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From the Files of the BSI #1
Things to Do in Denver When You're Un-Dead
For ten years Kal Hakala has been the Bureau of Supernatural Investigation's top man, the longest surviving agent in its blood-soaked history. The World At Large has no idea that The World Under exists. And its vampires, demons, zombies, and mythic monsters are growing increasingly restless. In all Kal's time with the Bureau, there has been no case he couldn t crack, no monster he couldn t kill. Then a plague of zombies comes to Denver, along with a vicious serial killer dubbed The Organ Donor. A childhood encounter with a legendary monster has left Kal with an endless supply of rage and hatred for all things Supernatural. But now the target is on his forehead, and the Un-Dead don t die easy. The Bureau has a few aces of its own a few magicians, a cyber-ghost. Unfortunately Kal is a perennial loner ... And the World Under is wise to His tricks.
322 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2011
7 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Mark Everett Stone
20 books84 followersBorn in Helsinki, Finland, Mark Everett Stone arrived in the U.S. at a young age and promptly dove into the world of the fantastic. Starting at age seven with the Iliad and the Odyssey, he went on to consume every scrap of Norse Mythology he could get his grubby little paws on. At age thirteen he graduated to Tolkien and Heinlein, building up a book collection that soon rivaled the local public library’s. In college Mark majored in Journalism and minored in English. Mark is feverishly working on his next book while his amazingly patient wife, Brandie, keeps him and their two sons, Aeden and Gabriel, in check.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 4, 2017
Had looked at this before and sort of "intended to get to it" but hadn't hurried. It sounded like another Urban Fantasy somewhat like others I'd read. Actually, that's not a bad description as far as it goes.
I've read a lot of books of late (not unusual) but some of you who've "been there and done that" know that sometimes you hit a stretch when nothing appeals. Nothing looks that good, everything you start sort of pales and you can't get interested in it. That's where I've been for a while.
So, why not pick up a book I'd been meaning to get to?
Here we have a government agency that deals with "supernatural occurrences". It was founded by George Washington and so far has done a pretty good job of keeping most people in ignorance of the "World Under"...people who haven't had a run in with it.
Here are story is told by Super Agent Kal Hakala (he's of Finnish descent) who's living out a sort of vendetta against a "super supernatural"...saying more is a spoiler:
Anyway the story is a pretty good one. Considering that since I ran on Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden some years ago I've tried several urban fantasies and urban fantasy series. This one has a bit of humor along with the action and not a bad plot. The bureaucracy of the Government Agency is painted fairly well also. The story doesn't fall into some of the cliche traps that are out there and when it winds up it does a good job of setting up the books to come without being too hokey.
I'll give this one a high pretty good and say I can definitely recommend it as enjoyable brain candy.
Enjoy.
I've read a lot of books of late (not unusual) but some of you who've "been there and done that" know that sometimes you hit a stretch when nothing appeals. Nothing looks that good, everything you start sort of pales and you can't get interested in it. That's where I've been for a while.
So, why not pick up a book I'd been meaning to get to?
Here we have a government agency that deals with "supernatural occurrences". It was founded by George Washington and so far has done a pretty good job of keeping most people in ignorance of the "World Under"...people who haven't had a run in with it.
Here are story is told by Super Agent Kal Hakala (he's of Finnish descent) who's living out a sort of vendetta against a "super supernatural"...saying more is a spoiler:
Anyway the story is a pretty good one. Considering that since I ran on Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden some years ago I've tried several urban fantasies and urban fantasy series. This one has a bit of humor along with the action and not a bad plot. The bureaucracy of the Government Agency is painted fairly well also. The story doesn't fall into some of the cliche traps that are out there and when it winds up it does a good job of setting up the books to come without being too hokey.
I'll give this one a high pretty good and say I can definitely recommend it as enjoyable brain candy.
Enjoy.
February 1, 2015
We stumble and fall constantly even when we are most enlightened. But when we are in true spiritual darkness, we do not even know that we have fallen. – Thomas Merton
Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it. - Terry Pratchett
This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge keeps his wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well. – Francis Bacon
Revenge. Kal Hakala has sought revenge since childhood – a childhood where his much loved sister, his sister who smelled of sunshine and summertime, who radiated joy – was ripped from his life, slaughtered by Iku-Turso – a Finnish god. Now, Kal searches out monsters, protecting those of us who have no idea of the World Under from the things that go bump in the night. Most agents don’t last two years before they get very dead in very ugly manners. Kal has lasted ten years – longer than any other agent.
His visit to Denver started out as a zombie hunt. No big deal, in the overall scheme of things. But something is more wrong than he thought, when a serial killer, the Organ Donor, shows itself to be a lot more than your common-and-garden psychopath. Now, Kal and his team are in more danger than they possibly expected – danger that will cost team member lives, and possibly destroy the Unit itself.
Kal is one tough guy, as is to be expected from someone who is eight years past his “use by” date. Still, he has a streak of funny, and a wider streak of snark, a soupcon of literary quotations and no patience whatsoever with any small recklessness. Well, the team is his responsibility – and after ten years, the number of remorseless losses is enough to ascertain that he indeed has no patience – no patience at all. You can’t help but respect that fact. He is broken, brittle and furious. But for all that, he is worthy. And worthy of your reading time.
Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before – it takes something from him. – Louis L’Amour
I listened to the Audible.com version of Things To Do In Denver When You’re Un-Dead narrated by Damon Abdallah. Mr. Abdallah is brilliant – his voice is perfect for Kal, and his female character voices are very well done, something that is hard to find in audio narration.
Overall, there is darkness in the story, but I completely enjoyed it.
Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it. - Terry Pratchett
This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge keeps his wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well. – Francis Bacon
Revenge. Kal Hakala has sought revenge since childhood – a childhood where his much loved sister, his sister who smelled of sunshine and summertime, who radiated joy – was ripped from his life, slaughtered by Iku-Turso – a Finnish god. Now, Kal searches out monsters, protecting those of us who have no idea of the World Under from the things that go bump in the night. Most agents don’t last two years before they get very dead in very ugly manners. Kal has lasted ten years – longer than any other agent.
His visit to Denver started out as a zombie hunt. No big deal, in the overall scheme of things. But something is more wrong than he thought, when a serial killer, the Organ Donor, shows itself to be a lot more than your common-and-garden psychopath. Now, Kal and his team are in more danger than they possibly expected – danger that will cost team member lives, and possibly destroy the Unit itself.
Kal is one tough guy, as is to be expected from someone who is eight years past his “use by” date. Still, he has a streak of funny, and a wider streak of snark, a soupcon of literary quotations and no patience whatsoever with any small recklessness. Well, the team is his responsibility – and after ten years, the number of remorseless losses is enough to ascertain that he indeed has no patience – no patience at all. You can’t help but respect that fact. He is broken, brittle and furious. But for all that, he is worthy. And worthy of your reading time.
Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before – it takes something from him. – Louis L’Amour
I listened to the Audible.com version of Things To Do In Denver When You’re Un-Dead narrated by Damon Abdallah. Mr. Abdallah is brilliant – his voice is perfect for Kal, and his female character voices are very well done, something that is hard to find in audio narration.
Overall, there is darkness in the story, but I completely enjoyed it.
April 5, 2012
To see this review and more like it check out my site www.ufreviews.com
There are a lot of books out there, that have a kind of magical police force if you will. Something who's whole job it is to keep the paranormal elements in line. And I actually really like those kinds of books because it lets the book take on an element of mystery/crime solving type books, all while having the flare that you want in a paranormal/urban fantasy book.
Another reason I like these types of books is because the author is really allowed to create a magical world that normally exists within a normal one. And each other's created world is so unique and so fun to go through and explore. I really enjoyed the world that was created within this book. It was a pretty well described and easily imaginable world.
I do have to say that my only real issue with the book was the beginning. I felt like it took to long to pick up, and I had to kind of dig in my heels to get into the plot. But once I got into the book, it was well worth the wait.
I am a person who really does enjoy the crime mystery element that some urban fantasy books have, and that is probably because I do from time to time enjoy a good traditional crime book. So when I started reading this book I was excited to learn more about the serial killer The Organ Donor. It's always fun and thrilling to watch the main character try and find the answers to all the questions that finding a serial killer can bring about. I love wanting to turn the page quicker so I can know what happens next.
I really truly enjoyed getting to know Kal throughout the book. I thought he was not only easy to read but he was also easy to become emotionally involved with. I think he had a lot of great and interesting personality traits, and he has that awesome sarcastic bite from time to time, that I personally love to have in a character.
Overall, I think this book was a really enjoyable read. I think it was written really well, and the serial killer elements really brought out great parts of the characters within the book. I think it kind of offered a little bit of everything to everyone. There were intense parts, sad parts, and surprisingly a couple of things that made me laugh throughout the course of reading this book. I think anyone who enjoys urban fantasy could enjoy this book.
There are a lot of books out there, that have a kind of magical police force if you will. Something who's whole job it is to keep the paranormal elements in line. And I actually really like those kinds of books because it lets the book take on an element of mystery/crime solving type books, all while having the flare that you want in a paranormal/urban fantasy book.
Another reason I like these types of books is because the author is really allowed to create a magical world that normally exists within a normal one. And each other's created world is so unique and so fun to go through and explore. I really enjoyed the world that was created within this book. It was a pretty well described and easily imaginable world.
I do have to say that my only real issue with the book was the beginning. I felt like it took to long to pick up, and I had to kind of dig in my heels to get into the plot. But once I got into the book, it was well worth the wait.
I am a person who really does enjoy the crime mystery element that some urban fantasy books have, and that is probably because I do from time to time enjoy a good traditional crime book. So when I started reading this book I was excited to learn more about the serial killer The Organ Donor. It's always fun and thrilling to watch the main character try and find the answers to all the questions that finding a serial killer can bring about. I love wanting to turn the page quicker so I can know what happens next.
I really truly enjoyed getting to know Kal throughout the book. I thought he was not only easy to read but he was also easy to become emotionally involved with. I think he had a lot of great and interesting personality traits, and he has that awesome sarcastic bite from time to time, that I personally love to have in a character.
Overall, I think this book was a really enjoyable read. I think it was written really well, and the serial killer elements really brought out great parts of the characters within the book. I think it kind of offered a little bit of everything to everyone. There were intense parts, sad parts, and surprisingly a couple of things that made me laugh throughout the course of reading this book. I think anyone who enjoys urban fantasy could enjoy this book.
December 7, 2011
Kal Hakala works for the BSI, the most secret Federal agency there is. It is their job to find and destroy any Supernatural that threatens the Straights (normal humans). Kal has been doing this job 10 years, which is a record – the BSI has a very high mortality rate, and those who do survive rarely stay longer than two years. He and his team are currently in Denver chasing down a magic-user that has been raising ghouls. But this is different – it seems as though this magic-user might actually be tracking, testing, and trying to take out the BSI team itself. Can Kal find and defeat the magic-user before it is too late? Can he beat the Dead Pool one more time?
Kal is a great and complex character. His history is sprinkled throughout the book, including his first trip to Finland with his parents and little sister when he was 15 years old, when a magic-user raised up an ancient Finnish god – known by most people as Cthulu – which then took and killed his little sister. He joined the BSI 10 years later in order to wreak his vengeance. I loved how well the other characters are developed as well, even though that don’t necessarily last very long. Stone is certainly not afraid of killing off his characters, which I have to respect. The plot moves smoothly, flowing back and forth between the past and the present to give us the whole story … eventually. Fans of the Dresden Files or Streets Arcane by Joseph Garraty should enjoy this great paranormal suspense/thriller. Highly recommended!
Kal is a great and complex character. His history is sprinkled throughout the book, including his first trip to Finland with his parents and little sister when he was 15 years old, when a magic-user raised up an ancient Finnish god – known by most people as Cthulu – which then took and killed his little sister. He joined the BSI 10 years later in order to wreak his vengeance. I loved how well the other characters are developed as well, even though that don’t necessarily last very long. Stone is certainly not afraid of killing off his characters, which I have to respect. The plot moves smoothly, flowing back and forth between the past and the present to give us the whole story … eventually. Fans of the Dresden Files or Streets Arcane by Joseph Garraty should enjoy this great paranormal suspense/thriller. Highly recommended!
May 15, 2011
five stars
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. It was witty, funny, dramatic and a well thought out paranormal of very fine story-telling. I couldn’t put the book down! That’s a first for me in a long time. Mark Stone has written an intelligent, yet, very entertaining story that is sure to be a hit. “Things to do in Denver when you’re un-dead” has all the ear-marks of a best seller and would make one hellaova movie!!! The action scenes were intense and clearly done with an eye for detail. It had sad parts, happy parts, and just about every emotion a good book produces were written by a professional hand in literature. Yet, the story also had a true perfectly pulled off subtle comedy with a nicely done twist in the end. There is definitely room for a sequel here and I hope to The Gods he makes it and I will be the FIRST in line to grab my copy! Mark Stone has become my new favorite author that has me waiting with bated breath for his next book (again, something that hasn’t happened in a long time). I am planning on being a loyal fan of his work. Well done Mark, and please, make me more?!?!?!
Clarrissa Lee Moon
Author of Memoirs of The Nightwolves and Celeste Nites
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. It was witty, funny, dramatic and a well thought out paranormal of very fine story-telling. I couldn’t put the book down! That’s a first for me in a long time. Mark Stone has written an intelligent, yet, very entertaining story that is sure to be a hit. “Things to do in Denver when you’re un-dead” has all the ear-marks of a best seller and would make one hellaova movie!!! The action scenes were intense and clearly done with an eye for detail. It had sad parts, happy parts, and just about every emotion a good book produces were written by a professional hand in literature. Yet, the story also had a true perfectly pulled off subtle comedy with a nicely done twist in the end. There is definitely room for a sequel here and I hope to The Gods he makes it and I will be the FIRST in line to grab my copy! Mark Stone has become my new favorite author that has me waiting with bated breath for his next book (again, something that hasn’t happened in a long time). I am planning on being a loyal fan of his work. Well done Mark, and please, make me more?!?!?!
Clarrissa Lee Moon
Author of Memoirs of The Nightwolves and Celeste Nites
December 4, 2011
Enter contest here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
The BSI is in Denver to eradicate and investigate a rash of zombie risings when Kal discovers something terrifying. The local serial killer is a supernatural, and more powerful than anything he’s ever encountered. In this world magicians are real. Think Merlin for the 20th century. The serial killer is not just a magician, but a revenant. Yes, I said revenant, as in old Renny from Dracula. The combination is deadly, and when Kal gets a visit from a supped up Ghoul that almost puts him out of commission the caca really hits the fan.
I could tell you more about the story but I don’t want to give everything away. ;).I laughed, gasped, and sat stunned in silence when Mark dropped his plot bombs. If you’re looking for a smart read, with action, depth, and creative use of legends this is spot on. I personally highly recommend this one.
The BSI is in Denver to eradicate and investigate a rash of zombie risings when Kal discovers something terrifying. The local serial killer is a supernatural, and more powerful than anything he’s ever encountered. In this world magicians are real. Think Merlin for the 20th century. The serial killer is not just a magician, but a revenant. Yes, I said revenant, as in old Renny from Dracula. The combination is deadly, and when Kal gets a visit from a supped up Ghoul that almost puts him out of commission the caca really hits the fan.
I could tell you more about the story but I don’t want to give everything away. ;).I laughed, gasped, and sat stunned in silence when Mark dropped his plot bombs. If you’re looking for a smart read, with action, depth, and creative use of legends this is spot on. I personally highly recommend this one.
January 21, 2013
Things to do in Denver When You’re Un-Dead by Mark Everett Stone.
This novel is about a supernatural investigation Bureau simply called the Bureau that exists to keep the World Under in check. Most people don't know the World Under exists. The various schools, vampires, demons, zombies, and mythic monsters of the World Under are getting restless and its Kal Hakala and his crew of supernatural fighting bad asses to figure out why and to keep events from spilling into the normal world. Of course things get even more interesting for Kal when he and his team find out that some of the monsters specifically want him dead.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed novel that will keep the pages turning well into the night. I really enjoyed all the various characters and the monsters and how the world was built. I'm really looking forward to the sequel What Happens in Vegas Dies in Vegas and I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves urban fantasy were just a good action novel.
This novel is about a supernatural investigation Bureau simply called the Bureau that exists to keep the World Under in check. Most people don't know the World Under exists. The various schools, vampires, demons, zombies, and mythic monsters of the World Under are getting restless and its Kal Hakala and his crew of supernatural fighting bad asses to figure out why and to keep events from spilling into the normal world. Of course things get even more interesting for Kal when he and his team find out that some of the monsters specifically want him dead.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed novel that will keep the pages turning well into the night. I really enjoyed all the various characters and the monsters and how the world was built. I'm really looking forward to the sequel What Happens in Vegas Dies in Vegas and I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves urban fantasy were just a good action novel.
January 31, 2012
I have to admit; I saw this title and couldn't pass it up. I downloaded the sample, but wound up buying the book before I finished the first chapter! I absolutely loved this story! The supernatural world Mark Everett Stone has created is original and so real you want to check under your bed before you go to sleep. The characters are amazing. I especially love his main character Kal Hakala. He appears sarcastic and tough, but he cares very deeply for those he loves and the people he works with. I love the way Mark writes. He has the unique ability to combine action and drama with a dark humor that had me laughing out loud at times. If you love the supernatural or paranormal genres, do not pass up this gem! Loved it so much I am currently reading the next book in the series What Happens in Vegas, Dies in Vegas.
January 21, 2012
A fun novel about Kal Hakala, from his life as a younger man to becoming the top man for the government's ultra secret Bureau of Supernatural Investigations. There are often some humurous, querky moments, and some more serious moments that are well written. The dialogue is well constructed, flows easily and is smooth, allowing the characters to interact realistically, without the book feeling disjointed. I will say that I feel there are far too many similies used in descriptions, how the character feels and so on. Some are imaginative and funny, but it becomes a little monotonous towards the end of the book.
Overall, a well written book backed by a strong plot and original story line. Look for more books by this author.
Overall, a well written book backed by a strong plot and original story line. Look for more books by this author.
March 5, 2012
This was an ok book. My enjoyment of the plot and background was hampered by several things that took away from the story. I didn't really care enough about the main character because he was quite a selfish jerk for most of the book. There were several scenes that were ruined for me by testosterone poisoning.
Additionally, the fact that the agency was rich and spared no expense on its agents was not only unrealistic but popped up way too often in the story and began to annoy me.
There were also some things that were either contradictory to an earlier scene or just didn't make logical sense within the framework of the story and it made the book feel to me like it was unpolished.
Additionally, the fact that the agency was rich and spared no expense on its agents was not only unrealistic but popped up way too often in the story and began to annoy me.
There were also some things that were either contradictory to an earlier scene or just didn't make logical sense within the framework of the story and it made the book feel to me like it was unpolished.
December 18, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Things To Do In Denver When You're Un-Dead! I loved the concept of the Bureau of Supernatural Investigation as well as the traditional folklore within the story. My favourite character was Kal, because of his wicked sense of humour, and his determination to kill the legendary monster that not only took away his innocence but also someone dear to him. I really like the cover of Things To Do In Denver When You're Un-Dead, it ties in well without giving away too much about the story within.
April 11, 2012
Mark Everett Stone is a hell of a writer.
TTDIDWYU (the longest acronym I've ever seen for a book) is pure gory fun. Part DRESDEN FILES and part ANITA BLAKE, Mark's tale of a secret government task force assigned with keeping the supernatural forces of the world in check is fast-paced, original, well-plotted, and funny as hell. Yes, sometimes Kal's voice gets a little too snarky for its own good, but that's a minor quibble for this fast-paced, thoroughly entertaining read. Recommended!
TTDIDWYU (the longest acronym I've ever seen for a book) is pure gory fun. Part DRESDEN FILES and part ANITA BLAKE, Mark's tale of a secret government task force assigned with keeping the supernatural forces of the world in check is fast-paced, original, well-plotted, and funny as hell. Yes, sometimes Kal's voice gets a little too snarky for its own good, but that's a minor quibble for this fast-paced, thoroughly entertaining read. Recommended!
April 12, 2014
This book was not what I expected. It was a free kindle book and I only got it because it had to do with Denver. Having lived there for some time I wanted to relive some locations that I may recognize. Hot dog!! I was in for so much more than that. I couldn't put this down. I did recognize some locations but it didn't matter. This book was very entertaining and drew me in from page one. This is not only a good read, it's a great read.
October 26, 2011
I recieved this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The book is so good I wish it was autographed. I was very suprised at how well my attention was kept during the reading of this book. The author has a gritty relistic feel to his writing. It also did not hurt that I live in a suburb of Denver. I rate this 5 stars and think anyone who likes horror, will love this book.
February 25, 2012
I know a lot of discussions have raged over free books on Kindle but I am so glad that I read this one. I loved this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the story.
I have a new favorite male protagonist and his name is Kal. He is funny, damaged, lethal and has a heart. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
I have a new favorite male protagonist and his name is Kal. He is funny, damaged, lethal and has a heart. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
September 23, 2011
Written in the first person perspective, Things to Do in Denver When You're Un-dead takes you on the journey of Kal Hakala in the fight against things that go bump in the night. Written with a tongue in cheek humor, it's both funny and serious from the first page to the last.
December 3, 2011
Fantastic fast paced tale skewed just enough to make you go...hmmm what if?!? Mark weaves the tale of Kal & his merry band of agents into a festive ride of magic and myth! A must read for people that like their bad guys serves up on a platter of justice!
May 3, 2012
I found Things To Do in Denver When you'e Undead to be a an entertaining read. The book's main character, and his team of supernatural investigators battle, vampires, ghouls, and zombies in this fast paced tale that keeps you turning the page. I highly recommend it.
March 26, 2016
Gritty urban fantasy with wit, multi-faceted characters, humor and some great battles (both internal and with monsters.) Kal is a very sympathetic and snarky main character. First in a series that I will read all of!
March 7, 2012
Pretty good, kept me interested throughout the day. I enjoy zombie books.
July 24, 2012
Fast-paced,action packed, with a smart mouthed hero, who has the muscle, and weapons to back it up. Great book.
November 3, 2024
When I started to read it, I presumed it will be urban fantasy, detective novel, book I wanted to read this time. Based on suggestions on Reddit. At start it was like that. And than it gradually shifted to "one man army" :) urban fantasy. And not very good at that, no epic battles, detailed characters. At the end there are clues, that next book will be even less detective themed and more less based on logical decisions and developement. For example, normal family sudenly gets overpowered to advance plot in direction, wanted by author.
I am still deciding, if I will read next book from these series. Just don-t know any better for now, because book series, that I really liked, I had read already. This is not bad, but just average read.
I am still deciding, if I will read next book from these series. Just don-t know any better for now, because book series, that I really liked, I had read already. This is not bad, but just average read.
January 5, 2023
I met Mark at a Barnes and Noble book signing around seven or eight years ago. We had a fun visit and he was very gracious. I bought this novel (in addition to the follow up, What Happens in Vegas, Dies in Vegas) knowing these are not my typical genre, but I will say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book in spite of that admission. I was impressed by the pacing and read the final third of the story voraciously. As I said, not my cup of tea, yet I really enjoyed this story overall.
February 14, 2017
I enjoyed this read, but it was a little difficult for me to get through for some reason. it had a really good story line though that kept me interested.
November 15, 2018
If you want a fun read with lots of pop culture references you'll love this book. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
May 1, 2015
I received this title as an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher, as requested by them, in exchange for a review.
I'll admit, I thought this was going to be a comedy, based on the title alone, but it really doesn't have as much humor in it as I expected. It does have some humor, but it's not what I would consider a “comedy”. It's a bit serious, but not overly so.
I really liked how this story explains why certain inspirational and genius people in history were able to do the amazing things they did. It was because they used magic from the World Under, which is a separate realm from our known world where supernatural beings are from. When the magic is not being misused (but it mostly is and that's why Kal has a great-paying job killing rogue supernaturals), it is being used by famous historical people to effectuate much needed change, develop technology, etc. Or, it's being used by Kal's magician sidekick, Alex, who is smarter than a sack of Einsteins.
Alex, wearing his trademark “birth control” nerd glasses, ended up being my favorite character along with his buddy Ghost, who is a creepy cyberspace-dwelling ghoul that can hack into literally ANYTHING encrypted like melted butter. He's the guy you want on your side. Ghost's origin story is very fascinating, but I only wish it hadn't been saved for the very very end.
Alas, I did feel this novel was riddled with too many cliches that bogged it down. Sure, Dirty Harry spouted off cliches in his movies, but they only became cliches after his movies became big hits. Kal could have started his own original sayings, but every other sentence was something I've heard uttered a million times before. This kind of made me not like him as much as I probably could have. But, he was fairly well-developed and the reader finds out what motivates him from oodles of back-story.
Speaking of back-story, the other sort of off-putting issue was with the constant flashback chapters. Some are fine if they are appropriately placed within the plot. But, I found not only were they scattered throughout, even placed at the very end of the novel, they were often not particularly illuminating. It seemed like a few were completely unnecessary, or just didn't give me the info on the characters I was expecting they would deliver.
But, back to what I liked for a moment to wrap up my review: the end. The ending was very good and completely unexpected. In the last chapter I never expected what was coming and double that for the surprise happening in the epilogue. It was very fitting and satisfying, although the story preceding it needed to be edited better. Still, this story was decently written. Fans of urban fantasy starring characters like Kal Hakala might enjoy this title.
I'll admit, I thought this was going to be a comedy, based on the title alone, but it really doesn't have as much humor in it as I expected. It does have some humor, but it's not what I would consider a “comedy”. It's a bit serious, but not overly so.
I really liked how this story explains why certain inspirational and genius people in history were able to do the amazing things they did. It was because they used magic from the World Under, which is a separate realm from our known world where supernatural beings are from. When the magic is not being misused (but it mostly is and that's why Kal has a great-paying job killing rogue supernaturals), it is being used by famous historical people to effectuate much needed change, develop technology, etc. Or, it's being used by Kal's magician sidekick, Alex, who is smarter than a sack of Einsteins.
Alex, wearing his trademark “birth control” nerd glasses, ended up being my favorite character along with his buddy Ghost, who is a creepy cyberspace-dwelling ghoul that can hack into literally ANYTHING encrypted like melted butter. He's the guy you want on your side. Ghost's origin story is very fascinating, but I only wish it hadn't been saved for the very very end.
Alas, I did feel this novel was riddled with too many cliches that bogged it down. Sure, Dirty Harry spouted off cliches in his movies, but they only became cliches after his movies became big hits. Kal could have started his own original sayings, but every other sentence was something I've heard uttered a million times before. This kind of made me not like him as much as I probably could have. But, he was fairly well-developed and the reader finds out what motivates him from oodles of back-story.
Speaking of back-story, the other sort of off-putting issue was with the constant flashback chapters. Some are fine if they are appropriately placed within the plot. But, I found not only were they scattered throughout, even placed at the very end of the novel, they were often not particularly illuminating. It seemed like a few were completely unnecessary, or just didn't give me the info on the characters I was expecting they would deliver.
But, back to what I liked for a moment to wrap up my review: the end. The ending was very good and completely unexpected. In the last chapter I never expected what was coming and double that for the surprise happening in the epilogue. It was very fitting and satisfying, although the story preceding it needed to be edited better. Still, this story was decently written. Fans of urban fantasy starring characters like Kal Hakala might enjoy this title.
April 6, 2014
I would have given Things to Do 4 stars but for a few things.
1) the very annoying and too frequent flashbacks! i borrowed the audio mp3 version and at one point i thought i was listening to a totally different book. Yes the info in those flashbacks was very helpful in fleshing out the plot and the main character, BUT they could have been as easily woven into a novella of the series and called 1.5 or something.
2) There was also quite a bit of repetition (out of the world salaries comes to mind...yes yes we get it yawl SBI types make a lot of MONEY geez).
3) Lots and LOTS of great one liners...too bad some of them came from other books or movies.
outside of THAT? i did enjoy the book. sure Kal can come across like an overbearing teenage boy, but he backs up his braggadocio so i can deal with that. still it was fun and and i giggled a bit along the way. gonna get the next one in the series too
1) the very annoying and too frequent flashbacks! i borrowed the audio mp3 version and at one point i thought i was listening to a totally different book. Yes the info in those flashbacks was very helpful in fleshing out the plot and the main character, BUT they could have been as easily woven into a novella of the series and called 1.5 or something.
2) There was also quite a bit of repetition (out of the world salaries comes to mind...yes yes we get it yawl SBI types make a lot of MONEY geez).
3) Lots and LOTS of great one liners...too bad some of them came from other books or movies.
outside of THAT? i did enjoy the book. sure Kal can come across like an overbearing teenage boy, but he backs up his braggadocio so i can deal with that. still it was fun and and i giggled a bit along the way. gonna get the next one in the series too
February 9, 2013
Good book. Liked the characters and the storyline.
Some repetitive phrases and som misspelled words made it loose some shine, but it was a good read even with those.
Will continue to read Mark Everett Stone.
Some repetitive phrases and som misspelled words made it loose some shine, but it was a good read even with those.
Will continue to read Mark Everett Stone.
September 1, 2015
Not the best urban fantasy I ever heard, but well worth 10 hours of listening. Well performed and fun
July 4, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting Mark at Denver Comic Con. I loved his "sarcasm sold here" sign. Loved the book and can't wait for the next in the series.
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