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Oddjobs #3
You Only Live Once
The earth has been invaded by terrors from another dimension and the government is doing its best to pretend nothing is happening.
But you can’t keep an alien invasion hidden forever.
Rod Campbell — former SAS soldier and now the first line of defence against the Venislarn horde — has been instructed to work with a Hollywood film company on a movie that will introduce the Venislarn to the viewing public. But he’s already got enough on his hands.
Gods are demanding human sacrifices, renegade Venislarn are seeking asylum on earth and there’s a magical teapot that says the city is facing imminent destruction. It’s going to be a tough week and Rod might not live to see the end of it.
But you can’t keep an alien invasion hidden forever.
Rod Campbell — former SAS soldier and now the first line of defence against the Venislarn horde — has been instructed to work with a Hollywood film company on a movie that will introduce the Venislarn to the viewing public. But he’s already got enough on his hands.
Gods are demanding human sacrifices, renegade Venislarn are seeking asylum on earth and there’s a magical teapot that says the city is facing imminent destruction. It’s going to be a tough week and Rod might not live to see the end of it.
482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2020
168 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 21, 2020
This is the third book in a series that is so unique that I really think you have to start from the beginning. Set in a world where the Old Gods are real and these aren't the hot Norse and Greek and Roman ones but the unspeakable horrors of Lovecraft. A small group of humans know what's what and work to smooth the way for the gods to be accepted. The terrifying gods are always a hair's breath away from ending the world as we know it.
This episode incorporates a bit of temporal shifting revealing secrets from the Regency era and its greatest minds. As well as a Hollywood film shoot - think Bright with fish men in place of Orcs. Or Alien Nation with fish boys in place of cantelope heads or Turner and Hooch with fish boys instead of a giant dog.
The story flips quickly from one situation to another which meant it required a lot of my concentration. Of course right now every seems to require a lot of my concentration so maybe it's me?
It is fun, there is already a fourth book in the works and if you like snarky comments, sarcasm and craziness it's a goo time.
This episode incorporates a bit of temporal shifting revealing secrets from the Regency era and its greatest minds. As well as a Hollywood film shoot - think Bright with fish men in place of Orcs. Or Alien Nation with fish boys in place of cantelope heads or Turner and Hooch with fish boys instead of a giant dog.
The story flips quickly from one situation to another which meant it required a lot of my concentration. Of course right now every seems to require a lot of my concentration so maybe it's me?
It is fun, there is already a fourth book in the works and if you like snarky comments, sarcasm and craziness it's a goo time.
January 10, 2021
Just the kind of escapism I need right now.
Like a perfectly brewed cuppa, I'm not sure how well the British humour would go down with non-Brits, but it's my cup of tea (pun intended).
I also think there's a great opportunity for a real-life Venislarn walking tour of Birmingham (authors please take note), as the city progressively overruns with tentacular god-beings and sensible-to-whackjob humans in book 3.
Like a perfectly brewed cuppa, I'm not sure how well the British humour would go down with non-Brits, but it's my cup of tea (pun intended).
I also think there's a great opportunity for a real-life Venislarn walking tour of Birmingham (authors please take note), as the city progressively overruns with tentacular god-beings and sensible-to-whackjob humans in book 3.
February 12, 2020
There's simply no series on the market at the moment that is as much fun as Oddjobs. Filled with memorable and believable characters and an insane mythos that yet never seems ridiculous. I re-read books 1 & 2 in preparation for 3 and enjoyed them as much the second time around and am anticipating book 4 due out soon. I often smile at comedy in a book but certain passages in Oddjobs have me laughing out loud but the humour is effective because it's never forced. Controlling five separate sub-plots cannot be easy but the writers manage them without ever confusing the reader.
Reading has been called 'the most fun you can have on your own'. Well Oddjobs is certainly the most fun I've had reading.
Reading has been called 'the most fun you can have on your own'. Well Oddjobs is certainly the most fun I've had reading.
June 19, 2024
Book 3 in the Odd Jobs series. More fun and antics from the Consular Mission to the Venislarn. This book won't make much sense if you haven't read the previous two books, don't get me wrong, it'll still be fun and entertaining - but you won't know what has happened up to this point; the relationships that have been formed; the people who have died; changed; been impregnated by demon seeds... So so much!
In this story the Venislarn want human sacrifices, meanwhile it emerges that there's a secret organisation that have been working for years to rid the world of the Venislarn. Morag is pregnant with the future world killer and one of evil spider/maids of prein has been assigned to be a nanny. Rod and Kathy's relationship moves forward 20 steps and then backwards 40. There's a film being recorded in Birmingham which is depicting some of things that the Consular mission see on a daily basis and Rod has been assigned to it and makes friends with the sfx lady who enjoys hiding penises around the set. Nina discovers that Vivian Grey might be in Hell, like really in Hell - but that doesn't mean she's dead.
I enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones. It's all sorts of frantic chaos and bonkers. 4/5.
In this story the Venislarn want human sacrifices, meanwhile it emerges that there's a secret organisation that have been working for years to rid the world of the Venislarn. Morag is pregnant with the future world killer and one of evil spider/maids of prein has been assigned to be a nanny. Rod and Kathy's relationship moves forward 20 steps and then backwards 40. There's a film being recorded in Birmingham which is depicting some of things that the Consular mission see on a daily basis and Rod has been assigned to it and makes friends with the sfx lady who enjoys hiding penises around the set. Nina discovers that Vivian Grey might be in Hell, like really in Hell - but that doesn't mean she's dead.
I enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones. It's all sorts of frantic chaos and bonkers. 4/5.
August 14, 2022
Third book in the series is just as enjoyable as the first two. Hilarious subplots include a Hollywood film crew, a secret society that wants to eliminate the Venislarn rather than just wait for the apocalypse, a precocious fetus that will herald said apocalypse, Steve the Destroyer, and a house with a mysterious past.
February 16, 2022
PREGONAT!
where vivian???
where vivian???
January 24, 2020
And they knock it out of pigeon park yet again
I absolutely adore reading anything and everything that the guys at Pigeon Park press put out. I think I may have actually asked for the shopping lists at one time or another.
This is yet another example of true British humour at it's best, with all the subtlety of a passenger jet taking off in your back garden at 6am every morning.
The characters make us gasp, cry and even laugh out loud (fellow commuters were a bit stunned, it was a very very loud laugh, the kind were tea spurts from the nose). And anyone who can make Birmingham sound cool and dangerous deserves a medal.
So stop reading this drivel go to book one (really you need to be told to start a series at the beginning) and click buy. Also look out for my man crush Clovenhoof also by these geniuses.
I absolutely adore reading anything and everything that the guys at Pigeon Park press put out. I think I may have actually asked for the shopping lists at one time or another.
This is yet another example of true British humour at it's best, with all the subtlety of a passenger jet taking off in your back garden at 6am every morning.
The characters make us gasp, cry and even laugh out loud (fellow commuters were a bit stunned, it was a very very loud laugh, the kind were tea spurts from the nose). And anyone who can make Birmingham sound cool and dangerous deserves a medal.
So stop reading this drivel go to book one (really you need to be told to start a series at the beginning) and click buy. Also look out for my man crush Clovenhoof also by these geniuses.
July 17, 2021
I have such a strange relationship with this series. I love it but I struggle to actually read it. Possibly because the books always feel so long? Also because while I continue to adore Rod and Nina (and for once I was pleasantly surprised by a random side-character: Mrs Fiddler) I just don't have it in me to deal with Morag and her anti-christ baby. She just continues to make the stupidest of decisions to the point you almost expect her to be the blonde in a 90's slasher fic.
The humour and the world continue to be a selling point and some of the characters are worth sticking around for but I think by this point I'm starting to need things to be wrapped up and not drawn out. And by that I mean can we wrap this up in a tidy 250 page action packed volume rather than the two 400+ volumes I assume it's going to take?
The humour and the world continue to be a selling point and some of the characters are worth sticking around for but I think by this point I'm starting to need things to be wrapped up and not drawn out. And by that I mean can we wrap this up in a tidy 250 page action packed volume rather than the two 400+ volumes I assume it's going to take?
February 3, 2020
Absolutely brilliant! I have enjoyed this novel series from the start and the first two books are excellent. But now, in part three, it goes up a gear, or two!
I don't really like comparing authors but IF you can imagine some sort of Lovecraftian/Pratchettesque mixture then you will love this series.
I should perhaps add that if you've only come across the authors before from their Clovenhoof books (and you should read those as well!) the Oddjobs ones are a lot darker. Oh you will still get quite a few laughs I promise you but in addition this third volume has one scene which is quite chilling.
Let's see if you can guess which one it is shall we?
I don't really like comparing authors but IF you can imagine some sort of Lovecraftian/Pratchettesque mixture then you will love this series.
I should perhaps add that if you've only come across the authors before from their Clovenhoof books (and you should read those as well!) the Oddjobs ones are a lot darker. Oh you will still get quite a few laughs I promise you but in addition this third volume has one scene which is quite chilling.
Let's see if you can guess which one it is shall we?
February 13, 2020
Having not read Oddjobs 2 for however long it has been, I started this assuming I would just remember everything from that. I didn't.
It took me a while to recall / reread the backstories of Nina, Morag, Rod, Kathy, Steve the Destroyer et al.
But, with all the twists and turns, none of which I saw coming, my lack of memory caused no issues at all. I enjoyed it much more than many books I've read recently, so much so that I was rushing to finish the last chapter on my train in this morning when I suddenly got to the cliffhanger.....
Excellent stuff once again.
It took me a while to recall / reread the backstories of Nina, Morag, Rod, Kathy, Steve the Destroyer et al.
But, with all the twists and turns, none of which I saw coming, my lack of memory caused no issues at all. I enjoyed it much more than many books I've read recently, so much so that I was rushing to finish the last chapter on my train in this morning when I suddenly got to the cliffhanger.....
Excellent stuff once again.
April 2, 2021
Read them all!!!
I have read all 5 books in the series and did so one after the other and in a fairly short amount of time. I love love love these books. If you like the Harry Potter series, or the Game of Thrones series, or the men in Black movies, or if you just like bits and pieces of all those things Odd Jobs has all that and more. Magic, myth, religion, "alien beings", fantasy, goth, gore, history, and great characters with wit, comedy and depth. I really hope this series is being adapted to screen soon!
I have read all 5 books in the series and did so one after the other and in a fairly short amount of time. I love love love these books. If you like the Harry Potter series, or the Game of Thrones series, or the men in Black movies, or if you just like bits and pieces of all those things Odd Jobs has all that and more. Magic, myth, religion, "alien beings", fantasy, goth, gore, history, and great characters with wit, comedy and depth. I really hope this series is being adapted to screen soon!
April 19, 2022
Heide and Iain never fail to produce the goods. This episode sees the Rob "helping" with a film about the Venislarn, while Morag deals with a surprise pregnancy and Nina investigates and ancient society with the aid of a time window. There is the usual excellent set-pieces, including the world's most awkward sex scene, a helicopter escape and finding new tunnels to be chased in. I am an avid fan of the Oddjobs series. You don't have to have read the first two, but it'll help. The fourth and fifth are on my TBR.
April 26, 2020
Another brilliant book!
Oh my flipping heavens, the minds on these people! These books are addictive! Don't start one of them if you have anything else you want to do; I was muttering to myself, "Just a few more minutes..." and well, now it's umm, let's just say, MUCH later. But I finished the book and it was amazing! Small catch; there's another! So I waste no more time on you, gobbet! See you on the other side ( of the next book)!
Oh my flipping heavens, the minds on these people! These books are addictive! Don't start one of them if you have anything else you want to do; I was muttering to myself, "Just a few more minutes..." and well, now it's umm, let's just say, MUCH later. But I finished the book and it was amazing! Small catch; there's another! So I waste no more time on you, gobbet! See you on the other side ( of the next book)!
October 28, 2020
Another witty, inventive installment on the chaotic journey to the end of the world. Nina and the crew do their best to protect humankind in this latest tale of mayhem. Full of thrills and spills and characters with names like Steve the Destroyer, I found it hard to put down. But not to fear - the next book is already out. Who knew that Birmingham, the British city where I got my first job, could be so interesting?!
November 26, 2020
I liked Oddjobs1 even though the end was somewhat predictable. Number 2 was still OK but I found myself struggling with this book. The book is no longer funny as far as I am concerned, the plot farfetched (even for a SciFi/Fantasy book). I will probably give numbers 4 and 5 a go, but only once the latter is out. Counting down the pages to the end and with characters that are getting annoying rather than fun , I cannot face it right now.
March 7, 2020
Sharp and quick witted
Heide and Iain have quickly become two of my favorite authors. Sharp quick witted humor. Humor based in reality. The characters are likeable and relatable. All of their stories read quickly and keep you looking for the next new release. Keep them coming. I need more!
Heide and Iain have quickly become two of my favorite authors. Sharp quick witted humor. Humor based in reality. The characters are likeable and relatable. All of their stories read quickly and keep you looking for the next new release. Keep them coming. I need more!
March 29, 2020
The only reason I give this one a 4 out of 5 is because it didn't seem to quite keep me as sucked as the previous two. But I loved seeing what our friends at the consular mission are up too. It is always fun to read about Rob and his gadgets. There were also a lot of editorial errors that were mildly distracting. I really enjoy the series immensely. Onto book 4!
June 30, 2020
Cosmic Horror Goodness
I'm very biased when it comes to the Oddjobs series. The writing just speaks to me. Despite all of the insane situations it's a believable world Heide and Iain have created.
I recommend their work to anyone who is interested in lovecraftian monster whilst utterly disgruntled by their current job.
I'm very biased when it comes to the Oddjobs series. The writing just speaks to me. Despite all of the insane situations it's a believable world Heide and Iain have created.
I recommend their work to anyone who is interested in lovecraftian monster whilst utterly disgruntled by their current job.
September 14, 2023
Hugely addictive
I neither had the intention nor the expectation, but less than a week after being introduced to this series I’m hooked. Entertaining, amusing, and generally just a roller coaster of a good time, these books get my highest of recommendations. Starting book 4…now.
I neither had the intention nor the expectation, but less than a week after being introduced to this series I’m hooked. Entertaining, amusing, and generally just a roller coaster of a good time, these books get my highest of recommendations. Starting book 4…now.
March 28, 2020
Fabulously Funny Romp
Thank you Heide and Iain, yet another entertaining story. I’m looking forward to reading number four. The only downside to this series is I can see an end coming :-(
Thank you Heide and Iain, yet another entertaining story. I’m looking forward to reading number four. The only downside to this series is I can see an end coming :-(
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June 17, 2020More fun in Birmingham
Another fun romp chasing monsters through Birmingham. Well defined characters, along with a few new sidekicks, thrown in to help the Consular Mission keep the Venislarn in check.
Another fun romp chasing monsters through Birmingham. Well defined characters, along with a few new sidekicks, thrown in to help the Consular Mission keep the Venislarn in check.
September 9, 2020
Please keep up the good work.
I have loved this series of books from the start and they just keep getting better and better. I have skipped ahead in my reading list to start book 4.
I have loved this series of books from the start and they just keep getting better and better. I have skipped ahead in my reading list to start book 4.
March 24, 2021
Quality continues
Third book in the series and still a cracking read. Actually perhaps better than the previous two books as the world is now thoroughly set up so the authors can just get on with telling the story.
Third book in the series and still a cracking read. Actually perhaps better than the previous two books as the world is now thoroughly set up so the authors can just get on with telling the story.
July 1, 2022
There's so much going on in this book that it's hard to recap without spoilers. Fun characters introduced whom I hope to see more of. The overall story arc continues to grow at a rapid pace and, holy cow, what a cliffhanger!
March 21, 2023
Only part of a book
There's an unspoken agreement that each book in a series can be read in isolation and still be a satisfying, complete story. G & G don't seem to have signed up to it. This, at best, is half a story.
Still, I like their characters.
There's an unspoken agreement that each book in a series can be read in isolation and still be a satisfying, complete story. G & G don't seem to have signed up to it. This, at best, is half a story.
Still, I like their characters.
November 10, 2025
There was nothing wrong exactly with this book, but the story is becoming a little forgettable. All three books that I've read so far in the series are blurring into one.
I may continue with the series as I've read three novels of it, but I'm not sure. 6/10
I may continue with the series as I've read three novels of it, but I'm not sure. 6/10
January 31, 2020
YOLO
Love the characters and the premise. The authors work to keep the dialogue fresh and snappy. I will probably get the audiobook, too.
Love the characters and the premise. The authors work to keep the dialogue fresh and snappy. I will probably get the audiobook, too.
February 12, 2020
This is their best yet!
I can’t speak to their other collaborations but this one is wonderful, and the series seems only to be getting better.
I can’t speak to their other collaborations but this one is wonderful, and the series seems only to be getting better.
March 1, 2020
Much slower start than the first two, but the ending was good. I will probably read the 4th installment at some point.
March 8, 2020
Another brilliant book in the Oddjobs series - made me laugh out loud several times. These really are fantastic books and everyone should read them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews