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The Angel Chronicles #2
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Angel Chronicles, Vol. 2
The course of love in Sunnydale never runs smoothly, especially for Buffy Summers the Vampire Slayer and her boyfriend, Angel the Vampire. They're going through the usual early stages of a romantic relationship--dressing to impress, going on coffee dates, and saving the world.When Buffy tries to be more like the girls from Angel's distant past, she succeeds a little too well--becoming helpless in the face of real evil.
Carrer week at school finds her future as the Slayer--and all the relationship baggage that title comes with--until an unexpected ally gives new insight into her calling. And when Angel is taken hostage by an old acquaintance with sinister plans, Buffy realizes she must draw on all her passion to save the one she loves.
Now collected for the first time, are three stories from the hit-TV series chronicling Buffy and Angel's growing romantic relationship. 'Halloween' and s 'What's My Line, part one and two
Carrer week at school finds her future as the Slayer--and all the relationship baggage that title comes with--until an unexpected ally gives new insight into her calling. And when Angel is taken hostage by an old acquaintance with sinister plans, Buffy realizes she must draw on all her passion to save the one she loves.
Now collected for the first time, are three stories from the hit-TV series chronicling Buffy and Angel's growing romantic relationship. 'Halloween' and s 'What's My Line, part one and two
226 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
4 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Richie Tankersley Cusick
50 books796 followersRichie Tankersley Cusick is the bestselling young adult author of over 25 titles, including two adult horror titles, Scarecrow and Blood Roots. Her popularity grew at the height of the horror/YA boom in the late '80s/early '90s, particularly with books like Lifeguard , Trick or Treat and Teacher's Pet, just to name a few, allowing her to keep company on the bestseller paperback lists with the likes of R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike. Her fan base expanded about the time she changed publishers to Archway/Pocket Books with titles like Vampire and Someone at the Door.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 22, 2022
This is the second of three volumes adapting Angel-centric episodes of Buffy to prose; the first and third books were written by Nancy Holder, but this volume was produced by the same writer who did the novelization of the first film, way back when. It includes two stories, Halloween from a script by Carl Ellsworth, and What's My Line?, which was a two-part episode written by Howard Gordon and Marti Noxon. They're both fun stories; Kendra and Spike and Drusilla and Willow and Oz are all written particularly well in their moments to shine, and both Buffy and Angel seem vulnerable despite their strengths and powers.
April 11, 2018
5 🌟
Nice to see how Buffy and Angel's relationship developed. Liked seeing Kendra. Happy that Willow met Oz and Xander and Cordelia got together. Hope to see more of Ethan Rayne and Giles's youth. Happy that Drusilla was able to be brought back to health. Hope Spike recovers.
Nice to see how Buffy and Angel's relationship developed. Liked seeing Kendra. Happy that Willow met Oz and Xander and Cordelia got together. Hope to see more of Ethan Rayne and Giles's youth. Happy that Drusilla was able to be brought back to health. Hope Spike recovers.
February 17, 2021
This lacked the finesse of The Angel Chronicles, vol. 1, but it was good to read another book by the author of 1992's teen horror classic The Mall.
August 21, 2023
Excellent read, as usual from Richie Tankersley Cusick; I wish she had written more Buffy books.
Except for a few minor details and the prologue and epilogue, it was just like the episodes on TV.
Except for a few minor details and the prologue and epilogue, it was just like the episodes on TV.
September 1, 2015
After reading the first book in 'The Angel Chronicles' I decided to carry on with the rest. Like the first book this is made up of stories from episodes in the earlier series of Buffy. This volume contains 'Halloween' which is one my favourites as well as 'What's My Line, part one and two. In 'Halloween', Buffy and Angel are trying to sort going out on a date but it doesn't work out as they hoped. Buffy thinks that Angel would prefer it she dressed like the other girls like Cordelia. So trying to achieve this Buffy goes to a newly opened fancy dress shop with her friends but things don't work out. Buffy and her friends end up becoming what they dressed up as. In 'What's My Line', It's Career Week, and Buffy is thinking of what she could have been if she wasn't the Slayer. Spike appears more in this story. Still trying to find a cure for Drusilla he gets sick of Buffy stopping his plans so sends the Order of Taraka after her. Overall I would say if your a fan of the show I would recommend this one.
September 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this read - made a few lunch breaks speed by as I revisited three excellent episodes of Buffy. My favourite here, and probably one of my all time favourite episodes, was 'Halloween', where everyone becomes whatever they dressed up as. I always thought it was such a cool episode. The pictures included were great too.
April 28, 2020
As with the other episode novelizations that Tankersley has written there is little to say about the finished product. If you've seen the episode, you've read the book. There are a few moments in the write ups where you're given character introspection, but none of it is particularly deep.
I have a soft spot for the episode Halloween because it was the first lengthy clip of Buffy I ever saw. I was supposed to be in bed, but I hid in the kitchen and watched the last 15 minutes of the episode from behind the kitchen door. (I was 10 at the time and Dad was worried the show would give me nightmares. When the episode Surprise aired the following January is when my Dad decided the show didn't have anything I couldn't handle. Naturally, that episode also turned out to be the first to include sex. Good timing there, Dad, lol.) Rereading the novelization of Halloween for the first time in years, however, reminded me of something about the character of Buffy Summers: she pitied herself A LOT. I mean, this girl was my hero and I never realized she whined this much...? I honestly keep rooting for Cordelia in their verbal cat fights. She got all upset that Angel laughed at Cordelia's jokes when she chose to walk out on their date after showing up a half hour late? I want to empathize with her, but she chooses to be miserable much of the time and 32 year old me finds it tiresome.
Don't get me started on her self-centered issues in What's My Line? cos we'll be here all day. Also, Xander and Cordelia were missing from school for half a day and no one thinks to check on them, but Buffy was gone for two hours and EVERYBODY freaks. I'm angry on behalf of the sidekicks. They're ignored completely in favor of the love interest.
Thank God for Kendra. I had forgotten how much I absolutely adore her because we had Faith for so much longer so she left more of a longer lasting impression. But Kendra, man. She's the hero to responsible adult me in the way Buffy was hero to middle school me who needed someone to encourage her to stand up for herself. I wish we got more than 4 episodes total with you, Kendra. We hardly knew you and your awesomeness.
I have a soft spot for the episode Halloween because it was the first lengthy clip of Buffy I ever saw. I was supposed to be in bed, but I hid in the kitchen and watched the last 15 minutes of the episode from behind the kitchen door. (I was 10 at the time and Dad was worried the show would give me nightmares. When the episode Surprise aired the following January is when my Dad decided the show didn't have anything I couldn't handle. Naturally, that episode also turned out to be the first to include sex. Good timing there, Dad, lol.) Rereading the novelization of Halloween for the first time in years, however, reminded me of something about the character of Buffy Summers: she pitied herself A LOT. I mean, this girl was my hero and I never realized she whined this much...? I honestly keep rooting for Cordelia in their verbal cat fights. She got all upset that Angel laughed at Cordelia's jokes when she chose to walk out on their date after showing up a half hour late? I want to empathize with her, but she chooses to be miserable much of the time and 32 year old me finds it tiresome.
Don't get me started on her self-centered issues in What's My Line? cos we'll be here all day. Also, Xander and Cordelia were missing from school for half a day and no one thinks to check on them, but Buffy was gone for two hours and EVERYBODY freaks. I'm angry on behalf of the sidekicks. They're ignored completely in favor of the love interest.
Thank God for Kendra. I had forgotten how much I absolutely adore her because we had Faith for so much longer so she left more of a longer lasting impression. But Kendra, man. She's the hero to responsible adult me in the way Buffy was hero to middle school me who needed someone to encourage her to stand up for herself. I wish we got more than 4 episodes total with you, Kendra. We hardly knew you and your awesomeness.
November 30, 2018
I admit that the idea of all this modern vampire/romantic/slapstick trend never appealed to me. I much prefer reading folklore legends or the influential Victorian era's literature works, while I extremely rarely watch anything on TV or cinema. That said, all the above was up to now based simply on speculation, as I had never look closely on any modern TV or literature vampire saga.
Thus, I was curious to see what I'll make out of this book. Well, while my assuptions proved right and I think I still prefer old-fashioned stories closer to the origin of the myths, this was a quite decent read.
I read this book in one afternoon and I found it a bit too simplistic and predictable and not very original, but still entertaining. I think it's a book/TV series more suitable to a teen rather than an adult audience, but quite fun if this is your cup of tea. While I'm still a bit hesitant on the genre, I don't regret reading this and I think if one keen on this kind of books, this is a very good choice.
Thus, I was curious to see what I'll make out of this book. Well, while my assuptions proved right and I think I still prefer old-fashioned stories closer to the origin of the myths, this was a quite decent read.
I read this book in one afternoon and I found it a bit too simplistic and predictable and not very original, but still entertaining. I think it's a book/TV series more suitable to a teen rather than an adult audience, but quite fun if this is your cup of tea. While I'm still a bit hesitant on the genre, I don't regret reading this and I think if one keen on this kind of books, this is a very good choice.
August 31, 2023
More novelizations of Buffy The Vampire Slayer episodes from the point of view of Angel... well... kind of, it has a prologue and an epilogue from Angel's perspective, but all else are pretty much straightforward novelizations of episodes.
The three episodes novelized in this volume are Halloween, and the two parts of What's My Line. They are all classic episodes from season 2 and work well as novelized. Richie Tankersley Cusick is perfectly competent for the pretty undemanding job of adapting these episodes from screen to page, without many changes.
So, yeah. Entertaining but definitely nothing to write home about. You can pretty much get the same experience from watching the episodes, in fact a better experience because of all the acting and stuff.
The three episodes novelized in this volume are Halloween, and the two parts of What's My Line. They are all classic episodes from season 2 and work well as novelized. Richie Tankersley Cusick is perfectly competent for the pretty undemanding job of adapting these episodes from screen to page, without many changes.
So, yeah. Entertaining but definitely nothing to write home about. You can pretty much get the same experience from watching the episodes, in fact a better experience because of all the acting and stuff.
February 18, 2022
I find it hard to rate these novelisations really, because they're fun to read, but that's because I love the show and love the episodes.
This one in particular has three really great episodes in it: Halloween, and the two-parter What's My Line. Kendra's here!! And I would say in some ways the novelisation even partially elevates the episode, since we don't have to hear the bizarre accent they forced Bianca Lawson to take on!
Anyway, I'll give it a 4 because it was still a fun read, even if it was mostly just helping me to play out the episode in my head.
This one in particular has three really great episodes in it: Halloween, and the two-parter What's My Line. Kendra's here!! And I would say in some ways the novelisation even partially elevates the episode, since we don't have to hear the bizarre accent they forced Bianca Lawson to take on!
Anyway, I'll give it a 4 because it was still a fun read, even if it was mostly just helping me to play out the episode in my head.
October 9, 2019
These three stories: Halloween, What's My Line? Part One and What's My Line? Part Two, were a lot of fun to watch, and just as much fun to read. There's nothing really in them that's not depicted on the screen, but it is recommended to have seen them before reading them. Unlike with vol. 1, this book flowed well between stories with a good sense of continuity.
February 24, 2024
Same as Angel Chronicles V1.
Novelisation of 3 episodes from BTVS Season 2 Episodes 7, 9 and 10. As novelisations go, it was great, we got to see more in depth on how the characters were feeling. A decent refresh of the plot lines from Season 2. But ultimately I prefer the original stories, canon or not, I like envisioning something I don’t already know.
Novelisation of 3 episodes from BTVS Season 2 Episodes 7, 9 and 10. As novelisations go, it was great, we got to see more in depth on how the characters were feeling. A decent refresh of the plot lines from Season 2. But ultimately I prefer the original stories, canon or not, I like envisioning something I don’t already know.
January 19, 2021
It's entirely possible that I am just fan-girling too hard, or maybe because I've read several of these books 20+ years ago when they were new and knew exactly what I was in for, but I enjoy these. They are simple, quick reads of episodes that have just a tad bit more meat on their bones.
June 6, 2018
Adaptation d'épisodes de la série. Je préfère les histoires inédites vu que je connais déjà très bien la série télé mais le roman est très fidèlement adapté.
July 9, 2020
It's like watching the episode's again!
October 10, 2020
Chronicle 2: three more stories taken directly from the tv series. Halloween and What’s My Line Parts I and II. Next....
February 26, 2024
I loved the stories. I love Buffy and Kendra.
November 28, 2024
2 great stories from the TV episodes "Halloween" , and " What's my line" (parts 1 & 2). It reads as smoothly as watching the episodes.
January 27, 2018
My preface from The Angel Chronicles: Vol. 1 stated:
There are a set of Buffy novelizations that are coming up in my reading order that focus on one of the supporting characters in the Scooby gang. Each book selects a few episodes that feature the chosen character prominently and do a novelization of those episodes. The Angel Chronicles is obviously about Angel and featured a two paragraph framing device to the first episode and another one after the final one that didn’t add anything to the story but served to remind the reader that they had indeed just a read of stories about Angel.
Everything above still holds true for this volume about Angel, with the only change being the episodes being revisted. Here there are the episodes “Halloween,” and “What’s My Line” (Parts 1 and 2). Overall this volume was a little bit better than Volume 1 due just to the quality of episodes. “Halloween” is a fun episode where characters turn into whatever they are dressed up as for Halloween, with Xander becoming an experienced soldier, Willow a ghost and Buffy a lady of status from the 1700’s. This episode succeeds as both being a memorable standalone episode and also as an important building piece for the series as a whole. Xander’s military experience gets referred to off and on for the rest of the series, bad guy Ethan Rayne reappears later on (and provides some great depth for Giles past), and of course fan favorite character Oz is introduced.
Likewise, “What’s My Line” is important at pushing the plot forward for the series, but was a little less memorable as standalone episodes. Here, Spike is seeking a way to restore Drucilla’s strength, and comes across a means that involves a new moon, a church and Drucilla’s sire. In order to distract Buffy, he calls for the Order of Taraka to put a hit on her which leads to a variety of assassins who are feared for their relentlessness and anonymity. These episodes are also important to greater Buffy lore as they introduce Kendra the Vampire Slayer, propel Xander and Cordelia’s relationship into its most interesting phase, and swaps the power dynamic from Spike to Drucilla. While reading the novelization, I couldn’t recall where part 1 ended and part 2 began, which is a nice compliment to the seamlessness of the adaptation.
I only rate this slightly better than Vol. 1 however, because I just summed up all three episodes and didn’t need to mention Angel once (ok, that’s a cheat because I said that Drucilla’s sire was needed for the ritual, and her sire is Angel). So basically, his involvement in these two episodes is him being unimpressed by Buffy’s desire to be a noble woman and then getting kidnapped and stabbed by Spike and Drucilla. Those coming for some awesome Angel-centric stories will likely be disappointed. Unlike the last volume, these episodes take place much closer together than Vol. 1’s trilogy, ranging from Season 2 Episode 6 to Season 2 Episode 10 (taking place in between the episodes is “Lie to Me,” which is included in Angel Chronicles Vol. 1… I’m not sure why they didn’t swap out Halloween and Lie to Me between the two, but it is what it is).
My same complaints are also around from the previous volume that this format seems like a missed opportunity to increase the perspective of the cover/title character from the events of these episodes. The three included in this book would seem to be great opportunities to do so, but not for Angel, instead for Xander, Oz or even Cordelia. For a somebody reading all of these books, they succeed in telling the stories from the episodes but the shuffled order and lack of anything new make it tough to recommend these for any other fans of the series.
There are a set of Buffy novelizations that are coming up in my reading order that focus on one of the supporting characters in the Scooby gang. Each book selects a few episodes that feature the chosen character prominently and do a novelization of those episodes. The Angel Chronicles is obviously about Angel and featured a two paragraph framing device to the first episode and another one after the final one that didn’t add anything to the story but served to remind the reader that they had indeed just a read of stories about Angel.
Everything above still holds true for this volume about Angel, with the only change being the episodes being revisted. Here there are the episodes “Halloween,” and “What’s My Line” (Parts 1 and 2). Overall this volume was a little bit better than Volume 1 due just to the quality of episodes. “Halloween” is a fun episode where characters turn into whatever they are dressed up as for Halloween, with Xander becoming an experienced soldier, Willow a ghost and Buffy a lady of status from the 1700’s. This episode succeeds as both being a memorable standalone episode and also as an important building piece for the series as a whole. Xander’s military experience gets referred to off and on for the rest of the series, bad guy Ethan Rayne reappears later on (and provides some great depth for Giles past), and of course fan favorite character Oz is introduced.
Likewise, “What’s My Line” is important at pushing the plot forward for the series, but was a little less memorable as standalone episodes. Here, Spike is seeking a way to restore Drucilla’s strength, and comes across a means that involves a new moon, a church and Drucilla’s sire. In order to distract Buffy, he calls for the Order of Taraka to put a hit on her which leads to a variety of assassins who are feared for their relentlessness and anonymity. These episodes are also important to greater Buffy lore as they introduce Kendra the Vampire Slayer, propel Xander and Cordelia’s relationship into its most interesting phase, and swaps the power dynamic from Spike to Drucilla. While reading the novelization, I couldn’t recall where part 1 ended and part 2 began, which is a nice compliment to the seamlessness of the adaptation.
I only rate this slightly better than Vol. 1 however, because I just summed up all three episodes and didn’t need to mention Angel once (ok, that’s a cheat because I said that Drucilla’s sire was needed for the ritual, and her sire is Angel). So basically, his involvement in these two episodes is him being unimpressed by Buffy’s desire to be a noble woman and then getting kidnapped and stabbed by Spike and Drucilla. Those coming for some awesome Angel-centric stories will likely be disappointed. Unlike the last volume, these episodes take place much closer together than Vol. 1’s trilogy, ranging from Season 2 Episode 6 to Season 2 Episode 10 (taking place in between the episodes is “Lie to Me,” which is included in Angel Chronicles Vol. 1… I’m not sure why they didn’t swap out Halloween and Lie to Me between the two, but it is what it is).
My same complaints are also around from the previous volume that this format seems like a missed opportunity to increase the perspective of the cover/title character from the events of these episodes. The three included in this book would seem to be great opportunities to do so, but not for Angel, instead for Xander, Oz or even Cordelia. For a somebody reading all of these books, they succeed in telling the stories from the episodes but the shuffled order and lack of anything new make it tough to recommend these for any other fans of the series.
January 7, 2025
The second volume of The Angel Chronicles is a novelization of the scripts for "Halloween" written by Carl Ellsworth and the two parter of "What's My Line?" by Howard Gordon and Marni Noxon.
YA Horror heavyweight writer Richie Tankersley Cusick penns the book adaptation and she is always good at writing teenage characters so it fits well with this one. The three episodes all come from the show's second season when Buffy really started picking up momentum after a very short twelve episode first season.
The first book was how most of the relationship between Buffy and Angel began in rocky formation and was still very bumpy as it rolled along. That wasn't the only relationship of focus even reading between the lines of what is supposed to be a tale of our main star-crossed lovers...
Even if you haven't seen the show or watched it in a long time there was no denying that Xander had a huge crush on Buffy or that his best bud Willow was starting to have more than friend feelings for him. There was also the vitriolic combustion of barbs between Xander and the Queen Bee of Sunnydale High, Cordelia Chase, that reek of tension.
The "Big Bad" of season 2 became established with fan favorite Spike and his Mad Queen, Drusilla.
Their past with Angel's soulless persona Angelus picked up the ball and ran with it. These big old giant love squares ended up picking more sides with an introduction to a dude simply known as "Oz" with his deadpan yet astute observations. Finally someone to notice that Willow was more than just a brain but not the last person to notice...
We also begin to touch more on Giles relationship with Buffy as well as his own past and more detail into Watchers and their Slayers when it turns out there can be more than one Slayer thanks to very specific detail. We also touch on just how much having a soul and moral compass fills Angel with a lot of regrets to his past...heavy stuff all around really.
Despite that, there is still plenty of snark and humor to be had to keep things light and most of that comes from the wit of all our characters.
Not much of a singular theme running through both stories and "Halloween" has always been in my top 10 favorite Buffy episodes with lines that I can constantly quote in my head.
To note, there could have been more Angel Chronicle books if we are going by the relationship he had with Buffy but there was only one more...and it is by far the most dramatic.
YA Horror heavyweight writer Richie Tankersley Cusick penns the book adaptation and she is always good at writing teenage characters so it fits well with this one. The three episodes all come from the show's second season when Buffy really started picking up momentum after a very short twelve episode first season.
The first book was how most of the relationship between Buffy and Angel began in rocky formation and was still very bumpy as it rolled along. That wasn't the only relationship of focus even reading between the lines of what is supposed to be a tale of our main star-crossed lovers...
Even if you haven't seen the show or watched it in a long time there was no denying that Xander had a huge crush on Buffy or that his best bud Willow was starting to have more than friend feelings for him. There was also the vitriolic combustion of barbs between Xander and the Queen Bee of Sunnydale High, Cordelia Chase, that reek of tension.
The "Big Bad" of season 2 became established with fan favorite Spike and his Mad Queen, Drusilla.
Their past with Angel's soulless persona Angelus picked up the ball and ran with it. These big old giant love squares ended up picking more sides with an introduction to a dude simply known as "Oz" with his deadpan yet astute observations. Finally someone to notice that Willow was more than just a brain but not the last person to notice...
We also begin to touch more on Giles relationship with Buffy as well as his own past and more detail into Watchers and their Slayers when it turns out there can be more than one Slayer thanks to very specific detail. We also touch on just how much having a soul and moral compass fills Angel with a lot of regrets to his past...heavy stuff all around really.
Despite that, there is still plenty of snark and humor to be had to keep things light and most of that comes from the wit of all our characters.
Not much of a singular theme running through both stories and "Halloween" has always been in my top 10 favorite Buffy episodes with lines that I can constantly quote in my head.
To note, there could have been more Angel Chronicle books if we are going by the relationship he had with Buffy but there was only one more...and it is by far the most dramatic.
January 28, 2016
A novelization of 3 episodes from the TV Series.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
June 24, 2015
A better collection than Vol. 1, partially because it was far less angsty, partially because Halloween and What's My Line? were such great episodes. I didn't actually remember What's My Line? until I started reading, but it was wonderful to see Kendra again - I miss Kendra. Halloween has always been a favourite episode of mine, and even though the novelization didn't really add anything to the episode, it was still a fun read. Seeing the beginning of the Willow-Oz and Xander-Cordelia relationships was very enjoyable, too. (Xander and Cordie are so incredibly screwy as a couple - and somehow they STILL seem more emotionally healthy than Buffy and Angel.) Not as enjoyable as some of the stand-alone books, but not bad. 2.5 - 3 stars.
December 28, 2009
Novelization of three special episodes. Angel's still good, Spike's still big bad and dangerous. Last but not least, the appearance of first second-slayer. Many witty and funny dialogues that I can't quote here.
... Spike's minions gather up Angel.
"What're you gonna do with him anyway?" Willy asked.
Spike looked deep in thought. "I'm thinking... maybe dinner and a movie. I don't want to rush into anything. I've been hurt, you know."
... Spike's minions gather up Angel.
"What're you gonna do with him anyway?" Willy asked.
Spike looked deep in thought. "I'm thinking... maybe dinner and a movie. I don't want to rush into anything. I've been hurt, you know."
November 6, 2008
A novelization of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2: Halloween and What's My Line? Part 1 & 2. Pretty cool, basically just longer episode summaries with character thoughts that you don't get during the show for obvious reasons.
February 25, 2019
Probably didn't need a 2nd volume of Angel novelizations
January 13, 2013
aside from a couple moody thoughts from Angel it the tv show.
August 2, 2011
Nothing like a good Buffy book for a quick read to help you catch up on your goal. ;)
March 28, 2017
And the Bangel train continues!
I wasn't planning to read this so soon since the previous book but I took a peek and before I knew it, I already read 70 pages. Hands down, compared to The Angel Chronicles Vol 1, this is by far a better book and novelisation of the episodes. If you are already thinking of reliving the Bangel love or you just want to read Angel-focused storylines, I would pick this book up instead of the first one. The episodes are not chronological so it doesn't matter. But also, most importantly, Cusick is a far superior writer than Nancy Holder. While Holder's work in Vol 1 feels a lot like a shot-by-shot description of the episodes, Cusick actually makes the material as her own and add a lot more details that are not as apparent onscreen. You don't even need to be familiar with the episodes to enjoy these novelisations. Add signature Joss Whedon witty banter into the dialogues and this is just a great read overall.
I absolute love how Cusick handles Angel's POV, it's like seeing the character in a new, but also still familiar, way. Sure, there's the familiar brooding side of him but you also get a glimpse where he's plagued with guilt, insecurity and concern, even moments where he becomes deliciously manipulative of Spike by taunting him! Basically, it made me fall in love with Angel's character all over again.
The episodes chosen for this book are also some of the highlights in Season 2, which are episodes "Halloween", "What's My Line Pt 1" and "What's My Line Pt 2". While I enjoyed Vol 1 fair enough, I am glad that this book deals with episodes where Buffy and Angel are an established couple. Look, I love the angst in their relationship but I want their sweet tender moments too and this book gave me that in spades. Yes, I'm a very happy shipper. Other than that, you also get to see other ships sail such as Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. In "Halloween", you get scenes of Giles reverting back to his Ripper days while confronting Ethan Rayne! And just like in the TV show, the interaction between those two sizzles. How are these two not canon? I wish we could still get that Ripper spin-off. Kendra also shows up in the middle of this book and I've always enjoyed her character more than Faith. Last but not least, the "Holy Trinity" of Angel, Spike and Drusilla. In these episodes, they're still considered "enemies" but I love when these kids get together. The chemistry between all three is just great and let's be real, they're the best Big Bad to ever exist on the show.
I'm a little sad that Cusick is not helming the Vol 3 of The Angel Chronicles. If there's anyone who could escalate the Angel/Angelus arc in text, it would be her. However, there is still a chance that Holder would give a good wrap up for the series. Either way, this book definitely confirms that Season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the best season of all time!
I wasn't planning to read this so soon since the previous book but I took a peek and before I knew it, I already read 70 pages. Hands down, compared to The Angel Chronicles Vol 1, this is by far a better book and novelisation of the episodes. If you are already thinking of reliving the Bangel love or you just want to read Angel-focused storylines, I would pick this book up instead of the first one. The episodes are not chronological so it doesn't matter. But also, most importantly, Cusick is a far superior writer than Nancy Holder. While Holder's work in Vol 1 feels a lot like a shot-by-shot description of the episodes, Cusick actually makes the material as her own and add a lot more details that are not as apparent onscreen. You don't even need to be familiar with the episodes to enjoy these novelisations. Add signature Joss Whedon witty banter into the dialogues and this is just a great read overall.
I absolute love how Cusick handles Angel's POV, it's like seeing the character in a new, but also still familiar, way. Sure, there's the familiar brooding side of him but you also get a glimpse where he's plagued with guilt, insecurity and concern, even moments where he becomes deliciously manipulative of Spike by taunting him! Basically, it made me fall in love with Angel's character all over again.
The episodes chosen for this book are also some of the highlights in Season 2, which are episodes "Halloween", "What's My Line Pt 1" and "What's My Line Pt 2". While I enjoyed Vol 1 fair enough, I am glad that this book deals with episodes where Buffy and Angel are an established couple. Look, I love the angst in their relationship but I want their sweet tender moments too and this book gave me that in spades. Yes, I'm a very happy shipper. Other than that, you also get to see other ships sail such as Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. In "Halloween", you get scenes of Giles reverting back to his Ripper days while confronting Ethan Rayne! And just like in the TV show, the interaction between those two sizzles. How are these two not canon? I wish we could still get that Ripper spin-off. Kendra also shows up in the middle of this book and I've always enjoyed her character more than Faith. Last but not least, the "Holy Trinity" of Angel, Spike and Drusilla. In these episodes, they're still considered "enemies" but I love when these kids get together. The chemistry between all three is just great and let's be real, they're the best Big Bad to ever exist on the show.
I'm a little sad that Cusick is not helming the Vol 3 of The Angel Chronicles. If there's anyone who could escalate the Angel/Angelus arc in text, it would be her. However, there is still a chance that Holder would give a good wrap up for the series. Either way, this book definitely confirms that Season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the best season of all time!
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