tirath, Lankhmar and Tai Tastegon. The lantern light shines on dirty fog and wet stone, gargoyle shadows and dangerous markets, while carriages rattle past on decadent and unnatural missions.
I can picture the map and the personality of Necropolis growing, someday becoming a place we no longer need a guide to explore, but can wander the Mess or the Goul's tunnels or the rock-concert fog-filled cemeteries on our own. Not that I'd do it on my own. Not going to wind up in a rug at the Meat Market. Yuck.
Excellently imaginative book; deserves five stars alone for the daring tone of the cast of characters.
March 31, 2020
you find yourself in a metropolitan city, but this one if filled with all types of magical creatures and undead people. think Ankh-Morpork but more New York, more gothic, more zombie-ish.
you follow a cast of characters, starting at an assassination, that meet and unmeet at several points in the story, until they all come together for the climax of the story.
the writing and tone of it were very similar to what you find on discworld, as i've mentioned Ankh-Morpork before.
i personally did not care for most of the characters - i thought most of them were purposefully dislikable, but everyone loves Petulla, our main character, so maybe i'm just in the minority here. i just don't care for her "i love books and am apathetic about society" schtick. this is such a character based story that this hurt my enjoyment of it. the most compelling characters were the ghouls, and their civilization Petula and Agatha should be a couple, that's all i have to say; although an argument can be made for Petula being in the aroace spectrum.
i liked the satire regarding the political process, even if i got a bit lost at times. i did NOT get the economy part... how are they in a Terrible Economic Crisis For Years and there is also a bubble going on? from the text you can infer the bubble is going on but has not burst: if you have a bubble everything should be fine. only when it bursts it all goes to shit... also, i'm unsure which economical system each faction was trying to bring to the table, so i never got who was decent at economics. there was also some satire regarding the issue of equality and diversity on several fronts, which the city isn't great at, but it's one of the arcs.
Thank you to the author and Booktasters for providing me for a copy of this book for review.
you follow a cast of characters, starting at an assassination, that meet and unmeet at several points in the story, until they all come together for the climax of the story.
the writing and tone of it were very similar to what you find on discworld, as i've mentioned Ankh-Morpork before.
i personally did not care for most of the characters - i thought most of them were purposefully dislikable, but everyone loves Petulla, our main character, so maybe i'm just in the minority here. i just don't care for her "i love books and am apathetic about society" schtick. this is such a character based story that this hurt my enjoyment of it. the most compelling characters were the ghouls, and their civilization Petula and Agatha should be a couple, that's all i have to say; although an argument can be made for Petula being in the aroace spectrum.
i liked the satire regarding the political process, even if i got a bit lost at times. i did NOT get the economy part... how are they in a Terrible Economic Crisis For Years and there is also a bubble going on? from the text you can infer the bubble is going on but has not burst: if you have a bubble everything should be fine. only when it bursts it all goes to shit... also, i'm unsure which economical system each faction was trying to bring to the table, so i never got who was decent at economics. there was also some satire regarding the issue of equality and diversity on several fronts, which the city isn't great at, but it's one of the arcs.
Thank you to the author and Booktasters for providing me for a copy of this book for review.
August 17, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Penny For Your Soul is about a town, Necropolis. It is populated by the undead, ghouls, necromancers and normal beings. From the beginning, we are made aware that something important is about to happen in this town. As the blurb suggests, a lot that happens in the book involves politics and the economy(read banking).
The story unfolds through multiple POVs which made the story a hundred pages longer than it was meant to be. The characters, although different and start at different points in the story ended up coming together at the end of the book for a rather anticlimactic ending.
I am always very careful whenever I request a book from an author or a publisher. I read the summary carefully and also the reviews just to know what I am getting in to. However, this time was different. I saw the words undead, ghouls, and humans then stopped. I could already picture it in my mind. I needed this book Asap!
Such a bad idea. I should have read the whole summary because then I would have known that this was an economic and political satire kind of book. I think this would have worked for me if the supernatural aspect was not involved.
A Penny For Your Soul is about a town, Necropolis. It is populated by the undead, ghouls, necromancers and normal beings. From the beginning, we are made aware that something important is about to happen in this town. As the blurb suggests, a lot that happens in the book involves politics and the economy(read banking).
The story unfolds through multiple POVs which made the story a hundred pages longer than it was meant to be. The characters, although different and start at different points in the story ended up coming together at the end of the book for a rather anticlimactic ending.
I am always very careful whenever I request a book from an author or a publisher. I read the summary carefully and also the reviews just to know what I am getting in to. However, this time was different. I saw the words undead, ghouls, and humans then stopped. I could already picture it in my mind. I needed this book Asap!
Such a bad idea. I should have read the whole summary because then I would have known that this was an economic and political satire kind of book. I think this would have worked for me if the supernatural aspect was not involved.
May 26, 2020
Gets you thinking about what you're possibly doing wrong, if you've tried writing before, the story seems to happen over a short window yet covers enough depth to create a whole new world
January 28, 2020
My advice? Don't pay attention to the atrocious cover, focus on the enjoyable content.
Ashcomb knows how to blend humor, economy, and intrigue into a compelling mix. Her humorous barbs usually hit the mark, and she comprehends the fantasy tradition well enough to reshape it in imaginative ways.
The book could use some trimming but it's worth attention, especially if you look for something clever and funny. Ashcomb doesn't hide her love for Pratchett and you'll find this unique Pratchettesque vibe here. Important note: she doesn't copy him but it's clear her humor and the use of footnotes were inspired by the true master.
Ashcomb knows how to blend humor, economy, and intrigue into a compelling mix. Her humorous barbs usually hit the mark, and she comprehends the fantasy tradition well enough to reshape it in imaginative ways.
The book could use some trimming but it's worth attention, especially if you look for something clever and funny. Ashcomb doesn't hide her love for Pratchett and you'll find this unique Pratchettesque vibe here. Important note: she doesn't copy him but it's clear her humor and the use of footnotes were inspired by the true master.
April 15, 2020
This is a gothic fantasy/new weird story about politics, economics, art, the humanities, needle point, burocracy, and necromancy. While satirical, this book is not vicious. It doesn't scream or bleed or aim to start the revolution. There are no plucky but confused teens here, only adults who really should know better. In short, this is just the right story for my brand of book geek.
Also, there are footnotes.
Also, there are footnotes.
June 22, 2020
Well-written and entertaining satire
[ Overall Thoughts ]
Penny for Your Soul is a quick-paced, satirical adventure through Necropolis--a city filled to the brink with undead, necromancers, werewolves, ghouls, and everything in between--in the midst of an economic crisis. It is technically book 2 in the Glorious Mishaps Series, though it reads perfectly well as a standalone. It is well-written and irreverent, and is told through a multitude of characters' perspectives (along with some commentary via footnotes), giving the reader a glimpse into the events from many sides. Personally, I could've done without a few of them, but I can't deny that it lends a great deal of depth to the world, despite the story unfolding over a single day.
[ The World ]
Our story takes place in Necropolis, where life and death are not sacred, where necromancers raise the dead and the dead have rights, where some believe Kraken controls the tides and fates of the city. The worldbuilding is surprisingly thorough for a book with a focused and tight story. It is first and foremost a book that satirizes economic and political issues, so those facets of the world are certainly at the forefront, but there is plenty more to this city and world, too.
[ The Characters ]
The book has a large and varied cast; there are plenty of characters here to catch a reader's interest. However, characters are where this book and I failed to connect. I didn't find any one character particularly engaging. That said, I think for most readers there is a lot of potential with the variety of characters. Petula is a necromancer whose talent has been overlooked due to her lack of people skills, and is planning to leave the city and return to her home when she is dragged into the plot by three bankers: Morris, Wilbur, and Ignatius. The three are conspiring with a fourth, Ira, to manipulate the economy and general public of Necropolis to their own interests and, when Ira inconveniently dies, Petula is needed to raise him from the dead. Herbert is a man with a chip (and a manipulative spirit) on his shoulder who will do anything to see that Ira is not allowed a second chance at life. Alongside those, we have the Mayor of Necropolis, Minta, attempting to wrangle a gaggle of politicians of various factions with the help of her mysterious and intimidating assistant, Dow, as well as a few politicians with their own agendas in the mix.
[ Suggested Audience ]
Readers looking for a fast-paced adventure.Readers who are fans of satire and/or economics.Readers who like a large and varied cast of characters to follow all sides of an unfolding story.
[ TL;DR ]
Penny for Your Soul is a well-written satirical adventure poking fun at economics and politics in a world full of the undead, living, and creatures who defy categorization. It's certainly worth a look if satire is your bag, or if you want to know what it takes to run a city full of necromancers, bankers, and ghouls.
[ Overall Thoughts ]
Penny for Your Soul is a quick-paced, satirical adventure through Necropolis--a city filled to the brink with undead, necromancers, werewolves, ghouls, and everything in between--in the midst of an economic crisis. It is technically book 2 in the Glorious Mishaps Series, though it reads perfectly well as a standalone. It is well-written and irreverent, and is told through a multitude of characters' perspectives (along with some commentary via footnotes), giving the reader a glimpse into the events from many sides. Personally, I could've done without a few of them, but I can't deny that it lends a great deal of depth to the world, despite the story unfolding over a single day.
[ The World ]
Our story takes place in Necropolis, where life and death are not sacred, where necromancers raise the dead and the dead have rights, where some believe Kraken controls the tides and fates of the city. The worldbuilding is surprisingly thorough for a book with a focused and tight story. It is first and foremost a book that satirizes economic and political issues, so those facets of the world are certainly at the forefront, but there is plenty more to this city and world, too.
[ The Characters ]
The book has a large and varied cast; there are plenty of characters here to catch a reader's interest. However, characters are where this book and I failed to connect. I didn't find any one character particularly engaging. That said, I think for most readers there is a lot of potential with the variety of characters. Petula is a necromancer whose talent has been overlooked due to her lack of people skills, and is planning to leave the city and return to her home when she is dragged into the plot by three bankers: Morris, Wilbur, and Ignatius. The three are conspiring with a fourth, Ira, to manipulate the economy and general public of Necropolis to their own interests and, when Ira inconveniently dies, Petula is needed to raise him from the dead. Herbert is a man with a chip (and a manipulative spirit) on his shoulder who will do anything to see that Ira is not allowed a second chance at life. Alongside those, we have the Mayor of Necropolis, Minta, attempting to wrangle a gaggle of politicians of various factions with the help of her mysterious and intimidating assistant, Dow, as well as a few politicians with their own agendas in the mix.
[ Suggested Audience ]
Readers looking for a fast-paced adventure.Readers who are fans of satire and/or economics.Readers who like a large and varied cast of characters to follow all sides of an unfolding story.
[ TL;DR ]
Penny for Your Soul is a well-written satirical adventure poking fun at economics and politics in a world full of the undead, living, and creatures who defy categorization. It's certainly worth a look if satire is your bag, or if you want to know what it takes to run a city full of necromancers, bankers, and ghouls.
August 6, 2020
Penny for your Soul is a dystopian novel set in the fictional city of Necropolis where necromancy, ghouls, zombies, cannibalism and zombies are as normal as walking down the street.
The novel portrays the damaging effects of capitalism and greed and the author draws a picture of greedy scheming politicians, bankers, murdering-agitated citizens surrounding three female necromancers.
Minta Stopford, evil-hunting Mayor, disillusioned with a wish to return to simpler times. There’s no stepping down for her as defeat is the only way to change leaders in this murdering, chaotic society.
Agatha Wicks, assistant and personal necromancer to Chaplain, Leader of the Undead party, from an aristocratic family is a sweet do-gooder which almost lands her in trouble.
Petula Upwood, introverted bibliophile yet talented necromancer, is bored and wishes to return to her hometown where necromancy is forbidden because she hates the jobs she gets through the agency. A night before her return home is employed by three scheming bankers to raise their friend. She spends the entire night against her desire; imprisoned by ghouls, discovers an underground city, pushes the knowledge (boundaries) of necromancy, unearths a ‘little-too-late’ a plot against the Mayor.
It’s a wonderful read, not too gory for sensitive readers, believable characters, enough action, starts slow but picks up soon enough.
It’s young, fresh and interesting yet thought provoking especially when drawing parallels to reality.
The novel portrays the damaging effects of capitalism and greed and the author draws a picture of greedy scheming politicians, bankers, murdering-agitated citizens surrounding three female necromancers.
Minta Stopford, evil-hunting Mayor, disillusioned with a wish to return to simpler times. There’s no stepping down for her as defeat is the only way to change leaders in this murdering, chaotic society.
Agatha Wicks, assistant and personal necromancer to Chaplain, Leader of the Undead party, from an aristocratic family is a sweet do-gooder which almost lands her in trouble.
Petula Upwood, introverted bibliophile yet talented necromancer, is bored and wishes to return to her hometown where necromancy is forbidden because she hates the jobs she gets through the agency. A night before her return home is employed by three scheming bankers to raise their friend. She spends the entire night against her desire; imprisoned by ghouls, discovers an underground city, pushes the knowledge (boundaries) of necromancy, unearths a ‘little-too-late’ a plot against the Mayor.
It’s a wonderful read, not too gory for sensitive readers, believable characters, enough action, starts slow but picks up soon enough.
It’s young, fresh and interesting yet thought provoking especially when drawing parallels to reality.
May 13, 2020
From the first footnote of this book, which I was kindly allowed to read in exchange for a review, I made a note to myself not to lazily compare it with the Discworld, not least because nobody compares well with Sir Terry. However it’s clear that Pratchett has been an influence and I would describe this book as Discworld vs The Big Short.
There’s a lot going on in Necropolis, where the dead don’t stay dead. The bankers have been up to the same nefarious wheeling and dealing that will be familiar to anybody who’s heard of sub prime lending, the undead are feeling unfairly represented and the ghouls are feeling mis classified. Meanwhile a killer is on a mission for his own form of justice. Into this maelstrom steps (or rather, is dragged) Petula, a highly skilled necromancer. Petula has doubts about her future but none whatsoever about her skill set.
I enjoyed the story, although there were points when the plot did seem a bit convoluted. Like all good fantasy books it has much to say that is relevant to our world, and the city of Necropolis has enough detail that you can easily sense more books in the series.
I’d like to thank Booktasters and the author for allowing be to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a lot going on in Necropolis, where the dead don’t stay dead. The bankers have been up to the same nefarious wheeling and dealing that will be familiar to anybody who’s heard of sub prime lending, the undead are feeling unfairly represented and the ghouls are feeling mis classified. Meanwhile a killer is on a mission for his own form of justice. Into this maelstrom steps (or rather, is dragged) Petula, a highly skilled necromancer. Petula has doubts about her future but none whatsoever about her skill set.
I enjoyed the story, although there were points when the plot did seem a bit convoluted. Like all good fantasy books it has much to say that is relevant to our world, and the city of Necropolis has enough detail that you can easily sense more books in the series.
I’d like to thank Booktasters and the author for allowing be to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2020
*3,5*
It took me a minute to get into this book. But as soon as I did I manage to really appreciate it! It was funny, the world was beautifully well crafted, incredibly morbid and so well thought through. The characters are amazing - I may not care for everyone and wish for a second death to a couple, but what matters is that Petula is my spirit animal and I love her -. The writing was fun and actually got me laughing out loud in a few precious moments, and the footnotes were just amazing, one of the best things, I loved them!
Ok. Considering all that, one might ask: "Why 3,5 stars and not 5 or 4?"
Well, this book is not my new bible or anything so, it would be a solid 4 star for me. But there was one aspect of this book that annoyed me more than it should, but it'll most likely not be noticed by almost anyone else. Is just that, you see, I'm an accounting student. Therefore, i know the abc of economics. And so, i found that the whole economy problem - which is a big theme in this book - wasn't really well constructed. (Plus, being only a student I had to seek validation to appease my states of confusion what led to a less continuous read, once i had to do a bit of researching and consulting with some colleagues).
WARNING - The following section may bore you to death. If you just don't care for the economy, just jump to after the "END OF RAMBLING ABOUT ECONOMICS". Thank you.
The thing is that you are told multiple time throughout this book of how bad the economy is, rather then shown how bad it is. It takes a long time for someone to explain what is the problem here, and i don't think it was that clearly explained neither. At some points, characters would say of how they have been in this crisis for years, without saying what exactly was said crises. And then someone else would say that it would take one bubble bursting to everything go to hell. Although the economy of the period before a bubble bursting does not seem to be going bad, usually there is great surprise because everyone just thinks everything is fine. What contradicts the whole "the economy has been bad for years" discourse that a lot of the characters take. (And also, I'll say that there was a type of debt bubble, but it wasn't really the main problem. The crises wouldn't be classified as a Speculative Bubble, and mentioning this bubble wasn't that necessary and made everything more confusing).
I feel like - in mine not so profound knowledge of economics - what should have gone a little more in consideration, is that a big part of the economy is who knows what, and what people believe in. Such aspect was overlooked, especially in the end of this book. And not being able to tell what information was known to all, and what information were known only to this specific group of people, was really a downside of this book for me. You know. The accountant.
I wont go over all the key points that made, in my opinion, the economic situation a bit of a mess - in the sense of, What type of crises, and in what stage of it are we dealing with here? - Mainly because it would make this review way too long and only an accountant or economist would understand and see if they agree or not. But i'll leave this one observation of this thing that I feel like it was overlooked. It does contain spoilers for the end of the book though.
END OF RAMBLING ABOUT ECONOMICS
Regardless of all that. A "Penny for your soul" was an interest book. Even though my entertainment level was diminish by my frustration as an accountant - And that I refuse to believe that Morgan's father had every single loan he’d given paid in full - I do have to recognize that it was really good! I Loved the whole necromantic/dead vibe to it. The world building was smartly done and i'm forever impress with it. I'd love to read another book based on Necropolis, maybe with more vampires and other beings. (What just goes to show how enjoyable reading about this world is!). So I'll say that, if you are not an economist, and have a thing for the fantastical, the magical, and the slightly dead. Chances are that you'll like this book!
It took me a minute to get into this book. But as soon as I did I manage to really appreciate it! It was funny, the world was beautifully well crafted, incredibly morbid and so well thought through. The characters are amazing - I may not care for everyone and wish for a second death to a couple, but what matters is that Petula is my spirit animal and I love her -. The writing was fun and actually got me laughing out loud in a few precious moments, and the footnotes were just amazing, one of the best things, I loved them!
Ok. Considering all that, one might ask: "Why 3,5 stars and not 5 or 4?"
Well, this book is not my new bible or anything so, it would be a solid 4 star for me. But there was one aspect of this book that annoyed me more than it should, but it'll most likely not be noticed by almost anyone else. Is just that, you see, I'm an accounting student. Therefore, i know the abc of economics. And so, i found that the whole economy problem - which is a big theme in this book - wasn't really well constructed. (Plus, being only a student I had to seek validation to appease my states of confusion what led to a less continuous read, once i had to do a bit of researching and consulting with some colleagues).
WARNING - The following section may bore you to death. If you just don't care for the economy, just jump to after the "END OF RAMBLING ABOUT ECONOMICS". Thank you.
The thing is that you are told multiple time throughout this book of how bad the economy is, rather then shown how bad it is. It takes a long time for someone to explain what is the problem here, and i don't think it was that clearly explained neither. At some points, characters would say of how they have been in this crisis for years, without saying what exactly was said crises. And then someone else would say that it would take one bubble bursting to everything go to hell. Although the economy of the period before a bubble bursting does not seem to be going bad, usually there is great surprise because everyone just thinks everything is fine. What contradicts the whole "the economy has been bad for years" discourse that a lot of the characters take. (And also, I'll say that there was a type of debt bubble, but it wasn't really the main problem. The crises wouldn't be classified as a Speculative Bubble, and mentioning this bubble wasn't that necessary and made everything more confusing).
I feel like - in mine not so profound knowledge of economics - what should have gone a little more in consideration, is that a big part of the economy is who knows what, and what people believe in. Such aspect was overlooked, especially in the end of this book. And not being able to tell what information was known to all, and what information were known only to this specific group of people, was really a downside of this book for me. You know. The accountant.
I wont go over all the key points that made, in my opinion, the economic situation a bit of a mess - in the sense of, What type of crises, and in what stage of it are we dealing with here? - Mainly because it would make this review way too long and only an accountant or economist would understand and see if they agree or not. But i'll leave this one observation of this thing that I feel like it was overlooked. It does contain spoilers for the end of the book though.
END OF RAMBLING ABOUT ECONOMICS
Regardless of all that. A "Penny for your soul" was an interest book. Even though my entertainment level was diminish by my frustration as an accountant - And that I refuse to believe that Morgan's father had every single loan he’d given paid in full - I do have to recognize that it was really good! I Loved the whole necromantic/dead vibe to it. The world building was smartly done and i'm forever impress with it. I'd love to read another book based on Necropolis, maybe with more vampires and other beings. (What just goes to show how enjoyable reading about this world is!). So I'll say that, if you are not an economist, and have a thing for the fantastical, the magical, and the slightly dead. Chances are that you'll like this book!
April 15, 2020
This book is a pretty good read. I liked how the story takes different twists and turns. It also teaches you about politics and stuff in a satirical kind of way. The pages just flew by as they say.
March 12, 2020
Penny for Your Soul is a sequel to the first book of the author, Worth of Luck: Glorious Mishaps Books, nevertheles the story itself takes place in different city with a complete different characters.
If Leporidae Lops rules by luck and the belief of gods then Necropolis has nothing of it, except some people who believe in Kraken that exists and controls the Necropolis. In this city human being live side by side with supernatural being; the undeads-they who are awaken from death-, ghouls, ghosts, necromancers, vampires, and even werewolves. Rather than luck and gods, the people-especially Necromancer-are more influenced by death energy, the spirits.
Just like any city in real life, the author bring economy problem into the story as one of the issue, and the other is about racism. Since diversity doesn't always equal to harmony.
Petula Upwood, the necromancer who loves book, well love maybe an understatement when you find that the girl can read-or almost-anywhere and under any situation which is amusing.
Ira Worthwire, the undead, the biggest and influential banker in Necropolis. He is an alluring-undead-man if not for his lust for wealth and money.
Minta Stopford, the mayor of Necropolis. Another necromancer who long for old day with her spear in her hold. All she want is a peaceful day but the city just has none if it right now. So together with his reliable yet manipulative assistant, Dow, they have to face the chaos.
There are also Cruxh and Morris, another fave charaters of mine. Despite being associated with bad things, they also have a good side.
There are more interesting characters which make the story more lively. Each character has their own problem and goal that by the day will lead them together into a bigger problem.
Personally I am intrigued by Petula Upwood, she is so eccentric and also an outstanding necromancer. It always interest me of what kind of decision and action she will take to face the problem which mostly and involuntarily being pushed to her. There is also this one part that made me gasping and shrieking at how cool she is.
The only drawback in this story, in my opinion, is the fighting scene in the climax part. Well with three necromancer meet in one place I was hoping for something more haha.
Still and all, the unique characters make up for the lack of fighting scene. And I really really enjoy my reading. A totally recommended read!
Also, can't wait to know what will hapenned to Petula and the rest of Necropolis people after the last event. So looking forward to the next book 😊
If Leporidae Lops rules by luck and the belief of gods then Necropolis has nothing of it, except some people who believe in Kraken that exists and controls the Necropolis. In this city human being live side by side with supernatural being; the undeads-they who are awaken from death-, ghouls, ghosts, necromancers, vampires, and even werewolves. Rather than luck and gods, the people-especially Necromancer-are more influenced by death energy, the spirits.
Just like any city in real life, the author bring economy problem into the story as one of the issue, and the other is about racism. Since diversity doesn't always equal to harmony.
Petula Upwood, the necromancer who loves book, well love maybe an understatement when you find that the girl can read-or almost-anywhere and under any situation which is amusing.
Ira Worthwire, the undead, the biggest and influential banker in Necropolis. He is an alluring-undead-man if not for his lust for wealth and money.
Minta Stopford, the mayor of Necropolis. Another necromancer who long for old day with her spear in her hold. All she want is a peaceful day but the city just has none if it right now. So together with his reliable yet manipulative assistant, Dow, they have to face the chaos.
There are also Cruxh and Morris, another fave charaters of mine. Despite being associated with bad things, they also have a good side.
There are more interesting characters which make the story more lively. Each character has their own problem and goal that by the day will lead them together into a bigger problem.
Personally I am intrigued by Petula Upwood, she is so eccentric and also an outstanding necromancer. It always interest me of what kind of decision and action she will take to face the problem which mostly and involuntarily being pushed to her. There is also this one part that made me gasping and shrieking at how cool she is.
The only drawback in this story, in my opinion, is the fighting scene in the climax part. Well with three necromancer meet in one place I was hoping for something more haha.
Still and all, the unique characters make up for the lack of fighting scene. And I really really enjoy my reading. A totally recommended read!
Also, can't wait to know what will hapenned to Petula and the rest of Necropolis people after the last event. So looking forward to the next book 😊
July 3, 2020
I am a bit confused at first because there are too many characters have been introduced. I love the idea of the book (gothic surrounding, fantasy, dead and undead, the bankers run the world, politics problem and adventure), so I keep reading. I feel engaged with one characters and that is Petula. I can feel her struggle with her choices and decision. She has just decided to quit her job as a necromancer. She wants to go home and stay with her family. Then Morris, Wilbur, and Ignatius ask her to help. She takes this as a last job but still not sure what she really wants to do with her life. I think this point is interesting and I'm dying to know what she is going to do. I love her personality. She is strong and professional in her work.
The world that the author created is neatly planed. There are little details along the way explaining the world and life in the city.
Pace of the story is quick but it's not out of place. The author can put everything together. Believe me you're going to enjoy this, just open the book and you can enter to the other universe.
The world that the author created is neatly planed. There are little details along the way explaining the world and life in the city.
Pace of the story is quick but it's not out of place. The author can put everything together. Believe me you're going to enjoy this, just open the book and you can enter to the other universe.
March 23, 2020
Power, money and greed make the livings are scarier than dead. No one sees the afterlife no one knows we carry our desires in that world too. "Penny for Your Soul: Glorious Mishaps Series" is the story of humanity hanging between living and dead world. It's a political dark humour satire with all the needed fantasies like ghouls, undead, necromancer, werewolf- wrestler, politics, power, money and greed. When chapters of a novel are based on characters, the detail description of characters has become the soul of the book and Ashcomb did the fantastic work in detailing of characters and locations. The language of the book is easy, and well-penned humour that makes the dull subject like economics makes funny and easy to read.
Read
May 5, 2020I’m tired of sad and depressing themes, but want something that’s not a romcom in book form. Are there any happy novels that are also literary?
I had been thinking this way for a longgg longgg time & this novel came to me as the answer of my question...I loved the way this book was written. The plot was fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat! It had an unexpected ending and the main character really pleased me me. I loved how she stood her ground and stayed with her own virtues throughout the entire torment which made the ending all more unexpected. It had a good balance of funny and serious moments.
I had been thinking this way for a longgg longgg time & this novel came to me as the answer of my question...I loved the way this book was written. The plot was fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat! It had an unexpected ending and the main character really pleased me me. I loved how she stood her ground and stayed with her own virtues throughout the entire torment which made the ending all more unexpected. It had a good balance of funny and serious moments.
April 7, 2020
A good setup of an alternate world where the dead and undead. While I thought it was interesting in parts to combine normal life things like finances, politics and contract law, the luster wasn’t strong enough to stay entertaining throughout. The main Necromancer turns out to be way more than she seemed in the beginning to other characters and she is badass with her skills near the end of story on full display. She had the makings of a concrete character and I would like to read more of her history and the mischief she gets into and causes.
February 2, 2020
It is a slow start to the book. But once you are into it, it is a very enjoyable book. It is very detailed and allows you to really visualize everything you are reading. There are also little side notes in some parts to give you more information about a person, place, or item. I recommend this book as a good read. Sit back and enjoy it.
February 22, 2020
At first, after reading the 1st chapter, i stopped reading for sometime. Since i didnt read the synopsis and i really didnt expect the book has this kind of genre. I usually read before sleeptime and being a coward, i cannot keep on reading.
But fortunately i keep reading it after some time, during the day, and it is totally not like how i expected the story would be by only reading the 1st chapter.
I am so glad i keep on reading and it is an awesome book, totally imaginative and lots of great quotes and social message to carry on.
Thank you for such a good book.
But fortunately i keep reading it after some time, during the day, and it is totally not like how i expected the story would be by only reading the 1st chapter.
I am so glad i keep on reading and it is an awesome book, totally imaginative and lots of great quotes and social message to carry on.
Thank you for such a good book.
June 1, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.It's a book you don't wanna put down,yet don't want to finish.Every page has manifold intricate little details that you just cannot miss.I fell inlove with Petula's unassuming,strong-willed personality.The way she does everything is never complicated.Another wonderful character: Mr Dow.The glorious Secretary of the Mayor,but is he really?
Great work Ms Ashcomb.
Great work Ms Ashcomb.
January 22, 2020
I'm not going to lie getting into the book was tough, but boy am I glad that I stuck to reading it. I want a sequel or prequel or even in the same universe to learn more about these characters and their lives.
February 16, 2020
This was such a creative and fun novel. I felt like there were too many characters and too many time jumps at the beginning, but Ashcomb did a great job of bringing it all back together. The footnotes were witty but cumbersome...I wish they were just dropped into the body but they ultimately added to the story. I am excited to read more from Ashcomb in the future! Thank you to Booktasters for the opportunity to read this book!
March 16, 2020
Riveting! And captivating from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed exploring this new world created by Ashcomb and had a hard time putting the book down. There was a lot I didn’t expect but I was pleasantly surprised all the same - I would highly recommend!
June 27, 2020
It was an amazing reading. I was able to experience a world with undead and other mythical creatures, which is something I have a penchant for. All in all, the book, Penny For Your Soul, is worth a read. It is funny, witty, and captivating. Thank you, K. A. Ashcomb.
May 19, 2020
Good debut, and I'll probably read the next. I'm curious to see how Petula grows as a character.
April 6, 2020
I loved the way this book was written! The plot was fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat!
March 28, 2021
Three stars only because I don't know enough about the genre. I liked the book and read it almost straight through. The prose is good and I was invested in the characters. It appears to be a very genre driven work which i exactly why I read it.
Good read.
Good read.
March 12, 2020
Imagine living in a world where you're not just metaphorically dead inside but literally a living dead. How much do you value your life? To what lengths will you go to stay alive? Would you be willing to rise from the dead just to keep living?
From the author of "Worth of Luck" comes another philosophical satire to keep your brains rolling with laughter and profound thoughts on a metaphysical reality that is different yet strikingly similar to our own. Most of us are guilty of turning to fiction as a means of escaping our ever so disappointing reality but I think many would find this book interesting because of how it brings a satirical dimension to the political and economic reality we have today.
My favorite character in this book was probably Petula, not because I'd want to be a necromancer too (well I guess a bit, I mean who wouldn't want an army of zombies at her beck and call?) but more because her personality and outlook were very much a reflection of my own. In a world that puts a price tag on every little thing, it's easy to get lost in a system that capitalizes on both your misfortune and well-being. But Petula never lost herself. Sure, she struggled with her direction but her innate values kept her rooted to who she was and eventually steered her in the direction that wasn't what she wanted nor expected but very much worked for her.
From the author of "Worth of Luck" comes another philosophical satire to keep your brains rolling with laughter and profound thoughts on a metaphysical reality that is different yet strikingly similar to our own. Most of us are guilty of turning to fiction as a means of escaping our ever so disappointing reality but I think many would find this book interesting because of how it brings a satirical dimension to the political and economic reality we have today.
My favorite character in this book was probably Petula, not because I'd want to be a necromancer too (well I guess a bit, I mean who wouldn't want an army of zombies at her beck and call?) but more because her personality and outlook were very much a reflection of my own. In a world that puts a price tag on every little thing, it's easy to get lost in a system that capitalizes on both your misfortune and well-being. But Petula never lost herself. Sure, she struggled with her direction but her innate values kept her rooted to who she was and eventually steered her in the direction that wasn't what she wanted nor expected but very much worked for her.
August 3, 2022
Really good book with an interesting city, ruled by necromancers and inhibited by ghouls, undead, vampires and werewolves.
December 4, 2022
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It uses a supernatural setting to touch on issues within our own society in a charming way. The world that this book built was quirky and humorous, and one that I would be more than happy revisit in future installments of this series.
The only reason this book is at 3 and not 4 stars is that I felt as though some of the POVs dragged a bit (I was able to skim over several and still not miss a beat in the plot). The only POV I couldn’t bring myself to skim was Petula’s. There was something about the way Petula just didn’t care about what other people thought that made reading her arc particularly enjoyable.
The only reason this book is at 3 and not 4 stars is that I felt as though some of the POVs dragged a bit (I was able to skim over several and still not miss a beat in the plot). The only POV I couldn’t bring myself to skim was Petula’s. There was something about the way Petula just didn’t care about what other people thought that made reading her arc particularly enjoyable.
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