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Strangely Scary Funny #2
The Librarian and the Book Thief
After an altercation with a clown, I get lost in the woods and find a strange town. When the librarian of the town dies in front of me, I try on his ring. It fits. I’m declared the new librarian by the mayor and townspeople. I get to live in a houseful of books. But I soon learn the job involves more than just tomes and information.
In this second novel in the series, a library book goes missing. Not just any book but the true story of what happened in Eden, among other true stories certain humans and angels don't want told. I have to find this book. It won't be easy. Both the forces of good and evil will try to stop me. Not to mention all kinds of drama is, as usual, going on in Eden, some of which involves a certain witch I still have feelings for. Let's see what happens.
In this second novel in the series, a library book goes missing. Not just any book but the true story of what happened in Eden, among other true stories certain humans and angels don't want told. I have to find this book. It won't be easy. Both the forces of good and evil will try to stop me. Not to mention all kinds of drama is, as usual, going on in Eden, some of which involves a certain witch I still have feelings for. Let's see what happens.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
840 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Brian Yansky
44 books145 followersI write supernatural horror suspense comedy (a mix of dark humor, quirky, silly humor and satire.), .
I love many kinds of stories. I especially love off-beat, quirky stories with unusual characters and settings that have a sense of wonder and humor.…Falling in love with stories saved me from a life of crime (I’m only sort of kidding; they did save me from something). A lot of my main characters are adopted. Like them, I was adopted. I seem to write often about identity. I live in Austin, Texas. I have no horses or cowboy hats. I do have a 125 pound sheep dog. I’ve taught college, been a bartender and waiter and am now a full-time writer.
I've had five novels traditionally published and something like fifteen independently published. My independently published series, Strangely Scary Funny, is, by far, my most popular.
I like writing most anything. My grocery lists are excellent.
I love many kinds of stories. I especially love off-beat, quirky stories with unusual characters and settings that have a sense of wonder and humor.…Falling in love with stories saved me from a life of crime (I’m only sort of kidding; they did save me from something). A lot of my main characters are adopted. Like them, I was adopted. I seem to write often about identity. I live in Austin, Texas. I have no horses or cowboy hats. I do have a 125 pound sheep dog. I’ve taught college, been a bartender and waiter and am now a full-time writer.
I've had five novels traditionally published and something like fifteen independently published. My independently published series, Strangely Scary Funny, is, by far, my most popular.
I like writing most anything. My grocery lists are excellent.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 24, 2024
2.75 stars ...
Prob'ly I'm being overly generous. 🤷♂️ This was quite disappointing. The first one was quirky and fun ... this quickly moved into silly territory. And the editing ... absolutely abysmal. 😣 Obviously, this is yet another author who's more interested in quantity (nine of these books published in a little over a year) than quality. Couldn't be bothered spending a minute to clean up his work before throwing it out there for public consumption. I have zero respect for that work ethic. Won't be continuing ...
Prob'ly I'm being overly generous. 🤷♂️ This was quite disappointing. The first one was quirky and fun ... this quickly moved into silly territory. And the editing ... absolutely abysmal. 😣 Obviously, this is yet another author who's more interested in quantity (nine of these books published in a little over a year) than quality. Couldn't be bothered spending a minute to clean up his work before throwing it out there for public consumption. I have zero respect for that work ethic. Won't be continuing ...
April 8, 2024
1.5
So, having continued the series because the first one was freaking hilarious, this was an utter disappointment. It needed more of an edit than the first. It wasn’t just the complete lack of scene description, or world-building, but the spelling, grammatical errors, punctuation, it all reeked like a hastily constructed first draft.
What this also lacked was the humor of the first one and a plot that didn’t just circle back to the start in a way reminiscent of shows like The Simpsons or Family Guy where you can watch the episodes in no particular order. Speaking of plot, so a little backstory, I whole credence with religion but God gave you a brain and critical thinking skills, and more people need to use them. I love reflective elements of shows/books like Good Omens, Hazbin Hotel American Gods, Mistborn (honestly Sazed is King), well, you get the picture, but this was not it. This was nonsensical blasphemy, something I'd be able to truck with if it wasn't inexcusably stupid.
So, having continued the series because the first one was freaking hilarious, this was an utter disappointment. It needed more of an edit than the first. It wasn’t just the complete lack of scene description, or world-building, but the spelling, grammatical errors, punctuation, it all reeked like a hastily constructed first draft.
What this also lacked was the humor of the first one and a plot that didn’t just circle back to the start in a way reminiscent of shows like The Simpsons or Family Guy where you can watch the episodes in no particular order. Speaking of plot, so a little backstory, I whole credence with religion but God gave you a brain and critical thinking skills, and more people need to use them. I love reflective elements of shows/books like Good Omens, Hazbin Hotel American Gods, Mistborn (honestly Sazed is King), well, you get the picture, but this was not it. This was nonsensical blasphemy, something I'd be able to truck with if it wasn't inexcusably stupid.
October 24, 2024
This book would certainly benefit from an editing eye. The typos and grammatical errors made this feel like a draft that was accidentally released into the wild. The second volume of this series also lacks the charm that the first one had. I considered giving this series one more chance, however the plot synopsis of the next book really didn't appeal to me. I guess I'm done with “Strangely Scary Funny”.
March 13, 2025
Entertaining fantasy world listening 🌐🎶
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of twelve
The libertarian is on a trip around the US with the demon. The characters are interesting as good and bad gods and angels struggle for control. The libertarian is in the middle.
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 adventure thriller mystery novels 🎉😯 2025 🤗😚
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of twelve
The libertarian is on a trip around the US with the demon. The characters are interesting as good and bad gods and angels struggle for control. The libertarian is in the middle.
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 adventure thriller mystery novels 🎉😯 2025 🤗😚
July 21, 2025
Another great story of Eden this time Karl Lucifer wrote a book that if found will start Armageddon 😱
February 15, 2025
Great book
So glad this is a long series! Eden has sucked me right in. I don't know if I'll be able to leave the mountain!
So glad this is a long series! Eden has sucked me right in. I don't know if I'll be able to leave the mountain!
August 11, 2024
Really enjoy the stories. They need to be proofread.
September 16, 2024
Entertaining, Funny and a bit scary
This is the second book in the series. I had stopped reading for a while because none of the stories I came across captured my attention long enough to actually get into the story. The first book in this series captured my attention, so much so that I wanted to read the second book. Now that I’ve finished the second book, I want to read the third one. Here’s what captured my attention:
1) the overall theme of the series;
2) the main character’s personality and how he became the Librarian;
3) the various supporting characters and their unique personalities;
4) the interaction between the haunted forest, the town, and the Library; and each of these entities’ relationship with the series characters (particularly the main character). You’ll need to read the series to understand the full scope of my statement as I cannot accurately capture the essence of these interactions or relationships because I lack the writing skills to do so. I can tell you I found both quite entertaining.
As entertaining as I found each book, I did not like the mistakes I came across, like missing words and other editorial errors. I think that the publisher should have a talk with their editorial staff.
Lastly, if you want to read a thought provoking book, something that you feel will challenge you to the point that you’d change your beliefs, etc. steer clear of this series. This book and book 1 in this series are entertaining fantasies with the added bonus of being fast reads.
This is the second book in the series. I had stopped reading for a while because none of the stories I came across captured my attention long enough to actually get into the story. The first book in this series captured my attention, so much so that I wanted to read the second book. Now that I’ve finished the second book, I want to read the third one. Here’s what captured my attention:
1) the overall theme of the series;
2) the main character’s personality and how he became the Librarian;
3) the various supporting characters and their unique personalities;
4) the interaction between the haunted forest, the town, and the Library; and each of these entities’ relationship with the series characters (particularly the main character). You’ll need to read the series to understand the full scope of my statement as I cannot accurately capture the essence of these interactions or relationships because I lack the writing skills to do so. I can tell you I found both quite entertaining.
As entertaining as I found each book, I did not like the mistakes I came across, like missing words and other editorial errors. I think that the publisher should have a talk with their editorial staff.
Lastly, if you want to read a thought provoking book, something that you feel will challenge you to the point that you’d change your beliefs, etc. steer clear of this series. This book and book 1 in this series are entertaining fantasies with the added bonus of being fast reads.
May 5, 2025
As mentioned in my review of Book One of the series, I have recently completed all 12 volumes. I chose this approach after reading volumes 1 through 4. The series reads like old-fashioned movie serials that were part of the full day's entertainment in the 1930s and 1940s. They were usually 20 to 30-minute action short films that had an overall story arc, with each episode ending with a cliffhanger.
Yansky is releasing books in a quick manner – like the movie shorts that would be different each week.
In addition, the descriptions and dialogues fit the pattern of light entertainment, with an underlying theme that offers philosophical challenges to the reader or viewer.
In Book 2, Kevin Austin is tasked with finding a book written by Karl, aka The Prince of Darkness. The reader knows that Kevin is the very unwilling designated Anti-Christ. Karl, on the other hand, is determined to bring about Armageddon. The stolen book, "My Side of the Story," is Karl's version of the Bible, told from the point of view of the fallen (Not so, says Karl, "we jumped, didn't fall").
Dry humor indeed, and much appreciated. The book has been housed in the library in Eden and is currently missing. This is not a matter of waiving overdue fines; rather, the whole town and citizens of Eden might be doomed.
We learn more of Kevin's childhood, his friendships, and his deep bond with Bubba Lee, a surrogate father. The backstories help explain Kevin's feelings towards Olivia, who is on the way to becoming a very important person. A good, light-hearted, quick read. However, as with other material published by Yansky, the editing is sloppy.
Yansky is releasing books in a quick manner – like the movie shorts that would be different each week.
In addition, the descriptions and dialogues fit the pattern of light entertainment, with an underlying theme that offers philosophical challenges to the reader or viewer.
In Book 2, Kevin Austin is tasked with finding a book written by Karl, aka The Prince of Darkness. The reader knows that Kevin is the very unwilling designated Anti-Christ. Karl, on the other hand, is determined to bring about Armageddon. The stolen book, "My Side of the Story," is Karl's version of the Bible, told from the point of view of the fallen (Not so, says Karl, "we jumped, didn't fall").
Dry humor indeed, and much appreciated. The book has been housed in the library in Eden and is currently missing. This is not a matter of waiving overdue fines; rather, the whole town and citizens of Eden might be doomed.
We learn more of Kevin's childhood, his friendships, and his deep bond with Bubba Lee, a surrogate father. The backstories help explain Kevin's feelings towards Olivia, who is on the way to becoming a very important person. A good, light-hearted, quick read. However, as with other material published by Yansky, the editing is sloppy.
October 21, 2024
Kevin has a fascinating life. Orphaned with his life spent in the foster system, he had only a couple of mentors who looked out for him, and somehow Kevin survived the rest of the foster families, escaped them all when he was of legal age and went on the open road at 18.
He spent his early adult years attempting to make a difference in the world and help others, only occasionally using his special hidden powers or practicing hypnosis. Somehow his death in his late 20’s, at the hands of an evil clown sent him to the magically hidden town of Eden, where Kevin is chosen by the library to be the new librarian.
In this whimsically wonderfully wild series, dead? but not dead?? Kevin falls in love, suppppposedly discovers who his father is, (uncertain if this is accurate info or if the father has a vested interest in appearing as the father for nefarious purposes, world domination etc) and Kevin, his love Olive, and various townsfolk do battle with magical forces to protect the world.
FABULOUS series, fresh and original, remarkably creative and intriguing and an absolutely worthwhile read
He spent his early adult years attempting to make a difference in the world and help others, only occasionally using his special hidden powers or practicing hypnosis. Somehow his death in his late 20’s, at the hands of an evil clown sent him to the magically hidden town of Eden, where Kevin is chosen by the library to be the new librarian.
In this whimsically wonderfully wild series, dead? but not dead?? Kevin falls in love, suppppposedly discovers who his father is, (uncertain if this is accurate info or if the father has a vested interest in appearing as the father for nefarious purposes, world domination etc) and Kevin, his love Olive, and various townsfolk do battle with magical forces to protect the world.
FABULOUS series, fresh and original, remarkably creative and intriguing and an absolutely worthwhile read
December 31, 2023
entertaining paranormal urban fantasy series with a bit of Snark and humor
This is an entertaining paranormal urban fantasy series with a bit of Snark and humor. Kevin grew up in the foster care system. He never knew who his parents were. When he was finally able to leave he just up and left one day. Went out into the world And began a life of trying to help people where he could. You’ll get a little bit more on that in the book 1st book of the series. He was named librarian in the town of Eden a supernatural town on a metaphorical mountain surrounded by a haunted forest. he got lost in the woods one day and somehow ended up there. Most of the people there got lost in the woods somewhere in the world and ended up there. He calls himself coral and others call Satan claims to be his father. He wants Kevin to be evil and rule by his side but Kevin Does not agree and likes the way his life is going. Read on and see where Kevin‘s adventure takes him this time.
This is an entertaining paranormal urban fantasy series with a bit of Snark and humor. Kevin grew up in the foster care system. He never knew who his parents were. When he was finally able to leave he just up and left one day. Went out into the world And began a life of trying to help people where he could. You’ll get a little bit more on that in the book 1st book of the series. He was named librarian in the town of Eden a supernatural town on a metaphorical mountain surrounded by a haunted forest. he got lost in the woods one day and somehow ended up there. Most of the people there got lost in the woods somewhere in the world and ended up there. He calls himself coral and others call Satan claims to be his father. He wants Kevin to be evil and rule by his side but Kevin Does not agree and likes the way his life is going. Read on and see where Kevin‘s adventure takes him this time.
December 31, 2024
Not scary mildly humorous but ok read.
It's a very fast read. It's a combination of Lucifer and Supernatural and maybe Scooby Doo. If you haven't seen Lucifer or Supernatural or read any of Sandman or Dirk Gently by Scott Douglas there might be something new here. If you haven't read the first book you haven't missed much. There is a love interest filler piece that just kind of breaks up the story and pads out the book a bit. The genre is fun enough but the fact the hero is always going to solve whatever with a spell he just happens to remember or a wave of a magic sword gives you about as much suspense as watching the sap drip at a maple syrup festival.
It's a very fast read. It's a combination of Lucifer and Supernatural and maybe Scooby Doo. If you haven't seen Lucifer or Supernatural or read any of Sandman or Dirk Gently by Scott Douglas there might be something new here. If you haven't read the first book you haven't missed much. There is a love interest filler piece that just kind of breaks up the story and pads out the book a bit. The genre is fun enough but the fact the hero is always going to solve whatever with a spell he just happens to remember or a wave of a magic sword gives you about as much suspense as watching the sap drip at a maple syrup festival.
November 12, 2024
We hark back to the mysterious town of Eden, to solve another mystery with Kevin, the antichrist librarian of the haunted library. All the same charm of the townsfolk, with a few more friends to meet. I quite liked the moments with teenager Diana in this one. She gets a bit more fleshed out character wise due to getting more "screentime" so to say. I also love that a few cliffhanger bits were solved in this installment. I don't have any major dislikes for this book, just that Karl is creepy, but he should be, he's one of the antagonists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
Still a good book, but rushed
I would technically give this book a 3.5 but there is no half rating. After reading the first one, I needed to read the sequel. I am still enamored by Yansky’s ability to remind me of Douglas Adams. The same rye jokes and funky male leads. Enjoyed the plot of this one, but felt as though the ending were rushed with some plot points thrown too quickly. Other than that, good book ❤️
I would technically give this book a 3.5 but there is no half rating. After reading the first one, I needed to read the sequel. I am still enamored by Yansky’s ability to remind me of Douglas Adams. The same rye jokes and funky male leads. Enjoyed the plot of this one, but felt as though the ending were rushed with some plot points thrown too quickly. Other than that, good book ❤️
September 14, 2024
A book of rare significance!
Lucifer has written a book that, when read, could trigger the end of days. Now it has been stolen. Several factions are competing for possession of the book to influence Armageddon and promote their own outcome. Kevin must recover the book, save the town of Eden and thwart the plans to start the End of Days.
And maybe, just maybe, reconnect with his love.
Lucifer has written a book that, when read, could trigger the end of days. Now it has been stolen. Several factions are competing for possession of the book to influence Armageddon and promote their own outcome. Kevin must recover the book, save the town of Eden and thwart the plans to start the End of Days.
And maybe, just maybe, reconnect with his love.
September 30, 2024
A Wonderful Adventure through Eden
This story picks up where the last story ended. Because the Librarian is the son of Satan, Karl, he is tasked with finding a book that is supposed to be the biography of Satan. It's supposed to tell his side of the story. As he attempts to locate the book, he encounters angels and demons and a traveling hotel. A little romance is woven in with his interest, Olive. Nothing is as it seems. A delightful read through the town of Eden.
This story picks up where the last story ended. Because the Librarian is the son of Satan, Karl, he is tasked with finding a book that is supposed to be the biography of Satan. It's supposed to tell his side of the story. As he attempts to locate the book, he encounters angels and demons and a traveling hotel. A little romance is woven in with his interest, Olive. Nothing is as it seems. A delightful read through the town of Eden.
October 14, 2024
A cross between Pratchett/Gaiman’s collabs, and Butcher but lighter
I really am enjoying this series, it moves right a long, it has crazy twists, it reminds me a lot of Good Omens and Jim Butcher’s Dresden files. I really like the main character he isnt ridiculously talented supernaturally but he has skills and the library ups his power. I love the whole concept of the town, its cleverly done. Really fun books!
I really am enjoying this series, it moves right a long, it has crazy twists, it reminds me a lot of Good Omens and Jim Butcher’s Dresden files. I really like the main character he isnt ridiculously talented supernaturally but he has skills and the library ups his power. I love the whole concept of the town, its cleverly done. Really fun books!
January 16, 2024
Entertaining
The second wasn't as good as the first, but that was largely due to the typos which seemed far more often and more disruptive to the reading process. Still a cute idea and was for the most part enjoyable. Very interesting characters and setting, but the editing definitely needs improvement.
The second wasn't as good as the first, but that was largely due to the typos which seemed far more often and more disruptive to the reading process. Still a cute idea and was for the most part enjoyable. Very interesting characters and setting, but the editing definitely needs improvement.
July 4, 2024
Addictive reading
I like supernatural reading, especially ones that have mystery in it. This book has supernatural stuffs, mysterious stuffs and clever funny stuffs. I return to this book every time I am done with my work. I am glad when I started and I am glad when I finished reading it.
I like supernatural reading, especially ones that have mystery in it. This book has supernatural stuffs, mysterious stuffs and clever funny stuffs. I return to this book every time I am done with my work. I am glad when I started and I am glad when I finished reading it.
August 31, 2024
cute quick and an easy read
This is a good story for when you want something easy to read but interesting enough to keep your attention. Some of the voices the narrator used is more annoying than entertaining. I understand that’s more me than him, otherwise he did a good job of reading the story.
This is a good story for when you want something easy to read but interesting enough to keep your attention. Some of the voices the narrator used is more annoying than entertaining. I understand that’s more me than him, otherwise he did a good job of reading the story.
September 30, 2024
I had to take some points off because of all the editing issues. This is mentioned in quite a few of the other reviews also. The premise of the story remains pretty interesting. This book just didn't have the same draw as the previous one. It seemed mostly focused on Kevin and Olive's relationship even though he was looking for the book from Karl.
January 6, 2025
A guilty pleasure
When I started reading the first book I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. As I continued reading it, I liked it a lot more than I expected. I enjoyed this one as well. These quirky characters kinda grow on you. I'm going to hold of on book 3 because I have a bunch of other books that I've neglected, and I really need to make some room in my Kindle library.
When I started reading the first book I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. As I continued reading it, I liked it a lot more than I expected. I enjoyed this one as well. These quirky characters kinda grow on you. I'm going to hold of on book 3 because I have a bunch of other books that I've neglected, and I really need to make some room in my Kindle library.
February 2, 2025
Librarian & The Book Thief: Strangely Scary Funny Book 2**4.7**
Poor new Librarian really paid dearly trying to recover the book that Karl authored and needed,his son, the new Librarian to distribute. It is not as if Karl left it up to his son to volunteer or anything. I think each story gets funnier and scarier than the one before.
Poor new Librarian really paid dearly trying to recover the book that Karl authored and needed,his son, the new Librarian to distribute. It is not as if Karl left it up to his son to volunteer or anything. I think each story gets funnier and scarier than the one before.
October 9, 2025
It is strangely scary funny. Kevin might be the anti-Christ but maybe not. Karl, better known as Lucifer is looking for his autobiography which was stolen from the library. Several people and entities are looking the autobiography which leads Kevin and the town of Eden to figure where it is and who has it.
December 3, 2025
Ya sky is consistent and consistency is good. This series is moving along with just enough supernatural, mystery and humor. The setting of the town of Eden is confined yet specious. There are hints but no definite answers and to be honest I’m not ready for the answers, not because I can’t handle them but because I want to savor the story like a nice dessert that is almost too decadent.
October 30, 2023
Okayish
Not as good or entertaining as the first book. Something in the writing changed drastically. The story was still decent. Definitely not a book for Christians, unless you can ignore the blatant disregard for Christian beliefs.
Not as good or entertaining as the first book. Something in the writing changed drastically. The story was still decent. Definitely not a book for Christians, unless you can ignore the blatant disregard for Christian beliefs.
November 6, 2023
Querky
Fast and oddly personal dialog. There is a feeling of being back with old friends and the way quick wit feed on and from all of us. I've re-read some sentences and still am unsure if it's a typo or was meant to be. Thanks Brian Yansky, a dry sense of humour is good.
Fast and oddly personal dialog. There is a feeling of being back with old friends and the way quick wit feed on and from all of us. I've re-read some sentences and still am unsure if it's a typo or was meant to be. Thanks Brian Yansky, a dry sense of humour is good.
April 5, 2024
I really loved it
This is the second in the series, and I must say it is as good as the first book, I get a good laugh reading and listening to it, I'm starting the third book next and it will probably be as good as the others
This is the second in the series, and I must say it is as good as the first book, I get a good laugh reading and listening to it, I'm starting the third book next and it will probably be as good as the others
August 16, 2024
The imagination on display is great, and these are short, breezy, fun reads.
Would be four stars but these appear to be self published, and the lack of an editor (or even a good proof reader) is so obvious and annoying that I was tempted to abandon it every one or two chapters.
Would be four stars but these appear to be self published, and the lack of an editor (or even a good proof reader) is so obvious and annoying that I was tempted to abandon it every one or two chapters.
August 26, 2024
Great Follow Up!
This was a very satisfactory follow up to the first book! I'm enjoying the characters development, & learning more & more about the quirky people & places in this strange world the author has conjured up! This is a fun read, but it also makes you think!
This was a very satisfactory follow up to the first book! I'm enjoying the characters development, & learning more & more about the quirky people & places in this strange world the author has conjured up! This is a fun read, but it also makes you think!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews