Paul Krueger (2) (1989–)

This was amazingly fun; I sped through this in practically one sitting. I love the idea of bartenders being the defense against supernatural monsters (tremens) that prey on inebriated humans, and use perfectly mixed cocktails to give themselves magical abilities - different abilities based on the drink and the base liquor. The story telling was interspersed with pages from the The Devil's Water Dictionary, the handbook-slash-recipe book-slash-history book for magical bartending. I thought it show more was a really neat way to give worldbuilding backstory and flair, and it introduced me to some new drinks as well.

This isn't a serious book. It's supposed to be light and funny, and it delivered. Yes, the plot was ridiculous. Yes, the characters were also ridiculous. But it was incredibly fun and I smiled throughout. I'm really looking forward to any further adventures of the Alechemists.

Also, huge cheers to the author for having an Asian protagonist and not devolving into Orientalistic mystic stereotypical claptrap.

Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. show less

I started this hoping for “fun” and got it! There’s a great mix of characters, strong quips, a kooky magic system, nice diversity, fun and showy fight scenes, and basically that light urban fantasy zing I really go for. I was rooting for Bailey pretty heavily throughout, especially after the hints that the status was not, in fact, quo. It’s not a by-the-books urban fantasy, however. There were plenty of things I didn’t see coming, and some good depth to the character show more development.

(Also, I want this to be a series so I can keep following these people.)

Warnings: Alcohol? Nothing that I perceive as possibly triggery, but there’s booze in pretty much every scene, due to setting if nothing else.

8/10 show less

Fantastic Asians and Where to Find Them

The crown prince of Tomoda is returning from captivity to ascend the throne, but multiple factions are interested in intercepting him before he reaches the capital. Thus goes Steel Crow Saga, with loads of banter and parallels to imperialism in Asian history (Sanbu::Philippines, Shang::China, Dahal::India, Jeongson::Korea, Tomoda:: Japan and with all the culture & baggage from those relationships). The elevator pitch is Pokemon meets Avatar: the Last show more Airbender, which maybe works in describing the world building kinda (Asian inspired world and magical animal partners bound to a person), but the scope isn't quite so wide as either comparison (just remembered the elite metal police use cables like in Korra). There's a fair amount of influence fun Fullmetal Alchemist, too. I love the characters and while Krueger has indicated this is a standalone, I'd love to revisit the world in the future! show less

Paul Krueger’s Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge is a wonderful example of fantasy noir in the vein of Joss Whedon’s Angel. In Krueger’s world, all humans possess an innate magical potential and the perfect mix-drink can grant them powers based on the properties of the alcohol. The bartenders, in the service of the Cupbearer’s Court (motto: Bibo ergo sum, “I drink, therefore I am”), protect people from demons called tremens that feed on humans’ magical potential. The story show more could easily devolve into a farce, but Krueger strikes the perfect balance between seriousness and camp, allowing his audience to enjoy the story in the same way they would Whedon’s work or the Evil Dead movies. The book delights in its more absurd moments and invites the reader to join along. One fun feature is the inclusion of recipes for the various drinks featured along with a fictional backstory and description of their magical properties. Krueger’s novel succeeds at creating a world that feels lived-in with characters whose company the reader would enjoy all while moving the narrative along at a quick pace. show less