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The Misadventures of Max Bowman #2
Blue Fire
Max Bowman is looking for a superhero. Okay, to be more accurate, the creator of that superhero, a mysterious comic book legend who’s disappeared from the face of the earth. Quicker than you can say “Shazam,” Max is in over his head and out of his mind, thanks to a secretly administered dose of Blue Fire, an all-powerful, government-designed psychedelic drug. But he’s not hallucinating any of the weirdness that keeps cropping up—not the zombies on the Upper East Side, not the self-improvement cult run by a clueless pawn, not the hipster assassin who knows her way around a sword, and certainly not the Cold War-era CIA spook program that’s gone underground…and is somehow still operational.Still, his greatest challenge may not be any of the above menaces. It just might be his neurotic new rescue dog, who absolutely refuses to let Max out of her sight.
398 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2016
239 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Joel Canfield
11 books56 followersA novelist, screenwriter and ghostwriter, Canfield has lived in New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Los Angeles, California; Auckland, New Zealand; Miami Beach, Florida, and his own personal Pennsylvania trifecta, Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre and his hometown of Bethlehem. He now resides in Long Beach, California with his favorite blondes, writer-editor wife Lisa and dog Betsy, but he will undoubtedly move again, because that’s just what he does.
Canfield’s books include the novels Dark Sky, Blue Fire, Red Earth and White Rain (the first four books in his Max Bowman series); What's Driving You???: How I Overcame Abuse and Learned to Lead in the NBA (co-authored with Keyon Dooling and Lisa Canfield); Pill Mill: My Years of Money, Madness, Sex and Drugs (co-authored with Christian Valdes and Lisa Canfield); 226: How I Became the First Blind Person to Kayak the Grand Canyon (co-authored with Lonnie Bedwell); and StorySelling and Mission-Driven Business (both co-authored with Nick Nanton and J.W. Dicks). Blue Fire was a 2016 Silver Honoree in the Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards as well as a semi-finalist in the Book Life Prize in Fiction competition. Red Earth was a 2017 Gold Honoree in the BFDAs. Joel also won the Creative Writing Award in 9th Grade at Nitschmann Jr. High School.
Canfield’s books include the novels Dark Sky, Blue Fire, Red Earth and White Rain (the first four books in his Max Bowman series); What's Driving You???: How I Overcame Abuse and Learned to Lead in the NBA (co-authored with Keyon Dooling and Lisa Canfield); Pill Mill: My Years of Money, Madness, Sex and Drugs (co-authored with Christian Valdes and Lisa Canfield); 226: How I Became the First Blind Person to Kayak the Grand Canyon (co-authored with Lonnie Bedwell); and StorySelling and Mission-Driven Business (both co-authored with Nick Nanton and J.W. Dicks). Blue Fire was a 2016 Silver Honoree in the Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards as well as a semi-finalist in the Book Life Prize in Fiction competition. Red Earth was a 2017 Gold Honoree in the BFDAs. Joel also won the Creative Writing Award in 9th Grade at Nitschmann Jr. High School.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 4, 2016
Wonderful
I can't wait to read the next book. Fantastic series, this is really well written series. Keeps me read reading. Keep up the interesting writing.
I can't wait to read the next book. Fantastic series, this is really well written series. Keeps me read reading. Keep up the interesting writing.
December 22, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"You can't change someone's fundamental nature."
The comic book Blue Fire was legebdary. For one year in 1966, it had burst onto the comic scene, with a super hero with a weird and rigid philosophy, "For good to be purged of evil...Blue Fire must endure." Then the author, and the comic itself, disappeared without trace. Now a film company wants to make the Blue Fire movie, so Max Bowman, one time fan, has been emp!oyed to find the author, missing, presumed dead for half a century, to enable the rights to be signed over. But this proves even more difficult than it had first appeared to be, and the comic hero is not the only blue fire that Max must encounter.
In so many ways this is an intensely personal story of a man, his lady love, a mad dog and trying, always failing, to get it right. And it is brutally psychotropic as it meanders through so many circumstances, Max, in the first lerson, attempting to make sense of what is happening, unable to stop it, or himself. Yes, all right, read the book. It's mad, sad and, at times, vio!ent. There's even talk of zombies in the park. All written with a sarcastic good humour. George Kuch, them master of narrating as if person to person, is once again excellent in delivering this emotionally invested first person story with perfect timing and depth, good intonation and individual character voicings. Another fine performance.
Those book is quite dizzying in its convoluted content. Well written and involving, it takes the reader on quite a ride, much of it very uncomfotable. But you have to love That Dog. This is the second in a series and stands alone well. But I must now find book one to read as well as any that come after. My thanks to the rights holder of Blue Fire, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to all enjoying mystery thrillers with a quirky character at the helm. Or who just enjoys listening to Mr.George Kuch tell his tales.
"You can't change someone's fundamental nature."
The comic book Blue Fire was legebdary. For one year in 1966, it had burst onto the comic scene, with a super hero with a weird and rigid philosophy, "For good to be purged of evil...Blue Fire must endure." Then the author, and the comic itself, disappeared without trace. Now a film company wants to make the Blue Fire movie, so Max Bowman, one time fan, has been emp!oyed to find the author, missing, presumed dead for half a century, to enable the rights to be signed over. But this proves even more difficult than it had first appeared to be, and the comic hero is not the only blue fire that Max must encounter.
In so many ways this is an intensely personal story of a man, his lady love, a mad dog and trying, always failing, to get it right. And it is brutally psychotropic as it meanders through so many circumstances, Max, in the first lerson, attempting to make sense of what is happening, unable to stop it, or himself. Yes, all right, read the book. It's mad, sad and, at times, vio!ent. There's even talk of zombies in the park. All written with a sarcastic good humour. George Kuch, them master of narrating as if person to person, is once again excellent in delivering this emotionally invested first person story with perfect timing and depth, good intonation and individual character voicings. Another fine performance.
Those book is quite dizzying in its convoluted content. Well written and involving, it takes the reader on quite a ride, much of it very uncomfotable. But you have to love That Dog. This is the second in a series and stands alone well. But I must now find book one to read as well as any that come after. My thanks to the rights holder of Blue Fire, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to all enjoying mystery thrillers with a quirky character at the helm. Or who just enjoys listening to Mr.George Kuch tell his tales.
January 31, 2020
I haven't been able to relate to Max or any of the other characters and the situations in which they find themselves. There's enough suspense to keep me wondering how this story ends, but not enough to keep me coming back for more.
George Kuch delivers a very satisfactory performance, although there were a couple of instances where I wished for a bit more distinction between character
voices. He does capture the voice of Max Bowman well.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
George Kuch delivers a very satisfactory performance, although there were a couple of instances where I wished for a bit more distinction between character
voices. He does capture the voice of Max Bowman well.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 16, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is a story that is centered around an investigation into a missing person. The reader quickly discovers that this is a story that has some very serious sublevels. These levels quickly envelope the reader who discovers that a lot more is going on besides a missing person story, There is revenge,psychological damage, torture, drug use, a little romance thrown in, and murder. A very interesting book/story to read.
This is a story that is centered around an investigation into a missing person. The reader quickly discovers that this is a story that has some very serious sublevels. These levels quickly envelope the reader who discovers that a lot more is going on besides a missing person story, There is revenge,psychological damage, torture, drug use, a little romance thrown in, and murder. A very interesting book/story to read.
May 11, 2021
Some parts had me more interested than I have been in the previous half dozen thriller mystery books that I got in kindle. That was good. Some other parts felt like here we go again, like much of the previous kindle books I've read. The conspiracy side of things were a little much, but fitting. Did not like that everything wasn't completely tied up in the end, but that wasn't a killer for me in this case. Overall, I'm glad I read it.
May 15, 2021
Mind-boggling
Book 2 of the Max Bowman series, and a good sequel to Dark Sky. As well as Max Bowman, there's a return of many of the characters in Book 1. I won't tell you which ones, because that would take away some of the mystery in the plot. Again, Max finds himself fighting out of his league against a large secretive organisation. The book (to me) would be considered dark comedy.
If you read and enjoyed Dark Sky, then I'd recommend.
Book 2 of the Max Bowman series, and a good sequel to Dark Sky. As well as Max Bowman, there's a return of many of the characters in Book 1. I won't tell you which ones, because that would take away some of the mystery in the plot. Again, Max finds himself fighting out of his league against a large secretive organisation. The book (to me) would be considered dark comedy.
If you read and enjoyed Dark Sky, then I'd recommend.
August 13, 2017
I listened to this book and didn't expect to finish it - in the beginning, the narrator's voice was so gritty and gruff that I wasn't sure I wanted to stick it out. I'm glad I did, however, as he ended up being the perfect voice for the character. This is not the typical comic book geek story. It feels like Superman written as noir fiction.
Read
November 1, 2019An interesting plot but way too much bad language
Max Bowman really has an unbelievable bad luck but somehow is able to be pulled out of the fire. Mad scientist, CIA bad guys, missing U.S.senators and genius artists, this fable has a lot going on. Like part of the story, it really would make an excellent big screen blockbuster.
Max Bowman really has an unbelievable bad luck but somehow is able to be pulled out of the fire. Mad scientist, CIA bad guys, missing U.S.senators and genius artists, this fable has a lot going on. Like part of the story, it really would make an excellent big screen blockbuster.
May 13, 2021
This is one awful book. I read the first one thinking this would be better....but yuk. I think this used the F work and the S word more than I have in my entire life! Really? It's supposed to be a detective story but that got lost almost immediately. I got about 40% in and decided to see how it ended.....that didn't work. More of the same bizarre LSD ranting. What a crummy book.
November 26, 2017
Blue Fire
One amazing tale of a comic book lovers investigation as an adult when he becomes a private investigator. Action, suspense, drama and more can be found in this book. I Loved It!!!
One amazing tale of a comic book lovers investigation as an adult when he becomes a private investigator. Action, suspense, drama and more can be found in this book. I Loved It!!!
December 12, 2017
Weird, Convoluted, Confusing, Tragic
Appealing, oddly enough, to this Marvel comics fan from Max Bowman’s era. Heavy on the government conspiracy angle and on unseen puppet-masters.
Appealing, oddly enough, to this Marvel comics fan from Max Bowman’s era. Heavy on the government conspiracy angle and on unseen puppet-masters.
December 20, 2017
Fast funny read, ending was worst part. Never knew Ayn Rand, author of every conservative's bible 'Atlas Shrugged', was a pen name. A few good quotes, great imagination, the neked woody (fuzzed for home TV viewers) on CNN then blowing lunch on the CNN interview desk was classic.
May 19, 2021
Not what I expected
I started reading this book and thought comics and super heroes, not for me. But it was excellent! What an exciting story! I go into it so much I couldn't stop reading. So glad I did. I am forever a fan.
I started reading this book and thought comics and super heroes, not for me. But it was excellent! What an exciting story! I go into it so much I couldn't stop reading. So glad I did. I am forever a fan.
May 23, 2021
Good fun read
The first 25% of this book had me deciding as to wether I wanted to continue or chuck it. I’m glad that I continued. I’m not a detective kind of book reader but It turned out to be an enjoyable read. I will probably buy his next in the series.
The first 25% of this book had me deciding as to wether I wanted to continue or chuck it. I’m glad that I continued. I’m not a detective kind of book reader but It turned out to be an enjoyable read. I will probably buy his next in the series.
June 10, 2021
Lots of adventure
The second book in a series is often a bit of a letdown but this one is just as good as the first. I only give four stars because every now and then I lost track of the plot
The second book in a series is often a bit of a letdown but this one is just as good as the first. I only give four stars because every now and then I lost track of the plot
July 7, 2017
My review us going to be spoiler heavy.... will write it soon and follow spoiler protocol!
March 27, 2018
Captivating
I truly enjoyed this book and hated to put it down when I couldn't stay awake anymore. I would start reading it again as soon as I could.
I truly enjoyed this book and hated to put it down when I couldn't stay awake anymore. I would start reading it again as soon as I could.
February 15, 2019
Great
Rivals the first book in style, interesting characters, , humor, and originality. Ready to read the 3rd book in the series.
Rivals the first book in style, interesting characters, , humor, and originality. Ready to read the 3rd book in the series.
November 2, 2019
A good read
As I began reading this I seriously considered abandoning it, glad I didn’t. Max is a rough guy, but good at heart. I will follow him in the series.
As I began reading this I seriously considered abandoning it, glad I didn’t. Max is a rough guy, but good at heart. I will follow him in the series.
August 10, 2020
Loved this
An adventure like no other...I could not stop reading. Such an intermingling of unique plot lines. Filled with exciting twists of action.
An adventure like no other...I could not stop reading. Such an intermingling of unique plot lines. Filled with exciting twists of action.
August 15, 2020
5 stars for the beginning, the comic book sub-story and the ending. The interior of the story left me bam! zap! cold.
December 30, 2020
The comic book was a legend, a movie wanting to be made, but where is the author. Max undertakes to find, and runs into a mired of obstacles while doing so. The narration was good, Given audio for my voluntary review
May 16, 2021
Mad scientist!
This is the bomb! Well planned tale of science gone crazy due to a very old scientist who is homophobic. Max gets thrown in the middle of it all.
This is the bomb! Well planned tale of science gone crazy due to a very old scientist who is homophobic. Max gets thrown in the middle of it all.
August 3, 2021
Was good
I found the humor and sarcasm to be very enjoyable. The struggles of the main character was very riveting and intriguing
I found the humor and sarcasm to be very enjoyable. The struggles of the main character was very riveting and intriguing
August 5, 2021
Takes a bit to get going
But once it does, its a rollercoaster of getting slipped mickeys and homicidal killers and zombies, sort of. A fun main character and chesy villains galore
But once it does, its a rollercoaster of getting slipped mickeys and homicidal killers and zombies, sort of. A fun main character and chesy villains galore
December 18, 2021
4.5/5 ★
October 13, 2016
While Canfield's debut novel, "Dark Sky" introduced the future classic Private Investigator, Max Bowman, "Blue Fire" is where both the author and character find their groove.
Max, a gritty, yet sarcastic PI gets involved in a case investigating the whereabouts of the creator of his childhood favorite comic, "Blue Fire". Unfortunately, mysterious opponents not only want to derail his investigation, but destroy his reputation in the process.
The book flows thanks to Canfield's writing talent and the story keeps the reader hooked. The characters are well developed and Max Bowman has evolved into a unique literary investigator who may soon find a place next to Sam Spade and Columbo.
As an avid comic reader in my past, I found the nods towards some of the golden-age greats to be especially fun.
Make no mistake, this book is definitely for mature audiences. Probably more like "mature immature" audiences. The humor is dark and the language is colorful, but that simply adds to the charm.
Laugh out loud moments, quotable dialogue, and a surprise at the end that I didn't see coming. I am looking forward to more from Joel Canfield's Max Bowman!
Max, a gritty, yet sarcastic PI gets involved in a case investigating the whereabouts of the creator of his childhood favorite comic, "Blue Fire". Unfortunately, mysterious opponents not only want to derail his investigation, but destroy his reputation in the process.
The book flows thanks to Canfield's writing talent and the story keeps the reader hooked. The characters are well developed and Max Bowman has evolved into a unique literary investigator who may soon find a place next to Sam Spade and Columbo.
As an avid comic reader in my past, I found the nods towards some of the golden-age greats to be especially fun.
Make no mistake, this book is definitely for mature audiences. Probably more like "mature immature" audiences. The humor is dark and the language is colorful, but that simply adds to the charm.
Laugh out loud moments, quotable dialogue, and a surprise at the end that I didn't see coming. I am looking forward to more from Joel Canfield's Max Bowman!
September 10, 2016
Surprisingly Good Book
Not sure why I mentioned surprisingly because this was a very well written story and I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't totally about comics. Looking for some more out of this author.
Not sure why I mentioned surprisingly because this was a very well written story and I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't totally about comics. Looking for some more out of this author.
July 9, 2016
I didn't realize this was the second in a series when I picked it up, but it's okay because everything you need to know is recapped in this book. It's a very dark story with some scenes that may be disturbing for some readers (trigger warning). Although I liked the characters and the plot of the story, there were a couple of sections that seemed to drag on and provide little narrative push. But, overall it was a good read.
George Kuch did a great job narrating. He has the voice and timing for noir/detective stories. The pacing is a bit fast if that's an issue for you, but I thought it worked for the story.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
George Kuch did a great job narrating. He has the voice and timing for noir/detective stories. The pacing is a bit fast if that's an issue for you, but I thought it worked for the story.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
July 29, 2016
Book 2 is even better than the first one. Absolutely loved it!
Max & PMA are back! How long do I have to wait for book 3?
Any comic nerd will love this. Any hard boiled mystery reader will love it too. Oh & lets not forget the 'zombies' in this one.
One of the things I love about these stories is that they are possible. No mission impossible crazy stunts that no human could pull off. Max is a good guy, he's a nice guy, he's an 'every man' kind of guy. You can't help but root for him.
I recommend this book to teens & adults. It's great fun!
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom.
Max & PMA are back! How long do I have to wait for book 3?
Any comic nerd will love this. Any hard boiled mystery reader will love it too. Oh & lets not forget the 'zombies' in this one.
One of the things I love about these stories is that they are possible. No mission impossible crazy stunts that no human could pull off. Max is a good guy, he's a nice guy, he's an 'every man' kind of guy. You can't help but root for him.
I recommend this book to teens & adults. It's great fun!
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews