Reviews

Armageddon Bound by Tim Marquitz

mellhay's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 rating
There are rumors there is another demon planning to rise to be the next Lucifer and to bring about Armageddon. Baalth is the demon this new power needs to overcome first and Frank, the DRAC, and Frank's Angel cousin Scarlett need to protect Baalth and stop this new threat to the world. The catch, Scarlett has been after Baalth for some time to stop his bad doings. Baalth isn't cooperating as willingly with Frank, without some deals. Oh, and Franks succubus ex-wife has returned to town sending assassins after him.

Frank Triggaltheron, or Trigg, starts the story on his kester bleeding, and visits this position often through out the book. But he keeps fighting. Trigg is a man of all men. And a pig from time to time as well. But that is what makes this character memorable. I don't mind the thoughts he has about women, or even the smart remarks to the one delivering the punches (actually many of the quick remarks are funny). But some people might. I do have to mention the only thing about Trigg that gave me the willies were his thoughts about his voluptuous cousin. They just weren't right, but Trigg is the person he is... and I don't think he was made to be loved so dearly. I think this book is what many male readers would enjoy. It's fast moving and full of action and fights. There are loads of blows exchanged and a story that works wonderfully with it.

I liked the story telling style. This book is told by Frank. We get the story as it's happening, then there are interjections by Trigg of his inner opinions and thoughts, the ones he keeps to himself although just as smart as the ones he says. This technique of inner thoughts gives me the feel of the old style mystery gumshoe movies where the detective gives an inner thought or meaning to things as the story goes. I really liked that feel. It seemed to me the book is very story driven, and we get a very good story here.

The characters. Goodness! There is a large cast of characters. Well, maybe not that big. But it felt like many when I was reading the book. They are not hard to keep straight, which is the surprise to me with as many there are.

The world is our world with a few extras which people don't really know about. But the difference here is God and Lucifer have come to a truce and left, letting humanity play out as they are and grown to do. I like this twist a lot. I like how there are two views to this through out the book. That God didn't want Armageddon or he would have exterminated the race and started over. OR. That Armageddon needs to come about to bring God and Lucifer back. This seems to be the arguing views in a nut shell. People don't know their gods are no longer around, only the Angels and Demons are aware, and seem slightly lost with their leaders gone. Neat take here.

I went into the book aware there where some editing errors, which there are. But knowing that I was prepared for them. But I do want to let you know this to as well, in case you go purchase the book, they are there. I hate to see editing slow down a good book.

I think more men might enjoy this book than women, but I'm not saying don't read it if it sounds like something you might enjoy. Please go at it.

ogreart's review against another edition

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3.0

The book was okay. Interesting world building, but I never really connected with the main character.

kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition

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3.0

It was a very entertaining story, with lots of humor, and an interesting plotline.

The stars missing is for the main character thinking and behaving like a 15 year old high on hormones, and thinking about boobies most of the time. There's plenty of phrases like this:

"Back home I stumbled inside, manacles in hand. Certain they'd come in handy at some point, I stashed them where they would be the most useful; he bedroom. I placed them in a box beneath the bed for safekeeping and quick access, right beside the jumbo tube o'lube and my inflatable Jenna Jemson doll. One could never tell when the need to restrain a supernatural being might arise. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Just thinking about how I'd use them got my blood flowing. Unfortunately it wasn't just my crotch that was throbbing"

Once or twice that would be funny, but having him think "BOOOBIES" or "SEX!" every two pages, often in the midst of dire circumstances really got on my nerves after a while.
I learned that it gets toned down in the later books, so I might go and pick them up sometime later! Besides that I really did enjoy it a lot.

Other than that it was fast paced, I liked the rest of the characters, there was lots of gore and detailed bloody parts, the writing was fluent and the idea behind the book a really good one.

Definitely a recommendation for readers who like it on the bloody side! ;)

htb2050's review against another edition

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5.0

Reminded me a bit of sandman slim series. But it really has great potential to stand up on its own. Lets see where the next books in series take us. So far its a thumbs up!

seak's review against another edition

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5.0

Awesome read. Like a hilarious Harry Dresden mixed with the movie Constantine. Review here

I first heard about Armageddon Bound by Tim Marquitz on SFFworld and through Fantasy Book Critic. Everything I read seemed to be really good and I have to say, I was not disappointed. I also happened to win an ebook copy from the author and then it was only a matter of time.

The cover threw me off at first glance; I both love it and think, is this Vice City or San Andreas. But really, you can't go wrong with guns and skulls.

The Setup

Frank "Triggaltheron" Tigg is just your average demon who also happens to be Lucifer's nephew. This worked well for him until God and Lucifer call it quits and get out of the game. To coin a phrase, all Hell proceeds to break lose.

In a world where demons dress and act like mobsters and angels have lost their purpose in life, the line is drawn between those who are for and against the coming of Armageddon. Frank and the DRAC team, made up of psychics, telepaths, and other supernatural beings, are doing everything in their power to stop the end of the world and keep the peace.

As the blurb on the back says, "Better luck next time, humanity."

My Take in Brief

Armageddon Bound is a hilarious Harry Dresden meets the movie Constantine (with Keanu Reeves). And that's pretty much what makes this novel so great; it never takes itself too seriously and there's always another bit of sarcasm around the corner (or should I say page). Although, maybe I should add that's it's a very ADULT Harry Dresden with sex jokes a mile a minute, so you've been warned.

Here's a bit of what I mean:
"I heard my nose snap and felt a warm gush explode from it. Lightning bolts of pain shot through my eyes and I flew backwards and landed in a heap. My head felt like used Jell-o.
"You figure it out."

And as Frank attempts to reason with a low-level demon,
"Baalth smiled so wide I could count his teeth. I stopped at five. I get bored easy."

These quick one-liners pop up right and left and I seriously couldn't get enough of them. Marquitz has a great sense of humor and it shows throughout. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out because I'm lining up already.

The whole story is told in first person and Frank Tigg is a great companion to have. Frank goes from messy situation to messy situation, and keeps trucking even though he only sees himself as a constant screw up. I could really relate to him, and all the while he pushes through only to land in an even worse situation

When Should You Read This?

If you're in the mood for something light, that will keep you turning pages from the very first, Armageddon Bound is right up your alley. If you liked the Dresden Files, you will have a good time with this one as well.

Rating and Links

My Rating: 5/5 (Loved it, Get yourself a copy right now!)

vailynst's review against another edition

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3.0

Notes:

Currently on Audible Plus

- Snarky & sort of interesting UF.
- Constant commentary works well in audio format but I'm not sure if I would enjoy reading it.
- The story ran like a corny, dark humor action movie. Writing was okay but nothing about the story setting or characters hooked my attention.
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