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magicacat's review against another edition
3.0
For all its humour, this is a confusing mess of a book with little to no point and a horde of unlikeable characters.
Three stars for the laughs, it really is funny in that dry British kinda way but there's little else going for it.
Not the worst. Certainly not the best.
Three stars for the laughs, it really is funny in that dry British kinda way but there's little else going for it.
Not the worst. Certainly not the best.
skybalon's review
3.0
[a:Tom Holt|9766|Tom Holt|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1246502762p2/9766.jpg] is the English equivalent of [a:Christopher Moore|16218|Christopher Moore|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1200095788p2/16218.jpg]. The big difference is that Mr. Moore puts setup/punchline sets in his chapters, while Mr. Holt is much more subtle and restrained. [a:Douglas Adams|4|Douglas Adams|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1189120061p2/4.jpg] is an apt and accurate comparison. Where they are alike is that they both are not shy about setting up outrageous situations but then living within the constraints set up. They also are both very very funny and well worth reading.
This is his first book (or at least the earliest of his works that our library has) and is a little weak plot-wise. It is still funny but there are long periods where in an effort to make his plot work it gets less funny.
On the other hand it is well worth the read just for the gratuitous shots at Microsoft.
This is his first book (or at least the earliest of his works that our library has) and is a little weak plot-wise. It is still funny but there are long periods where in an effort to make his plot work it gets less funny.
On the other hand it is well worth the read just for the gratuitous shots at Microsoft.
shaekin's review against another edition
1.0
I like the author's tone, and he is snarky which I also appreciate. However I personally did not like this book. The pacing was really slow, the main character was incredibly unlikable, the ending felt like the ending of a short story, not the ending of a novel I've invested way too much time in. All in all, least favorite book I've read this year. I admit others may love this book, but it's not my type.
kittarlin's review against another edition
3.0
Intriguing. Probably hysterical for Brit-philes more current with things British than myself, but I still found it amusing. Found the ending a bit odd, going from rather comedic romp to serious interpretation of a Sting lyric all in 6 pages...
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