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The Tome of Bill #6
Half a Prayer
Terror lurks below and it’s about to surface.
The end of the world is rapidly approaching, but Bill Ryder - gamer, geek, and legendary vampire - finds himself with more pressing matters to worry about: the women in his life. Sidelined from action, he’s forced to reevaluate his feelings. Sadly for him, it’s a luxury he can ill afford.
An unstoppable terror from the dawn of time has awoken deep beneath the Earth and is headed his way. To make matter worse, he’s been deemed a traitor by those he thought to be his allies. Now he finds himself fighting off enemies from all sides while warring with his emotions. Talk about sucky timing for introspection.
As the world crumbles to pieces around him, Bill must muster his courage, master his powers, and rise to the destiny he’s been trying so long to deny - because if he doesn’t, his love life will be the least of his worries.
***
Half-a-Prayer (the Tome of Bill, part 6) is 130k words of foul-mouthed Urban Fantasy by Rick Gualtieri, author of Holier Than Thou and Sunset Strip
The end of the world is rapidly approaching, but Bill Ryder - gamer, geek, and legendary vampire - finds himself with more pressing matters to worry about: the women in his life. Sidelined from action, he’s forced to reevaluate his feelings. Sadly for him, it’s a luxury he can ill afford.
An unstoppable terror from the dawn of time has awoken deep beneath the Earth and is headed his way. To make matter worse, he’s been deemed a traitor by those he thought to be his allies. Now he finds himself fighting off enemies from all sides while warring with his emotions. Talk about sucky timing for introspection.
As the world crumbles to pieces around him, Bill must muster his courage, master his powers, and rise to the destiny he’s been trying so long to deny - because if he doesn’t, his love life will be the least of his worries.
***
Half-a-Prayer (the Tome of Bill, part 6) is 130k words of foul-mouthed Urban Fantasy by Rick Gualtieri, author of Holier Than Thou and Sunset Strip
506 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2015
309 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Rick Gualtieri
88 books765 followersRick Gualtieri loves to write adventure, mayhem, and snarky dialogue. His bestselling Tome of Bill series combines all of this into a world of supernatural danger with hard-hitting action and plenty of sharp-tongued geeky humor.
Rick lives alone in a dark, evil place called New Jersey with only his wife, three kids, and countless pets to both keep him company and constantly plot against him. When he's not busy monkey-clicking out words, he can typically be found jealously guarding his collection of vintage Transformers from all who would seek to defile them.
Defilers beware!
Email: rickg.author@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor
Rick lives alone in a dark, evil place called New Jersey with only his wife, three kids, and countless pets to both keep him company and constantly plot against him. When he's not busy monkey-clicking out words, he can typically be found jealously guarding his collection of vintage Transformers from all who would seek to defile them.
Defilers beware!
Email: rickg.author@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 18, 2015
Half a Prayer is absolutely dreadful. The first couple books in Bill the Vampire were really interesting, I still remember laughing when they were driving to Canada and upon one of the vampires mentioning Kublai Kahn they all do the kirk yell "Kahn!!!" Whatever momentum and creativity the series had however grinds to a screeching halt here.
It really feels like the author is stuck and has absolutely no idea of what to do next so he just throws together random plot elements, trying to stretch what would have been a great trilogy into a huge series.
It really feels like the author is stuck and has absolutely no idea of what to do next so he just throws together random plot elements, trying to stretch what would have been a great trilogy into a huge series.
January 9, 2015
Damn this series is amusing. The Tome of Bill is consistently entertaining with delightfully sophomoric humor. If hearing the word "manhole" makes you giggle, pick up book 1 and work your way through to this one: you won't be disappointed.
August 8, 2017
I was hanging by a thread already on this series. I mainly finished this book because I thought the series was ending...it isn't. But I am. No more for me baby, I'm out.
March 13, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better. I couldn't put this one down, and to be honest, I'm going to be quite sad when it's all over. I was saddened by Sally's loss of memories, and am intrigued to see what comes of Dr. Death. If they're going to be able to stop Vehron, I think the alternate identity will need to make a re-appearance. Great work!
July 5, 2018
Bill and company are back for round six-- much like the previous installments, you can pretty much treat this as two distinct, but interwoven stories. I think the fact that it took me over six months to wrap back around and finish this book speaks to how well it gripped me (not so much) but, in its defense, as soon as I picked it back up, I knew exactly where I had left off and what was going on.
If I had to point to one specific thing in this book that didn't work for me is it has the "middle child/sequel" problem moreso than the books before it. This book in particular is setting the table for what is likely going to be the last sprint to the ultimate end of the series in the remaining books. There is a lot that gets set-up that is very clearly meant to payoff later, in other stories. If that doesn't bug you, then maybe you'll enjoy this one a bit more than I did.
All that said, I enjoyed this one. I don't know that it will stay with me, and I don't know that I'll be revisiting it in the future, but I haven't grown tired of Bill and his escapades yet.
Bottom line? This isn't a book you want to jump into without reading the previous installments, full-stop. That said, this book is filled to the brim with D&D references, pop-nerd-culture references, and all the raunchy, foul-mouthed humor, and witticisms you should expect from Bill and his friends by now. Read it because you like the series and the characters and you want to see what's going to come of everyone at the end-- by itself, it might be one of the weaker entries, but there are very clear signs of big things to come.
A few words about The Tome of Bill, since I haven't written reviews of the previous five: The Tome of Bill is a nerdcore, modern fantasy story that's full of pulp and easy to read. If you mixed together Ready Player One, True Blood, and The Dresden Files, you'd land somewhere around here.
If I had to point to one specific thing in this book that didn't work for me is it has the "middle child/sequel" problem moreso than the books before it. This book in particular is setting the table for what is likely going to be the last sprint to the ultimate end of the series in the remaining books. There is a lot that gets set-up that is very clearly meant to payoff later, in other stories. If that doesn't bug you, then maybe you'll enjoy this one a bit more than I did.
All that said, I enjoyed this one. I don't know that it will stay with me, and I don't know that I'll be revisiting it in the future, but I haven't grown tired of Bill and his escapades yet.
Bottom line? This isn't a book you want to jump into without reading the previous installments, full-stop. That said, this book is filled to the brim with D&D references, pop-nerd-culture references, and all the raunchy, foul-mouthed humor, and witticisms you should expect from Bill and his friends by now. Read it because you like the series and the characters and you want to see what's going to come of everyone at the end-- by itself, it might be one of the weaker entries, but there are very clear signs of big things to come.
A few words about The Tome of Bill, since I haven't written reviews of the previous five: The Tome of Bill is a nerdcore, modern fantasy story that's full of pulp and easy to read. If you mixed together Ready Player One, True Blood, and The Dresden Files, you'd land somewhere around here.
February 5, 2017
Oh my gosh, just how much trouble can Bill & his mates get into? How many situations that you think they can't possibly get out of? Apparently as many as can happen to screw with poor old Bill and his mates! Ripping good series!
January 21, 2015
I loved every second of this book, but I was saddened by what happened to bill's main partner T_T
August 19, 2021
"Shit had just gotten surreal."
What a great line to summarize this latest chapter in my on-going Bill-A-Thon, leaving no geeky vampire sold before his time! And man, this one definitely qualifies as a full-scale urban fantasy - well, let's be blunt - clusterf*ck! But oh how well that works oh ye of little faith!
Look y'all, at this point, you could rate these books 17 stars or minus 3, because let's be honest: if you've read this far, nothing I say here will keep you from continuing. And if you started with this book, then, well, you're obviously a shape-shifting lava troll from the sewers of Vegas and there's no point trying to convince you one way or the other about that. So yeah, no worries, right?
Look, everything is here for your enjoyment. Gualtieri doesn't even blink for a microsecond in terms of setting forth and SUCCESSFULLY pulling off a complex and ever-evolving plot-line that is quite obviously no where near being bizarre enough to bring it to a close. Like each and every book in the series so far, we're advancing towards a very likely Armaggedon with just scads of new weirdness being added to the game. Just because this one took me WAAAAAAY out of my comfort zone is my problem - good golly my neck hurts from shaking my head so much! - and, well, there ya' go. We spend a lot of time in sewers, nuclear bunkers and goodness knows what else, so deal with it, capice?
Sure I think the books work better in NYC and sure I wish we had stayed a little more in 'character' with the first 5 books, but hey: I'm not the one driving this bus! And sheesh, what more could you want than pretty much a book with constant battles, constant political machinations within the First Coven and just scheissloads of twists and turns in all things possible? I mean, by now, we've all figured out who the good guys and who the bad guys are, right? Nope, not even close...
These are great stories, full stop. And yeah, I'd stay and chat more but I (a) want to keep on reading and (b) don't remember any of you. But I kind of do. Or not. Filthy meatsacks, now I'm hungry.
What a great line to summarize this latest chapter in my on-going Bill-A-Thon, leaving no geeky vampire sold before his time! And man, this one definitely qualifies as a full-scale urban fantasy - well, let's be blunt - clusterf*ck! But oh how well that works oh ye of little faith!
Look y'all, at this point, you could rate these books 17 stars or minus 3, because let's be honest: if you've read this far, nothing I say here will keep you from continuing. And if you started with this book, then, well, you're obviously a shape-shifting lava troll from the sewers of Vegas and there's no point trying to convince you one way or the other about that. So yeah, no worries, right?
Look, everything is here for your enjoyment. Gualtieri doesn't even blink for a microsecond in terms of setting forth and SUCCESSFULLY pulling off a complex and ever-evolving plot-line that is quite obviously no where near being bizarre enough to bring it to a close. Like each and every book in the series so far, we're advancing towards a very likely Armaggedon with just scads of new weirdness being added to the game. Just because this one took me WAAAAAAY out of my comfort zone is my problem - good golly my neck hurts from shaking my head so much! - and, well, there ya' go. We spend a lot of time in sewers, nuclear bunkers and goodness knows what else, so deal with it, capice?
Sure I think the books work better in NYC and sure I wish we had stayed a little more in 'character' with the first 5 books, but hey: I'm not the one driving this bus! And sheesh, what more could you want than pretty much a book with constant battles, constant political machinations within the First Coven and just scheissloads of twists and turns in all things possible? I mean, by now, we've all figured out who the good guys and who the bad guys are, right? Nope, not even close...
These are great stories, full stop. And yeah, I'd stay and chat more but I (a) want to keep on reading and (b) don't remember any of you. But I kind of do. Or not. Filthy meatsacks, now I'm hungry.
March 10, 2020
Half a Prayer written by Rick Gualtieri & narrated by Christopher John Fetherolf. Things are getting crazy in this book, new rivals for the vampires, the Destroyer, & who knows what else is in store for Bill and friends. We’re starting to learn more about Sally she’s really being developed, and I can’t imagine the story without her at this point. I thought the last book was action packed but this one takes the cake I can only imagine it getting better in the next two books.
What are some things that I’ve enjoyed about this book? Gan is back! She’s easily becoming one of my favorite characters. James on the battlefield was awesome, he’s another one of my favorites and it’s about time we got some good action with him. This is probably the first time the Dracula’s was in action and they live up to their name I just wish we got a little more detail of them fighting since it took six books to get action out of them. That kiss near the end I’ve been waiting for that since they because close friends. I know he have another love interest, but I just don’t like them for each other.
What are some things that I didn’t enjoy about this book? I can’t say there was anything that I didn’t enjoy about this book. I’m happy for the Trio Bill, Tom, & Ed but at the same time I feel like the only relationship that I’m satisfied with is Tom’s. I think Sally & Bill should be together as well as Sheila and Ed they just seem more compatible to me.
This is the sixth book I’ve listened to from Rick Gualtieri. I’ll say it once again this series is really taking off near the end and I can’t wait to get into the next book. The characters are being developed well except Bill but I feel like he will get where he needs to be. I purchased book 1-4 via a bundle I have enjoyed reviewing these books I will continue with books 7-8.
What are some things that I’ve enjoyed about this book? Gan is back! She’s easily becoming one of my favorite characters. James on the battlefield was awesome, he’s another one of my favorites and it’s about time we got some good action with him. This is probably the first time the Dracula’s was in action and they live up to their name I just wish we got a little more detail of them fighting since it took six books to get action out of them. That kiss near the end I’ve been waiting for that since they because close friends. I know he have another love interest, but I just don’t like them for each other.
What are some things that I didn’t enjoy about this book? I can’t say there was anything that I didn’t enjoy about this book. I’m happy for the Trio Bill, Tom, & Ed but at the same time I feel like the only relationship that I’m satisfied with is Tom’s. I think Sally & Bill should be together as well as Sheila and Ed they just seem more compatible to me.
This is the sixth book I’ve listened to from Rick Gualtieri. I’ll say it once again this series is really taking off near the end and I can’t wait to get into the next book. The characters are being developed well except Bill but I feel like he will get where he needs to be. I purchased book 1-4 via a bundle I have enjoyed reviewing these books I will continue with books 7-8.
December 7, 2019
Action
Action, nearly nonstop action is the flow in "Half A Prayer", also twist, turns and the occasional laugh-out-loud moments! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the story progressed in interesting and exciting ways, and the characters are progressing with subtle changes, due to life lessons. I almost took a star off the rating because of what seemed like a cliffhanger, however the epilogue saved the day! While you know the story continues, it gives a wrapped up feeling that satisfactory to readers.
Action, nearly nonstop action is the flow in "Half A Prayer", also twist, turns and the occasional laugh-out-loud moments! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the story progressed in interesting and exciting ways, and the characters are progressing with subtle changes, due to life lessons. I almost took a star off the rating because of what seemed like a cliffhanger, however the epilogue saved the day! While you know the story continues, it gives a wrapped up feeling that satisfactory to readers.
August 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book and yes well it is not as funny as the other books in the series but I think that is not the point . This book is a bit more serious which is fine and since the characters are dealing with a lot of different things I think having a slightly more serious book makes sense for this series.
December 15, 2016
This sixth installment of this stories was a bit worse than it's predecessors. While not a bad book you can notice that the author struggles a bit to go from book 5 to book six.
But still I like the book well enough to rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars
But still I like the book well enough to rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars
July 3, 2018
I like these books more and more. The story keeps getting a little more complicated and layered. It also continues the streak of making me laugh out loud a few times. Again, not for those who are bothered by profanity.
January 7, 2022
Another exciting installment in the Tome of Bill. This is one of those rare books that I was completely able to get lost in. So don't read it if you need to be productive anytime soon because it sucks you in.
September 13, 2025
Solid entry and oh dang is stuff going more sideways... of course.
I hit this entry and the next one in an intermittent succession so the review between them isn't easy to split.
Also Shocker.
Alex Still Sucks.
I hit this entry and the next one in an intermittent succession so the review between them isn't easy to split.
Also Shocker.
Alex Still Sucks.
June 5, 2017
This series is really growing on me!
June 24, 2017
Amazing
This series is really heating up, I can't wait for the next book. As usual, plenty of action and great dialog. Read on Kindle Unlimited.
This series is really heating up, I can't wait for the next book. As usual, plenty of action and great dialog. Read on Kindle Unlimited.
July 6, 2017
Just more dun each time
I love the showdown, the vampire politics, the twists, the turns, the betrayals and the action. Just simply a ton of fun!
I love the showdown, the vampire politics, the twists, the turns, the betrayals and the action. Just simply a ton of fun!
July 22, 2018
These books seem to get shorter and the stories don’t come to a conclusion. I have the next book, so I’ll finish the set.
September 20, 2018
Half A Prayer
Bill just had the shot loaded on him. The one good thing is his friends are loyal and they make it out alive but not unscathed
Bill just had the shot loaded on him. The one good thing is his friends are loyal and they make it out alive but not unscathed
March 20, 2019
I enjoyed the first few of the series, but this one just fell flat for me.
June 27, 2019
3.5 to 4 stars for the series itself. Similar to the other books but maybe a little better. Good series and I will continue with it.
July 22, 2019
Stuck between being desperate to find out what happens next and starting to struggle with just how much the main character is put through, this was a tougher read.
August 19, 2019
Loving this series.
July 14, 2021
Nonstop action
This installment was jam packed full of action. Was great to see more sides to our characters as the story matures. Looking forward to the next one.
This installment was jam packed full of action. Was great to see more sides to our characters as the story matures. Looking forward to the next one.
March 19, 2023
When I picture Bill all I see is Simon from the TV series Shadowhunters.....
February 7, 2018
Half a Prayer had a slow start, but it was still fantastic! I love these characters and once again Mr. Gualtieri left me with an ending that had me starting the next book as soon as I finished this one.
March 10, 2017
Bill...as good as ever...
October 4, 2016
I hope this series never ends!
January 19, 2016
Half a Prayer, Tome of Bill #6
by Rick Gualtieri
Seems like Bill Ryder simply can't catch a break. One would think that the vampire life would hold some perks, but for Bill, the legendary Freewill who desires to retain his humanity as long as possible, it seems to be just one crisis after the other.
In this portion of Bill's Tome, he and his mismatched crew have been hauled before The First Counsel to answer for treason for teaming up with The Icon (Sheila). Obviously a ploy by Alexander to reconnect with Bill's "other," currently on vacation somewhere deep inside Bill's subconscious, it nonetheless exposes everyone to immediate danger. The supernatural war is heating up and entities are choosing sides. Can Bill, Sally, Sheila, Ed, Tom and Christy survive this all out threat to their existence? Can any of the vampires survive the Jahabich attack on the First Counsel headquarters? And what about Chuck, the reanimated Freewill, who has taken over the Boston headquarters, and either compelled or attracted many other vampires to his side? What happened to Dave? Not all of these questions are answered in this novel, but many of them are. In any event, the action is a non-stop thrill ride.
Gualtieri has an engaging writing style that allows the reader to insert him/herself directly into the action. The characters are well delineated, so you like the good guys, hate the worst of the bad guys while maybe having a little empathy for some. Proofing and editing are good. I did find one error that I think is a digitizing error, rather than a proofing error: At location 56 is this: I'm not sure how things w* ould have gone down otherwise. I really doubt that spacing error was the fault of the author, editor or proofreader, and more a product of cyber manipulation! I also noted an interesting phenomenon that I've seen elsewhere lately. I grew up using the term "shit creek." Yet, not counting the ridiculous TV series, in this book and in a couple of other written spots lately, I've seen it written shit's creek. When I googled it, the only references to a possessive belonged to that double t television series. So, I'm not sure it's an error, but maybe just a difference in the vernacular?
I was also happy that this novel did not have a cliffhanger ending. Yes, Bill and his crew are left with a lot facing them, but the specific issues of the novel are tied up, the crew is back together, in NYC, and, at least for a few seconds, safe.
The next book in the series, the 7th, "The Wicked Dead," was published in December of 2015. I'll admit to reading the author's end notes before starting it, so I know it is not the final book in the series. I'm torn about reading it, as the publication dates on the other books indicate the standard 1 year between books timetable. Sigh. But, read on I will. :-)
by Rick Gualtieri
Seems like Bill Ryder simply can't catch a break. One would think that the vampire life would hold some perks, but for Bill, the legendary Freewill who desires to retain his humanity as long as possible, it seems to be just one crisis after the other.
In this portion of Bill's Tome, he and his mismatched crew have been hauled before The First Counsel to answer for treason for teaming up with The Icon (Sheila). Obviously a ploy by Alexander to reconnect with Bill's "other," currently on vacation somewhere deep inside Bill's subconscious, it nonetheless exposes everyone to immediate danger. The supernatural war is heating up and entities are choosing sides. Can Bill, Sally, Sheila, Ed, Tom and Christy survive this all out threat to their existence? Can any of the vampires survive the Jahabich attack on the First Counsel headquarters? And what about Chuck, the reanimated Freewill, who has taken over the Boston headquarters, and either compelled or attracted many other vampires to his side? What happened to Dave? Not all of these questions are answered in this novel, but many of them are. In any event, the action is a non-stop thrill ride.
Gualtieri has an engaging writing style that allows the reader to insert him/herself directly into the action. The characters are well delineated, so you like the good guys, hate the worst of the bad guys while maybe having a little empathy for some. Proofing and editing are good. I did find one error that I think is a digitizing error, rather than a proofing error: At location 56 is this: I'm not sure how things w* ould have gone down otherwise. I really doubt that spacing error was the fault of the author, editor or proofreader, and more a product of cyber manipulation! I also noted an interesting phenomenon that I've seen elsewhere lately. I grew up using the term "shit creek." Yet, not counting the ridiculous TV series, in this book and in a couple of other written spots lately, I've seen it written shit's creek. When I googled it, the only references to a possessive belonged to that double t television series. So, I'm not sure it's an error, but maybe just a difference in the vernacular?
I was also happy that this novel did not have a cliffhanger ending. Yes, Bill and his crew are left with a lot facing them, but the specific issues of the novel are tied up, the crew is back together, in NYC, and, at least for a few seconds, safe.
The next book in the series, the 7th, "The Wicked Dead," was published in December of 2015. I'll admit to reading the author's end notes before starting it, so I know it is not the final book in the series. I'm torn about reading it, as the publication dates on the other books indicate the standard 1 year between books timetable. Sigh. But, read on I will. :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews