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Finders Keepers #2

Genius de Milo

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For fans of The Good Place, Good Omens, Third Rock from the Sun, Groundhog Day, Third Rock from the Sun, Community, Hot Tub Time Machine, Harold & Kumar go to White Castle, and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.

Best pals Jason Medley and Theo Barnes barely survived a backpacking trip through Europe and New Zealand that -- thanks to a jar of Cosmic Building Material they found -- almost wiped out the galaxy.

But just as they embrace a future without any more cosmic lunacy: The Earth has started fluxing in and out of Existence; Theo's twin girls are teleporting; and Jason can't tell which version of his life is real.

All because of Milo, the Universe's ultimate gremlin.

Joined by the mysterious Jamie -- a down-and-out hotel clerk from Eternity -- Jason and Theo reunite on a frantic, cross-country chase across America, praying they can retrieve that radioactive jar, circumvent Milo, and save the Earth from irrevocable disaster.

In author Russ Colchamiro's uproarious sequel to FINDERS KEEPERS, he finally confirms what we've long suspected ... that there's just no de Milo quite like a GENIUS DE MILO.

294 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2015

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About the author

Russ Colchamiro

36 books264 followers
RUSS COLCHAMIRO is the author of Crackle and Fire, Fractured Lives, Hot Ash, Blunt Force Rising, and Trigger Point, the first five books in the sci-fi thriller series featuring his hardboiled intergalactic private detective Angela Hardwicke. He is also the author of the rollicking space adventure, Crossline, the zany sci-fi backpacking series Finders Keepers, Genius de Milo, and Astropalooza, editor of the sci-fi mystery anthology, Love, Murder & Mayhem, and contributing author for his newest project, Murder in Montague Falls, a noir novella collection, all with Crazy 8 Press.

Russ has contributed to several other anthologies including Tales of the Crimson Keep, Pangaea, They Keep Killing Glenn, Altered States of the Union, Thrilling Adventure Yarns, Brave New Girls vols. 3&4, Camelot 13, TV Gods 2, and Footprints in the Stars.

He is now writing the fifth book in the Angela Hardwicke series.

In addition, Russ hosts the Rockin' Rollercoaster podcast, where he interviews various Sci-Fi, mystery, crime, thriller, and horror authors.

Russ lives in New Jersey with his wife and their twin ninjas.

For more on Russ’s works, visit www.russcolchamiro.com, and follow him on Facebook, Blue Sky, YouTube and Instagram @AuthorDudeRuss.

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Tammie.
230 reviews61 followers
February 29, 2016
A must read! Russ Colchamiro is a very talented writer and the second book from the Finders Keepers series certainly doesn't disappoint. In Genius de Milo, the adventures for Jason and Theo continue as they try to save the world-which is in jeopardy again. The characters are well-developed and the book is very unique and action packed. I would highly recommend this book for Sci-Fi fans that like a creative, unique and (sometimes) humorous read.
Profile Image for Mary Fan.
Author 59 books371 followers
May 19, 2017
Genius de Milo is one of those rare sequels that doesn't disappoint... and in fact adds to the lore of Book One. The second book in Russ Colchamiro's madcap "Finders Keepers" trilogy, Genius de Milo shifts gears from Europe (where the first book is set) to good ole 'Murica. This installment of the series takes readers deeper into the cosmic shenanigans of our bumbling backpackers, Jason Medley and Theo Barnes, yet delves into underlying concepts deeper than what I expected from such a fun, humorous read. There's a lot more here than meets the eye. While it expands upon stuff introduced in the first book, it can definitely be read as a standalone (trust me, I have a terrible memory for plots, so reading a sequel is always like reading a standalone for me!). At the same time, though, it concludes in a way that brilliantly sets up the next and final book in the series, Astropalooza (which you should definitely read too!).
Profile Image for Sarah Davies.
469 reviews13 followers
July 23, 2017
After reading Finders Keepers the first story and being slightly disappointed with sometimes the amount of characters and the storyline seeming to jump around.

Genius De Milo is far better storyline, well written and the story seems to flow very easily, very reminiscent of Bill and Teds Adventure, this story is well written with serious and humorous parts giving this a sci-fi story with a good twist.

Great to read a book in a series that is better than the first, but could also be read as a stand alone, but does lead you into wanting to read book 3 in the series, and would look forward to reading more in the series in the future.
Profile Image for Kathryn Parry.
Author 8 books70 followers
September 1, 2017
Although a little slower paced as Finders Keepers this still had a great story with the twists and turns of the first book. It did lose some of its magic for me as it lost some of its humour but still thought it warranted a five star rating. Looking forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Julie.
252 reviews16 followers
December 16, 2015
The Minder of the Universe has a problem. Earth is fluxing in and out of existence, and it seems the universe's ultimate gremlin, Milo, is responsible. Meanwhile on Earth, Jason Medley and Theo Barnes are finally meeting up again a few years after a crazy adventure in New Zealand involving a jar of Cosmic Building Material nearly destroyed the universe.

Genius de Milo by Russ Colchamiro is a wild, trippy, bizarre novel that left my brain in a bit of a flux at times! It's the second book in a series, and while it does stand alone, I would have enjoyed it more had I read the first book, Finders Keepers. Once I got used to the style and the characters, I definitely enjoyed the ride. Although different than my typical reading choices, this was a fun change and a good summer read.

Another reviewer equated Genius de Milo with the film Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, and I think that's a great comparison. Most of the characters spend a lot of time either drunk or high or having a good time in other ways. While the Earth is in danger of disintegrating, and several characters are truly trying to stop that from happening, no one ever seems overly concerned. Laid back is a good word for most of the characters!

I liked the different perspectives, from Jason and Theo, to Jamie who comes to Earth from Eternity to find her brother and try to stop the destruction of the planet, to Emma who was banished to Earth after trying to name a planet after herself. It's a lot of silliness and fun, but the storyline holds together from start to finish and some of the characters do grow and experience deeper emotions.

If you're looking for something very quirky and unusual, check out Genius de Milo (or perhaps start with Finders Keepers). It's a fun ride!
Profile Image for Cassie.
23 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2015
I should start out this review by stating that Genius de Milo is the second book in a trilogy. I agreed to review this book before I knew that, which is totally my fault, so when I realized it was a sequel I was a bit apprehensive. I started the book expecting to come in on the middle of a big plot and feel lost most of the time. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised that none of this was the case. While I think that reading the first book in the series would have left me more connected to the characters I in no way felt lost without a map while I was reading it. Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Colchamiro does a great job of connecting the two books, however, he also does a great job of introducing you to the characters and the story lines if you happen to be coming in at the middle. It really just makes me want to go back and read the first one even more, while I wait for the third one.

As for the story itself, it’s a rather cute “buddy comedy” type of story but with some science fiction elements added in. When I was over at Goodreads to get the synopsis for the book I saw in a review that someone mentioned that this reminded them of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and I could TOTALLY see that. All-in-all I think that this was a great book that anyone who wants a bit of lightheartedness (comedy), and is willing to open their minds to a bit of science fiction, in their lives should read.
Profile Image for P.L. Smith.
Author 17 books3 followers
May 18, 2017
This is a book that keeps you on your toes, cracking up at the things that are taking place as the story progresses. I enjoyed it, but I like this kind of book and this style of writing. I had a hard time following what was going on much of the time, so found myself going back and rereading parts of it again to see what I missed, but by the end all was explained. I definitely enjoyed it, despite the strangeness it possessed.

It is hard to describe exactly what I liked so much about the book and the story because it was so tongue in cheek and humorous compared to other fantasy books I have read. The author writes in a free flowing, quick paced manner, with enough attention to detail to pique your interest but not distract you from the story, and tons of creativity. It is really well executed and purposeful in the writing style and the direction the author takes when developing the plot. It was a lot of fun!

I found myself very entertained by this story. I laughed a lot and loved the humor. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it definitely suits my sense of humor and style, and I coudln't get enough of it. I was disappointed to see the story coming to an end because I was enjoying it so much. I can't wait to see what else he has to offer, this being the second in a series. It would be fine as a stand alone, but is a great follow up to the first book, too.

Definitely something I would recommend if you like fun, entertaining fantasy reads.
Profile Image for Jennifer Clausen-greene.
264 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2015
The whole I was reading this book I kept getting reminded of the old movie Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure. It had that same comedic, yet partially serious feel to it. There is so much going on in this story that you never know what the next page will hold. Will you meet another talking animal, star crossed lovers? Who knows. That was part of this amazing ride that Russ brings you on.

Unfortunately, I did not get to the read the first book where Jason and Theo are introduced and start on their epic adventure, but I did not feel that I lost out by picking up in the second. If anything it gave me a deeper appreciation for the characters and a desire to go and read the first one. Although this is a fun filled sci-fi book, it still manages to touch on topics such as loyalty, world issues, and family ties while we journey the universe with these two 20 year olds searching for themselves and trying to save the universe at the same time.

Cannot wait to read the first boo in this series and can easily recommend it to the YA audience, middle school kids and adults that need a good laugh.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author via Pump Up Your Books in exchange for my honest review, which I have given
Profile Image for Jennifer Clausen-greene.
264 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2015
The whole I was reading this book I kept getting reminded of the old movie Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure. It had that same comedic, yet partially serious feel to it. There is so much going on in this story that you never know what the next page will hold. Will you meet another talking animal, star crossed lovers? Who knows. That was part of this amazing ride that Russ brings you on.

Unfortunately, I did not get to the read the first book where Jason and Theo are introduced and start on their epic adventure, but I did not feel that I lost out by picking up in the second. If anything it gave me a deeper appreciation for the characters and a desire to go and read the first one. Although this is a fun filled sci-fi book, it still manages to touch on topics such as loyalty, world issues, and family ties while we journey the universe with these two 20 year olds searching for themselves and trying to save the universe at the same time.

Cannot wait to read the first boo in this series and can easily recommend it to the YA audience, middle school kids and adults that need a good laugh.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author via Pump Up Your Books in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
Profile Image for Gayle Pace.
1,110 reviews22 followers
June 4, 2015
review

Mr. Colchamiro brought out another wonderful almost effortless genre-blending in his FINDER'S KEEPER'S SAGA. In the first episode we met Jason and Theo. In this book, GENIUS DE MILO we come across them again on a cross country trip through the US.Hangingg in the balance once again is the fate of the planet, the cosmos, and human existence. A fun joy ride where on every page lies an inter-dimensional hoodlum, a star-crossed lover or maybe a talking animal. In this book we have a mixture of everything. It has taken a very talented author, Mr. Colchamiro who takes sci-fi's world of fantasy and mixes it in with real world issues as they lay on Theo and Jason's shoulders as they don't enjoy entering adulthood. The author seems to have no problem doing this. It's just another fun, learning, taking that grey matter and twisting it around from the minute you open the book until the moment you close it and say, What's next? I guess we will have to wait until Mr. Colchamiro writes another great adventure.


I was given a complimentary copy of GENIUS DE MILO from the author, Russ Colchamiro and Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tours for my view of the book.


Profile Image for Geoff Nelder.
Author 54 books81 followers
August 30, 2015
Russ Colchamiro has done it again with a side-splitting science fantasy tale of the improbable stretching across America and our imaginations. Jason and Theo, friends in the hilarious European backpacking adventure with supernatural unintentions—FINDERS KEEPERS—reunite in this novel and continue to meet unlikely characters of disrepute. It’s a fantasy writers book in that much of the plot and characters are what fantasy writers dream of doing but only Russ Colchamino has the guts to do it. Well worth a few bob and a weekend’s read. Commended.
Profile Image for Victoria Brinius.
766 reviews35 followers
June 6, 2015
This is the second book in the "Finders Keepers" Trilogy by Russ Colchamiro. In this volume we follow Jason and Theo across the United States to where all humans and the planet are in deep peril. This book is not only fun but it is also a great story. I really liked the storyline and the characters are great. They will have to stop Milo and then save everyone. I cannot wait for volume 3. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions a re my own.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,454 reviews126 followers
May 4, 2017
This was a funny new installment in the Finders Keepers trilogy. A race against time, and a new crazy villain, Genius de Milo is a must-read for comedy and sci-fi lovers alike. Theo and Jason can't seem to stay out of trouble, and must again save the Earth from disappearing. Not your typical heroes, they nonetheless find a way to do what they must to ensure their survival.

Received for review
Profile Image for James Dyar.
Author 2 books18 followers
May 27, 2017
better pacing, more fluid writing than the previous. Considering how good the first one was, this book impressed me.

wins a five star and a congratulations :)
6,203 reviews
March 22, 2019
Genius de Milo, book two from the Finders Keepers series, is a fun and quirky read. Russ Colchamiro has done it again with this well written book. I liked the first book and found I liked this one more. I love the action and adventure involving Jason and Theo. I enjoyed the author's sense of humor in some of the scenes. I could not help laughing out loud and wondering where in the world did he come up with this.
I am giving Genius de Milo four stars. I can not wait to get my hands on the third installment of the series to see what happens next.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Profile Image for Vikas.
Author 3 books178 followers
April 10, 2020
***** I was provided a free e-Book by the author in exchange for an honest review *****

Sequel to madcap comedy 'Finders Keepers' this is also a fun romp around the universe but this time we are mostly on earth. The events in this book starts 3 years after the last book and the Jar has initiated events which would be difficult to contain. This is a slightly faster paced than the last book and manages to bring allmost all the characters from the first book.

And this line is used almost 30 or more times but unlike FSG series to books it stays to be fun.

There was a blast of white light. There was screaming fluoroscent Color. There was the sensation of being sucked through a tornado

All this just says that this continues to be series worth checking as it includes comedy, space madness, emotions, friendship and more. Do check both this and it's 1st book and Keep on Reading.

People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
1 review
May 3, 2015
Russ Colchamiro once again proves that he is one of the funniest, most inventive authors out there.

Genius de Milo is not quite as frenetic as Finders Keepers, but the character development is great, its fun, funny and full surprises, and when I was done it really gave me something to think about.

For a book about late 20-somethings trying to get their lives together -- and save the Earth from disaster -- again -- Colchamiro has a lot to say about loyalty, family, and especially the challenges and sometimes heartbreak of father/son relationships.

I'm not sure how he does it, but he has this great way of melding these crazy fantasy/galactic adventures with the daily struggles of everyday life, and have them both seem totally real and important.

The thing I love most about his books is that I really never know what's coming next.

I really can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy. Genius de Milo is just a fun, wild ride.



5 reviews
September 14, 2015
I've done a lot of traveling throughout Europe so a few years ago I picked up a copy of Finders Keepers, which does a brilliant job of capturing what it's really like to take trains, and buses and meet all sorts of random people and eat crazy food --- while wrapped up in this off-the-wall story about the Earth being in jeopardy because of a jar containing the Universe's DNA!

Who thinks up this stuff?!

The sequel Genius de Milo switches the action mostly to the U.S., but the adventure is no less hilarious -- and even ups the stakes!

I usually don't read scifi, so if you're worried about that ... don't be. If you're in the mood for a crazy, hilarious, road trip adventure ... these books are for you.

Genius de Milo is the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time.
62 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2015
Been falling off the reading wagon until getting back on with this one. Russ's original in this series, Finders Keepers introduced the characters, the 'verses, and the premise. The sequel gets a little stuck in spots- perhaps he assumes a little too much recollection of the original story- but gradually he brings it back to you and two qualities- of his writing and the likeability of his characters- redeems this fault, it it is a fault.
Profile Image for Shelby.
265 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2016
The reviews recommending Genuis de Milo for fans of Pratchett, Moore, and Douglas are accurate. This book takes readers on a helter skelter jaunt around the universe trying to save the world. The story verges on absurd in the best way and is a little more readable than Hitchikers' Guide.
Profile Image for Sawney Hatton.
Author 10 books130 followers
May 14, 2015
Colchamiro's first book in his FINDERS KEEPERS series (titled, appropriately enough, FINDERS KEEPERS) was a fun and funny ride of clever sci-fi absurdity that introduced us to some memorable characters.

The followup, GENIUS DE MILO, is even better.

All the returning characters in this one -- particularly Jason, Theo, and the intriguing Brigsby -- are more richly presented, and the story's pacing is more manic without ever getting confusing. It's hugely entertaining all the way through, exceptionally well written, and bursting with inventive ideas.

For those who like their Sci-Fi unpredictable, action-packed, and splashed liberally with humor, GENIUS DE MILO is as good as they come. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews