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Bureau 13 #1
Judgment Night
'Bureau 13' is the ultra-covert branch of the FBI assigned to handle supernatural criminals.... The public doesn't know they exist, the President denies any knowledge of their actions, and not every Bureau 13 operative is a human being.... Yet these wise-cracking, heavily-armed, federal agents are America's first, last and only line of defense against the growing tide of monstrous evil.
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1991
3 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Nick Pollotta
41 books26 followersNick Pollotta also writes as Nicholas Pollotta, Jack Hopkins, and house names James Axler and Don Pendleton.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 26, 2015
This book seems like it was created by a bunch of nerds playing Dungeons and Dragons. Even though there really were no dungeons or dragons per se. Because this book is a constant barrage of action. Seriously, I felt myself breathing heavy and sweating just from reading this fucking book. It was such a workout!
There's this private detective who finds himself fighting werewolves and vampires for no apparent reason. It was just a random case that turned out weird. Then these super hero Bureau 13 agents show up and thwart the supernatural weirdness. And of course, they offer him a job. Because they already have a priest, a couple of mages, a ninja and a beefy military guy with guns. But they don't have some random P.I. with a pistol.
And this random guy turns into their leader. I really have no idea why, because he really is fucking useless when it comes to fighting monsters. Sure, he can bark out orders like nobody's business, but anyone can do that. It doesn't take any special ability to scream, "Pink Turtle formation! STAT!"
After they recruit Mr. Random Guy, the story cuts to a while later, when it's business as usual. They're on a fishing trip, just minding their own business, when a huge monster bursts out of the water. A huge battle ensues which I assume took many dice rolls to complete. Then, the 13's are off to find their secret headquarters. Which is really secret, because even they don't know where the fuck it is.
You see, Bureau 13 is fucking huge. It's like a secret FBI, or something. With many divisions and operations. It's not just these five D&D nerds. But this story is centered around these guys, and thank God for that. Because if there was any more to this book, it would go on forever. Because fuck, man. There's so much happening with just this rag-tag bunch of nerds, I can't even imagine what would happen with the whole Bureau involved.
The nerds travel to New York, where they think they might find their headquarters. A huge nuclear explosion goes off and tears New York a new asshole, and tosses the nerd's impenetrable RV into some apartment complex. They escape on foot, off to find their secret base. And they come across monster after monster on their short journey through town.
When they finally do find their secret base, they're briefed on the whole plot thing. Apparently, a scary cloud is on its way to destroy New York. I mean, it's going to destroy what's left of New York. But how do they even know that? It's just a cloud, out in the ocean, minding its own fucking business. Who the fuck knows. Don't ask questions of the Dungeon Master, okay?
The nerds set out to stop the scary cloud, and find a mysterious island directly below it. They eventually find out that it's the long-lost city of Atlantis, or something. And it's filled with countless monsters to fight, and puzzles to solve.
I couldn't possibly break down this entire book in a review. It just goes on forever, even though it's a fairly short novel. There's just so much action packed into the pages, it's mind-boggling. And I loved it so much. Never a dull moment.
I've never actually played D&D, and this book doesn't even mention D&D, but somehow it made me want to get together a bunch of nerds and play D&D. But something tells me that without Nick Polletta as the dungeon master, it wouldn't be near as much fun as this book.
There's this private detective who finds himself fighting werewolves and vampires for no apparent reason. It was just a random case that turned out weird. Then these super hero Bureau 13 agents show up and thwart the supernatural weirdness. And of course, they offer him a job. Because they already have a priest, a couple of mages, a ninja and a beefy military guy with guns. But they don't have some random P.I. with a pistol.
And this random guy turns into their leader. I really have no idea why, because he really is fucking useless when it comes to fighting monsters. Sure, he can bark out orders like nobody's business, but anyone can do that. It doesn't take any special ability to scream, "Pink Turtle formation! STAT!"
After they recruit Mr. Random Guy, the story cuts to a while later, when it's business as usual. They're on a fishing trip, just minding their own business, when a huge monster bursts out of the water. A huge battle ensues which I assume took many dice rolls to complete. Then, the 13's are off to find their secret headquarters. Which is really secret, because even they don't know where the fuck it is.
You see, Bureau 13 is fucking huge. It's like a secret FBI, or something. With many divisions and operations. It's not just these five D&D nerds. But this story is centered around these guys, and thank God for that. Because if there was any more to this book, it would go on forever. Because fuck, man. There's so much happening with just this rag-tag bunch of nerds, I can't even imagine what would happen with the whole Bureau involved.
The nerds travel to New York, where they think they might find their headquarters. A huge nuclear explosion goes off and tears New York a new asshole, and tosses the nerd's impenetrable RV into some apartment complex. They escape on foot, off to find their secret base. And they come across monster after monster on their short journey through town.
When they finally do find their secret base, they're briefed on the whole plot thing. Apparently, a scary cloud is on its way to destroy New York. I mean, it's going to destroy what's left of New York. But how do they even know that? It's just a cloud, out in the ocean, minding its own fucking business. Who the fuck knows. Don't ask questions of the Dungeon Master, okay?
The nerds set out to stop the scary cloud, and find a mysterious island directly below it. They eventually find out that it's the long-lost city of Atlantis, or something. And it's filled with countless monsters to fight, and puzzles to solve.
I couldn't possibly break down this entire book in a review. It just goes on forever, even though it's a fairly short novel. There's just so much action packed into the pages, it's mind-boggling. And I loved it so much. Never a dull moment.
I've never actually played D&D, and this book doesn't even mention D&D, but somehow it made me want to get together a bunch of nerds and play D&D. But something tells me that without Nick Polletta as the dungeon master, it wouldn't be near as much fun as this book.
August 28, 2011
2.5 Stars
In addition to a great many typographical errors, the good story in this book is terribly marred by the author's need to live out his teen fantasies with regards to weapons. Nearly every scene includes paragraph after paragraph about the improbable weapons and gadgets available to the 'good guys' in the story. If they had just been lengthy descriptions of weaponry, that wouldn't have been as bad but they were all so improbable that it had me rolling my eyes continuously. And we all know that reading becomes difficult when the organs used to do so are continually rolling in indignant disbelief.
Take all that out and it was a decent and interesting story. I have the feeling that it would have been a great book if it had gone a few rounds with a professional editor not afraid to tell the author that "that is just silly, improbable and completely unnecessary to the story".
I sincerely doubt I'll be reading the rest of the series.
In addition to a great many typographical errors, the good story in this book is terribly marred by the author's need to live out his teen fantasies with regards to weapons. Nearly every scene includes paragraph after paragraph about the improbable weapons and gadgets available to the 'good guys' in the story. If they had just been lengthy descriptions of weaponry, that wouldn't have been as bad but they were all so improbable that it had me rolling my eyes continuously. And we all know that reading becomes difficult when the organs used to do so are continually rolling in indignant disbelief.
Take all that out and it was a decent and interesting story. I have the feeling that it would have been a great book if it had gone a few rounds with a professional editor not afraid to tell the author that "that is just silly, improbable and completely unnecessary to the story".
I sincerely doubt I'll be reading the rest of the series.
February 11, 2019
I don't care what anyone says, this book (and series) is a delight. I have enjoyed it more times than i can count and i keep coming back. Is it campy? Of course. But that is one of it's numerous charms.
January 14, 2010
Cute, a little over the top but overall pretty funny
May 9, 2012
This felt like a first draft. Maybe if the writer had taken another pass at it, my rating would have been higher than three stars.
Fun idea, lots of potential. But there were too many missed opportunities for greatness, and whole chunks of story were glossed over or assembled i slapdash manner. The characters were interesting, and i would like to have known more. But they were never developed. There were some truly funny lines and set ups in it. But not enough, and unevenly distributed.
Lot of gun porn, and I suspect my son will appreciate that more than I did. nothing wrong with gun porn, but it's not a substitute for good writing.
Fun idea, lots of potential. But there were too many missed opportunities for greatness, and whole chunks of story were glossed over or assembled i slapdash manner. The characters were interesting, and i would like to have known more. But they were never developed. There were some truly funny lines and set ups in it. But not enough, and unevenly distributed.
Lot of gun porn, and I suspect my son will appreciate that more than I did. nothing wrong with gun porn, but it's not a substitute for good writing.
March 27, 2013
This book is like sitting down next to a stranger at a bar.
You introduce yourselves and then this stranger starts to tell you his story. I listened to the whole story and at the end of the story I discovered that I barely knew more about the stranger than I did when he began his story... and worse, I didn't want to know anymore.
The story is told with the aplomb of an average fan fiction enthusiast. Action is thin, characterization and/or development is not a consideration, but there is an overwhelming amount of page space dedicated to detailing supplies, weapons, and their acquisition.
You introduce yourselves and then this stranger starts to tell you his story. I listened to the whole story and at the end of the story I discovered that I barely knew more about the stranger than I did when he began his story... and worse, I didn't want to know anymore.
The story is told with the aplomb of an average fan fiction enthusiast. Action is thin, characterization and/or development is not a consideration, but there is an overwhelming amount of page space dedicated to detailing supplies, weapons, and their acquisition.
January 7, 2013
One of the books which inspired my current style of writing. It's sci-fi that's to-the-point. It tells the story, entertains in a wholly-unique fashion, then ends. No wasted speace. No 800-page book with boring characters. The irony is that I found this book in the .99 cent bargain bin in 1993. And it's memorable to this day as one of the best books I've ever read.
August 31, 2021
Most of the time when I read a book, I am determined to finish it. I finished this one but I am not sure why. It is written in the style of a teenager playing a video game. I like the premise of an elite team of paranormal investigators/soldiers but tone it down a bit and develop some "plausible" plot or action. It bordered on the ridiculous. I don't think I have ever read a book with non-stop action that never even comes up for air.
On of the things that really bothers me is when an author knows nothing about a subject except keywords and tries to hammer the issue home like he does know. I grew up in the outdoors and know a little about guns (but by no means an expert). A CLIP IS NOT A MAGAZINE! If you are going to talk about it, at least know the terminology. A Magazine is the box or device that holds the cartridges in a weapon for distribution to the chamber. A clip is a device for rapidly loading the cartridges in the magazine. I may be picky but it is a big difference. For him to use the term "clip" repeatedly bolstered my opinion that he didn't have a clue what he was talking about. This may be a small detail but really got on my nerves and made the story difficult to read.
On of the things that really bothers me is when an author knows nothing about a subject except keywords and tries to hammer the issue home like he does know. I grew up in the outdoors and know a little about guns (but by no means an expert). A CLIP IS NOT A MAGAZINE! If you are going to talk about it, at least know the terminology. A Magazine is the box or device that holds the cartridges in a weapon for distribution to the chamber. A clip is a device for rapidly loading the cartridges in the magazine. I may be picky but it is a big difference. For him to use the term "clip" repeatedly bolstered my opinion that he didn't have a clue what he was talking about. This may be a small detail but really got on my nerves and made the story difficult to read.
June 29, 2022
OK, so this book, and the entire series, is jut Nick Pollotta giving you the write up of his _Stalking the Night Fantastic RPG_ campaign (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalkin...). If the campaign had been less than a decade later it would have been written up on someone's blog to great acclaim. It never pretends to be more than what it is, which is a bunch of eccentric spins on archetypal character concepts in a throw in the kitchen sink setting facing adversaries so far over the top that they might as well be in orbit. There's minimal character growth but lots of character humor. If you were gaming in the 80's or 90's you know these people. If you weren't, well, might not be for you.
December 8, 2023
Dated, sophomoric, and everything I wanted it to be. This is good old-fashioned fun.
March 20, 2021
When a deadly mist approaches New York, Ed and his team have to invade Atlantis and save the world.
I'm a sucker for 'FBI/policing force of the supernatural' stories and enjoyed this one when I first read it more than twenty years ago. It held up well on a re-read as long as you like role-playing type storylines with the team leader, the wizard, the psychic, the sword-wielder, the priest, and the warrior and don't demand more than one fun action scene after the next. This is based off of the Bureau 13/Stalking the Night Fantastic roleplaying games which I wasn't aware of when I read it. It's good shoot-'em-up fun.
I'm a sucker for 'FBI/policing force of the supernatural' stories and enjoyed this one when I first read it more than twenty years ago. It held up well on a re-read as long as you like role-playing type storylines with the team leader, the wizard, the psychic, the sword-wielder, the priest, and the warrior and don't demand more than one fun action scene after the next. This is based off of the Bureau 13/Stalking the Night Fantastic roleplaying games which I wasn't aware of when I read it. It's good shoot-'em-up fun.
February 16, 2017
One of the few books I will reread over and over. The story is pretty straight forward man meets vampire man gets recruited by FBI and becomes a member of Bureau 13.
It is pretty sophomoric at times in the character descriptions but overall a good read.
It is a small book so I can read it in a few hours and a good escape
It is pretty sophomoric at times in the character descriptions but overall a good read.
It is a small book so I can read it in a few hours and a good escape
May 3, 2012
I remembered this book as being much better than it was. Having met Nick Pollotta years ago at a convention (Bloodsucking Contraption), I know that the man is a great storyteller who can leave a person gasping for breath. That said, this book REALLY falls flat on most counts. It reads like an adventure where the players never learn the truth of what is going on (and so, neither do the readers) AND it is just sophomoric.
Maybe I'll eventually return to this series and hope that it improves, or I might just read one of his later books to cleanse my brain of all the missteps in this one.
Maybe I'll eventually return to this series and hope that it improves, or I might just read one of his later books to cleanse my brain of all the missteps in this one.
July 16, 2014
This book sounded promising, but it turned out to be a real dud.
It's about a special division of the FBI, specializing in hunting down ghosts, vampires, mutants etc. Unfortunately the characters were shallow and the writing could have been a script from an "A-Team" episode. A lot of senseless fighting and no depth to the story.
I stopped reading after about one third of the book. My time is too valuable to waste on trashy books, that are not even entertaining.
Maybe the book gets better near the end, but I did not want to waste the effort to find out.
It's about a special division of the FBI, specializing in hunting down ghosts, vampires, mutants etc. Unfortunately the characters were shallow and the writing could have been a script from an "A-Team" episode. A lot of senseless fighting and no depth to the story.
I stopped reading after about one third of the book. My time is too valuable to waste on trashy books, that are not even entertaining.
Maybe the book gets better near the end, but I did not want to waste the effort to find out.
June 25, 2010
The first book in the Bureau 13 series. I picked this up because of my interest in the Bureau 13 roleplaying game. There seems to be a disconnect between the power levels of the clandestine organization as portrayed in the roleplaying game and in this novel: they're amped way to D&D-esque proportions here. Which kind of makes the novel generally more fun than the roleplaying game as written. If I have to say roleplaying game one more time, I'll definitely go nuts.
September 9, 2012
The original paranormal investigators are back! This is the book that got me started in the realm of Sci-Fi/Fantasy. I have owned 3 copies of this book over the years and have allowed friends to borrow and lose every copy. Now, I can finally enjoy the story that got me started on my literary journey
October 21, 2013
This was one of the most inspirational pieces of sci-fi I ever read. It spat in the face of the idea that sci-fi books need to be thick and wordy. Pollotta tells the story, tells it amazingly well, then ends it with disturbing realism. Just buy the first three and read 'em back-to-back.
August 24, 2011
A great adventure full of magic guns and massive humor. The authors description are short but enough to peak your imagination.
October 30, 2012
A silly fun series that I have read many times since picking them up. My copies of the Ace editions of the series are actually falling apart at this point, with pages falling out.
April 5, 2013
Fast paced, funny, heroic
January 19, 2014
The first of these over-the-top urban science-fiction/fantasy books is great fun. It's utterly silly, but if you can check your sense of disbelief from page one you can enjoy it I know I did.
February 12, 2010
This was a really fun book. It really was classic pulp fiction, and was entertaining to read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews