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The Tome of Bill #4

Holier Than Thou

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There are reasons the undead fear the night... Bill Ryder - gamer, geek, and legendary vampire - has woman troubles. The girl he wants is deadly to him. The girl who wants him is deadly to everyone else. He's trapped in the most lethal love triangle he can imagine and it's only going to get worse.

On the eve of war, The Icon - ancient foe of the vampire race - has arisen. Panic is about to break out within the undead ranks and Bill is caught smack dab in the middle of it. Destiny has placed them on a cataclysmic collision course, but there's just one small catch: he's in love with her.

Now he finds himself in a race against supernatural assassins to save the person who's fated to destroy him. Talk about being damned if you do...

Unsure of his allies and outnumbered by enemies, Bill must dig deep within himself and find the faith to succeed - because if he fails, it'll be more than just his social life in tatters.

*****

Holier Than Thou (the Tome of Bill, part 4) is 95k words of foul-mouthed undead insanity by Rick Gualtieri, author of Bill The Vampire and The Mourning Woods.

520 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2013

333 people are currently reading
412 people want to read

About the author

Rick Gualtieri

88 books765 followers
Rick 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

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5 stars
1,047 (37%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Mr. Matt.
288 reviews104 followers
November 7, 2014
After the last book, I was pleasantly surprised by Holier Than Thou. The change from the prior volume restores my faith in the series. The epic war between Vampires and the Sasquatch was meant to be funny, but I couldn't take it seriously. I was pleased to see that this thread kinda-sorta dropped. Instead, the book returns to NYC and Bill coping with his new life as one of the undead.

What was great about this book is that lines are blurred. The sides are no longer easily divided one from the other. Bill Ryder, the lovable, computer nerd turned super vampire is clearly a 'good' guy, but he somehow finds himself in the uncomfortable role of being the champion of, well, the forces of darkness who is destined to kill the Icon of Faith who is to save humanity. To make matters worse, the Icon is none-other than the woman he has had a mega-crush on for years. What's a guy to do?

The blurring of dividing lines brings change - and that sparks my interest. Sally, his foul-mouthed, smoking-hot companion has to choose between Bill and the rest of vampire-kind. Although not romantically involved, she has come to think of Ed as a friend - not just a means to an end. And Bill's human friends, Ed and Tom are also made to choose - as are other, more minor characters.

Finally, Bill also continues to change and evolve. He is coming to grips with his powers and what it means to be a 'Freewill' vampire. Yet, through it all, Bill refuses to give up being human. Will he give in to the dark thing that lives inside of him, or will he control it?

All in all, a much better showing than the last book. The snarky adolescent humor of Bill and Sally still drives me a little batty, but packed into a better story it was not too bad. A solid three stars.
Profile Image for Kenny Bellew.
470 reviews13 followers
June 4, 2016
This is an Urban Fantasy novel. It's book 4 of the Tome of Bill series. It's 520 pages. It's rated 4.10/5.0 on GoodReads, and I rated it 4.0.

In this book, the nerdy vampire, Bill, must deal with his secret crush turning into the Icon, which is a being that the prophecies foretell he (Bill, the Freewill) will have to vanquish in a battle to the death. The coming of the Icon has the Vampire and Wizard/Witch community in a tizzy, as her coming heralds their demise. To top it off, a 300-year old vampire who is trapped in a 12-year old's body is in love with Bill, which Bill must deal with.

As with the others in this series, it's just a good fun and nary a boring paragraph to find in the whole book.
Profile Image for Chris Torretta.
893 reviews39 followers
July 3, 2015
After the way The Mourning Woods ended I knew something was going to seriously happen. As if Bill can take anymore!

Apparently being married to an under pubescent teen vampire and having issues with Sasquatch was not quite enough drama for Bill. Add to that Icons are rising. The reason icons are rising? Bill… of course!

And let us not forget his roommates. Bill never goes anywhere without them. Even though it seems they cause as much havoc as he does and they are not even vampires! Book four and it still surprises me how these guys think. It is not like Bill becoming a vampire would make him grow brains, or muscles, so he also could not help his roommates in the brain regions!

“You do realize that there are these things called condoms right? And you are supposed to put them on your dick not use them as rubber finger puppets.” Ed snorted and began to choke on his beer. I clapped him on the back until he got it under control. “Ow, watch it.” he protested.

“Sorry. Sometimes I forget my own strength.”

“Seriously Tom, you were using protection, right?” Ed asked.

“Well…”

“What the fuck do you mean well?”

“I thought… you know. Maybe she had some kind of magical birth control.”

There was a moment of silence where Ed and I absorbed this declaration of brilliance.

“My god you are a fucking idiot.”



“Wow Bill” Sally said behind me, “You just got ever so slightly sexier.”

It is hilarious to see Bill in trouble once again. He does seem to be growing a bit more. He’s taking control more and not putting up with the crap that is happening around him. I really think people (and vampires and all sorts of other monsters) would stop putting him into so many issues if he would grow up a little. Being a young kid they just do not see him as any sort of adversary. But, he is starting to come into his own. I mean he has really learned a lot from other vampires and he has a lot to lose in this one; not just his life.

I think I laughed more than I worried for Bill, which is synonymous with this entire series. I think I liked this better than the last book but some of the issues that Bill and his friends face get annoying. I really want Bill to grow more.

In short: Absolutely love this series. Recommended to everyone.
Profile Image for Erick.
558 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2017
While this book is better than volume 3, it still has many of the same flaws. Bill hasn't learned a damn thing. Bill is being a bigger idiot than he has any right to be. He is too easily distracted by sexuality. Etc, etc. As the series goes on Bill becomes less the lovable nerdy goober that you root for, and more the idiotic doofus who just refuses to grow up and learn how to be a man and take responsibility. I read this book mainly because I hoped for more, especially being this far into the series. But I really don't want to continue anymore.
Profile Image for Solace Winter.
1,889 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2013
Once again I received an ARC of this novel. The author forewarned me that this might be a little different than the other novels so I went in expecting to be jarred. I wasn’t. It’s a subtle change, as the last book was from the one before it. The progression of Bill’s story is told nicely and in his usual amusing tones. Bill doesn’t lose himself and instead is an influence on those around him.

This time Bill must deal with finding the Icon and protecting her, despite the fact that he’s meant to destroy her. Bill and Sally stumbling along is always amusing and their interactions are back to the way that the audience has grown used to. Yes, this book goes a bit darker than the ones from before, but there is nothing that is so drastic of a change that the audience should lose interest.

As with the last book, Gualtieri ends this novel as a perfect segue into the next novel. While there is a conclusion there are enough unanswered questions that the reader should be anxious to know more. And unlike the last novel this one kept me more in suspense of what was to come. Chapters ended and I found my heart racing to read the next chapter, needing to answer those questions. While I may again have more questions than answers, Bill’s story remains one of my favorites out there.

Reasons to Read:

- You enjoyed the other three
- You want an easy read with a great plot
- There’s nothing this author can’t do

Reasons Not to Read:

- You haven’t read the first three. Get on that.
Profile Image for Monti.
31 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2013
This was the best yet of "The Tome of Bill" series.

One of the minor gripes I had about the series, last book in particular was the fact that Bill was such an unbelievable dumb ass. I know that a big part of this was for the comic effect, but it seemed a bit much. Bill, in this book, starts to think things through better and makes choices, thinking about the lasting ramifications of his actions. I approve.

I also liked how Gualtieri is making Bill's humanity inspire those around him. In this book he is shining a bigger spotlight on this. He is starting to rub off on Sally, and I really am enjoying watching their friendship/working relationship evolve.

The book does end with a big cliff hanger. One that has me frothing at the mouth to get the next book. I am also quite curious about the book that is about to be released that tells a story through Sally's point of view. I think I am going to check out Big Foot Hunters in the near future.
Profile Image for Barbara.
71 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2015
Yet another installment of this series and I kinda wish I hadn't read it. The action packed bits of this book were good, but the rest was verging on painful. Four books into these characters and they're still as two dimensional as they were in the first book. There are brief glimpses at the developed characters they have the potential to be, but it's so slow that I can't stand it. Three (or four?) possibly catastrophic events later, I would expect that Sally and Bill would be able to show a bit more respect towards one another. I would think that Gan wouldn't have to break the news that Bill loves Sheila as his "friends" snicker behind his back. I enjoyed bits and pieces of this story, but Gualtieri should look at some better development and story telling. I think I'm done with this series, unfortunately. It started off with a fun, if silly, premise and has devolved into ridiculousness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
11 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2013
The best book of Bill until date. The story gains in richness and depth without losing any of the awesome geek stuff and humor that define the earlier books. I look forward for the next book, meanwhile I'll try not to eat my nails after the cliffhanger that closes this book.

Well played Rick, well played...
Profile Image for Angela Verdenius.
Author 66 books678 followers
January 12, 2017
Whoo! Talk about constant battle scenes! This book really takes a run on the wild side as things are heating up for the battle of the century which includes surprises, shocks and laughs galore!
Profile Image for Ziggy Nixon.
1,157 reviews36 followers
August 13, 2021
OK, maybe, I dunno, 4+ stars for the book but DEFINITELY, no questions asked 5 stars for this "extended chapter" aka "The First Box Set" by Rick Gualtieri. To say I am addicted to this series now is an understatement and I really do have some concerns about my general well-being as I have been made aware that there are still many books left to enjoy! Oh well, who needs exercise or to feed the kids? I'll just keep reading if its all the same to you!

Gualtieri - a name that I simply cannot spell right without CTRL-C'ing & CTRL-V'ing the hell out of it btw - just can flat out write, um, right! Yeah. You may find the characterizations a bit sophomoric - and to be fair a number of them are in every sense of the word - but damn he slams out some wonderful prose, some completely quotable bits and captures the essence of New York City perfectly as things continue to go to hell on the E train! (is there an E train?) And this chapter has all of that and more!

I was definitely then glad to be out of the Canadian wilderness and back to where this whole Bill 'situation' works best. The deception and machinations and general assholeness of the vampires involved is handled perfectly - and not just this coven but spread across the good ol' USA and other parts of the world, too (not to mention over several millenia of history - wow, that part is so damn good!). I think Bill said it once, too, but screw Anne Rice and her portrayals of the mamby pampy vampys, this is doing it the way it needs to be done!

Like I said, I just enjoyed the story so much! Twists and turns and guest appearances and betrayals and other mysticals and just so much more! And through it all, yep, you guessed it - THE EDITING IS ORGASMIC it is so good! Yeah, I went there, so sue me or leave me out in the sun too long, I don't care! WARNING: these books are addictive. You will read them hungrily, you will be hungry for more and you will begin to lose track of both time and personal hygiene. So enjoy it while you can! Smell ya later stinkbombs!
Profile Image for Brandon Wood.
27 reviews
March 6, 2020
Holier Than Thou written by Rick Gualtieri & narrated by Christopher John Fetherolf. Things just continue to get worse for Bill. The lady he’s in love with is lethal to Bill and all his kind. On top of that Bill must get ready for war after the situation he got into with Gan’s protection. How is Sally & friends going to help Bill prevail this time? Will the prophecies be fulfilled?

What are some things that I’ve enjoyed about this book? This book had a lot of action coming at Bill from all directions. Gan is back, I really enjoy her as a character. She lives up to her age even though she’s in the body of a teenager. I wasn’t expecting Sheila to be at this skill level in one month. Bill’s transformation really brings excitement out for me we finally got more of it in this book.

What are some things that I didn’t enjoy about this book? It appears all the characters are growing except Bill. His friends are both maturing and playing more important roles. Sheila just became one of the strongest characters in the story in one month as to where it’s been a year and all I think Bill learned how to do is take a few more punches without dying. Sally is Sally she always been the brains of the operation. The ending didn’t feel like an ending, it felt like the book was just stopped three quarters into the story.

This is the fourth book I’ve listened to from Rick Gualtieri. I went ahead and purchased the bundle with the remaining four books in the series. I really enjoyed all the action in this book, the story had great build up, but the ending was too sudden to the point it didn’t feel complete. I still have full interest in the series. I’ll say it once again I really hope Bill learns how to use that transformation soon otherwise it’s going to get old him somehow getting hold of some other vamps’ blood to win a fight. I purchased book 1-4 via a bundle I have enjoyed reviewing these books I will continue on with books 5-8.
Profile Image for Markus Matthews.
Author 21 books40 followers
July 28, 2020
More twists and turns than a rollercoaster.

Bill finally gets to kiss his longtime crush and is tossed forty feet back when his lips make contact with hers as her powers manifest. It seems Bill’s dream woman is the Icon, a holy crusader that is the nemesis to all vampires. Worse, prophecies are told of a final battle between the Icon and the Freewill that will determine the fate of humanity. As Bill is the only Freewill vampire in existence, that doesn’t bode well for his dreams of relationship bliss.

“Wow!” was all I could think when I finished this book. I have enjoyed this series, but this book was easily the best of the bunch. Do yourself a favor and get this book.
Profile Image for Nancy.
396 reviews
December 2, 2019
A Complete Success!

This book in the series is a complete success! Mr. Gaultieri has done an excellent job of continuing Bill's undead life story. More twists and turns, maturing characters, plenty of action, and a laugh or 3 along the way. He has kept the storyline strong and interesting while always letting it progress and Grow! I find his writing entertaining and intelligent, immersing you in in a thrilling world, with enough levity to keep you disarmed and wanting more!
Profile Image for Nicole.
86 reviews11 followers
January 14, 2018
They just keep getting better! This book has quite a bit more action than the others but it's still full of humor (guy humor as my friend says) and friendship. The story is also a solid series now with the events in previous books are carrying over and then leading to the next installments. I can't wait to start book 5!
454 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2019
My kind of book

I like Bill. He can be kind of a dork but he is trying to be himself in a world that keeps dramatically changing on him. I see some of myself in some of his actions. Can't wait to see what kind of messed up situations he gets into next, and how/if he gets through them.
318 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2020
HOLY CRAP! Just when I think Gualtieri can't write another compelling story he goes and does it. Rick once again expands on the Billverse, introducing new and exciting characters while bringing back familiar faces. He even manages to bring you to the edge of your seat several times, suspend disbelief only to leave you hanging and waiting for more.
59 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2021
I hate headlines!

I love to read, I truly do, but this series is sucking up way to much of my time! I have to force myself to put it down & do something besides read & laugh, because this series is that good. I am a nerd & I love the nerd culture references, especially when they are used to make things even funnier!
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews19 followers
November 16, 2016
Politically Incorrect Bill is Back

A lot of action with sarcastic humor ensues. I like the somewhat dark action laced with wisecracks and smartass comments. What happened to Bill?
Profile Image for K.D. McQuain.
Author 5 books82 followers
February 6, 2017
Vampires, Sasquatches, Freewills, Icons, faeries, brownies, pixies, I'm not sure what this series with throw at us next. There is some real silliness here, but the characters are developing some depth and the plot has kept me engaged. On to book five.
11 reviews
May 23, 2019
This book finally delivered on the promise of the first 4. The writing got a lot better and the story was much more compelling. Not sure if I'll get book 5 or not, I purchased the first four in a bundle and this was the only one I actually enjoyed.
Profile Image for Denise Esh.
241 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2019
These are hilariously funny books. However, I find it easy to walk away from them to read something else. While I truly enjoy them, they don't grab me in a way that I just can't put them down. Still looking forward to reading the rest of the series as time permits.
Profile Image for Fred.
594 reviews
August 25, 2025
Another entry of shenanigans that picks up after the revelation of the last entry

We now need to determine what we do next or Bills connection to the supernatural world's greatest fear may doom him and his friends.


Was fun but much like the blurb says, still lots of sophomoric humor 😅
Profile Image for Joey Calvey.
113 reviews6 followers
June 22, 2017
Great!

This series continues to be amazingly fun. A book that makes me laugh out loud multiple times is well worth the download. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Jim.
90 reviews
September 22, 2017
Love it

I love these books. Bill is a fantastic character and I can't to read where things head next. The cast of other characters is getting better too.
Profile Image for Art.
2,457 reviews16 followers
January 28, 2018
I keep enjoying this series. This one adds a little more character growth and a little poignancy. Looking forward to the next book, Sunset Strip.
Profile Image for Marilyn Mcguire.
31 reviews
February 10, 2018
I am just freaking LOVING this series. All kinds of crazy, sassy and fucked up characters! I will be so sad when I am done with this series!!!!
210 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2018
Fun and had a bit more fights in it. I will continue this series later for sure.
Profile Image for Chantal.
6 reviews
June 20, 2018
I really liked this book ..at first at the end I was like no not Shelia ..but then with the twist ending it had hope and I hope book 5 picks up where this one ended ..
316 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2018
Holier Than Thou

Bill, Ed, and Sally have a wild adventure. Bill makes me laugh at time who knows what is going to come out of his mouth. Hope Bill gets hooked up with his lady.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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