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amybraunauthor's review
5.0
Gah, I need more! This book was even more impressive than its predecessor! The story was gritty, surprising, suspenseful, action-packed, and filled with some wicked emotions. I couldn't get enough! The stakes were monstrously raised (pun somewhat intended) and more lore was added to give it a unique punch. There were lots of twists and impulsive character choices, though Trent continues to remain the unluckiest urban fantasy protagonist ever. Still love the guy though, how he's a badass who wants to do everything he can to protect those he loves, though willing to ask for help when he knows it's needed. And boy, was it ever. The ending was nothing short of climactic, and while I suspected the major twist that occurred, it was still intense and shocking. While a massive part of Trent's past was revealed, there are still a lot of questions that need to be answered. I'm seriously going to be biting my nails to see how it ends, because there was a major cliffhanger that needs to be picked up on. Definitely a series that all gritty urban fantasy fans need to pick up ASAP!
mferrante83's review
4.0
Die and Stay Dead expands upon the elements introduced in the first book. Where Dying Is My Business introduces the mystery of Trent’s Die and Stay Dead looks towards answering that mystery more directly. Kaufmann leans heavily on several misdirects throughout the second novel in this regard though none were quite enough to keep me from guessing the truth. Where Dying is My Business set up the prophecy of the Immortal Storm, Die and Stay Dead seems to bring it to fruition; much to the utter dismay of our heroes and the population of New York. Kaufmann once again demonstrates an adept ability to insert wonderful character-driven moments into the middle of huge epic scenes of magic and mayhem. All in all Die and Stay Dead doubles down on the action of the first novel going so far as to end on a bit of a cliffhanger that seems to promise a third novel that pulls out all of the stops. If you are looking for a new urban fantasy series to try I highly recommend giving Nicholas Kaufmann’s Trent novels a shot. I can’t wait to see how events play out in the third novel.
andimontgomery's review
4.0
A little slow to build, Die and Stay Dead was still worth the wait. In this follow-up to Dying is My Business, Trent and the other members of the Five-Pointed Star hunt a former cult member who is trying to summon one of the most powerful demons to destroy the world.
The supporting characters are now very well-developed, and everyone works as if they've been a team forever. I liked them all, but especially Philip. He's one tough vampire!
Trent may have been a bit dense at times, but everything was as it should have been. There are lots of roadblocks along the way, but there are also clues to Trent's identity, which is finally revealed near the end. And wow, the ending was smashingly exciting!
I can't wait for the next one!
The supporting characters are now very well-developed, and everyone works as if they've been a team forever. I liked them all, but especially Philip. He's one tough vampire!
Trent may have been a bit dense at times, but everything was as it should have been. There are lots of roadblocks along the way, but there are also clues to Trent's identity, which is finally revealed near the end. And wow, the ending was smashingly exciting!
I can't wait for the next one!
joannethefairy's review
4.0
I put off reading this book for so long because of the uncertainty around book3 ever getting published. Then the other day I decided I felt like rereading book1 and just carried on to this one after I finished it. I was so apprehensive that this would end on a major cliffhanger that I would never get a resolution for, but it actually wasn’t that bad - it finished at a point where we know where the main characters are and just as another big fight/mission is ramping up. The mystery that I have been dying to know since book1 was also solved in this book, which was such a relief as I NEEDED to know and if it wasn’t revealed … I would have been sooo angry. Glad I finally read this one and will keep my fingers crossed that book3 will be in my hands one day.
peggyd's review
3.0
Ugh, this book. I really like the plot and world-building a lot. But the main character, Trent, is awful. His stupidity knows no bounds, and it just dragged the book down. The "twist" at the end could be seen a mile away, and so I just couldn't fully enjoy it. He is just. so. stupid. Not sure if I'll continue with the series.
qofdnz's review
4.0
Wondering how long the wait will be to find out what happens next to Trent and Philip. I feel as though I have been left dangling on the precipice. All I can say is "bring on the gargoyles". Wonderfully entertaining read.
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