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tattooedhorrorreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
Completely obsessed with this series & highly recommend the audiobooks narrated by Brendan McDonald, he truly brings the characters & stories to life.
richard_morrow's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The fourth instalment of the UK’s most dysfunctional publication and all the favourite characters are back. Stella is trying to find her place in the world while Vincent is carrying a lot of guilt due to what had gone on before. Although still laugh out loud funny, there are elements to this story which are much darker than its predecessors. The members of the Stranger Times newspaper are a family, just a very dysfunctional one. I appreciate that CK McDonnell doesn’t spend too much time explaining the lore but instead just lets it be part of the entertaining narrative. Can’t wait for what’s to come next.
tnapoliament's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
justgeekingby's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This review contains spoilers for the previous book, so if you have not read it please do not look beneath the spoiler tag!
In the previous book, the Stranger Times team had a lot of close calls, and as they attempt to put it all behind them, the universe has other ideas. As Stella tries to get to grips with University, her place on a journalism course courtesy of Bancroft’s guilt, a man falls from the sky in front of her. Moments before his death, he was seen floating, which is odd even for the Stranger Times team. As the newspaper of weird news, they’re already on the case, but it becomes even more important that they find out what happened when The Founders think that Stella was involved. After everything that has happened, they’re just itching for an excuse to get their hands on her, and no one will let that happen.
Of course, nothing ever goes smoothly for the gang, and Bancroft’s past has come back to haunt him, quite literally. While Simon forgave the editor for his role in the desecration of his spirit, it seems that other powers are less than charitable. Those who watch over the dead have decided to give him one more chance to atone. With just a name to go on and very little time to identify the problem and fix it, Bancroft sets the team on it with only Hannah knowing how dire the situation truly is.
As the title suggests, Relight My Fire has a healthy dish of musical nostalgia as C.K. McDonnell also throws in an indie rock singer from Hannah’s teenage years. He perfectly captures the embarrassing moment of coming face to face with the idol of teenage adoration that was postered all over her bedroom wall and used more than once to practise kissing on. I’m sure I won’t be the only one who felt seen when Hannah word-vomited spectacularly.
I wasn’t sure how this book would be, considering a lot happened in the last one to wrap up various sub-plots. It didn’t just see us finding out the truth about Bancroft’s wife, it also in a roundabout way finally settled Hannah in as assistant editor. Up until that point, she wasn’t quite sure if the Stranger Times was where she belonged, and her secret mission with Mrs Hawnforth gave her a much-needed boost of confidence. There was a noticeable change in her in this book, and while she had her normal flustered moments, it was great to see her talking to Stella about university in a big sisterly way without needlessly putting herself down.
Compared to the previous books, this one is a four-star for me, and that’s not to say it was bad in any way, it just didn’t quite hit all the points that the others have. In a way, Love Will Tear Us Apart felt like the equivalent of a TV mid-season finale and in Relight My Fire McDonnell starts to lay the ground for new sub-plots. There’s still plenty of chaos and action, including an incredible battle scene that I won’t ever forget, however, I felt that character development was more the aim of the game here. Again, not a bad thing, it was just slightly different and promises wonderful chaos and danger for the team in the next book.
Once again, McDonnell introduced some wonderful new characters, and I am hoping that they reappear again. Toni is too glorious not to be seen ever again. I adored her, and the dressing down she gave to the complaining customer was one of my favourite scenes in the book. Plus, how could I not love a character who introduces themselves as “That’s Toni with an I […] because I will insist on making a disability into a brand.”? I loved that McDonnell created a character that used their trauma and resulting disability in such a positive way.
It seems as though one of them at least looks to be a new permanent fixture, and I can’t wait to see more of Brian. He is exactly the type of character I would expect to find in a Stranger Times novel.
I realised while reading Relight My Fire that The Stranger Times series has become a comfort read for me. Sadly, I read so quickly that the new novel is done, and I’m stuck waiting for the next one all over again. With the way this one ended, I’ve got a lot to think about between now and the next book!
In the previous book, the Stranger Times team had a lot of close calls, and as they attempt to put it all behind them, the universe has other ideas. As Stella tries to get to grips with University, her place on a journalism course courtesy of Bancroft’s guilt, a man falls from the sky in front of her. Moments before his death, he was seen floating, which is odd even for the Stranger Times team. As the newspaper of weird news, they’re already on the case, but it becomes even more important that they find out what happened when The Founders think that Stella was involved. After everything that has happened, they’re just itching for an excuse to get their hands on her, and no one will let that happen.
Of course, nothing ever goes smoothly for the gang, and Bancroft’s past has come back to haunt him, quite literally. While Simon forgave the editor for his role in the desecration of his spirit, it seems that other powers are less than charitable. Those who watch over the dead have decided to give him one more chance to atone. With just a name to go on and very little time to identify the problem and fix it, Bancroft sets the team on it with only Hannah knowing how dire the situation truly is.
As the title suggests, Relight My Fire has a healthy dish of musical nostalgia as C.K. McDonnell also throws in an indie rock singer from Hannah’s teenage years. He perfectly captures the embarrassing moment of coming face to face with the idol of teenage adoration that was postered all over her bedroom wall and used more than once to practise kissing on. I’m sure I won’t be the only one who felt seen when Hannah word-vomited spectacularly.
I wasn’t sure how this book would be, considering a lot happened in the last one to wrap up various sub-plots. It didn’t just see us finding out the truth about Bancroft’s wife, it also in a roundabout way finally settled Hannah in as assistant editor. Up until that point, she wasn’t quite sure if the Stranger Times was where she belonged, and her secret mission with Mrs Hawnforth gave her a much-needed boost of confidence. There was a noticeable change in her in this book, and while she had her normal flustered moments, it was great to see her talking to Stella about university in a big sisterly way without needlessly putting herself down.
Compared to the previous books, this one is a four-star for me, and that’s not to say it was bad in any way, it just didn’t quite hit all the points that the others have. In a way, Love Will Tear Us Apart felt like the equivalent of a TV mid-season finale and in Relight My Fire McDonnell starts to lay the ground for new sub-plots. There’s still plenty of chaos and action, including an incredible battle scene that I won’t ever forget, however, I felt that character development was more the aim of the game here. Again, not a bad thing, it was just slightly different and promises wonderful chaos and danger for the team in the next book.
Once again, McDonnell introduced some wonderful new characters, and I am hoping that they reappear again. Toni is too glorious not to be seen ever again. I adored her, and the dressing down she gave to the complaining customer was one of my favourite scenes in the book. Plus, how could I not love a character who introduces themselves as “That’s Toni with an I […] because I will insist on making a disability into a brand.”? I loved that McDonnell created a character that used their trauma and resulting disability in such a positive way.
It seems as though one of them at least looks to be a new permanent fixture, and I can’t wait to see more of Brian. He is exactly the type of character I would expect to find in a Stranger Times novel.
I realised while reading Relight My Fire that The Stranger Times series has become a comfort read for me. Sadly, I read so quickly that the new novel is done, and I’m stuck waiting for the next one all over again. With the way this one ended, I’ve got a lot to think about between now and the next book!
Content Warnings
jessln23's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
lezlie's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
5.0
The employees of The Stranger Times are back with a new mystery to solve - and the stakes have never been higher.(If you've read the book, then you can appreciate the pun there!)
I was up first thing on release morning, downloading my Audible preorder of this one so I could start binging it straight away.
Brimming with the humor I've come to expect from anything penned by this author, RELIGHT MY FIRE reunites readers with the beloved characters from the previous installments, introduces a few new faces, (Those who have read this, it was so hard not to type 'feces' instead of 'faces' - Brian was just the BEST new character, wasn't he??) and the world building is expanded ever so slightly.
In other words, C.K. McDonnell leveled up. Again.
Before I was even at the halfway mark, I began to feel a deep sadness that soon it would be over and the wait for the next book would begin.
I would be remiss if I did not scream about the excellence that is Brendan McDonald's audiobook narration. Honestly, I cannot imagine consuming this series any other way than audio. I almost wonder if it's a competition between McDonnell and McDonald - to see if McDonnell can give life to a character that stumps McDonald on the voice to give it. So far, McDonald is on the winning end!
Readers who enjoy the found family trope, great character development, and a huge helping of humor that will endear this series in your heart permanently - this is the series for you! (Once you read these 4 books, to battle the book hangover that you are sure to experience, I would also recommend the author's crime thriller series, The Dublin Trilogy. Be warned, McDonnell can't count and that series is now around 7 books, I believe.)
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
I was up first thing on release morning, downloading my Audible preorder of this one so I could start binging it straight away.
Brimming with the humor I've come to expect from anything penned by this author, RELIGHT MY FIRE reunites readers with the beloved characters from the previous installments, introduces a few new faces, (Those who have read this, it was so hard not to type 'feces' instead of 'faces' - Brian was just the BEST new character, wasn't he??) and the world building is expanded ever so slightly.
In other words, C.K. McDonnell leveled up. Again.
Before I was even at the halfway mark, I began to feel a deep sadness that soon it would be over and the wait for the next book would begin.
I would be remiss if I did not scream about the excellence that is Brendan McDonald's audiobook narration. Honestly, I cannot imagine consuming this series any other way than audio. I almost wonder if it's a competition between McDonnell and McDonald - to see if McDonnell can give life to a character that stumps McDonald on the voice to give it. So far, McDonald is on the winning end!
Readers who enjoy the found family trope, great character development, and a huge helping of humor that will endear this series in your heart permanently - this is the series for you! (Once you read these 4 books, to battle the book hangover that you are sure to experience, I would also recommend the author's crime thriller series, The Dublin Trilogy. Be warned, McDonnell can't count and that series is now around 7 books, I believe.)
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
nik_reads02's review against another edition
4.0
Read in a 2024 Reading Challenge
A great continuation of the series, which also sets up further books. Looking forward to the next one.
A great continuation of the series, which also sets up further books. Looking forward to the next one.
byrons_brain's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jemilyhugh's review
dark
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
This is my favourite book in the series so far. Our gang of kooky journalists are back and ready to (reluctantly and not very skillfully) chase down a zombie hoard.
I laughed a lot, I was emotionally invested in Baincrofts story and poor Stella can’t catch a break. Highly recommend 😊
I laughed a lot, I was emotionally invested in Baincrofts story and poor Stella can’t catch a break. Highly recommend 😊
char_722's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25