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swetha1234's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.0
sshpurple1's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
amym84's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Ordinary, Oregon is a complete misnomer, and no one knows that better than the Reed family. For generations the Reeds have been the resident peacekeepers in a small town that’s home to the likes of many varieties of creatures (werewolves, vampires, Valkyries, and gill-men to name a few), but what really keeps the family busy are the vacationing gods.
Yep, you read that right, Ordinary, Oregon is a hotspot for gods who want to shed their personas for a little while and live a (relatively) normal life. There are, of course, contracts involved; they have to willingly give up their power during their stay, and they must contribute to the community in some way.
Police Chief Delaney Reed has been in the position of “bridge” since her father passed away a year ago. Luckily, her sisters Myra and Jean—also on the force—know the town secret and can lend a hand. With the annual Rhubarb Festival coming up, the station is already stretched pretty thin, but when a resident god is found dead, Laney is tasked with transferring their god-power to a willing mortal, and she only has a week to do it. This is the first time she’s had to carry the power in the year that she’s been in charge. Couple that with Death—literally—on her doorstep, her ex-boyfriend back in town, and possibly, finally, receiving some requited feelings from Ryder Bailey—the man she’s loved since childhood—and there are going to be some long coffee-infused nights ahead.
Right off the bat I loved the small-town setting in Death and Relaxation. Small towns always remind me of beloved Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls), and make me want to move there. With Death and Relaxation we get that same feeling, just with the supernatural thrown into the mix, and for lovers of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, it’s a win-win all around.
The vacationing gods only add to the quirkiness of the setting. I mean, hey, they all deserve a break once in a while too, right? The kind of culture shock they each go through is hilarious, and readers get to see that up close and personal when Thanatos, the God of Death, comes in for a vacation and proceeds to wear kitschy T-Shirts with plays on “Ordinary,” and decides to open up a kite shop. And don’t even get me started on the beef between Zeus and Odin.
For me, the relationship between the sisters is the heart of the story. Delaney is our narrator, as she’s the oldest and inherited the liaison job from her father, but I’m hoping at some point we’ll get stories from Myra and Jean’s points of view. They all understand the burdens each has to bear, and it’s very clear that they are a unit. I don’t think the story would have worked as well without that connection between the three.
One of the only things I was a bit iffy on was the romance. I’ll make allowances for Delaney since it’s clear she has a lot going on in the story, but there were some things I started to notice that I felt, as a cop, she should have been more in tuned to. I liked the way she handled things, though, and I’m interested to see how things play out. Also, the who-done-it, while interesting, wasn’t too big of a shocker in the end probably because it gets clouded over with everything else on the menu.
Overall, I enjoyed this lighter fare from Devon Monk. I’ll definitely be picking up the next one, Gods and Details, which should be out sometime in July.
Ordinary, Oregon is a complete misnomer, and no one knows that better than the Reed family. For generations the Reeds have been the resident peacekeepers in a small town that’s home to the likes of many varieties of creatures (werewolves, vampires, Valkyries, and gill-men to name a few), but what really keeps the family busy are the vacationing gods.
Yep, you read that right, Ordinary, Oregon is a hotspot for gods who want to shed their personas for a little while and live a (relatively) normal life. There are, of course, contracts involved; they have to willingly give up their power during their stay, and they must contribute to the community in some way.
Police Chief Delaney Reed has been in the position of “bridge” since her father passed away a year ago. Luckily, her sisters Myra and Jean—also on the force—know the town secret and can lend a hand. With the annual Rhubarb Festival coming up, the station is already stretched pretty thin, but when a resident god is found dead, Laney is tasked with transferring their god-power to a willing mortal, and she only has a week to do it. This is the first time she’s had to carry the power in the year that she’s been in charge. Couple that with Death—literally—on her doorstep, her ex-boyfriend back in town, and possibly, finally, receiving some requited feelings from Ryder Bailey—the man she’s loved since childhood—and there are going to be some long coffee-infused nights ahead.
Right off the bat I loved the small-town setting in Death and Relaxation. Small towns always remind me of beloved Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls), and make me want to move there. With Death and Relaxation we get that same feeling, just with the supernatural thrown into the mix, and for lovers of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, it’s a win-win all around.
The vacationing gods only add to the quirkiness of the setting. I mean, hey, they all deserve a break once in a while too, right? The kind of culture shock they each go through is hilarious, and readers get to see that up close and personal when Thanatos, the God of Death, comes in for a vacation and proceeds to wear kitschy T-Shirts with plays on “Ordinary,” and decides to open up a kite shop. And don’t even get me started on the beef between Zeus and Odin.
For me, the relationship between the sisters is the heart of the story. Delaney is our narrator, as she’s the oldest and inherited the liaison job from her father, but I’m hoping at some point we’ll get stories from Myra and Jean’s points of view. They all understand the burdens each has to bear, and it’s very clear that they are a unit. I don’t think the story would have worked as well without that connection between the three.
One of the only things I was a bit iffy on was the romance. I’ll make allowances for Delaney since it’s clear she has a lot going on in the story, but there were some things I started to notice that I felt, as a cop, she should have been more in tuned to. I liked the way she handled things, though, and I’m interested to see how things play out. Also, the who-done-it, while interesting, wasn’t too big of a shocker in the end probably because it gets clouded over with everything else on the menu.
Overall, I enjoyed this lighter fare from Devon Monk. I’ll definitely be picking up the next one, Gods and Details, which should be out sometime in July.
ilia_'s review against another edition
3.0
This was an entertaining first book in a series (Audible-plus catalogue). The world building does not come down heavy; there are a lot of creatures living in Ordinary unbeknownst to most of the human residents and the police chief has to keep everyone in order including the gods that choose the town for their holiday. The graphic audio required a little time to get used to but I liked the writing and the banter/witty responses of the main and peripheral characters.
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good audiobook. The story showcases the inhabitants and town of Ordinary. Was the mystery solved? Not completely.
I don't usually listen to full-cast graphic audios. I find the studio sounds of doors closing, character steps, etc. rather distracting instead of immersive.
I will listen to the next book, but not as a graphic audio.
I don't usually listen to full-cast graphic audios. I find the studio sounds of doors closing, character steps, etc. rather distracting instead of immersive.
I will listen to the next book, but not as a graphic audio.
crystal_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
angels_gp17's review
3.0
Death and Relaxation is book one in the Ordinary Magic series by Devon Monk.
I’ve had my eye on the Ordinary Magic series for some time now. I’ve seen many good reviews recommending the series. When I found out it was also published as a full cast graphic audio I decided it was time to dive in.
If you don’t know yet what a Graphic Audio is its a Dramatized Adaptation with a full cast of narrators making it a movie for the mind.
The town of Ordinary, Oregon is anything but!
We are introduced to Delaney Reed and the Reed family. They have been the caretakers, law, and protectors of Ordinary since the begging. Their family has a big responsibility to protect both mortal and supernaturals.
Delaney is through into the deep end with her first big case and passing on a gods power to its next protector. She and her sisters work together to track down the perpetrator and solve the case. And, to make things more difficult Delaney’s ex-boyfriend comes into time along with her long-time crush. What’s a girl to do?
We’re treated to a light mystery, a dash of romance, and humor. Monk did a wonderful job creating the bonds between the people of Ordinary. I especially enjoyed the relationship between the Reed sisters.
The romance might or might not happen between her long-time crush. I was a bit upset with how he wants it and once he gets it he backs off and says we can’t be together. Its hurtful to Delaney, so I’m not a fan at the moment on the romance aspect.
Graphic Audio: The first time I listened to a GA I was surprised with how much I enjoyed the added sound effects and full cast of characters. Death and Relaxation is no exception. I had a blast with all the voices, each stood out, and the added effects added to the drama. The only thing I didn’t care for was the sound effect for the gods powers, when it wakes up, its a bit loud and distracting in the story.
I was surprised with how much I enjoyed Death and Relaxation. It was a decent start to the series and had some interesting things in it. I plan to continue listening to the Ordinary Magic series in Graphic Audios.
Rated: 3 Stars
I’ve had my eye on the Ordinary Magic series for some time now. I’ve seen many good reviews recommending the series. When I found out it was also published as a full cast graphic audio I decided it was time to dive in.
If you don’t know yet what a Graphic Audio is its a Dramatized Adaptation with a full cast of narrators making it a movie for the mind.
The town of Ordinary, Oregon is anything but!
We are introduced to Delaney Reed and the Reed family. They have been the caretakers, law, and protectors of Ordinary since the begging. Their family has a big responsibility to protect both mortal and supernaturals.
Delaney is through into the deep end with her first big case and passing on a gods power to its next protector. She and her sisters work together to track down the perpetrator and solve the case. And, to make things more difficult Delaney’s ex-boyfriend comes into time along with her long-time crush. What’s a girl to do?
We’re treated to a light mystery, a dash of romance, and humor. Monk did a wonderful job creating the bonds between the people of Ordinary. I especially enjoyed the relationship between the Reed sisters.
The romance might or might not happen between her long-time crush. I was a bit upset with how he wants it and once he gets it he backs off and says we can’t be together. Its hurtful to Delaney, so I’m not a fan at the moment on the romance aspect.
Graphic Audio: The first time I listened to a GA I was surprised with how much I enjoyed the added sound effects and full cast of characters. Death and Relaxation is no exception. I had a blast with all the voices, each stood out, and the added effects added to the drama. The only thing I didn’t care for was the sound effect for the gods powers, when it wakes up, its a bit loud and distracting in the story.
I was surprised with how much I enjoyed Death and Relaxation. It was a decent start to the series and had some interesting things in it. I plan to continue listening to the Ordinary Magic series in Graphic Audios.
Rated: 3 Stars
vikcs's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
3.25
I absolutely loved Devon Monk’s House Immortal series so inspired by that I decided to read Death and relaxation. Unfortunately I didn’t like is as much.
The story takes place in a small tourist town which is also a vacation central for gods and otherworldly creatures. It is supposed to be an investigating story or I assumed it is because of the plot. However there isn’t too much interesting or efficient police work displayed. The story branches out in so many different directions that neither of them gets a really substantial meaning or elaborate detail. Most of the events just scratched the surface of the mystery. It is a little frustrating but this solution makes sure that the reader will continue the series, because I’m personally curious about the unrevealed secrets. This story is like an appetizer.
Beside the mystery, secrets and intrigue there is also romance and humor to the story. The main character , Delaney has a lot on her plate especially since she just getting the hang of her new responsibilities. Her personal life is a mess and she is lonely. Then comes Ryder, town heartthrob and Delaney long time crush. He distracts Delaney and she starts to concentrate on him a bit more than necessary in her current predicament.
Ryder is not just a distraction but keeps a lot of secrets, but keeping them also means he is hurting Delaney in the process. If you ask me he knows a lot more about the supernatural than he lets on. His character has the most potential in the book.
My biggest regret regarding the story is that Devon Monk created an imaginative and magical world but somehow the gods storyline is a little faulty. We don’t get to know about them enough. For me it felt remote, their existence isn’t well incorporated in the created world. At least in my opinion.
Nonetheless I see a lot of potential and fantasy in the story. I liked it but it needs a bit more juice. The story reminds me a bit of Jacqueline Carey’s Agent of Hel series so if you liked that then definitely give this one a try, too.
The story takes place in a small tourist town which is also a vacation central for gods and otherworldly creatures. It is supposed to be an investigating story or I assumed it is because of the plot. However there isn’t too much interesting or efficient police work displayed. The story branches out in so many different directions that neither of them gets a really substantial meaning or elaborate detail. Most of the events just scratched the surface of the mystery. It is a little frustrating but this solution makes sure that the reader will continue the series, because I’m personally curious about the unrevealed secrets. This story is like an appetizer.
Beside the mystery, secrets and intrigue there is also romance and humor to the story. The main character , Delaney has a lot on her plate especially since she just getting the hang of her new responsibilities. Her personal life is a mess and she is lonely. Then comes Ryder, town heartthrob and Delaney long time crush. He distracts Delaney and she starts to concentrate on him a bit more than necessary in her current predicament.
Ryder is not just a distraction but keeps a lot of secrets, but keeping them also means he is hurting Delaney in the process. If you ask me he knows a lot more about the supernatural than he lets on. His character has the most potential in the book.
My biggest regret regarding the story is that Devon Monk created an imaginative and magical world but somehow the gods storyline is a little faulty. We don’t get to know about them enough. For me it felt remote, their existence isn’t well incorporated in the created world. At least in my opinion.
Nonetheless I see a lot of potential and fantasy in the story. I liked it but it needs a bit more juice. The story reminds me a bit of Jacqueline Carey’s Agent of Hel series so if you liked that then definitely give this one a try, too.