Hellmouth Podcast

Archive for the ‘Book Reviews’ Category

When I first decided to start reading Buffy novels my main concern was that it would just be a pale imitation of the show. I needn’t have worried. This three book series, Out of the Madhouse, Ghost Roads, and Sons of Entropy are written by Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder who have had a long association with the Buffyverse, writing a long list of other Buffy titles and the terrific three part Watcher’s Guide as well. (Which I will also be reviewing at some point)

These books have everything a Scooby fan could want – werewolves, trolls and this reviewer’s personal favorite, rain of toads. (you’ve got to respect the classics)

Sunnydale is being besieged by dark forces that Buffy and the Scoobies have never faced before. There is a mansion with supernatural properties in Boston which up to now have been holding back some of the world’s worst monsters, but now they are starting to escape. It’s up to the gang to put things right before, wait for it… the end of the world.

What I think makes this series so special is that because of its length there is time for not only a more intricate plot, but to examine the complexities of the relationships between the Scoobies and their families as well. For example, how does Joyce Summers deal with the knowledge that everyday is the day that her daughter might die and there is nothing she can do about it?

This story takes place in the third season so we get to see the sad aftermath of the Buffy/Angel relationship. They are trying hard to be friends so they can stay in each others lives, but the strain is there for all to see. Season three means senior year and Buffy is also trying to deal with the knowledge that her friends will be graduating soon, moving on and possibly leaving Buffy all alone.

Because of the authors knowledge of the characters, everyone’s voices, characteristics and quirks are perfectly realized. I started with this series to review because it’s my favorite and I hope that you will enjoy it as well. Now for the rating. For getting everything so right and talking about subjects you always wished they would bring up, I’m giving this series 8 stakes out of 10. Till next time fellow Scoobies…

Cheers Peg