Kaz Wolfe is trying to prevent ancient gods from regaining access to our world. The Order wants to open a portal to the Nether, to gain power by serving those gods. Playing defense isn’t working, the Order always has the initiative. It’s time for direct action. To hit the Order hard. Before it’s too late for us.
My Bio: Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
I am . . . underwhelmed. And I feel terrible about it.
Craig Alanson can write the best characters. Kaz, Duke, Boots, Aziz - as well as the humans involved. All so relatable, so well written, so enjoyable. However - and it's a big however - Kaz's character overall is starting to behave like Joe Bishop. He's humble. He's considerate. He's funny. He's affable. He's Joe.
Then we have Aziz, who is constantly reminding Kaz what a brainless screwup he is and Kaz is constantly stopping himself from snapping back - just like Joe and Skippy.
But then we have Boots, who is just mean in the best cat kind of way and Duke, who has been stealing the show since the beginning. Fortunately I love the Ex Force books, so seeing so much of Joe in Kaz isn't a bad thing. It's just not what I hoped.
The other thing that bothered me is that we took this whole trip over to FBI and mafia and let's catch the bad guy territory. Very clever, as Alanson always is with his solutions. But isn't this a book about magic? Aren't we supposed to be figuring out the whole magic thing? I don't feel like we got very far with that.
Also "breaking it down Barney style" is totally out of place here.
And yet having said that, we got the whole closing of the portal thing which was pretty cool. There are a lot of high points in this book. And honestly it would easily get 5 stars from me if I didn't feel like it was Joe 2.0 in the lead role. I love Joe. But I expected Kaz to be this completely different guy, the rough kid who spent a lot of his childhood getting by on just his wits. He's pretty easygoing and happy for having had people chasing and trying to kill him since he was a teenager. I would expect more of an edge, more distrust, more reservation. A guy that's more isolated by choice, emotionally detached. That's not who Kaz is, because apparently he's Joe 2.0.
So there's my rant. Means nothing because I will absolutely continue with the series. But, just sayin.
I have traded out one book in the Series September line-up for First Strike by Craig Alanson, third book in the Convergence series. Was it worth it?…
My Opinion: Whilst plot was very entertaining for the most part, this book had a lot more of those scenes where nothing is happening due to silent, still, or covert operations in effect. People are either standing around gathering data or sitting around putting said data into plans. Doesn’t help that now there’s so many characters that I am slightly losing interest or care for any of them, as they’re blending together a lot, and sometimes I just forget who felt what about what or whom. But with all that present, it was still great fun to read. We hit jackpot with the talking dog, Duke. Then peaked at talking cat, Mr. Boots. Well, let me introduce you to a demon possessed vacuum cleaner who should’ve been named Vlad the Inhaler, but wasn’t, and it’s a sin I just cannot forgive. Still, if you never laughed or can’t seem to understand what’s so funny about a demon possessed vacuum cleaner, you’re in for a great treat.
A solid 4 out of 5. Whilst I can forgive the doing-nothing scenes, doesn’t mean it serves anything good.
This one felt like filler. But it has all the things I enjoy about the series. Mainly, the talking animals. The relationship between Kaz and his “pets” is the main reason to continue reading, and I will.
I’ve become fond of all the characters, so I’m glad that they are surviving from book to book… but Alanson doesn’t seem to know what to do with most of them these days. I really hope that the next book has a bit more plot and sense of direction. But, again, I’ll be continuing with the series, as long as I get to hang out with Duke and Boots.
This book was so crazy in the best ways!!! And the more Boots, Duke and Azib I get the better!! R.C Bray is the best narrator I swear! Also appreciate the little visit they made into Canada in Montreal! Such a fun book. Also why am I Azib and Duke when it comes to cookies and food? Ahahaah
I like the change of pace. Having Kaz be more of a go getter and more confident, with magic and making plans. Really liked the setup at the end created great intrigue. Rc Bray Killin the voice acting yet again.
The review is for the whole series since it's not an episodic storytelling but rather one big story. Nevertheless, here are my separate rating for the first 4 books:
1. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2. ⭐⭐⭐ 3. ⭐⭐ 4. ⭐⭐
More details:
GOOD
In general, the story is interesting and makes you keep reading. The main character is likable and the rest of the team is colorful and engaging. Additionally, sidekicks—a talking dog, cat, and jinni—are fun. At least in the beginning. Hence, the highest rating of the first book. It keeps you reading despite further listed negatives.
BAD
Jokes, snarks, and whining of the talking animals and jinni become stale pretty fast. They are fun in the first book, then tolerable in the second, but they just blatantly annoy in the third and make you want to completely stop reading in the fourth book. And they never change. It's constant recycling of annoying pets' talks about food and desire to eat. Again, and again. It's just too much and becomes extremely annoying and not funny anymore.
The story develops too slowly. Craig Alanson, apparently, is more interested in writing about talking animals and recycling their food demands than developing the story. It looks like the author is fighting procrastination: he throws in anything possible—mostly in the form of stale recycled food jokes, bickering, snark comments, and useless conversations—just not to move the story further. A 20-minute episode of the Rick and Morty show has more story than all 4 books in this series.
As a result, if we cut out most of the annoying interruptions by useless bickering about food that doesn't move a needle, the four books could be neatly packed into one proper book.
I'm not sure I'll read the next book. I already can't stand these animals with their constant whining about food.
A fun, humorous read with Forest Gump type, social insights
This is the second series that I have, am reading by this author. He’s clever, witty. He has a knack for using his characters interactions and dialogues to comment about today’s society whether it’s an issue or just general observations. What’s intriguing is he’s usually spot on and humorous to boot. Reminds me of Forest Gump’s folklore when Gump quoted, and acted on, sayings from his mother. Unfortunately, I don’t believe most people took Gump’s commentaries as seriously as they should have.
Could nit pick about some plot and character inconsistencies, similarities of this to authors other work — ie, speech and intelligence from unlikely sources. And the author has a tendency to hit dead zones where the writing is a bit tedious and flat. Nature of the beast, pluses outweigh minuses substantially.
Another hilarious page turning fun rump from Craig Alanson! I do not know how he both makes you sit on the edge of your seat from the thriller aspects but can make you tear up with laughter all at the same time. I think all readers kind of wish they were writers too, if I could be I would want to be just like Craig Alanson because I can not get enough of his books.
I do not do spoilers for books so you will not find any here. I can tell you they add another companion who is also a lot of fun which seems to be a pattern in these books. It may be that he will get to a point where the group is all together or it may be that by the 20th book he will be traveling with an entire platoon who knows all I know is I cant want to find out.
These books are full of suspense and laughs with an incredible skill. Craig Alanson seems to have peered into my brain and figured out how to write books that would appeal to me like no other. I am not a fan of fantasy at all, but I loved these books.
4/5 'First Strike' by Craig Alanson is a fun third installment in the urban fantasy series. We delve deeper into the characters and get some interesting developments with the plot. So far, the plot hasn't struck me as particularly unique but the characters more than make up for that. These books are hilarious and that is largely due to the cast of characters that Alanson has created. Duke is one of my favorite dogs in fiction and one of my absolutely favorite characters in this series. This book has quite possibly my favorite character addition for a portion of the story and I desperately hope that they come back in the future. There are few books that I actually laugh out loud at while I am reading them but this series consistently makes me laugh. If you are interested in great characters and a really funny urban fantasy (that also has a lot of heart), the Convergence series is a great pick.
Man I loved this book. Remember this is the first story ARC that I've read by Craig Alanson so I'm looking at it through a fresh perspective. I do see so many reviews clouded by the Joe Ledger series but that's not me! I feel like, in First Strike Craig has finally hit his stride... not just with his team as a whole fighting bad guys but with each individual member and especially Duke the dog, Mister Boots and for awhile a Demon vacuum cleaner. So go ahead grab the book and enjoy!
I love posting quotes that amuse me, and I found these are duzzys:
"There was a whirring sound as the vacuum, still not plugged in, went back and forth across the pavement, sucking up the blood and, yuck. Holy sh-... Where it cleaned, there was no trace of gore, no blood, no sign that a human being had been eaten there. No sign that Darius or Andrei had ever existed."
“What about, uh,” I pointed toward the vacuum. “Mister Clean?” “Mister Clean?” “Unless you can think of a better name?” “Vlad the Inhaler?” Isabel suggested. “Good one,” I laughed."
"A magic cat. Are you sure it doesn’t shoot laser beams from its eyes?” He had to laugh. “It’s not Princess Donut, if that’s what you’re thinking."
What do an untrained wizard, knights from the past, secret agents, a talking dog, an obnoxious genie, and a sarcastic deadly cat from the Nether have in common?
Well, 3 stars I guess.
The story line is a bit thin, and the characters are only starting to develop some depth.
However, the series is hard to put down for a few reasons.
First, it’s an easy read and keeps your attention due to the sheer rapidity with which the plot line moves along.
Also, the author has clearly found a formula that works from his Expeditionary Force series. An upstart protagonist who succeeds despite a lack of training. A band of fiercely loyal and extremely varied sidekicks. All of them bent on solving impossible missions at the last minute against all odds and using the most convoluted methods possible.
However, the execution here falls slightly flat so far, and has become essentially a distraction to keep me entertained until the next book in the Expeditionary Force series comes out. I’ll keep an open mind. There’s potential here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I wish I could give Bray more than five stars for the narration. Alanson deserves praise, too, of course for writing the material. This third book really got deeper into the story and into the characters. I was actually kind of surprised how long the book went. it was wonderful. The story could have ended right after the battle with the Croc, but it kept going and we got so much more. The action was great. the magic was great. I loved how much of the talking animals there was and you just can't beat the scene with the pets and a genie driving a tow truck under the guidance of a blind man. I also really enjoyed the part where they set up the mob in order to get at The Order. This is turning out to be an awesome modern fantasy series and I'm looking forward to the next part.
Another outstanding book in this series about a modern-day wizard and his unusual entourage! Duke, the talking dog, is still helping Kaz survive, and kick butt, as they stay a half step ahead of their adversaries. The story line is fast paced, and full of surprises. The characters are developed a bit more, becoming a cohesive team. Kaz is learning more about magic - how it works, and how to use it better - as he settles into his role as THE wizard. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I can now see that the author is going to keep me staring at my mailbox, anxiously awaiting each new book in the series.
Another fantastic book by Craig Alanson! I would highly suggest you listen to the audiobook of any Craig Alanson work.
Once again Duke, Boots and Aziz deal with a nearly useless wizard trying to save the modern world from the apocalypse. The Wizard, Kaz, doesn't understand that more snacks are always needed and that his team are more effective than he is.
If you enjoy fantasy, scifi and fantastic humor, this is the book for you. Again, listen to the audiobook. Its not as good as Skippy singing (other Craig Alanson books) but its pretty good.
Our band of misfits are going through a real bitch of a hard time. The Order is trying to find our resident wizard (in training) and the talking dog and ancient cat, along with the two knights from the far distant past and a couple of fairly recent others try to muddle through the muck.
All in all, it is a great story. Just need the next book in the series.
I like the adventures with kaz the reluctant magician and his Jinn, talking dog, and nether world cat, thrown in with a couple of modern operatives, a Roman knight and a kick ass female from Gaul. Strange stuff? You bet. But a lot of fun too. My only issue is some of the inane banter with the dog. My dogs are much smarter, but thank god they don’t talk!
The schtick of a dog being both too smart and too stupid to lose an arguement, and a wizard both tough enough to kill the vad guys and kind enough to the put up with the dog gets old. Eventually the story gets told, and it's a good one. But after wasting so much time on the dog, cat and djin tropes, the story is actually rushed. I'd give it 2 stars, but the story when he finally gets around to telling it is pretty good.
Aw, man! Things were just getting good towards the end of #3. I'm not complaining about the plot. I like all the character-building and the team conflicts. The foodie and entertainment discussions are particularly entertaining. The cat is my favorite character and I'm very impressed with his driving skills.
Listened on Audible. This book continues the story of Kaz and company in a fun new set of adventures. The writing style is engaging, exciting, and amusing. Some of the humor is repetitive and not strictly necessary for the sake of the plot or story, but I don’t regret listening even if the story could be tightened up a bit.
Funny as hell. Having conversations with a talking dog and a talking cat and a genie! Who needs a plot, although there is a good one. You need to read all three books and hopefully the fourth one will be out soon!
Craig did a wonderful name Drop about half away thru the book. I enjoy the various authors in the sci-fi sub genres acknowledging other works. I know they can't connect the various universes but it's still fun to see a name drop.
I can’t say enough good about this. I like the characters and the story. This is a great book and I’d recommend it to fans of a good story told really well. This one won’t disappoint.
Real magic... enjoying this series a lot. Interesting plot line and subplots. I would like a little more character development. Book 3 teases with a bit of that so I am fully on-board with reading on!!
Excellent moving forward of the adventures of Duke and Cass, what I really want to say about this book though, is repaired for a good laugh, absolutely hilarious in many parts alongside the seriousness of the storyline.
Great character development, very reasonable, if you accept the talking cat/dog/genie premise! A very entertaining and enjoyable read. Waiting for the next book with a worm on my tongue, ie bated breath.
I'd feel better about 3.5 than 3. It took until about halfway through this third book in the series before it felt like characters and story were finally starting to mesh. It gives me hope for follow up books because I wasn't sure I was going to read any more of them.