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the_cheerful_necromancer's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This is the first book I ever read with a gay protagonist! Or even an explicitly gay character at all!
Okay, listen. I can see objectively that this book is not "good": the text (at least in my edition) has some typos, the plot is a little meandering, it's not the greatest work of literature ever written by any means. But it was a whole lot of fun, Goddamnit!
This book, to me, is the novel's answer to the shlocky b-movie: quite ridiculous, rather corny, and still a roaring good time. Admittedly, I'd say this first one is the weakest in the series, but it's not long enough to make that a particular sticking point.
In particular, the cast really grabbed me; there's a lot of capital C Characters in this book, and that's a real strength it has. I remember pretty much everyone, even though a lot of them have minor roles. I genuinely had a great time with Tony, who is snarky and funny and a bit messy, and a very likeable protagonist.
Okay, listen. I can see objectively that this book is not "good": the text (at least in my edition) has some typos, the plot is a little meandering, it's not the greatest work of literature ever written by any means. But it was a whole lot of fun, Goddamnit!
This book, to me, is the novel's answer to the shlocky b-movie: quite ridiculous, rather corny, and still a roaring good time. Admittedly, I'd say this first one is the weakest in the series, but it's not long enough to make that a particular sticking point.
In particular, the cast really grabbed me; there's a lot of capital C Characters in this book, and that's a real strength it has. I remember pretty much everyone, even though a lot of them have minor roles. I genuinely had a great time with Tony, who is snarky and funny and a bit messy, and a very likeable protagonist.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Car accident, and Murder
Minor: Drug abuse and Sexual content
Additionally, readers should note that this book was published in 2004, so with all the love in the world, expect to read some slightly iffy, probably-a-bit-ableist-or-homophobic lines. It aged fine, but not perfectly.scrollsofdragons's review
3.0
Still amazed I read a 408 page book in one day, three sittings. It wasn't super engaging so have zero clue why I managed to read it that quickly, it was good though, I just felt it focused a little bit too much on the film production then it did on the more enthralling aspects.
alizy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
shaekin's review against another edition
3.0
I really like this author, but this book was not as good as her latest ones have been. The pacing was slower and the characters were still coming together. I think this series has good potential and I'm looking forward to where it goes, but I could definitely tell this was one of her earlier works.
thisbeereads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
cammaleahh's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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? No
3.0
jobinsonlis's review against another edition
4.0
The character work in this great, especially with Tony and Arra. I’m not as invested in the plot and I do think some of the writing is weak—especially in the action scenes—but I would still recommend this book for the characters.
ambientdusk's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Car accident, and Murder
Minor: Drug abuse and Sexual content
ofliterarynature's review against another edition
4.0
Book club pick for May 2022
Surprisingly good! I didn’t know this was a spin off series when we picked it for book club, and I think the author could have done a better job summarizing/bringing new readers up to date. But! It was queer, it did some cool things around complicated dating/relationships (but does not have a romance!), and the teases of a wider magical world are intriguing. I’m strongly considering continuing/reading the first series.
Note to self: this book wrapped itself up so well I have no idea where the rest of this series is going. Arra comes back? Tony learns wizardry? Gets a date with Lee? Idk.
Surprisingly good! I didn’t know this was a spin off series when we picked it for book club, and I think the author could have done a better job summarizing/bringing new readers up to date. But! It was queer, it did some cool things around complicated dating/relationships (but does not have a romance!), and the teases of a wider magical world are intriguing. I’m strongly considering continuing/reading the first series.
Note to self: this book wrapped itself up so well I have no idea where the rest of this series is going. Arra comes back? Tony learns wizardry? Gets a date with Lee? Idk.
rachelini's review against another edition
4.0
I ran out of library books! So I grabbed this favourite off my shelves. Tony was always my favourite part of the Vicky Nelson books, so I was very happy when he got his own series. The tone is lighter and jokier than the other books, but I like that - the book makes me laugh, and that's what I want.