Dying Light (Dying for a Living, #4) by Kory M. Shrum

Dying Light (Dying for a Living, #4) Reviews

• 
  Cheryl (Takin' It Easy This Year!)

  Oh my gosh ...... I think I left it far too long between books 3 and 4! I floundered quite a bit at the beginning of this book with remembering what exactly was happening; the book followed straight on from where it left off in book 3.
  Once I got into a rhythm and remembered all the characters it was a rollicking, anxiety packed and at times heart breaking read as the epic battle between Jesse and Caldwell hurtled towards what is going to be an explosive conclusion. Jesse is a little more up to date as to what is going to happen thanks to some insight from her Guardian Angel Gabriel, but it's left her feeling more than a little defeated and confused as to the point of everything.
  I've downloaded the next book in the series and I know I won't leave it as long this time around to catch up with the kick-arse Jesse and her gal-pal Ally. I'm excited as to how the author will draw this out to another three books and to whom the ultimate glory will come.
• 
  Anniken Haga

  The problem with not writing a review right away, is that I forget the little things I want to say. Oh well. At least the general feel of the book lasts a little longer.
  
  Dying Light was over-all interesting and fun. I find this series really easy to get lost in, both because the narrator is doing a good job, but also because the language is good, and the characters are fun. I'm a little annoyed at Jessie at times, but it's all in good fun.
  
  This book took kind of a new turn, with throwing a lot more info about Caldwell and what happened to him after he died when Jessie was a kid. It was a tad confusing (in a good way), especially after everything he's done, but it did make sense toward the end.
  
  Looking forward to seeing where this story goes!
  I will admit that I'm a little unsure how the author has managed to stretch this series to last so many books, and I can only hope it doesn't start to show in the next ones. But for now, it's fun!
• 
  keikii Eats Books

  75 points/100 (4 stars/5)
  Alert: LGBT themes
  
  Jesse Sullivan has joined Jeremiah's operation against Caldwell after her last tie to her old way of living died. When Caldwell steals her dog and tells her to meet him alone, does she really have a choice?
  
  And this is where things started going weird. I was with this series until this point when I had to step back and go "what now?".
  
  I'm still not quite certain how this story took such a dramatic turn to the weird.
  
  Once again this is split between Jesse and Ally, which is a good thing because Jesse spends most of the book away from the rest of the cast. This time it feels a lot more organic. It doesn't flip every other chapter, only when it is needed.
  
  We finally learn everything there is to know about what in the world this conspiracy is up to. Why do some people have these powers? What is the point? Why Jesse? I don't want to say too much about it, because I want you to find out for yourself. Suffice to say it is weird. Also kind of confusing because it sounds like two ideas trying to be smooshed into one. It makes me really glad that I didn't read these as they were coming out, though, because I 100% would have forgotten the facts between books and had to reread them every time.
  
  Most of the book, or at least it felt like most of the book, Jesse is away from everyone else. It is kind of on the same theme as Dying by the Hour, but not as harsh. Caldwell already has what he wanted out of her for that little game, now doesn't he? Jesse's helplessness at the whole situation is making me cry, though.
  
  I hate Caldwell. He is such a great villain. You can tell there is still some humanity left in him, which makes it even worse because of what he does to everyone but those few he cares about. He makes you just so dang angry, though.
  
  Definitely weird. Still fun. Mostly weird. I have an idea where this series is going now, though!
  
  To read more reviews in this series and others, check out
  keikii eats book!
• 
  Jo Jenner

  The fourth book in the series and yet again Kory Shrum has given us an action packed thriller of a ride.
  DO NOT read these books out of sequence they will make no sense.
  This time Jesse and Ally are in Chicago and working with Jeremiah trying to defeat Cauldwell.
  In this book we learn more about what Jesse is and how everything fits together.
  Half way through the book I couldn't see how Shrum was still going to have enough material for two more books but by the end I was already downloading book five.
  Can't wait for the next instalment,
  If you haven't read any of these get over to book one and start NOW.
• 
  Angela

  This series just keeps getting better and better! The action and tension have spiked in book 4, and the overall plot has really blossomed, affecting things on a more global level and raising the stakes to that point that leaves you wondering if there's any way this could possibly have a happy ending. It was exciting to see some characters from previous books again, and while the overall mood and ending seemed to promise doom and gloom ahead, I can't wait to read book 5 next year!!!
• 
  Rosemary

  Dying Light - a review by Rosemary Kenny
  
  As a partis - one of twelve 'supreme beings' controlling part of the fate of the universe with diverse individual powers - Jesse's part of her father Caldwell's evil plan to capture and drain all the partis' powers and then use Jesse's total submission to rule the world for his own ends.
  Jesse can now shield herself from harm and also those like Ally - her 'heart' - whom she physically holds onto; this positive benefit is somewhat countered by the fact that when angered or driven beyond self-control, Jesse can literally burn with rage and destroy others - or protect them from evil.
  
  Her need for Ally is all-consuming, but it seems her beloved's desire is for another - Nikki - and Jesse is torn between duty and passion.
  How will Caldwell threaten Ally - and Jesse's love for her?
  What does Gloria show Jesse's friends is the way they can save her and her sister Maisie?
  Can Gabriel reveal the only way Jesse can beat Caldwell? What does he show her about her future - will she accept it as the truth or is it all just a dream?
  Who destroys Chicago and how do Jesse and sister Maisie escape?
  
  The scenes of this apocalyptic fantasy thriller by the sensational writer Kory M Shrum, will shock, surprise and amaze you, right up to the incredible last page - I loved it and you will too!
• 
  Lynn

  Crazy Good!
  
  Over-the-top action and thrills and twists and love. The story's on its way to becoming an epic adventure set in a not-to-distant future. The cast is well developed and you are in every moment with them. Well done again, Kory! Another successful adventure that had me unable to turn the pages fast enough!
• 
  Ginny B

  We are back to wishy-washy Jesse - does she love him? does she love her? At least we get an answer (sort of) in this book. We meet Maisie, learn the ultimate plan, and discover things may not get a happy ending after all. The series is starting to feel like it is being drawn out, but hasn't become so bad that I won't finish it....yet...
• 
  Gabrielle

  Towards the middle of the book, I started to feel like it was getting a little long, but then the action picked up and I flew right through. It truly was one of my favorite books in the last few years. I can’t wait to start book 5.
• 
  Bec

  The suspense continues to build as choices are made. The ultimate battle has yet to reveal itself. This 4th book within the Dying for a Living series continues to draw you in and creates characters and landscapes that will come alive in your imagination. You'll find it hard to stop turning pages.
• 
  Ricki

  I've read the first book, but this is the fourth. A lot must have happened between the two and it was not easy to jump right in and stay in.
• 
  Heather Henkel

  Great book
  
  I really enjoyed this book. I like getting to know maise and watching Jesse learn to be a sister. I can't wait to read the next book.
• 
  Archer

  Still loving the ride..
• 
  Odd Bin

  This one seemed to take forever and felt repetitive.
• 
  Kay Kelly

  As usual a great book
• 
  Jayda

  There was so much happening in this book, but I don't want to spoil anything. It's a good story with a lot of action.
• 
  Em .

  God, I’m so enthralled in this series.
• 
  Jessica

  I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book!!!
  
  Housekeeping: If you are not familiar with Jesse Sullivan's unique "gifts" and uh, family ties,
  Kory M. Shrum will show you no mercy and literally shoves readers into the fire from the start with Chapter 1. If you want to fully appreciate the heat, start by reading Book One,
  Dying for a Living, and go from there. Don't worry. Shrum keeps a quick beat and soon you'll be looking out for the next release with the rest of us.
  
  ******SPOILERS IF YOU HAVE NOT READ OTHER JESSE SULLIVAN BOOKS********
  
  On to my review of
  Dying Light!
  
  
  Dying Light is Book Four in the Jesse Sullivan saga as a Necronite and all around smart ass. With Brinkley dead and his "SOS"s transmitted to the only ones he trusted (I figured Gideon, but wasn't sure who else), Jesse has accompanied Ally to Chicago where Ally has taken on a role in Jeremiah's operation fighting against Caldwell. As Caldwell has been murdering or snatching people with NRD, he's leaving behind dozens of children without parents, and Ally is working to help place these children in homes. Total saint. Jesse on the other hand hasn't returned to being a death replacement agent just yet, but is acting more as a body guard for Ally since Ally is now a high priority person of interest to Caldwell.
  
  We get a much better look at what sort of "creature" Jesse is evolving into as her powers settle in and she learns to flex her own muscle and utilize Gabriel. At the end of
  Dying by the Hour, Jesse discovers her cool new ability to erect a barrier against attacks that she can even mold around a specific individual. In the opening of
  Dying Light, we're introduced to the culmination of Jesse's electricity surges of the past: a full blown fire blast I envision looks something mixed between Jeanne's first death in X-Men and the other bad guy in X-Men who could throw fire balls on command. Unfortunately, Jesse's power is more along the lines of Jeanne's, meaning it's much more unstable, volatile, and can be very emotionally driven. So when Caldwell snatches the other love of Jesse's life, a 40 lb. wrinkly ball of fluff named Winston, Jesse is fueled by a searing pain I'm sure many can relate to: fear of the known and fear against real dangers against the ones we love.
  
  But it turns out Jesse is a small, albeit important, piece of a greater picture and final end Caldwell is seeking to rush to conclusion. As Jesse is flashed all over the city and her friends are being chased by a homicidal maniac, partis are gathering in the city and the end of the world seems just around the corner. The only problem though is that everyone seems to know what "the end" looks like except Ally and Jesse, and everyone has been keeping secrets all the while trying to manipulate Ally and/or Jesse to get the outcome they want.
  
  I especially love that Shrum does not waste time hashing backstory or detailed explanations of how things works in this world where some dead don't stay dead. Many series I have devoutly followed in the past have the tendency to devolve into more explanation of backstory than moving a series forward - a dangerous trap those who confront writer's block can unwarily fall into. From the beginning, you need to know who is important (Ally). You need to know who is the enemy (Caldwell). And you need to know who has been loved and lost (Brinkley). Everyone else has a detailed past that enriches every other scene and are what makes this book amazing!!!
  
  I'll definitely be re-reading to soak in all the intricacies I probably missed in the first pass. And now my calendar is marked for May 2016 when "Worth Dying For", Book Five is set for publication.
  
  Happy Reading!
• 
  Wendy Nelson

  I have to say, this is probably the best one yet – and certainly my favorite of the Jesse Sullivan series.
  
  Once again the story is told from two different points of view. Jesse and her best friend Ally.
  
  The story continues with Jesse and Ally trying to stay one step ahead of Caldwell. However, that’s not easy, since he seems to have spies everywhere, and can teleport into and out of places easily. He’s so quick, he’s able to drag someone else with him when he teleports out, and it’s usually Jesse, (or her beloved pug Winston). While trying to figure out Caldwell’s plan, they are also on the run from a psychotic killer who can heal any type of wound he receives.
  
  Through it all, Jesse has built up an unlikely group of friends who will do anything for her, each one with their own special capabilities. I love the dynamic between Jesse and Ally. It’s obvious how much they love each other, but are scared to admit it. Of course the secrets they are keeping from each other, doesn’t help. And even if they could share them, they don’t have time because they are too busy trying to save the world.
  
  Jesse can be self-centered, sarcastic and extremely funny, even while running for her life. However, at the core, it’s obvious how much she cares about her friends, and will do anything to protect them, even if it means she dies a painful death (again).
  
  This one was non-stop action from start to finish. From buildings blowing up in half the city to jumping out of helicopters. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
  
  Along with great characters, the world building is fantastic and once you start, you won’t want to put it down. I highly recommend this series, but start with book one, Dying for a Living.
  
  I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  C.C. Ryburn

  So many answers lead to even more questions. Ms. Shrum manages to take the fantastical, blend it with real scientific theories, and come out with a genre bending idea on the zombie ideals.
  
  What if you had the power to save a persons life with just a touch? Now make it your job. For fun throw in a madman who may or may not be related to you. All of these things come together in the most mentally challenging way for our favorite heroine Jesse Sullivan.
  
  
  What's real and what's fantasy blurs as her powers grow. She not only has to question the ever present angels, but the motives of the more mundane around her. Winston (her pug) stole my heart once again and of course even the love of a beloved pet isn't sacred in Jesse's hellscape. I would give more than five stars if it was available due to the excellent writing and “hey I've met that person” character building. This book along with the three before it build a narrative that draws the reader in. I couldn't stop reading while alternately cussing one character while praying another was safe. Ms. Shrum has outdone herself and the sneak peak at the next novel just made the anticipation for the next novel that much harder.
  
  If you aren't aware I am sticking to a spoiler free review and that limits my nerdgasm to banal oversimplifications. If you haven't read the first three books, please start with the first book. It is free on kindle so it is hard to turn down such an amazing first move in this chess game for such a price. You will thank yourself later for being introduced to this new world and what would become of such an existence. I hear the beating of an angel's wings calling me to reread it again so I will leave you with the knowledge of purpose and place. Every character, scene, scenario, and plotline has a place and they will leave you wanting more.
  
  CC Ryburn
• 
  Sharon Buchbinder

  Dying Light is the fourth story by Kory M. Shrum that I've enjoyed. This book picks up where the third one left off, with Jesse fighting supernatural forces of evil, Ally in love with Nikki and Jesse, Jesse in love with Ally and Lane, and Lane having left Jesse. The last book, Dying for Her, gave us Jesse’s handler’s backstory in depth. While it is not necessary to read the series in order because the author does a good job of bringing the reader up to speed, you would lose out on a lot of enjoyable reading if you don’t.
  
  This story is told from the point of views of Jesse and Ally, rather than one point of view. This structure adds depth and breadth to a tale of life, death, reanimation, and the struggle between the demonized Necronites (do not call them zombies!) and a country following a madman who hides behind religion to advance his ambitions. More than ever, Jesse is called upon to confront and defeat this madman. Will she and her allies survive and overcome the madman? Or will she die and lose her powers to the man she must defeat? Will Nikki and Ally have a happily ever after? Or will Jesse reunite with her lover?
  
  I don’t want to give anything away. However, if you are worried about madmen who wrap themselves in a cult and call it the truth, if you care about marginalized people, if you know anything at all about the rise of Nazism on the way to WWII and the cult of the Aryan nation, then you will want to read this thought provoking paranormal tale of the battle of good and evil, life and death, destruction and creation. At times heartbreaking, this is not a story for the faint of heart. Prepare to be catapulted into this dark, world and buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride. I highly recommend this series and am eager to read the next book in the series.