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Chris Pourteau
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Optional Retirement Plan: A Science Fiction Thriller Kindle Edition

by Chris Pourteau (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 432 ratings

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 Syndicate
Corporation 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 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).
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  1. Book 1 of 1
    Optional Retirement Plan
  2. Print length
    276 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 5, 2019
  6. File size
    4.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Pourteau delivers a sci-fi yarn ... full of gallows humor with violence to match." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Pourteau wastes no time in dropping readers straight into the power of this science fiction thriller, a fun ride that's sure to satisfy ... for fans who like their science fiction mixed with action and suspense." -- IndieReviewer

"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." -- Nicholas Sansbury Smith, NYT bestselling author of Hell Divers

"Pourteau is one of the finest writers I've ever had the pleasure to read, and this book is a masterpiece!" -- Jasper T. Scott, USA Today bestselling author of the Rogue Star series

"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." -- Jason Anspach, bestselling author of Galaxy's Edge

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07Y8PSH1K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aethon Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 5, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 276 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 1 ‏ : ‎ Optional Retirement Plan
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 432 ratings

About the author

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Chris Pourteau

Chris Pourteau

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Chris Pourteau is the bestselling author of the sci-fi thriller novels of the SynCorp Saga (co-authored with David Bruns), the post-apocalyptic Serenity Strain novels, and the military sci-fi collection Tales of B-Company. His first novel, Shadows Burned In, earned the 2015 eLit Book Awards Gold Medal for Literary Fiction. The Lazarus Protocol, the first novel in the SynCorp Saga, placed in the Top Ten in Read Freely's 2018 50 Best Indie Book of the Year contest; it was the highest-rated Sci-Fi novel in the contest.

He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded. His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum.

When he’s not writing, editing, or working the dayjob, Chris loves exercising regularly, watching shows like Star Trek and Stranger Things, and reading his favorite authors. Those include Bernard Cornwell, Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Edgar Allan Poe, and Max Collins. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and two dogs. (He’s a HUGE dog person, by the way.)

Find out more about Chris and his writing through his newsletter. Sign up and get free stuff at https://chrispourteau.com/newsletter.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
432 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot fast-paced and engaging, with lots of action throughout. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting the rich description of the world. Additionally, they appreciate the character development and consider it a pure pleasure to read.

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PlotReadabilityWriting qualityCharacter development
23 customers mention "Plot"23 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as a fast-paced, engaging tale with lots of action.

"...This one of the best crime thrillers I have ever read. And it shows a terrible disease of the brain accurately...." Read more

"Liked this book a lot. Loved the POV, and the tense of the story - reminded me of Conrad. Not my usual read, but worth the time." Read more

"...Kind of a cross between old, noir detective and sci-fi futuristic. I read it straight through! Great read!" Read more

"Did enjoy this book,a very interesting theme.Story rather simple but the flow nice...." Read more

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable, with one customer particularly appreciating the point of view.

"Liked this book a lot. Loved the POV, and the tense of the story - reminded me of Conrad. Not my usual read, but worth the time." Read more

"An incredible story told as a first person narrative! Brilliant!..." Read more

"Did enjoy this book,a very interesting theme.Story rather simple but the flow nice...." Read more

"This was an enjoyable book. Felt like an old time detective novel. I couldn't help feeling sorry. For our hit man protagonist...." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well told and enjoyable to read, with one customer noting its rich description of the world and another highlighting its poetic use of irony.

"...He is witty, calculating and intelligent. And he is suffering from a terrible disease that doesnt sink in right away...." Read more

"An incredible story told as a first person narrative! Brilliant!..." Read more

"I loved reading this book. The author is a real craftsman. However, the plot started dissolving about halfway through and collapsed at the end...." Read more

"Even never being on any other planet it seems a believable description of a possible life there...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...Brilliant! The main character is endearing and captures your soul as you find yourself in his life!..." Read more

"...Story rather simple but the flow nice.Characters well done and could feel the pain of the last days of life." Read more

"...For our hit man protagonist. Great plot and characters." Read more

"The quality of the writing is very good. The protagonist is well developed and as he navigates the story, a rich description of the world he lives..." Read more

One of the best crime thriller books I've read!
5 out of 5 stars
One of the best crime thriller books I've read!
This book is so well written. We follow Mr Stack Fischer, an assassin. He comes to learn from his boss that he has "older timers", a curable disease if he would have gotten the implant before it progressed. So now he is stuck with alzheimers. You as the reader dont really see this until it hits you in the face. Looking back on the early chapters there were small signs but because you're following Mr Fischer and through his POV, nothing feels out of place. It feels like a set up to remove him. Until you as the reader really see the disease progress. This one of the best crime thrillers I have ever read. And it shows a terrible disease of the brain accurately. I like that, I really appreciate all the work this autbor put in to show case this disease well. And it gives us a character we have never seen before. A slick, sly, older assassin a bit past his prime. He is witty, calculating and intelligent. And he is suffering from a terrible disease that doesnt sink in right away. All the things that truly happen to those suffering from this disease, can be felt through Mr Fischer. I love this book. Very well written! Many authors could learn a thing or two from you!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Rose
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best crime thriller books I've read!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is so well written. We follow Mr Stack Fischer, an assassin. He comes to learn from his boss that he has "older timers", a curable disease if he would have gotten the implant before it progressed. So now he is stuck with alzheimers.

    You as the reader dont really see this until it hits you in the face. Looking back on the early chapters there were small signs but because you're following Mr Fischer and through his POV, nothing feels out of place.

    It feels like a set up to remove him. Until you as the reader really see the disease progress.

    This one of the best crime thrillers I have ever read. And it shows a terrible disease of the brain accurately. I like that, I really appreciate all the work this autbor put in to show case this disease well.

    And it gives us a character we have never seen before. A slick, sly, older assassin a bit past his prime. He is witty, calculating and intelligent. And he is suffering from a terrible disease that doesnt sink in right away.

    All the things that truly happen to those suffering from this disease, can be felt through Mr Fischer.

    I love this book. Very well written! Many authors could learn a thing or two from you!
    Customer image
    Rose
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    One of the best crime thriller books I've read!

    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2020
    This book is so well written. We follow Mr Stack Fischer, an assassin. He comes to learn from his boss that he has "older timers", a curable disease if he would have gotten the implant before it progressed. So now he is stuck with alzheimers.

    You as the reader dont really see this until it hits you in the face. Looking back on the early chapters there were small signs but because you're following Mr Fischer and through his POV, nothing feels out of place.

    It feels like a set up to remove him. Until you as the reader really see the disease progress.

    This one of the best crime thrillers I have ever read. And it shows a terrible disease of the brain accurately. I like that, I really appreciate all the work this autbor put in to show case this disease well.

    And it gives us a character we have never seen before. A slick, sly, older assassin a bit past his prime. He is witty, calculating and intelligent. And he is suffering from a terrible disease that doesnt sink in right away.

    All the things that truly happen to those suffering from this disease, can be felt through Mr Fischer.

    I love this book. Very well written! Many authors could learn a thing or two from you!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
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  • stephen hess
    4.0 out of 5 stars very good read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Liked this book a lot. Loved the POV, and the tense of the story - reminded me of Conrad. Not my usual read, but worth the time.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • G. Powell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing and intense
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An incredible story told as a first person narrative! Brilliant! The main character is endearing and captures your soul as you find yourself in his life! Kind of a cross between old, noir detective and sci-fi futuristic. I read it straight through! Great read!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars OK
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Did enjoy this book,a very interesting theme.Story rather simple but the flow nice.Characters well done and could feel the pain of the last days of life.
    Helpful
     Report
  • john cottingham
    4.0 out of 5 stars Retirement
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was an enjoyable book. Felt like an old time detective novel. I couldn't help feeling sorry. For our hit man protagonist. Great plot and characters.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Simon Mayeski
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stacks will not "go gentle into that good night"
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Stacks Fischer is not one who will "go gentle into that good night", an apparently inescapable death sentence From Tony Two-point-0 not withstanding. Facing Oldtimers disease and feeling its effects quite early into the story means that even compared to other books in Chris Pourteau and David Bruns' fabulous series, this adventure moves very quickly, non-stop, and is full of surprises even to the very last page. I'm guessing that Stacks is the character that more readers enjoy most in this series, and we allowed to delve into "what makes him tick" even more. The book is really all about him; there is not the same "wide-sweep" of locales and other characters we find elsewhere in the series (although some "old favorites" do make their appearances.)
    Yes, another winner from Chris Pourteau. Pick it up, enjoy it. You won't regret it, nor forget it.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Occasional Shopper
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sigh. The author writes superbly but needs a plot.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved reading this book. The author is a real craftsman. However, the plot started dissolving about halfway through and collapsed at the end. Much better than most Science Fiction these days, but could be better.
    Helpful
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  • ArthurDent
    5.0 out of 5 stars It could become a classic
    Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Wow that was edgy. Just finished reading it and I’m still not sure what to think of it. That’s a mark of true art, no matter how weird it gets. Main character seems painfully one dimensional at first but just gets more complex as the story builds. It’s fun to get little surprises like that.

    Just think of it as “Pulp Fiction” on steroids.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Jerzy
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rattling good yarn.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I've been looking for a standalone novel for ages, and this popped up in my recommendations. It's very good; the story kicks off nicely and maintains its breakneck pace right up to the finish. It made a pleasant change from the current trend of octologies that's being churned out by publishers.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Assassin with Alzheimers?
    Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Liked the style of writing seeing through the mindset of an assassin who sees details automatically now being judged to have developed Alzheimers, highly unusual plot but intriguing enough to read it myself and then read it again aloud to my husband who also enjoyed it. The space stations and Mars backgrounds added interest for us.
    Report
  • Buzzman
    4.0 out of 5 stars fun read
    Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It was a fun light read. Not complex or cerebral. Just a good way to pass some time.
    Report
  • US TV Couch Potato
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dead end?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Nice story without a true end so use your imagination . Also highlights how much dementia cripples both the affected and their families. Well done
    Report
  • Canadabookguy
    5.0 out of 5 stars A new favorite
    Reviewed in Canada on November 17, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is one of the best books I've read this year. I loved the story and gritty setting. I'll be looking for more by the author.
    Report

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