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The Tome of Bill #3
The Mourning Woods
Three words: Vampires versus Sasquatch. Bill Ryder: undead geek, dateless dweeb, and legendary vampire is back in his wildest adventure yet.
A war is brewing between ancient enemies from the dawn of time. If it can't be stopped, the veil will be lifted and all of humanity's darkest nightmares will be unleashed to wreak havoc. Bill and his friends are the only chance we have...Lord help us all!
The vampire nation dispatches Bill to a faraway land to broker peace, but it's not going to be easy. His enemies want him dead. Hell, some of his allies do too. Danger lurks at every turn and in places where he least expects it.
Now Bill must rely on his friends, master his fledgling powers, and use every four-letter word in his arsenal to stop the war, uncover the conspiracy, and solve the mystery that lies at the heart of the Mourning Woods.
**********
The Mourning Woods (the Tome of Bill, part 3) is 90,000 words of foul-mouthed horror hilarity by Rick Gualtieri, author of Bill the Vampire and Scary Dead Things.
A war is brewing between ancient enemies from the dawn of time. If it can't be stopped, the veil will be lifted and all of humanity's darkest nightmares will be unleashed to wreak havoc. Bill and his friends are the only chance we have...Lord help us all!
The vampire nation dispatches Bill to a faraway land to broker peace, but it's not going to be easy. His enemies want him dead. Hell, some of his allies do too. Danger lurks at every turn and in places where he least expects it.
Now Bill must rely on his friends, master his fledgling powers, and use every four-letter word in his arsenal to stop the war, uncover the conspiracy, and solve the mystery that lies at the heart of the Mourning Woods.
**********
The Mourning Woods (the Tome of Bill, part 3) is 90,000 words of foul-mouthed horror hilarity by Rick Gualtieri, author of Bill the Vampire and Scary Dead Things.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2012
334 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Rick Gualtieri
87 books764 followersRick Gualtieri loves to write adventure, mayhem, and snarky dialogue. His bestselling Tome of Bill series combines all of this into a world of supernatural danger with hard-hitting action and plenty of sharp-tongued geeky humor.
Rick lives alone in a dark, evil place called New Jersey with only his wife, three kids, and countless pets to both keep him company and constantly plot against him. When he's not busy monkey-clicking out words, he can typically be found jealously guarding his collection of vintage Transformers from all who would seek to defile them.
Defilers beware!
Email: rickg.author@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor
Rick lives alone in a dark, evil place called New Jersey with only his wife, three kids, and countless pets to both keep him company and constantly plot against him. When he's not busy monkey-clicking out words, he can typically be found jealously guarding his collection of vintage Transformers from all who would seek to defile them.
Defilers beware!
Email: rickg.author@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 3, 2014
Bill Ryder, the role-playing, computer programming, nerd turned Vampire is back for more craziness. After barely escaping being married to a 300-year old vampire trapped in a thirteen year old girl's body, Bill thinks that life (or maybe un-life) will settle back to normal. Nope. The long simmering feud between the Vampires and the Sasquatch is finally boiling over and Bill, as the legendary Freewill Vampire, is viewed as expendable enough to be sent to the negotiations. What can possibly go wrong?
As expected, just about everything goes wrong. Bill is supposed to be a figurehead, but the real negotiators never arrive. And Francois, the elder Vampire tasked with running the show in their absence appears to be collaborating with the big, hairy apes. Add in Sally's notoriously short temper and you have yourself a story.
Bill the Vampire makes a nice contribution to the Urban Fantasy genre. It's unique. It's funny. Bill is about as unlikely protaganist as I could imagine. He's not a buff druid, or wise strategic-thinking wizard, or some other notable character. He's clueless and out of shape. And the writing is funny. The snarky back and forth of his friends, Sally, Ed and Tom are worth more than a few chuckles. I also give the author credit for avoiding end of the world scenarios in each and every story. So much urban fantasy revolves around epic all or nothing clashes in each and every story. (My rule of thumb is that a series of books should have no more than one (or maybe two) the world is at stake moments.)
Unfortunately, for me, I believe I am growing weary of the series - and only three books in. The humor, while initially nice, grows old. The banter between Sally and Bill should progress, but it just doesn't. They are trapped in the same endless loop. Initially funny, but at some point you want to be able to say "wood," "sausage" or "meat" without someone cracking up at the double-entendre.
Two and a half stars rounded down to two. I'm on to book four, but I suspect it will be my last.
As expected, just about everything goes wrong. Bill is supposed to be a figurehead, but the real negotiators never arrive. And Francois, the elder Vampire tasked with running the show in their absence appears to be collaborating with the big, hairy apes. Add in Sally's notoriously short temper and you have yourself a story.
Bill the Vampire makes a nice contribution to the Urban Fantasy genre. It's unique. It's funny. Bill is about as unlikely protaganist as I could imagine. He's not a buff druid, or wise strategic-thinking wizard, or some other notable character. He's clueless and out of shape. And the writing is funny. The snarky back and forth of his friends, Sally, Ed and Tom are worth more than a few chuckles. I also give the author credit for avoiding end of the world scenarios in each and every story. So much urban fantasy revolves around epic all or nothing clashes in each and every story. (My rule of thumb is that a series of books should have no more than one (or maybe two) the world is at stake moments.)
Unfortunately, for me, I believe I am growing weary of the series - and only three books in. The humor, while initially nice, grows old. The banter between Sally and Bill should progress, but it just doesn't. They are trapped in the same endless loop. Initially funny, but at some point you want to be able to say "wood," "sausage" or "meat" without someone cracking up at the double-entendre.
Two and a half stars rounded down to two. I'm on to book four, but I suspect it will be my last.
July 24, 2014
The Mourning Woods is the third installment in Author Rick Gualtieri’s The Tome of Bill series, pitting nerdy vampire Bill against an enemy that has hated his kind’s undead guts since before his greatest grandfather was born.
Being the third book in the series, there is always some worry that it may be the one to ruin it all – but by no means does this apply to the story of Bill and his gangly group of friends. This book was the final factor in my decision to add this entire series forever in my list of all time favorites.
Bill, although still the snarky smartass that he is, has grown throughout the story. He isn’t just jumping head first into things any more. He takes the time to consider the consequences of his actions, worrying about more than just himself in this book – a departure from the previous novels where he was mostly just trying to survive. The fate of the world has fallen into his lap, much against his will, and he tries valiantly not to screw it up.
Although, he’s still Bill… and what’s Bill if not a bit of a klutz?
The wit and humor are still very much so present that made this book’s predecessors so amazing, and even adds an element of serious drama and worldwide peril. The ending to this novel left me utterly shocked, and I’m clamoring to start reading the next book in Rick Gualtieri’s The Tome of Bill series!
Being the third book in the series, there is always some worry that it may be the one to ruin it all – but by no means does this apply to the story of Bill and his gangly group of friends. This book was the final factor in my decision to add this entire series forever in my list of all time favorites.
Bill, although still the snarky smartass that he is, has grown throughout the story. He isn’t just jumping head first into things any more. He takes the time to consider the consequences of his actions, worrying about more than just himself in this book – a departure from the previous novels where he was mostly just trying to survive. The fate of the world has fallen into his lap, much against his will, and he tries valiantly not to screw it up.
Although, he’s still Bill… and what’s Bill if not a bit of a klutz?
The wit and humor are still very much so present that made this book’s predecessors so amazing, and even adds an element of serious drama and worldwide peril. The ending to this novel left me utterly shocked, and I’m clamoring to start reading the next book in Rick Gualtieri’s The Tome of Bill series!
May 17, 2016
Another fun read. This is book 3 in the Tome of Bill series. It's Urban Fantasy, rated 4.03/5.0 on GoodReads, 359 pages. I rated it 5.0/5.0, just because it was entertaining from start to finish.
In this book, Bill and his crew must lead a peace treaty between a tribe of Sasquatches and Vampires. Bill has to overcome incredible odds to try and save the day. This is a really fun series.
In this book, Bill and his crew must lead a peace treaty between a tribe of Sasquatches and Vampires. Bill has to overcome incredible odds to try and save the day. This is a really fun series.
July 3, 2015
Will life ever settle down for Bill? Apparently not! After dealing with being married (sorta) to a 300 year old vampire that looks like she has yet to hit puberty, Bill’s basically ready for a break. Why the upper echelon of vampire hood would send Bill to go negotiate a peace treaty is beyond me (actually explained later in this book) and while he fails at completely everything the reader knows this is just not going to go well for him.
Things go from bad to worse when he shows up and the real negotiators are not there. And of course there is Sally’s mouth. Between her and Bill I just cannot get enough.
“What is it with the formality? Do vampires above a certain age become allergic to contractions?
I’d pay good money to watch two older vampires go toe to toe. Dragonball Z eat your heart out.
“Sometimes when life decides to shit all over you, it takes a mega dump.
This is the third in the series and the only downside about this one is that Bill’s antics are getting a little old. As is Sally’s lack of respect for everyone. Although Bill deserves it to a point. The guy gets himself out of some really sticky situations only to be thrust back into yet another situation, unwittingly. Most of these dealings are not even his fault! He does have a knack for making things worse and stepping into poop no matter where it is on the ground but that is also what makes him so lovable.
There is a massive twist at the end that I absolutely did not see coming. The author does a great job at letting the readers see all the clues that he has laid, quite well, but still I would have never gone there! Love it. It adds so much to the story and I am curious where in the world things are going to go and how Bill is going to keep himself out of trouble with this new hiccup. If hiccup it can be called because it is a doozy!
In short: Absolutely love this series. Recommended to everyone.
Things go from bad to worse when he shows up and the real negotiators are not there. And of course there is Sally’s mouth. Between her and Bill I just cannot get enough.
“What is it with the formality? Do vampires above a certain age become allergic to contractions?
I’d pay good money to watch two older vampires go toe to toe. Dragonball Z eat your heart out.
“Sometimes when life decides to shit all over you, it takes a mega dump.
This is the third in the series and the only downside about this one is that Bill’s antics are getting a little old. As is Sally’s lack of respect for everyone. Although Bill deserves it to a point. The guy gets himself out of some really sticky situations only to be thrust back into yet another situation, unwittingly. Most of these dealings are not even his fault! He does have a knack for making things worse and stepping into poop no matter where it is on the ground but that is also what makes him so lovable.
There is a massive twist at the end that I absolutely did not see coming. The author does a great job at letting the readers see all the clues that he has laid, quite well, but still I would have never gone there! Love it. It adds so much to the story and I am curious where in the world things are going to go and how Bill is going to keep himself out of trouble with this new hiccup. If hiccup it can be called because it is a doozy!
In short: Absolutely love this series. Recommended to everyone.
September 11, 2013
Real rating is a 4.5
This is a series I have been enjoying very much.
Like most of the other books, unless you can enjoy a huge helping of sophomoric humor, this probably isn't the book for you. Many parts of the book had me grinning and a few of them made me snicker out loud.
This would have likely been a 5 star book like the first two, but I am starting to see a problem with the series. Not a huge one, so I only took away half of a star. Bill is an idiot. I know part of the story and humor lies with this point, but it's getting annoying to read. Certain things that are glaringly obvious to anyone with a brain, are often overlooked by him. His counterpart Sally seems to have to do much of the thinking for him, and for me at least, it is getting to be a little old. The guy is a programmer, you would think he would would at least have half a clue.
Another thing that might make the book better is toning done his chauvinism just a bit. I understand that is a big part of who Bill is, but sometimes he acts like barely more than a modern caveman. His focus on boobs or sex in the middle of a huge crisis leaves me shaking my head.
All and all though I am still loving the series, and will likely start on book 4 very soon.
This is a series I have been enjoying very much.
Like most of the other books, unless you can enjoy a huge helping of sophomoric humor, this probably isn't the book for you. Many parts of the book had me grinning and a few of them made me snicker out loud.
This would have likely been a 5 star book like the first two, but I am starting to see a problem with the series. Not a huge one, so I only took away half of a star. Bill is an idiot. I know part of the story and humor lies with this point, but it's getting annoying to read. Certain things that are glaringly obvious to anyone with a brain, are often overlooked by him. His counterpart Sally seems to have to do much of the thinking for him, and for me at least, it is getting to be a little old. The guy is a programmer, you would think he would would at least have half a clue.
Another thing that might make the book better is toning done his chauvinism just a bit. I understand that is a big part of who Bill is, but sometimes he acts like barely more than a modern caveman. His focus on boobs or sex in the middle of a huge crisis leaves me shaking my head.
All and all though I am still loving the series, and will likely start on book 4 very soon.
February 21, 2018
I wanted to like it more then I did Bill has no growth to this point we are three books in and he is not learning or willing to learn how to be a vampire or even what could be his version of a vampire by book three I would like some more growth and independence. I also have the same complaint I have on each of these books about the females in the books, but that is nothing compared to how little I liked Bill in this book even his friends had no growth it was them following him to support him which is nice but would have liked to see them help him grow more. I liked the character Alex even at the end when he went a bit off the deep end. I 'm not sure about the next book I downloaded it to my kindle but I just am not excited because I am worried it will be the same thing. Thre are good parts of this book but I am not sure they outweigh the things I do not like any longer to keep me reading, however, the ending put me off I get the Icon thing but really why her.
December 13, 2015
Lmao...
Good entry into the series.. Answers some questions that have been going on since the first one... Although, it's kind of awkward when you are at work reading this.. And it's dead quiet.. And suddenly you burst out laughing...
Good entry into the series.. Answers some questions that have been going on since the first one... Although, it's kind of awkward when you are at work reading this.. And it's dead quiet.. And suddenly you burst out laughing...
January 5, 2017
Hilarious! I was literally laughing out loud in some sections. I just love this series - so fresh, funny and true to character. Sally just kills me with her comments, and the snarkiness between her and Bill is snappy. On to the next to read!
February 6, 2017
So, I didn't love this one. I felt that the premise was juvenile (not unexpected), as was some of the humor (again not un expected, though I had thought we had gone beyond some of the misogyny), but I have to admit, a sasquatch named Turd is funny. I'm about to start book 4.
June 16, 2015
Poor Bill. He just gets bounced from one bad situation to the next and he just can't seem to catch a break. This is just as true in this book as it has ever been.
The Mourning Woods deals with the trouble that started in China which Bill has been unfairly blamed for. The draculas have once more sucked Bill into their world, this time to try to stop the war between the vampires and the Alma (Yeti). Naturally this is a job that requires someone with a lot of diplomatic skills which means that Bill should be right at home... maybe not.
I have to say that this book wasn't quite as good as the books that have gone before it. Don't get me wrong, I still laughed, still had a great time and remain a fan of this series, but this book just seemed a little bland for me. It was more than just the added politics as the world is fleshed out, it was the fact that nothing ever seems to change for their little group. Bill remains the lovable but useless protagonists, his friends continue to support him in a somewhat less than straightforward manner and the whole world is out to get him. Don't even get me started on Sally (Read my review of Scary Dead things for an expansion of my hatred for this character).
So basically, I felt that the progress of the character growth is a little slow which is ironic that it would happen in a book that seemed to set up the rest of the series, to my mind at least. I felt that this book has introduced, or at least brought to light, one of the major overarching storylines which is exciting and will certainly keep me interested in reading the next book in the series.
Overall I am looking forward to the next book but again it is with a few reservations. Being as I still hate her I am hoping to see either some serious change in Sally or maybe a nice death scene in her future. It would be nice to see some relationships either move forward or die away for good. Mainly though I just want to see some change in Bill. I don't mind if that is him starting to become a bit more competent, maybe having a few changed relationships or basically just having something good happen to him for a change. It's hard to read a series where the lead character never gets a break. Even Jim Butcher, who likes to torture his protagonist in the Dresden files, lets Harry have a few happy moments now and again. It gives you a breather for the next time that the proverbial s**t hits the fan.
The Mourning Woods deals with the trouble that started in China which Bill has been unfairly blamed for. The draculas have once more sucked Bill into their world, this time to try to stop the war between the vampires and the Alma (Yeti). Naturally this is a job that requires someone with a lot of diplomatic skills which means that Bill should be right at home... maybe not.
I have to say that this book wasn't quite as good as the books that have gone before it. Don't get me wrong, I still laughed, still had a great time and remain a fan of this series, but this book just seemed a little bland for me. It was more than just the added politics as the world is fleshed out, it was the fact that nothing ever seems to change for their little group. Bill remains the lovable but useless protagonists, his friends continue to support him in a somewhat less than straightforward manner and the whole world is out to get him. Don't even get me started on Sally (Read my review of Scary Dead things for an expansion of my hatred for this character).
So basically, I felt that the progress of the character growth is a little slow which is ironic that it would happen in a book that seemed to set up the rest of the series, to my mind at least. I felt that this book has introduced, or at least brought to light, one of the major overarching storylines which is exciting and will certainly keep me interested in reading the next book in the series.
Overall I am looking forward to the next book but again it is with a few reservations. Being as I still hate her I am hoping to see either some serious change in Sally or maybe a nice death scene in her future. It would be nice to see some relationships either move forward or die away for good. Mainly though I just want to see some change in Bill. I don't mind if that is him starting to become a bit more competent, maybe having a few changed relationships or basically just having something good happen to him for a change. It's hard to read a series where the lead character never gets a break. Even Jim Butcher, who likes to torture his protagonist in the Dresden files, lets Harry have a few happy moments now and again. It gives you a breather for the next time that the proverbial s**t hits the fan.
January 4, 2016
The Mourning Woods, Tome of Bill #3
by Rick Gualtieri
Another action-packed, hilarious adventure for Bill and his strange little group. This time, the Alma (Sasquatches or Bigfoot) have called for a meeting of all supernatural folk, claiming the vampires have breached a long-standing treaty. They have specifically asked for the Freewill (Bill, unfortunately) to head up the vampire division at the summit. Accompanying him to the summit will be his trusty human roommates, Ed and Tom, along with his vampire coven second in command (well, we all know who really runs the show), Sally. While the vampires, alma, and witching communities are front and center in this storyline, readers are treated to a few new and decidedly different paranormal creatures. Certainly, being the legendary Freewill has put a lot of stress on this hapless guy who has been a vampire less than a year. Will our rag-tag little group survive this convention of supernatural folk, most of whom have a much better grasp of the paranormal political situation?
Gualtieri manages to mix some heart-pounding action, political intrigue, and laugh out loud humor in a cohesive package that Tome of Bill fans will love. His great characters -- some good, some sorta good, some bad, some really bad -- make this story a delight to read. The plotting and flow are impeccable. Good editing and proofing with only one flaw. I'd seen it in one of the earlier books and put it down to an easy miss, as it is a grammar mistake many, many people commonly make. However, it showed up three times in this book (and, according to my Kindle, once in the last book in the compilation I am reading). The error: using "could have cared less" when what was meant was" could NOT have cared less." Could have cared less indicates the speaker cares about the issue, and in each case, the speaker did not. I really loved the story, but this continuing error led me to knock off a star from what would have been a 5-star review (Hey -- my high school English teacher would have flunked him for just one occurrence! I just adopted Sally's ploy, and did my best eye roll each time this error occurred.).
So, another great read in Bill's ongoing adventures!
by Rick Gualtieri
Another action-packed, hilarious adventure for Bill and his strange little group. This time, the Alma (Sasquatches or Bigfoot) have called for a meeting of all supernatural folk, claiming the vampires have breached a long-standing treaty. They have specifically asked for the Freewill (Bill, unfortunately) to head up the vampire division at the summit. Accompanying him to the summit will be his trusty human roommates, Ed and Tom, along with his vampire coven second in command (well, we all know who really runs the show), Sally. While the vampires, alma, and witching communities are front and center in this storyline, readers are treated to a few new and decidedly different paranormal creatures. Certainly, being the legendary Freewill has put a lot of stress on this hapless guy who has been a vampire less than a year. Will our rag-tag little group survive this convention of supernatural folk, most of whom have a much better grasp of the paranormal political situation?
Gualtieri manages to mix some heart-pounding action, political intrigue, and laugh out loud humor in a cohesive package that Tome of Bill fans will love. His great characters -- some good, some sorta good, some bad, some really bad -- make this story a delight to read. The plotting and flow are impeccable. Good editing and proofing with only one flaw. I'd seen it in one of the earlier books and put it down to an easy miss, as it is a grammar mistake many, many people commonly make. However, it showed up three times in this book (and, according to my Kindle, once in the last book in the compilation I am reading). The error: using "could have cared less" when what was meant was" could NOT have cared less." Could have cared less indicates the speaker cares about the issue, and in each case, the speaker did not. I really loved the story, but this continuing error led me to knock off a star from what would have been a 5-star review (Hey -- my high school English teacher would have flunked him for just one occurrence! I just adopted Sally's ploy, and did my best eye roll each time this error occurred.).
So, another great read in Bill's ongoing adventures!
January 25, 2015
Herein lies the problem with not only a continuing series but when you fail to write the reviews as soon as you finish... I dont want to repeat stuff that I just wrote but I don't know how else to say I liked the book.
This time around Bill and friends up in the great white north to try and broker a peace before all hell breaks loose. But of course nothing ever goes as planned for poor Bill. We see that its not just Bigfoot vs. vampires but there are also witches and even stranger things (but sadly no werewolves) and a mysterious guy named Alex who seems to want to help Bill. The action is just as good as before and its still funny as hell, especially if you don't mind a bit of cussing and juvenile humor (Mourning Woods hehe).
Now for the bad news. While I still loved this book and enjoyed it like the other two I have to agree with some other reviewers in that this book start to show some things that don't seem to work or make sense. So it's only been a few months since Bill became a vampire but he seems to have almost no interest in developing his powers, even though they could very well help keep him alive. Let's not forget his "hulking out" and not remembering what happens while doing it... I would think that would be a top priority. He is the nominal leader of the coven but let's Sally run things and doesn't even seem to want to know what's going on. Now granted some of this can be put down to Bill wanting to keep his humanity but getting pushed around so much would just get old. The final problem I have with the story so far is that Bill is thrust into this world ending situation right from the get go and it never lets up. It would be interesting to see a story where Bills life and the end of the world weren't paramount and just see how a week(or month or whatever) where it wasn't life and death. Just my opinion
This time around Bill and friends up in the great white north to try and broker a peace before all hell breaks loose. But of course nothing ever goes as planned for poor Bill. We see that its not just Bigfoot vs. vampires but there are also witches and even stranger things (but sadly no werewolves) and a mysterious guy named Alex who seems to want to help Bill. The action is just as good as before and its still funny as hell, especially if you don't mind a bit of cussing and juvenile humor (Mourning Woods hehe).
Now for the bad news. While I still loved this book and enjoyed it like the other two I have to agree with some other reviewers in that this book start to show some things that don't seem to work or make sense. So it's only been a few months since Bill became a vampire but he seems to have almost no interest in developing his powers, even though they could very well help keep him alive. Let's not forget his "hulking out" and not remembering what happens while doing it... I would think that would be a top priority. He is the nominal leader of the coven but let's Sally run things and doesn't even seem to want to know what's going on. Now granted some of this can be put down to Bill wanting to keep his humanity but getting pushed around so much would just get old. The final problem I have with the story so far is that Bill is thrust into this world ending situation right from the get go and it never lets up. It would be interesting to see a story where Bills life and the end of the world weren't paramount and just see how a week(or month or whatever) where it wasn't life and death. Just my opinion
May 27, 2014
These books are always an entertaining read. This one was perfect for a holiday weekend.
The latest book about Bill the Vampire continues with the same variety of humor found in previous books in the series. He has some special powers, he's expected to be a leader at an important meeting, and he'd be completely screwed if not for his friends, both vampire and human.
This was the first book whose storyline (and especially the twist at the end) made me wonder how it would eventually turn out -- that there is an overarching plot to the series, as opposed to just a series of books about the same characters. I will be interested to read the next and find out how the overarching storyline continues.
While I don't want the character of Bill to have some sudden conversion experience and become wise, it does seem a little odd to me that he hasn't changed at all. He still comes across as a guy whose thinking is pretty adolescent, and you'd think maybe with the power and responsibility he has he'd have to grow up just a little bit. I love his banter with his friends, and I wouldn't change his sense of humor, but he's still ogling hot women and wishing he could date one. Maybe he could mature just a smidge.
Still, it was a good read, and now I'll have to order the next one to find out how the saga continues. The twist at the end of this one sets things up for a big problem to be resolved soon, and I want to find out how that happens.
The latest book about Bill the Vampire continues with the same variety of humor found in previous books in the series. He has some special powers, he's expected to be a leader at an important meeting, and he'd be completely screwed if not for his friends, both vampire and human.
This was the first book whose storyline (and especially the twist at the end) made me wonder how it would eventually turn out -- that there is an overarching plot to the series, as opposed to just a series of books about the same characters. I will be interested to read the next and find out how the overarching storyline continues.
While I don't want the character of Bill to have some sudden conversion experience and become wise, it does seem a little odd to me that he hasn't changed at all. He still comes across as a guy whose thinking is pretty adolescent, and you'd think maybe with the power and responsibility he has he'd have to grow up just a little bit. I love his banter with his friends, and I wouldn't change his sense of humor, but he's still ogling hot women and wishing he could date one. Maybe he could mature just a smidge.
Still, it was a good read, and now I'll have to order the next one to find out how the saga continues. The twist at the end of this one sets things up for a big problem to be resolved soon, and I want to find out how that happens.
July 3, 2012
I received an ARC of this book from Gualtieri and I was absolutely prepared to be brutal when he said he could take it. I LOVE being brutal, it’s one of my favorite things to do. You know, don’t ask for my opinion if you can’t handle it. Imagine my disappointment when I dove into this novel and it was excellent! It went by quickly and did not linger on anything too long so that the comedic timing fell short or the gory action (and there was) seemed misplaced. Everything worked off of the next thing and the last thing.
The third book in the series it takes a huge step and stops foreshadowing things to come and sort of, well, brings it! While one reveal is a bit obvious the other blew me away. That Gualtieri can still surprise me in a series that is mostly comedy and action and seems like it should not be full of creative genius proves that he actually is a creative genius. The plot is well thought out through the three novels and this one only left me waiting for the next one.
Flaws with the story? None.
Reasons to Read:
- You read the first two and loved them, you’ll love this one
- Great style, comedy, storytelling
Reasons Not to Read:
- There isn’t one.
The third book in the series it takes a huge step and stops foreshadowing things to come and sort of, well, brings it! While one reveal is a bit obvious the other blew me away. That Gualtieri can still surprise me in a series that is mostly comedy and action and seems like it should not be full of creative genius proves that he actually is a creative genius. The plot is well thought out through the three novels and this one only left me waiting for the next one.
Flaws with the story? None.
Reasons to Read:
- You read the first two and loved them, you’ll love this one
- Great style, comedy, storytelling
Reasons Not to Read:
- There isn’t one.
April 22, 2013
If you are reading this review, you have most likely already read the first two Bill the Vampire books. If not, you will probably get more out of this series if you read the books in order.
If you liked the first two books, don’t worry about a letdown. Rick Gualtieri has a good thing going with this series, and The Mourning Woods doesn’t lose any of the momentum, or fun, of the first two books.
In fact, this third book has one the funniest scenes you’ll ever read. I won’t ruin it for you, but I will say that it took me an extended period to get through the scene, as I was laughing so hard that I had to continually stop and grab more Kleenex to dry my face.
Resistance is futile. Bill the Vampire books are addicting! Fortunately, The Mourning Woods will satisfy your craving. Read it now!
Author of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents
If you liked the first two books, don’t worry about a letdown. Rick Gualtieri has a good thing going with this series, and The Mourning Woods doesn’t lose any of the momentum, or fun, of the first two books.
In fact, this third book has one the funniest scenes you’ll ever read. I won’t ruin it for you, but I will say that it took me an extended period to get through the scene, as I was laughing so hard that I had to continually stop and grab more Kleenex to dry my face.
Resistance is futile. Bill the Vampire books are addicting! Fortunately, The Mourning Woods will satisfy your craving. Read it now!
Author of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents
February 6, 2013
When I finished Scary Dead Things, I was hoping for an equally good book in #3. I was not disappointed!
The third of Bill's tome was fresh, unique and action-packed. There were lots of twists and turns to keep me entertained and guessing. And, as with all of Gualtieri's Bill books, the dialogue was funny and honest, if not a little more crude.
If I have any critique, it's that Bill's demeanor hasn't yet matured now that he's in a position of power. I know it's part of his "thing", but I'd expect a little less frat-boy and a little more middle-management. (he is a geek after all)
This book meets the standards set by the previous two, and now I'm looking forward to #4!
The third of Bill's tome was fresh, unique and action-packed. There were lots of twists and turns to keep me entertained and guessing. And, as with all of Gualtieri's Bill books, the dialogue was funny and honest, if not a little more crude.
If I have any critique, it's that Bill's demeanor hasn't yet matured now that he's in a position of power. I know it's part of his "thing", but I'd expect a little less frat-boy and a little more middle-management. (he is a geek after all)
This book meets the standards set by the previous two, and now I'm looking forward to #4!
October 2, 2013
This installment of the Tome of Bill was excellent. It was every bit was good as the first one. He really introduced us in much more depth to the massive world of supernatural beings. It opened up a huge number of possibilities for future stories and I hope the author writes some "spin-offs" with some of these other beings.
The really fun part was that I was able to predict one big aspect of the book, which I think the author did on purpose so you think you know what's coming, then you're correct, hooray!....but then the whole thing gets much deeper and weirder.
As always, it had many funny parts and the banter between some of the characters is a riot. It was great fun to read!
The really fun part was that I was able to predict one big aspect of the book, which I think the author did on purpose so you think you know what's coming, then you're correct, hooray!....but then the whole thing gets much deeper and weirder.
As always, it had many funny parts and the banter between some of the characters is a riot. It was great fun to read!
October 20, 2012
Bill is back, leaving chaos and mayhem in his wake as normal. I enjoyed this book, but I found it a bit slower to get through than the previous book in the series and I have to admit this installment lowered my respect for any "smarts" Bill might have from being a geek. (aren't they supposed to be smart?). Having said that though when I got to the end of the book I said some swear words at the author as it leaves Bill in a situation where you want to know NOW what happens in the next book. The way things are going there is no way this can have a good ending - or so we are lead to believe....
August 25, 2013
Still more of a 3.5 for me. I enjoyed this entry in the series. Light read. Some twists and turns...and fewer eye rolls. I find it frustrating that Bill isn't growing into anything. He's just the same in all the books and, for a supposedly smart guy, he doesn't actually use any intelligence in most situations. I would love this book if Bill could be smart, grow into his role AND be funny.
Anyway, I'm good for one more book so I'm going on to read book 4; I've actually bought the narration for both this and book 4 and find them easy to listen to while I walk for exercise. =)
Anyway, I'm good for one more book so I'm going on to read book 4; I've actually bought the narration for both this and book 4 and find them easy to listen to while I walk for exercise. =)
May 14, 2013
I'm so sorry this is the last book . . . Until #4 comes out! I swear they get better with each sequel. Hilarious page turner for me. Funny vampires are such a rarity, don't you agree? The action is pretty good, too and I love that you really can't take the bad guys seriously with the one-liners and crazy situations Bill and his human sidekicks get into. Needless to say, I just loved all three for their sarcasm, diverse but developed characters. LOL think opposite of Twilight in every way.
September 22, 2015
Bill's back and the hits keep coming. The more he learns of the supernatural world, the less he understands. With one screwball mistake after another, it's a wonder he's still standing. Now add a peace conference between magical creatures.... what could go wrong? I mean... it's only the fate of the world.
August 13, 2012
Funnier than the first two. Bill and company go head to head with French Canadian vampires and even sasquatch (the leader is named Turd). This series just gets better and better. Can't wait for more misadventures of Bill, Sally, Ed and Tom. Great stuff.
July 15, 2014
Vampires vs. Bigfoot.
Third book done. Again, pretty entertaining and a quick read. Bill is in trouble, as usual. This time he has help from an unlikely ally.
October 29, 2015
So far the best one, as we see Bill maturing ever so slightly and focusing on a story line much more in line with early Jim Butcher stories. The female characters are growing and developing as full characters and you get the "common guy" stuck in a situation so far over his head it's comical.
April 11, 2017
Another great story in the bill the vampire series. Finished this book in a day as I just couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
February 13, 2013
Its Bill, he will mess up stuff and fumble into your heart and imagination!
Fun read with some great new characters add to Bill's world!
Fun read with some great new characters add to Bill's world!
June 23, 2013
Perhaps I would enjoy this more if I had the sense of humor of a 10 year old boy.
July 7, 2014
Another really entertaining book in the Tome of Bill series. Looking forward to the next couple. I hope that Gualtieri keeps them coming.
July 12, 2014
The best one yet. So many parts made me actually laugh out loud. The humor in the book may seem a little immature to some, but I love it. Irreverent, sarcastic, and void of PC crap.
February 10, 2017
Bill is a hilariously bumbling hero who endears himself more to you in each book. Love you, Bill!
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