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Storykiller
The monster under the bed is real.
In fact, all the monsters are real, as well as the heroes and everything in between because all Fiction is real and exists in a dimension called Story. However, plenty of them hang out in the Mortal world, living both innocent and nefarious lives. This might not mean much to the average Mortal unaware of the Fictional characters living among them, but for The Last Scion--the only Mortal that can kill those Fictional characters--things are about to become very complicated.
Tessa Battle is that Mortal.
Upon her return to Lore, Oregon after years bouncing around boarding schools in Europe, Tessa had her sights set on simple things like shoe shopping, finding a hot boyfriend, and eating as many pancakes as humanely possible. However, the Last Scion mantle Tessa just got saddled with is not making any of that easy, and as Tessa and her new friends are about to learn, Story is long from done with her, no matter how much she'd like to deny her destiny.
With more than one monster chasing her and questionable characters like The Snow Queen and Robin Hood as her allies, Tessa is going to need all the superpowers she inherited just to stay alive.
And maybe, just maybe, it's a GOOD thing that behind her back, Stories call her THE STORYKILLER
In fact, all the monsters are real, as well as the heroes and everything in between because all Fiction is real and exists in a dimension called Story. However, plenty of them hang out in the Mortal world, living both innocent and nefarious lives. This might not mean much to the average Mortal unaware of the Fictional characters living among them, but for The Last Scion--the only Mortal that can kill those Fictional characters--things are about to become very complicated.
Tessa Battle is that Mortal.
Upon her return to Lore, Oregon after years bouncing around boarding schools in Europe, Tessa had her sights set on simple things like shoe shopping, finding a hot boyfriend, and eating as many pancakes as humanely possible. However, the Last Scion mantle Tessa just got saddled with is not making any of that easy, and as Tessa and her new friends are about to learn, Story is long from done with her, no matter how much she'd like to deny her destiny.
With more than one monster chasing her and questionable characters like The Snow Queen and Robin Hood as her allies, Tessa is going to need all the superpowers she inherited just to stay alive.
And maybe, just maybe, it's a GOOD thing that behind her back, Stories call her THE STORYKILLER
335 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2014
43 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Thompson
763 books1,026 followersKELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 31, 2014
This was an easy book for me to read, but a difficult one to review.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The book is ambitious, and I think that's part of the problem. In setting up a "Scooby gang" of protagonists and allies, most of which have ulterior motives, there are a lot of characters to introduce and get to know, a few too many for the short (300 page) book.
Similarly, the "rules" of the magic in the book don't always make sense. Tessa is a Scion, because of her bloodline, but apparently this can skip generations because neither of her parents have the title. And I'm not even sure which parent provides the bloodline, since her mother is missing and her father seems to avoid her all the time.
The action is a little muddled and unclear. For example, characters look for a weapon to replace the one they lost, but there was no mention of them losing the first weapon.
Some of the writing is clumsy as well. Tessa getting her axe, obvious from the cover image, is forced. School serves to introduce some characters, but is conveniently discarded when it would get in the way.
A big stumbling block for me is that it is very much a girl power fantasy, complete with no less than three "hott, double-t hott" guys fighting for the attention of the heroine. There was not only the obligatory attention paid to every outfit change, but also a dress shopping scene. And apparently being trapped by zombies is the best time to shed clothes and take a relationship to the next level?
There are good ideas here, but it tries to be the first book in a series instead of a stand alone tale, and leaves many things dangling.
It could definitely benefit from an editor and more rewrites, but it certainly has potential.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The book is ambitious, and I think that's part of the problem. In setting up a "Scooby gang" of protagonists and allies, most of which have ulterior motives, there are a lot of characters to introduce and get to know, a few too many for the short (300 page) book.
Similarly, the "rules" of the magic in the book don't always make sense. Tessa is a Scion, because of her bloodline, but apparently this can skip generations because neither of her parents have the title. And I'm not even sure which parent provides the bloodline, since her mother is missing and her father seems to avoid her all the time.
The action is a little muddled and unclear. For example, characters look for a weapon to replace the one they lost, but there was no mention of them losing the first weapon.
Some of the writing is clumsy as well. Tessa getting her axe, obvious from the cover image, is forced. School serves to introduce some characters, but is conveniently discarded when it would get in the way.
A big stumbling block for me is that it is very much a girl power fantasy, complete with no less than three "hott, double-t hott" guys fighting for the attention of the heroine. There was not only the obligatory attention paid to every outfit change, but also a dress shopping scene. And apparently being trapped by zombies is the best time to shed clothes and take a relationship to the next level?
There are good ideas here, but it tries to be the first book in a series instead of a stand alone tale, and leaves many things dangling.
It could definitely benefit from an editor and more rewrites, but it certainly has potential.
January 19, 2016
Tessa Battle is my kind of heroine. She's a 17-year-old punk with superhuman powers who doesn't give a crap what you think. Except she's more than that. She's lonely, though she won't admit it. She dresses like a misfit, because it's easier if people believe you want to be seen as an outcast, rather than having them realize you never really had a choice about it. She wants to be an idealist, but her ideals keep falling to ashes around her. Oh yeah, and she'll straight up kick your ass into next week.
The premise of Storykiller isn't entirely unique -- 'Fictional characters living among humans' has been done in comics, television and movies -- but this version adds some interesting new rules, some fun takes on old characters, banter that's laugh-out-loud funny, and a pace that's almost blistering. In many ways, this novel reads like a comic book, and that's not a criticism, it's simply a statement of fact. Reading Storykiller is a bit like watching an action-heavy episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, complete with all of the wit, sarcasm, self-awareness and Scooby-gang shenanigans. This is not a novel that takes itself too seriously. While it never breaks the fourth wall, you can feel Thompson's familiarity with genre conventions in many of the scenes and jokes, and she manipulates or attacks those conventions with glee.
The plotting is actually quite good here, despite the rapid pace. While the book was primarily action-oriented, Ms. Thompson managed to add some downtime here and there to build character relationships, even if I would've preferred more on that front. Oddly, the buildup to the story's climax was, in some ways, more exciting than the climax itself. Even so, the ultimate resolution was unusual given the genre, and much more reflective than I would've expected had I not read Thompson's previous novel. I'm of mixed opinions on the final section of the book, but I admire the fact that the author tried, and mostly succeeded, in subverting a very standard trope.
The only place I really felt the book could've improved significantly was mentioned above: characterization. While I knew Tessa fairly well by the end of the story, I would've liked to have had a bit more depth for the inner circle, especially Brand and Micah. All of the characters were sufficiently described to be interesting, including the villains, but Brand and Micah did seem to get relegated to "minion status" (literally and figuratively), and I think they could've been much more compelling if given more time in the spotlight. That may very well come in future books, and there weren't exactly a lot of opportunities for the characters to have heart-to-heart conversations in this one, but it was definitely something I felt was a little lacking.
Still. Fans of urban fantasy, lovers of comic books with strong female leads, or anyone who's ever wanted to hit a troll with a lawn chair should stick this on their to-read list. While I didn't feel this book quite reached the level of Thompson's debut novel, The Girl Who Would Be King, it was absolutely worth the read. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
4.45 stars
Additional: this does have a romance between a 17-year-old girl and a guy who looks 19ish but is actually around 650 and in a committed relationship with someone else, so, yeah. Kinda creepy, but it sort of works? Kind of? Okay, it was just creepy, but it didn't wreck the story. It's a weird love story, but it's not front and center.
The premise of Storykiller isn't entirely unique -- 'Fictional characters living among humans' has been done in comics, television and movies -- but this version adds some interesting new rules, some fun takes on old characters, banter that's laugh-out-loud funny, and a pace that's almost blistering. In many ways, this novel reads like a comic book, and that's not a criticism, it's simply a statement of fact. Reading Storykiller is a bit like watching an action-heavy episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, complete with all of the wit, sarcasm, self-awareness and Scooby-gang shenanigans. This is not a novel that takes itself too seriously. While it never breaks the fourth wall, you can feel Thompson's familiarity with genre conventions in many of the scenes and jokes, and she manipulates or attacks those conventions with glee.
The plotting is actually quite good here, despite the rapid pace. While the book was primarily action-oriented, Ms. Thompson managed to add some downtime here and there to build character relationships, even if I would've preferred more on that front. Oddly, the buildup to the story's climax was, in some ways, more exciting than the climax itself. Even so, the ultimate resolution was unusual given the genre, and much more reflective than I would've expected had I not read Thompson's previous novel. I'm of mixed opinions on the final section of the book, but I admire the fact that the author tried, and mostly succeeded, in subverting a very standard trope.
The only place I really felt the book could've improved significantly was mentioned above: characterization. While I knew Tessa fairly well by the end of the story, I would've liked to have had a bit more depth for the inner circle, especially Brand and Micah. All of the characters were sufficiently described to be interesting, including the villains, but Brand and Micah did seem to get relegated to "minion status" (literally and figuratively), and I think they could've been much more compelling if given more time in the spotlight. That may very well come in future books, and there weren't exactly a lot of opportunities for the characters to have heart-to-heart conversations in this one, but it was definitely something I felt was a little lacking.
Still. Fans of urban fantasy, lovers of comic books with strong female leads, or anyone who's ever wanted to hit a troll with a lawn chair should stick this on their to-read list. While I didn't feel this book quite reached the level of Thompson's debut novel, The Girl Who Would Be King, it was absolutely worth the read. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
4.45 stars
Additional: this does have a romance between a 17-year-old girl and a guy who looks 19ish but is actually around 650 and in a committed relationship with someone else, so, yeah. Kinda creepy, but it sort of works? Kind of? Okay, it was just creepy, but it didn't wreck the story. It's a weird love story, but it's not front and center.
November 8, 2014
It's like Buffy meets Fables. Good world building. I'm looking forward to more.
April 21, 2014
Fight Your Fiction
Everything from the cover to the plotline to the characterization to the damn tagline of this book is just so creative.
And I'm out of my reading slump!
Why?
Because this book totally blew away any and all expectations I had of it.
I wasn't actually expecting much. Which is probably why I liked as much I did, because I love being surprised by a book.
The plotline was very complicated to say the least. The land of Story is one completely unlike our Mortal world and the rules and ethics and the morality of it's inhabitants can only be described as a rainbow of different shades of gray. To them, there is no right or wrong or good or bad - everything is relative to choice and the lack thereof when it comes to fighting their DNA and fiction roots. But Thompson does a great job explaining the complex world that she's created though, so you find yourself relishing every detail that she lets slip through characters like Fenrir and Snow.
And speaking of characters! Not only are the ones that are currently in existence in fairy tales and pop culture absolutely spectacular, but the original characters like Tessa and Brand and Micah are just so realistic as well. Not a single character is dull or repetitive and the personalities just run wild with colour in this book - making the characterization absolutely top-notch and enjoyable as you read along.
Tessa is the perfect mix of sass and bad-assery. Micah and Brand are her perfect sidekicks. Snow is freaking riot because she's just so great at teetering along the line of bitch and BFF. Fenrir is a perfectly mysterious enigma, even when you find out the rather crueler aspects of him at the end. And Robin - oh God, Robin, like, talk about an entrance - was just so swoon-worthy and indecisively irritating that you couldn't help but fall for him.
So why not a full 5 stars?
The questions I have. Too many of them. There was so much that went on in this book that I don't know what to make of all it. The Little Red Riding Hood scene. Sophia at the end. Tessa's father? I was constantly bombarded with little scenes or characters of whose importance was unclear or seemingly irrelevant and it irked me. Not to mention the whole thing was a little too whirlwindy for me. The pace was more of a gallop than a trot and with the amount of things going on, I felt like I needed a little more time to just smell the roses, you know? I don't want to say there were plotholes, more like little bumps in the story that jostled me the wrong way and threw me for a loop in the not-so-good way.
But other than that? I'm feeling pretty good about this read! Which is a great improvement from the last 10, because a 2 star average is just unacceptable.
So kudos to you Ms. Thompson! When's the sequel coming?
Everything from the cover to the plotline to the characterization to the damn tagline of this book is just so creative.
And I'm out of my reading slump!
Why?
Because this book totally blew away any and all expectations I had of it.
I wasn't actually expecting much. Which is probably why I liked as much I did, because I love being surprised by a book.
The plotline was very complicated to say the least. The land of Story is one completely unlike our Mortal world and the rules and ethics and the morality of it's inhabitants can only be described as a rainbow of different shades of gray. To them, there is no right or wrong or good or bad - everything is relative to choice and the lack thereof when it comes to fighting their DNA and fiction roots. But Thompson does a great job explaining the complex world that she's created though, so you find yourself relishing every detail that she lets slip through characters like Fenrir and Snow.
And speaking of characters! Not only are the ones that are currently in existence in fairy tales and pop culture absolutely spectacular, but the original characters like Tessa and Brand and Micah are just so realistic as well. Not a single character is dull or repetitive and the personalities just run wild with colour in this book - making the characterization absolutely top-notch and enjoyable as you read along.
Tessa is the perfect mix of sass and bad-assery. Micah and Brand are her perfect sidekicks. Snow is freaking riot because she's just so great at teetering along the line of bitch and BFF. Fenrir is a perfectly mysterious enigma, even when you find out the rather crueler aspects of him at the end. And Robin - oh God, Robin, like, talk about an entrance - was just so swoon-worthy and indecisively irritating that you couldn't help but fall for him.
So why not a full 5 stars?
The questions I have. Too many of them. There was so much that went on in this book that I don't know what to make of all it. The Little Red Riding Hood scene. Sophia at the end. Tessa's father? I was constantly bombarded with little scenes or characters of whose importance was unclear or seemingly irrelevant and it irked me. Not to mention the whole thing was a little too whirlwindy for me. The pace was more of a gallop than a trot and with the amount of things going on, I felt like I needed a little more time to just smell the roses, you know? I don't want to say there were plotholes, more like little bumps in the story that jostled me the wrong way and threw me for a loop in the not-so-good way.
But other than that? I'm feeling pretty good about this read! Which is a great improvement from the last 10, because a 2 star average is just unacceptable.
So kudos to you Ms. Thompson! When's the sequel coming?
June 12, 2014
Having never backed a book on Kickstarter, I didn't know what to expect when I backed Storykiller. It was kind of an impulse decision reinforced by the amazing number of artists who were creating original art for the book as well as my deep love for anything involving folklore and fairy tales. And honestly? I wasn't disappointed.
Storykiller won't be for everyone. I think I'm a little old for the target audience -- I'm 23, so my suspension of disbelief was occasionally overtaken by my critical grad school brain (especially when it came to Tessa and Robin), but I know if I'd read this as a teenager I would have been OBSESSED with it. It has everything I love from new stories about old characters: spot-on characterization, twists that aren't totally far-fetched, and a world you can get lost in.
I particularly loved the way Kelly Thompson wrote the connection between Robin and Marian, and Robin's internal struggle to know how much of it was real and how much was just their Fiction. The Snow Queen was wickedly delightful, especially considering how much she contrasts with her Disney counterpart, Elsa from Frozen. Fenris was darkly fascinating from his first appearance to his last, and Tal? Well, I won't spoil Tal for you, but let me tell ya, I did NOT see her identity coming -- and that was pretty damn awesome.
The things I didn't like about Storykiller were just little nitpicky editorial things, like the occasional typo, the non-italicized Story language, and Snow's way of speaking (which wasn't haughty or queenly enough for me, given the rest of her characterization). The pacing also puzzled me for about a third of the book, until I realized that Storykiller really is the first act of a much longer story. It's a mistake going into this book thinking you're going to get a clear beginning/middle/end, because that's simply not how it's written. In the end, that didn't take away from the story as much as I thought it would, because now I'm thoroughly hooked and eagerly awaiting Storykiller 2.
Final thought: Pick it up for the reinterpretation of your favorite stories. Thompson's work here is some Fables-level revisionism told in the context of a Buffy-esque heroine's journey, and you if like either of those things? Then you definitely can't go wrong.
Storykiller won't be for everyone. I think I'm a little old for the target audience -- I'm 23, so my suspension of disbelief was occasionally overtaken by my critical grad school brain (especially when it came to Tessa and Robin), but I know if I'd read this as a teenager I would have been OBSESSED with it. It has everything I love from new stories about old characters: spot-on characterization, twists that aren't totally far-fetched, and a world you can get lost in.
I particularly loved the way Kelly Thompson wrote the connection between Robin and Marian, and Robin's internal struggle to know how much of it was real and how much was just their Fiction. The Snow Queen was wickedly delightful, especially considering how much she contrasts with her Disney counterpart, Elsa from Frozen. Fenris was darkly fascinating from his first appearance to his last, and Tal? Well, I won't spoil Tal for you, but let me tell ya, I did NOT see her identity coming -- and that was pretty damn awesome.
The things I didn't like about Storykiller were just little nitpicky editorial things, like the occasional typo, the non-italicized Story language, and Snow's way of speaking (which wasn't haughty or queenly enough for me, given the rest of her characterization). The pacing also puzzled me for about a third of the book, until I realized that Storykiller really is the first act of a much longer story. It's a mistake going into this book thinking you're going to get a clear beginning/middle/end, because that's simply not how it's written. In the end, that didn't take away from the story as much as I thought it would, because now I'm thoroughly hooked and eagerly awaiting Storykiller 2.
Final thought: Pick it up for the reinterpretation of your favorite stories. Thompson's work here is some Fables-level revisionism told in the context of a Buffy-esque heroine's journey, and you if like either of those things? Then you definitely can't go wrong.
June 4, 2014
I have been waiting for this book for a very long time. I got an early look at the now-revised first couple of chapters before Kelly introduced us to The Girl Who Would Be King.
And as much as I adore that book, THIS is the one I was waiting for. I wanted this.
I love the idea that'books are real'. (There's a reason Jasper Fforde is one of my favorite living authors.)
All the works of fiction that you've ever read - those characters exist! Their stories actually happened. And in Storykiller, some of those characters are living in *our* world. And that's not necessarily a good thing.
Kelly gives us world that's fast-paced and dangerous and exciting, but at the same time, believable.
Creatures from fiction trying to kill you? Ok. Sure. That makes sense.
It's a story about books, about fiction and our love for them and their place in our lives, in our history.
It's a story about friendship. Family.
It's a story about finding your place in this ridiculous world, about becoming the person you were meant to be.
About destiny and choice. Love and despair.
Storykiller is one of those books that, once started, you don't want to set down. And while you're racing through to find out WHAT THE HECK IS GOING TO HAPPEN, you're aware that the end is approaching and no, you're not ready for it to be over.
I'm not going to spoil anyone by laying out major plot points. On the other hand, I don't 'do' book reviews so the fact I've written as much as I have should give you some ideas to how I feel about this one.
It's a DAMN GOOD BOOK. And you should read it. Unless you hate puppies and rainbows and have no soul.
Then you probably shouldn't.
And as much as I adore that book, THIS is the one I was waiting for. I wanted this.
I love the idea that'books are real'. (There's a reason Jasper Fforde is one of my favorite living authors.)
All the works of fiction that you've ever read - those characters exist! Their stories actually happened. And in Storykiller, some of those characters are living in *our* world. And that's not necessarily a good thing.
Kelly gives us world that's fast-paced and dangerous and exciting, but at the same time, believable.
Creatures from fiction trying to kill you? Ok. Sure. That makes sense.
It's a story about books, about fiction and our love for them and their place in our lives, in our history.
It's a story about friendship. Family.
It's a story about finding your place in this ridiculous world, about becoming the person you were meant to be.
About destiny and choice. Love and despair.
Storykiller is one of those books that, once started, you don't want to set down. And while you're racing through to find out WHAT THE HECK IS GOING TO HAPPEN, you're aware that the end is approaching and no, you're not ready for it to be over.
I'm not going to spoil anyone by laying out major plot points. On the other hand, I don't 'do' book reviews so the fact I've written as much as I have should give you some ideas to how I feel about this one.
It's a DAMN GOOD BOOK. And you should read it. Unless you hate puppies and rainbows and have no soul.
Then you probably shouldn't.
July 10, 2021
I am a fan of Kelly Thompson's comic work, having enjoyed numerous different books written by her in that space. However, this novel was not for me. It certainly leaned young in the way it was written and the story construction reflected that. I got about halfway through before I began to skim read as I had lost interest in all of it. Too much insta-lust, no less than three different love interests for our main protagonist finally did me in. Two of those love interests were nowhere close to age-appropriate for a 17-year-old either and that just creeped me out. All in all, it felt like an episode of a TV shhow with how thin most of the characters were written, and by the halfway point, I just didn't care.
Once I jumped to the end to see where it was all going, it became evident that there was far more story still to be told that we just weren't going to get. The story just ended with the bad guys behind the curtains still making and hatching plans. Maybe this was supposed to be the start of a series that never happened? My not great track record with YA continues.
Once I jumped to the end to see where it was all going, it became evident that there was far more story still to be told that we just weren't going to get. The story just ended with the bad guys behind the curtains still making and hatching plans. Maybe this was supposed to be the start of a series that never happened? My not great track record with YA continues.
March 21, 2014
Fight Your Fiction. In a world filled with adaptations I adore ( Fables, Once Upon a Time, The Eyre Affair series) it can be a bit hard to write another version that doesn't smack of familiarity. Thompson does it like gangbusters though and man what a trip.
Brand and I need to discuss his semi-annoying habit of screeching all his panicked worries though.
Thompson, who some of you may remember as the author of the omg fabulous i love this book THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING in 2012, comes back with another stellar example of what potential self-pubbed authors should aspire towards. Funded once more by Kickstarter, Thompson plays with fairy tales and fiction instead of superheroes this time around giving us all a chance to see how well (or not so well) Fictionals turn out in real life.
Getting the obvious out of the way--yeah if you enjoy the Buffy the Vampire Slayer type of urban fantasy (snarky out of the box thinking heroine, unreasonably hot guys providing assistance, geeky best friends who provide support/back up) then there's every expectation that you will enjoy this. Moving beyond that, fans of fiction coming to life with unexpected results will enjoy this as well. Or fans of action oriented heroines who DO use their brains.
Tessa won me over pretty quickly. Her take no shit attitude coupled with her very realistic response to suddenly having powers and a destiny and expectations foisted upon her endeared her to me instantly. Micah's sensible "give her space" approach was also a welcome relief, especially as Brand more or less was an excited jumpy puppy from the get go. As I mentioned earlier, he had a habit of screeching his panic, which very quickly became annoying.
As for the Fictionals we have the Snow Queen (from the self-named fairy tale), who's annoyance at being dragged into the "Scion's" life and battles is palatable throughout. Robin Hood, who's brought in as Tessa's fighting coach and is one of two people who benefits the most by fighting his "fiction". Fenris--aka the Big Bad Wolf--who I don't care how shady the guy is, name him Fenris and make him a wolf in human form and I will love him. End of story. Then there's a few I can't name for spoilers, but let's just say its not just Fairy Tale Fictionals running around in the town of Lore mmkay?
There's an insta-love just add hormones romance, but Thompson endeavors to show that Tessa doesn't just let herself be ruled by those hormones. As she learns more about Fictionals and what they can (and can't) possibly do, she does step back and say "Wait. How real is this thing I'm feeling?" I will admit that through that romance a lot of interesting concepts are brought up (moreso then the secondary character's plight, who much like Robin is trying to fight their narrative, but we see less of that struggle). Thompson explores how the evolving landscape of fairy tales and fiction over the centuries can both inhibit a character and offer them flexibility. Also the whole "can a person really change" concept is very much present for various different scenarios (good and bad).
I will admit that this is less self-contained then TGWWBK was. TGWWBK very clearly was an "ending" to a chapter in Bonnie's (and Lola's) life. The epilogue ad the sneak peak aside, a reader could finish TGWWBK and feel like they got a whole story. STORYKILLER however ends with a lot of loose ends floating around. Not just for Tessa, but in regards to Micah, Brand, Fenris...heck even Tessa's parents. The phrase "Plots within Plots" certainly sums up some of the storylines.
This isn't a problem for me, as I happily will hand over my bank account information to Thompson as long as she promises to keep writing, but its important to keep in mind so you're not shocked at the end when everyone is still alive and not dead by rocks.
And oh yeah, Batman is totally real. And awesome (or so Aladdin claims).
Brand and I need to discuss his semi-annoying habit of screeching all his panicked worries though.
Thompson, who some of you may remember as the author of the omg fabulous i love this book THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING in 2012, comes back with another stellar example of what potential self-pubbed authors should aspire towards. Funded once more by Kickstarter, Thompson plays with fairy tales and fiction instead of superheroes this time around giving us all a chance to see how well (or not so well) Fictionals turn out in real life.
Getting the obvious out of the way--yeah if you enjoy the Buffy the Vampire Slayer type of urban fantasy (snarky out of the box thinking heroine, unreasonably hot guys providing assistance, geeky best friends who provide support/back up) then there's every expectation that you will enjoy this. Moving beyond that, fans of fiction coming to life with unexpected results will enjoy this as well. Or fans of action oriented heroines who DO use their brains.
Tessa won me over pretty quickly. Her take no shit attitude coupled with her very realistic response to suddenly having powers and a destiny and expectations foisted upon her endeared her to me instantly. Micah's sensible "give her space" approach was also a welcome relief, especially as Brand more or less was an excited jumpy puppy from the get go. As I mentioned earlier, he had a habit of screeching his panic, which very quickly became annoying.
As for the Fictionals we have the Snow Queen (from the self-named fairy tale), who's annoyance at being dragged into the "Scion's" life and battles is palatable throughout. Robin Hood, who's brought in as Tessa's fighting coach and is one of two people who benefits the most by fighting his "fiction". Fenris--aka the Big Bad Wolf--who I don't care how shady the guy is, name him Fenris and make him a wolf in human form and I will love him. End of story. Then there's a few I can't name for spoilers, but let's just say its not just Fairy Tale Fictionals running around in the town of Lore mmkay?
There's an insta-love just add hormones romance, but Thompson endeavors to show that Tessa doesn't just let herself be ruled by those hormones. As she learns more about Fictionals and what they can (and can't) possibly do, she does step back and say "Wait. How real is this thing I'm feeling?" I will admit that through that romance a lot of interesting concepts are brought up (moreso then the secondary character's plight, who much like Robin is trying to fight their narrative, but we see less of that struggle). Thompson explores how the evolving landscape of fairy tales and fiction over the centuries can both inhibit a character and offer them flexibility. Also the whole "can a person really change" concept is very much present for various different scenarios (good and bad).
I will admit that this is less self-contained then TGWWBK was. TGWWBK very clearly was an "ending" to a chapter in Bonnie's (and Lola's) life. The epilogue ad the sneak peak aside, a reader could finish TGWWBK and feel like they got a whole story. STORYKILLER however ends with a lot of loose ends floating around. Not just for Tessa, but in regards to Micah, Brand, Fenris...heck even Tessa's parents. The phrase "Plots within Plots" certainly sums up some of the storylines.
This isn't a problem for me, as I happily will hand over my bank account information to Thompson as long as she promises to keep writing, but its important to keep in mind so you're not shocked at the end when everyone is still alive and not dead by rocks.
And oh yeah, Batman is totally real. And awesome (or so Aladdin claims).
August 12, 2015
Full disclosure, I backed this Kickstarter, and I was already disposed to love it on account of how much I *adore* The Girl Who Would Be King, author Kelly Thompson’s first novel (seriously, check that one out too.)
I love stories, and fairy tales in particular. I really love adapting and changing classic fairy tales in inventive ways and I positively ADORE metafiction about fairy tales. Any time characters from a story know they’re in a story, or when storybook characters are “real” and interact with the real world… it’s like catnip for me and I can’t get enough. Fables, Once Upon A Time, the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. If you like any of these things, you’ll love Storykiller.
Though the idea of “real life” story characters isn’t exactly new, the world of Storykiller is really unique and vibrant, and extremely well-developed: Every story that’s ever been written is real, and the characters possess a limited ability to travel back and forth between their world and ours. A mortal - the Scion - exists in every generation to help keep the peace, and is the only being with the ability to completely kill a Story, effectively erasing it from human consciousness throughout time and space. As the Last Scion, Tessa Battle (best name EVER) quickly learns that with great power - the “standard superhero package” - comes great responsibility, and a heck of a lot of fictional characters who want to befriend you, help you, con you, or kill you.
I love every one of the characters. Tessa is both supernaturally fabulous and extremely relatable, strong on the outside and insecure on the inside. She gets actual superpowers (which, since Buffy, has become kind of a rarity for girls…) She’s a clever and inventive problem solver with a wry wit, a huge mythical axe, and an undercut. Everyone and their mom is comparing her to Buffy - for obvious reasons, she and her team of wonderful misfits owe a lot to the OG Scooby Squad. Helping her out are nerdy and enthusiastic Brand and shy, still-waters-run-deep Micah, BFF that will make you fall in love with them in about two seconds - even faster than you’ll fall for Robin… yeah, Robin Hood *suggestive eyebrow waggle* Also, the Snow Queen - who is a lot more Emma Frost than Queen Elsa (and therefore no one is surprised that Kris Anka drew the pinup of her for the Kickstarter. Did I mention that there are killer illustrations in this book? Drawn by none other than Stephanie Hans, Noelle Stevenson, Dustin Nguyen, and so many more huge names!) Kelly Thompson writes the most compelling and complex villains around and Snow is no exception. She’s sort of the Spike in this scenario. And if brooding/mysterious anti-hero is your type, may I present Fenris? The Big Bad Wolf. Every one of these characters is fully-realized and complex, with their own demons to fight and agendas to follow.
This is the first novel in what is bound to be a fantastic series and you can get in right now and say you loved it before it was cool/a summer tentpole movie trilogy. It’s too late to back the Kickstarter, but it’s only $4.99 on Kindle, so you really have no excuse. Fight Your Fiction!
I love stories, and fairy tales in particular. I really love adapting and changing classic fairy tales in inventive ways and I positively ADORE metafiction about fairy tales. Any time characters from a story know they’re in a story, or when storybook characters are “real” and interact with the real world… it’s like catnip for me and I can’t get enough. Fables, Once Upon A Time, the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. If you like any of these things, you’ll love Storykiller.
Though the idea of “real life” story characters isn’t exactly new, the world of Storykiller is really unique and vibrant, and extremely well-developed: Every story that’s ever been written is real, and the characters possess a limited ability to travel back and forth between their world and ours. A mortal - the Scion - exists in every generation to help keep the peace, and is the only being with the ability to completely kill a Story, effectively erasing it from human consciousness throughout time and space. As the Last Scion, Tessa Battle (best name EVER) quickly learns that with great power - the “standard superhero package” - comes great responsibility, and a heck of a lot of fictional characters who want to befriend you, help you, con you, or kill you.
I love every one of the characters. Tessa is both supernaturally fabulous and extremely relatable, strong on the outside and insecure on the inside. She gets actual superpowers (which, since Buffy, has become kind of a rarity for girls…) She’s a clever and inventive problem solver with a wry wit, a huge mythical axe, and an undercut. Everyone and their mom is comparing her to Buffy - for obvious reasons, she and her team of wonderful misfits owe a lot to the OG Scooby Squad. Helping her out are nerdy and enthusiastic Brand and shy, still-waters-run-deep Micah, BFF that will make you fall in love with them in about two seconds - even faster than you’ll fall for Robin… yeah, Robin Hood *suggestive eyebrow waggle* Also, the Snow Queen - who is a lot more Emma Frost than Queen Elsa (and therefore no one is surprised that Kris Anka drew the pinup of her for the Kickstarter. Did I mention that there are killer illustrations in this book? Drawn by none other than Stephanie Hans, Noelle Stevenson, Dustin Nguyen, and so many more huge names!) Kelly Thompson writes the most compelling and complex villains around and Snow is no exception. She’s sort of the Spike in this scenario. And if brooding/mysterious anti-hero is your type, may I present Fenris? The Big Bad Wolf. Every one of these characters is fully-realized and complex, with their own demons to fight and agendas to follow.
This is the first novel in what is bound to be a fantastic series and you can get in right now and say you loved it before it was cool/a summer tentpole movie trilogy. It’s too late to back the Kickstarter, but it’s only $4.99 on Kindle, so you really have no excuse. Fight Your Fiction!
October 28, 2014
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the story of Tessa Battle, The Last Scion. She is the link between Fiction characters that exist in the alternate realm of Story and the Mortals. Tessa comes into her powers on her 17th birthday as she’s starting over again, making friends, meeting enemies…
This was an astoundingly imaginative book. I haven’t read anything like it. In fact, it gave me the thrill I’ve been needing to reignite my writing passion. The plotline, the follow-through, the creativity. BAM! It makes me want to write fantasy!
I don’t really wanna talk about what I didn’t like, but I pride myself on honesty. It’s why the book that had me enthralled today and has me still thinking about it only gets four stars. It’s trope-y. Sad face. So, girl moves (back) to town and is magically a man magnet. Then her parents are conveniently MIA. (In all reality, the tropes don’t phase me…) And one thing that makes me hurt deep down inside… Comma splices. Painful amounts of them. I could’ve cried.
But what’s important is why I loved it so very dang much. I loved Tessa’s character. She’s conflicted and has a badass personality with the styling to match. And her love interest, I mean come ON! No spoilers. I’ll let you meet him…
Each and every one of Kelly’s characters is fun and engaging. I can’t think of the research she had to do to get each Story just right. Ok, can we talk about the minions? Heheh. When you wish they were your friends, you know the author rocked it out. Now, the battle scenes were very vividly written. On further author investigation, you’ll find she’s an artist and has done a graphic novel, so it’s no wonder she paints a picture with her words.
Yes, it is yet another book with a sequel. However, you will find that it is not a cliffhanger. Breathe a sigh of relief. You are left with questions and a confusing epilogue. But it all leads you to want desperately for the sequel in your hands. Can’t wait!
Get your hands on Storykiller and carve out several hours to explore the city of Lore with Tessa!
(Heads up, if you buy the book, it apparently comes with gorgeous illustrations. Mine’s was free, therefore, non-illustrious.)
This is the story of Tessa Battle, The Last Scion. She is the link between Fiction characters that exist in the alternate realm of Story and the Mortals. Tessa comes into her powers on her 17th birthday as she’s starting over again, making friends, meeting enemies…
This was an astoundingly imaginative book. I haven’t read anything like it. In fact, it gave me the thrill I’ve been needing to reignite my writing passion. The plotline, the follow-through, the creativity. BAM! It makes me want to write fantasy!
I don’t really wanna talk about what I didn’t like, but I pride myself on honesty. It’s why the book that had me enthralled today and has me still thinking about it only gets four stars. It’s trope-y. Sad face. So, girl moves (back) to town and is magically a man magnet. Then her parents are conveniently MIA. (In all reality, the tropes don’t phase me…) And one thing that makes me hurt deep down inside… Comma splices. Painful amounts of them. I could’ve cried.
But what’s important is why I loved it so very dang much. I loved Tessa’s character. She’s conflicted and has a badass personality with the styling to match. And her love interest, I mean come ON! No spoilers. I’ll let you meet him…
Each and every one of Kelly’s characters is fun and engaging. I can’t think of the research she had to do to get each Story just right. Ok, can we talk about the minions? Heheh. When you wish they were your friends, you know the author rocked it out. Now, the battle scenes were very vividly written. On further author investigation, you’ll find she’s an artist and has done a graphic novel, so it’s no wonder she paints a picture with her words.
Yes, it is yet another book with a sequel. However, you will find that it is not a cliffhanger. Breathe a sigh of relief. You are left with questions and a confusing epilogue. But it all leads you to want desperately for the sequel in your hands. Can’t wait!
Get your hands on Storykiller and carve out several hours to explore the city of Lore with Tessa!
(Heads up, if you buy the book, it apparently comes with gorgeous illustrations. Mine’s was free, therefore, non-illustrious.)
August 25, 2016
I got my beautiful, gorgeous copy thru Goodreads’ First Reads.
The “chosen one” trope has been done to death yet, every once in a while, someone manages to give it enough of a spin that it remains enjoyable.
Kelly Thompson created a character that feels real to the reader and steps away from the been-there side of the genre by being relatable yet full of the wonders that accompany a girl who interacts with the characters from stories.
Thompson manages to make classic story characters her own, in a tale that keeps the reader guessing just who’s side they’re on and what they really want. Each “Story” is both true to their origin and a new to the reader. That is, in itself, excellent writing.
The last chapters left a lot of threads hanging, but (miraculously) that didn´t bother as much as it usually does. On the contrary, it worked to make me excited about what the future could bring for Tessa and her “minions.”
As a side note, I’d like to say that this book is beautifully designed. Every little detail was thought out and executed to make the book a stunning container for the story inside. It’s also worth mentioning that the illustrations in the middle are done by some of my favorite online artists, and there’s an index at the end that gives a peek at some of their work processes.
The “chosen one” trope has been done to death yet, every once in a while, someone manages to give it enough of a spin that it remains enjoyable.
Kelly Thompson created a character that feels real to the reader and steps away from the been-there side of the genre by being relatable yet full of the wonders that accompany a girl who interacts with the characters from stories.
Thompson manages to make classic story characters her own, in a tale that keeps the reader guessing just who’s side they’re on and what they really want. Each “Story” is both true to their origin and a new to the reader. That is, in itself, excellent writing.
The last chapters left a lot of threads hanging, but (miraculously) that didn´t bother as much as it usually does. On the contrary, it worked to make me excited about what the future could bring for Tessa and her “minions.”
As a side note, I’d like to say that this book is beautifully designed. Every little detail was thought out and executed to make the book a stunning container for the story inside. It’s also worth mentioning that the illustrations in the middle are done by some of my favorite online artists, and there’s an index at the end that gives a peek at some of their work processes.
April 1, 2014
I loved Storykiller. This book was a kickstarter that I supported. Kelly Thompson was also the author of The Girl Who Would Be King, which was also a Kickstarter.
Storykiller is the story of Tessa Battle. She discovers she is a scion, a kind of peace keeper between the fictional world and the real world. She has come back to the town she grew up in, named Lore, just in time for her 17th birthday, and the arrival of her basic superhero power package. She is suddenly stronger, faster, and has moves that she didn't know existed. Which is lucky, because on arriving home from school on her birthday, there is a large troll who wants to kill her.
The book is a lot of fun, there are many fictional characters that put in an appearance. It reminds me of Once Upon a Time meets The Eyre Affair.
I would highly recommend this book for fans of Thompson's first book, or Once Upon A Time or Thursday Next. It is appropriate for younger teens or even pre-teens. There's romance, but nothing graphic.
Storykiller is the story of Tessa Battle. She discovers she is a scion, a kind of peace keeper between the fictional world and the real world. She has come back to the town she grew up in, named Lore, just in time for her 17th birthday, and the arrival of her basic superhero power package. She is suddenly stronger, faster, and has moves that she didn't know existed. Which is lucky, because on arriving home from school on her birthday, there is a large troll who wants to kill her.
The book is a lot of fun, there are many fictional characters that put in an appearance. It reminds me of Once Upon a Time meets The Eyre Affair.
I would highly recommend this book for fans of Thompson's first book, or Once Upon A Time or Thursday Next. It is appropriate for younger teens or even pre-teens. There's romance, but nothing graphic.
April 17, 2014
Storykiller is the first book (a world-builder if you will) in an on-going series that follows the last of the Scions (or "Storykillers") and her band of friends and frenemies. The book owes a lot to Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as noted by the author herself), but is a cross between Buffy and the "Fables" comics (or Grimm/Once Upon a Time if TV is your prefered vice to comics).
I think this sets up a very interesting world and the inherent concept of the stories and "Fight your Fiction" is a very interesting theme to explore (more along the lines of Mike Carey's "Unwritten" series from Vertigo than straight up fables). I am intrigued to see where this goes.
All in all, it was a solid first book that whets my appetite for more in the series. It is not the tight, absolute tour de force that was the author's first book (The Girl Who Would Be King, which I strongly recommend you read), but I expect the mythos of this book to improve with age and depth and that the author will find her voice and footing with this series (much the same way the first Dresden Files book did not grab me, but Butcher's writing and plotting grew into something awesome).
I think this sets up a very interesting world and the inherent concept of the stories and "Fight your Fiction" is a very interesting theme to explore (more along the lines of Mike Carey's "Unwritten" series from Vertigo than straight up fables). I am intrigued to see where this goes.
All in all, it was a solid first book that whets my appetite for more in the series. It is not the tight, absolute tour de force that was the author's first book (The Girl Who Would Be King, which I strongly recommend you read), but I expect the mythos of this book to improve with age and depth and that the author will find her voice and footing with this series (much the same way the first Dresden Files book did not grab me, but Butcher's writing and plotting grew into something awesome).
June 23, 2014
It should come as no surprise that as I sit here in my Thor t-shirt, I'm recommending a superhero novel to you. Believe it or not, I actually hold these types of things to a high standard--and a lot of them fall short. Storykiller, however, is not one of them.
It's fitting, I guess, that I write this on Joss Whedon's birthday because Thompson clearly counts him as an influence. Storykiller reminds me a lot of Buffy. To anyone who's read the book, that's probably not the most insightful critique on the planet, but I'll go one further: It's Buffy set in the world of Fables (and if you don't know what that is, I want to have words with you).
Who should read it? I don't know...people with eyes? It's funny, has a lot of good action, and I may or may not be in love with a certain snow queen.
In the end, superhero novels are best when the characters and story take center stage while the superhero tropes fade to the background. Storykiller accomplishes just that, so pardon me while I put this beside The Girl Who Would Be King and Prepare to Die! on the Best Of superhero bookshelf.
p.s. The artwork in this thing is got damn gorgeous. Buy the print edition if you can.
It's fitting, I guess, that I write this on Joss Whedon's birthday because Thompson clearly counts him as an influence. Storykiller reminds me a lot of Buffy. To anyone who's read the book, that's probably not the most insightful critique on the planet, but I'll go one further: It's Buffy set in the world of Fables (and if you don't know what that is, I want to have words with you).
Who should read it? I don't know...people with eyes? It's funny, has a lot of good action, and I may or may not be in love with a certain snow queen.
In the end, superhero novels are best when the characters and story take center stage while the superhero tropes fade to the background. Storykiller accomplishes just that, so pardon me while I put this beside The Girl Who Would Be King and Prepare to Die! on the Best Of superhero bookshelf.
p.s. The artwork in this thing is got damn gorgeous. Buy the print edition if you can.
October 28, 2014
I stumbled upon this while on Kickstarter, liked the premise and gave it a shot. While the target market is primarily the same as Hunger Games, teenage girls...much like the movies (never read the books) it appeals across age groups due to it being well written, engaging and covering universal themes with the additional of being loaded with classic characters. In a nutshell all the characters from all stories are real and can enter our world. The protagonist Tessa Battle is the Last Scion and she can not only travel between worlds...but while Story characters cannot kill each other, at least not permanently...The Last Scion can. This has ramifications, if a story dies so does all it affected. ie Kill James Bond...most 60's Spy Movies and Novels would disappear and all that came after.
I'm guessing there will be sequels and hope so, since I'm looking to see what other characters and stories the author Kelly Thompson plans on weaving into her world. Of note, she did a great job of getting high end artistic talent to do Artwork for the book and also kept her audience apprised of the process to get the book made the whole way. Looking foreword to some more Tessa Battle...
I'm guessing there will be sequels and hope so, since I'm looking to see what other characters and stories the author Kelly Thompson plans on weaving into her world. Of note, she did a great job of getting high end artistic talent to do Artwork for the book and also kept her audience apprised of the process to get the book made the whole way. Looking foreword to some more Tessa Battle...
June 16, 2014
I received a copy of this book through a first-reads giveaway.
There were things about this book that I liked but I think that ultimately it just read a little "young" for me. It seemed more YA than adult. Some YA translates for all ages but this didn't do that for me. I was a little confused that the story language (tova!) seemed like a great way to avoid using standard profanity but then there are a few fucking____'s thrown in later for emphasis. Just felt inconsistent.
The story is interesting and I really liked the idea that fictional characters exist. That idea was my favorite element of the book.
I saw a lot of parallels with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"-- i.e. powerful female protagonist with two quirky friends, and of course Robin and Fenris share similarities with Angel and Spike.
The book presentation is lovely. Beautiful cover and the art adds a lot to the book overall.
All in all I think the book is good and worth reading but I don't think I'm the right audience. I think my daughter would have loved it when she was in her young teens.
There were things about this book that I liked but I think that ultimately it just read a little "young" for me. It seemed more YA than adult. Some YA translates for all ages but this didn't do that for me. I was a little confused that the story language (tova!) seemed like a great way to avoid using standard profanity but then there are a few fucking____'s thrown in later for emphasis. Just felt inconsistent.
The story is interesting and I really liked the idea that fictional characters exist. That idea was my favorite element of the book.
I saw a lot of parallels with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"-- i.e. powerful female protagonist with two quirky friends, and of course Robin and Fenris share similarities with Angel and Spike.
The book presentation is lovely. Beautiful cover and the art adds a lot to the book overall.
All in all I think the book is good and worth reading but I don't think I'm the right audience. I think my daughter would have loved it when she was in her young teens.
February 23, 2014
If you've read my graphic novel, Celadore, you'll very much enjoy this book. Even though it's really about killing off fictional characters who aren't that fictional after all, it has that 'family is what you make it' message at its heart, because the main characters seem like such a ragtag bunch that don't belong together, but by the end, you couldn't imagine it any other way.
It's high action and peril, intercut with 'Squee! Dreamboat!' moments, (because it IS a love story too, after all). It's funny, full of neat ideas (like how all 'stories' are unbelievably hot because who writes anything else? Classic!), has some truly memorable characters, (Snow!) and teases us with sequels that can't come soon enough.
And yes, I did do an illustration for this book (so I might be biased) but I only work on things I enjoy, and I enjoyed the HECK out of The Girl Who Would Be King, Kelly's first book, so I trusted that this would also be great.
It is.
It's high action and peril, intercut with 'Squee! Dreamboat!' moments, (because it IS a love story too, after all). It's funny, full of neat ideas (like how all 'stories' are unbelievably hot because who writes anything else? Classic!), has some truly memorable characters, (Snow!) and teases us with sequels that can't come soon enough.
And yes, I did do an illustration for this book (so I might be biased) but I only work on things I enjoy, and I enjoyed the HECK out of The Girl Who Would Be King, Kelly's first book, so I trusted that this would also be great.
It is.
March 15, 2014
A very fun read, Storykiller is sort of Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-meets-Fairytales. Tessa just turned 17 and finds out that she's the "Scion" -- a super-powered being who can move between the mortal world and "Story" (a world where all fictional characters live). However, the Scion is normally a guy and the fact that she's not is sort of an Apocalyptic thing for the inhabitants of Story. (The Scion has the power to kill Fictions, eliminating their entire story lines from ever having existed.) Ultimately, Tessa and her motley band of friends (and reluctant allies) are confronted with saving the city from certain Fictions bent on wreaking havoc. Definite overtones of Buffy; so if you enjoyed that show/universe, you'll probably enjoy this book. I'm actively looking forward for future installments.
July 7, 2014
This is really a 4.5 star- a five star 'verse, five star characters, 4 star plotting & delivery. That said, I loved this book. I am embarrassed to say that the only reason I didn't pick it up immediately after being blown away by The Girl Who Would Be King is because the first review that popped up on Goodreads mentioned the fantastic art, and I assumed it was a graphic novel, a format I don't enjoy.
Though that brings me to what I love most about Kelly Thompson, and why I will eagerly buy anything she puts out- I don't like the comic/graphic novel format. I love comic book 'verses, but have a hard time reading actual comics. Both Storykiller and TGWWBK give you all the action and fantastic worldbuilding, but in prose, wonderful prose.
I hope a next installment comes out soon, and also hope these books are getting film optioned. I would love to see both on screen.
Though that brings me to what I love most about Kelly Thompson, and why I will eagerly buy anything she puts out- I don't like the comic/graphic novel format. I love comic book 'verses, but have a hard time reading actual comics. Both Storykiller and TGWWBK give you all the action and fantastic worldbuilding, but in prose, wonderful prose.
I hope a next installment comes out soon, and also hope these books are getting film optioned. I would love to see both on screen.
July 26, 2014
I was this close to giving the book three stars, but I liked the characters too much. As I read the book, I felt a meld between Percy Jackson and Teen Titans.
Anyways, I was stoked when I began reading with Tessa Battle getting these superpowers and making friends with Brand and Micah, who seemed like I'd be friends with in real life. Then the Snow Queen shows up, Tessa ends up fighting Blackbeard, and a lot of other cool stuff happens. However, as all the characters develop and Tessa truly owns her title as the Last Scion, I became dissatisfied with the turn of events. I think I had a different plot in my mind when it came to the different villains. I was surprised, but not in a good way. But to give Kelly Thompson the benefit of the doubt, the Storykiller universe is amazing and I definitely look forward to reading a sequel.
Anyways, I was stoked when I began reading with Tessa Battle getting these superpowers and making friends with Brand and Micah, who seemed like I'd be friends with in real life. Then the Snow Queen shows up, Tessa ends up fighting Blackbeard, and a lot of other cool stuff happens. However, as all the characters develop and Tessa truly owns her title as the Last Scion, I became dissatisfied with the turn of events. I think I had a different plot in my mind when it came to the different villains. I was surprised, but not in a good way. But to give Kelly Thompson the benefit of the doubt, the Storykiller universe is amazing and I definitely look forward to reading a sequel.
May 5, 2014
Ah-maze-ing! I simply adored this book. It was so rich, fast paced, and instantly enthralling. If having a kick ass spunky heroine wasn't enough, we're also given a slew of amazing sidekicks and hunky men. Each of whom are chalk full of personality, intrigue and backstory. The fact that this takes place in a world where every single story ever written exists, leaves one anticipating any twist or turn with each page and Ms.Thompson does not disappoint! There are so many possibilities!
So I hope, wish, beg that the second book comes out soon!!
So I hope, wish, beg that the second book comes out soon!!
April 1, 2014
I really enjoyed Ms. Thompson's first book, The Girl Who Would be King, but thought, like most first novelists, she could improve. I'm very glad that she kept going. Not that I had anything to complain about with the first, this, her second, is a definite improvement. It's hard to pin down, but the characterizations, and narrative, are quite good. There's something a bit derivative about the Story idea, but it's done in an innovative way.
Overall, I would very much recommend this book. My only hope is that Ms. Thompson turns to a bit more mature characters and situations (i.e., non YA). I really want to see what she does with some adult themes and situations.
Very well done.
Overall, I would very much recommend this book. My only hope is that Ms. Thompson turns to a bit more mature characters and situations (i.e., non YA). I really want to see what she does with some adult themes and situations.
Very well done.
August 16, 2014
From the beginning this story took off like a rocket. It's fast paced with interesting characters. I loved the concept that all fictional characters are real and live amongst mortals. There's the Snow Queen, Robin Hood, Dr. Frankenstein, The Big Bad Wolf, King Midas, & Aladdin to name a few. The heroine, Tessa was born from a fictional character and a mortal- she is called "the Scion" or the "Storykiller". On her 17th birthday she acquires powers and learns of her true heritage. Tessa is the only who can kill a storybook character forever. Strap on your boots and get ready for a wild ride of interesting characters and some cool pictures. I'm really glad I backed this project on Kickstarter.
April 24, 2014
I was saving my first read of this for the hardback from the kickstarter, but I was having a bad weekend and I really needed it, I'm glad I waited! Coffee, a cinnamon danish and Storykiller is pretty much my perfect morning. In my book, anything you turn to when you feel crap is a keeper, and Storykiller definitely did it for me.
I really loved Micah and Robin ("I'm feeling dragony" - new permanent addition to my vernacular), and I want to get to know Tessa in more depth.
I really loved Micah and Robin ("I'm feeling dragony" - new permanent addition to my vernacular), and I want to get to know Tessa in more depth.
April 2, 2015
This book was an absolute joy to read. The story follows Tessa, who I found to be a strong heroine, who has just been called to be the Scion, a bridge between the Mortal and Story Worlds. I loved the way the storybook characters were adapted and fleshed out, and how the characters in the Mortal World adapt to their circumstances. The beginnings of the back story are fascinating, and I can't wait to see how it all continues to unfold in the next book.
June 5, 2014
Storykiller is a very fun and interesting story and the book felt like one of my favorite TV shows. Which was one of the reasons why I backed the Kickstarter because the author compare it to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The story is a mix of fantasy with real life situation and Buffy. I also have hardcover edition which is very nice with a lot beautiful art.
August 7, 2014
Another amazing page-turner from Kelly Thompson. It is SO good. I can't wait for the next one. She may well be my new favourite author. Don't let the YA tag put you off this is a fun frolic, that will please all. It just so happens the main characters (excluding stories) are young.
It also feels like it needs a sequel. I sure hope so.
It also feels like it needs a sequel. I sure hope so.
December 8, 2014
Thompson's take on the world of fiction and the boundaries between it and "reality" is refreshing and fun. Her characters are alive and invigorating. The humor is dark and biting. I loved every moment of this book and can't wait for more from her.
Want to read
February 8, 2014This book seems pretty awesome. Read an excerpt from the author's blog here: http://blog.1979semifinalist.com/wp-c...
June 18, 2017
I found this story through Kickstarter and I must say it lived up to the hype. I really enjoyed the twist to the fable characters. I will be patiently waiting for the next book because I am all in!
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