'Severance Package' by Duane Swierczynski is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that follows a group of employees at a financial institution who are unexpectedly called into work on a Saturday only to find out they are part of a top-secret organization that must shut down, with each member ordered to die as part of the closure. The novel delves into themes of survival, betrayal, and desperation as the characters navigate a deadly game of escape and intrigue, set in a high-rise building rigged to prevent any chance of survival. Swierczynski's writing style is described as darkly comical, satirical, and engaging, with a relentless pacing that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the unpredictable and illogical ending.

Characters:

The characters are generally underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than emotionally engaging figures, with Molly standing out amid their simplicity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is quick and direct, akin to a film script, with a focus on brief, engaging prose and dynamic action.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a government office that must eliminate all its employees due to closure, leading to a series of violent confrontations and creative deaths.

Setting:

The setting is a claustrophobic high-rise office environment where suspenseful and violent events unfold.

Pacing:

The pacing is extremely fast, maintaining a high level of tension and excitement throughout the narrative.

When he opened his eyes, his wife was already in the shower. Their bedroom shared a wall with their bathroom. He could hear the water pelt the tile full-blast. Paul thought about her in there. Naked. ...

Notes:

The book's cover features a striking image of a woman with a gun, which initially attracts readers.

The storyline revolves around a secret government office where employees are told they must die instead of being laid off.

The main character, Molly, becomes the core focus as she starts killing her coworkers in a twisted job audition.

The narrative is filled with action sequences that readers find thrilling, reminiscent of 'Sin City'.

Swierczynski's writing style is fast-paced, described as reading like a script for a high-octane action movie.

The book has been compared to popular films, suggesting it would make a great movie directed by someone like Tarantino.

Many readers feel the character development is lacking, making it hard to emotionally connect with any of them, except for Molly.

The story unfolds in a tight time frame, adding to the tension and urgency of the plot.

Despite its violent premise, some readers find it humorously over-the-top and entertaining.

The book has illustrations that some readers found misleading or not aligned with their expectations.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains graphic violence, death, and themes of torture, making it suitable for readers who are comfortable with intense and brutal content.

From The Publisher:

Jamie DeBroux's boss has called a special meeting for all "key personnel" at 9:00 a.m. on a hot Saturday in August.

When Jamie arrives, the conference room is stocked with cookies and champagne. His boss smiles and tells his employees, "We're a cover for a branch of the intelligence community. And we're being shut down." Jamie's boss then tells everyone to drink some champagne, and in a few seconds they'll fall asleep-for good. If they refuse, they'll be shot in the head.

Escape is not an option. Jamie's boss has shut down the elevators and rigged the fire towers with chemical bombs. Panic sets in, chaos erupts, and no one is sure whom to trust. Jamie quickly realizes that there's only one way he's ever going to see his family again: the hard way.

Severance Package shows author Duane Swierczynski at his thrilling best.

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About the Author:

Duane Swierczynski is the author of The Blonde (St. Martin's Minotaur) and the writer for the monthly Marvel Comics series Cable. He was the editor-in-chief of the Philadelphia City Paper, and almost never wanted to kill his employees.

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Severance Package

Duane Swierczynski