When retiring isn’t an option, it’s kill or be killed.Stacks Fischer is a killer for hire. For more than three decades, he’s loyally served the SyndicateCorporation as its most-feared and respected enforcer around the solar system. He’s buried the company’s dirty laundry six feet deep, no matter who had to be taken out to do it.Now, Stacks has a problem—he’s losing his mind to an incurable form … problem—he’s losing his mind to an incurable form of dementia, and unwittingly spilling corporate secrets in public.
When SynCorp decides Fischer has outlived his usefulness, they decide it’s time to permanently retire him. But Stacks isn’t quite ready to go. With every one of SynCorp’s Five Factions gunning for him—and his own mind slowly rebelling—Fischer leads a pack of would-be assassins in a final, deadly chase across the solar system.
The old hitman refuses to fade quietly into oblivion at the hands of his disease or the business he’s dedicated his life to. He’s choosing an Optional Retirement Plan.
Don’t miss this pulse-pounding science fiction thriller filled with twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It’s perfect for fans of Titanborn, The Expanse, and Minority Report.
Also available on Audible, narrated by the award-winning R.C. Bray (The Martian, Galaxy’s Edge).more
I couldn’t stop reading Optional Retirement Plan. Recalling the futuristic grit and intrigue of Blade Runner and Altered Carbon, Pourteau paints a smart, character-driven story that keeps you guessing to the last page.
Pourteau is one of the finest writers I’ve ever had the pleasure to read, and this book is a masterpiece!
What a thrill ride — from Fischer’s heart-wrenching diagnosis to the final shootout on Mars! Pourteau’s crisp, punchy writing style hits the reader like machinegun bullets.
Set in a dystopian future where human civilization is run by a set of mafia-style oligarchs, this book’s main character is a company-employed assassin who suffers from early-onset Alzheimer’s. Sounds grim, right? But the story is funny, action-packed and addictive. A fun roller-coaster of a read, rooting for our killer to survive his assigned last three days.
A great concept with interesting characters. Very well written. One of the best books I’ve read in the last year, and I read about 50/year because I don’t finish most Sci Fi books.
quirky
A SciFi/Mafia type hired killer with Alzheimers – the gang wants him dead but he’s not ready yet -ought to be made into a film.
What a fun take on retirement. This story forcibly reminded me of The Godfather sagas, Humphrey Bogart, and the Thin Man movies. If you could imagine the Maltese Falcon with humor, then you get the idea. 🙂
Although this is a prequel, it stands entirely on its own.
I loved it!
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This book is told in the first person POV of our main character, Stacks Fisher. Several times, while narrating the story, the 4th wall is broken and Stacks speaks directly to the reader – this part was a nice twist. It immediately reminded me of the film noir type of story – The Maltese Falcon where Humphrey Bogart narrates. Right from the beginning, Stacks, an assassin, is told that he is going to be executed but because of his service – there will be a delay to Monday so that Stacks can enjoy his last weekend. From that point, the action does not stop. There is a lot of really good humor and you start rooting for Stacks to survive. I was so drawn into the story that I finished this in one setting.
The narration by RC Bray was fantastic. The narration is done with the perfect touch of sarcasm/wit but with a lot of charm. This is my first time listening to RC Bray and it certainly will not be my last.
Kill or be killed
Holy sweet bejesus. Chris Pourteau writes a fantastic noir science fiction story. He shows us in the Afterword how plausible everything could be; accuracy and all that. Like the movie, Deadpool, Fischer breaks the wall and chats at us/with us, the readers. There is violence. People die. And you can truly see that the killer-for-hire does indeed have eyes in the back of his head.
A wild and crazy ride to the end…
Optional Retirement Plan by Chris Pourteau and narrated by R. C. Bray is one hell of a listen! A def must listen if you’re into this genre. The action starts pretty much from the get-go and never lets up. I can’t recall the last time a book wowed me with so much non-stop action.
What’s it about? Stacks has been the top hit man for the SynCorp for years. Now his Oldtimer’s (dementia) has kicked in, resulting in him spilling company secrets and making him the target. Instead of enjoying his last couple days the higher ups have given him, someone has put a hit out on him and everyone is trying to cash in the bounty. But Stacks is going out on his terms and it’s a wild and crazy ride to the end. The story is nicely done- you get a sense of what it’s like to slowly lose your mind. The snarky humor mixed with the somber reality works and works well.
The narrator, R. C. Bray, was the perfect fit. He really brought Stacks and his story to life.
“A man in my condition shouldn’t have to wade through that many dictionary words at one time.”
“I’ve learned Lady Luck is like any other female- short of patience for male baboonery and easy to piss off.”
“I guess you really do earn your fate.”
“I edged an eye around the corner and saw True Believer acquainting himself with his newfound state of being dead.”
“And the more spoiled the kids, the more likely they are to lose what those who came before them built.”
Overall I highly recommend, especially if violence, action, and noir style stories are your thing.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: If you’ve ever known or taken care of someone with dementia/Alzheimer’s, it may hit close to home (especially the sundowning). Swearing, death (the story revolves around assassins), violence, and similar elements. Chin@m@n used once.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
A great story in the “Syndicate World” feature Stacks Fischer. An excellent job of helping us understand Stacks’ experiences. You will not want to put this story down, especially if you already met Stacks in the Syndicate trilogies.
Chris Pourteau remains one of the best writers out there. This book proves he can take a touchy subject matter (a detective with Alzheimer’s) and treat it with grace.
It isn’t what I would usually read, but the ending really surprised me.
Too much boring dialog