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Nola O'Grady #3
Apocalypse to Go
The Apocalypse Squad is on the move! Secret Agent Nola O'Grady has enough trouble on her hands when a were-leopard accuses her of receiving stolen property, but things get worse fast. A mysterious trans-world law enforcement group wants to recruit her partner and bodyguard, Israeli Interpol officer Ari Nathan. His new loyalties might jeopardize their relationship.Then her younger brother Michael goes searching for their missing father and lands himself and their brother, Sean, in a world of trouble--quite literally, in a dangerous deviant-world version of San Francisco.Can Nola and Ari find them in time to save them from their kidnappers before they're murdered? The search will lead them through a city of secrets, but the worst secret of all lurks at the heart of the only thing Nola loves more than her family.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2012
9 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Katharine Kerr
69 books1,634 followersBorn in Ohio, 1944. Moved to San Francisco Bay Area in 1962 and has lived there ever since. Katharine Kerr has read extensively in the fields of classical archeology, and medieval and dark ages history and literature, and these influences are clear in her work. Her epic Deverry series has won widespread praise and millions of fans around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 15, 2012
I'm an unabashed fan of Katharine Kerr's "Nola O'Grady" series. The third, Apocalypse To Go, lives up to its predecessors in inventiveness, drama, romance, and whimsy. In this urban fantasy, the heroine works for a supernatural Agency "so secret, the CIA doesn't know it exists". This takes place in an alternate San Francisco, one in which magic and the clandestine agencies necessary to regulate it are real. This world is not the only one; there are alternate, weirdly dystopic worlds (and a gateway in the attic of Nola's aunt's house). Not only do the Agency and its people hide in plain sight, Nola's family, Irish illegal immigrants with past ties to the IRA, live with secrets, low on the radar. In this newest novel, we not only explore the radioactive San Francisco from previous episodes, but we encounter yet another world, one in which the dominant intelligent race is feline in origin, leopard to be precise. Apocalypse To Go definitely builds on the previous two books, but Kerr offers enough toe-holds so that it can serve as an entry point. Readers should be warned, however, that the series is addictive.
January 6, 2014
First off have to say that this is one of the giveaway books that I have won here on GR as of two years ago. Hadn't gotten around to reviewing it quite yet, because being the third book in the series I wanted to read the other two first, so I knew what the background of the characters were. As well as I had other books I wanted to try out as well. But now I've finally read this one and here is my review. Disclaimer: My first review of a secret government agency type science fiction story.
Synopsis:
Special and secret agent Nola O'Grady and her body guard/Israeli Interpol officer/boyfriend Ari Nathan as usual can't have a normal day. If there isn't some sort of conflict going on with Nathan's job connections, various and wide visions and trances O'Grady has, there is always the traditional conflicts between O'Grady and Nathan about Nola not eating enough or Ari's control issues. But added on top of these colorful events. There is the ever out of this world adventure where our two main characters have to put on their thinking caps and save the day. Not without a host of Ari's ever eye rolling moments of wishing he had become a insurance adjuster instead along the way. The particular adventure this time around though hits close to home for O'Grady in so many ways. Because not only is two of her brothers involved (i.e. sucked into an alternative world), but the long awaited dad that everyone has missed for years and wondered what happened to, is coming home with more than his fair share of family secrets.
What I liked about this book:
-The Family dynamics. In a world where there is all kinds of mental, safety, and inquiry scans going on by the psychic main character, O'Grady, that often had me wondering if *I* the reader was hallucinating or something. I have to say that away from all that, I absofreakinglutely loved Nola's family. In their own ways they were so normal and yet so logical about their special abilities that it was just so calming and relaxing to read about Nola's aunt and siblings. I could even feel enough passion to dislike her mother as much as Nola did given her behavior.
-The irony that is the character Nola O'Grady. Meaning that she has all these extensive psychic abilities to truly be a girl Friday of the Jetson era. But when it comes down to discovering something about herself or even a really simple concept she is truly amazed. For instance, she and Nathan recently moved into a set of two apartments(one for living, another for Ari's office, and to keep away any close neighbors from being harmed as a result of their jobs) and since day one they were receiving all kinds of graffiti of the Chaos kind(part of Nola's job) and the regular kind on their property. Which they had constantly cleaned off all the time. But as soon as the realtor or apartment manager begins calling her about what her other neighbors (across the street and a few houses down from where she and Ari live) have reported to him as strange occurrences on her property. Good ol' Nola affects an air of "wow really?" As if it never occurred to her that her neighbors WOULDN'T be aware of what is going on in their neighborhood and want to know what is going on on her property, lol.
-The Maculates. Not to say that I haven't read about all kinds of wereanimals or shifters in different stories. But I found it interesting that for a change there were living beings that had an almost similar history to that of humans evolving from apes. But in the case of the Maculates they evolved from leopards of a sort. But what was the real hoot to me was the fact that through all that evolution and living in another world of a sort. They still knew about hocking illegal stuff on the black market. :D
-Nola FINALLY standing up to her mother. Oh my goodness, I almost did a back flip when Nola did that. I honestly never thought that I would see the day when that would have happened. But I'm so glad that it did. The only mini thing I didn't like about it, was that Nola had to use the family secret against her mom though, to have some kind of leverage to stand up against her. I know they had strong religious, and familial beliefs and all. And of course her mom had some wild talents of her own too. But still, wish it hadn't of come down to that bit of info that would make all the difference in her own mom in listening to her. Or even giving Nola the courage to stand up for herself.
-Sean's personality in this book. Was first introduced to him in the previous book and to me he read like he was someone that was a bit special needs. Nothing wrong with that. But he just didn't sit well in such an active story. In this book, he snapped out of it and was more lively and out going.
What I didn't like-
-Nola and Ari's relationship. From the first books to this one, I did not ever really buy them as a couple at all. I love a take charge kind of guy. Not just a alpha man type. But with Ari, I honestly at times felt rather fearful for Nola a few times. Particularly when it came out about Ari's anger management issues. And even though he has never really hurt Nola physically, some things they say to each other does not bode well to me about them having a healthy relationship. I mean it's pretty bad too when Nola has to do all kinds of scans to tell how enraged Ari is at times too and when to move things to safer conversations so as to not escalate things. Not a really lovey dovey couple to me. So makes it really ludicrous to me for him to want to marry her and even get engaged (i.e. at the end of the book).
- Nola's mother. What in the world is that woman's problem? It is revealed by Nola's aunt of why she is the ways he is. But there really is no reason for her to pull her own daughter's hair or be such a heinous biatch at all. I also don't quite trust that she will keep her mouth shut about Nola's business to her dad now that he is back either. She is a very treacherous woman.
-The open acceptance of Nola's younger brother having a sexual relationship at home. I'm no prude or anything. And I know for some kids if they are feeling the urge to do things in that direction they will find a way. But I totally don't get the family acceptance of Micheal getting to have his girlfriend(from a dangerous and highly radioactive world) both close at hand in his aunt's house. And also being able to sleep with her in that way and yet he is not doing his school work and just world-walking whenever he wants to. I'm sorry but I'm sooo not a fan of something like that. Nor when he world walks this second time he has another girl across his lap(wasn't sexual but no bra or anything on and he had to pretend to be part of a rival gang in that world). All that being said, I give the O'Grady dad props for not being into the "boys will be boys" ideal about things like that either.
-What will happen to the dad now that he is in another world? I know it was somewhat talked about in the second book I believe when Nola and Ari was dealing with a bad guy that was from another world and came to theirs to cause trouble. But he didn't last long because he evaporated. So given that their father is from another world of sorts, will he dissolve too or stick around like Nola's brother's girlfriend? Wished that would have been mentioned more so than Nola and Ari getting engaged.
-On going drama. Usually I have no prob with something like this in a story. But I felt like there were some very big time revelations made in this book and the previous two. But do to the editing or maybe the writing style of the book. I felt like every nuance of important sequences was all blended together and some info that I felt should have really stood out and given "air to breath" and then absorbed so to speak, just never happened. And so it dulled the impact factor of them. Hopefully in the last book that is a bit different.
Would I recommend this book?:
Yep I would. But with the disclaimer that this is definitely a book for those that are into multiverse, inter-dimensional, time traveling sort of stories. Also those that love their science fiction stories to have quite a bit of technical jargon. Cause for sure all the scans, visions, etc. are extensive at times on Nola's end. So if you don't quite like that sort of thing, this might not be for you.
Synopsis:
Special and secret agent Nola O'Grady and her body guard/Israeli Interpol officer/boyfriend Ari Nathan as usual can't have a normal day. If there isn't some sort of conflict going on with Nathan's job connections, various and wide visions and trances O'Grady has, there is always the traditional conflicts between O'Grady and Nathan about Nola not eating enough or Ari's control issues. But added on top of these colorful events. There is the ever out of this world adventure where our two main characters have to put on their thinking caps and save the day. Not without a host of Ari's ever eye rolling moments of wishing he had become a insurance adjuster instead along the way. The particular adventure this time around though hits close to home for O'Grady in so many ways. Because not only is two of her brothers involved (i.e. sucked into an alternative world), but the long awaited dad that everyone has missed for years and wondered what happened to, is coming home with more than his fair share of family secrets.
What I liked about this book:
-The Family dynamics. In a world where there is all kinds of mental, safety, and inquiry scans going on by the psychic main character, O'Grady, that often had me wondering if *I* the reader was hallucinating or something. I have to say that away from all that, I absofreakinglutely loved Nola's family. In their own ways they were so normal and yet so logical about their special abilities that it was just so calming and relaxing to read about Nola's aunt and siblings. I could even feel enough passion to dislike her mother as much as Nola did given her behavior.
-The irony that is the character Nola O'Grady. Meaning that she has all these extensive psychic abilities to truly be a girl Friday of the Jetson era. But when it comes down to discovering something about herself or even a really simple concept she is truly amazed. For instance, she and Nathan recently moved into a set of two apartments(one for living, another for Ari's office, and to keep away any close neighbors from being harmed as a result of their jobs) and since day one they were receiving all kinds of graffiti of the Chaos kind(part of Nola's job) and the regular kind on their property. Which they had constantly cleaned off all the time. But as soon as the realtor or apartment manager begins calling her about what her other neighbors (across the street and a few houses down from where she and Ari live) have reported to him as strange occurrences on her property. Good ol' Nola affects an air of "wow really?" As if it never occurred to her that her neighbors WOULDN'T be aware of what is going on in their neighborhood and want to know what is going on on her property, lol.
-The Maculates. Not to say that I haven't read about all kinds of wereanimals or shifters in different stories. But I found it interesting that for a change there were living beings that had an almost similar history to that of humans evolving from apes. But in the case of the Maculates they evolved from leopards of a sort. But what was the real hoot to me was the fact that through all that evolution and living in another world of a sort. They still knew about hocking illegal stuff on the black market. :D
-Nola FINALLY standing up to her mother. Oh my goodness, I almost did a back flip when Nola did that. I honestly never thought that I would see the day when that would have happened. But I'm so glad that it did. The only mini thing I didn't like about it, was that Nola had to use the family secret against her mom though, to have some kind of leverage to stand up against her. I know they had strong religious, and familial beliefs and all. And of course her mom had some wild talents of her own too. But still, wish it hadn't of come down to that bit of info that would make all the difference in her own mom in listening to her. Or even giving Nola the courage to stand up for herself.
-Sean's personality in this book. Was first introduced to him in the previous book and to me he read like he was someone that was a bit special needs. Nothing wrong with that. But he just didn't sit well in such an active story. In this book, he snapped out of it and was more lively and out going.
What I didn't like-
-Nola and Ari's relationship. From the first books to this one, I did not ever really buy them as a couple at all. I love a take charge kind of guy. Not just a alpha man type. But with Ari, I honestly at times felt rather fearful for Nola a few times. Particularly when it came out about Ari's anger management issues. And even though he has never really hurt Nola physically, some things they say to each other does not bode well to me about them having a healthy relationship. I mean it's pretty bad too when Nola has to do all kinds of scans to tell how enraged Ari is at times too and when to move things to safer conversations so as to not escalate things. Not a really lovey dovey couple to me. So makes it really ludicrous to me for him to want to marry her and even get engaged (i.e. at the end of the book).
- Nola's mother. What in the world is that woman's problem? It is revealed by Nola's aunt of why she is the ways he is. But there really is no reason for her to pull her own daughter's hair or be such a heinous biatch at all. I also don't quite trust that she will keep her mouth shut about Nola's business to her dad now that he is back either. She is a very treacherous woman.
-The open acceptance of Nola's younger brother having a sexual relationship at home. I'm no prude or anything. And I know for some kids if they are feeling the urge to do things in that direction they will find a way. But I totally don't get the family acceptance of Micheal getting to have his girlfriend(from a dangerous and highly radioactive world) both close at hand in his aunt's house. And also being able to sleep with her in that way and yet he is not doing his school work and just world-walking whenever he wants to. I'm sorry but I'm sooo not a fan of something like that. Nor when he world walks this second time he has another girl across his lap(wasn't sexual but no bra or anything on and he had to pretend to be part of a rival gang in that world). All that being said, I give the O'Grady dad props for not being into the "boys will be boys" ideal about things like that either.
-What will happen to the dad now that he is in another world? I know it was somewhat talked about in the second book I believe when Nola and Ari was dealing with a bad guy that was from another world and came to theirs to cause trouble. But he didn't last long because he evaporated. So given that their father is from another world of sorts, will he dissolve too or stick around like Nola's brother's girlfriend? Wished that would have been mentioned more so than Nola and Ari getting engaged.
-On going drama. Usually I have no prob with something like this in a story. But I felt like there were some very big time revelations made in this book and the previous two. But do to the editing or maybe the writing style of the book. I felt like every nuance of important sequences was all blended together and some info that I felt should have really stood out and given "air to breath" and then absorbed so to speak, just never happened. And so it dulled the impact factor of them. Hopefully in the last book that is a bit different.
Would I recommend this book?:
Yep I would. But with the disclaimer that this is definitely a book for those that are into multiverse, inter-dimensional, time traveling sort of stories. Also those that love their science fiction stories to have quite a bit of technical jargon. Cause for sure all the scans, visions, etc. are extensive at times on Nola's end. So if you don't quite like that sort of thing, this might not be for you.
March 1, 2012
This book was absolutely maddening. I was chosen for a copy from the Goodreads First Reads program. I was so intrigued by the plot that I didn't notice that it was the third in a series. I didn't think it would be that much of a deal since I am an experienced Series Diver. I usually can hop right into the middle of a series and hold my own. However, this time was not so easy. There were so many bits of basic information and subplots about which I was totally clueless. I had no earthly idea what was happening for about a third of the book. And something else that made me crazy? The main character is really big on acronyms. There are so many of them that an acronym page was necessary. I found myself constantly flipping to the back of the book any time an ASTA or an SM:L was mentioned. It made me nuts.
So why didn't I toss it when I realized that I was going to have to work at understanding the story? Because it was urban fantasy at its finest. And that fact more than made up for my ignorance of the backstory.
What I know is this: The main character is an operative for a top secret government agency whose purpose is to hold Chaos at bay and keep the worlds (of which there are many) safe. Her bodyguard is her boyfriend. He wants to get married but she balks at the very mention of the idea. Her family is rather colorful. Her father, a world walker, is in an alternate-Earth prison. When her brothers, one a world walker like Dad and the other a finder (no idea what that means), are kidnapped during a world hopping attempt to find and rescue their father, Nola and her boyfriend, Ari, are called to find and rescue the rescuers. They join forces with Spare14, a clone of an agent with another agency much larger and more powerful than either Nola's or Ari's respective employers.
The plot is clever and Kerr's dialogue made me laugh out loud. The characters are strange and wonderful. There's a psychic squid and a pride of bad-ass were-leopards. There's a world hopping creature that delivers messages and eats leftovers. There are archangels and long suffering landlords. Kerr also gives a nod here and there to other SF/Fantasy authors. Her nod to Douglas Adams was choice.
When I got past the 'huh?' moments and got into the meat of the story, I could not put the book down. I think I may have found out a subplot point or two that are drawn out in the first two books. But that's OK. I don't mind spoilers. And I am definitely planning to pick up the first two books in this series so that I will be up to date when the fourth is released on down the road.
Definitely worth the read.
So why didn't I toss it when I realized that I was going to have to work at understanding the story? Because it was urban fantasy at its finest. And that fact more than made up for my ignorance of the backstory.
What I know is this: The main character is an operative for a top secret government agency whose purpose is to hold Chaos at bay and keep the worlds (of which there are many) safe. Her bodyguard is her boyfriend. He wants to get married but she balks at the very mention of the idea. Her family is rather colorful. Her father, a world walker, is in an alternate-Earth prison. When her brothers, one a world walker like Dad and the other a finder (no idea what that means), are kidnapped during a world hopping attempt to find and rescue their father, Nola and her boyfriend, Ari, are called to find and rescue the rescuers. They join forces with Spare14, a clone of an agent with another agency much larger and more powerful than either Nola's or Ari's respective employers.
The plot is clever and Kerr's dialogue made me laugh out loud. The characters are strange and wonderful. There's a psychic squid and a pride of bad-ass were-leopards. There's a world hopping creature that delivers messages and eats leftovers. There are archangels and long suffering landlords. Kerr also gives a nod here and there to other SF/Fantasy authors. Her nod to Douglas Adams was choice.
When I got past the 'huh?' moments and got into the meat of the story, I could not put the book down. I think I may have found out a subplot point or two that are drawn out in the first two books. But that's OK. I don't mind spoilers. And I am definitely planning to pick up the first two books in this series so that I will be up to date when the fourth is released on down the road.
Definitely worth the read.
May 31, 2012
I enjoyed this quirky contemporary fantasy from Katharine Kerr, the sequel to License to Ensorcell and Water to Burn. Psychic Agent Nola O’Grady works for a very special agency, one of those ones even the CIA doesn’t know exists. Born into a large Irish-American Catholic family of eccentrics, Nola came into her power in her mid-teens, and discovered that nothing would ever be the same again. Now she works for the preservation of Harmony – balance in the Universe. It’s not working for Good – it’s recognizing that things can go seriously wrong in the universe when there is not a balance.
Nola has managed to keep her distance from her crazy, enthusiastic family for years, but her agency has now based her in San Francisco, her hometown. They’ve been referring to her tiny outpost as the Apocalypse Squad, but the joke has seeds of truth. Chaos sightings have increased on the Pacific coast, doors into another world have been confirmed, and people are starting to cross in from multiple dimensions with distressing frequency. In fact, Nola helped her brother bring back one young woman from a horrendous alternate San Francisco. Now the friendships her brother made over on the other side have led to his disappearance.
The action quickly becomes complicated as a multiverse agency approaches Ari as a potential employee, Nola discovers that there’s a very good reason her family has such strange powers, and low and behold, there's news about her missing father. The needs and demands of keeping things steady in a dangerous universe have now firmly dovetailed into the massive secrets of the O’Grady family.
Kerr has chosen two galloping individuals as her protagonists. Nola is a deep introvert, both entangled and feuding with her family, anorexic in her desire to control her relationship with food, while Ari is hyper focused on his calling, has serious control issues, and has managed to alienate the majority of his working associates with his blunt micro-managing. They weave their way through a San Francisco that is both familiar and strange even to folk who know the city. The alternate San Francisco is eerie and believable, a place that has not yet descended into the chaos of Kate Daniels’ Atlanta. We’re talking definitely contemporary fantasy/noir here.
But let me stress a few things. This is not a romance. This is not a paranormal romance. In fact, if you’re looking for a heavy romantic subtext, which a lot of urban fantasy readers suddenly seem to want, this is not your book. This is fantasy noir with humor and touches of romance. Looking forward to the next one!
Nola has managed to keep her distance from her crazy, enthusiastic family for years, but her agency has now based her in San Francisco, her hometown. They’ve been referring to her tiny outpost as the Apocalypse Squad, but the joke has seeds of truth. Chaos sightings have increased on the Pacific coast, doors into another world have been confirmed, and people are starting to cross in from multiple dimensions with distressing frequency. In fact, Nola helped her brother bring back one young woman from a horrendous alternate San Francisco. Now the friendships her brother made over on the other side have led to his disappearance.
The action quickly becomes complicated as a multiverse agency approaches Ari as a potential employee, Nola discovers that there’s a very good reason her family has such strange powers, and low and behold, there's news about her missing father. The needs and demands of keeping things steady in a dangerous universe have now firmly dovetailed into the massive secrets of the O’Grady family.
Kerr has chosen two galloping individuals as her protagonists. Nola is a deep introvert, both entangled and feuding with her family, anorexic in her desire to control her relationship with food, while Ari is hyper focused on his calling, has serious control issues, and has managed to alienate the majority of his working associates with his blunt micro-managing. They weave their way through a San Francisco that is both familiar and strange even to folk who know the city. The alternate San Francisco is eerie and believable, a place that has not yet descended into the chaos of Kate Daniels’ Atlanta. We’re talking definitely contemporary fantasy/noir here.
But let me stress a few things. This is not a romance. This is not a paranormal romance. In fact, if you’re looking for a heavy romantic subtext, which a lot of urban fantasy readers suddenly seem to want, this is not your book. This is fantasy noir with humor and touches of romance. Looking forward to the next one!
January 26, 2012
Nola O'Grady gets deeper into the deviant world levels in the third installment of this exciting series. Greeted by a projection of a leopard-woman one morning, followed by a vision of the destruction of the level known as Interchange, Nola grabs her partner (in every sense of the word) and heads off on an exciting and fast-paced mission. Her goal at first is to find out who this "ASO Fourteen" who has been contacting Ari is. But it leads her somewhere I don't think she ever anticipated.
Family secrets come to the surface as Nola finds out who her father really is, and where he has been for so long. The climax of the book comes upon the reader with anticipation and a big bang. And Nola makes a huge change for the better - but you'll have to read to find that one out.
This is a fantastic addition to the series and sets up a great continuation into the next book, not yet published. Check it out - you will enjoy this, and you'll be surprised at how the action carries you through. I finished in about two days, and enjoyed every minute!
Family secrets come to the surface as Nola finds out who her father really is, and where he has been for so long. The climax of the book comes upon the reader with anticipation and a big bang. And Nola makes a huge change for the better - but you'll have to read to find that one out.
This is a fantastic addition to the series and sets up a great continuation into the next book, not yet published. Check it out - you will enjoy this, and you'll be surprised at how the action carries you through. I finished in about two days, and enjoyed every minute!
February 6, 2012
I've been a fan of Katherine Kerr right since her very first book (Daggerspell) and she just gets better and better. This third volume in her Nola O'Grady urban fantasy series has it all -- pace, strong characters, cool stuff and an intricate, satisfying plot. Many urban fantasy series start of strongly but fade or become formulaic very fast. There's no sign of that here, though. Each book in the series has been stronger than the last, and the detail and complexity of the world-building is immaculate. Terrific stuff: I await the next one impatiently.
April 23, 2022
Good book that was frustratingly difficult to get into for me. And I'm really not sure why: I like the lead in Nola, and the psychic world that Kerr has been developing is interesting and different. (the world-walking aspect that's been coming to the fore makes it especially interesting) But dang, it took me a good week to get a 1/3 of the way through this, and another one to get through the next third.
On the good side, the last of it flew along much faster.
Maybe it just was a little too much slow build? It's not for a need to get to the action for me, because the family dynamics for Nola are just as interesting (maybe moreso?). Not sure. But I can't give it more than 3 stars for the frustratingly long time it took me to get into it.
There's some big secrets revealed here and some substantial changes to all of the dynamics that I think are very interesting and worth exploring. Psychic powers plus complicated family and religious dynamics are definitely a good mix. Not sure the subject of Nola's eating disorder is handled terribly well, though? I'm not sure if it's just not as well-depicted as I expect from a writer of Kerr's talents or that vague feeling that it's there to create a character flaw, as if rolled off an rpg table. There's some sexual politics dropped in here that are a bit squicky too: having a couple manipulate each other via sex is not a healthy depiction IMHO in a couple you're clearly supposed to be rooting for.
Still and all, not a bad read at all, and the visits to an alternate SanFran is worth the price of admission.
On the good side, the last of it flew along much faster.
Maybe it just was a little too much slow build? It's not for a need to get to the action for me, because the family dynamics for Nola are just as interesting (maybe moreso?). Not sure. But I can't give it more than 3 stars for the frustratingly long time it took me to get into it.
There's some big secrets revealed here and some substantial changes to all of the dynamics that I think are very interesting and worth exploring. Psychic powers plus complicated family and religious dynamics are definitely a good mix. Not sure the subject of Nola's eating disorder is handled terribly well, though? I'm not sure if it's just not as well-depicted as I expect from a writer of Kerr's talents or that vague feeling that it's there to create a character flaw, as if rolled off an rpg table. There's some sexual politics dropped in here that are a bit squicky too: having a couple manipulate each other via sex is not a healthy depiction IMHO in a couple you're clearly supposed to be rooting for.
Still and all, not a bad read at all, and the visits to an alternate SanFran is worth the price of admission.
November 4, 2017
From Magnolia Reviews: Three Petals
The world building of the deviant levels in this book was really well written, but it was so good that at times it eclipsed the characters and the plot. I still have to recommend this book because overall I did enjoy it.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
The world building of the deviant levels in this book was really well written, but it was so good that at times it eclipsed the characters and the plot. I still have to recommend this book because overall I did enjoy it.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
December 12, 2018
Number three in the series. Best so far.
March 21, 2022
Psychic investigator Nola O'Grady & her Israeli fiance Ari Nathan cross into an alternate dimension to rescue her kidnapped brothers & imprisoned father.
February 10, 2012
If you haven't read the previous Nola O'Grady novels there is going to be much confusion on your part and some definite spoilage... that said....
I fell in love with Kerr's Nola O'Grady novels from the first one and I have never been disappointed. In this novel Nola and her lover, Ariel Nathan, have to go to a deviant world where her brothers Sean and Michael have been kidnapped by an old gangster out for a profit. Nola, the ever neurotic eater, comes to a realization finally that she DOES INDEED have an eating disorder and that her mother's at the heart of the problem.
I really thought there was major character development in this one and that Nola and Ari are definitely growing as a couple. Not to mention, I liked the little romance scenes when Nola was pulling classified information from Ari ;). I thought this novel was by bounds better than the last and the Spotties, who are actually from a deviant world where they evolved from leopards instead of primates, are a creepy touch that I cannot wait to see explored.
Ari also finally gets his wish, though it's at the end. Her father is also brought back and she learns a family secret that equally devastates and explains her family to her. I guess all families have secrets (hope mine aren't like this).
Let me just say that there has to be a next novel and I want the Spottie chick to come after Nola on her own turf. I just thought that Nola was a little bit too timid in the deviant world, but taking in the fact that she was coming to terms with seeing her father again, accepting that she has an eating disorder, and having to find her wayward brothers-it's more than understandable.
I also want to see Ari have to choose his job or Nola because I thought there was too much imbalance between his work and Nola....
I fell in love with Kerr's Nola O'Grady novels from the first one and I have never been disappointed. In this novel Nola and her lover, Ariel Nathan, have to go to a deviant world where her brothers Sean and Michael have been kidnapped by an old gangster out for a profit. Nola, the ever neurotic eater, comes to a realization finally that she DOES INDEED have an eating disorder and that her mother's at the heart of the problem.
I really thought there was major character development in this one and that Nola and Ari are definitely growing as a couple. Not to mention, I liked the little romance scenes when Nola was pulling classified information from Ari ;). I thought this novel was by bounds better than the last and the Spotties, who are actually from a deviant world where they evolved from leopards instead of primates, are a creepy touch that I cannot wait to see explored.
Ari also finally gets his wish, though it's at the end. Her father is also brought back and she learns a family secret that equally devastates and explains her family to her. I guess all families have secrets (hope mine aren't like this).
Let me just say that there has to be a next novel and I want the Spottie chick to come after Nola on her own turf. I just thought that Nola was a little bit too timid in the deviant world, but taking in the fact that she was coming to terms with seeing her father again, accepting that she has an eating disorder, and having to find her wayward brothers-it's more than understandable.
I also want to see Ari have to choose his job or Nola because I thought there was too much imbalance between his work and Nola....
April 26, 2012
3 1/2 stars
“Apocalypse to Go” by Katharine Kerr continues the ‘Nola O’Grady Novels’ series featuring the quirky woman who is part of a family of world-walkers (even though she doesn’t have that particular talent). Nola and her brothers Michael and Sean are reluctantly anxious to get their father back from his exile but there are plenty of ramifications that may help or hinder their efforts. Nola’s lover Ari is being recruited for a group called TWIXT (Trans World Interpol X Team) by Austin Osman Spare Fourteen (Spare 14) but Nola is not quite sure how that will impact their relationship given her own employment with the secretive organization tasked with preventing Chaos’ destruction of civilization on this world. A frantic race to rescue her brothers from their imprisonment on an alternate world is complicated by mysterious interactions with leopard-people who have their own agenda as well as access to tools that facilitate their trips to Interworld and other locations. Allies are needed in order to overcome the many obstacles encountered...not least of which are the limited numbers of world walkers, the difficulty scanning for her brothers, the rules circumscribing the actions of the agents trying to rescue them, the mysterious messages Nola receives from various divine beings, and the complications caused by doppelgangers on the various worlds--including Nola’s own mirror image.
An inventive but bewilderingly busy tale of parallel worlds, fantastical mental powers, clones, secret agents, aliens, forgotten languages, and acronyms. Nola and Ari have a relatively unconventional relationship which will become even more strained if Nola’s rigidly conventional father has anything to say about it, not to mention how he is going to react to his radical sons. A familiarity with the previous books in the series might help disentangle some of the complexity presented but then again, it might not. A brief description of the acronyms is available at the end of the tale.
© Night Owl Reviews
“Apocalypse to Go” by Katharine Kerr continues the ‘Nola O’Grady Novels’ series featuring the quirky woman who is part of a family of world-walkers (even though she doesn’t have that particular talent). Nola and her brothers Michael and Sean are reluctantly anxious to get their father back from his exile but there are plenty of ramifications that may help or hinder their efforts. Nola’s lover Ari is being recruited for a group called TWIXT (Trans World Interpol X Team) by Austin Osman Spare Fourteen (Spare 14) but Nola is not quite sure how that will impact their relationship given her own employment with the secretive organization tasked with preventing Chaos’ destruction of civilization on this world. A frantic race to rescue her brothers from their imprisonment on an alternate world is complicated by mysterious interactions with leopard-people who have their own agenda as well as access to tools that facilitate their trips to Interworld and other locations. Allies are needed in order to overcome the many obstacles encountered...not least of which are the limited numbers of world walkers, the difficulty scanning for her brothers, the rules circumscribing the actions of the agents trying to rescue them, the mysterious messages Nola receives from various divine beings, and the complications caused by doppelgangers on the various worlds--including Nola’s own mirror image.
An inventive but bewilderingly busy tale of parallel worlds, fantastical mental powers, clones, secret agents, aliens, forgotten languages, and acronyms. Nola and Ari have a relatively unconventional relationship which will become even more strained if Nola’s rigidly conventional father has anything to say about it, not to mention how he is going to react to his radical sons. A familiarity with the previous books in the series might help disentangle some of the complexity presented but then again, it might not. A brief description of the acronyms is available at the end of the tale.
© Night Owl Reviews
February 27, 2012
I'm not quite sure why I like Katharine Kerr's Nola O'Grady books, but I do. I started reading the series almost by accident - - I impulse-bought the first book in the series ("License to Ensorcell")based on the cover and the title. I almost gave up on the book itself quickly, since it's relatively far away from what I would normally read.
I'm glad that I kept going. The plots are good, the characters are fun, and the dry humor constantly sticking pins in bureacracy is a riot once you let it creep up on you. Nola's psychic powers let her mentally search for people or in locations, but those seach types are enshrined as "SM:P" and "SM:L," the official Agency designations for Seach Mode Personnel and Search Mode Location. You don't even want you know the official title for a feeling that you're in danger!
In this third installment of the series ("Water To Burn" was the second), Nola and her boyfriend/Interpol agent/bodygard Ari Nathan have to travel to the parallel world known as Interchange in order to save Nola's brothers Sean and Mike. The twists and turns of the plot are a treat. Even in places where you can clearly tell what will happen next, Kerr's smooth writing style makes it fun getting there anyway.
One warning: Start at the first book in the series and work your way through. While each could probably stand alone (I can't say for sure, having read them in sequence), there's a lot of detail that builds from book to book. It's well worth the effort.
I'm glad that I kept going. The plots are good, the characters are fun, and the dry humor constantly sticking pins in bureacracy is a riot once you let it creep up on you. Nola's psychic powers let her mentally search for people or in locations, but those seach types are enshrined as "SM:P" and "SM:L," the official Agency designations for Seach Mode Personnel and Search Mode Location. You don't even want you know the official title for a feeling that you're in danger!
In this third installment of the series ("Water To Burn" was the second), Nola and her boyfriend/Interpol agent/bodygard Ari Nathan have to travel to the parallel world known as Interchange in order to save Nola's brothers Sean and Mike. The twists and turns of the plot are a treat. Even in places where you can clearly tell what will happen next, Kerr's smooth writing style makes it fun getting there anyway.
One warning: Start at the first book in the series and work your way through. While each could probably stand alone (I can't say for sure, having read them in sequence), there's a lot of detail that builds from book to book. It's well worth the effort.
August 9, 2012
A humorous take on Urban Fantasy!
This book is an intriguing mix of urban fantasy and political thriller. Alternate universes, secret organizations, aliens, rival gangs and were-leopards! There are so many refreshing new ideas in this series. I mean where else can you find were-leopards?
APOCALYPSE TO GO is a fast-paced supernatural adventure, with tons of wit, some action, more wise-cracks, and a bit of romance.
The character development is excellent and I loved getting some insight into the lives of Nola's two brothers. I also really enjoyed the progression of Nola and her boyfriend Ari's relationship. They are just about the cutest couple in UF right now. These characters are a never-ending barrel of fun and I can't wait for you to get to know them too!
It's unbelievable how deep the history of Nola's family goes and I love how much we've learned about them. I'm sure there's still much more to come, and I will definitely be there to find out in the next book.
The subplots are just as vast and interesting as the main storyline and the dialogue has constant laugh-out-loud moments. With stellar world-building, Katharine Kerr has really outdone herself in this installment.
I strongly recommend this series. You can easily start here or just go out and get the whole series. Either way, I really think you'll enjoy this series as much as I have!
Review from FreshFiction.com
This book is an intriguing mix of urban fantasy and political thriller. Alternate universes, secret organizations, aliens, rival gangs and were-leopards! There are so many refreshing new ideas in this series. I mean where else can you find were-leopards?
APOCALYPSE TO GO is a fast-paced supernatural adventure, with tons of wit, some action, more wise-cracks, and a bit of romance.
The character development is excellent and I loved getting some insight into the lives of Nola's two brothers. I also really enjoyed the progression of Nola and her boyfriend Ari's relationship. They are just about the cutest couple in UF right now. These characters are a never-ending barrel of fun and I can't wait for you to get to know them too!
It's unbelievable how deep the history of Nola's family goes and I love how much we've learned about them. I'm sure there's still much more to come, and I will definitely be there to find out in the next book.
The subplots are just as vast and interesting as the main storyline and the dialogue has constant laugh-out-loud moments. With stellar world-building, Katharine Kerr has really outdone herself in this installment.
I strongly recommend this series. You can easily start here or just go out and get the whole series. Either way, I really think you'll enjoy this series as much as I have!
Review from FreshFiction.com
February 24, 2012
This is a Review of Apocalypse to Go the third book in the Nola O'Grady series as written by Katharine Kerr. I received this book via the Goodreads First Reads for free.
I admit I like series because If I like the first book then it follows that there's a very good chance I will like the other books that follow. The first book is the origin story so to speak or the Introduction book to someone new that you might be interested in continuing to meet. Sometimes you break up though with that character because either you have changed or they appear to.
I like Apocalypse to Go but not as much as the first License To Ensorcell. Certainly the efforts to do the world(s) building, relationships, future conflicts and so are done in this story which is necessary to continue a series but I didn't feel the same zing that I got from the first book. Honestly I haven't read the second book so I am not sure if this could be a factor in what feels off to me.
Did the book interest me when I was reading it?
Yes.
Did the book entertain me when I was reading it?
Yes.
Would I tell people to get the book?
A Conditional no. I would tell them to get the first book License to Ensorcell and make their decision from there.
I admit I like series because If I like the first book then it follows that there's a very good chance I will like the other books that follow. The first book is the origin story so to speak or the Introduction book to someone new that you might be interested in continuing to meet. Sometimes you break up though with that character because either you have changed or they appear to.
I like Apocalypse to Go but not as much as the first License To Ensorcell. Certainly the efforts to do the world(s) building, relationships, future conflicts and so are done in this story which is necessary to continue a series but I didn't feel the same zing that I got from the first book. Honestly I haven't read the second book so I am not sure if this could be a factor in what feels off to me.
Did the book interest me when I was reading it?
Yes.
Did the book entertain me when I was reading it?
Yes.
Would I tell people to get the book?
A Conditional no. I would tell them to get the first book License to Ensorcell and make their decision from there.
March 30, 2012
I won this book through GoodReads FirstReads. Did Not Finish.
This is tough to review, because I did not realize this is the third book in a series. Because of this, there really is a lot of background story and details that I feel a bit lost without knowing. I am one of those people who like to approach series in order, and am not good coming in in the middle of things.
That being said, the story does seem to have a few things to offer that seem a bit different than your standard paranormal fiction/romance. However, the writing does tend to be somewhat paint by the numbers. There is a conflict between good and evil, there is a romance that is stronger than everything, and the details in the middle are what flush out the story.
I think if you have read the series from the beginning, you will enjoy this book as well. I usually give books that I do not finish one star by default. But, I am giving this 2 stars, instead of 1, only because I do not feel right judging the story itself based on the previous books I have not read. If I had read them, I would most likely feel more connected to the story and the characters.
This is tough to review, because I did not realize this is the third book in a series. Because of this, there really is a lot of background story and details that I feel a bit lost without knowing. I am one of those people who like to approach series in order, and am not good coming in in the middle of things.
That being said, the story does seem to have a few things to offer that seem a bit different than your standard paranormal fiction/romance. However, the writing does tend to be somewhat paint by the numbers. There is a conflict between good and evil, there is a romance that is stronger than everything, and the details in the middle are what flush out the story.
I think if you have read the series from the beginning, you will enjoy this book as well. I usually give books that I do not finish one star by default. But, I am giving this 2 stars, instead of 1, only because I do not feel right judging the story itself based on the previous books I have not read. If I had read them, I would most likely feel more connected to the story and the characters.
November 4, 2012
This book is definitely not a stand-alone story. It's important to read the preceding books before this one to understand what is going on. I discovered this when I picked up this book first and read a few pages before I backtracked and read the first and second in the series before moving on.
I really enjoy this series and the characters within. I could see the series continuing for quite awhile. The acronyms that I hated so much in the first book have simply become a minor annoyance in this one. I still don't like them, but I've pretty much learned to ignore them.
Nola's eating disorder is finally explained in this book, but I still feel it was an unnecessary addition to the story. I had suspicions about the reason for it, but waiting til the third book to explain it was way too long. I'm also unhappy about the final scene between Nola and her mother. Since I myself come from a totally different background, I guess it's hard for me to understand their point of view and resolution to the problem. I'd elaborate, but I don't really want to get into it since it's a spoiler.
I'll be looking forward to the next book, but I suspect it will be awhile before it's out.
I really enjoy this series and the characters within. I could see the series continuing for quite awhile. The acronyms that I hated so much in the first book have simply become a minor annoyance in this one. I still don't like them, but I've pretty much learned to ignore them.
Nola's eating disorder is finally explained in this book, but I still feel it was an unnecessary addition to the story. I had suspicions about the reason for it, but waiting til the third book to explain it was way too long. I'm also unhappy about the final scene between Nola and her mother. Since I myself come from a totally different background, I guess it's hard for me to understand their point of view and resolution to the problem. I'd elaborate, but I don't really want to get into it since it's a spoiler.
I'll be looking forward to the next book, but I suspect it will be awhile before it's out.
December 14, 2013
Love Ari & Nola together. Chaos + Order = Harmony. Not a fan of Nola's beloved baby brother whose cockiness and ego continually lead him into trouble that Nola has to get him out of (plus her is a cheater which I hate. He cheated on Lisa with Sophie then Sophie with Ash) but have to give props to Katherine as his behaviour is pretty true to what a 17 yr old boy would do in these situations. And Nola's mother - what an absolutely disgusting excuse for a human being. She is a horrible person and a dreadful mother. (Note that she also threw baby of the family Michael out as well as Nola. And
January 27, 2014
I've had this book sitting in my to-be-read pile for a while. I finally worked my way down to it.
I like Katherine Kerr's writing. She draws you into her world... and it's a creepy world.
I like that Nola is finally figuring out she has an eating disorder. I don't like that it's getting worse. Where will she get therapy for it?
I like that Ari wants to marry her. I don't like Nola's views of marriage (or the Catholic church).
I don't care much for Michael. Sophie is too broken for such a wild child.
I'm not too sure what to make of Nola's dad. He's had a huge impact on Nola. Is his influence going to be good for her? There's bunches of issues here.
I don't like Nola's bribes to Ari.
All in all, it's a creepy world Katherine Kerr has created, filled with broken people. It was a bit too dark for my taste.
I like Katherine Kerr's writing. She draws you into her world... and it's a creepy world.
I like that Nola is finally figuring out she has an eating disorder. I don't like that it's getting worse. Where will she get therapy for it?
I like that Ari wants to marry her. I don't like Nola's views of marriage (or the Catholic church).
I don't care much for Michael. Sophie is too broken for such a wild child.
I'm not too sure what to make of Nola's dad. He's had a huge impact on Nola. Is his influence going to be good for her? There's bunches of issues here.
I don't like Nola's bribes to Ari.
All in all, it's a creepy world Katherine Kerr has created, filled with broken people. It was a bit too dark for my taste.
March 13, 2012
Nola and Ari are barely given any breathing space before Nola's brothers go missing in alternate San Francisco and they have to track them down and rescue them. Along the way Ari is recruited to an interworld Interpol and Nola is aided by a psychic squid.
I love these books. The urban refers to the lovely San Francisco setting which is a character in its own right and has its own incarnations in the multiverse and the fantasy is magical realism. Nola and Ari are rounded people who have their own issues and who are working through them in order to develop as both individuals and as a couple. The humour is gentle but pervasive. The secondary characters are all begging to get series of their own (I want to know more about Kathleen's pet powers, I want more romance with numbers girl, I want Sophie to go on to college). Definitely a series to follow.
I love these books. The urban refers to the lovely San Francisco setting which is a character in its own right and has its own incarnations in the multiverse and the fantasy is magical realism. Nola and Ari are rounded people who have their own issues and who are working through them in order to develop as both individuals and as a couple. The humour is gentle but pervasive. The secondary characters are all begging to get series of their own (I want to know more about Kathleen's pet powers, I want more romance with numbers girl, I want Sophie to go on to college). Definitely a series to follow.
March 6, 2012
Nola O,Grady is a secret agent who has enough on her hands when a were Leopard accuses her of accepting stolen property.But things get worse. A mysterious trans-world law enforcement group wants to recruit her body guard and partner Ari Nathan an Israeli interpol officer. His new loyalties might hurt their relationship. Than Michael her younger brother goes searching for their missing father and gets himself and Sean in a world of trouble- in a dangerous deviant--- world version of San Francisco. Can Nola and Ari find them in time. Before their kidnappers murder them? The search will lead them through a city secrets . But the worst secret lurks at the heart of the thing Nola loves more than Ari her family
February 18, 2012
I received this book through the first reads program and I found it very enjoyable. Nola O'Grady and company cross worlds in the third installment of the series when two of her siblings go missing. To find them and get them back safely, Nola and Ari team up with several new characters as they navigate this darker SanFran filled with rival gangs and man-eating species. Along the way, Nola learns more about herself and her neuroses as well as finding out more about her missing father and the story behind his disappearance. Overall, it was a good book and explained well enough that both newcomers to the series as well as previous fans should be able to keep up with the plot.
January 10, 2014
Third book in series. Sequel to License to Ensorcell, and Water to Burn.
San Francisco psychic agent Nola O’Grady’s brothers are making a map of world-walking gates, when they’re kidnapped in an alternate San Francisco. Nola & her Israeli Interpol agent boyfriend Ari Nathan must join up with agents from other worlds to save Sean and Michael from enemies who include some leopard-descended people.
I like this series except for the repeated insistence that Protestants are obviously and always bad people. Also her eating habits that others think are an eating disorder are brought out more obviously, to the point that she finally recognizes how excessive her dieting is. (it's about time)
San Francisco psychic agent Nola O’Grady’s brothers are making a map of world-walking gates, when they’re kidnapped in an alternate San Francisco. Nola & her Israeli Interpol agent boyfriend Ari Nathan must join up with agents from other worlds to save Sean and Michael from enemies who include some leopard-descended people.
I like this series except for the repeated insistence that Protestants are obviously and always bad people. Also her eating habits that others think are an eating disorder are brought out more obviously, to the point that she finally recognizes how excessive her dieting is. (it's about time)
August 7, 2013
Urban SFF for the intellectual. Again, Kerr delivers a great, fast paced story with strong, vivid characters and great world building. Book 3 sees Nola and Ari enter into an alternate San Francisco to rescue her brothers. The story was unique and tightly written, a pleasant break from the multitudes of vampire urban fantasy that seems to clutter book shelves. Nola battles with both personal problems and issues, and the bigger picture of finding her brothers before it's too late. I find each character, flawed in their own way, lifelike and likeable.
June 10, 2012
This book was received feree through the Godreads advance readers program.
I'd heard of chinese to go, or the proverbial doggy bag after an incompletely eaten meal but Apocolypse to Go had me wondering.
Altough it took me a little while to read it, due to other activities now that Spring is here, I really enjoyed this book.
Character development was well done and the story flowed from start to end. No detours in the middle or dangling characters or activities that don't seem be part of the story were evident
RECOMMENDED
I'd heard of chinese to go, or the proverbial doggy bag after an incompletely eaten meal but Apocolypse to Go had me wondering.
Altough it took me a little while to read it, due to other activities now that Spring is here, I really enjoyed this book.
Character development was well done and the story flowed from start to end. No detours in the middle or dangling characters or activities that don't seem be part of the story were evident
RECOMMENDED
April 5, 2012
How many more twists can you fit in one story? I’ve always loved parallel universe stories, and this one came up with some new deviations that caught me completely off guard! Still a loving tribute to San Francisco, still all too correct on the way Irish-American families interact and with new characters added to make the mix all that much more heady. These books are a delight and I only wish the next one was available now. (Full disclosure: I won this in a GoodReads contest. It was on my list to buy, I swear!)
February 17, 2012
The Nola O'Grady series is one of the better more imaginative and original works to come out this Century. Katharine Kerr creates truly believable characters in a world of imagination where reality and fantasy mix in such a way you are no longer sure which is reality, and which is fantasy. Join Nola and her sidekick Ari in one of the worlds greatest fantasies from one of the greatest masters of her craft.
April 18, 2012
What I like most about this series: Family causes more trouble than work!
It's nice to see an Urban Fantasy Heroine with such a full family life - so much that she's got to try and juggle them as much as her actual job. In this book - family is the huge problem and dealing with all the assorted fallout leads to many new possibilities.
Also, I love a stable romance - and Nola's boyfriend - the moody, gun-loving Ari is a wonderful foil to all the crazy.
It's nice to see an Urban Fantasy Heroine with such a full family life - so much that she's got to try and juggle them as much as her actual job. In this book - family is the huge problem and dealing with all the assorted fallout leads to many new possibilities.
Also, I love a stable romance - and Nola's boyfriend - the moody, gun-loving Ari is a wonderful foil to all the crazy.
April 29, 2012
The title has absolutely nothing to do with the story. That said, it was a good story. We learn more about world walking and the multiverse which was interesting.
I'm glad Nola's addressing her eating disorder in part because it's annoying to have people tell her to eat all the time. I assume it's sort of like telling someone who suffers from clinical depression to snap out of it and be happy.
I'm glad Nola's addressing her eating disorder in part because it's annoying to have people tell her to eat all the time. I assume it's sort of like telling someone who suffers from clinical depression to snap out of it and be happy.
February 8, 2012
Very good addition to the series, bringing the story along although there were a couple of things I think I missed, may need to go back and re-read the first two again. A new character or two and interesting secondary characters returned with a larger role. This is one of my 'must buy' series at this point ... not my most favorite, but definitely in the top 5.
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