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Fred, the Vampire Accountant #8
Posthumous Education
Much like accountants, fey never forget a debt.
Just as Fred is settling down in his new abode, he receives word that a favor is being called in, one he promised to a dangerously powerful member of otherworldly royalty. Bracing danger, adventure, and unknown threats, Fred is instead asked to take on an entirely different role than anticipated.
Acting as interim professor at one of the few universities for supernatural entities, Fred will have to navigate a strange environment, eccentric co-workers, and unenthusiastic students. Yet that alone won’t be enough, for this college has more history than the tales in its tomes.
Remnants of the past that could put Fred, and his students, in mortal peril.
Just as Fred is settling down in his new abode, he receives word that a favor is being called in, one he promised to a dangerously powerful member of otherworldly royalty. Bracing danger, adventure, and unknown threats, Fred is instead asked to take on an entirely different role than anticipated.
Acting as interim professor at one of the few universities for supernatural entities, Fred will have to navigate a strange environment, eccentric co-workers, and unenthusiastic students. Yet that alone won’t be enough, for this college has more history than the tales in its tomes.
Remnants of the past that could put Fred, and his students, in mortal peril.
324 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 6, 2022
211 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
January 16, 2023
3.5 I’m ready for Quinn to be gone already
December 7, 2022
Vampire teaches muggle studies at college
Another great entry in the series. Our intrepid hero must pay back his favor to the Winter Fae by becoming a college professor for a semester. We get a fun opportunity to see how the greater parahuman world sees Fred and his clan of misfits. The pacing was excellent and, unlike previous entries in the series, felt like a single narrative rather than a series of loosely connected short stories. While fairly short, I felt this book's purpose was to set up a lot of world building that will pay off in future entries. I appreciated that Fred and Krystal got to spend some time together. She's such a heavyweight that often the narrative has to separate the two in order for Fred to be in genuine peril. We get some interesting character backstory reveals and Fred continues to grow into his position as a leader. Overall a very solid entry in an already excellent urban fantasy series. This is one of the few fantasy series I recommend to people who are not a big fan of the genre. I really appreciate a book series like this, that focuses on a fundamentally kind and empathetic man. Too often nowadays we are told the ways in which masculinity can be toxic to both men and the ones who love them. It's far more rare that a positive example of how people could act instead is provided.
Another great entry in the series. Our intrepid hero must pay back his favor to the Winter Fae by becoming a college professor for a semester. We get a fun opportunity to see how the greater parahuman world sees Fred and his clan of misfits. The pacing was excellent and, unlike previous entries in the series, felt like a single narrative rather than a series of loosely connected short stories. While fairly short, I felt this book's purpose was to set up a lot of world building that will pay off in future entries. I appreciated that Fred and Krystal got to spend some time together. She's such a heavyweight that often the narrative has to separate the two in order for Fred to be in genuine peril. We get some interesting character backstory reveals and Fred continues to grow into his position as a leader. Overall a very solid entry in an already excellent urban fantasy series. This is one of the few fantasy series I recommend to people who are not a big fan of the genre. I really appreciate a book series like this, that focuses on a fundamentally kind and empathetic man. Too often nowadays we are told the ways in which masculinity can be toxic to both men and the ones who love them. It's far more rare that a positive example of how people could act instead is provided.
February 15, 2023
Another nice fun and interesting read in this series. Mr Hayes always manages to pop in a few new twists and plot surprises in ever book. Very enjoyable read. Very recommended
May 13, 2023
I just realized, I'm often ready for a series to end around Book 5 if there doesn't seem to be any real end goal in sight, but this is Book 8, and I'm still happy to keep reading about Fred and friends. Fred is great, I love him! And I'm glad some of his friends still managed to make an appearance in this one, despite it being set away from home at a parahuman university, since I love his friends too. These are such chill books, despite the danger Fred often finds himself in, and I feel like I always know what to expect, which makes them comfortable.
And as usual, it was made all the better by Kirby Heyborne's wonderful narration that includes so many different voices and brings the entire cast of characters, especially Fred, to life in a perfect way.
Another great book!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-7 in the Fred, The Vampire Accountant series by Drew Hayes. Anyone who likes character growth, found family, characters who are quirky and good, lots of supernaturals, urban/paranormal fantasy that's slower paced and not too stressful, and a vampire who isn't your typical kind of vampire.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
And as usual, it was made all the better by Kirby Heyborne's wonderful narration that includes so many different voices and brings the entire cast of characters, especially Fred, to life in a perfect way.
Another great book!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-7 in the Fred, The Vampire Accountant series by Drew Hayes. Anyone who likes character growth, found family, characters who are quirky and good, lots of supernaturals, urban/paranormal fantasy that's slower paced and not too stressful, and a vampire who isn't your typical kind of vampire.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
January 15, 2025
I really have enjoyed this series, and with one final instalment due this year, it's been the perfect work companion for the last few months .
This story expanded the cast quite considerably, and it did allow new dynamics and prevented the need to exhaust existing characters. It definitely freshened everything up
Fred still continues to find trouble and continues to find an exit strategy whilst staying true to himself
This story expanded the cast quite considerably, and it did allow new dynamics and prevented the need to exhaust existing characters. It definitely freshened everything up
Fred still continues to find trouble and continues to find an exit strategy whilst staying true to himself
January 27, 2024
Maybe it's because I binged the whole series in preparation for this book, but this story is starting to get stale. Despite the new surroundings, this was a very familiar entry for this series.
Despite everything that has happened to this point, I'm just not seeing any growth from Fred. The events of the last book felt like they were setting a new direction for this story, making it clear that Fred lucking his way through situations had to come to an end and it was time for him to start taking the role of the head of a house more seriously.
Instead we get another story where Fred is in situations he really has no place being, and he's going to use a mix of luck and plot armour to see his way through. Worse, it served no bigger purpose as a novel than inching the overarching story forward just a touch. There really needed to have been a resolution to the particular arc this book goes on, but don't hold your breath.
Essentially what I'm saying is that the novelty of this story has long since worn off and it's time for this series to do some more meaningful storytelling.
Despite everything that has happened to this point, I'm just not seeing any growth from Fred. The events of the last book felt like they were setting a new direction for this story, making it clear that Fred lucking his way through situations had to come to an end and it was time for him to start taking the role of the head of a house more seriously.
Instead we get another story where Fred is in situations he really has no place being, and he's going to use a mix of luck and plot armour to see his way through. Worse, it served no bigger purpose as a novel than inching the overarching story forward just a touch. There really needed to have been a resolution to the particular arc this book goes on, but don't hold your breath.
Essentially what I'm saying is that the novelty of this story has long since worn off and it's time for this series to do some more meaningful storytelling.
January 31, 2023
Fred, the Vampire Accountant book 8. Spoilers ahead for the earlier ones.
As in, Hellebore called in her debt with Fred. He is to take on a job as an interim professor at a parahuman university, teaching accounting. He strongly suspects he's bait for Quinn, but then that's likely to be the payment regardless.
It involves a small class, a Summer fae/Winter fae issue, a labyrinth, a duel between necromancers, pranks going awry and their educational purpose, Amy's discussing the reputation of accounting among parahumans and why that might be so, and more. Including Quinn, who steps up his attacks in this one.
As in, Hellebore called in her debt with Fred. He is to take on a job as an interim professor at a parahuman university, teaching accounting. He strongly suspects he's bait for Quinn, but then that's likely to be the payment regardless.
It involves a small class, a Summer fae/Winter fae issue, a labyrinth, a duel between necromancers, pranks going awry and their educational purpose, Amy's discussing the reputation of accounting among parahumans and why that might be so, and more. Including Quinn, who steps up his attacks in this one.
October 13, 2023
I am obsessed with this series and all the books in it. I loved this and really, really hope there's going to be another book in the series. I loved the scholastic setting of this book and how much it expanded the universe. Because there are so many characters I'm finding some of the older characters are being left behind (looking at Bubba), but the new characters are so much fun I can't complain that much. (I am literally obsessed with Deborah.)
October 14, 2025
Came back to this series after a few years away, and honestly, it didn’t hit quite like it used to. I still love Fred, the parahuman world-building, and his found family, but the Quinn storyline has officially worn out its welcome. By book eight, the charm is fading a bit, and Fred’s constant over-explaining makes things drag. Still enjoyable in parts, just starting to feel a little stale.
December 17, 2022
So so so so good! Drew Hayes has done it again. Another fantastic Fred book.
January 24, 2023
I like the connected but episodic flow of these books. You can read for an hour and get a complete story but then come back to the broader meta-story. I imagine it makes writing them easier as well.
February 19, 2023
How does he do it? Each new book brings just as much enjoyment as the previous ones. It was just so great to see a new location and meet new characters. The adventures were fun and exciting. Such a strong series.
July 31, 2025
3.25 stars - I missed this found family of mine and love the characters. But by the 8th book, I’ve grown tired of Fred’s over-explaining and stating the obvious about every single thing. I would still gladly read more books in the series but his politeness is testing meeeeeeeee.
February 19, 2023
I always enjoy a Fred book, and this one has some good (we hope) character development. I am already looking forward to the next one!
February 2, 2023
4.5, rounded up. I loved the setting and new blood (heh, sorry, characters), but sighed a bit at
Mostly, this book was breezy and fun. The "family" is great, but it was refreshing to see Fred away from home, on a new adventure, with a new job.
Mostly, this book was breezy and fun. The "family" is great, but it was refreshing to see Fred away from home, on a new adventure, with a new job.
December 19, 2022
3.5 stars.
Frankly, not enough accounting. The main draw of the series for me is that it rejects the common F&SF view of the world as primarily a series of fights with no other solutions possible. This volume was lacking in that department.
Frankly, not enough accounting. The main draw of the series for me is that it rejects the common F&SF view of the world as primarily a series of fights with no other solutions possible. This volume was lacking in that department.
January 27, 2023
still fun but nothing like the others
I still love Fred’s adventures but this one was a little too much like being beat over the head by the obvious.
I still love Fred’s adventures but this one was a little too much like being beat over the head by the obvious.
November 18, 2024
I really hate that this is the last book in the series. I'll miss Fred & all his friends.
May 20, 2024
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
It is great to be back in the world of Fred and the gang. I so love this series, with a vampire accountant and all his wide range of supernatural friends (and enemies). In Posthumous Education, Fred is being called upon to return his favor owed to the Winter Fae Queen. It is so easy; it is almost too good to be true. Fred is to fill in as a professor at a supernatural school and teach human finances. There is a member of Fae royalty who wants to learn from the best; and Fred is the best, even if he has no teaching background.
This is a fun addition to the series. It is nice to see all of these supernatural beings in a place where they can be themselves without worrying about the eyes of humans on them. We don’t get as much time with the rest of House of Fred members, but there are many new characters and even supernatural beings that we meet in this book.
This book has the many twists and turns that I’ve come to expect with this series. With sections named An Eventful Guest Lecture and An Impromptu Field Trip, you never know what is going to happen in a Fred book. While Fred is not the most powerful supernatural creature I’ve ever read about, he is very thoughtful and usually uses his skills of pragmatism to get him and his students out of danger.
If you’ve never read this series, I highly recommend it. I do recommend starting with book one, The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant. There are a large number of characters in this series, and they are introduced in many of the books in the series. You would miss a lot of the backstories of these characters if you start in the middle of the series.
Narration:
This series is the only one I’ve listened to with narration from Kirby Heyborne. I think he nails Fred’s voice perfectly. I also enjoy his voice for the wide array of other characters. There is also a Full Cast production of this series. It started after I was already several books into the series. I’ve never tried it, because I’m such a huge fan of Hayes/Heyborne combination here. I can’t imagine taking in a Fred story any other way.
**I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
It is great to be back in the world of Fred and the gang. I so love this series, with a vampire accountant and all his wide range of supernatural friends (and enemies). In Posthumous Education, Fred is being called upon to return his favor owed to the Winter Fae Queen. It is so easy; it is almost too good to be true. Fred is to fill in as a professor at a supernatural school and teach human finances. There is a member of Fae royalty who wants to learn from the best; and Fred is the best, even if he has no teaching background.
This is a fun addition to the series. It is nice to see all of these supernatural beings in a place where they can be themselves without worrying about the eyes of humans on them. We don’t get as much time with the rest of House of Fred members, but there are many new characters and even supernatural beings that we meet in this book.
This book has the many twists and turns that I’ve come to expect with this series. With sections named An Eventful Guest Lecture and An Impromptu Field Trip, you never know what is going to happen in a Fred book. While Fred is not the most powerful supernatural creature I’ve ever read about, he is very thoughtful and usually uses his skills of pragmatism to get him and his students out of danger.
If you’ve never read this series, I highly recommend it. I do recommend starting with book one, The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant. There are a large number of characters in this series, and they are introduced in many of the books in the series. You would miss a lot of the backstories of these characters if you start in the middle of the series.
Narration:
This series is the only one I’ve listened to with narration from Kirby Heyborne. I think he nails Fred’s voice perfectly. I also enjoy his voice for the wide array of other characters. There is also a Full Cast production of this series. It started after I was already several books into the series. I’ve never tried it, because I’m such a huge fan of Hayes/Heyborne combination here. I can’t imagine taking in a Fred story any other way.
**I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2023
Weer een geweldig deel van de Fred the Vampire Accountant serie! Alleen jammer dat er nu nog niet snel een nieuwe gepland staat. Ik kijk er echt naar uit dat Quinn eindelijk eens uit het verhaal gaat verdwijnen!
January 28, 2023
My first Drew Hayes series and I love it!
January 15, 2024
These books are always like a breath of fresh air. This installment had much less of the rest of the gang as it focuses on Fred taking a temporary teaching job at a special university, but this also really let him shine on his own. I loved the students, didn’t see the plot twists coming, and can’t wait for the next book!
March 17, 2024
Highly recommend the whole Fred series, a light read with characters you'll fall in love with halfway through the first book and love through the last
May 7, 2024
Wait, what!? This isn't the last book? There's another book in the works at least, but damn, this is a big cliffhanger to be left on. Oh well. I still loved the book. Now the waiting game begins.
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January 30, 2025I love visiting the memoirs of Fred!
March 4, 2025
I feel so much for Fred right now. This does not end as happy as the rest have. This was a turn and I'm here for it
July 8, 2025
how we are 8 books in and maintaining dare I say improving in quality. I really liked this series from the jump and my love only grows with each book
December 15, 2023
A more tense affair but it fits with the overal arc of the narratives when looked at as a whole. Eagerly awaiting the next part.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews