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Flintstaff and Cramp: The Curious Case of the Case
Flintstaff and A comedy mash-up of Demon-fighting Victorians and contemporary teenage adventure.
They exist. In the darkness, in the forests and lonely places of the world, they have always existed. Waiting, hiding, feeding on the weak. And you thought they were only old wives' tales to scare the children...
Until now. In 1865, during the rise of Science and the Age of Steam, the Shadows of the Void are gathering. These sinister forces, separated for millennia, have only one goal; to unite and enslave the entire population of the world!
Flintstaff and Cramp, adventurers and inventors, are humanity’s last chance; with the aid of steam-powered weapons and a mythical, Tibetan suitcase they must fight the encroaching darkness. They will be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity. And it may not be enough...
In 2015 sixteen year-old Charlie is about to discover the world isn’t what it seems. And he doesn't want anything to do with it. No computer games or scary movies can prepare him for the horrors he’s soon to face as he's propelled into a terrifying adventure that will test his courage and friendships beyond breaking point. He will discover the curse placed upon his family and will need to use all of his ingenuity, guile and bravery to face his demons.
They exist. In the darkness, in the forests and lonely places of the world, they have always existed. Waiting, hiding, feeding on the weak. And you thought they were only old wives' tales to scare the children...
Until now. In 1865, during the rise of Science and the Age of Steam, the Shadows of the Void are gathering. These sinister forces, separated for millennia, have only one goal; to unite and enslave the entire population of the world!
Flintstaff and Cramp, adventurers and inventors, are humanity’s last chance; with the aid of steam-powered weapons and a mythical, Tibetan suitcase they must fight the encroaching darkness. They will be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity. And it may not be enough...
In 2015 sixteen year-old Charlie is about to discover the world isn’t what it seems. And he doesn't want anything to do with it. No computer games or scary movies can prepare him for the horrors he’s soon to face as he's propelled into a terrifying adventure that will test his courage and friendships beyond breaking point. He will discover the curse placed upon his family and will need to use all of his ingenuity, guile and bravery to face his demons.
- GenresYoung Adult
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2015
3 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 5, 2016
In "Flintstaff and Cramp" (I think I had that condition once at coed overnight camp) the author juxtaposes 19th century British detection and modern monster fighting in a way that makes you believe these two always belonged together.
Vivid settings and warm camaraderie stabilize stiff-upper-lip insanity, somehow keeping the action from slipping into mere farce. This tightrope walk is deftly pulled off by Duncan Howard who shows off his considerable comedic talent in at least 100 places.
Can a high-tech Holmes and Watson and a group of kids stave off the ugliness in the world? Is there any room for monster-empathy? Who made the rules for killing (A) Zombies, (B) Vampires or (C) The Monster of your Choice [Enter Here]? And just who are the real monsters, anyway?
None of these questions is answered in "The Curious Case of the Case"--at least not completely. But you'll keep turning the pages anyway.
Vivid settings and warm camaraderie stabilize stiff-upper-lip insanity, somehow keeping the action from slipping into mere farce. This tightrope walk is deftly pulled off by Duncan Howard who shows off his considerable comedic talent in at least 100 places.
Can a high-tech Holmes and Watson and a group of kids stave off the ugliness in the world? Is there any room for monster-empathy? Who made the rules for killing (A) Zombies, (B) Vampires or (C) The Monster of your Choice [Enter Here]? And just who are the real monsters, anyway?
None of these questions is answered in "The Curious Case of the Case"--at least not completely. But you'll keep turning the pages anyway.
August 31, 2016
Flintstaff and Cramp: The Curious Case of the Case is a really fun read. I'd worried from the 'comedy mash-up' description that it might just strive for, well, over-the-top comedy at the expense of the plot and other considerations, something like Douglas Adams. But although there is indeed plenty of humor, there's also a good story here. (There may be some mild spoilers ahead.)
The movement of the story between Victorian and modern times, and between England and India, is handled very well. The characters are engaging, even (or maybe especially) the bad guys. I did have a slight issue with the girl 'good guy', Shini, being practically perfect in comparison with the boys, Tom and Charlie, whose faults are well defined.
I give the author points for including Redcaps in the supernatural cast. Also points for a scene involving an Aga (my family loves ours, though it can be hard to get parts for it in the U.S.). Points also for the local gang of bullies getting pulled into the fight and winning partial redemption. Maybe a point less for zombies lurching into the fray (apparently I'm the only reader who has had enough of zombies for, well, eternity.)
Overall, a good-natured, funny, and fast-moving story. I'll definitely look for the next in the series.
The movement of the story between Victorian and modern times, and between England and India, is handled very well. The characters are engaging, even (or maybe especially) the bad guys. I did have a slight issue with the girl 'good guy', Shini, being practically perfect in comparison with the boys, Tom and Charlie, whose faults are well defined.
I give the author points for including Redcaps in the supernatural cast. Also points for a scene involving an Aga (my family loves ours, though it can be hard to get parts for it in the U.S.). Points also for the local gang of bullies getting pulled into the fight and winning partial redemption. Maybe a point less for zombies lurching into the fray (apparently I'm the only reader who has had enough of zombies for, well, eternity.)
Overall, a good-natured, funny, and fast-moving story. I'll definitely look for the next in the series.
December 18, 2016
Flintstaff and Cramp: The Curious Case of the Case is two stories that merge into one. One is in the past with two unique fellows that hunt and kill the supernatural. The second is in today, with the teen Charlie who inherits the visions of his ancestors and the supernatural case. From there, the supernatural creatures are after him. The story is fun and crazy. Charlie has his friends to help him, or try, and his Aunt Maud. It is a delightful, different story that I enjoyed. The characters are not your normal supernatural killers. The only thing I didn't care to much for was the prologue which was confusing a little so just skip that and jump in, it's a hoot.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews