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King Henry Tapes #1
The Foul Mouth and the Fanged Lady
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B005JX356O.
THE PULPANORMAL BEGINS...
An Urban Fantasy novel for fans of George R.R. Martin, Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch, and Jim Butcher, "THE FOUL MOUTH AND THE FANGED LADY" seeks to bring back the pulp, the creativity, and a full cast of unique characters to a genre drowning in sparkly vampires, misunderstood werewolves, and Mary Sues gone wild.
Described by its fans as "Harry Potter meets Pulp Fiction" and "A Supernatural X-Men", THE KING HENRY TAPES follow the exploits, adventures, and barely survived disasters of King Henry Price, both during his time as an independent Artificer For Hire and during his schooling at the Institution of Elements--more commonly referred to as "The Asylum" by its student body.
"THE FOUL MOUTH AND THE FANGED LADY" begins the story with a not-so-sparkly vampire walking through the door of King Henry's shop. She tells King Henry that he's going to help her find a stolen magical item so powerful it's capable of causing a city leveling earthquake and she's not taking 'no' for an answer. No matter how much he fights her or how much he curses her, he's coming along for the ride.
Of course...she also claims she's Anne Boleyn, so she just might be a little crazy...
THE PULPANORMAL BEGINS...
An Urban Fantasy novel for fans of George R.R. Martin, Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch, and Jim Butcher, "THE FOUL MOUTH AND THE FANGED LADY" seeks to bring back the pulp, the creativity, and a full cast of unique characters to a genre drowning in sparkly vampires, misunderstood werewolves, and Mary Sues gone wild.
Described by its fans as "Harry Potter meets Pulp Fiction" and "A Supernatural X-Men", THE KING HENRY TAPES follow the exploits, adventures, and barely survived disasters of King Henry Price, both during his time as an independent Artificer For Hire and during his schooling at the Institution of Elements--more commonly referred to as "The Asylum" by its student body.
"THE FOUL MOUTH AND THE FANGED LADY" begins the story with a not-so-sparkly vampire walking through the door of King Henry's shop. She tells King Henry that he's going to help her find a stolen magical item so powerful it's capable of causing a city leveling earthquake and she's not taking 'no' for an answer. No matter how much he fights her or how much he curses her, he's coming along for the ride.
Of course...she also claims she's Anne Boleyn, so she just might be a little crazy...
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2011
298 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
About the author
Richard Raley
22 books191 followersRichard Raley was born and raised in Fresno, California and even still lives there on account of the city being an evil vortex you can't escape. He grew up on Star Wars, Transformers, Legos, and Everquest--he never escaped them either. His rise to fame/infamy began with "The Foul Mouth and the Fanged Lady", the first book of THE KING HENRY TAPES, an Urban Fantasy Series that has been described as "Harry Potter meets Pulp Fiction".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 5, 2022
Sooooo ..... after being locked out of my Kindle app I've decided to have a bit of a clean up in my various "Books Read" lists. First cabs off the rank are my DNF pile. If I DNF'd it and have absolutely NO intention of reading it again, I'm changing my rating to 1 🌟 and deleting it off my Kindle. Life is too short at my age for crappy books!!
Original Review:
This is a 2.5 star read.
This sounded like it was going to be such a fun, snarky read but unfortunately it's a DNF at 18% for me.
Original Review:
This is a 2.5 star read.
This sounded like it was going to be such a fun, snarky read but unfortunately it's a DNF at 18% for me.
June 20, 2018
The Foul Mouth and the Fanged Lady (King Henry Tapes #1) by Richard Raley is a book about a foul mouth, terrible 14 year old that is sent to school for supernatural kids. The book bounces back and forth from telling the story about his 14 year old self going to school and the grown up self that has graduated and has a business of his own. A vampire comes by and tries to force him to work for her. They eventually decide to work together. This is a great two stories in one book kinda read and I loved it! Lots of humor, craziness, he works at making things for supernatural at his shop but really is an antique store for the regular public. A fun plot and funnier characters.
March 1, 2016
I laughed my ass of with this one!
Not perfect, but then again very few things are.
Definitely recommended for those who don't mind a little colorful language!
Not perfect, but then again very few things are.
Definitely recommended for those who don't mind a little colorful language!
August 7, 2014
This book is a cross between Rachel Caine's Weather Warden series and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. Witty, vulgar, inventive,and well-written. I loved every second of this book because King Henry Price is a lovable, foul-mouthed kid/man that finds he has special powers which are Raley's version of midichlorians called anima. It takes the best concepts of fantasy and brings it to an urban setting flawlessly: vampires, all forms of mancy (pyro,necro, etc). It was jarring at first to jump between present KH and young KH, but after a few chapters or sessions since they're meant to be recorded tapes I barely noticed the switch between the past events and present. Raley does a fabulous job of keeping KH in character with his language and personality without sacrificing the quality of writing or individualism of his voice. KH is a character I can grow with and learn from, especially some choice swear words and an appreciation for people of all shapes and sizes. Must must must read!
April 8, 2012
Review posted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/04/indie-book-review-foul-mouth-and-fanged.html
The Foul Mouth and the Fanged Lady is about a fourteen year old kid named King Henry Price. Oh, I know. And just like the original King Henry, this King Henry has quite the rep. He curses so much he puts sailors to shame, acts like a dog in heat when it comes to girls and steals anything he can fit in his backpack. King Henry and his family get a visit from a woman named Ceinwyn Dale. She tells his parents about a special school that can help King Henry. His parents jump on this lie and want King Henry to take the opportunity. The school is special, but it is for kids with very special powers. Mancers. There are all types of mancers and King Henry might just be a Geomancer, who are rare and very powerful. And he might be the most powerful one.
After years of training, he is grown up and thought he was done with the Asylum for the most part. Until he gets a visit from a vampire who says she is the Anne Boleyn and needs King Henry's help to find an artifact. King Henry thinks she is nuts and doesn't want to give his help up easily. He knows he is being played with, but is it by Annie B. or Ceinwyn. King Henry doesn't like being a pawn.
Man, what a story this was. Raley says this is Harry Potter meets Pulp Fiction. That pretty much nails it. This isn't a story for young adults though. It is pretty raunchy and bloody and a whole lot of fun.
King Henry isn't the typical hero. He has an attitude, says whatever is on his mind, disrespectful, selfish, but you still root for him. He has a heart, it is just buried under a bunch of other crap. You have his mentor Ceinwyn who you aren't sure you should trust. She is an Aeromancer, she can control the air. But there are times when you see that she cares for King Henry and she knows how to put up with his tantrums. Annie B. was a sex-crazed nutcase and she was scary. But I love the push-and-pull between her and King Henry. They definitely had chemistry even when King Henry was trying to save himself and his manhood.
I love this story so much. This is definitely something very new and fresh. I love the idea of Mancers, so many different kinds that can control all sorts of elements. It does remind me a bit of the X-Men.The Mancers use different elements to pool their power, or what they call anima. This is very powerful and most can't handle it, except for King Henry which is why he is so popular. Raley did such a great job with this concept. I also love that Raley added his spin to vampires. They aren't humans who were turned or born that way. Instead, vampires are actual blood creatures. They use humans as a host and can shape themselves into weapons. I love that! God, that is brilliant!
I love how this became a little like Indiana Jones just with ancient vampires. King Henry has to find a weapon that uses so much anima that is creates earthquakes. It is impossible for an object to hold so much power and it all the more reason why King Henry needs to find it. Someone with that kind of power can destroy the world.
This book truly took me by surprise. It was so unique and hilarious. I laughed so hard, I had tears. I love the idea of King Henry recollecting all he knows through videotapes for the Asylum. This would make a very fun TV series. I would love that. It is action packed and surprisingly heartfelt at times. Of course, it doesn't last long because King Henry has the tendency to ruin it. If you are looking for a different supernatural story that is full of laughs and action, look no further, it is right here. Richard Raley, thank you for your creativeness. Check this out today, it is only $0.99!
The Foul Mouth and the Fanged Lady is about a fourteen year old kid named King Henry Price. Oh, I know. And just like the original King Henry, this King Henry has quite the rep. He curses so much he puts sailors to shame, acts like a dog in heat when it comes to girls and steals anything he can fit in his backpack. King Henry and his family get a visit from a woman named Ceinwyn Dale. She tells his parents about a special school that can help King Henry. His parents jump on this lie and want King Henry to take the opportunity. The school is special, but it is for kids with very special powers. Mancers. There are all types of mancers and King Henry might just be a Geomancer, who are rare and very powerful. And he might be the most powerful one.
After years of training, he is grown up and thought he was done with the Asylum for the most part. Until he gets a visit from a vampire who says she is the Anne Boleyn and needs King Henry's help to find an artifact. King Henry thinks she is nuts and doesn't want to give his help up easily. He knows he is being played with, but is it by Annie B. or Ceinwyn. King Henry doesn't like being a pawn.
Man, what a story this was. Raley says this is Harry Potter meets Pulp Fiction. That pretty much nails it. This isn't a story for young adults though. It is pretty raunchy and bloody and a whole lot of fun.
King Henry isn't the typical hero. He has an attitude, says whatever is on his mind, disrespectful, selfish, but you still root for him. He has a heart, it is just buried under a bunch of other crap. You have his mentor Ceinwyn who you aren't sure you should trust. She is an Aeromancer, she can control the air. But there are times when you see that she cares for King Henry and she knows how to put up with his tantrums. Annie B. was a sex-crazed nutcase and she was scary. But I love the push-and-pull between her and King Henry. They definitely had chemistry even when King Henry was trying to save himself and his manhood.
I love this story so much. This is definitely something very new and fresh. I love the idea of Mancers, so many different kinds that can control all sorts of elements. It does remind me a bit of the X-Men.The Mancers use different elements to pool their power, or what they call anima. This is very powerful and most can't handle it, except for King Henry which is why he is so popular. Raley did such a great job with this concept. I also love that Raley added his spin to vampires. They aren't humans who were turned or born that way. Instead, vampires are actual blood creatures. They use humans as a host and can shape themselves into weapons. I love that! God, that is brilliant!
I love how this became a little like Indiana Jones just with ancient vampires. King Henry has to find a weapon that uses so much anima that is creates earthquakes. It is impossible for an object to hold so much power and it all the more reason why King Henry needs to find it. Someone with that kind of power can destroy the world.
This book truly took me by surprise. It was so unique and hilarious. I laughed so hard, I had tears. I love the idea of King Henry recollecting all he knows through videotapes for the Asylum. This would make a very fun TV series. I would love that. It is action packed and surprisingly heartfelt at times. Of course, it doesn't last long because King Henry has the tendency to ruin it. If you are looking for a different supernatural story that is full of laughs and action, look no further, it is right here. Richard Raley, thank you for your creativeness. Check this out today, it is only $0.99!
August 3, 2015
Oh yeah, that's the ticket.
This is urban fantasy for men.
Picture Harry Dresden as a foul mouthed, ornery, SHORT, wizard with very specific powers...and those powers aren't really always that useful. A teenager who likes to get into a fight almost as much as he likes sex. Don't get me wrong, there are no graphic sex acts in this book - plenty of cursing, but no sex.
There is also a new system of magic and a new type of 'vampire'. Even the weres are different, although they don't make an appearance.
Best of all...there is no crushing ongoing war against the forces of darkness. Vampires may play little political games but they leave Mancers out of it and mostly it is simply benign guidance with infighting. The real foe is revealed very late in the book.
I laughed several times. He quoted Monty Python's 'Holy Grail' during a fight!!
Minor proofreading flaws - 'rode' not 'road'; that sort of thing. I actually give it more than 4 stars, but not quite 5.
I am going to buy the next in the series right now. Best compliment I know.
This is urban fantasy for men.
Picture Harry Dresden as a foul mouthed, ornery, SHORT, wizard with very specific powers...and those powers aren't really always that useful. A teenager who likes to get into a fight almost as much as he likes sex. Don't get me wrong, there are no graphic sex acts in this book - plenty of cursing, but no sex.
There is also a new system of magic and a new type of 'vampire'. Even the weres are different, although they don't make an appearance.
Best of all...there is no crushing ongoing war against the forces of darkness. Vampires may play little political games but they leave Mancers out of it and mostly it is simply benign guidance with infighting. The real foe is revealed very late in the book.
I laughed several times. He quoted Monty Python's 'Holy Grail' during a fight!!
Minor proofreading flaws - 'rode' not 'road'; that sort of thing. I actually give it more than 4 stars, but not quite 5.
I am going to buy the next in the series right now. Best compliment I know.
March 23, 2013
1.5 stars
Not for me. I was intrigued by the premise, and I really enjoyed the back and forth nature, where the narrator tells readers about his life at 14 and then switches to his current life, but the language and humor isn't my style. King Henry Price has had a difficult life, and I understand the angst and hatred he carries, but his obsession with sex, the middle finger, and words for certain body parts put me off of the story as a whole. I think it's well written, and the characterization is done very well and probably more true to life than I care to admit, but King Henry isn't someone I'd surround myself with in real life, so listening to him cuss and be lude and crude throughout was more than I could handle.
Not for me. I was intrigued by the premise, and I really enjoyed the back and forth nature, where the narrator tells readers about his life at 14 and then switches to his current life, but the language and humor isn't my style. King Henry Price has had a difficult life, and I understand the angst and hatred he carries, but his obsession with sex, the middle finger, and words for certain body parts put me off of the story as a whole. I think it's well written, and the characterization is done very well and probably more true to life than I care to admit, but King Henry isn't someone I'd surround myself with in real life, so listening to him cuss and be lude and crude throughout was more than I could handle.
March 13, 2021
Rude, Crude and socially unacceptable... And an absolutely fun read. This is my favorite paranormal series.
January 7, 2017
I liked this book.
But I feel like it's for the wrong(?) reasons.
So our main character, King Henry, has been beaten down his entire life, but he doesn't just take hits, he dishes them out as well. So he's been fighting against the world from the get go.
But guess what? A mysterious stranger comes and tells him that he's special and that he gets to leave behind his miserable life into a whole new magical one.
But wait, he's not just normal special, he's ultra special.
So special he's the only one in the entire school as special as he is.
Then we get to see him after he's graduated and he's even more special since he gets his own shop.
Then there's Annie B.(oleyn) Strong, Smart, Sexy. An elder Vampiress who outmatches King Henry in brawn, and clearly knows far more than he.
She's the reason I enjoyed this book as much as I did. Annie feels like she embodies the femme fatale trope; an alluringly attractive, but also terrifying, monster.
That's why I feel like I may like the book for the wrong reasons since I liked how exciting Annie was and how she wasn't immediately overshadowed by the protagonist. That even when it seemed as though Henry had subverted her plans, she still manages to steal the show.
I liked her, and the fantasy she represents, more than the rest of the book, since without her, the story would really feel like a generic brooding-hero-discovers-he's-ultra-special-and-becomes-Harry-Potter.
I still enjoyed it.
But I feel like it's for the wrong(?) reasons.
So our main character, King Henry, has been beaten down his entire life, but he doesn't just take hits, he dishes them out as well. So he's been fighting against the world from the get go.
But guess what? A mysterious stranger comes and tells him that he's special and that he gets to leave behind his miserable life into a whole new magical one.
But wait, he's not just normal special, he's ultra special.
So special he's the only one in the entire school as special as he is.
Then we get to see him after he's graduated and he's even more special since he gets his own shop.
Then there's Annie B.(oleyn) Strong, Smart, Sexy. An elder Vampiress who outmatches King Henry in brawn, and clearly knows far more than he.
She's the reason I enjoyed this book as much as I did. Annie feels like she embodies the femme fatale trope; an alluringly attractive, but also terrifying, monster.
That's why I feel like I may like the book for the wrong reasons since I liked how exciting Annie was and how she wasn't immediately overshadowed by the protagonist. That even when it seemed as though Henry had subverted her plans, she still manages to steal the show.
I liked her, and the fantasy she represents, more than the rest of the book, since without her, the story would really feel like a generic brooding-hero-discovers-he's-ultra-special-and-becomes-Harry-Potter.
I still enjoyed it.
May 3, 2016
When I first started reading this book, I was expecting some light-hearted fun, and lots of cussing. It turned out to be a lot of fun with pretty deep stuff like mental illness, addiction, abandonment issues, etc. mixed in, and lots of cussing. I liked it. You get this kid in a difficult situation, trying to make the best of it in a way that makes him feel good about himself as well, and you see him talking as an adult, too. These jumps back and forth in the story could be annoying, but it worked perfectly for me. Both reading the story as it developed, and getting a perspective on why he does what he does was great. Also, all the mechanism of the magic and the world-building works for me, I haven't noticed any inconsistencies.
But now I'm going to be honest here. I'm a very mild-mannered person, always trying to avoid confrontation, seeking peace and reconciliation at all times. I never once in my life cussed somebody out to their face. And this book, actually the whole series is so much more fun to read, I get the best kind of escapism by imagining I was more like King Henry, going through life like a cannonball, breaking things and people all the way.
tl;dr: This book is a lot of fun but with some dark undertones, which are handled well imho. Lots of swearing tho, stay away if easily offended.
But now I'm going to be honest here. I'm a very mild-mannered person, always trying to avoid confrontation, seeking peace and reconciliation at all times. I never once in my life cussed somebody out to their face. And this book, actually the whole series is so much more fun to read, I get the best kind of escapism by imagining I was more like King Henry, going through life like a cannonball, breaking things and people all the way.
tl;dr: This book is a lot of fun but with some dark undertones, which are handled well imho. Lots of swearing tho, stay away if easily offended.
September 13, 2017
Stick with it. This series starts off rough, but every book in the series gets exponentially better.
December 30, 2020
I loved this book so much it made my list of Top Books Read in 2020: https://www.aworldadventurebybook.com... (My web site gets over 12K unique hits a month so I hope my post gets this series some well-deserved press.)
I'm now on #5 of the series & don't want it to end. Note: To really relish this book, you need to enjoy (or at least well tolerate) foul language, some gutter humor, & a conversational writing tone.
I prefer the Amazon description to the Goodreads description so am including it here so hopefully more people pick up this fantastic read:
An urban fantasy series for fans of Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, & Richard Kadrey (I agree! I love all 3 of these authors & definitely see some similarities.)
My name is King Henry Price.
Yes, really. Don’t blame Mom, she was already a little anime mad by the time I was born. See, the world ain’t as simple as you mundanes think it is. Whole lot more complicated, whole lot more messy, whole lot more foul.
Got your vampires, not the sparkly pretty boys you’re expecting from romance covers, but blood parasites living in a human shell just waiting to cut your skin open and suck you dry from the inside out. Got your weres, not a hunk among them and gangsters and thugs every one. Transform into whatever the idiot first decided to sacrifice, be it coyote, wolf, tiger or even your momma’s Shih Tzu. Last, you got your mancers. That’s my group of misfits and malcontents. I first heard of the Mancy when I was fourteen. Smiling blond woman came to recruit me and I was insistent I was going nowhere. But when she walked on through my locked bedroom door like it wasn’t there, even a jaded, pugnacious, teenage punk like King Henry Price had to give the sales pitch a second thought.
Got trained, seven years at the Institution of Elements, or the Asylum as the student body calls it. I’m a geomancer, a special kind of geomancer called an artificer even. After graduation, I made a deal with that same recruiter and opened my own artificer shop, making magical items of power for all comers, be they were, vampire, or mancer.
What I didn’t sign up for was a vampire named Annie B coming into my shop and kidnapping me.
I'm now on #5 of the series & don't want it to end. Note: To really relish this book, you need to enjoy (or at least well tolerate) foul language, some gutter humor, & a conversational writing tone.
I prefer the Amazon description to the Goodreads description so am including it here so hopefully more people pick up this fantastic read:
An urban fantasy series for fans of Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, & Richard Kadrey (I agree! I love all 3 of these authors & definitely see some similarities.)
My name is King Henry Price.
Yes, really. Don’t blame Mom, she was already a little anime mad by the time I was born. See, the world ain’t as simple as you mundanes think it is. Whole lot more complicated, whole lot more messy, whole lot more foul.
Got your vampires, not the sparkly pretty boys you’re expecting from romance covers, but blood parasites living in a human shell just waiting to cut your skin open and suck you dry from the inside out. Got your weres, not a hunk among them and gangsters and thugs every one. Transform into whatever the idiot first decided to sacrifice, be it coyote, wolf, tiger or even your momma’s Shih Tzu. Last, you got your mancers. That’s my group of misfits and malcontents. I first heard of the Mancy when I was fourteen. Smiling blond woman came to recruit me and I was insistent I was going nowhere. But when she walked on through my locked bedroom door like it wasn’t there, even a jaded, pugnacious, teenage punk like King Henry Price had to give the sales pitch a second thought.
Got trained, seven years at the Institution of Elements, or the Asylum as the student body calls it. I’m a geomancer, a special kind of geomancer called an artificer even. After graduation, I made a deal with that same recruiter and opened my own artificer shop, making magical items of power for all comers, be they were, vampire, or mancer.
What I didn’t sign up for was a vampire named Annie B coming into my shop and kidnapping me.
May 16, 2024
This is the start of a truly excellent urban fantasy series, though admittedly not for every reader. It has a somewhat typical urban fantasy setting. Hidden side of the world? Check. Special school for 'gifted' teenagers? Check. But that is really just the start, over the series the world setup, the magic system, even the take on vampires and werewolves are all very unique.
Structurally the series is told as a series of tapes, narrated by the main character King Henry Price. (his actual name) They weave together two interconnected storylines for each book. One storyline is narrated from the perspective of King Henry at age 20, telling stories of his last seven years at the magical school for 'mancers. (As in pyromancer, geomancer, necromancer, etc.)
The second storyline is narrated from a much older, family man King Henry, telling the story of what happened after graduation from the school, immediately foreshadowed as the things that made him famous.
The main character starts school as a foul-mouthed punk delinquent angry at the world and progresses from there. His narration is incredibly crass and will be off-putting to many, but it also comes through that his nature is much better than what he says.
The storylines blend action, hijinks, sex, and romance quite a bit. The school arcs help fill out the characters that appear in the later arcs and show the friendships, rivalries, relationships, hookups, and breakups that help the character grow and will be essential in the future. The later arcs read almost like something from the Dresden files.
This particular book is quite good but doesn't quite hit the highs of the later part of the series. Still, it is a fun and quick read that introduces the world and the characters. The main storyline involves King Henry being kidnapped by a vampire who needs his help, and the school arc is mainly about his introduction to the world of the mancy. I don't want to spoil more plot points, but this book is essential to the series, and lots of fun. Honestly, I think I would put this series up there with Dresden, Kate Daniels, and others, it's just excellent.
Structurally the series is told as a series of tapes, narrated by the main character King Henry Price. (his actual name) They weave together two interconnected storylines for each book. One storyline is narrated from the perspective of King Henry at age 20, telling stories of his last seven years at the magical school for 'mancers. (As in pyromancer, geomancer, necromancer, etc.)
The second storyline is narrated from a much older, family man King Henry, telling the story of what happened after graduation from the school, immediately foreshadowed as the things that made him famous.
The main character starts school as a foul-mouthed punk delinquent angry at the world and progresses from there. His narration is incredibly crass and will be off-putting to many, but it also comes through that his nature is much better than what he says.
The storylines blend action, hijinks, sex, and romance quite a bit. The school arcs help fill out the characters that appear in the later arcs and show the friendships, rivalries, relationships, hookups, and breakups that help the character grow and will be essential in the future. The later arcs read almost like something from the Dresden files.
This particular book is quite good but doesn't quite hit the highs of the later part of the series. Still, it is a fun and quick read that introduces the world and the characters. The main storyline involves King Henry being kidnapped by a vampire who needs his help, and the school arc is mainly about his introduction to the world of the mancy. I don't want to spoil more plot points, but this book is essential to the series, and lots of fun. Honestly, I think I would put this series up there with Dresden, Kate Daniels, and others, it's just excellent.
August 22, 2021
"Harry Potter meets Pulp Fiction." Alright, yeah. Let's do this. Only... not exactly.
What I liked: Likeable (albeit an anti-hero) protagonist with clear and consistent motivation. This aspect was clearly well thought out, and I liked how several things that happened early on were re contextualized by the later reveal. A novel take on vampires was interesting, and the rules of the magical system were grounded and consistent. The relationship between King Henry and Ceinwyn was well developed and served as a solid bedrock to the rest of the story.
On the other hand... I took issue with a few things. I'll caveat that some of my complaints may be addressed later in the series, and if that's the case, I'll be happy to revise this review.
Spelling and grammar. Dang... once or twice I'll look the other way, but this was on another level. To the point where I had to re-read multiple passages to parse out the intended meaning. This was beyond "there/their/they're". In one case the word "what" was replaced with "want." This was the paperback version, so maybe this has been addressed on kindle.
Also, the magical school seemed not to add much. We spent so much time on establishing the layout of the school and the various cliques.... only to go no where with it. A whole chapter devoted to orientation... then we skip 2 years and leave campus. The names of lovers and rivals were mentioned in passing but very little of consequence seemed to happen there.
Overall: I enjoyed it. Enough to give Book 2 (tape 2?) a chance. It's a quick read. A fun adventure. Would recommend to a friend (just not one averse to harsh language).
What I liked: Likeable (albeit an anti-hero) protagonist with clear and consistent motivation. This aspect was clearly well thought out, and I liked how several things that happened early on were re contextualized by the later reveal. A novel take on vampires was interesting, and the rules of the magical system were grounded and consistent. The relationship between King Henry and Ceinwyn was well developed and served as a solid bedrock to the rest of the story.
On the other hand... I took issue with a few things. I'll caveat that some of my complaints may be addressed later in the series, and if that's the case, I'll be happy to revise this review.
Spelling and grammar. Dang... once or twice I'll look the other way, but this was on another level. To the point where I had to re-read multiple passages to parse out the intended meaning. This was beyond "there/their/they're". In one case the word "what" was replaced with "want." This was the paperback version, so maybe this has been addressed on kindle.
Also, the magical school seemed not to add much. We spent so much time on establishing the layout of the school and the various cliques.... only to go no where with it. A whole chapter devoted to orientation... then we skip 2 years and leave campus. The names of lovers and rivals were mentioned in passing but very little of consequence seemed to happen there.
Overall: I enjoyed it. Enough to give Book 2 (tape 2?) a chance. It's a quick read. A fun adventure. Would recommend to a friend (just not one averse to harsh language).
February 23, 2021
This was one of the most original and fun urban fantasies I've read for awhile, and I read a lot. The foul mouth follows King Henry Price as he tells his story into audio tapes, under duress of course. Let's just say he earned his title of the foul mouth.
This is an original take on magic. In this world, people can have the Mancy. What they can do with it determines the type. King Henry (yes his real name) is a geomancer plus. He's something called an ultra. Basically he's better and stronger at it, plus he has the extra gift of being an artificer, or someone that can create things that use, control, or manipulate mancy for any type of mancer.
The author has a unique voice. King Henry is both hard to like, and easy to love. He's an abused child that at the same time is loved. The rest of his life is also a study in contrasts and opposition. He's telling his story from the age of 14 to early 20s. We get the hint that he does something huge later on in his life and it keeps you interested to see what his foul-mouthed, rebellion against authority self will do in the future.
The fanged lady, a vampire, also adds a unique twist. You'll have to read it to see what a vampire really is in this interesting tale.
Enjoy this book, I've already downloaded the second and I can't wait to dive in. Just in case, this has a lot of bad language, and other bad things. Definitely for the mature reader. Just because he starts out at 14, doesn't mean this is in anyway shape or form for young adults.
This is an original take on magic. In this world, people can have the Mancy. What they can do with it determines the type. King Henry (yes his real name) is a geomancer plus. He's something called an ultra. Basically he's better and stronger at it, plus he has the extra gift of being an artificer, or someone that can create things that use, control, or manipulate mancy for any type of mancer.
The author has a unique voice. King Henry is both hard to like, and easy to love. He's an abused child that at the same time is loved. The rest of his life is also a study in contrasts and opposition. He's telling his story from the age of 14 to early 20s. We get the hint that he does something huge later on in his life and it keeps you interested to see what his foul-mouthed, rebellion against authority self will do in the future.
The fanged lady, a vampire, also adds a unique twist. You'll have to read it to see what a vampire really is in this interesting tale.
Enjoy this book, I've already downloaded the second and I can't wait to dive in. Just in case, this has a lot of bad language, and other bad things. Definitely for the mature reader. Just because he starts out at 14, doesn't mean this is in anyway shape or form for young adults.
April 19, 2021
This book shifted from actively hating every sentence at the start to barely tolerating the ideas by the end. Richard Raley started out with one of the worst first chapters (sessions) of any work of literature I've ever witnessed, I got the point of it but it didn't make it any more fun to read. The idea of a functional adult Harry Potter-esque series has always been tantalizing. I have now read a few attempts and the right execution has remained elusive. This feels like a vaguely more right-wing attempt at the genre, with pithy snipes at "commies" and it even goes in at PC culture in a weird tangent during the lackluster finale.
Overall, there are some interesting ideas here but the writing isn't up to snuff and the actual meat of the plot isn't that gripping. Stripping it down, outside of the odd structure, it ends up being pretty basic with not enough details to get engaged in. The Academy sections felt like he fast-forwarded past everything, including what could have been interesting, for the sake of expediency. The future sections with Annie B didn't feel earned and there wasn't enough setup for whatever happened at the end.
I don't think I'm coming back for more on this and I'd advise most other people to steer clear unless they are very curious.
Overall, there are some interesting ideas here but the writing isn't up to snuff and the actual meat of the plot isn't that gripping. Stripping it down, outside of the odd structure, it ends up being pretty basic with not enough details to get engaged in. The Academy sections felt like he fast-forwarded past everything, including what could have been interesting, for the sake of expediency. The future sections with Annie B didn't feel earned and there wasn't enough setup for whatever happened at the end.
I don't think I'm coming back for more on this and I'd advise most other people to steer clear unless they are very curious.
October 14, 2021
What a book!!!!
I really enjoyed it. I'm not usually into books about teenagers but this one was pretty good. It's told in the first-person point of view. This book is also the first in a series. Yes, the teenager's name is really King Henry Price! He is a geomancer which means he can manipulate earth. He comes from a home where his mom also has powers but was never told how to use them and they are slowly giving her mental health disorders and eventually death. The father seems to only care about his wife and not any of his 3 kids. The two older girls ran away from home leaving their younger brother, King Henry, at home.
Eventually, King Henry is taken to a school for magically gifted children. But when the title says "the foul mouth" be prepared. King Henry is VERY foul-mouthed! But it's understandable because that's been his only defense.
There isn't a lot of "magic" but what there is is interesting. I started reading this book because I was bored but I can honestly say that I'm glad my brother has the entire series in his Kindle. (Well, at least up to two years ago when he passed away.)
I really enjoyed it. I'm not usually into books about teenagers but this one was pretty good. It's told in the first-person point of view. This book is also the first in a series. Yes, the teenager's name is really King Henry Price! He is a geomancer which means he can manipulate earth. He comes from a home where his mom also has powers but was never told how to use them and they are slowly giving her mental health disorders and eventually death. The father seems to only care about his wife and not any of his 3 kids. The two older girls ran away from home leaving their younger brother, King Henry, at home.
Eventually, King Henry is taken to a school for magically gifted children. But when the title says "the foul mouth" be prepared. King Henry is VERY foul-mouthed! But it's understandable because that's been his only defense.
There isn't a lot of "magic" but what there is is interesting. I started reading this book because I was bored but I can honestly say that I'm glad my brother has the entire series in his Kindle. (Well, at least up to two years ago when he passed away.)
November 19, 2019
Well now here's something completely different. Instead of the plucky young female heroine or the bumbling can't quite get the hang of wizardy male adolescent we have King Henry. As it opens its pretty clear that King Henry Price is heading for life imprisonment or an early death. Mom's manic depressive, dad drunk beats him on weekends so King Henry steals, mouths off, gets into fights and has no respect for his girlfriend. Into this mix comes the mysterious Ceinwyn Dale, who sweet talks the parents and then dazzles KHP in a way that he can't let go. So begins a great relationship between two well drawn characters and a magic school like Hogwarts appropriately called The Asylum and imagined by someone who understands just how nuts adolescents can be. The dialog is alternately sparkling and cringe worthy both on purpose. KHP is never going to be nice, he is however someone who believes in justice and puts himself on the line to achieve it while messing with just about everyone along the way. Not for everyone and if you read with a PC filter don't bother, but KHP is fun.
July 29, 2018
Unusual in a nice way.
............... Kindle Unlimited - Thank You ...............
Came across this browsing through listings. The description and reviews got my interest, but probably wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't KU.
It took me a bit to get into the story. Wasn't sure the MC was someone I wanted to spend time with for very long. But the author does a wonderful job of making you care about KHP just as he is. Nicely done.
Oh.... (Teaser. Not a spoiler.) Can't believe he pulled off Ann Boleyn AND Joan D'Arc. Giggled and laughed 'cause the smack talking was too much fun.
............... Kindle Unlimited - Thank You ...............
Came across this browsing through listings. The description and reviews got my interest, but probably wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't KU.
It took me a bit to get into the story. Wasn't sure the MC was someone I wanted to spend time with for very long. But the author does a wonderful job of making you care about KHP just as he is. Nicely done.
Oh.... (Teaser. Not a spoiler.) Can't believe he pulled off Ann Boleyn AND Joan D'Arc. Giggled and laughed 'cause the smack talking was too much fun.
October 9, 2020
I read a LOT of books, but rarely take the time to write a review. Why am I doing so now? Two reasons. First, independent authors count on readers like us to give good ratings and reviews so others can hear about them. That reason by itself, however, is not enough to get me off my lazy butt and actually do something about it. That's way too magnanimous for my selfish...self.
The second (and primary) reason for writing this review is because reading this book was just so damn fun. Reading many books year after year sometimes removes the feeling of wonder and joy from the experience because it (reading) becomes such a common thing that the novelty wears off.
It is a rare book these days that really grabs hold of me and begs me to finish reading NOW. But the Foul Mouth books have done that. I can't say these will win literary prizes for prose or depth or symbolism, but I don't usually read books purely to find those things.
Mainly I read as an escape and to have fun. And by those standards, these books perform marvelously. I had a blast reading them and can't wait for the next installment. I can't wait to see where this story ends. But I'll sure as hell enjoy the journey along the way.
The second (and primary) reason for writing this review is because reading this book was just so damn fun. Reading many books year after year sometimes removes the feeling of wonder and joy from the experience because it (reading) becomes such a common thing that the novelty wears off.
It is a rare book these days that really grabs hold of me and begs me to finish reading NOW. But the Foul Mouth books have done that. I can't say these will win literary prizes for prose or depth or symbolism, but I don't usually read books purely to find those things.
Mainly I read as an escape and to have fun. And by those standards, these books perform marvelously. I had a blast reading them and can't wait for the next installment. I can't wait to see where this story ends. But I'll sure as hell enjoy the journey along the way.
September 22, 2023
First- if profanity offends you, give this series a miss. The title should be sufficient warning, but, if not... there is the caveat.
With that out of the way, there is a lot to love in this book. The title character, King Henry Price, is damaged, distrustful, (and yes, profane). He is also driven, brilliant, and fascinating. The world-building is top-notch, as is the character development. Raley captures the ambiguity of what it means to be human (and in at least one case, NON-human) and that everyone sees themself as the "hero" of their own story. But he also recognizes that they can feel like the "monster."
Hilarious, poignant, and thoughtful.
With that out of the way, there is a lot to love in this book. The title character, King Henry Price, is damaged, distrustful, (and yes, profane). He is also driven, brilliant, and fascinating. The world-building is top-notch, as is the character development. Raley captures the ambiguity of what it means to be human (and in at least one case, NON-human) and that everyone sees themself as the "hero" of their own story. But he also recognizes that they can feel like the "monster."
Hilarious, poignant, and thoughtful.
January 10, 2023
I have some mixed emotions regarding this book...
I know I'm late to the game, especially since this book has been either on the first kindle or now the second kindle for years. I can't pass up a freebie or sale, so it was in good company.
I almost didn't finish it, however. I've read quite a bit of urban fantasy, enogh to know many are slow in the beginning due to world building, though not as much as epic fantasy surely. This one didn't get interesting (to me) until about 75-80% in. Two stars off for the watching-paint-dry snooze fest.
Hopefully the second book is better
I know I'm late to the game, especially since this book has been either on the first kindle or now the second kindle for years. I can't pass up a freebie or sale, so it was in good company.
I almost didn't finish it, however. I've read quite a bit of urban fantasy, enogh to know many are slow in the beginning due to world building, though not as much as epic fantasy surely. This one didn't get interesting (to me) until about 75-80% in. Two stars off for the watching-paint-dry snooze fest.
Hopefully the second book is better
July 14, 2017
This is the story of Prince Henry and how he was chosen to go to school at the asylum. Prince Henry is a loner but he is a person that has determination and a mind of his own. Even though his mouth gets him in trouble he always makes the best out of a bad situation. This book had me laughing just for this reason. The book is filled with colorful language that makes you laugh. If you don't like foul language and read the book don't say I didn't warn you.
August 28, 2022
A quite interesting urban fantasy. King Henry Price was a very angry young man as a 14 year old, mostly at himself. Until one day he came home to find a strange woman was sitting at the table with his parents.
She took him away to an Elemental Academy so he could learn to control his mancy and take away some of his anger.
The book goes quickly through his school experience and on to his new life as an Artificer, a maker of imbued items.
She took him away to an Elemental Academy so he could learn to control his mancy and take away some of his anger.
The book goes quickly through his school experience and on to his new life as an Artificer, a maker of imbued items.
March 8, 2018
Strange arrangement
Not sure I would be able to describe this book. If you can get past the swearing half way through it turns out an ok book. The anima I'm getting my head round. I think there is promise here will read the sequel and decide if worthwhile. Hoping so as elements of the book were great.
Not sure I would be able to describe this book. If you can get past the swearing half way through it turns out an ok book. The anima I'm getting my head round. I think there is promise here will read the sequel and decide if worthwhile. Hoping so as elements of the book were great.
March 9, 2019
Three great stories
The framing story with his daughter’s participation, his teenage years and adult years. The woman who saved him from madness and he treats as an aunt. The vampire who hires him for a job. All of them great. This book was perfect from start to end. If you like urban fantasy and great male protagonists, this book is a no brainer. Buy it.
The framing story with his daughter’s participation, his teenage years and adult years. The woman who saved him from madness and he treats as an aunt. The vampire who hires him for a job. All of them great. This book was perfect from start to end. If you like urban fantasy and great male protagonists, this book is a no brainer. Buy it.
June 5, 2019
I like it
I liked the story really snarky and fun, but the jumping back and forth was giving me a headache! I guess since it's a first book lots of set up needed to be done. Fun quick theil ride a minute kind if book. It's good if you liked junkyard druid, or prof Croft type urban hero type books.
I liked the story really snarky and fun, but the jumping back and forth was giving me a headache! I guess since it's a first book lots of set up needed to be done. Fun quick theil ride a minute kind if book. It's good if you liked junkyard druid, or prof Croft type urban hero type books.
July 10, 2025
4,75/5,0
Great start for a series.
Really enjoyed it. Even if he's a foulmouthed sunnavagun with bad parenting and violent tendencies.
Probably because of that.
Liked the 3 differen point of views. The old wise man, the young rebel with purpose and the youngest problem child.
Loved the different take on vamps too.
Read it. IT's pretty good
Great start for a series.
Really enjoyed it. Even if he's a foulmouthed sunnavagun with bad parenting and violent tendencies.
Probably because of that.
Liked the 3 differen point of views. The old wise man, the young rebel with purpose and the youngest problem child.
Loved the different take on vamps too.
Read it. IT's pretty good
June 23, 2017
Fantastic Story!
An interesting take on magic. King Henry is a character you can't help but like and root for. Filled with real life grit, action and humor. Read this story. I just bought the whole series.
An interesting take on magic. King Henry is a character you can't help but like and root for. Filled with real life grit, action and humor. Read this story. I just bought the whole series.
March 1, 2018
Fun book
Fun book. A interesting new twist on the idea of vampires. I kind of wish i had gotten this on audio, since it is written as audio tapes being recoeded. I will definitely be getting the next book in the series.
Fun book. A interesting new twist on the idea of vampires. I kind of wish i had gotten this on audio, since it is written as audio tapes being recoeded. I will definitely be getting the next book in the series.
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