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penguin_emperor_of_the_north's review
3.0
My first review of this book was glowing but that may have been reaction against the vitriol in some of the reviews. But I've matured since then.
This is the story of a company that hunts monsters (vampires, werewolves, zombies, etc.) with heavy fire power. Then there's some business about the end of the world and Lovecraftian gods invading reality.
The books not really in the horror genre because the book's operating principle is that invincible means you haven't shot it enough yet. And to give you an idea of where the book's focus is, the main character's automatic shotgun gets probably the most detailed description in the book.
It occurs to me this series might be better as a bunch of short stories about various hunts the characters go on rather than thwarting a Lovecraftian invasion. You know, what with the intense interest in guns and how guns kill things. Just thinking thoughts.
Anyways, as the legions of haters will point out, the book is not perfect. The author and characters all like guns a lot. Sometimes the action pauses so the weapons our heroes are carrying can be lovingly detailed.
Then there's the romance subplot. It could've been cutout entirely and you'd barely need to edit the rest of the book. Also, I disapprove.
And finally there's the attitude towards the government. Every good guy hates the government with an unbridled passion. Which would be okay if it had any bearing on the plot. Consider if the main characters took a time out to talk about how much they love spaghetti every few pages. That's how irritating it gets.
And the eponymous company's entire business model is based on collecting government bounties on the monsters. And nobody realizes their livelihood is dependent on the government while whining about the government. Bunch of ding dongs.
Still a fun book though.
This is the story of a company that hunts monsters (vampires, werewolves, zombies, etc.) with heavy fire power. Then there's some business about the end of the world and Lovecraftian gods invading reality.
The books not really in the horror genre because the book's operating principle is that invincible means you haven't shot it enough yet. And to give you an idea of where the book's focus is, the main character's automatic shotgun gets probably the most detailed description in the book.
It occurs to me this series might be better as a bunch of short stories about various hunts the characters go on rather than thwarting a Lovecraftian invasion. You know, what with the intense interest in guns and how guns kill things. Just thinking thoughts.
Anyways, as the legions of haters will point out, the book is not perfect. The author and characters all like guns a lot. Sometimes the action pauses so the weapons our heroes are carrying can be lovingly detailed.
Then there's the romance subplot. It could've been cutout entirely and you'd barely need to edit the rest of the book. Also,
Spoiler
our hero's romantic rival (Grant) is kidnapped by vampires so Julie (girlfriend) decides now's a good time to hook up with Owen (hero).And finally there's the attitude towards the government. Every good guy hates the government with an unbridled passion. Which would be okay if it had any bearing on the plot. Consider if the main characters took a time out to talk about how much they love spaghetti every few pages. That's how irritating it gets.
And the eponymous company's entire business model is based on collecting government bounties on the monsters. And nobody realizes their livelihood is dependent on the government while whining about the government. Bunch of ding dongs.
Still a fun book though.
tmlore's review
5.0
Jaw Dropping Action
From start to finish you’re pulled into a world that you want to be a part of. You want Owen to be your best friend and you want to be a member of MHI. I did not want this book to end! Throughly enjoyable! Will be recommending this novel to everyone!
From start to finish you’re pulled into a world that you want to be a part of. You want Owen to be your best friend and you want to be a member of MHI. I did not want this book to end! Throughly enjoyable! Will be recommending this novel to everyone!
bobnb9j's review against another edition
5.0
I keep coming back and reading it again. There is so much I find enjoyable about the book and it is a favorite to re-read at least once a year. I hope Mr. Correia adds to the series in the future.
arteziya's review against another edition
2.0
Если бы это был не роман, а комикс, то оценка была бы ближе к 4-ке. А так - 2+. Персонажи картонные, сюжет достоен Майкла Бэя, взрывы, бесконечный экшн, тупорылые герои. Автор вдобавок еще и ганфрик, и может посвятить несколько страниц подряд любовному описанию очередной кастомной Сайги. Что обидно - при такой же сюжетной канве, но с нормальной психологией героев и более умелым описанием происходящего мог бы получится хороший роман. Но увы.
whattamess's review
3.0
31% and I'm kind of done with the book. It's a good story, it just doesn't have what I need to keep me invested.
kraigmhill's review against another edition
1.0
This rating might seem rough, but if I’m going by the scale definitions it matches - I didn’t like this book which matches a 1 Star.
Does it have redeeming qualities? Absolutely. The action is good (except the dialogue in action). The premise is very interesting (monster hunting!) and pretty well researched. By all accounts the gunplay is spot on.
The first chapter of the book is a great introduction - the initial action scene is very well choreographed, believable, and brings you right into the world where monsters actually exist through the eyes of someone that has to take one on out of the blue.
After that, the book largely fell apart for me. In-action dialogue was worse than hokey. The best of that dialogue was comparable to the worst comic book dialogue.
The protagonist seems interesting at first, until you dig into his background and find out he’s not just some accountant - he’s a sniper and a master of hand to hand combat. But, poor guy, he couldn’t take these skills to the army because he has asthma that literally never rears it’s head again. Convenient. Also, apparently he’s the chosen one. But he’s ugly and fat. OH RIGHT he’s not fat he’s just stalky and actually super strong. He also magically becomes not ugly by the end (literally) and none of this matters because the dame likes him how he is.
Speaking of the damsel - she was totally wooden, but she is the super hot girl with glasses who happens to be extremely proficient with guns dating a super model/super monster killer...but she likes the rough ugly guy even when he (ugly) dumps her then boyfriend into shark infested waters. Makes sense right?
The interpersonal relationships were terrible. The romance between Owen and Julie was, at best, creepy. The remaining characters had some defining characteristics (the virgin, the stripper, the nerd) and they’re probably the best part of the book (minus the action scenes). It would give me hope until we got back to Owen lusting after Julie.
The plot itself was fine, but execution left a lot to be desired. I liked the premise but the book was probably 200 pages too long simply because the old man inside Owens head had to be cryptic for...reasons. As a result we have to scream at Owen to realize he’s the chosen one while he’s told repeatedly that he’s super special, but apparently he’s too dumb to think about this. After all, there are guns to caress and Julie to must after.
To sum it up - I completely understand why people like this book but it’s just not my cup of tea. When I read a book with an interesting premise that I feel has poor execution it tends to sour it on me quickly, and that’s what happened here. I’d happily recommend this to someone who quite likes guns and wants an entertaining read. It’s essentially the male power fantasy equivalent of a bodice ripper, and that’s fine, just not my cup of tea.
Does it have redeeming qualities? Absolutely. The action is good (except the dialogue in action). The premise is very interesting (monster hunting!) and pretty well researched. By all accounts the gunplay is spot on.
The first chapter of the book is a great introduction - the initial action scene is very well choreographed, believable, and brings you right into the world where monsters actually exist through the eyes of someone that has to take one on out of the blue.
After that, the book largely fell apart for me. In-action dialogue was worse than hokey. The best of that dialogue was comparable to the worst comic book dialogue.
The protagonist seems interesting at first, until you dig into his background and find out he’s not just some accountant - he’s a sniper and a master of hand to hand combat. But, poor guy, he couldn’t take these skills to the army because he has asthma that literally never rears it’s head again. Convenient. Also, apparently he’s the chosen one. But he’s ugly and fat. OH RIGHT he’s not fat he’s just stalky and actually super strong. He also magically becomes not ugly by the end (literally) and none of this matters because the dame likes him how he is.
Speaking of the damsel - she was totally wooden, but she is the super hot girl with glasses who happens to be extremely proficient with guns dating a super model/super monster killer...but she likes the rough ugly guy even when he (ugly) dumps her then boyfriend into shark infested waters. Makes sense right?
The interpersonal relationships were terrible. The romance between Owen and Julie was, at best, creepy. The remaining characters had some defining characteristics (the virgin, the stripper, the nerd) and they’re probably the best part of the book (minus the action scenes). It would give me hope until we got back to Owen lusting after Julie.
The plot itself was fine, but execution left a lot to be desired. I liked the premise but the book was probably 200 pages too long simply because the old man inside Owens head had to be cryptic for...reasons. As a result we have to scream at Owen to realize he’s the chosen one while he’s told repeatedly that he’s super special, but apparently he’s too dumb to think about this. After all, there are guns to caress and Julie to must after.
To sum it up - I completely understand why people like this book but it’s just not my cup of tea. When I read a book with an interesting premise that I feel has poor execution it tends to sour it on me quickly, and that’s what happened here. I’d happily recommend this to someone who quite likes guns and wants an entertaining read. It’s essentially the male power fantasy equivalent of a bodice ripper, and that’s fine, just not my cup of tea.
oph_'s review
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
- okay this is literally a book for straight cis guys why do i love it so much?
- this is the book with the “found family” trope where I actually feel like they all like each other? And are a family? Like the banter is so good
- negatives: the very out of pocket parts where your like “yeah this author def voted for Trump” but they make me laugh because it’s so out of pocket and accurate for a gun nut living in the south. The part where Owen is like “I’m a libertarian” made me throw the book across the room. Also a weird moment of Confederate defense?
- earl is my lil babygirl … also a huge Holly stan where is her stand alone book ?? All the characters are just so lovable
- the plot is just like an action movie I would love a live action movie from this … but the foreshadowing is about as subtle as a brick to the head
- morale of the story … if you want to read something stupid but with heart you should read it (just do what I do an HC all the characters as queer)
- PS Larry has such bad politics so literally find the cheapest way to consume this media if you catch my drift
- this is the book with the “found family” trope where I actually feel like they all like each other? And are a family? Like the banter is so good
- negatives: the very out of pocket parts where your like “yeah this author def voted for Trump” but they make me laugh because it’s so out of pocket and accurate for a gun nut living in the south. The part where Owen is like “I’m a libertarian” made me throw the book across the room. Also a weird moment of Confederate defense?
- earl is my lil babygirl … also a huge Holly stan where is her stand alone book ?? All the characters are just so lovable
- the plot is just like an action movie I would love a live action movie from this … but the foreshadowing is about as subtle as a brick to the head
- morale of the story … if you want to read something stupid but with heart you should read it (just do what I do an HC all the characters as queer)
- PS Larry has such bad politics so literally find the cheapest way to consume this media if you catch my drift
writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition
3.0
I've seen this book around for years, but my sister-in-law is the one that got me interested in reading it. When she brought it as one of the book choices for book club and told us about how the tiny little towns in Mississippi and Alabama that my in-laws and my nephews live in are featured in the book, I decided to try it. And while I can assure you that my nephew's wife, who is from Booneville, MS, does not have pointy ears, or resemble any of the characters you will meet there in the book, it was loads of fun to read about towns I have been to and even somewhat know.
I liked the way this book started.
"On one otherwise normal Tuesday evening I had the chance to live the American dream. I was able to throw my incompetent jackass of a boss from a fourteenth-story window."
That first line pulled me into the story, plus the book starts off right away with an action scene. There were quite a few things I liked about this book. The elves are not the typical elves, and I laughed a lot at them. The orcs are not the typical orcs, and I loved that. The little towns were a nice departure from the big city settings of most urban fantasy. The humor was nicely placed and helped to lighten a very action packed story. There were also some things I didn't like about it.
You know how Tolkien went on and on about the little details of trees or flowers in his books? Well, Larry Correia does that with guns. I didn't mind the guns to an extent, heck, I even like guns. I love going to range to shoot mine, but the amount of description of them in this book was excessive. There were also a LOT of action scenes. It felt like one of those blockbuster action movies with little character development. Every now and then the action would be paused for gun descriptions, insta-love, and the occasional humorous incident. And yes, I said insta-love. The main character gushes over a woman he barely knows. He's head over heels at first sight. I liked Julie as a character, she was confident and capable, but the insta-love and the other trope involving this relationship—that I won't spoil here—was annoying.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read that can only be described as brain candy, and there's nothing wrong with that if that's what you're looking for. I just ended up being disappointed because I thought this could have been more. It had the bones of a good urban fantasy, if only there had been less gun descriptions and action scenes, and more character and story development. The basic ideas are there. Too bad the author didn't slow down and explore them more. If only the elves, the orcs, and the villains, had been fleshed out and explored more, instead of feeling like cardboard cutouts. If only the love story had progressed more slowly. And if only the plot of this one book had been expanded over the course of maybe two or three, instead of rushed in this one book. That feels like a weird thing to say, considering this book is over 700 pages long. The thing is, it didn't need to be. It could have given us the same story at half the length. There was a lot of filler in there. Instead, we could have gotten more in those 700 pages, or two or three smaller books that did all the things I wish this one had. There are several other books in the series, that may address these issues, but after already reading over 700 pages and not feeling like I got enough out of them, I think I'm good with stopping here. That being said, I don't regret reading this. It wasn't bad, and it led to some good, fun discussion at book club.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
I liked the way this book started.
"On one otherwise normal Tuesday evening I had the chance to live the American dream. I was able to throw my incompetent jackass of a boss from a fourteenth-story window."
That first line pulled me into the story, plus the book starts off right away with an action scene. There were quite a few things I liked about this book. The elves are not the typical elves, and I laughed a lot at them. The orcs are not the typical orcs, and I loved that. The little towns were a nice departure from the big city settings of most urban fantasy. The humor was nicely placed and helped to lighten a very action packed story. There were also some things I didn't like about it.
You know how Tolkien went on and on about the little details of trees or flowers in his books? Well, Larry Correia does that with guns. I didn't mind the guns to an extent, heck, I even like guns. I love going to range to shoot mine, but the amount of description of them in this book was excessive. There were also a LOT of action scenes. It felt like one of those blockbuster action movies with little character development. Every now and then the action would be paused for gun descriptions, insta-love, and the occasional humorous incident. And yes, I said insta-love. The main character gushes over a woman he barely knows. He's head over heels at first sight. I liked Julie as a character, she was confident and capable, but the insta-love and the other trope involving this relationship—that I won't spoil here—was annoying.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read that can only be described as brain candy, and there's nothing wrong with that if that's what you're looking for. I just ended up being disappointed because I thought this could have been more. It had the bones of a good urban fantasy, if only there had been less gun descriptions and action scenes, and more character and story development. The basic ideas are there. Too bad the author didn't slow down and explore them more. If only the elves, the orcs, and the villains, had been fleshed out and explored more, instead of feeling like cardboard cutouts. If only the love story had progressed more slowly. And if only the plot of this one book had been expanded over the course of maybe two or three, instead of rushed in this one book. That feels like a weird thing to say, considering this book is over 700 pages long. The thing is, it didn't need to be. It could have given us the same story at half the length. There was a lot of filler in there. Instead, we could have gotten more in those 700 pages, or two or three smaller books that did all the things I wish this one had. There are several other books in the series, that may address these issues, but after already reading over 700 pages and not feeling like I got enough out of them, I think I'm good with stopping here. That being said, I don't regret reading this. It wasn't bad, and it led to some good, fun discussion at book club.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
kazrik's review against another edition
4.0
Started off strong and then waned for me. Not sure why but felt a little disconnected w/ the main story.
Listened to audiobook.
Listened to audiobook.
bekreadz7's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! Made me want to go out and start hunting monsters, but then I remembered that I can't even run 50 feet or walk up 3 flights of stairs without my lungs trying to burst out of my chest. But there is still hope to be a monster hunter yet!