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lrector's review
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thepagelady's review
4.0
This was a fun read! If you're a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer you are going to love this one! The author did a great job capturing the personalities of the characters and the atmosphere of the show! It was really interesting to see Spike and Dru's relationship from this point of view but also Darla. It was nice to finally have some light shined on them and bring some understanding to them and their relationships. It was great being back in the Angel and Buffy world! Thank you Rockstar Book Tours and William Ritter for sharing this book with me!
sadgirlpizzaparty's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
creolelitbelle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
This felt like a true tale for Spike. The dialogue of characters felt authentic to the point that I could hear the original actors in my head saying the lines. I loved the origin story of Ms. Edith (IYKYK), because her background was something I completely did not anticipate. From Angel and Buffy, I knew how Darla split away from Spike and Dru after the Boxer Rebellion, and the capers here provide a good foundation for details of that parting. I do wish they had different voice actors for at least the core 3 characters and them maybe one central narrator for the rest, because that would have felt more like the show. Spike needed to speak more "bloody hell"s and "sod off"s or even more cuss words in general to be more aligned with his attitude, but I guess that's the price of this prequel being written for teens. Fingers crossed we get a prequel later of Spike and Drusilla's time in Prague, because I'd really like to hear how "you nearly DIED in Prague." Speaking of Drusilla, Ritter even managed to capture her craziness and her visions as they were portrayed in the TV show. LOVE and appreciate that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Death
fede6's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
vikrose's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
spindleweed's review
4.0
This was a really fun read.
Now I’m a fan of the Buffy the Vampire slayer tv show and a fan of spike the character (minus that one scene.. you know which one if you’ve watched the show).
And as a fan I thought this was a lot of fun, he really gave the characters the same energy they have in the tv show and didn’t change them.
It’s just a fun little story about Spike, Dru and Darla.
I started it this morning and just kept picking it up throughout the day until I finished it because I wanted to know what happened next. Which is a good thing in a book.
Now I’m a fan of the Buffy the Vampire slayer tv show and a fan of spike the character (minus that one scene.. you know which one if you’ve watched the show).
And as a fan I thought this was a lot of fun, he really gave the characters the same energy they have in the tv show and didn’t change them.
It’s just a fun little story about Spike, Dru and Darla.
I started it this morning and just kept picking it up throughout the day until I finished it because I wanted to know what happened next. Which is a good thing in a book.
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Bloody Fool for Love is a historical fantasy prequel to Buffy the Vampire Slayer that focuses on Spike, the vampire we all know and love! Spike has always been my favorite character from the Buffy franchise, so I’m pretty much automatically interested in any story that involves him. This was no exception. The aptly named novel focuses on Spike’s escapades in the early 1900s in London, just after he killed his first Slayer during the Chinese Boxer Rebellion. He’s on a bit of an ego high after his victory, but he still can’t seem to capture Drusilla’s full attention. He’s worried she’s too focused on getting Angel to come back to them. In order to prove his love, he faces down a demon gangster and rocks the balance of supernatural power in London. (There’s also a bit of a sub-plot involving Darla wanting to make sure Spike and Drusilla will be taken care of if she leaves them.)
Fans of Buffy will appreciate all the nods to the original series, but I have no doubt the book would be enjoyable for people who don’t know anything about Buffy at all. The book is full of heists, devious demons and vampires, and plans gone ridiculously awry. William Ritter was a perfect fit to pen this book, as he’s already a master of the historical fantasy genre after his Jackaby series. Best of all, Ritter captures Spike’s voice, style and humor perfectly. As always, Spike is a perfect blend of villain, hero, and bumbling idiot. It makes for great reading!
They say this series will explore our favorite characters from the Buffyverse, so I can’t wait to see who’s featured next!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Bloody Fool for Love is a historical fantasy prequel to Buffy the Vampire Slayer that focuses on Spike, the vampire we all know and love! Spike has always been my favorite character from the Buffy franchise, so I’m pretty much automatically interested in any story that involves him. This was no exception. The aptly named novel focuses on Spike’s escapades in the early 1900s in London, just after he killed his first Slayer during the Chinese Boxer Rebellion. He’s on a bit of an ego high after his victory, but he still can’t seem to capture Drusilla’s full attention. He’s worried she’s too focused on getting Angel to come back to them. In order to prove his love, he faces down a demon gangster and rocks the balance of supernatural power in London. (There’s also a bit of a sub-plot involving Darla wanting to make sure Spike and Drusilla will be taken care of if she leaves them.)
Fans of Buffy will appreciate all the nods to the original series, but I have no doubt the book would be enjoyable for people who don’t know anything about Buffy at all. The book is full of heists, devious demons and vampires, and plans gone ridiculously awry. William Ritter was a perfect fit to pen this book, as he’s already a master of the historical fantasy genre after his Jackaby series. Best of all, Ritter captures Spike’s voice, style and humor perfectly. As always, Spike is a perfect blend of villain, hero, and bumbling idiot. It makes for great reading!
They say this series will explore our favorite characters from the Buffyverse, so I can’t wait to see who’s featured next!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
buffywantbooks's review
3.0
The plot of this book is based entirely around Spike getting Drusilla an enchanted finger so she doesn’t break up with him. He’s very stupid and I love him ❤️