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Prank Wars
All war. No love. Madeleine’s been hurt too many times in the dating scene to let Byron beat her in some huge prank war. They’ve had their deserters, their POWS, their casualties, but no one can risk losing the battle of the sexes.
Except now something strange is happening at the college...and it’s not just the students. Buried deep beneath the pranks is real danger, and the only other person who suspects is Byron. Should Mad join sides with him or does that mean forfeiting her heart to the enemy?
Except now something strange is happening at the college...and it’s not just the students. Buried deep beneath the pranks is real danger, and the only other person who suspects is Byron. Should Mad join sides with him or does that mean forfeiting her heart to the enemy?
354 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2012
30 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Fowers
37 books970 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author, Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through suspense, fantasy, historical, contemporary, and of course... romance, romance, romance. Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 7, 2012
3.5
This started out as a fun chick-lit, but as the story progresses a mystery soon evolves. Madeleine unwittingly stumbles upon something much more sinister than a few harmless pranks. I liked the first half of the story, where Madeleine has been dumped by her ex-fiancé Cameron and helps her roommates get back at “players” who have also used them wrong. Her sites focus on Byron (not sure why) and the two begin pulling pranks on one another. Some of the pranks were pretty clever, and I thought it was fun how they would try and outdo each other. I didn’t understand some of the pranks Byron did; one example is when he sends a fake wedding announcement to Madeleine’s mother with a picture of her and Cameron. Seemed really insensitive and out of character. I would have liked a confrontation between them about some of the pranks.
Part of me liked the mystery element, but another part would have liked if it just stuck with being a chick-lit with more wooing from our Hero. I also wanted some closure on the Cameron front. I felt like we were kind of left hanging. His behavior was never explained or confronted.
Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable story and hard to put down.
Content: Clean. I wouldn’t have minded a few more stolen kisses.
This started out as a fun chick-lit, but as the story progresses a mystery soon evolves. Madeleine unwittingly stumbles upon something much more sinister than a few harmless pranks. I liked the first half of the story, where Madeleine has been dumped by her ex-fiancé Cameron and helps her roommates get back at “players” who have also used them wrong. Her sites focus on Byron (not sure why) and the two begin pulling pranks on one another. Some of the pranks were pretty clever, and I thought it was fun how they would try and outdo each other. I didn’t understand some of the pranks Byron did; one example is when he sends a fake wedding announcement to Madeleine’s mother with a picture of her and Cameron. Seemed really insensitive and out of character. I would have liked a confrontation between them about some of the pranks.
Part of me liked the mystery element, but another part would have liked if it just stuck with being a chick-lit with more wooing from our Hero. I also wanted some closure on the Cameron front. I felt like we were kind of left hanging. His behavior was never explained or confronted.
Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable story and hard to put down.
Content: Clean. I wouldn’t have minded a few more stolen kisses.
July 30, 2013
Ok, this book was just a freaking mess. I had no idea what was going on half the time, there was no back story, there were way too many characters and it just wasn't clearly written.
I was very confused by the setting. Were they at a college? Were they at a religious college? What the hell did they mean by ward? No freaking idea.
There really was no back story about any of the characters so I felt like I knew nothing about any of them, except maybe Byron towards the end, who was probably my favorite character out of the whole book.
I also felt like the prank wars thing was also a bit childish for these people who were in their mid to late twenties (and who were ALL still in college? Come on someone should have had a job by now!) and none of them acted their age. The whole book was just confusing and I had no idea what I was reading about throughout most of it. Some of it was a little clearer at the end but by then it had just gotten too technical. I wouldn't bother with this one. Sorry.
I was very confused by the setting. Were they at a college? Were they at a religious college? What the hell did they mean by ward? No freaking idea.
There really was no back story about any of the characters so I felt like I knew nothing about any of them, except maybe Byron towards the end, who was probably my favorite character out of the whole book.
I also felt like the prank wars thing was also a bit childish for these people who were in their mid to late twenties (and who were ALL still in college? Come on someone should have had a job by now!) and none of them acted their age. The whole book was just confusing and I had no idea what I was reading about throughout most of it. Some of it was a little clearer at the end but by then it had just gotten too technical. I wouldn't bother with this one. Sorry.
June 7, 2012
I think this is the first time I started a book with out reading a thing about it. A dear friend loaned this one to me and I have to say after I finished I went back and read her review and I couldn't agree more. I loved the first half the book. It was so fun and I found myself laughing and really enjoying the "pranks" between the boys and girls. Then all of sudden the book took this insane turn and all of a sudden became way too serious and I think the build up of the two main characters relationship completly fell flat. There were so many things I found annoying that they never discussed. I was kind of disappointed and left wanting. I'm not sure if it would of helped or not if I would of read a review on this first.
I think I would give this book a 3.5 because it did keep me interested and turning pages. Even though the last quarter of the book, I just wanted to finish it already.
I think I would give this book a 3.5 because it did keep me interested and turning pages. Even though the last quarter of the book, I just wanted to finish it already.
February 10, 2012
So far I am absolutely Loving it! There were at least three parts where I laughed out loud and once I read it out loud and my nine-year-old son started cracking up too! “What do you and bunnies have in common?” I typed. “Nothing, you’re not cute. You’re not fluffy and no one wants you around at Easter—not you or your peeps.
Fowers, Stephanie (2012-02-04). Prank Wars (Kindle Locations 1737-1738). Triad Media and Entertainment. Kindle Edition.
Seriously hilarious! The pranks were funny, until they got darker. I kept falling asleep as I read, because I desperately wanted to finish this comedy turned suspenseful book! Who would have thought? There were only a couple of things that I guessed at that were true. Sheer genius!
Fowers, Stephanie (2012-02-04). Prank Wars (Kindle Locations 1737-1738). Triad Media and Entertainment. Kindle Edition.
Seriously hilarious! The pranks were funny, until they got darker. I kept falling asleep as I read, because I desperately wanted to finish this comedy turned suspenseful book! Who would have thought? There were only a couple of things that I guessed at that were true. Sheer genius!
March 2, 2013
I felt like this was really two books in one. Madeleine is dumped hard by her fiancé and comes up with a battle plan to basically get revenge on all men. I felt the first half of the book was almost to the point of downright mean. To men she hardly knows. She and her roommates pull pranks back and forth with guys in their BYU LDS ward and seriously, some of them go too far. I understand that she's bitter and angry, but...there are social limits.
The second half of the book turned up a mysterious situation, which Madeleine found herself right smack in the middle of. I actually enjoyed the second half much better (not as mean) because there was more to the story than pranking.
Content: some mild perilous situations; clean.
The second half of the book turned up a mysterious situation, which Madeleine found herself right smack in the middle of. I actually enjoyed the second half much better (not as mean) because there was more to the story than pranking.
Content: some mild perilous situations; clean.
August 5, 2013
Ugh. Grrrr. Ugh!!!! Ok I LOVED most of this book. The beginning was awesome!!! But then I read some friends reviews and was a little nervous about the second half. So since I was warned I think I liked the rest better then they did. However. I HATE that their relationship was just a side note at the end. I loved their relationship. I thought it was awesome the pranks they pulled.
March 11, 2012
I loved every second of this book. I sincerly hope there will be a sequel with just as much adventure and romance. I'd love some more of Mad Dog and Lord Byron
September 14, 2013
Hate...like...love. That's pretty much how I felt while reading Prank Wars. I started out kind of hating it, and ended up loving it. In the beginning, I was super annoyed by Mad Dog (Madeleine Doggett) and her purposefully ignorant, man-hating ways. Sure she'd been hurt but her hatred was way out of control and completely unappealing. I just couldn't get into the story when I didn't like the main character at all. I briefly considered giving up on the book but toughed it out and was rewarded for my persistence.
Initially, I began to like the book a bit more because the pranks and reactions to the pranks were funny. I still disliked Mad Dog but many of the other characters were fun to read and likable enough to make up for her. Then, slowly Mad Dog began to ease up on her man-hating and eventually started to rethink her opinions. That helped a lot and I began to like her too. What really won me over though was the last third (maybe more) of the book. It was so exciting and action packed that I couldn't put my kindle down. I wouldn't exactly call the outcome a surprise or a twist but it was such a fun journey that it didn't really matter if it was predictable. By the end of the book, I was sad it was over and wished I hadn't rushed through it. I will just have to cross my fingers that the author decides to revisit the characters in a sequel at some point.
Side-note: I was caught off guard at the beginning of the book by the LDS factor because it is not mentioned in the summary and I didn't see anything about it in the reviews. I admit that I was a little wary at first. I've read a small handful of LDS books and while some are completely appropriate for everyone, others are really just written for the LDS crowd. It didn't take long to realize why no one had mentioned it though. Prank Wars really isn't an LDS book. It just seemed that way at first because the book is set at Brigham Young University and many of the character are Mormon. Religion plays a very minor part in the plot and is really only important to the setting and characters. Saying Prank Wars is an LDS book is like saying a book set at Notre Dame is a Catholic book.
Initially, I began to like the book a bit more because the pranks and reactions to the pranks were funny. I still disliked Mad Dog but many of the other characters were fun to read and likable enough to make up for her. Then, slowly Mad Dog began to ease up on her man-hating and eventually started to rethink her opinions. That helped a lot and I began to like her too. What really won me over though was the last third (maybe more) of the book. It was so exciting and action packed that I couldn't put my kindle down. I wouldn't exactly call the outcome a surprise or a twist but it was such a fun journey that it didn't really matter if it was predictable. By the end of the book, I was sad it was over and wished I hadn't rushed through it. I will just have to cross my fingers that the author decides to revisit the characters in a sequel at some point.
Side-note: I was caught off guard at the beginning of the book by the LDS factor because it is not mentioned in the summary and I didn't see anything about it in the reviews. I admit that I was a little wary at first. I've read a small handful of LDS books and while some are completely appropriate for everyone, others are really just written for the LDS crowd. It didn't take long to realize why no one had mentioned it though. Prank Wars really isn't an LDS book. It just seemed that way at first because the book is set at Brigham Young University and many of the character are Mormon. Religion plays a very minor part in the plot and is really only important to the setting and characters. Saying Prank Wars is an LDS book is like saying a book set at Notre Dame is a Catholic book.
July 26, 2013
I got this one for free and thought I'd give it a try, even though I'm not a huge fan of LDS fiction.
I am, however, now a fan of Stephanie Fowers.
I had one big problem with part of the book, but I'll discuss that in a moment. First let me say this: She nailed her characters and their environment. Reading it, I felt like I was in college again. No, my roommates and I never did these types of crazy pranks, but the attitudes, the emotions, the struggles, the craziness of an LDS university--those took me back a few years. I honestly felt again what it was like to be single and uncertain about anything concerning the opposite gender, pretty much the way I did when I was 19; and despite the drama that entails, I found it surprisingly refreshing.
Okay, so here's the problem I had with the book: The first 2/3 or so of the book were romantic comedy--and it was going great. Then it did a total switch and tried to become a serious, suspenseful action book. I felt like I had been promised one thing and then given the ending of a different book. I would have been totally happy if she had given the main couple a cute little wrap-up at that 2/3 mark and called it done. The rest of it wasn't a bad story, it just didn't fit the story that had been set up in the beginning. I felt a bit cheated.
And yet, while that would normally have been enough to ruin a book for me entirely, I still really, really enjoyed this one.
Also, it led me to discover her "Twisted Tales" series, which I'm loving. I'll probably go pick up some of her other romantic comedies at some point too.
I am, however, now a fan of Stephanie Fowers.
I had one big problem with part of the book, but I'll discuss that in a moment. First let me say this: She nailed her characters and their environment. Reading it, I felt like I was in college again. No, my roommates and I never did these types of crazy pranks, but the attitudes, the emotions, the struggles, the craziness of an LDS university--those took me back a few years. I honestly felt again what it was like to be single and uncertain about anything concerning the opposite gender, pretty much the way I did when I was 19; and despite the drama that entails, I found it surprisingly refreshing.
Okay, so here's the problem I had with the book: The first 2/3 or so of the book were romantic comedy--and it was going great. Then it did a total switch and tried to become a serious, suspenseful action book. I felt like I had been promised one thing and then given the ending of a different book. I would have been totally happy if she had given the main couple a cute little wrap-up at that 2/3 mark and called it done. The rest of it wasn't a bad story, it just didn't fit the story that had been set up in the beginning. I felt a bit cheated.
And yet, while that would normally have been enough to ruin a book for me entirely, I still really, really enjoyed this one.
Also, it led me to discover her "Twisted Tales" series, which I'm loving. I'll probably go pick up some of her other romantic comedies at some point too.
November 26, 2012
3 1/2 stars
It was strange reading a book set where I went to college. I felt like I was there again. So, now I have Stephanie Fowers to blame for those dreams where I forgot to study for a test, or attend class for a whole semester!
As for the story itself, the prank war was funny, especially how serious Madeline took it. I loved Tory and her enthusiasm. She was a great sidekick. The imminent danger side of the plot was a bit far fetched to me, but still led to a fun book. The thing I really wanted was an epilogue! Madeline spent most of the story not trusting men, I would have liked to have seen how things went with Byron a few months or years later, beyond her notebook entry. I need more closure!
It was strange reading a book set where I went to college. I felt like I was there again. So, now I have Stephanie Fowers to blame for those dreams where I forgot to study for a test, or attend class for a whole semester!
As for the story itself, the prank war was funny, especially how serious Madeline took it. I loved Tory and her enthusiasm. She was a great sidekick. The imminent danger side of the plot was a bit far fetched to me, but still led to a fun book. The thing I really wanted was an epilogue! Madeline spent most of the story not trusting men, I would have liked to have seen how things went with Byron a few months or years later, beyond her notebook entry. I need more closure!
February 6, 2012
Prank Wars is awesomely sassy, brilliantly sneaky, and spine tingly!
Mad Dog is one of the best female main characters ever! She and Byron totally embody the best of best in college prank competitions . . . that will either lead to a total I Hate You relationship or a Jump Off a Cliff and Straight into Love relationship. The pranks, banter, and twisted relationships in this book keeps you turning page after page after page until you hit The End. Your butt will be sore from sitting so long and your throat will be throbbing from laughing so hard! Even then, you'll want more, more, more!
Mad Dog is one of the best female main characters ever! She and Byron totally embody the best of best in college prank competitions . . . that will either lead to a total I Hate You relationship or a Jump Off a Cliff and Straight into Love relationship. The pranks, banter, and twisted relationships in this book keeps you turning page after page after page until you hit The End. Your butt will be sore from sitting so long and your throat will be throbbing from laughing so hard! Even then, you'll want more, more, more!
February 15, 2012
Prank wars,
A very good book! It was different then her other two books, but that just made it better. Even though it was different then all her other books, it still had Stephanie's humor that I look forward to in all her books. The book had me guessing until the very end. I would recommend it to all my friends. Another great buy from Stephanie Fowers. Buy it you won't regret it!
A very good book! It was different then her other two books, but that just made it better. Even though it was different then all her other books, it still had Stephanie's humor that I look forward to in all her books. The book had me guessing until the very end. I would recommend it to all my friends. Another great buy from Stephanie Fowers. Buy it you won't regret it!
September 18, 2012
Seemed to really drag on. I was bored and glad to finally be done with this book.
not-finishing
December 1, 2019DNF at like 49%.
I wanted to like this book. And going into it, I said to one of my friends "I think you'd like this book." but that was only when I was within the first 5%. As I kept going, I grew more and more disillusioned with the book. I mean, for Pete's sake, I spent ages on it and made it to 49% and I was like "How am I only this far into this book?"
I skimmed to the end, but I wasn't even invested in the book by the time I got to the end. I barely even read the end. It just seemed stupid.
I liked the ideas of the pranks, but it didn't come out anything like what I was envisioning. Especially since I could not follow the BYU culture.
Firstly, our MC (I forgot her name already) was like "he's my worst enemy." and we all knew that she was actually totally in love with him. Byron. That's the name I remember.
And then her ex-boyfriend being thrown into the mix. Like she's so angry about him and his dumping of her, yet she totally wants him back, because we all see the longing look in her eyes as she avoids him.
She's a man-hating harpy, yet she's just nursing a broken heart.
Actually, one other thing stuck out. The MC is like twenty-six, hides her age from people, and still in college because she keeps changing her major. Does that mean all of her friends are much younger than her or what? Shouldn't she be super mature and junk for being the old lady on campus?
The BYU culture is probably part of what I couldn't handle. Look. Mormons are not something I'm familiar with. I didn't understand how she was willing to jump into an engagement to a guy she's known for like a few months. I've read a lot of Regency romances, so I'm not unfamiliar with the idea, I just didn't think it was a contemporary thing. I didn't understand half of the references and I wasn't sure if it was a BYU thing or a Mormon thing. I didn't understand why they were still in school in June. I didn't understand the terms. I didn't understand a whole lot.I felt like I was being thrown into a blender and put on liquefy. Nothing made sense, and then the story got weird.
The pranks took a weird turn "You sent my mother engagement photos of me!" and "So I stole his backpack, but it turns out that it wasn't his backpack at all, it was our neighbor girl's backpack."
And there was the girl next door "Oh, we think the place is empty, so we broke into it, and we poked around, but OBVIOUSLY not enough to notice that someone LIVED there."
I just grew to be disinterested and frustrated and tired of wasting my time on a book that wasn't that exciting in the first place.
Oh. I think her name is Madeline. The MC. There were a few screws loose in her head, I think.
I can't vouch for the ending of the book, since I skimmed and didn't care, but the beginning of the book didn't encourage me to finish it, so there's that. I'm not fond of books that take a zillion years to get anywhere.
I wanted to like this book. And going into it, I said to one of my friends "I think you'd like this book." but that was only when I was within the first 5%. As I kept going, I grew more and more disillusioned with the book. I mean, for Pete's sake, I spent ages on it and made it to 49% and I was like "How am I only this far into this book?"
I skimmed to the end, but I wasn't even invested in the book by the time I got to the end. I barely even read the end. It just seemed stupid.
I liked the ideas of the pranks, but it didn't come out anything like what I was envisioning. Especially since I could not follow the BYU culture.
Firstly, our MC (I forgot her name already) was like "he's my worst enemy." and we all knew that she was actually totally in love with him. Byron. That's the name I remember.
And then her ex-boyfriend being thrown into the mix. Like she's so angry about him and his dumping of her, yet she totally wants him back, because we all see the longing look in her eyes as she avoids him.
She's a man-hating harpy, yet she's just nursing a broken heart.
Actually, one other thing stuck out. The MC is like twenty-six, hides her age from people, and still in college because she keeps changing her major. Does that mean all of her friends are much younger than her or what? Shouldn't she be super mature and junk for being the old lady on campus?
The BYU culture is probably part of what I couldn't handle. Look. Mormons are not something I'm familiar with. I didn't understand how she was willing to jump into an engagement to a guy she's known for like a few months. I've read a lot of Regency romances, so I'm not unfamiliar with the idea, I just didn't think it was a contemporary thing. I didn't understand half of the references and I wasn't sure if it was a BYU thing or a Mormon thing. I didn't understand why they were still in school in June. I didn't understand the terms. I didn't understand a whole lot.I felt like I was being thrown into a blender and put on liquefy. Nothing made sense, and then the story got weird.
The pranks took a weird turn "You sent my mother engagement photos of me!" and "So I stole his backpack, but it turns out that it wasn't his backpack at all, it was our neighbor girl's backpack."
And there was the girl next door "Oh, we think the place is empty, so we broke into it, and we poked around, but OBVIOUSLY not enough to notice that someone LIVED there."
I just grew to be disinterested and frustrated and tired of wasting my time on a book that wasn't that exciting in the first place.
Oh. I think her name is Madeline. The MC. There were a few screws loose in her head, I think.
I can't vouch for the ending of the book, since I skimmed and didn't care, but the beginning of the book didn't encourage me to finish it, so there's that. I'm not fond of books that take a zillion years to get anywhere.
January 21, 2020
The idea was there, the execution was somewhat lacking. It would be interesting to see what this author could do with this book if she went back and rewrote it now. I've read some of her more recent stuff and her technical skills have definitely improved. Still, not a bad story.
Pretty sure I missed out on several jokes as I'm not Mormon. This also made reading the book something of a cultural experience, though it lacked a guide. Some things made sense in context and some things I just had to accept that I didn't/wouldn't understand.
Very dramatic climax. Decent conclusion.
Pretty sure I missed out on several jokes as I'm not Mormon. This also made reading the book something of a cultural experience, though it lacked a guide. Some things made sense in context and some things I just had to accept that I didn't/wouldn't understand.
Very dramatic climax. Decent conclusion.
September 23, 2017
This book is cheesy and ridiculous and I loved every moment of it. It reads so much like Rules of Engagement and Meet Your Match (which I also love) but there's a constant undercurrent of suspense to it. It was such a twist on Fowers' usual genre and a lot of fun to read.
April 9, 2020
More than pranks, it's down right war! Captain "Mad Dog" leads her room mates to combat "Lord Byron and his men. The battle is extreme! Kidnapping and potential for murder bring our leaders together in the end.
September 22, 2017
This book wasn't even great so why was I up all night reading it
January 16, 2019
Literally a mess. No idea what is going on. So immature, reads like really bad fanfiction. Left at 13%.
July 11, 2020
Oh what a tangled web!
Took me awhile to get into but then I didn’t want to get out. It’s a fun book filled with looney characters.
Took me awhile to get into but then I didn’t want to get out. It’s a fun book filled with looney characters.
September 8, 2021
Me pareció demasiado largo y no llegue a encariñarme con ningún personaje.
December 20, 2021
Talk about a wild ride! Is anyone who they say they are or is it all one big illusion?
April 19, 2012
I believe this is the first LDS fiction book that I've ever read, and if they're all this entertaining, it may be a bandwagon I jump onto! I finally finished Prank Wars after a few weeks of reading right before bed and on my lunch hour. I took longer than I wanted to, I really didn't want to put it down at all, but work, mothering and wifeing were calling. :)
Not that it's over, it was so much fun! It was funny in all the right places, and even funny in some of the more serious places. Some of the dialogue, while I thought it seemed kind of cheesy, was, more than anything, realistic. It was believable because it was a conversation that you could absolutely overhear in the BYU bookstore or at the Creamery. Honestly, it was so picture perfect about BYU, it makes me miss going to school there a lot. If I'd read this book before or while I was in school at BYU, I would have been pranking EVERYONE!!! (Heck I might START pranking everyone, so watch your back!)
The characters were a lot of fun. I liked Lizzie a lot, Sandra needed to be put in her place, badly. Eric was a character that "visually" he "looked" good on paper, but i never quite trusted his intentions, or what his motives were. I really LOVED Byron and Tory was hilarious! She was very unsuspecting and had perfect timing, both comedic and otherwise. Byron was the kind of guy I hated to like, and who was easy to hate! when he wasn't in the scene, I wanted to know what he was doing. Then, I had to remind myself that he's not a real person. And I'm married. And he's Mad's guy, anyway! ;) Madeline was tricky. In some scenes she was annoying, but I could totally sympathize, especially about not wanting to collaborate with Byron-dang pride! I shared the same thought about it while I was reading. I appreciated Mad's stubbornness and her fight thought, especially against "players," because I'm stubborn and I really can't stand guys like that. I think most girls feel the same way, which makes Mad a pretty universal character, LDS or not.
I loved how the story started off in quiet little Provo and as it continued, Provo was turned upside down and a part of it was on fire! The characters were great at fueling each other, and I was never quite sure where their relationship was going to go. Then add Eric, then Thahn, then Sandra...it was a good mix and twist of things and held a good level of suspense for me. It was a lot of fun. This book is layered, complex, and very entertaining. All the characters seem to have ulterior motives and secrets. It has everything, explosions (both romantic and literal :), pranks, dates, costume changes, stealing, lying, and FUN!
I'm rating Prank Wars 4 STARS. This is a really good read, perfect for this time of year when the world is blooming and the sun is staying around a bit longer. This story is bright and humorous, a great read to share with friends, and even possibly to read aloud among a group of friends.
Thank you for stopping by today! Tune in tomorrow for my interview with the author, Stephanie Fowers, and a giveaway for an ecopy of Prank Wars. Many formats are available!
Not that it's over, it was so much fun! It was funny in all the right places, and even funny in some of the more serious places. Some of the dialogue, while I thought it seemed kind of cheesy, was, more than anything, realistic. It was believable because it was a conversation that you could absolutely overhear in the BYU bookstore or at the Creamery. Honestly, it was so picture perfect about BYU, it makes me miss going to school there a lot. If I'd read this book before or while I was in school at BYU, I would have been pranking EVERYONE!!! (Heck I might START pranking everyone, so watch your back!)
The characters were a lot of fun. I liked Lizzie a lot, Sandra needed to be put in her place, badly. Eric was a character that "visually" he "looked" good on paper, but i never quite trusted his intentions, or what his motives were. I really LOVED Byron and Tory was hilarious! She was very unsuspecting and had perfect timing, both comedic and otherwise. Byron was the kind of guy I hated to like, and who was easy to hate! when he wasn't in the scene, I wanted to know what he was doing. Then, I had to remind myself that he's not a real person. And I'm married. And he's Mad's guy, anyway! ;) Madeline was tricky. In some scenes she was annoying, but I could totally sympathize, especially about not wanting to collaborate with Byron-dang pride! I shared the same thought about it while I was reading. I appreciated Mad's stubbornness and her fight thought, especially against "players," because I'm stubborn and I really can't stand guys like that. I think most girls feel the same way, which makes Mad a pretty universal character, LDS or not.
I loved how the story started off in quiet little Provo and as it continued, Provo was turned upside down and a part of it was on fire! The characters were great at fueling each other, and I was never quite sure where their relationship was going to go. Then add Eric, then Thahn, then Sandra...it was a good mix and twist of things and held a good level of suspense for me. It was a lot of fun. This book is layered, complex, and very entertaining. All the characters seem to have ulterior motives and secrets. It has everything, explosions (both romantic and literal :), pranks, dates, costume changes, stealing, lying, and FUN!
I'm rating Prank Wars 4 STARS. This is a really good read, perfect for this time of year when the world is blooming and the sun is staying around a bit longer. This story is bright and humorous, a great read to share with friends, and even possibly to read aloud among a group of friends.
Thank you for stopping by today! Tune in tomorrow for my interview with the author, Stephanie Fowers, and a giveaway for an ecopy of Prank Wars. Many formats are available!
November 9, 2013
this book was okay. I enjoyed parts of it but spent a lot of the book confused about a few minor details that, while they didn't ruin the plot, were a little annoying and kept me from enjoying the book to its full capacity.
The book starts not long after Madeline was dumped by her womanizing fiance. As a result, she hates men and whenever any of her university roommates have boy problems, they come to her and she gives them advice on how to get even. Madeline and her roommates are engaged in a prank battle with a group of guys, and the pranks they play on each other are cute and amusing. She is the Captain of the war on the guys, and the General of the guys dorm is an attractive guy named Byron who Madeline assumes is a womanizer like her ex. Things get interesting, and a little confusing, when Madeline starts poking her nose into her neighbor's appartment and life and she realizes that not everyone on campus is as they seem. Her neighbor is being threatened, and Madeline is determined to help out, but Byron pops up at every turn, and so does Eric, another attractive guy who goes to her school.
The first 20% of the book dragged a little for me; I felt like some things weren't explained. I know these details are minor and don't have a major effect on the story, but I spent the majority of the book confused and annoyed because: A) I couldn't figure out why the dorms were being called wards, B) most university school years end in April, and the story seemed to take place in May and June (I think?), and C) I understand Madeline is apparently over 26 and has spent years and years at school, finally deciding on a General Studies major, but she acts a lot younger than she is supposed to be and I couldn't reconcile her age with her actions.
I spent most of the book thinking that the characters were Catholic because there was a brief mention of praying and church and a bishop; imagine my surprise when, 75% in, there are multiple mentions that all the characters are Mormon. It probably shouldn't have startled me, but it did, and then I was annoyed that it hadn't been mentioned, say, in the first 10% of the book because that might have explained some of the other things that confused me in the book.
That said, the book picked up quite a bit and though I didn't really enjoy the first half, I enjoyed the second half and the ending.
The book starts not long after Madeline was dumped by her womanizing fiance. As a result, she hates men and whenever any of her university roommates have boy problems, they come to her and she gives them advice on how to get even. Madeline and her roommates are engaged in a prank battle with a group of guys, and the pranks they play on each other are cute and amusing. She is the Captain of the war on the guys, and the General of the guys dorm is an attractive guy named Byron who Madeline assumes is a womanizer like her ex. Things get interesting, and a little confusing, when Madeline starts poking her nose into her neighbor's appartment and life and she realizes that not everyone on campus is as they seem. Her neighbor is being threatened, and Madeline is determined to help out, but Byron pops up at every turn, and so does Eric, another attractive guy who goes to her school.
The first 20% of the book dragged a little for me; I felt like some things weren't explained. I know these details are minor and don't have a major effect on the story, but I spent the majority of the book confused and annoyed because: A) I couldn't figure out why the dorms were being called wards, B) most university school years end in April, and the story seemed to take place in May and June (I think?), and C) I understand Madeline is apparently over 26 and has spent years and years at school, finally deciding on a General Studies major, but she acts a lot younger than she is supposed to be and I couldn't reconcile her age with her actions.
I spent most of the book thinking that the characters were Catholic because there was a brief mention of praying and church and a bishop; imagine my surprise when, 75% in, there are multiple mentions that all the characters are Mormon. It probably shouldn't have startled me, but it did, and then I was annoyed that it hadn't been mentioned, say, in the first 10% of the book because that might have explained some of the other things that confused me in the book.
That said, the book picked up quite a bit and though I didn't really enjoy the first half, I enjoyed the second half and the ending.
December 27, 2012
A prank war sounds fun doesn't it? I couldn't help but he brought back to my old college dorm days while reading this. Good times! Ah, to be single with virtually no responsibilities. Those were the days. There are some really good ideas in here if you are the prankster. I wish I'd had this book years ago!
I really liked the whole "prank war" theme that started it all. There was a romantic tension that was keeping my interest and I was really looking forward to how it was going to end. I did like Madeline and Byron a lot. I loved their playful attitudes yet also knowing just where to push each others buttons. I wanted more kissing. I always want more kissing, but this book could have really used some good scenes. I'm a sucker for the romance and kissing you know. But, there is an element of mystery here. It almost didn't fit. I literally could not figure it out. I'm usually pretty good at these things but I just had absolutely no idea where this book was headed.
I've got a small problem with this book. I enjoyed it. I did. It was fun and I couldn't put it down. The beginning reads like a contemporary romance. Really fun and light. You know Mad Dog is going to have some issues to work through and you hope that Byron helps her. But, the mystery story here just didn't fit for me. I liked that it kept me guessing but when you finally figured it out it just wasn't plausible. I hate saying that but it just wasn't. It would have been so much better if the whole elaborate scheme was cooked up by Byron and his wing men, as well as Madeline's roommates, to teach her a lesson and finally end the prank war. In the process getting the girl to fall for the guy. That would have been brilliant! Or what about taking the whole boyfriend for a week idea mentioned and running with that. Mad and Byron are forced to be in a relationship for a week to finally stop the prank war and get to know each other but in turn fall in love. Those story ideas would have been more realistic and kept with the light feeling of the beginning of the story. It would have fit better. The mystery aspect and the actual reasons for what was going on were just too far fetched. It never would have happened. I overlooked it in the name of fiction.
I really liked the whole "prank war" theme that started it all. There was a romantic tension that was keeping my interest and I was really looking forward to how it was going to end. I did like Madeline and Byron a lot. I loved their playful attitudes yet also knowing just where to push each others buttons. I wanted more kissing. I always want more kissing, but this book could have really used some good scenes. I'm a sucker for the romance and kissing you know. But, there is an element of mystery here. It almost didn't fit. I literally could not figure it out. I'm usually pretty good at these things but I just had absolutely no idea where this book was headed.
I've got a small problem with this book. I enjoyed it. I did. It was fun and I couldn't put it down. The beginning reads like a contemporary romance. Really fun and light. You know Mad Dog is going to have some issues to work through and you hope that Byron helps her. But, the mystery story here just didn't fit for me. I liked that it kept me guessing but when you finally figured it out it just wasn't plausible. I hate saying that but it just wasn't. It would have been so much better if the whole elaborate scheme was cooked up by Byron and his wing men, as well as Madeline's roommates, to teach her a lesson and finally end the prank war. In the process getting the girl to fall for the guy. That would have been brilliant! Or what about taking the whole boyfriend for a week idea mentioned and running with that. Mad and Byron are forced to be in a relationship for a week to finally stop the prank war and get to know each other but in turn fall in love. Those story ideas would have been more realistic and kept with the light feeling of the beginning of the story. It would have fit better. The mystery aspect and the actual reasons for what was going on were just too far fetched. It never would have happened. I overlooked it in the name of fiction.
November 19, 2013
Prank Wars reminded me of a roller coaster ride. At times it was incredibly fun and entertaining, at others you saw glimpses of incredible things (in the author’s writing) and then there were moments when you were so confused you had no idea which way you were going to turn next. But as your car slides back into the gates and the ride comes to a close, you realize that you’d like to do it again.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I often found that I had troubles keeping up with the writer. It moved from one scene to the next with such a quick pace that I often felt like I was left behind. I had to re-read several of the scenes and at times, moved on anyway when I couldn’t figure out what, who or when something was taking place. I couldn’t actually figure out if it was a quirky writing style or if the writer simply jumped around. I’m at a bit of a loss to describe it. I would begin a chapter and think, “What?” but, being a writer myself, knowing that you should start in the middle of something and clear it up from there and assume the author would make the direction clear. Then it would go down a rabbit trail that had nothing to do with the original opening. Then find another rabbit trail. I had to read many of the conversations repeatedly just to get the gist of them and there were too many times when lingo was used that most readers wouldn’t understand.
But, with that said, I liked this book. The more I read, the more I liked it. And I’m not a person to re-read any conversation or text unless I’m really enjoying the story and characters. For me, characters make the book, even with a bad plot. So, when you have interesting characters like Madeline and Byron that certainly don’t fit a mold and you add in an intriguing plot, I’ll push through a little confusion. And, in this case, I was pleasantly rewarded with a fast-paced thriller. It was the last thing I expected from a comedic new adult romance but, everything about this one broke the molds. I will be looking for other books by this author for sure, if only to see if she always uses this quirky writing style.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I often found that I had troubles keeping up with the writer. It moved from one scene to the next with such a quick pace that I often felt like I was left behind. I had to re-read several of the scenes and at times, moved on anyway when I couldn’t figure out what, who or when something was taking place. I couldn’t actually figure out if it was a quirky writing style or if the writer simply jumped around. I’m at a bit of a loss to describe it. I would begin a chapter and think, “What?” but, being a writer myself, knowing that you should start in the middle of something and clear it up from there and assume the author would make the direction clear. Then it would go down a rabbit trail that had nothing to do with the original opening. Then find another rabbit trail. I had to read many of the conversations repeatedly just to get the gist of them and there were too many times when lingo was used that most readers wouldn’t understand.
But, with that said, I liked this book. The more I read, the more I liked it. And I’m not a person to re-read any conversation or text unless I’m really enjoying the story and characters. For me, characters make the book, even with a bad plot. So, when you have interesting characters like Madeline and Byron that certainly don’t fit a mold and you add in an intriguing plot, I’ll push through a little confusion. And, in this case, I was pleasantly rewarded with a fast-paced thriller. It was the last thing I expected from a comedic new adult romance but, everything about this one broke the molds. I will be looking for other books by this author for sure, if only to see if she always uses this quirky writing style.
December 10, 2018
Prank Wars is not at all what I was expecting. It begins with Madeline having a rivalry with Byron, a guy she thinks is a major player. After she got her hurt broken she is determined that most guys are the same. So she sets out to prove Byron is like all the rest. And Byron is dead set on showing her he can take the challenge. But he's also going to challenge her as to why she's really doing this. With lots of crazy pranks, and lots of people involved things quickly become out of hand. Especially when Mad keeps thinking bad things are happening to her neighbor and Byron always seems to be around. She's not sure who to trust, or what she should do to help. But she's not going to stand back if something really is going down, she's going to help anyway she can.
I have to say that this book was okay. I was actually disappointed with the first half of it. It was slightly boring and so much of what they did seemed very strange. Sometimes the characters also acted like teenagers when they were grown adults. That was somewhat frustrating. Also I really felt confused through out most of the book as well until the end. I really couldn't get a grasp on either of the main characters feelings about everything going on. So that was kind of a bummer. Other than that this book made me laugh a lot which made it all the more enjoyable. I would like to see the two main characters ago though. But other wise it was okay. It was a nice read that made me laugh.
I have to say that this book was okay. I was actually disappointed with the first half of it. It was slightly boring and so much of what they did seemed very strange. Sometimes the characters also acted like teenagers when they were grown adults. That was somewhat frustrating. Also I really felt confused through out most of the book as well until the end. I really couldn't get a grasp on either of the main characters feelings about everything going on. So that was kind of a bummer. Other than that this book made me laugh a lot which made it all the more enjoyable. I would like to see the two main characters ago though. But other wise it was okay. It was a nice read that made me laugh.
August 21, 2013
I picked up this book because I previously read and loved Rules of Engagement by Stephanie Fowers. As I first started to read Prank Wars, the main character, Madeleine, seemed pretty cynical to me and the plot seemed like it would be very similar to Rules of Engagement. However, I quickly found that there was more to Madeleine than first met the eye and I came to like her. Also, as the book went on I found I was wonderfully wrong about the plot. While it does have similarities to Rules of Engagement, it definitely has a plot of its own. In fact it felt like the plot went much deeper in some ways. The nostalgia for my college days wasn’t as strong with this book since there wasn’t as much BYU culture in it, but I also think that makes the book more accessible to a broader audience.
The mysteries in this book occupied my mind even when I was doing other things (like eating breakfast). After I finished reading the book and all was revealed, I wanted to go back and reread the book with the “new eyes” I now have. I won’t reread it immediately, but I do look forward to reading it again in the future.
Content: Clean, some pranks and violence
See my review at http://www.iamareader.com/2013/08/boo...
The mysteries in this book occupied my mind even when I was doing other things (like eating breakfast). After I finished reading the book and all was revealed, I wanted to go back and reread the book with the “new eyes” I now have. I won’t reread it immediately, but I do look forward to reading it again in the future.
Content: Clean, some pranks and violence
See my review at http://www.iamareader.com/2013/08/boo...
June 11, 2015
This book started out awesome. It was funny and lighthearted. I could honestly believe the prank war depicted in the book to have happened in real life. And then started the kooky secret spy crap. Unfortunately, I think the author was trying to do too much. Love story drama mixed with secret spy mixed with prank wars just didn't work. I would have enjoyed this way more if it had focused on the love story and prank war. Heck, even just the prank war because the love story felt forced.
The reason, I think, that the secret spy didn't work, was because it wasn't believable. It made no sense to have some of the characters be secret agents and kind of incompetent ones at that. Secret agent looses his phone and can't seem to figure out how to get it back? Also can't figure out how to update his superiors that he got a new number? And why on Earth was there NO security at the Provo Power Towers? Really?
The reason, I think, that the secret spy didn't work, was because it wasn't believable. It made no sense to have some of the characters be secret agents and kind of incompetent ones at that. Secret agent looses his phone and can't seem to figure out how to get it back? Also can't figure out how to update his superiors that he got a new number? And why on Earth was there NO security at the Provo Power Towers? Really?
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