Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is the first book I ever read with a gay protagonist! Or even an explicitly gay character at all!
Okay, listen. I can see objectively that this book is not "good": the text (at least in my edition) has some typos, the plot is a little meandering, it's not the greatest work of literature ever written by any means. But it was a whole lot of fun, Goddamnit!
This book, to me, is the novel's answer to the shlocky b-movie: quite ridiculous, rather corny, and still a roaring good time. Admittedly, I'd say this first one is the weakest in the series, but it's not long enough to make that a particular sticking point.
In particular, the cast really grabbed me; there's a lot of capital C Characters in this book, and that's a real strength it has. I remember pretty much everyone, even though a lot of them have minor roles. I genuinely had a great time with Tony, who is snarky and funny and a bit messy, and a very likeable protagonist.
Okay, listen. I can see objectively that this book is not "good": the text (at least in my edition) has some typos, the plot is a little meandering, it's not the greatest work of literature ever written by any means. But it was a whole lot of fun, Goddamnit!
This book, to me, is the novel's answer to the shlocky b-movie: quite ridiculous, rather corny, and still a roaring good time. Admittedly, I'd say this first one is the weakest in the series, but it's not long enough to make that a particular sticking point.
In particular, the cast really grabbed me; there's a lot of capital C Characters in this book, and that's a real strength it has. I remember pretty much everyone, even though a lot of them have minor roles. I genuinely had a great time with Tony, who is snarky and funny and a bit messy, and a very likeable protagonist.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Car accident, Murder
Minor: Drug abuse, Sexual content
Additionally, readers should note that this book was published in 2004, so with all the love in the world, expect to read some slightly iffy, probably-a-bit-ableist-or-homophobic lines. It aged fine, but not perfectly.
Still amazed I read a 408 page book in one day, three sittings. It wasn't super engaging so have zero clue why I managed to read it that quickly, it was good though, I just felt it focused a little bit too much on the film production then it did on the more enthralling aspects.
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really like this author, but this book was not as good as her latest ones have been. The pacing was slower and the characters were still coming together. I think this series has good potential and I'm looking forward to where it goes, but I could definitely tell this was one of her earlier works.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The character work in this great, especially with Tony and Arra. I’m not as invested in the plot and I do think some of the writing is weak—especially in the action scenes—but I would still recommend this book for the characters.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Car accident, Murder
Minor: Drug abuse, Sexual content
Book club pick for May 2022
Surprisingly good! I didn’t know this was a spin off series when we picked it for book club, and I think the author could have done a better job summarizing/bringing new readers up to date. But! It was queer, it did some cool things around complicated dating/relationships (but does not have a romance!), and the teases of a wider magical world are intriguing. I’m strongly considering continuing/reading the first series.
Note to self: this book wrapped itself up so well I have no idea where the rest of this series is going. Arra comes back? Tony learns wizardry? Gets a date with Lee? Idk.
Surprisingly good! I didn’t know this was a spin off series when we picked it for book club, and I think the author could have done a better job summarizing/bringing new readers up to date. But! It was queer, it did some cool things around complicated dating/relationships (but does not have a romance!), and the teases of a wider magical world are intriguing. I’m strongly considering continuing/reading the first series.
Note to self: this book wrapped itself up so well I have no idea where the rest of this series is going. Arra comes back? Tony learns wizardry? Gets a date with Lee? Idk.
I ran out of library books! So I grabbed this favourite off my shelves. Tony was always my favourite part of the Vicky Nelson books, so I was very happy when he got his own series. The tone is lighter and jokier than the other books, but I like that - the book makes me laugh, and that's what I want.