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skybalon's review against another edition
3.0
Another funny addition to the series. It reads OK as a stand-alone, but does refer to the earlier stories in the series, so it probably would be worth reading them first.
All of the plot points get confusing and possibly don't make complete sense, but it is a funny read and worth the effort.
All of the plot points get confusing and possibly don't make complete sense, but it is a funny read and worth the effort.
ramblingravioli's review against another edition
3.0
Only 3 stars as I like the concept! But this book needs a good edit and a lot less mansplaining of the plot by all the characters. The amount of “let me tell you the reason this happened” monologues was wild!
liszt91's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
theatlantean's review against another edition
2.0
Well it began to redeem itself, but then all the explanations... chapters of them! And despite the contrivance, it still didn't explain things very well... I understood okay, but there are holes. It's like he set up all sorts of weird crap, and then was unable to resolve it properly. Are you subbing the writing to minions, Mr Holt? Because this has been a drag. I'm trying to think if any of it was enjoyable, and certainly some of the running around in the middle was, and bits of the explanation, but some of it was just nonsense.
Still haven't decided whether some of the ideas and derring-do can raise this above a single star... I'll finish this review in a few days, and leave it at 2 for now because I'm feeling generous...
Well, the ending wasn't rushed, and it was tied up, so overall, the book was okay... it can keep its 2 stars.
Still haven't decided whether some of the ideas and derring-do can raise this above a single star... I'll finish this review in a few days, and leave it at 2 for now because I'm feeling generous...
Well, the ending wasn't rushed, and it was tied up, so overall, the book was okay... it can keep its 2 stars.
confessions_of_a_bookaholic's review against another edition
4.0
After a couple of years, Paul is starting to think he's got the hang of things at J.W.W. Wells & co. He's even managed to get a promotion! Just as he's starting to settle in, things become weird, and yet again Paul is left feeling like he has to save the world, and totally out of his depth doing so.
It's really hard to review these, mainly because it's hard to really say what the books are about!
I found I enjoyed this one a bit more than the previous two in the series, even though it is a lot more nuts and jumps around a bit. Paul seems to have grown a pair (sort of), and so although he's still not the stereotypical hero, he's a bit less hapless and useless.
The underlying plot for this one is quite complicated. There's a bit of time travel involved, and a sort of creation story, and an ongoing viking battle. Aspects of it really appealed to me - the idea of someone messing with time to suit their own ends is right up my street for a plotline. I did find this one a bit long though, and it felt like there were a few times when things seemed to be just about ready to wrap up and then another plot twist ensued followed by more battles and craziness. I got a bit lost towards the end, but helpfully Holt does give us a summary of what has actually happened over the course of the book.
It definitely feels like this is a sort of end to the series, so I'm interested to see where we go in book 4.
It's really hard to review these, mainly because it's hard to really say what the books are about!
I found I enjoyed this one a bit more than the previous two in the series, even though it is a lot more nuts and jumps around a bit. Paul seems to have grown a pair (sort of), and so although he's still not the stereotypical hero, he's a bit less hapless and useless.
The underlying plot for this one is quite complicated. There's a bit of time travel involved, and a sort of creation story, and an ongoing viking battle. Aspects of it really appealed to me - the idea of someone messing with time to suit their own ends is right up my street for a plotline. I did find this one a bit long though, and it felt like there were a few times when things seemed to be just about ready to wrap up and then another plot twist ensued followed by more battles and craziness. I got a bit lost towards the end, but helpfully Holt does give us a summary of what has actually happened over the course of the book.
It definitely feels like this is a sort of end to the series, so I'm interested to see where we go in book 4.
jmhobbs's review against another edition
5.0
Good way to wrap up the series! I really enjoyed this one, Holt kept it funny, action packed, and convoluted as always. The plot wasn't quite as tangled as the last one, and I think that's a good thing. Great series, I recommend it.
korey011's review against another edition
I chose this book on a whim, and later found out that it is the third in a series. I enjoy the premise and may try again in the future.
chrudos's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
3.75
thesgtrekkiereads's review against another edition
4.0
tom holt always helps me relax. he doesn't disappoint with this one either. in the vein of robert Rankin, Christopher Moore, and hints of Douglas Adams, we reenter the portable door once again for adventure, fun, and silly madness
3.5stars
3.5stars
stormblessedt's review against another edition
2.75
Not as engaging or as cohesive as the first two, but entertaining nonetheless.