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ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes
King Trevor
The aftermath of his onstage collapse has taken its toll on Trevor Wolff. He’s become a virtual shut-in, dependent on the people around him to help in his healing. To make matters worse, he might have hung up his bass for good. This is not the Trevor Wolff way. When Mitchell hatches a plan to turn Trevor into the official King of ShapeShifter, it sounds like bunk. However, when Mitchell finds the perfect building to repurpose, the Big Idiot hires the best architect around—the brother-in-law he’s never met. Trevor can’t help but smell secrets that awaken the person he used to be. After all, there’s nothing Trevor Wolff likes more than intrigue—except maybe a chance to square off against his Mitchell’s wife, Kerri.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2012
20 people want to read
About the author
Susan Helene Gottfried
31 books164 followersSusan Helene Gottfried is the heavy-metal-loving, not-disabled-enough divorced Jewish mother of two. A freelance line editor to authors of fiction by day, her select roster of clients tend to hit bestseller lists, and more than a few have quit their day jobs. It’s not entirely her doing, but like does attract like.
Susan holds a BA (University of Pittsburgh) and MFA (Bowling Green State University) in English Writing and Fiction, respectively.
She lives with a couple cats in the Pittsburgh suburbs, just West of Mars. Visit her at http://WestofMars.com and http://TalesFromTheSheepFarm.com.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 18, 2012
What I Loved:
Trevor is the same, self-entitled and awesome person that he has always been, so fans of Trevor most definitely won't be disappointed when he's around. I really enjoyed learning more about Kerri as well. In the first book, what we knew of her was her observations of Trevor and Trevor's opinions and observations of her, which mainly revolved around how she was taking over Mitchell's life. In King Trevor, the reader finds out a lot more about Kerri and her family's background, which added a lot of depth to her character, and I really enjoyed that. And, really, what's not to love about Trevor Wolff wearing a Burger King hat?
What I Didn't Like:
Honestly? Not enough Trevor. True, I don't know if I could get enough Trevor; I just really kind of missed him while reading. Also, while I totally understand his petulance and downright whiney attitude, given the past history of Trevor's Song, it did get on my nerves. I enjoy snarky Trevor much more than petulant, whiney Trevor.
My Overall Review:
(4 of 5 Stars) The Trevolution lives on!
Maybe I'm being a little hard-to-please, but –especially when you compare to the complete awesomeness of Trevor's Song– King Trevor just wasn't as awesome as I expected. (That could also have to do with my expectations being somewhere around the Andromeda Galaxy.) King Trevor certainly had its star-moments (did I mention Trevor wears a Burger King hat?) and by no means was it sub-standard! In fact, if I believed in half-marks, (I don't) it'd rate a 4.5... but again, only whole numbers for me.
I really did enjoy learning more about Kerri and her family; however, the tone of the story tended to tilt closer to the serious and deep side as opposed to the snarky fun side. The band members are alive and well, but there's no big tours or anything. It really gives a good look at band life when not on-the-road. As far as stories go, I think I prefer the band-on-the-road, but while it wasn't totally what I was expecting, it was fresh and unique as far as stories go.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided for me by the author at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
Trevor is the same, self-entitled and awesome person that he has always been, so fans of Trevor most definitely won't be disappointed when he's around. I really enjoyed learning more about Kerri as well. In the first book, what we knew of her was her observations of Trevor and Trevor's opinions and observations of her, which mainly revolved around how she was taking over Mitchell's life. In King Trevor, the reader finds out a lot more about Kerri and her family's background, which added a lot of depth to her character, and I really enjoyed that. And, really, what's not to love about Trevor Wolff wearing a Burger King hat?
What I Didn't Like:
Honestly? Not enough Trevor. True, I don't know if I could get enough Trevor; I just really kind of missed him while reading. Also, while I totally understand his petulance and downright whiney attitude, given the past history of Trevor's Song, it did get on my nerves. I enjoy snarky Trevor much more than petulant, whiney Trevor.
My Overall Review:
(4 of 5 Stars) The Trevolution lives on!
Maybe I'm being a little hard-to-please, but –especially when you compare to the complete awesomeness of Trevor's Song– King Trevor just wasn't as awesome as I expected. (That could also have to do with my expectations being somewhere around the Andromeda Galaxy.) King Trevor certainly had its star-moments (did I mention Trevor wears a Burger King hat?) and by no means was it sub-standard! In fact, if I believed in half-marks, (I don't) it'd rate a 4.5... but again, only whole numbers for me.
I really did enjoy learning more about Kerri and her family; however, the tone of the story tended to tilt closer to the serious and deep side as opposed to the snarky fun side. The band members are alive and well, but there's no big tours or anything. It really gives a good look at band life when not on-the-road. As far as stories go, I think I prefer the band-on-the-road, but while it wasn't totally what I was expecting, it was fresh and unique as far as stories go.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided for me by the author at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
July 8, 2012
I'm a big fan of the author, Susan, and her work. I've been a little bit of a fan girl of Trevors since before the books even existed and there was just a little blog. I wasn't sure where Susan was going after her first book, [[ASIN:B004C445Z6 Trevor's Song]], but was willing to go along for the ride. I ended up being shocked how much Trevor has grown as a person and as a character. Oh, he's still a grade A butthead, but there were moments that we got to see the real him that made me smile. I'm not sure that Trevor could ever totally lose his attitude as that would just be unrealistic.
However, Trevor is almost a secondary character in this book. This books really is about Keri and family relationships. About the elephant in the room that sits there and stares at you while smiling politely at family functions. I have always liked Keri, but my love and appreciation for her, who she is and what she does grew tremendously with this one. This second book of the series also gave us a larger insight into Mitchell and how much he's willing to do for her.
I found Keri's brother, Stevie, however to be one of the single most annoying characters, however. I'm sure he was written that way, but I found myself unable to connect with him and just wanted to punch him. For as much success as he has had, he sure is a whiny spineless sniveling idiot of a man. He was somewhat redeemed, but he'll need some work for me to not hate him. *laughing*
What I enjoy most about Susan's work with Shapeshifter is that it brings me back to my teenage years. The days of hair bands, screeching metal music and hiding in my room from my parents, who just didn't understand.
Recommended for children of the 80's and 90's. Read her first book first though, I think you really do need the background before diving into this one.
However, Trevor is almost a secondary character in this book. This books really is about Keri and family relationships. About the elephant in the room that sits there and stares at you while smiling politely at family functions. I have always liked Keri, but my love and appreciation for her, who she is and what she does grew tremendously with this one. This second book of the series also gave us a larger insight into Mitchell and how much he's willing to do for her.
I found Keri's brother, Stevie, however to be one of the single most annoying characters, however. I'm sure he was written that way, but I found myself unable to connect with him and just wanted to punch him. For as much success as he has had, he sure is a whiny spineless sniveling idiot of a man. He was somewhat redeemed, but he'll need some work for me to not hate him. *laughing*
What I enjoy most about Susan's work with Shapeshifter is that it brings me back to my teenage years. The days of hair bands, screeching metal music and hiding in my room from my parents, who just didn't understand.
Recommended for children of the 80's and 90's. Read her first book first though, I think you really do need the background before diving into this one.
April 9, 2012
Longtime readers of my reviews know that I'm a big fan of Susan Helene Gottfried's series about an East Coast heavy metal band. As someone who used to be in the business myself, I can tell you that these books are a realistic picture of the industry as well as being quite entertaining.
The latest ShapeShifter novel brings us into the band's life after bassist Trevor Wolff's cancer treatment and subsequent collapse (as outlined in Trevor's Song). Trevor's usual bravado is a misguided attempt to disguise his depression.
So, Mitchell Voss contacts his real estate agent uncle about finding an appropriate rehearsal space in town where the band can also have offices: enter, the slaughterhouse. Or, The Slaughterhouse, an abattoir that will be converted to the ideal space by a hot young architect.
Who happens to be Mitchell's brother-in-law.
Those who have read Susan Helene Gottfriend's books know that Kerry, Mitchell's wife, is estranged from her family. This is the book wherein we learn the reason.
This book is not nearly so much about the band as it is about Kerri and her brother, Stevie. I had a hard time relating to the latter character, who seemed a little spineless for a successful architect. However, it was interesting to watch the development of the story and learn more about the band members.
Nicely done.
The latest ShapeShifter novel brings us into the band's life after bassist Trevor Wolff's cancer treatment and subsequent collapse (as outlined in Trevor's Song). Trevor's usual bravado is a misguided attempt to disguise his depression.
So, Mitchell Voss contacts his real estate agent uncle about finding an appropriate rehearsal space in town where the band can also have offices: enter, the slaughterhouse. Or, The Slaughterhouse, an abattoir that will be converted to the ideal space by a hot young architect.
Who happens to be Mitchell's brother-in-law.
Those who have read Susan Helene Gottfriend's books know that Kerry, Mitchell's wife, is estranged from her family. This is the book wherein we learn the reason.
This book is not nearly so much about the band as it is about Kerri and her brother, Stevie. I had a hard time relating to the latter character, who seemed a little spineless for a successful architect. However, it was interesting to watch the development of the story and learn more about the band members.
Nicely done.
April 28, 2012
Why does it feel like Trevor has grown up, just a little bit, on me? He is back to his usual self after finally getting over his health problems. It's nice to see him being snarly and smart aleck again. We get to see Kerri's past a bit. I'm glad her brother started loosening up there at the end. I've never seen somebody so wound up. With a mother like they had we can understand why.
Here's a couple things I highlighted on my Kindle:
Until Trevor yowled. "You motherf*er! Who f*ing gave you the right?" - I immediately got the song Signs as sung by Telsa "What gives you the right? To put up a fence and keep me out or to keep mother nature in If God was here He'd tell it to your face, man you're some kind of sinner Signs, signs, everywhere there's sign Blocking up the scenery, breaking my mind Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?"
Cinnamon was spreading through the house, and if there was anything impossible to sleep though, it was the smell of cinnamon. I totally agree, Mitchell!
#48of2012
Here's a couple things I highlighted on my Kindle:
Until Trevor yowled. "You motherf*er! Who f*ing gave you the right?" - I immediately got the song Signs as sung by Telsa "What gives you the right? To put up a fence and keep me out or to keep mother nature in If God was here He'd tell it to your face, man you're some kind of sinner Signs, signs, everywhere there's sign Blocking up the scenery, breaking my mind Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?"
Cinnamon was spreading through the house, and if there was anything impossible to sleep though, it was the smell of cinnamon. I totally agree, Mitchell!
#48of2012
April 9, 2012
Join the ShapeShifter band and experience life as a rock star! This book is a perfect combination of rock fiction, mystery, drama and humor. The main focus is on Mitchell, the singer, and his wife Kerri, as Kerri confronts the one secret she's kept from Mitchell. While Trevor is not always the star here, he still manages to remain in the limelight. His role in the band is changing, and so is he. But that change doesn't keep him from being his demanding, narcissistic self!
King Trevor picks up where Trevor's Song, the first ShapeShifter book, left off. If you have yet to meet Trevor, I suggest starting with the first book. While this one could be read as a stand-alone, I think having the background makes for a better reading experience.
King Trevor picks up where Trevor's Song, the first ShapeShifter book, left off. If you have yet to meet Trevor, I suggest starting with the first book. While this one could be read as a stand-alone, I think having the background makes for a better reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews