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Cal Leandros #7
Doubletake
Half-human/half-monster Cal Leandros knows that family is a pain. But now that pain belongs to his half-brother, Niko. Niko’s shady father is in town, and he needs a big favor. Even worse is the reunion being held by the devious Puck race—including the Leandros’ friend, Robin—featuring a lottery that no Puck wants to win.
As Cal tries to keep both Niko and Robin from paying the ultimate price for their kin, a horrific reminder from Cal’s own past arrives to remind him that blood is thicker than water—and that’s why it’s so much more fun to spill.
As Cal tries to keep both Niko and Robin from paying the ultimate price for their kin, a horrific reminder from Cal’s own past arrives to remind him that blood is thicker than water—and that’s why it’s so much more fun to spill.
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First published March 6, 2012
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About the author
Rob Thurman
43 books1,564 followersRob Thurman is currently writing three series for Penguin Putnam's imprint ROC FANTASY, as well as a brand-new mainstream series for Simon & Schuster's POCKET BOOKS.
Rob has also written for a Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner Anthology, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. This year, Rob contributed a post-apocalyptic, "grim" faerie tale Western to the anthology, COURTS OF THE FEY.
Rob's work is dark, non-stop action from beginning to end, rife with purely evil sarcasm as sharp as a switchblade - and probably nearly as illegal. If one shoved LORD OF THE RINGS,
THE SHINING, and PULP FICTION into a wood-chipper, the result would be what Rob aims to deliver in a novel or short story.
A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), ROB THURMAN lives in RURAL Indiana - land of endless fields, infinite cows and where dialup is still the only soul-crushing option.
Rob has also written for a Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner Anthology, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. This year, Rob contributed a post-apocalyptic, "grim" faerie tale Western to the anthology, COURTS OF THE FEY.
Rob's work is dark, non-stop action from beginning to end, rife with purely evil sarcasm as sharp as a switchblade - and probably nearly as illegal. If one shoved LORD OF THE RINGS,
THE SHINING, and PULP FICTION into a wood-chipper, the result would be what Rob aims to deliver in a novel or short story.
A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), ROB THURMAN lives in RURAL Indiana - land of endless fields, infinite cows and where dialup is still the only soul-crushing option.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
May 5, 2013
This isn't a novel as much as a short story strung together with a novella and padded with a buttload of recap and filler. (For those of you that missed Susanne and me in chemistry 101 at Occidental College, a 'buttload' generally means 'enough to spill over the sides of whatever containment device you may be using,' resulting in a mad rush to the neutralizer. Sodium bicarbonate was our friend).
At any rate, the lowdown is that the first section is taken up with a worldwide puck reunion, providing the opportunity for Robin the puck to make about a hundred sexual innuendos about the size of his parts and who he's used them with, and Cal to voice his adolescent disgust at sexual intimacy another hundred times. As a self-contained character highlight, it doesn't fit with the rest of the book in plot or focus. In a great--or even good--book, a character might get a chance to do a solo jam, but it should be integrated with the rest of the music. Here it's not. Moreover, the sexual jokes are repetitive and, ultimately, not funny after the first eyeroll. Terminal boredom.
At the same time, Niko's father appears on the doorstep, providing an opportunity for Cal to tell us all about his philosophy of brotherly love, just in case we missed it in the first six books. In fact, Cal will tell what brotherly affection means about every other page. I'm not kidding, people. It's 'tell don't show' to the nth degree. It also gives a chance to recap their upbringing and (again) complain about their mother's lack of motherly instincts and emotional attachment. It is unbelievably repetitious, borderline misogynist, and used as a crutch for antagonism between Cal and Niko's father. It's extremism gives me pause, because Cal's arguments consist of 1) you left Niko with a monster--our mother, and 2) you left Niko with a monster--me. Boring and worthless plot-wise, because 1) their mom is dead since book one, and 2) Cal's supposed to have made 'peace' with the degree of his monstrosity.
Once the pucks clear out of New York, the focus shifts to the main plot, specifically, some sort of supernatural hunting the brothers, using a mechanical device as a stalking horse. As far as plots go, it's a rehash of the earlier books with the Auphe--bad monster, people as food, world domination, yada yada. Cal's "mental defect" of being unable to build more than one transportation gate every three days is the deux ex machina that gives an out from untenable situations but limits Cal's power so that he can be up against a tougher antagonist.
I was also irritated by the portentous but vague reappearance of old character in the antagonist's thoughts, a character that hasn't been seen for a number of books, abandoned as a plot line. To bring back a character, hint that something awful happened but then refuse to elaborate on what/why is a cheap attempt to develop tension and emotional engagement. I wonder if Thurman feels she has to engage us through harm to a likeable character because it's so challenging to empathize with our three main men, Niko, Cal and Robin?
Ultimately, Thurman seems to have run out of ideas on how to make her plots interesting. The last two books had jump-started my interest in the series, and this one reminded me of everything I don't like--Cal's endless snark (trope:first person smartass), the repetitive writing, the general oinkism from using tropey-trope characters (the hero, the modern anti-hero, the sexual deviant) For me, this has become again a library-only series to read if/when I get around to it.
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
March 10, 2012
Since the beginning, Rob Thurman's Cal Leandros series has been fueled by the undeniable brotherly bond between Cal and Niko. Doubletake drags this relationship that serves as the heart of the series and puts it front and center, analyzing the many meanings of family and the lengths to which one will go to defend one's blood.
I read for the characters, and most times this proclivity leads me to champion books with strong romantic threads. Yet the relationship between Cal and Niko rivals all others that I've come across, romantic, platonic, or familial. Throughout seven books, Thurman has thrown every despicable circumstance you could imagine at these two, and they haven't always emerged unscathed or complete. No matter how large and ominous a threat might be to either brother individually, no matter how much damage it might do on a personal level, both Cal and Niko have grown through their sacrifices for each other. Neither is the same as when the series began, and whether their evolutions are for better or for worse may remain to be seen, though I personally admire the direction in which Thurman has taken her characters. In Doubletake, both Cal and Niko show the strain that the events of previous books has taken, while proving that the extent to which they will go to save each other is yet unproven.
The theme of Doubletake is family, and nearly every character is accordingly afflicted with some form of familial problem. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, we gain some interesting insight into key characters, with revelations concerning Robin and Niko shedding some light on the path each has taken so far while at the same time raising major questions for the future. I found the many plot threads to be somewhat more disparate than in past installments, Blackout in particular, yet as the novel nears the midway point Thurman shows that even seemingly disconnected events have their place in the larger scheme of things. The action is unrelenting as usual, though for once I missed Thurman's usual trademark humor. I counted only five or so occasions on which I laughed out loud, a low mark indeed for this reader who otherwise almost never laughs while reading. Still, Thurman hits her stride in balancing plot propulsion with character progression, and manages to throw in a few shocking twists that will undoubtedly cast reverberations in upcoming books.
Though I never quite forget the strength of Thurman's writing, each new book nevertheless throws me for a loop. She is truly at the top of her genre; I only regret the year or more until we next get to catch up with Cal and company.
http://abookandashortlatte.wordpress.com
I read for the characters, and most times this proclivity leads me to champion books with strong romantic threads. Yet the relationship between Cal and Niko rivals all others that I've come across, romantic, platonic, or familial. Throughout seven books, Thurman has thrown every despicable circumstance you could imagine at these two, and they haven't always emerged unscathed or complete. No matter how large and ominous a threat might be to either brother individually, no matter how much damage it might do on a personal level, both Cal and Niko have grown through their sacrifices for each other. Neither is the same as when the series began, and whether their evolutions are for better or for worse may remain to be seen, though I personally admire the direction in which Thurman has taken her characters. In Doubletake, both Cal and Niko show the strain that the events of previous books has taken, while proving that the extent to which they will go to save each other is yet unproven.
The theme of Doubletake is family, and nearly every character is accordingly afflicted with some form of familial problem. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, we gain some interesting insight into key characters, with revelations concerning Robin and Niko shedding some light on the path each has taken so far while at the same time raising major questions for the future. I found the many plot threads to be somewhat more disparate than in past installments, Blackout in particular, yet as the novel nears the midway point Thurman shows that even seemingly disconnected events have their place in the larger scheme of things. The action is unrelenting as usual, though for once I missed Thurman's usual trademark humor. I counted only five or so occasions on which I laughed out loud, a low mark indeed for this reader who otherwise almost never laughs while reading. Still, Thurman hits her stride in balancing plot propulsion with character progression, and manages to throw in a few shocking twists that will undoubtedly cast reverberations in upcoming books.
Though I never quite forget the strength of Thurman's writing, each new book nevertheless throws me for a loop. She is truly at the top of her genre; I only regret the year or more until we next get to catch up with Cal and company.
http://abookandashortlatte.wordpress.com
October 17, 2025
OLD REVIEW BELOW
“And if we’re too far from each other and it’s too late”—I shrugged—“vengeance has nothing to do with the Lord. Cain was wrong. I am my brother’s keeper. And Niko’s mine.”
Just have to say that I am continuing to love the audiobooks for this series. Before I listened to it I would not have thought that anyone could keep up Cal's level of 500% sarcastic asshole for 11 hours of reading, but I could not have been more wrong. MacLeod Andrews is an absolutely PERFECT Cal and I found myself laughing out loud way too much at the way he read a lot of Cal's lines. He also does a really great job with Grim in this book.
Ok, onto the review of the actual book. This book and the next have always been my two favorite books in the series, mostly because of how they are set up with a lot of interesting parallels. I like how she used this book to weave together 'doubles' from all of the main three characters' 'family' - Cal and Grimm, Niko and Kalakos, and Robin and Hob / The Panic in general - and show that your real family is the people who you choose and who are always there for you. And of course we've also got Cal's non-stop sarcasm, a lot of really great fight scenes, some really great Promise moments, and Cal going more and more Auphe as he tangles with Grimm, which is my absolute favorite thing. Asshole Cal is the best Cal and after all his whining about ~being a good person~ in the previous book it's good to see he's back to being more ...practical ;)
“And if we’re too far from each other and it’s too late”—I shrugged—“vengeance has nothing to do with the Lord. Cain was wrong. I am my brother’s keeper. And Niko’s mine.”
Just have to say that I am continuing to love the audiobooks for this series. Before I listened to it I would not have thought that anyone could keep up Cal's level of 500% sarcastic asshole for 11 hours of reading, but I could not have been more wrong. MacLeod Andrews is an absolutely PERFECT Cal and I found myself laughing out loud way too much at the way he read a lot of Cal's lines. He also does a really great job with Grim in this book.
Ok, onto the review of the actual book. This book and the next have always been my two favorite books in the series, mostly because of how they are set up with a lot of interesting parallels. I like how she used this book to weave together 'doubles' from all of the main three characters' 'family' - Cal and Grimm, Niko and Kalakos, and Robin and Hob / The Panic in general - and show that your real family is the people who you choose and who are always there for you. And of course we've also got Cal's non-stop sarcasm, a lot of really great fight scenes, some really great Promise moments, and Cal going more and more Auphe as he tangles with Grimm, which is my absolute favorite thing. Asshole Cal is the best Cal and after all his whining about ~being a good person~ in the previous book it's good to see he's back to being more ...practical ;)
September 1, 2016
4 3/4 stars
My Night Owl Review:
“Doubletake” by the talented Rob Thurman is another of her thrilling dark paranormal tales of those fascinating brothers, Niko and Cal Leandros. The surprises continue to unfold as Cal continues to deal with the repercussions of his sacrifice of even more of his humanity (“Brothers Before Souls”) and the handicap of only being able to Gate twice without a refractory period to recover without risking death. The repudiated ties to the Vayash clan are revisited when Niko’s despised father re-enters his life, coincidentally at the same time as a metal monstrosity that is a killing machine. With the author’s typical flair, the action is nonstop, ranging from a Puck reunion (to choose who is tasked with breeding more Pucks) that Robin hires the brothers to work at as well as a visit to the insane god Haphaestus and an encounter with the boggles in Central Park. Adding to the chaos that surrounds the brothers, a being named Grimm is determined to use Cal in even more tortuous auphe manipulations, with or without his cooperation. The brothers continue to unite against their enemies, aided by the only people they trust, Robin Goodfellow and Promise (Niko’s vampire lover) but their enemies seem to be stacking the odds against them and Cal may be forced into a decision that Niko will never recover from.
Amazingly, Ms Thurman continues to create even more stirring tales of the uncannily talented duo even as she provides glimpses of the life that has honed them into the well-tempered and close-knit pair that they are. Everyone has family issues but these two find a way to take their problems to an even higher level than the expected tension between strangers who are genetically but not emotionally related. Niko’s continued expectations for Cal’s upright and moral behavior is more than balanced by Cal’s unswerving loyalty to his older brother as one tries to keep the monsters at bay while the other fights to keep his inner monster under control. The depth of love displayed by these two warriors who couch their affection in insults and physical sacrifices continue to demonstrate the allure of this fantastic series which is filled with fantastical creatures and thrilling fight scenes combined with an imaginative storyline. Another wonderful addition to an intriguing series.
My Night Owl Review:
“Doubletake” by the talented Rob Thurman is another of her thrilling dark paranormal tales of those fascinating brothers, Niko and Cal Leandros. The surprises continue to unfold as Cal continues to deal with the repercussions of his sacrifice of even more of his humanity (“Brothers Before Souls”) and the handicap of only being able to Gate twice without a refractory period to recover without risking death. The repudiated ties to the Vayash clan are revisited when Niko’s despised father re-enters his life, coincidentally at the same time as a metal monstrosity that is a killing machine. With the author’s typical flair, the action is nonstop, ranging from a Puck reunion (to choose who is tasked with breeding more Pucks) that Robin hires the brothers to work at as well as a visit to the insane god Haphaestus and an encounter with the boggles in Central Park. Adding to the chaos that surrounds the brothers, a being named Grimm is determined to use Cal in even more tortuous auphe manipulations, with or without his cooperation. The brothers continue to unite against their enemies, aided by the only people they trust, Robin Goodfellow and Promise (Niko’s vampire lover) but their enemies seem to be stacking the odds against them and Cal may be forced into a decision that Niko will never recover from.
Amazingly, Ms Thurman continues to create even more stirring tales of the uncannily talented duo even as she provides glimpses of the life that has honed them into the well-tempered and close-knit pair that they are. Everyone has family issues but these two find a way to take their problems to an even higher level than the expected tension between strangers who are genetically but not emotionally related. Niko’s continued expectations for Cal’s upright and moral behavior is more than balanced by Cal’s unswerving loyalty to his older brother as one tries to keep the monsters at bay while the other fights to keep his inner monster under control. The depth of love displayed by these two warriors who couch their affection in insults and physical sacrifices continue to demonstrate the allure of this fantastic series which is filled with fantastical creatures and thrilling fight scenes combined with an imaginative storyline. Another wonderful addition to an intriguing series.
March 11, 2012
How many times does it need to be said before you totally believe that Cal and Nico are the tightest-of-the-tightest-wedgies..cannot-seperate-them-due-to-their-black-hole-like-gravity-to-each-others-lives...hell, their-souls-must-be-super-glued-together-brothers in the universe?
I think maybe 2 more times before I think I may have it.
Overall the story was pretty good especially with . BUt here and there the story seemingly went of topic and got me mixed around in what the hell I was reading. Usually that only happened when I read the trickster novels. I have ADHD.. sue me. Long drawn out internal dialogues about angsty shit or bromancing the hell out each other or Cal telling us he is the baddest baddy that ever badded.. tend to throw me off sometimes.
Trust me, I love Cal even though he has lost a bit of that razor sharp tartiness that he had in the first couple of books. I absolutely adore Robin's bullshit...all of it...even though monogamy has made him a tad boring. And Nico... well, he cusses more :D I guess he's improved.
But that
I think maybe 2 more times before I think I may have it.
Overall the story was pretty good especially with . BUt here and there the story seemingly went of topic and got me mixed around in what the hell I was reading. Usually that only happened when I read the trickster novels. I have ADHD.. sue me. Long drawn out internal dialogues about angsty shit or bromancing the hell out each other or Cal telling us he is the baddest baddy that ever badded.. tend to throw me off sometimes.
Trust me, I love Cal even though he has lost a bit of that razor sharp tartiness that he had in the first couple of books. I absolutely adore Robin's bullshit...all of it...even though monogamy has made him a tad boring. And Nico... well, he cusses more :D I guess he's improved.
But that
November 8, 2018
Recently I read book entitled Doubletake created by Rob Thurman. The story was about Cal, who was half-Human and half Auphe. With his brother and a group of different beings, (that it would seem that they shouldn't get along with each other) they tried to understand the magical appearance of Janus, an ancient creature that chases Cal and not die doing it.
From the first pages, I wasn't liking this book. It didn't catch my attention and constant use of the curses didn't help at all. I can see that author had an idea, but transfering it onto paper wasn't good. The main character was really blank, his thoughts were completly illogical and practicaly focused only on his brother. When he had a view on something, he didn't change it even if all the arguments were against it. For this reason, reading a book that was in the first person was terrible, because I didn't even like the main character.
In summary, the book sometimes had good threads but there were few of them. Some characters were more colorful and because of them the story was more pleasing to read, but still it wasn't enough for me to like it.
From the first pages, I wasn't liking this book. It didn't catch my attention and constant use of the curses didn't help at all. I can see that author had an idea, but transfering it onto paper wasn't good. The main character was really blank, his thoughts were completly illogical and practicaly focused only on his brother. When he had a view on something, he didn't change it even if all the arguments were against it. For this reason, reading a book that was in the first person was terrible, because I didn't even like the main character.
In summary, the book sometimes had good threads but there were few of them. Some characters were more colorful and because of them the story was more pleasing to read, but still it wasn't enough for me to like it.
February 27, 2016
If I bit my nails, this one would've had me doing that. Very tense, quite disturbing in places.
Cal's new enemy, Grimm (AKA Black Sheep) is frightening as hell; and the sections from his point of view have some gruesome moments. His plan and what he thinks will happen to Cal makes me shudder.
Cal's war within himself continues to be fascinating and, at times, scary. I can only keep hoping, given that he still knows certain things are right or wrong, given his continued loyalty to Nik (and to a lesser degree, Robin), that this series will not end on a dark and sour note.
The revelation about George was a jawdropper. She is far more powerful than I'd ever guessed, and we'll surely be seeing her again--hopefully to help Cal win his battle with the Auphe side.
While the long-lost-parent plot twist is not a favourite of mine, bringing Nik's father, Kalakos, into the mix did certainly provide for some interesting moments. I suspected his true mission from the start, but Thurman did such a good job at misdirection that I figured I had to be wrong. I definitely felt bad for Nik.
Robin Goodfellow continues to be a fun and complex character, and his efforts to help his friends this time were significant and very timely. I only wish there'd been a way to see his successful meeting with Hephaestus.
Thurman continues to be inventive with her supernatural elements--even throwing in a dragon this time (no matter what Robin wants to call it)--and continues to include clever pop culture references and dark humour. Hardly a dull moment to be found, even when characters get introspective.
Cal's new enemy, Grimm (AKA Black Sheep) is frightening as hell; and the sections from his point of view have some gruesome moments. His plan and what he thinks will happen to Cal makes me shudder.
Cal's war within himself continues to be fascinating and, at times, scary. I can only keep hoping, given that he still knows certain things are right or wrong, given his continued loyalty to Nik (and to a lesser degree, Robin), that this series will not end on a dark and sour note.
The revelation about George was a jawdropper. She is far more powerful than I'd ever guessed, and we'll surely be seeing her again--hopefully to help Cal win his battle with the Auphe side.
While the long-lost-parent plot twist is not a favourite of mine, bringing Nik's father, Kalakos, into the mix did certainly provide for some interesting moments. I suspected his true mission from the start, but Thurman did such a good job at misdirection that I figured I had to be wrong. I definitely felt bad for Nik.
Robin Goodfellow continues to be a fun and complex character, and his efforts to help his friends this time were significant and very timely. I only wish there'd been a way to see his successful meeting with Hephaestus.
Thurman continues to be inventive with her supernatural elements--even throwing in a dragon this time (no matter what Robin wants to call it)--and continues to include clever pop culture references and dark humour. Hardly a dull moment to be found, even when characters get introspective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2014
You can see the following review also here: http://loveandlivetoread.wordpress.co...
Your family is the people you choose most of the times. And that is what this book proves us. Cal and Niko are family and they have chosen their family a long time ago. In the dark urban fantasy book they have to deal with other family members that are not welcome at all. But the surprise is that even Goodfellow has some family problems!
I am not going to say anything about the plot. Just read it. What I am going to say is that for one more time I am impressed by the relationship between the brothers. Every time I read a flashback from their childhood I want to cry and I want to hug them. It’s easy to see that Cal and Niko made each other’s character.
Cal is who he is because always has a great model to look at in the face of Niko. And Niko was born a great fighter but the fact that he had to look for his brother all the time, made him even better.
I loved both of them because they are far from perfect but they do everything in their powers to do everything right! Of course, I love also Goodfellow who’s having some trouble with a… family reunion! The rest you can imagine I suppose!
But my favorite part?? George is back! Just a small appearance but a total badass one! I always liked her and I hope that we are going to see her again!! Please let this be true!!!
I really enjoyed this book from the series and I recommend it to all the fans of this genre!
March 26, 2016
3 Stars
Doubletake by Rob Thurman is the 7th book in the Cal Leandros series. After the incredible 6th installment, Blackout (the best book of the series to date), I was prepared for this to be a bit of a disappointment. I really love the series, the characters, and the writing, but I grow a bit tired of some of my recurring complaints. I am a huge fan of Rob Thurman and the whole Cal Leandros series but was disappointed with this one. Like Roadkill, I was annoyed that I had to read nearly 25% of this book as rehash of the past. Not only that, I had to have everything shoved down my throat repeatedly as if I am an idiot and might not have gotten the point the first 60 times that I am told. We all get it, Cal Leandros loves and respects his ass kicking brother. Yep, Cal is more than just human, he is part monster. I cannot believe how much time is wasted going over this again and again. I am also really put off with the continual whining of Cal about his past. He is who he is and he needs to struggle to stay Cal.
Doubletake is a fast and fun read and worth reading even with my complaints as it does advance the overall story line. The ending of this book is fantastic and needed. I love these books I just wish that we didn't have to sit through endless rehashing.
I love this series but this one is just OK.
Doubletake by Rob Thurman is the 7th book in the Cal Leandros series. After the incredible 6th installment, Blackout (the best book of the series to date), I was prepared for this to be a bit of a disappointment. I really love the series, the characters, and the writing, but I grow a bit tired of some of my recurring complaints. I am a huge fan of Rob Thurman and the whole Cal Leandros series but was disappointed with this one. Like Roadkill, I was annoyed that I had to read nearly 25% of this book as rehash of the past. Not only that, I had to have everything shoved down my throat repeatedly as if I am an idiot and might not have gotten the point the first 60 times that I am told. We all get it, Cal Leandros loves and respects his ass kicking brother. Yep, Cal is more than just human, he is part monster. I cannot believe how much time is wasted going over this again and again. I am also really put off with the continual whining of Cal about his past. He is who he is and he needs to struggle to stay Cal.
Doubletake is a fast and fun read and worth reading even with my complaints as it does advance the overall story line. The ending of this book is fantastic and needed. I love these books I just wish that we didn't have to sit through endless rehashing.
I love this series but this one is just OK.
May 20, 2012
There’s no one who does dark urban fantasy quite like Rob Thurman. For those who are used to the styles of Patricia Briggs or Jim Butcher, Thurman is a completely different kettle of fish. There’s no glamor, little romance, some camp, and a whole lot of snark. Her voice is unique and utterly unmistakable, as are the tales she tells. She has three ongoing series: companion series Cal Leandros and Trickster, and Chimera.
Doubletake is the seventh book in Thurman’s Cal Leandros series, which started with her debut novel Nightlife. The series follows protagonist and narrator Cal, a half-human half-Auphe, and his fully human brother Niko. They function as private investigators, bodyguards, and hitmen for the supernatural community in New York City, receiving occasional help from the puck Robin Goodfellow and a vampire named Promise.
A Story About Family
Family is everywhere in Doubletake. It’s been an ever present theme in the series, as Cal and Niko’s brotherly relationship is the one thing Cal values above all other things, but in this book that theme is expanded. The millennial gathering of pucks is in town, giving the reader a glimpse of what passes for familial relationships in a race that doesn’t have fathers, mothers, or siblings. It also gives the reader some meaningful backstory on Robin Goodfellow, who is otherwise extremely closemouthed about pucks or anything that would actually provide more insight to Goodfellow as a person. Niko meets him for the first time when he shows up on the doorstep and asks Niko and Cal for help tracking down and containing an escaped automaton of the Vayash Clan of Rom. Finally, Cal is confronted by another half-human half-Auphe, and they realize what each of them could have been had their lives gone just a bit differently.
Good things that just get better
For me, Thurman has continued to grow and mature as an author with every book. As the Cal Leandros series begins, it feels like Thurman had a few ideas for future books when she wrote Nightlife, then kept getting contracts for more Cal books long after her initial ideas had run out. This resulted in rather episodic books rather than books building one upon the other plot-wise. The book previous to Doubletake, Blackout, started building some hefty multi-book story arcs, and Doubletake continues this trend. Thurman’s writing has gotten better in other ways as well, with multiple story lines within the book intersecting well, and not in obvious ways. Thurman’s descriptions and battles just get tighter and better with every book she writes. Her characters are also increasingly complex. Thurman was good at writing a character who would tell you one thing and then do something completely different in a believable manner when she began her career, and now I don’t know of anyone else who can match her skill.
Never an easy read
Cal is not fully human, and even if he was, his experiences growing up have damaged him severely. His narration is very snarky, can meander at times, and he’s constantly struggling to keep his violent, sociopathic tendencies in check. He also deeply dislikes himself. In every book, he makes strides towards deciding who he is going to be and accepting who he is. By book seven, he’s in a very different place mentally and emotionally than he was in book one, but that doesn’t make his narration emotionally easy to read. Through Cal, Thurman will make you laugh at times, but his darker moments will also leave you somewhat disturbed. I should also mention there’s a lot of backstory and a lot of worldbuilding that’s been done in previous books. While Thurman does an excellent job of refreshing your memory when necessary, she doesn’t go over old ground. This is not the book of hers to pick up first.
Why you should read this book?
First of all, if you’re a fan of urban or contemporary fantasy, I’d consider Thurman’s work must reads. They’re dark, gritty, edgy, and funny all the same time. Once again, there’s nothing exactly like it out there. Now may also be a good time to get into Thurman, as I’m guessing there’s going to be a break in her release cycle after Doubletake. She was in a car accident this fall that left her hospitalized, and her town (though not her house) got hit by the recent string of tornadoes that went through Indiana this past month. So while I shall be sadly and anxiously awaiting the next release, you have time to catch up! However, if you don’t like books that are narrated by deeply introspective and morally questionable characters, the Cal Leandros series may not be your cup of tea.
Doubletake is the seventh book in Thurman’s Cal Leandros series, which started with her debut novel Nightlife. The series follows protagonist and narrator Cal, a half-human half-Auphe, and his fully human brother Niko. They function as private investigators, bodyguards, and hitmen for the supernatural community in New York City, receiving occasional help from the puck Robin Goodfellow and a vampire named Promise.
A Story About Family
Family is everywhere in Doubletake. It’s been an ever present theme in the series, as Cal and Niko’s brotherly relationship is the one thing Cal values above all other things, but in this book that theme is expanded. The millennial gathering of pucks is in town, giving the reader a glimpse of what passes for familial relationships in a race that doesn’t have fathers, mothers, or siblings. It also gives the reader some meaningful backstory on Robin Goodfellow, who is otherwise extremely closemouthed about pucks or anything that would actually provide more insight to Goodfellow as a person. Niko meets him for the first time when he shows up on the doorstep and asks Niko and Cal for help tracking down and containing an escaped automaton of the Vayash Clan of Rom. Finally, Cal is confronted by another half-human half-Auphe, and they realize what each of them could have been had their lives gone just a bit differently.
Good things that just get better
For me, Thurman has continued to grow and mature as an author with every book. As the Cal Leandros series begins, it feels like Thurman had a few ideas for future books when she wrote Nightlife, then kept getting contracts for more Cal books long after her initial ideas had run out. This resulted in rather episodic books rather than books building one upon the other plot-wise. The book previous to Doubletake, Blackout, started building some hefty multi-book story arcs, and Doubletake continues this trend. Thurman’s writing has gotten better in other ways as well, with multiple story lines within the book intersecting well, and not in obvious ways. Thurman’s descriptions and battles just get tighter and better with every book she writes. Her characters are also increasingly complex. Thurman was good at writing a character who would tell you one thing and then do something completely different in a believable manner when she began her career, and now I don’t know of anyone else who can match her skill.
Never an easy read
Cal is not fully human, and even if he was, his experiences growing up have damaged him severely. His narration is very snarky, can meander at times, and he’s constantly struggling to keep his violent, sociopathic tendencies in check. He also deeply dislikes himself. In every book, he makes strides towards deciding who he is going to be and accepting who he is. By book seven, he’s in a very different place mentally and emotionally than he was in book one, but that doesn’t make his narration emotionally easy to read. Through Cal, Thurman will make you laugh at times, but his darker moments will also leave you somewhat disturbed. I should also mention there’s a lot of backstory and a lot of worldbuilding that’s been done in previous books. While Thurman does an excellent job of refreshing your memory when necessary, she doesn’t go over old ground. This is not the book of hers to pick up first.
Why you should read this book?
First of all, if you’re a fan of urban or contemporary fantasy, I’d consider Thurman’s work must reads. They’re dark, gritty, edgy, and funny all the same time. Once again, there’s nothing exactly like it out there. Now may also be a good time to get into Thurman, as I’m guessing there’s going to be a break in her release cycle after Doubletake. She was in a car accident this fall that left her hospitalized, and her town (though not her house) got hit by the recent string of tornadoes that went through Indiana this past month. So while I shall be sadly and anxiously awaiting the next release, you have time to catch up! However, if you don’t like books that are narrated by deeply introspective and morally questionable characters, the Cal Leandros series may not be your cup of tea.
November 30, 2022
What did I think of this book?
It was entertaining.
I don't have much else to say. If you want lots of violence, and supernatural fights, this is the book for you, as long as you don't mind a bunch of language and generalized perviness. The sad thing is I think the book would be better without all of that. The main way that Thurman seems to build character is by the use of language and sexuality or the lack thereof, and it is a bit dull. Not the first time through, I was too into it the first time to even really notice, but the second time through has me wondering why I am bothering. I wouldn't recommend reading this multiple times.
It was entertaining.
I don't have much else to say. If you want lots of violence, and supernatural fights, this is the book for you, as long as you don't mind a bunch of language and generalized perviness. The sad thing is I think the book would be better without all of that. The main way that Thurman seems to build character is by the use of language and sexuality or the lack thereof, and it is a bit dull. Not the first time through, I was too into it the first time to even really notice, but the second time through has me wondering why I am bothering. I wouldn't recommend reading this multiple times.
March 16, 2012
Loved, loved, loved the latest Leandros brothers dark, dangerous (dare I say, grim?) adventure. No spoilers from me, you need to read/savor every word of Rob Thurman's switchblade classic on your own. If you've missed this series, you are doing yourself a grave disservice--which you can correct by buying book one in the series, Nightlife, then by buying the rest.
You won't regret it.
Me, I'm going back to Nightlife (for the 4th time), then reading the rest again--right now. I'm not ready to leave Cal and Niko or their world quite yet. ;)
You won't regret it.
Me, I'm going back to Nightlife (for the 4th time), then reading the rest again--right now. I'm not ready to leave Cal and Niko or their world quite yet. ;)
June 6, 2015
Fascinating weaving of two parallel plot lines from two different periods in the Leandros brothers lives, using the two voices and two very different perspectives of these two men. Excellent twists, new developments in old familiar characters, and a very believable (and enlightening) backstory without being heavy-handed. Now this is writing craftsmanship!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2012
Seventh in the Cal Leandros dark urban fantasy series about the sole remaining Auphe demon and his brother, Niko. Based in New York City where the supernaturals are all around us...and we haven't a clue.
My Take
I do love this series! Thurman is so dark, but, at the same time, too hilariously funny. I just love the sarcasm and Cal's perspective on life. And his snarky T-shirts! And then when Thurman explores that taboo zone of unmanliness—sharing one's feelings—well, there's only so much a girl can take before she's rolling on the floor.
Poor Cal. It's all due to Niko's influence that his more compassionate human side is holding on as opposed to the Auphe side that wants to revel in death and destruction. Especially when a baby kishi is clinging to your ankle with a death bite! Follow that up with the tweaker the para-hyena ate just before he takes 'em out...as Cal says, "They say drugs kill, but does anyone ever listen?"
Oh, man, a Jewish Puck?!? I dunno, for all the playing up Thurman did about Goodfellow's family reunion, it didn't seem so bad. Of course, that could be simply because Cal is immune to the pheromones and Niko is a pretty capable guy. And VERY handy with a sword. Even if that one puck did...oops...
This time around, Thurman is getting more introspective. There is more of an emphasis on how Niko achieved his particular philosophy about which of the supernaturals lives or dies. Cal has his own demons to work on as he struggles between Niko's teachings and his other half's desires. The question is, which desire will win out? Then there's Grimm. Oh, yeah, he lives up to his name. Although, he did make a good point about vegetarians...
I love the very tight bond between Niko and Cal as well as the strong bond of friendship the boys have with Robin. Adding Promise to the mix creates a looser grouping, but no less loyal. It's the interaction between Cal and Niko that is the deepest, though. I love what a contrast these two are, but let anyone threaten the other and they are one. Adding Robin and his sexual snark into the mix just makes it more fun.
The Story
It's just your average, everyday day for the Leandros brothers. taking down a pack of para-hyenas. Sparing the babies and finding them a home. At least, until Robin calls with a dangerous job for the boys. A job that becomes more and more perilous as Cal and Niko make their way to Robin's apartment just off Central Park. It looks like every supernatural in the city is fast making their way out of the city any way they can.
Seems Robin is hosting his family reunion in New York City and anyone who knows better is in a Pan-ic to get outta town before the pheromones hit. But, this isn't the only family reunion in town. Niko's father oozes out of the woodwork with a sudden urge to get acquainted with Niko. Then it's Cal's "half-brother"?? His months-long stalker. Storing up information and data about Cal. Wondering if Cal is good enough to take him. Is he worthy of his Auphe heritage.
We'll just have to play our games and see who makes the better monster...
The Characters
Cal Leandros is half-Auphe and half-human and totally in his brother's care. They've been partners all their lives when Niko did his best to raise Cal in spite of their sociopathic whoring mother Sophia. Niko is amazing. His zen calm, careful diet, and high sense of morality makes an amazing contrast with with slobbish, fast-food-eating Cal. Of course, when you add in Niko's fighting skills and speed...it just gets better. The boys have each other's back. Come. What. May.
Robin Goodfellow is Pan, Puck, a trickster, and…gasp...a used car salesman---with the mummified cats. He's shacked up with Isaiah, a peri who owns a bar. Yep, a monogamous relationship. If his family ever finds out…? Well, let's just say there is no place on heaven or hell Goodfellow can hide. Samyel is another peri and helps tend bar. Promise is a vampire and Niko's lover. So much stronger than him, yet he needs to protect her.
Hephaestus is the Greek god of the forge. Master builder...although Robin has a few things to say about that! The problem is, Hephaestus is still holding a grudge against Robin, and it might not go so well at the gun factory.
Emilian Kalakos is Niko's father. And Niko is meeting him for the very first time. The Vayash clan of the Rom have a problem and this problem is something every Vayash must aid in putting down. A fine time to press for those family bonds of unity…! Janus is a metal construct created by Hephaestus and is overly focused on the Leandros boys. Grimm is also half-Auphe and all mad. Seems he managed to escape before the slaughter at Nevah's Landing (see Blackout ) and now he wants to know if Cal is Auphe enough to help him sire the Second Coming.
The Cover
I think this blues and silver cover got dragged through the gravel there's such a scratchy feel to it. It's Cal down on one knee holding a sword, point down, as the wind swirls through his hair and his glance is wary, considering the "brother" who stands behind him, gun raised. Both men are surrounded by walls of buildings within the city and there's a tense feeling of power about to be unleashed.
The title is true enough on at least two levels, for Cal does a Doubletake when he encounters Grimm just as he and Niko are taken aback by his father and by Janus.
My Take
I do love this series! Thurman is so dark, but, at the same time, too hilariously funny. I just love the sarcasm and Cal's perspective on life. And his snarky T-shirts! And then when Thurman explores that taboo zone of unmanliness—sharing one's feelings—well, there's only so much a girl can take before she's rolling on the floor.
Poor Cal. It's all due to Niko's influence that his more compassionate human side is holding on as opposed to the Auphe side that wants to revel in death and destruction. Especially when a baby kishi is clinging to your ankle with a death bite! Follow that up with the tweaker the para-hyena ate just before he takes 'em out...as Cal says, "They say drugs kill, but does anyone ever listen?"
Oh, man, a Jewish Puck?!? I dunno, for all the playing up Thurman did about Goodfellow's family reunion, it didn't seem so bad. Of course, that could be simply because Cal is immune to the pheromones and Niko is a pretty capable guy. And VERY handy with a sword. Even if that one puck did...oops...
This time around, Thurman is getting more introspective. There is more of an emphasis on how Niko achieved his particular philosophy about which of the supernaturals lives or dies. Cal has his own demons to work on as he struggles between Niko's teachings and his other half's desires. The question is, which desire will win out? Then there's Grimm. Oh, yeah, he lives up to his name. Although, he did make a good point about vegetarians...
I love the very tight bond between Niko and Cal as well as the strong bond of friendship the boys have with Robin. Adding Promise to the mix creates a looser grouping, but no less loyal. It's the interaction between Cal and Niko that is the deepest, though. I love what a contrast these two are, but let anyone threaten the other and they are one. Adding Robin and his sexual snark into the mix just makes it more fun.
The Story
It's just your average, everyday day for the Leandros brothers. taking down a pack of para-hyenas. Sparing the babies and finding them a home. At least, until Robin calls with a dangerous job for the boys. A job that becomes more and more perilous as Cal and Niko make their way to Robin's apartment just off Central Park. It looks like every supernatural in the city is fast making their way out of the city any way they can.
Seems Robin is hosting his family reunion in New York City and anyone who knows better is in a Pan-ic to get outta town before the pheromones hit. But, this isn't the only family reunion in town. Niko's father oozes out of the woodwork with a sudden urge to get acquainted with Niko. Then it's Cal's "half-brother"?? His months-long stalker. Storing up information and data about Cal. Wondering if Cal is good enough to take him. Is he worthy of his Auphe heritage.
We'll just have to play our games and see who makes the better monster...
The Characters
Cal Leandros is half-Auphe and half-human and totally in his brother's care. They've been partners all their lives when Niko did his best to raise Cal in spite of their sociopathic whoring mother Sophia. Niko is amazing. His zen calm, careful diet, and high sense of morality makes an amazing contrast with with slobbish, fast-food-eating Cal. Of course, when you add in Niko's fighting skills and speed...it just gets better. The boys have each other's back. Come. What. May.
Robin Goodfellow is Pan, Puck, a trickster, and…gasp...a used car salesman---with the mummified cats. He's shacked up with Isaiah, a peri who owns a bar. Yep, a monogamous relationship. If his family ever finds out…? Well, let's just say there is no place on heaven or hell Goodfellow can hide. Samyel is another peri and helps tend bar. Promise is a vampire and Niko's lover. So much stronger than him, yet he needs to protect her.
Hephaestus is the Greek god of the forge. Master builder...although Robin has a few things to say about that! The problem is, Hephaestus is still holding a grudge against Robin, and it might not go so well at the gun factory.
Emilian Kalakos is Niko's father. And Niko is meeting him for the very first time. The Vayash clan of the Rom have a problem and this problem is something every Vayash must aid in putting down. A fine time to press for those family bonds of unity…! Janus is a metal construct created by Hephaestus and is overly focused on the Leandros boys. Grimm is also half-Auphe and all mad. Seems he managed to escape before the slaughter at Nevah's Landing (see Blackout ) and now he wants to know if Cal is Auphe enough to help him sire the Second Coming.
The Cover
I think this blues and silver cover got dragged through the gravel there's such a scratchy feel to it. It's Cal down on one knee holding a sword, point down, as the wind swirls through his hair and his glance is wary, considering the "brother" who stands behind him, gun raised. Both men are surrounded by walls of buildings within the city and there's a tense feeling of power about to be unleashed.
The title is true enough on at least two levels, for Cal does a Doubletake when he encounters Grimm just as he and Niko are taken aback by his father and by Janus.
June 10, 2017
Ahhhh, the first did of an ending for the series. Perhaps enough to put me off of it. A great premise, good characters, good climax, and then...huh? Is everyone--readers and characters in the story--happy with that ending? Huh? Really?
May 22, 2012
Filthy and profane and fabulous, DOUBLETAKE seduced me with it's sly wit and cavalier heroes. Though this was my first Cal Leandros book, Thurman's combination of recap and forward momentum meant I dove in without a hitch. Robin Goodfellow's Panic flew by in a haze of hormones and g-strings, and by the time things moved on to murderous automatons and mummified cats, I was hooked.
Though the first third of DOUBLETAKE was an entertaining rush, switching gears from horny pucks to a homicidal nemesis slowed things down considerably. The world building was still fascinating, but the quips were harder to come by. Just as Cal and his partners didn't know how to to defeat their enemy, so the story meanders as they pursue numerous avenues looking for an edge. There was no shortage of distractions along the way, however, everything from a mostly dead Greek god to a subterranean black market. In addition to those goodies, I'm a sucker for a good buddy story, and the devotion of these two brothers and their puck sidekick more than qualifies. It was this rough and tumble camaraderie that held most of my attention, and by the time the story had reached Cal's rotund, amorous arms dealer (and a plan to move forward), I was invested in the plot again.
Thurman has created characters that leap off the page, equal parts dark and funny in a blend that is a rare delight to find. And though I thought DOUBLETAKE slowed down in the middle, I admire the organic way various plots and schemes wound through this book and the series as a whole. As this was my first book in the series, I didn’t have a particularly strong reaction to some of the bombshells sprinkled through out the plot, and I don’t know if I’ll ever go back and read the pain and insanity Cal has struggled with in prior books. Going forward, however, I'm certainly invested in the metamorphosis he's on the cusp of now. Thurman’s brand of black humor and vivid world building is well worth checking out.
Sexual Content: References to sex, rape, and descriptions of an orgy.
Though the first third of DOUBLETAKE was an entertaining rush, switching gears from horny pucks to a homicidal nemesis slowed things down considerably. The world building was still fascinating, but the quips were harder to come by. Just as Cal and his partners didn't know how to to defeat their enemy, so the story meanders as they pursue numerous avenues looking for an edge. There was no shortage of distractions along the way, however, everything from a mostly dead Greek god to a subterranean black market. In addition to those goodies, I'm a sucker for a good buddy story, and the devotion of these two brothers and their puck sidekick more than qualifies. It was this rough and tumble camaraderie that held most of my attention, and by the time the story had reached Cal's rotund, amorous arms dealer (and a plan to move forward), I was invested in the plot again.
Thurman has created characters that leap off the page, equal parts dark and funny in a blend that is a rare delight to find. And though I thought DOUBLETAKE slowed down in the middle, I admire the organic way various plots and schemes wound through this book and the series as a whole. As this was my first book in the series, I didn’t have a particularly strong reaction to some of the bombshells sprinkled through out the plot, and I don’t know if I’ll ever go back and read the pain and insanity Cal has struggled with in prior books. Going forward, however, I'm certainly invested in the metamorphosis he's on the cusp of now. Thurman’s brand of black humor and vivid world building is well worth checking out.
Sexual Content: References to sex, rape, and descriptions of an orgy.
August 31, 2021
I am claiming it - I am this authors biggest fan. I am pretty sure that I was the first person that discovered Rob was born with ovaries and lives in butthump middle earth somewhere where there is no such thing as dsl or cable. Because of all of that, I am absolutely positive - that I can claim Cal and Niko as MY book boyfriends first.
Caliban is my bad ass, don't give a damn, get outta my way because my piss is going to land where ever my d***is pointing this gold shower type of bad boy. Niko is my sexy, stealthy, slick and intelligent - let's sit down and talk about what was going through Machiavelli's mind when he wrote "The Prince" type of guy.
That said, we've gone through a lot in 7 novels- me and my guys - those Leandros men. I am not going to go through all of our adventures together, but I will say that every time I read a new story, I feel like I have to go back to "Nightlife" and start our ride again. I didn't do that this time, but I was anxious to uncover and discover since book one - How Pucks reproduce.
After all of the debauchery,immorality,excess and brokebackedness that occurs in the first part of the book - it took me the rest of the book to get the visual of that bar scene out of my mind.
I am not a writer - but I will sum up my thoughts this way - wild ride, fast ride, fun ride and until next time, I will keep Cal and Niko ever present in my thoughts.
Caliban is my bad ass, don't give a damn, get outta my way because my piss is going to land where ever my d***is pointing this gold shower type of bad boy. Niko is my sexy, stealthy, slick and intelligent - let's sit down and talk about what was going through Machiavelli's mind when he wrote "The Prince" type of guy.
That said, we've gone through a lot in 7 novels- me and my guys - those Leandros men. I am not going to go through all of our adventures together, but I will say that every time I read a new story, I feel like I have to go back to "Nightlife" and start our ride again. I didn't do that this time, but I was anxious to uncover and discover since book one - How Pucks reproduce.
After all of the debauchery,immorality,excess and brokebackedness that occurs in the first part of the book - it took me the rest of the book to get the visual of that bar scene out of my mind.
I am not a writer - but I will sum up my thoughts this way - wild ride, fast ride, fun ride and until next time, I will keep Cal and Niko ever present in my thoughts.
October 30, 2012
I hate to say it, but I think I'm getting burned out on this series. The writing is still good and the pace is fast (well, an odd flashback near the end briefly brought things to a screeching halt), but I find that it feels like the same thing repeated too many times, i.e. the Auphe are dead, the Auphe aren't dead, etc. The element that had me really excited about this book--the Puck reunion--ended up being a minor incident right at the beginning, and then Robin Goodfellow didn't have a huge role in the rest of the book.
It also felt like a lot of the action in the middle of the book was contrived for the sake of action, i.e. "We really shouldn't confront this person, they are insane--oh look, now they are trying to kill us!" Mind you, that's been a recurring theme in the series anyway, but it's forgivable for a while. Thurman is a much stronger writer of male characters, and that stood out here; Promise, Niko's girlfriend, had a shadow role and was present but ignored in some lengthy scenes.
The overall theme of Doubletake was family. This brings about some intriguing revelations about Niko's background, including a nice twist at the end I didn't see coming.
I've enjoyed the Cal and Niko books. They are excellent dark fantasy with some genuinely freaky villains (Sawney Beane *shudder*). However, it's hard to evolve characters and keep things fresh book after book, and I think this will be the last one in the series for me.
April 8, 2012
Overall a good book in the Cal series, though not as good as some of the ones that came before it. The writing is strong as always and the general feel of the story is enjoyable to read. I think it adds a lot to potential plot threads and opens up the story to go some pretty interesting places.
That said, one of the things that didn't work as well as it should have in this book was the foreshadowing. There are a couple moments where you see it, and unfortunatly it's pretty blatant when you do come across it. This leads to you not really being surprised at all when those events crop up later on in the story and leaves you feeling a little saddened by something that could have been a "Wow" moment.
But that aside, and the entire thing with the Pucks, which though interesting and does give some insight as to Goodfellow's history and how the Pucks fit into the general world, doesn't do much else within the plot line other than something that just sort of happens in the beginning. (though to be honest, it does set up some nice plot hooks for later use so I can't really complain)
All in all, this was a good book in the series. Not the strongest, but it does set a lot of stuff up for later novels and stops the series from stagnating like many of the other Paranormal genre books. It will be interesting to see where Thurman takes this series with everything she's set up.
That said, one of the things that didn't work as well as it should have in this book was the foreshadowing. There are a couple moments where you see it, and unfortunatly it's pretty blatant when you do come across it. This leads to you not really being surprised at all when those events crop up later on in the story and leaves you feeling a little saddened by something that could have been a "Wow" moment.
But that aside, and the entire thing with the Pucks, which though interesting and does give some insight as to Goodfellow's history and how the Pucks fit into the general world, doesn't do much else within the plot line other than something that just sort of happens in the beginning. (though to be honest, it does set up some nice plot hooks for later use so I can't really complain)
All in all, this was a good book in the series. Not the strongest, but it does set a lot of stuff up for later novels and stops the series from stagnating like many of the other Paranormal genre books. It will be interesting to see where Thurman takes this series with everything she's set up.
August 21, 2014
This read was way better then some of the previous books in the series and a shit ton better then Blackout.
While Cal is still having issues with what Rafferty did to him in Blackout he has started to embrace his Auphe, use it to his advantage, and the truth is, he's going to need it. As it turns out, he's not the only Half Auphe around and let's just say Grimm is going to be problematic. I had re-read the parts concerning Georgina several times just to make sure I was indeed reading what I was reading. Make sure you don't gloss over the chapters where Grimm is speaking as they are very informative.
As if having Grimm in the picture isn't enough, Niko's long lost father decides to show up with his own agenda and it just happens to coincide with a Automaton that has come to wreak havoc on all those Vayash blood. Or so they think.
Out of all this going on, the fact that the book starts out with a puck orgy of epic proportions and finding out how they procreate and just where Robin stands at in the puck hierarchy, would have made this book one of my all time faves in the series.
4.5 stars. A great read, I hope the next in the series is just as good as this one.
While Cal is still having issues with what Rafferty did to him in Blackout he has started to embrace his Auphe, use it to his advantage, and the truth is, he's going to need it. As it turns out, he's not the only Half Auphe around and let's just say Grimm is going to be problematic. I had re-read the parts concerning Georgina several times just to make sure I was indeed reading what I was reading. Make sure you don't gloss over the chapters where Grimm is speaking as they are very informative.
As if having Grimm in the picture isn't enough, Niko's long lost father decides to show up with his own agenda and it just happens to coincide with a Automaton that has come to wreak havoc on all those Vayash blood. Or so they think.
Out of all this going on, the fact that the book starts out with a puck orgy of epic proportions and finding out how they procreate and just where Robin stands at in the puck hierarchy, would have made this book one of my all time faves in the series.
4.5 stars. A great read, I hope the next in the series is just as good as this one.
March 7, 2012
Without spilling any spoilers, I will proudly say that this is a triumphant testament to the creativity of the human race. I bought a copy of Doubletake on opening day, and I am not disappointed. Mind you, I am The World's Pickiest Reader. Before Cal and Niko, not too many heroes or even heroines occupied my shelf. You would have seen Sharon Shinn and Jacqueline Carey on my bookshelf, accompanied by tumbleweeds and crickets.
Rob Thurman has made my bookshelf and life even brighter than a diamond. Cal and Niko are sheer joy in every adventure; Doubletake will be no exception. Thurman's latest masterpiece leads readers into another world, a world of mystery, suspense, earth shattering revelations and nail biting horror. And the brothers are as adorable as ever.
If you're even remotely interested in the epic and the unknown, this is your cup of tea. And don't worry about this being your first Cal and Niko: Thurman does an immaculate job of introducing readers to her vast, dark but surprisingly vibrant world. Doubletake is only disappointing for one reason:
It'll be the last of Cal and Niko we'll see for a long time.
Excuse me while I cry.
Rob Thurman has made my bookshelf and life even brighter than a diamond. Cal and Niko are sheer joy in every adventure; Doubletake will be no exception. Thurman's latest masterpiece leads readers into another world, a world of mystery, suspense, earth shattering revelations and nail biting horror. And the brothers are as adorable as ever.
If you're even remotely interested in the epic and the unknown, this is your cup of tea. And don't worry about this being your first Cal and Niko: Thurman does an immaculate job of introducing readers to her vast, dark but surprisingly vibrant world. Doubletake is only disappointing for one reason:
It'll be the last of Cal and Niko we'll see for a long time.
Excuse me while I cry.
March 17, 2012
The first half of this book, I like. The thought of Goodfellow's puck race in New York City (which creates "Panic", yes, with a capital "P") is a hoot ... and we know how Robin has been monogamous with Ish, since 2011. Those crazy pucks! I love that scene!!
But the rest; not so much. Sure, the appearance of Niko's father, Kalakos is intriguing , and it turns sour since yeah, it's Cal and Niko against the world once again. I don't feel like the story is moving forward from that theme, and it's already in book #7.
Then there's Grimm, the Black Sheep, Cal's other family. Doesn't we have this plot somewhere in the previous books? Though at least I know what happened with Georgina. Other than that, I admit that I skim the last 1/2 book, and read only the last two chapters.
Sadly to say, my interest with the brothers has diminished greatly. Don't know if I will pick it up again, or when. For now though, I guess I'm taking a break from this series.
But the rest; not so much. Sure, the appearance of Niko's father, Kalakos is intriguing , and it turns sour since yeah, it's Cal and Niko against the world once again. I don't feel like the story is moving forward from that theme, and it's already in book #7.
Then there's Grimm, the Black Sheep, Cal's other family. Doesn't we have this plot somewhere in the previous books? Though at least I know what happened with Georgina. Other than that, I admit that I skim the last 1/2 book, and read only the last two chapters.
Sadly to say, my interest with the brothers has diminished greatly. Don't know if I will pick it up again, or when. For now though, I guess I'm taking a break from this series.
August 21, 2012
I read this book in less than two days, as per the usual with Rob's books. Cal is a sarcastic bastard, and I love him severely for that. If I could get my husband in on the idea, I'd name my future sons Caliban and Niko.
The reason I gave this one 4 stars rather than 5 is that there were parts of the narrative in this volume that seemed to drag to me, like the author was just trying to fill space. The action scenes throughout were still impeccable, the awesomely dry humor is biting and makes me chuckle like an idiot, and I have to say... I think I'm as much in love with Grimm as I am with Cal. Sure, he's a maniacal bastard out to take over the world, but who doesn't love a guy with career goals?
The reason I gave this one 4 stars rather than 5 is that there were parts of the narrative in this volume that seemed to drag to me, like the author was just trying to fill space. The action scenes throughout were still impeccable, the awesomely dry humor is biting and makes me chuckle like an idiot, and I have to say... I think I'm as much in love with Grimm as I am with Cal. Sure, he's a maniacal bastard out to take over the world, but who doesn't love a guy with career goals?
March 23, 2012
Another good story in the Cal Leandros series with two new twists for poor Cal, Nic and friends to deal with.
Some people may not quite enjoy the Puck family reunion bit - Pucks being the amorous and amoral creatures they are.
Also, this one again delves into darkness with bouts of depression and psychotic thoughts - may not be safe for those who prefer the happier times.
Still several good fight scenes though not as many as usual.
Again, fewer new and interesting beasties as the villains here are more or less (and sub) human.
The door was definitely left open for more stories - and not really in a cliffhanger way.
Some people may not quite enjoy the Puck family reunion bit - Pucks being the amorous and amoral creatures they are.
Also, this one again delves into darkness with bouts of depression and psychotic thoughts - may not be safe for those who prefer the happier times.
Still several good fight scenes though not as many as usual.
Again, fewer new and interesting beasties as the villains here are more or less (and sub) human.
The door was definitely left open for more stories - and not really in a cliffhanger way.
September 20, 2016
2.5 stars.
Recap of their upbringing again, rehash of previous story lines, and how many times do we need to be told how tight the bond between Cal and Niko are?
Not has bad as I feared from some of the reviews, but still nowhere near the previous book in the series.
Recap of their upbringing again, rehash of previous story lines, and how many times do we need to be told how tight the bond between Cal and Niko are?
Not has bad as I feared from some of the reviews, but still nowhere near the previous book in the series.
September 4, 2014
This may be the book that ends my modern fantasy kick, it was too in the head of the two characters and nothing was actually happening.
September 18, 2021
Doubletake is the 7th part of Rob Thurman's "Cal Leandros" series. Main character, of course, is our favorite snarky half-Auphe, Caliban "Cal" Leandros. Note that I mentioned he's our favorite; this becomes important later. Foreshadowing!
Family is a bitch, and no one knows that better than Cal. He's one-half of a monster so horrific that all other supernaturals live(d) in fear of it. This time around, however, it's his brother, Niko, who is feeling the familial pain when his previously absent father shows up, needing a big favor. Cal takes an immediate dislike to Emilian Kalakos, but he steps aside to let Niko handle the situation as he sees fit. In the meantime, Robin Goodfellow, the puck of legend and a friend to Cal and Niko, has his own family issues to deal with. The entirety of his race is descending on NYC for their once-in-a-millennium reunion. The gathering is called, appropriately enough, the Panic. Every other non-human has the sense to leave town, which means that Robin has only Cal and Niko to call on in order to serve as bartenders/security for the Panic.
The Panic and Kalakos would be enough of a headache, but Cal is also confronted by family--another half-Auphe who is keenly interested in seeing which of them is the better monster. Cal must play along to keep his family and friends safe, even if it means shedding more of his own humanity to do so.
Let me just say this upfront: Enough. I am growing weary of the Auphe. Cal (and the readers) deserve respite. In book 1, the Auphe were destroyed. In book 2, oh hey, some of them managed to survive. In book 4, the rest of the Auphe were destroyed. Yay! In book 6, Cal learns there are other halfbreeds, so he finds them, caged and insane, and delivers a quick coup de grace. Phew! Now, here we are in book 7, and, oh no, there's another evil half-Auphe out there. Better yet, he's found the perfect source of "broodmares", and he's amassing his own, diluted Auphe army. *head desk*
That's not the only thing that bothered me; my Logic Brain kicked in once again to ruin a good story:
- First of all, why would Grimm look anything like Cal? Yes, they both had Auphe sires, but their human mothers wouldn't have looked similar.
- Second, if (as Cal learned in book 4) the Auphe always knew where Cal was, why would they not have been keeping tabs on Grimm? Enough to learn that he was becoming what they had tried to force Cal to be, and that Grimm would be more amenable to their plans.
- Third, if Grimm spent the first 18 years of his life in a cage, being beaten and tortured, how was/is he able to assimilate among humans at all? One would think he'd be like a rabid animal when he escaped. Cal was, after only 2 years of captivity and torture, and it was only Niko's patience and perseverance that brought him back from the edge of madness.
- Finally, since Cal realized in book 4 that he had always subconsciously been as aware of the Auphe as they were of him, why did he not sense Grimm? Or be able to sense Grimm's grim offspring?
I wish authors wouldn't forget their own plot devices or, as may be the case, simply choose to ignore what they'd laid out in earlier books. It would be like JK Rowling having Harry Potter Apparating in and out of Hogwarts, even though she'd earlier specified no one could do such a thing. I dunno. Not happy about the never-fucking-ending saga of the Auphe.
Okay. All of that aside, I did enjoy the book. How could I not? It's Cal and Niko and Robin! Again, I would have loved to get some of this in Niko's point of view. He was keeping it together rather well but for a marked increase in cursing. Even Cal was impressed. Ha ha! We learned more about Robin, and it was funny to find out that he'd foisted three of his mummified cats off on Promise...and that Promise was unable to evict them from her penthouse because they were too fast for her to catch. LOL! Cal and Niko are still as devoted to one another as ever, maybe even more so in the face of family neither one ever wanted to meet. The plot caromed along at a frenzied pace, and there were some stunning twists and surprises.
This was as exciting, entertaining, and enthralling as every other book in the series, but I'm knocking one star off (Auphe?) for the lather-rinse-repeat of Cal's heritage coming to bite him in the ass. Again. Four stars.
Family is a bitch, and no one knows that better than Cal. He's one-half of a monster so horrific that all other supernaturals live(d) in fear of it. This time around, however, it's his brother, Niko, who is feeling the familial pain when his previously absent father shows up, needing a big favor. Cal takes an immediate dislike to Emilian Kalakos, but he steps aside to let Niko handle the situation as he sees fit. In the meantime, Robin Goodfellow, the puck of legend and a friend to Cal and Niko, has his own family issues to deal with. The entirety of his race is descending on NYC for their once-in-a-millennium reunion. The gathering is called, appropriately enough, the Panic. Every other non-human has the sense to leave town, which means that Robin has only Cal and Niko to call on in order to serve as bartenders/security for the Panic.
The Panic and Kalakos would be enough of a headache, but Cal is also confronted by family--another half-Auphe who is keenly interested in seeing which of them is the better monster. Cal must play along to keep his family and friends safe, even if it means shedding more of his own humanity to do so.
Let me just say this upfront: Enough. I am growing weary of the Auphe. Cal (and the readers) deserve respite. In book 1, the Auphe were destroyed. In book 2, oh hey, some of them managed to survive. In book 4, the rest of the Auphe were destroyed. Yay! In book 6, Cal learns there are other halfbreeds, so he finds them, caged and insane, and delivers a quick coup de grace. Phew! Now, here we are in book 7, and, oh no, there's another evil half-Auphe out there. Better yet, he's found the perfect source of "broodmares", and he's amassing his own, diluted Auphe army. *head desk*
That's not the only thing that bothered me; my Logic Brain kicked in once again to ruin a good story:
- First of all, why would Grimm look anything like Cal? Yes, they both had Auphe sires, but their human mothers wouldn't have looked similar.
- Second, if (as Cal learned in book 4) the Auphe always knew where Cal was, why would they not have been keeping tabs on Grimm? Enough to learn that he was becoming what they had tried to force Cal to be, and that Grimm would be more amenable to their plans.
- Third, if Grimm spent the first 18 years of his life in a cage, being beaten and tortured, how was/is he able to assimilate among humans at all? One would think he'd be like a rabid animal when he escaped. Cal was, after only 2 years of captivity and torture, and it was only Niko's patience and perseverance that brought him back from the edge of madness.
- Finally, since Cal realized in book 4 that he had always subconsciously been as aware of the Auphe as they were of him, why did he not sense Grimm? Or be able to sense Grimm's grim offspring?
I wish authors wouldn't forget their own plot devices or, as may be the case, simply choose to ignore what they'd laid out in earlier books. It would be like JK Rowling having Harry Potter Apparating in and out of Hogwarts, even though she'd earlier specified no one could do such a thing. I dunno. Not happy about the never-fucking-ending saga of the Auphe.
Okay. All of that aside, I did enjoy the book. How could I not? It's Cal and Niko and Robin! Again, I would have loved to get some of this in Niko's point of view. He was keeping it together rather well but for a marked increase in cursing. Even Cal was impressed. Ha ha! We learned more about Robin, and it was funny to find out that he'd foisted three of his mummified cats off on Promise...and that Promise was unable to evict them from her penthouse because they were too fast for her to catch. LOL! Cal and Niko are still as devoted to one another as ever, maybe even more so in the face of family neither one ever wanted to meet. The plot caromed along at a frenzied pace, and there were some stunning twists and surprises.
This was as exciting, entertaining, and enthralling as every other book in the series, but I'm knocking one star off (Auphe?) for the lather-rinse-repeat of Cal's heritage coming to bite him in the ass. Again. Four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
4/5 -- I feel anyone who's made it this far into the series is a little biased, so my reviews weigh in relation to other books in the series as a whole.
This is the second so far that ended up flopping at the end. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy reading it, I always do, but the choices made in writing the ending felt lazy (as they had in Roadkill). Which is heartbreaking as reading this was a delight and easy to breeze through. I loved the pace, the overall story, and character interactions.
Thurman really missed the opportunity to have a complex and grey coded character in Nik's father. I would've liked to see (more than a passing sentence) Cal's bittersweet jealousy at Niko and his father's interactions.
I did love the added tension of Cal being unable to gate more than twice, and the nudges that Rob But I wish we had spent more time fleshing out/reminiscing on this as there are too few times where Rob is shown to struggle with his own demons.
And while Grimm being introduced was both foreshadowed and expected (as well as welcomed), it's frustrating that he is toted as being far superior and smarter, but acts irrationally when dealing with Cal. His plans don't make sense at times, and seem overly complex for a supposedly book-smart Auphe. Cal makes it clear many times he's not interested in Grimm's Auphe resurgence, even his Auphe half isn't, which should've caused Grimm to make Cal interested, give him an ultimatum, or outright kill him instead. We didn't need to see any points from Grimm's perspective, it took away from moments (aforementioned) we could've had and kept the suspense/mystery of Grimm and his plans.
Rant about the ending, please someone comment their thoughts...
This is the second so far that ended up flopping at the end. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy reading it, I always do, but the choices made in writing the ending felt lazy (as they had in Roadkill). Which is heartbreaking as reading this was a delight and easy to breeze through. I loved the pace, the overall story, and character interactions.
Thurman really missed the opportunity to have a complex and grey coded character in Nik's father. I would've liked to see (more than a passing sentence) Cal's bittersweet jealousy at Niko and his father's interactions.
I did love the added tension of Cal being unable to gate more than twice, and the nudges that Rob But I wish we had spent more time fleshing out/reminiscing on this as there are too few times where Rob is shown to struggle with his own demons.
And while Grimm being introduced was both foreshadowed and expected (as well as welcomed), it's frustrating that he is toted as being far superior and smarter, but acts irrationally when dealing with Cal. His plans don't make sense at times, and seem overly complex for a supposedly book-smart Auphe. Cal makes it clear many times he's not interested in Grimm's Auphe resurgence, even his Auphe half isn't, which should've caused Grimm to make Cal interested, give him an ultimatum, or outright kill him instead. We didn't need to see any points from Grimm's perspective, it took away from moments (aforementioned) we could've had and kept the suspense/mystery of Grimm and his plans.
Rant about the ending, please someone comment their thoughts...
June 15, 2024
I am not a fan of Doubletake at all. It could not hold my interest for even the very short bursts I was originally reading it in. Pure, stubborn, completionism kept me reading. Worked better reading in a longer chunk of time, but I was definitely skimming for a good chunk of that. I don’t think it’s great when you can skip a whole page and lose absolutely nothing.
Everybody’s got family coming into town this time… except Promise. No one’s family is interesting. Kalakos is just whatever. Grimm is a nasty piece of work, but also just whatever. The pucks… definitely a blip. And we’re really calling Grimm’s offspring “Bae”? Really? This was lamp-shaded/explained by Robin and Cal and it’s still bad.
I’m so not into this book I didn’t even enjoy the black market scene. A scene which was full of entirely too much in the way of random world-building. Normally, I like me some world-building. Normally, I’m not wanting the end to come so much that I’m skimming.
I have not touched on Kalakos and Janus, other than mentioning Kalakos’ “meh” existence. Still is very “meh.” Janus as well. I didn’t actually feel that much of a threat from either. I guess knowing there are more books after this and already having had Cal almost die enough times just takes the interest out of it.
So… yeah. Doubletake. Not great. Meandering basically for page count, it felt like, especially with the reveal at the end. I don’t like Grimm. I’m honestly smacking myself in the head right now for buying the rest of the series because I really don’t feel like finishing it at this point.
Everybody’s got family coming into town this time… except Promise. No one’s family is interesting. Kalakos is just whatever. Grimm is a nasty piece of work, but also just whatever. The pucks… definitely a blip. And we’re really calling Grimm’s offspring “Bae”? Really? This was lamp-shaded/explained by Robin and Cal and it’s still bad.
I’m so not into this book I didn’t even enjoy the black market scene. A scene which was full of entirely too much in the way of random world-building. Normally, I like me some world-building. Normally, I’m not wanting the end to come so much that I’m skimming.
I have not touched on Kalakos and Janus, other than mentioning Kalakos’ “meh” existence. Still is very “meh.” Janus as well. I didn’t actually feel that much of a threat from either. I guess knowing there are more books after this and already having had Cal almost die enough times just takes the interest out of it.
So… yeah. Doubletake. Not great. Meandering basically for page count, it felt like, especially with the reveal at the end. I don’t like Grimm. I’m honestly smacking myself in the head right now for buying the rest of the series because I really don’t feel like finishing it at this point.
April 5, 2020
I struggled with this book. I really liked the first one. It was this cool new world where monsters are real & all centered around these 2 brothers. But as I got farther into the series the more I realized how slow & monotonous each of these books are. The author seems to latch onto one aspect and drags on that subject for the book. Which l, I get, in every sequel there is a new big bad that the brothers have to conquer & that is half of the focus. The other half of the focus of every book is that Cal is half auphe. We learned this in book one. It got really boring to read the same thoughts Cal has about being half auphe over & over again in every book. There’s some action that’s great to read but then there’s word vomit about auphes for pages on end after. There’s so much endless reflection of the past & how he feels about it. Not to mention the author will describe the same thing twice with the longest descriptions possible. Nothing about the storyline moves succinctly enough to keep my interest. I really liked the characters, especially Goodfellow but not enough that I want to force myself to read the rest when I have completely lost interest.
I was only going to read through book 9 because I heard the author isn’t writing anymore & the storylines wrapped up in book 9 with new ones starting in book 10. For me, this series ended in the middle of book 7.
I was only going to read through book 9 because I heard the author isn’t writing anymore & the storylines wrapped up in book 9 with new ones starting in book 10. For me, this series ended in the middle of book 7.
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