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Orlando People #1
Orlando People
Alexander C. Kane, author of the smash-hit Andrea Vernon series, brings his signature humor to the adventures of an unlikely, tenacious new heroine in this fantastic free-for-all.
Gretch Wolgast is a bit of a dud. Just ask her. She’s a 21-year-old college dropout who has a loser job at the mall. Sure, she can lift a tennis ball with her telekinetic powers. But only three feet in the air. And she has to be sitting.
Gretch is an OP, one of thousands born in Orlando, Florida, in the early 1980s who mysteriously developed the ability to move things with their minds. Unfortunately, she turned out to be the weakest of the bunch.
Then Shaq left town to join the Lakers, and it's been downhill ever since.
Now, Gretch’s life is being turned upside down. She witnesses a murder and discovers a wide-ranging conspiracy that could destroy her hometown and all the OP.
And she might be the only one powerful enough to stop it.
Gretch Wolgast is a bit of a dud. Just ask her. She’s a 21-year-old college dropout who has a loser job at the mall. Sure, she can lift a tennis ball with her telekinetic powers. But only three feet in the air. And she has to be sitting.
Gretch is an OP, one of thousands born in Orlando, Florida, in the early 1980s who mysteriously developed the ability to move things with their minds. Unfortunately, she turned out to be the weakest of the bunch.
Then Shaq left town to join the Lakers, and it's been downhill ever since.
Now, Gretch’s life is being turned upside down. She witnesses a murder and discovers a wide-ranging conspiracy that could destroy her hometown and all the OP.
And she might be the only one powerful enough to stop it.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2019
11 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
December 12, 2019
Some might say, "Alex, you can't rate this book, you wrote it." To that I say, "Yes, but I ALSO read it and I'm behind on my reading challenge."
FIVE STARS, Y'ALL!
FIVE STARS, Y'ALL!
December 9, 2019
I picked this book up, as I had enjoyed the author's Andrea Vernon books immensely, and I'm so glad I did. It was interesting and entertaining, with bits that made me laugh out loud, and I loved the snarkiness of the main character. I don't quite fit the parameters to be OP, mainly since I'm not telekinetic, but also since I was born a few years too early and about 90 miles too far west in the Clearwater area, but I'm close enough to get and enjoy all the pop culture and Florida references this book makes. (And Publix subs ARE the best.) The narration on the audio version is also superb. I can't wait to read whatever Alexander C. Kane comes up with next.
January 15, 2021
Notes:
Kane has a way of writing a story about extra-ordinary people and making them normal. Because that's how it goes. A while back, I wondered maybe if I'm just not the kind of person to enjoy ridiculous humor in books. I read a few books by a popular author and all of the books have humor that people enjoy. Everyone but me! =P
Well, the humor in this one was also hit & miss for me, but it has a lot of heart and characters that grow on you.
I recommend this story for those who enjoy superhero stories and want a dash of humor. Gretch is not your standard MC and it was fun to follow her on her adventures.
Kane has a way of writing a story about extra-ordinary people and making them normal. Because that's how it goes. A while back, I wondered maybe if I'm just not the kind of person to enjoy ridiculous humor in books. I read a few books by a popular author and all of the books have humor that people enjoy. Everyone but me! =P
Well, the humor in this one was also hit & miss for me, but it has a lot of heart and characters that grow on you.
I recommend this story for those who enjoy superhero stories and want a dash of humor. Gretch is not your standard MC and it was fun to follow her on her adventures.
April 20, 2020
This was an Audible Original (i.e. only available on Audible) recommended to me by a fellow book lover and Orlando native. It isn't long, it's fun, so why not. We need fun in our lives. And it totally cracked me up. Would it crack you up if you hadn't lived or spent significant time in Orlando? Maybe, maybe not. But it worked for me.
Gretch Wolgast is one of thousands of folks born in the early 1980's in Orlando who mysteriously had telekinetic powers (deemed "OP" for Orlando People). Secret government experiment? Aliens on a bender, impregnating human women? Who knows. Their powers vary, from being able to hurl cars to being able to throw a pencil. Gretch is a Level 1 dud, who is now 21 years old, has dropped out of high school and has worked (and been fired from) a series of menial jobs, and has suffered from addictions. Then one day when on break from her frozen custard job at the mall, she witnesses the murder. Because she is a witness, she quickly gets swept up in a FBI investigation, and quickly discovers a wide-spread conspiracy to wipe out the OP. As she runs around her beloved hometown, dragging a FBI agent around with her, getting into all sorts of trouble, she learns that she may be more powerful than she thought.
OK the premise is a little silly. And honestly, the author isn't trying to be serious...everything here is tongue in cheek. The writing is clever, fast paced and funny. But there are two big wins for me with this audio...the narrator (who I will talk about in a minute) and the local references. The entire story is one big inside joke for anyone having spent time in Orlando. From references to Bakery Plus donuts, to Publix subs, to the devastation of losing Shaq to the LA Lakers, to favorite news anchors, to the Majesty Building (also known as the Eyesore on I4, an unfinished 18 story building that's been sitting empty since 2001), to the alligators in Lake Apopka, this is a love story to everything we love and hate here. I'm not sure if someone from Las Vegas or Detroit would enjoy the story near as much, but for me it was so much fun.
And the narrator. Kristin Sieh is just amazing. She's been on Broadway, and on TV (House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Boardwalk Empire, Blacklist) and it shows. She attacks this audio with verve, projecting Gretch perfectly...tomboy meets badass meets insecure girl down on her luck. It reminded me a LOT of Marin Ireland in "Nothing to See Here" which was equally as delightful.
Gretch Wolgast is one of thousands of folks born in the early 1980's in Orlando who mysteriously had telekinetic powers (deemed "OP" for Orlando People). Secret government experiment? Aliens on a bender, impregnating human women? Who knows. Their powers vary, from being able to hurl cars to being able to throw a pencil. Gretch is a Level 1 dud, who is now 21 years old, has dropped out of high school and has worked (and been fired from) a series of menial jobs, and has suffered from addictions. Then one day when on break from her frozen custard job at the mall, she witnesses the murder. Because she is a witness, she quickly gets swept up in a FBI investigation, and quickly discovers a wide-spread conspiracy to wipe out the OP. As she runs around her beloved hometown, dragging a FBI agent around with her, getting into all sorts of trouble, she learns that she may be more powerful than she thought.
OK the premise is a little silly. And honestly, the author isn't trying to be serious...everything here is tongue in cheek. The writing is clever, fast paced and funny. But there are two big wins for me with this audio...the narrator (who I will talk about in a minute) and the local references. The entire story is one big inside joke for anyone having spent time in Orlando. From references to Bakery Plus donuts, to Publix subs, to the devastation of losing Shaq to the LA Lakers, to favorite news anchors, to the Majesty Building (also known as the Eyesore on I4, an unfinished 18 story building that's been sitting empty since 2001), to the alligators in Lake Apopka, this is a love story to everything we love and hate here. I'm not sure if someone from Las Vegas or Detroit would enjoy the story near as much, but for me it was so much fun.
And the narrator. Kristin Sieh is just amazing. She's been on Broadway, and on TV (House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Boardwalk Empire, Blacklist) and it shows. She attacks this audio with verve, projecting Gretch perfectly...tomboy meets badass meets insecure girl down on her luck. It reminded me a LOT of Marin Ireland in "Nothing to See Here" which was equally as delightful.
December 8, 2023
I discovered that this is now available on the Kindle and couldn't recall it very well. However, based on my own review (below) I was willing to give it a try for "just plain fun" reading. My review held up. Fun enough although not nearly as good as the Andrea Vernon or Dragon Heist books.
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Not as good as Kane's Andrea Vernon series, this was nonetheless an engaging mystery. I say this despite the fact that I found our heroine Gretch boring and predictable. It took me an hour and a half to get really interested. However, I loved Special Agent Frank Praetor (sp? because it is an audiobook) so much that it made up for these problems. I also enjoyed the twists and turns to the mystery, the improbable rag tag team that assembles, and the elephant in the room that is hinted at about origins of the OP powers. I also liked this as a bit of a prequel to the Andrea Vernon universe in terms of thinking through how the original supers would have been viewed and the struggles they might have had.
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Not as good as Kane's Andrea Vernon series, this was nonetheless an engaging mystery. I say this despite the fact that I found our heroine Gretch boring and predictable. It took me an hour and a half to get really interested. However, I loved Special Agent Frank Praetor (sp? because it is an audiobook) so much that it made up for these problems. I also enjoyed the twists and turns to the mystery, the improbable rag tag team that assembles, and the elephant in the room that is hinted at about origins of the OP powers. I also liked this as a bit of a prequel to the Andrea Vernon universe in terms of thinking through how the original supers would have been viewed and the struggles they might have had.
December 9, 2022
So, I'm a retail bookseller trying to survive the holiday season. My brain is fried, and tonight I just wanted to read a book for pleasure, not because it was on a Best of the Year list.
Mission accomplished! First--and this cannot be overstated--this book was not overly challenging. This is not a gentle way to say it's dumb, because it wasn't. But the book isn't overly long, overly complicated, overly depressing, etc. And, not only is it not depressing, it's overtly funny. I didn't laugh out loud, but it's possible I might have if I weren't so exhausted. I really liked Gretch, the main protagonist. She's got a great voice! And I loved the quirky speculative element of the story that the reader simply has to accept at face value--for now.
Not only am I left feeling that I would be up for reading the sequel, I am left feeling super grateful that I already purchased it. (Clever me!) Read now, or save for later???
Mission accomplished! First--and this cannot be overstated--this book was not overly challenging. This is not a gentle way to say it's dumb, because it wasn't. But the book isn't overly long, overly complicated, overly depressing, etc. And, not only is it not depressing, it's overtly funny. I didn't laugh out loud, but it's possible I might have if I weren't so exhausted. I really liked Gretch, the main protagonist. She's got a great voice! And I loved the quirky speculative element of the story that the reader simply has to accept at face value--for now.
Not only am I left feeling that I would be up for reading the sequel, I am left feeling super grateful that I already purchased it. (Clever me!) Read now, or save for later???
December 22, 2019
I have had more fun reading Alexander C Kane's books than any others in recent memory. Orlando People features regular humans as well as telekenetic humans acting badly.
The dry, unfeeling Special Agent has some of the best lines - Jazz Hands! I laughed out loud! The outcast Level One saves the day. or at least part of it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers (or listeners if you prefer) who enjoy escapism with a touch of irony and a bunch of clever one-liners.
The dry, unfeeling Special Agent has some of the best lines - Jazz Hands! I laughed out loud! The outcast Level One saves the day. or at least part of it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers (or listeners if you prefer) who enjoy escapism with a touch of irony and a bunch of clever one-liners.
January 13, 2020
WOW!!! What a performance & what a book!
I think I found a new favorite narrator - Kristen Sieh does excellent work with the main character, she nails her quirkiness spot on & does great job with differentiating the supporting cast.
I was a bit on the fence about the story before I got this book, Alexander C. Kane is my favorite author based on his previous 2 Andrea Vernon CUP books, so I am really happy I finally got around to getting this book, it for sure exceeding my expectations.
The story is good, but what this book really sets apart are the little quips about year 2004 & Orlando area: there is of course mention to the infamous Razor phone & Shaq/Hardaway in Orlando Magic, but what really made it for me was main character Gretch upset about missing email because switching from yahoo mail to gmail - been there, done that, at that exact time too!
This last bit I actually got on the 2nd listen, I was travelling while listening to this book so missed a few things, but I liked this book so much that I started listening to it again right away, and I am sure I will listen to it a few more times in the future.
So here are my recommendations:
If you like books with great narrations - get it!
If you like Alexander C. Kane books - get it!
If you like sci-fi books with great stories & witty humor - get it!
And if you see this book on sale - DEFINITIVELY GET IT NOW!
I think I found a new favorite narrator - Kristen Sieh does excellent work with the main character, she nails her quirkiness spot on & does great job with differentiating the supporting cast.
I was a bit on the fence about the story before I got this book, Alexander C. Kane is my favorite author based on his previous 2 Andrea Vernon CUP books, so I am really happy I finally got around to getting this book, it for sure exceeding my expectations.
The story is good, but what this book really sets apart are the little quips about year 2004 & Orlando area: there is of course mention to the infamous Razor phone & Shaq/Hardaway in Orlando Magic, but what really made it for me was main character Gretch upset about missing email because switching from yahoo mail to gmail - been there, done that, at that exact time too!
This last bit I actually got on the 2nd listen, I was travelling while listening to this book so missed a few things, but I liked this book so much that I started listening to it again right away, and I am sure I will listen to it a few more times in the future.
So here are my recommendations:
If you like books with great narrations - get it!
If you like Alexander C. Kane books - get it!
If you like sci-fi books with great stories & witty humor - get it!
And if you see this book on sale - DEFINITIVELY GET IT NOW!
October 6, 2021
I give this five stars because it came along at the right time, when I needed some distracting fun in my life, and this was just so perfect for me right now. And the narrator was the best, she could even do the singing!!!
I adored the lopsided partnership between Gretch and the FBI agent, I completely believed in the world and it‘s brand of magic, and I enjoyed Gretch‘s voice so much I just want to continue listening.
The story is an action packed mystery thriller, and the way it all went was frighteningly realistic. But since this is fantasy, the good guys win and the world ends up at least slightly better in the end.
This may not be a laugh out loud listen, but I did have a huge grin on my face for big junks of it. There were also some truly touching moments and I shed a tear or two alongside Gretch.
My husband liked it, too, which is a big endorsement as we very seldom match.
I adored the lopsided partnership between Gretch and the FBI agent, I completely believed in the world and it‘s brand of magic, and I enjoyed Gretch‘s voice so much I just want to continue listening.
The story is an action packed mystery thriller, and the way it all went was frighteningly realistic. But since this is fantasy, the good guys win and the world ends up at least slightly better in the end.
This may not be a laugh out loud listen, but I did have a huge grin on my face for big junks of it. There were also some truly touching moments and I shed a tear or two alongside Gretch.
My husband liked it, too, which is a big endorsement as we very seldom match.
October 9, 2021
Cartoony and unrealistic
December 7, 2021
uninspired. also, the main character, gretch, is just unbearable.
January 27, 2020
Pretty much fast-food, and I didn't realize it was YA (or at least YAish). The premise is lifted (stolen?) from the Brillance novels: a group of people born within a narrow range are gifted with great abilities (except in this story, it's super natural as opposed to exceptionally gifted), down to a person with abilities working with the law (possibly) against her own kind.
Orlando people is silly and enjoys it's own goofiness, using Orlando as it's punchline (a gag that also feels lifted from The Book Of Mormon) laden with late 90s nostalgia. It even managed to be humorous enough to elicit a sensible chuckle at two points, although most jokes are just amusing as opposed to funny.
The phrase enjoyable but utterly forgettable sticks, as I've felt like I've read everything in this book before and done better but it doesn't manage to offend either. However, as an audiobook, Kristen Sieh brings everything to life making a ho-hum book better.
I have a feeling I'm not the target audience as super hero novels aren't really my thing nor is Young Adult.
Orlando people is silly and enjoys it's own goofiness, using Orlando as it's punchline (a gag that also feels lifted from The Book Of Mormon) laden with late 90s nostalgia. It even managed to be humorous enough to elicit a sensible chuckle at two points, although most jokes are just amusing as opposed to funny.
The phrase enjoyable but utterly forgettable sticks, as I've felt like I've read everything in this book before and done better but it doesn't manage to offend either. However, as an audiobook, Kristen Sieh brings everything to life making a ho-hum book better.
I have a feeling I'm not the target audience as super hero novels aren't really my thing nor is Young Adult.
April 7, 2020
I’ll admit, I chose this book purely on the fact that it is based in and around Orlando. Because I grew up and spent the majority of my life in Winter Springs and attended UCF, this book had some happy tidbits for me! The supernatural story seemed more real set in my hometown. I enjoyed reading about the Altamonte Mall, the I4 eyesore, Church Street, University Blvd, and many familiar locations. The story was cute, the characters were likeable, and it had a happy ending. It was nothing extraordinary but definitely a book I’ll recommend to my hometown friends!
December 10, 2023
I did not think anything could compare to Kane’s Andrea Vernon trilogy. I was wrong. Granted, Andrea Vernon was better, but just a smidgeon. In Orlando People, he has once again created absolutely unforgettable character and plopped them down in the perfect story. Taking only a quick break to review this before hitting play on OP #2.
January 24, 2020
Not expecting this audiobook "read" to be as fun as the reviews said it is. But I took a chance! I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator Kristen Sieh who is super funny with her raspy young voice. She gives the main character Gretch (a level 1 telekinetic) a really likable down to earth vibe. It is short but mixed in with full of mystery, suspense, comedy and sci-fi all in one. I thought there were a couple of embarrassing moments, but that's just me!! It has many Orlando references, which I think someone from there would enjoy more. If you are looking for something to listen to while in traffic or a quick fun book I highly recommend Orlando People.
February 10, 2025
A fast-paced narrative with a very interesting plot. The two primary protagonists are compelling and realistic individuals. The conflict of the story was very believable and many characters outside of the two protagonists have smart ideas/plans for their actions.
The dichotomy between the OP minority status and extensive superhuman abilities has very interesting implications through the story.
The description of the telekinesis powers and the limitation of the power is quite interesting and believable, which allows the protagonists to outmaneuver and outsmart the antagonists.
Would consider listening again!
The dichotomy between the OP minority status and extensive superhuman abilities has very interesting implications through the story.
The description of the telekinesis powers and the limitation of the power is quite interesting and believable, which allows the protagonists to outmaneuver and outsmart the antagonists.
Would consider listening again!
October 2, 2021
Alexander C. Kane has done it again. Providing us with an intricate story, funtabuliciously crafted. It gave me all the feels. I laughed, guffawed, was vexed, irritated, saddened, on tenterhooks, even chortled! Simply marvelous.
May 11, 2022
An entertaining and fantastical tale of Gretch Wolgast and the other Orlando People (telekinetics born in Orlando in her age group). Gretch is a funny, smart, and quirky heroine and I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
December 10, 2019
This was so good! Kane is a master of funny sci-fi and intricate plotting, which I already knew from his Andrea Vernon books. Gretch is just as compelling as Andrea, and the narration is perfect. As a person from Orlando, I loved all the local references. Highly recommended to any Orlando people or anyone who loves excellent books.
October 5, 2020
Enjoyed the Orlando setting and references, but not my cup of tea.
February 10, 2024
This was a lovely quick read. The world of the OP is immense and beautiful. As well as intriguing. Gretch is awesome and I can’t wait to read the next.
January 7, 2020
I purchased this audiobook on a whim since I’m from Orlando & was feeling a little homesick this winter... and I’m so glad I did!
This audiobook was the most fun listen I’ve had in a long time. As a native of the City Beautiful who is pretty much the same age as our protagonist Gretch, I could not get enough of this book. 30 minutes in and I had to text all my childhood friends about it and demand they listen too. If you’re from Orlando or have lived there for any amount of time, just buy this. With local mentions from the I-4 eyesore to news anchor Wendy Chioji to snarky comments on our various suburbs and more, it felt like one long inside joke that actually made me laugh out loud. Multiple times.
Not from Orlando/Central Florida? You should still listen to this audiobook, especially if:
- you enjoy laughing
- you were in high school or college in 2004-ish (I.e. you had a MySpace account)
- you like sci-fi and/or think telekinesis is interesting
- you love strong, funny female protagonists
- you’re still bitter about Shaq leaving the Magic
- you enjoyed Stranger Things, Ready Player One, etc.
I really hope this gets a sequel and/or becomes a series on Netflix or Hulu. Until then, I’ll have to check out this author’s other work and re-listen to this next time I miss home.
This audiobook was the most fun listen I’ve had in a long time. As a native of the City Beautiful who is pretty much the same age as our protagonist Gretch, I could not get enough of this book. 30 minutes in and I had to text all my childhood friends about it and demand they listen too. If you’re from Orlando or have lived there for any amount of time, just buy this. With local mentions from the I-4 eyesore to news anchor Wendy Chioji to snarky comments on our various suburbs and more, it felt like one long inside joke that actually made me laugh out loud. Multiple times.
Not from Orlando/Central Florida? You should still listen to this audiobook, especially if:
- you enjoy laughing
- you were in high school or college in 2004-ish (I.e. you had a MySpace account)
- you like sci-fi and/or think telekinesis is interesting
- you love strong, funny female protagonists
- you’re still bitter about Shaq leaving the Magic
- you enjoyed Stranger Things, Ready Player One, etc.
I really hope this gets a sequel and/or becomes a series on Netflix or Hulu. Until then, I’ll have to check out this author’s other work and re-listen to this next time I miss home.
May 15, 2020
I waffled between three and four stars but I am going with four because I have a smile on my face after finishing this one. It took me far longer than usual to get through this audio book due to the fact that I am no longer out and about driving all the time but I loved it! I do think that if you have a working knowledge of the city of Orlando you are gonna love it more than someone who is not familiar with some of the areas mentioned. The city was rather a character in the book. The narrator of this audio book was fabulous and this is a good mystery that never takes itself too seriously. This is a good thing in a book set in Orlando, Florida about an entire generation of people with telekinetic powers.
December 27, 2022
Orlando People by Alexander Kane was pretty freakin’ rad. A telekinetic humorous sci-fi thriller set in the early 2000s in which a barely super-powered “dud” named Gretch is pulled away from her job in the mall and thrust into a murder investigation with the FBI. Look, I’ve had this title in my library for a long time, but it never really made it to the top of my TBR. Honestly, I have two thousand Audible titles. Jk. (It’s actually more.) So I have a lot of books I plan to listen to “some day,” with no reasonable expectation of when that “some day” will arrive. But this book actually gave me a lot of hope that “some day” isn’t just a euphemism for “never,” because when I decided I was in the mood for some fun sci-fi and saw this book was narrated by Kristen Sieh (An Absolutely Remarkable Thing), I knew it was time to give this a listen. I’m really glad I did. This book was so much fun! Although I sometimes struggled to fully empathize with Gretch, I think she’s a really well-written twenty one-year-old in some challenging situations. I enjoyed the plot and found Sieg’s performance to be wonderful (and she can sing!). I highly recommend this book. I think it will really appeal to fans of John Scalzi (Lock In and Head On), Natalie Zina Walschots (Hench), Scott Meyer (Off to be the Wizard), Bob Proehl (The Nobody People), etc. If I didn’t need to listen to Wayward for my book club in less than two weeks, I’d start the sequel right away and maybe listen to some of Kane’s other books right after that.
January 20, 2022
I anticipated a book that would be a bit on the standard structure of a "hero" that keeps getting beaten down with a sidekick that somehow has all the answers and is really the hero behind the "hero". Like The Tick. I thought it would be a bit dry and that I would leave it thinking that I liked it, but would not necessarily enjoy it. That is how it started for me.
This book was ridiculous. From the "desk pop" FBI agent with no sense of humor, to the southern non-southern non-cowboy villain (I know what I wrote), to the league of cocky super-powered 20 somethings, to the... you get the idea.
This was a funny book. Not "that was strange" kind of weird. I mean there were laugh out loud parts that made me glad I picked it up. It did not take itself too seriously. It did not need to draw you in with unnecessary dramatic theatre. It was a story about people who were trying to retain their civil rights, solve a mystery, and bring to justice the ever widening list of class-A buttholes trying to ruin their lives. Which sounds like so much unnecessary dramatic theatre, but it wasn't. So there. The characters were written and performed well. The plot was mostly secondary to me (I enjoyed the way the characters were written so much), but where it needed to be solid, it was heart-felt and you really wanted the best for the protagonists.
I was given this review copy for my unbiased opinion.
This book was ridiculous. From the "desk pop" FBI agent with no sense of humor, to the southern non-southern non-cowboy villain (I know what I wrote), to the league of cocky super-powered 20 somethings, to the... you get the idea.
This was a funny book. Not "that was strange" kind of weird. I mean there were laugh out loud parts that made me glad I picked it up. It did not take itself too seriously. It did not need to draw you in with unnecessary dramatic theatre. It was a story about people who were trying to retain their civil rights, solve a mystery, and bring to justice the ever widening list of class-A buttholes trying to ruin their lives. Which sounds like so much unnecessary dramatic theatre, but it wasn't. So there. The characters were written and performed well. The plot was mostly secondary to me (I enjoyed the way the characters were written so much), but where it needed to be solid, it was heart-felt and you really wanted the best for the protagonists.
I was given this review copy for my unbiased opinion.
January 22, 2023
As an audio book, a little hard to keep track of all the characters. So took me a bit at times to realize who all the side characters were. As they are relevant for piecing the story together.
The introduction of Opal was just dumb. Need to introduce a character that everyone is concerned about and cares for. But was introduced as surprise in the car. What?! There shd have been a better way.
Love Andrea Vernon stories. This just did not pull me in. The dynamic between Gretch and FBI guy was fun.
But the story was so full of modern political views that got distracting. Not saying the views weren't good but the constant interjection of them was distracting. As in don't stand up on every soap box and point it out. Pick just a few issues, especially since the main topic was segregation and fear. I think the author did a great job though of giving views to both sides of the argument.
Was looking forward to the resolution because the book would be done vs getting the conclusion which started out being slow than rushed.
Kind of doubtful I would want to read anymore of this story. But Andrea Vernon, Miss Oh, and Inspector Well-Actually ... I will want to hear more from.
The introduction of Opal was just dumb. Need to introduce a character that everyone is concerned about and cares for. But was introduced as surprise in the car. What?! There shd have been a better way.
Love Andrea Vernon stories. This just did not pull me in. The dynamic between Gretch and FBI guy was fun.
But the story was so full of modern political views that got distracting. Not saying the views weren't good but the constant interjection of them was distracting. As in don't stand up on every soap box and point it out. Pick just a few issues, especially since the main topic was segregation and fear. I think the author did a great job though of giving views to both sides of the argument.
Was looking forward to the resolution because the book would be done vs getting the conclusion which started out being slow than rushed.
Kind of doubtful I would want to read anymore of this story. But Andrea Vernon, Miss Oh, and Inspector Well-Actually ... I will want to hear more from.
October 12, 2021
If every fantasy book was like this one, I'd be a big fantasy fan. The narrator, Gretch Wolgast, is a wise-cracking, clever, loud-mouth one of the "Orlando People" who are specially gifted to be able to control things with their mind. The only problem is that our narrator's powers are kind of wimpy compared to her OP peers. The book turns into a murder mystery with the narrator recruited by an FBI special agent to help his investigation. Their relationship is pretty funny.
One of the funniest parts of the book is when the FBI special agent, Frank Prator, becomes the narrator to explain part of the story (but it is really Gretch who is narrating in his place), this section is laugh-out-loud funny.
I guess I enjoy fantasy books that are based in reality. The book takes place in modern day Orlando where Gretch is none too happy with Shaquille O'Neal for abandoning the Magic to go to Los Angeles. She never does forgive him.
This is an Audible original, so only available as an audible book. Read (and sung!) very well by Kristin Sieh. A good, entertaining, fantasy book.
One of the funniest parts of the book is when the FBI special agent, Frank Prator, becomes the narrator to explain part of the story (but it is really Gretch who is narrating in his place), this section is laugh-out-loud funny.
I guess I enjoy fantasy books that are based in reality. The book takes place in modern day Orlando where Gretch is none too happy with Shaquille O'Neal for abandoning the Magic to go to Los Angeles. She never does forgive him.
This is an Audible original, so only available as an audible book. Read (and sung!) very well by Kristin Sieh. A good, entertaining, fantasy book.
June 30, 2022
As someone who was born a few months too early to be an Orlando Person and who grew up and still lives in the greatest city in the world (just ask the guys from The Book of Mormon), this book was like a love letter. All of the locations and settings are familiar to me and listening was like my own personal Ready Player One (shout out to Bakery Plus!).
For those without an intimate working knowledge of the city's peculiarities and landmarks, Orlando People is a fun story about telekinetic young adults and the bigots who want them all dead. The story is told by the book's snarky protagonist who goes from working at the frozen custard stand to investigating a high-stakes murder. There are twists, turns, local celebrities, and death by alligator -- basically, everything you need in a true Orlando story. Plus, Orlando People is set in the mid-90s so there are all kinds of nostalgic nods to the Magic (when they were actually good) and Orlando's true claim to fame: boy bands. You're welcome music history. You're welcome.
For those without an intimate working knowledge of the city's peculiarities and landmarks, Orlando People is a fun story about telekinetic young adults and the bigots who want them all dead. The story is told by the book's snarky protagonist who goes from working at the frozen custard stand to investigating a high-stakes murder. There are twists, turns, local celebrities, and death by alligator -- basically, everything you need in a true Orlando story. Plus, Orlando People is set in the mid-90s so there are all kinds of nostalgic nods to the Magic (when they were actually good) and Orlando's true claim to fame: boy bands. You're welcome music history. You're welcome.
May 25, 2022
I absolutely enjoyed this book. I totally forget to review it until I was writing a review for a more current read and remembered to give this one a shout out. What makes this books a lot of fun is it's main character, Gretch. She's that friend who introduced me to The Village and Rocky Horror. She that friend who knew everyone at CBGB's and used to walk me in without ticket or carding back in the day. She's that friend who has so much more going on for herself than she believes. Gretch ROCKS. Gretch is "the goat" as the kids say. If you are going to read this book for any reason at all - I mean besides the fun story, the seriously awesome pacing and the unique take on super powers - you want to read it for Gretch. I'll be completely shocked if this doesn't become a series of shows or movies down the line. Pick this book up. Come for the super powers and you'll stay for Gretch.
October 18, 2023
Let me preface my review by saying I'm a fan of Alexander Kane. His Andrea Vernon series is fantastic and a lot of fun. My issue with this book is it straddles the fence between satirical over the top fantasy like in Andrea Vernon and the urban fantasy genre where there are usually rules to the magical and even if it's fantastical (hello it's in the genre name), there exists a system to explain how the magic/powers work. This extends into the characters themselves. They were cartoony and very unrealistic. Especially the villains, even though the author makes an effort to create depth to the main antagonist at the end (won't reveal spoilers). His portrayal of entire genres of people was an overuse of stereotypes and caricatures. The final nail in the coffin for this series for me was the main character. She was annoying as heck and just grating. So as much as I do think this author is talented and a good writer, I'll be passing on the rest of the OP series and Gretch.
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