alda_antonia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lubleu's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
snowbenton's review against another edition
3.0
Lucifer Box is an over-the-top self-involved drama queen who is just as likely to kill an assassin at the behest of the British government as he is to get himself into some kind of sex-fueled trouble. This book has a lot of things I like: spies, drama, international travel, humor, ridiculous schemes -- and yet it falls completely flat. Lucifer is so stuck up it is truly a wonder he doesn't die from sheer inability to see the world around him as anything other than a machine for worshipping him. The main plot surrounds the work of a bunch of scientists, yet when you actually meet the villains they are all so stupid that maintaining the suspension of disbelief requires the reader to shut both eyes. I truly wanted to love this book as the cover related it to two of my favorite authors (Wilde and Lovecraft) and yet I couldn't manage to do so.
fletchie's review against another edition
5.0
Can you read? Yes? Well, why haven't you read this book?
It's bloody brilliant.
Lucifer Box is a cad, but an endearing one.
It's bloody brilliant.
Lucifer Box is a cad, but an endearing one.
me2brett's review against another edition
3.0
An entertaining romp from a skilled writer of comedy. Mystery, espionage, drawing, and scandalous behaviour, all presented in a very tongue-in-cheek yet elegant writing style. I would recommend it to those who like Wodehouse but aren't afraid of rude language and mature themes.
reanimatedreader's review against another edition
5.0
Just as flamboyant and colourful the second time round.
a_morsereads's review against another edition
3.0
Quick, fluffy and cartoonish read. It's fun and light, the main character's voice is heavily turn-of-the-century which makes it a unique read from other novels out there. It's a high flying "caper."
bookish_brooklyn's review against another edition
5.0
Well that pulled me out of my mini slump. Mark Gatiss never disappoints.
anywiebs's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun read, about a secret agent, who is so not like your typical secret agent.
I liked Lucifer Box, the main character and narrator. He was so charming and witty and refreshing.
Also I liked that it was set at the turn of the 20th century, and thus some of the things ere shocking or more surprising.
My edition has lovely illustrations, I talk more about that in my video.
Why only 3 stars you asked? Well, I wasn't completely blown by the book and my mind kept wandering while reading. That could be due to my mind or the lack of captivness of the book, can't be sure there.
In general I say this was a good read I recommend to people who enjoy funny books.
I liked Lucifer Box, the main character and narrator. He was so charming and witty and refreshing.
Also I liked that it was set at the turn of the 20th century, and thus some of the things ere shocking or more surprising.
My edition has lovely illustrations, I talk more about that in my video.
Why only 3 stars you asked? Well, I wasn't completely blown by the book and my mind kept wandering while reading. That could be due to my mind or the lack of captivness of the book, can't be sure there.
In general I say this was a good read I recommend to people who enjoy funny books.
laci's review against another edition
3.0
Meh. I liked the style of the prose well enough in the beginning, but that didn't last for long. The plot wasn't that hot, either. (Even though it has a volcano in the name, har har.) I didn't _hate_ it all the time, but I can't really recommend it, either.
The narration was probably my most favourite aspect of the book: the narrator talks in the first person, is UNBELIEVABLY self-centered, narcissistic and arrogant, which makes for a generally amusing account of an already cartoonishly weird, shallow plot. (That wasn't the only shallow thing: there was _not one_ character I could actually care about.)
The narration was probably my most favourite aspect of the book: the narrator talks in the first person, is UNBELIEVABLY self-centered, narcissistic and arrogant, which makes for a generally amusing account of an already cartoonishly weird, shallow plot. (That wasn't the only shallow thing: there was _not one_ character I could actually care about.)