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Run the Day
Evil books...Ancient powers...Zombie pigs?
Thomas Grey - curmudgeon, recluse, mage - is having a terrible day. Down on his luck and facing a looming electrical bill, he is hired by the supernatural overlord of his hometown to track down a magical book of sinister evil: The Libro Nihil. The hunt leads Thomas on an adventure across the sleepy cow town of Hanford steeped with mystery, magic, monsters, and an absurd amount of mayhem.
Aided by his geriatric, spell-slinging mentor as well as his friend and sometimes bodyguard, Thomas encounters a bizarre and terrifying conspiracy to awaken a sleeping evil of cosmic proportions that promises to push his magical prowess and threshold for pain to their limits.
It looks like a bad, bad day to have gotten out of bed. But a guy’s got to get paid.
Thomas Grey - curmudgeon, recluse, mage - is having a terrible day. Down on his luck and facing a looming electrical bill, he is hired by the supernatural overlord of his hometown to track down a magical book of sinister evil: The Libro Nihil. The hunt leads Thomas on an adventure across the sleepy cow town of Hanford steeped with mystery, magic, monsters, and an absurd amount of mayhem.
Aided by his geriatric, spell-slinging mentor as well as his friend and sometimes bodyguard, Thomas encounters a bizarre and terrifying conspiracy to awaken a sleeping evil of cosmic proportions that promises to push his magical prowess and threshold for pain to their limits.
It looks like a bad, bad day to have gotten out of bed. But a guy’s got to get paid.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Matthew C. Davis
1 book6 followersBorn in a sleepy little cow-town in the armpit of California. Spent an absurd amount of time wandering, and wasting time. Decided to write a book. Wrote a book! Published book. Currently writing more books. What else? Seriously? More? Listen to a lot of music, read...things...Works! Yes. Works, an awful lot. Tired.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 13, 2013
I got a free copy of this book from Book Rooster with the promise of reviewing it, so here's my review. This book wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing either. It borrows a lot from the world of Harry Dresden, so much so that I wonder if it started out as fan fiction. There's a mage (Thomas Gray) who puts an ad in the yellow pages, there is Other-vision, there's some silly humor and bad puns, there's the hovel of a home, there are sidekicks and mentors, and most importantly, the mage is a PI. So if you are in Dresden withdrawal and would like a mid-year fix, this might be just the thing to help you out. It's not as well-written as the Dresden series, though. Mr. Davis could use some editorial tough love. I say this because I think the author has the potential to be excellent, he's just not honed his craft enough yet.
I felt that the author did a poor job of establishing the characters. I have no visual image of Thomas, the hero, aside from dark hair that he had to shave off mid-book. I have a slightly better mental image of 3 other main characters, but all of them could have used more descriptors and background. I think the author actually did the best job with the cleaning lady, Rosa. Character development is where the author could most improve. The author also took some obvious shots at humor that fell a little flat - I can't remember specifically, but there were a couple groaners. Another sticking point was the lack of concern for collateral damage - I just didn't like that; it didn't feel real that a character could look at 7 dead people he just saw alive and brush it off. Lastly, the mystery aspect of the plot wasn't ingenious in its construction. I didn't mind the unlikely magically win at the end, but it wasn't really supported by the rest of the story and didn't seem 100% believable within that story. Maybe 75%. Again, I didn't believe the character should have been able to do what he did based on the character development in the rest of the book. And I think the author hurt his own story by cramming all of the action into 24 hours. It stretched believability to the breaking point.
On the plus side, it's funny, and I like funny fantasy. I especially loved the idea of the king of the roaches - that was clever. The gang scene was good too, and the bar's golem was cool.
Story like: Thomas is hired by Devlin, local head of magic users, to find a dangerous artifact book that could usher in the end of the world. Thomas' friend Stark and his old mentor Hank help him. The world doesn't end, but it's a very hard day for Thomas. At least 10 people and maybe a dozen zombie pigs have their world end that day.
I felt that the author did a poor job of establishing the characters. I have no visual image of Thomas, the hero, aside from dark hair that he had to shave off mid-book. I have a slightly better mental image of 3 other main characters, but all of them could have used more descriptors and background. I think the author actually did the best job with the cleaning lady, Rosa. Character development is where the author could most improve. The author also took some obvious shots at humor that fell a little flat - I can't remember specifically, but there were a couple groaners. Another sticking point was the lack of concern for collateral damage - I just didn't like that; it didn't feel real that a character could look at 7 dead people he just saw alive and brush it off. Lastly, the mystery aspect of the plot wasn't ingenious in its construction. I didn't mind the unlikely magically win at the end, but it wasn't really supported by the rest of the story and didn't seem 100% believable within that story. Maybe 75%. Again, I didn't believe the character should have been able to do what he did based on the character development in the rest of the book. And I think the author hurt his own story by cramming all of the action into 24 hours. It stretched believability to the breaking point.
On the plus side, it's funny, and I like funny fantasy. I especially loved the idea of the king of the roaches - that was clever. The gang scene was good too, and the bar's golem was cool.
Story like: Thomas is hired by Devlin, local head of magic users, to find a dangerous artifact book that could usher in the end of the world. Thomas' friend Stark and his old mentor Hank help him. The world doesn't end, but it's a very hard day for Thomas. At least 10 people and maybe a dozen zombie pigs have their world end that day.
November 2, 2013
If you're looking for a nice, simple, easy read.. this book is NOT for you! That is not necessarily a bad thing.
This book is not the type of thing which everyone will automatically love, and that's fine, it doesn't apologise for what it is, it doesn't try to sell itself to everyone, it is what it is.
So, what do we have in this book? The forces of good and evil coming together, strange other-worldly creatures, mages, angels..oh and a small Mexican family. If you don't like the sound of that then back away now because Mr Davis is ready and raring to whisk you away on the adventure of a lifetime!
I loved this book, the only thing is it felt like it was longer than it was. There's a reason for this, I have to be in the mood for this type of story. It's great but it's none-stop action, there's always something going on and whilst it doesn't exhaust itself or feel in the slightest bit forced, I was exhausted just reading it! The main character, Tommy, is a Mage and the energy his character soaks up is unbelievable.
How can you be exhausted reading a book? Easily! Davis allows the reader some artistic license when reading his books, a must for me. So when I get given the situations in this book my imagination gets a chance to go wild! To me, that is what a book should do. It should remove you so far from your own world that you get to look into someone else's head and steal from their imagination. This is why books are so much more special to me than films, your imagination has no limits, films do.
Rosa the cleaning lady plays a big part of the comedic essence in this book and I love her for it, the things she comes out with are naturally funny. The kind of things you would possibly imagine saying in these situations. There is nothing slapstick about this book but it had me giggling in certain parts.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book even if it did take me a long time to read it, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Davis' work.
This book is not the type of thing which everyone will automatically love, and that's fine, it doesn't apologise for what it is, it doesn't try to sell itself to everyone, it is what it is.
So, what do we have in this book? The forces of good and evil coming together, strange other-worldly creatures, mages, angels..oh and a small Mexican family. If you don't like the sound of that then back away now because Mr Davis is ready and raring to whisk you away on the adventure of a lifetime!
I loved this book, the only thing is it felt like it was longer than it was. There's a reason for this, I have to be in the mood for this type of story. It's great but it's none-stop action, there's always something going on and whilst it doesn't exhaust itself or feel in the slightest bit forced, I was exhausted just reading it! The main character, Tommy, is a Mage and the energy his character soaks up is unbelievable.
How can you be exhausted reading a book? Easily! Davis allows the reader some artistic license when reading his books, a must for me. So when I get given the situations in this book my imagination gets a chance to go wild! To me, that is what a book should do. It should remove you so far from your own world that you get to look into someone else's head and steal from their imagination. This is why books are so much more special to me than films, your imagination has no limits, films do.
Rosa the cleaning lady plays a big part of the comedic essence in this book and I love her for it, the things she comes out with are naturally funny. The kind of things you would possibly imagine saying in these situations. There is nothing slapstick about this book but it had me giggling in certain parts.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book even if it did take me a long time to read it, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Davis' work.
July 28, 2014
Run the Day surprised me in several ways. When I started reading, I was expecting a sort of lingering, internal-monologuing examination of a dark character living in a darker world.
Instead I got a super awesome high-speed ball of cool. Thomas is funny; the action, while incredibly fast-paced, is realistic in its consequences; the magic system was just developed enough to be interesting without being so heavy that it dragged the story down. I enjoyed every single character. ROSA! SWIFT! HACK! I love them all.
There are a few things that dragged me out of the fun. Occasionally the action gave me a bit of whiplash, and there are places where the writing could be tightened--but after letting this book sit in my mind for a week or so before writing this review, I can't really remember any specific complaints. What I DO remember is the interest I had in all the characters, and the immediate wish for a sequel.
I'd call that winning.
Instead I got a super awesome high-speed ball of cool. Thomas is funny; the action, while incredibly fast-paced, is realistic in its consequences; the magic system was just developed enough to be interesting without being so heavy that it dragged the story down. I enjoyed every single character. ROSA! SWIFT! HACK! I love them all.
There are a few things that dragged me out of the fun. Occasionally the action gave me a bit of whiplash, and there are places where the writing could be tightened--but after letting this book sit in my mind for a week or so before writing this review, I can't really remember any specific complaints. What I DO remember is the interest I had in all the characters, and the immediate wish for a sequel.
I'd call that winning.
February 11, 2013
This book is fast paced and exciting, one in which Davis opens up a world of magic and sorcery and a while other realm of beings, living secretly along side humans.
This novel has elements in the same vein as the Men in Black films, so any lovers of Agent J and Agent K will enjoy this novel.
I look forward to more from Davis and hope that he will expand on this fascinsting universe he has created.
This novel has elements in the same vein as the Men in Black films, so any lovers of Agent J and Agent K will enjoy this novel.
I look forward to more from Davis and hope that he will expand on this fascinsting universe he has created.
August 6, 2017
Thomas is a wizard-f0r-hire in the same vein as Harry Dresden, complete with self-deprecating humor, quirky but powerful friends, tight on cash and living in squalor. But what's not to love, though? I particularly liked the characters of the old Spanish battle axe Rosa and her gangbanging son Jesus. Nicely done, and a good read.
September 26, 2025
Another ancient freebie. Short, entertaining-ish urband fantasy of which I will remember nothing whatsoever by tomorrow.
May 7, 2014
An excellent beginning to a writing career and to what I hope is a series. Other reviewers have noted Thomas Grey's resemblance to Harry Dresden. Since I adore the Dresden Files, I'm happy to find another mage to fill in the long waits between Dresden's adventures. But I think Thomas will soon come out from Harry's shadow and come into his own. The characters in Run the Day are not just derivative but have their own quirks and stories. I also enjoyed the humor, which helped lighten the end-of-the-world scenario. I look forward to more from Mathew Davis.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
June 14, 2019
Harry potter grown up
July 16, 2013
I enjoyed this book! It's a fast, fun read about magic and monsters and saving the world. What's not to like, right? It was well written and edited, and the story flowed along at a nice pace. I will absolutely read more of Matthew C. Davis' work. I did receive a free copy for review, but will now be looking to buy the sequel.
February 26, 2014
I greatly enjoyed reading "Run the Day". It was a fast-paced, fun, dark urban fantasy with a Jim Butcher "Harry Dresden" meets "Men in Black" feel to it. Magic, monsters, mayhem - and written in an easy, comfortable style. The secondary characters were especially unique and nicely populated this odd world Mr. Davis created. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
September 7, 2014
Great quick read. Fun journey of a mage who just can't get ahead. Poor guy just wants some rest and he's got to go an save the world from evil forces. Fast plot that grabs you from the get go and keeps you going until the end. Mr. Davis does a great job creating an immense world with a likeable character you can't help but root for.
March 23, 2015
Heavily influenced by Dresden-files, many similarities, might be too many, but a good read in any case!
April 21, 2013
Brilliant and crazy. Just wonderful.
April 30, 2013
Great book. It was fun, funny and kept a good pace. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Do more.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews