Death Needs a Holiday

Death used to be simple.

For centuries, Slate has done his job—gently collecting souls and guiding them to whatever comes next. But in a future where the wealthy can upload their consciousness into synthetic bodies, souls no longer come whole. What’s left behind are frightened fragments—echoes of humanity trapped between worlds.

Now Death himself is running out of time.

As the number of true deaths dwindles, Slate and his eager apprentice Flicker struggle to survive in a universe where even Death has quotas. When they cross paths with Demetrius Helveti—the brilliant scientist who made immortality possible—they uncover a truth more terrifying than extinction: the technology that promised eternal life has shattered the human soul.

To restore balance, Death may have to break every rule he’s sworn to uphold… even if it means ending immortality itself.

Death Needs a Holiday is a darkly emotional, thought-provoking novella that explores what it means to be human, what it means to die—and what happens when we forget how.

©2025 Shawn Inmon (P)2025 Shawn Inmon

Always Cleaver!

I know Shawn tells us at the end of each reading how the story came about. However, he could never explain to my satisfaction his pure creativity. The man is brilliant and I believe I’ve got every book he’s published on audible. Please keep going.

Very Creative and Entertaining

I don't usually go for short stories but Shawn is one of my most favorite authors so I have it a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I haven't read many stories about death as a character but this felt unique, and told a tale I had not heard yet. I really enjoyed not being able to predict the ending.

Excellent

I loved this, As usually great writing from Shawn. What a way to look at death. Very interesting sir.