Undeath & Taxes
D**S
Fred Returns in Fine Form
Like the previous volume, this is four sequential short novellas narated by Fred. It chronicles his life, friendships, romance, and some of his business ventures as a practicing accountant and vampire.While full of old faces, and several new ones, it is accessible to new readers.It is also just as funny, touching, and modestly heroic as the previous volume.Recomended for fans of comedy, supernatural adventure, and alternative problem solving. Proven by myself, fondness for pretentious parasites is not required, and would probably make this unpleasant to read.
T**N
Fred...he's still dead.
We’re back with Fred and the gang. He and Krystal are still going strong. We get more about Amy and Neil in this. Fred has learned a lot about himself in the first book, he learned that he has what it takes to be a hero, even if it is reluctant. That doesn’t change in this book, only he’s more willing to put himself out there than he was before. In this book, Krystal doesn’t really get him into trouble. Fred does that mostly on his own, but Albert seems to get himself into a pickle as well. But I’d say the biggest pickle comes from Gideon. And I’m pretty sure the tidbits of info that we’ve picked up might be crucial information in the next book, because surely there will be a next book!I really enjoyed this book, as much as the first one. This is a group of absolute misfits, not one of them are like their stereotypes and that is what makes this book refreshing and delightful. But this book just goes to show that heroes aren’t the obvious choice, but rather in the hard choices that someone makes. Oh and I will say that there is a reference to NPCs in this book! :D So, Fred ties to NPCs, as does Super Powereds (if only Hershel and Alex KNEW what the rules were!!!), and NPCs ties to Pears and Perils. ;) I’m loving this finding the tie-ins with the other books. Just another cool thing to read and see if I can find them all. (I doubt it.)Mr. Hayes loves taking the stereotype and pulling it on it’s side and then rolling it around and standing it on its head and giving it a few shakes before reshaping it into his own creature of his own design. I love that about his books. And his Fred books are no exception to the rule. So, would I recommend this book, oh yes! You can’t read the first one without continuing on with this one! Fred leads a very exciting life for a boring, socially awkward accountant vampire. ;)
C**
A worthy sequel to the original
I enjoyed DEATH AND TAXES as a decent sequel to the original FRED THE VAMPIRE ACCOUNTANT novel. Fred is a character who wouldn't be very interesting to read about if he wasn't a vampire (as he constantly insists) but is hilarious in his deadpan reaction to things like kidnappings, sentient Overlook-esque hotels [who are really nice], superhuman conventions, sinister tests, and evil plots overthrow the dragon king of the West.I don't think much changed characterization or plot-wise but it was a solid and dependable book. I really like Fred's relationship with Krystal even if it feels a bit sexless. They're adults, they can allude to having a bit more spice than your average Victorian-era relationship. This is a good "comfort food" fiction and worth an afternoon's read. I'm also going to be picking up the next in the series.8/10
G**R
Now that's just mean!
I loved the book. I love the world it's set in and the characters in it ( though Fred annoys me occasionally). If you liked the first book this one is even better. I only have one complaint and must say, why Drew WHY. By that I mean the minor or possibly major cliffhanger at the end, I just wanna know what happened to Fred ... But I'm not going to give anything away and if you want to know what I'm talking about read the dang book. 😆 Cheers!
N**N
Great titles, eye catching and memorable. Even better fiction following!
Outstanding, love the plot. Vampires and Dragons and Mages Oh My!First of all, I got over my Sci Fi zombie fix; in fact, I got over the entire huge stress/hopelessness of such Sci Fi stories in general. I will never, ever lose my enthusiasm for outstanding dry wit and humor at its finest in any genre.It's easy to love Drew Hayes' characters; for me, it's the tickle flowing through the entire series that I love the most. From the Dragons to the mages to the vampires and zombies and a host of other supernatural beings, the characters are easily genuine and individually quirky. They are memorable and distinctly owned by whichever fantastical creature imagined in the author's brain. He uses very off-the-wall thinking that I look for.I have to admit to cheap-stinginess. Had the author not released a $.99 book, I might have overlooked him. There are so many great authors out there and my tastes have run the gamut throughout my life. It pays to release an inexpensive first-in-series digital because if I like it I'm going to keep reading. Not just the current series but, especially in Mr. Hayes' case, I will be checking out everything he has done. Very savvy marketing technique, yes, but as the reader I truly appreciate the ease in discovering a talented author whose characters I love and want to know better.The Fred books are funny and inventive, with just enough tension to keep them from being sappy. Each succeeding work introduces characters that aren't your standard fantasy/monster variety. You may just get to guess what they are as the series continues.
H**N
Humorous vampires and other scarey things.
Second book of this series that I have read. Okay, the novelty has slightly worn off, however, I still enjoyed this book almost as much as the first. I am warming to to Fred and his gang and I am imagining that if a movie is ever made, then there is an actor who would suit the part second to none. I'm thinking Big Bang and the Leonard character.I will read the next in the series
B**B
A really good follow up !
Really good follow up to the first book. Like the first book these seem a selection of separate stories they do all fit together well with some linking and building of the characters and plot as it goes on. Although it feels a little too much of a light read (maybe I feel this way because I like the story and characters and wish it was all a little deeper a read but that's me being picky). An interesting take on the who magical world and you can see the author has a lot more to show us...can't wait for the next book.
A**A
The continuing, quietly pleasing adventures of Fred the vampire accountant.
Fred, adorably prissy, loyal and risk averse, continues to hope for a quiet life working up his accounting business (even the supernatural don't escape taxes), but supernatural mayhem will insist on intruding. Another series of quietly entertaining adventures as Fred desperately tries to simultaneously look out for his friends but sidestep the inevitable violence of paranormal conflict.
R**D
More Fred the Vampire Accountant!
More Fred the Vampire Accountant. Much like the first book, this is simply Fred being a boring Accountant (who happens to be a Vampire) simply trying to live a nice boring little life. Good thing the author doesn't let him get away with that! :)Nice light, enjoyable, reading.
P**R
Another great book by Drew!
Drew has a knack for creating believable characters and interesting story plots. I first started reading his work during his "Superpowered" series, which is a must read for anyone that likes super / meta human based books. Now I'm really enjoying the Fred books - highly recommended!
A**)
Good read
I really enjoyed this book and I'm growing to like the characters even more. It flowed nicely on from the previous book and was well written. A few typos here and there but nothing to detract from the book. I'm finding Fred to be quite endearing as a character. I do hope to see more of this work.
K**R
Reading anything by Drew Hayes is like going out with your best mates
Reading anything by Drew Hayes is like going out with your best mates, telling wild tales, and laughing till you cannot breathe! His books are approachable, well written, and in the main, incredibly funny. Fred is one of my favourite literary characters--vampire accountants? What's not to love?
S**D
Not your stereotypical accountant...
I just LOVE this series! Such dry humour, and a lovable un-hero :-) I can't resist reading sentences and phrases out to anyone within ear shot, so hopefully more will buy these books and read them!
P**H
As good as the first
Highly entertaining short stories. I would recommend for anyone who liked the first book. A good laugh and a little bit if excitement
C**D
Undeath & taxes
I think this may be even better than book 1 !! Each chapter is a story of its own but also ties in with the rest, absolutely brilliant writing , I love the characters and Fred has evolved with his new life in such an interesting way , highly recommended read !
A**S
Another great read
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns in this book and would definitely recommend it to friends.Fred is amusing and developing into quite the reluctant hero, whilst the characters around him had less input than the last book it is still a very good read.
A**N
Awesome read
Great book. Love the MC and the fact that he genuinely is happy being an accountant in the crazy world he lives in.
R**Y
Strong second book
I was a little worried that it would not be as strong as the first novel in the series; my fears were misplaced- excellent read
T**W
Two pints of blood and a packet of crisps please .....
A bit of easy reading light hearted fluff, but with a good underlying story line / plot. It's actually a voyage of discovery / coming of age story with a difference, as it involves an adult rather than the more usual teenager, but you must read Book 1 to understand it fully first though.
F**R
A great book that mad me smile
A great book that mad me smile. i am a great fan of the author and before purchasing this book I recommend you visit his site http://www.drewhayesnovels.com/ where you can read his Superpowered series for free to get an idea of the quality of his writing.
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