Scan barcode
mariasmusings's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In early 2022, I came across The Stranger Times series by CK (Caimh) McDonnell and instantly fell in love with the sense of wit, likeable characters (well, for the most part, Vincent is complicated 😉) and unpredictable storylines.
'Relight My Fire' is the very welcome fourth addition to the series.
Set in Manchester, the world of our Stranger Times crew is one where ghosts, ghouls & goblins co-exist alongside a generally public. The Stranger Times is a weekly newspaper that covers all manner of unusual and plain bonkers stories.
And once again the city of Manchester is experiencing some strange shenanigans, aka "weirdy bollocks".
Now, this may seem a little bizarre but bizarre is the business of TST & frankly, the team are more than a little unusual themselves.
Our intrepid reporting team consists of:
Vincent Banecroft - drinker, expert insulter and in need of new socks
Hannah - editor & possibly the sanest of the group, though the competition sets a low bar
Grace - office manager, God fearing & a mammy figure
Reggie & Ox - the hilarious double act, who act as though they don't get along but have each others back
Stella - a source of unknown power & teenage sarcasm
Manny - possessed by an unknown entity, & not keen on clothes
This time around their leader Vincent Bancroft is in trouble - challenged to discover who is behind a recent spate of thefts from local graveyards. If he fails, then deeply, hellish things will happen to Vincent. And meanwhile, someone is hunting down people with powers so the team have their work cut out.
With a series, there is always a fear that the latest installment will not match upto expectations but don't fear, McDonnell has once again created a dark, hilarious, fantasy, with witty asides targeting contemporary society and the characters that we have come to love. And yes, I'm including the irascible Banecroft in that statement.
With an utterly madcap storyline, it is easy to see why many have compared the series to Prachett's beloved Discworld and I can think of no higher praise.
#relightmyfire #5stars
'Relight My Fire' is the very welcome fourth addition to the series.
Set in Manchester, the world of our Stranger Times crew is one where ghosts, ghouls & goblins co-exist alongside a generally public. The Stranger Times is a weekly newspaper that covers all manner of unusual and plain bonkers stories.
And once again the city of Manchester is experiencing some strange shenanigans, aka "weirdy bollocks".
Now, this may seem a little bizarre but bizarre is the business of TST & frankly, the team are more than a little unusual themselves.
Our intrepid reporting team consists of:
Vincent Banecroft - drinker, expert insulter and in need of new socks
Hannah - editor & possibly the sanest of the group, though the competition sets a low bar
Grace - office manager, God fearing & a mammy figure
Reggie & Ox - the hilarious double act, who act as though they don't get along but have each others back
Stella - a source of unknown power & teenage sarcasm
Manny - possessed by an unknown entity, & not keen on clothes
This time around their leader Vincent Bancroft is in trouble - challenged to discover who is behind a recent spate of thefts from local graveyards. If he fails, then deeply, hellish things will happen to Vincent. And meanwhile, someone is hunting down people with powers so the team have their work cut out.
With a series, there is always a fear that the latest installment will not match upto expectations but don't fear, McDonnell has once again created a dark, hilarious, fantasy, with witty asides targeting contemporary society and the characters that we have come to love. And yes, I'm including the irascible Banecroft in that statement.
With an utterly madcap storyline, it is easy to see why many have compared the series to Prachett's beloved Discworld and I can think of no higher praise.
#relightmyfire #5stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Blood, Bullying, and Drug abuse
More...