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Bookburners #2.1-2.13
Bookburners: The Complete Season 2
Magic is real, and hungry--trapped in ancient texts and artifacts. Only a few who discover it survive to fight back.
Join Detective Sal Brooks, newest recruit to a black-ops magic hunting team backed by the Vatican, as she travels the world to keep the supernatural in check. Just remember: watch your back and don't touch anything.
Fans of Supernatural, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Da Vinci Code will love this epic urban fantasy. Bookburners Season 2 is written by Max Gladstone, Margaret Dunlap, Brian Francis Slattery, Andrea Phillips, Mur Lafferty, and Amal El-Mohtar and presented by Serial Box Publishing.
734 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2017
31 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Max Gladstone
120 books2,527 followersMax Gladstone is the author of the Craft Sequence: THREE PARTS DEAD, TWO SERPENTS RISE, FULL FATHOM FIVE, and most recently, LAST FIRST SNOW. He's been twice nominated for the John W Campbell Best New Writer award, and nominated for the XYZZY and Lambda Awards.
Max has taught in southern Anhui, wrecked a bicycle in Angkor Wat, and been thrown from a horse in Mongolia. Max graduated from Yale University, where he studied Chinese.
Max has taught in southern Anhui, wrecked a bicycle in Angkor Wat, and been thrown from a horse in Mongolia. Max graduated from Yale University, where he studied Chinese.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 12, 2017
I found Season 2 a disappointment after the fun and focused adventure of Season 1. Sal is pushed into the background and it felt like a lot of pieces were being set up for Season 3 to be exciting, but there wasn't a proper emotional focus for these 13 episodes of the story.
The ad copy compares Bookburners, with its team of writer each writing individual episodes of an overall story, to various tv shows and I have to wonder how viewers would have felt if in Season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer had become the Giles the Librarian Show or the Xander Hour. The other characters are cool but I think the direction they went with this 'season' broke an implicit promise, at least to this reader.
From that perspective I found a lot of the episodes in this book were simply filler that should have been compressed and combined with advancing Sal and her brother's story to make for a more propulsive and exciting story. I felt like a lot of deck chairs were arranged painfully slowly in this season while I drummed my fingers waiting for the good stuff that never really arrived.
Just as there was no real main character for this season there wasn't really a satisfying climax either. The Christina-Demon thing? Or the election of the new cardinal? Both had about the equivalent emotional impact for me.
That said, the final scene in this volume promises that perhaps I will get my wish for Season 3 -- or it will go all Lost on me and try and tease me along.
I bailed on Lost somewhere at the start of season 3.
The ad copy compares Bookburners, with its team of writer each writing individual episodes of an overall story, to various tv shows and I have to wonder how viewers would have felt if in Season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer had become the Giles the Librarian Show or the Xander Hour. The other characters are cool but I think the direction they went with this 'season' broke an implicit promise, at least to this reader.
From that perspective I found a lot of the episodes in this book were simply filler that should have been compressed and combined with advancing Sal and her brother's story to make for a more propulsive and exciting story. I felt like a lot of deck chairs were arranged painfully slowly in this season while I drummed my fingers waiting for the good stuff that never really arrived.
Just as there was no real main character for this season there wasn't really a satisfying climax either. The Christina-Demon thing? Or the election of the new cardinal? Both had about the equivalent emotional impact for me.
That said, the final scene in this volume promises that perhaps I will get my wish for Season 3 -- or it will go all Lost on me and try and tease me along.
I bailed on Lost somewhere at the start of season 3.
February 8, 2021
Still loving Bookburners - Team 3 keep me company on my daily walks, and I'm sure the gasps, giggles and horrified expressions are entertaining random strangers as I go. The season follows the familiar structure of globetrotting mission of the week leading into season arcs focused on Society politics and Liam's past coming back to haunt him with the threat of a magical apocalypse...
Season 2 puts the relationships established in Season 1 under pressure as Asanti reacts to an unexpected influx of funding and support for her research with glee, much to Liam and Menchu's distaste. Grace is beginning to fret over her own position, while Sal just wishes everyone would stop fighting all the time. All in all, the season does a fine job of delving deeper into Liam, Grace and Asanti's backgrounds and delivering a tense final act as Team 3 face down technocultists and the Vatican itself.
Favourite episodes: 1/Creepy Town, 2/Webs, 7/Fire and Ice and 11/Shock and Awe
Season 2 puts the relationships established in Season 1 under pressure as Asanti reacts to an unexpected influx of funding and support for her research with glee, much to Liam and Menchu's distaste. Grace is beginning to fret over her own position, while Sal just wishes everyone would stop fighting all the time. All in all, the season does a fine job of delving deeper into Liam, Grace and Asanti's backgrounds and delivering a tense final act as Team 3 face down technocultists and the Vatican itself.
Favourite episodes: 1/Creepy Town, 2/Webs, 7/Fire and Ice and 11/Shock and Awe
July 4, 2017
Season 2 picks up just about where Season 1 left off, and quickly escalates to a fever pitch. The balance between magic and those who would restrain it tips ever-further as we follow our team through their new cases.
This, as ever, is less a collection of short stories, and more a story told in episodes. As with the first collection, I'm amazed at the cohesive story told by so many different authors - the voice of the story teller may change, but the people in the stories never waver.
I loved the glimpse of the Maitresse's cottage, as well as Shanghai's other market - it was a side of wonder in the magic that we've usually only seen horror from. It's never a bad thing to add a bit of delight!
At the end of the day, this was never going to be a light-hearted series, but it definitely seems that we're moving into a darker place. Bring it on guys, I for one am in it for the long haul!
This, as ever, is less a collection of short stories, and more a story told in episodes. As with the first collection, I'm amazed at the cohesive story told by so many different authors - the voice of the story teller may change, but the people in the stories never waver.
I loved the glimpse of the Maitresse's cottage, as well as Shanghai's other market - it was a side of wonder in the magic that we've usually only seen horror from. It's never a bad thing to add a bit of delight!
At the end of the day, this was never going to be a light-hearted series, but it definitely seems that we're moving into a darker place. Bring it on guys, I for one am in it for the long haul!
May 24, 2019
I've been listening to the audio versions of these which are beautifully narrated by XE Sands. The world seems well built and the narrative remarkably consistent for a series written by multiple authors. And who doesn't spend time daydreaming about the Vatican's secret archives?
July 16, 2017
I’ve finally caught up with season two of Bookburners! This urban fantasy series by Max Gladstone is a Serial Box story. Serial Box creates serial fiction akin to television seasons. Various different “episodes” make up seasons. Each episode has it’s own plot arc, but they connect together to form a plot arc for the season. Thus, you can read season two without having read season one. Serial Box provides recaps, which may be helpful if you decide to start with season two.
Bookburners follows a secret society within the Vatican responsible for searching out and destroying magic and demonic activity. Last season, it became clear that the amount of magic in the world is increasing. Ashanti, the Archivist, believes that Team Three should seek to understand more about magic, using magic to fight magic. This isn’t a popular idea. Meanwhile, a new magical plot is a foot from a mysterious group called “the Network.” Once again, Team Three will find themselves facing previously unimaginable situations.
As was the case with season one, the transition between different authors feels seamless. While it may be a whole bunch of different authors writing these episodes, the entire story really has the same style and voice. It’s well written in general, but I’m highly impressed by how these authors work with the same voice.
The high point of Bookburners is the characters. After the first season, I was already attached to the main cast. I’ve really come to enjoy each of them and their interactions with each other. Grace and Sal’s friendship remains a favorite aspect of mine, but I was also glad that we got to see more of Liam’s backstory. Ashanti’s a major source of conflict this season, as she’s increasingly pushed on the society to do with magic… and the society’s starting to push back. Also, how much of Grace’s candle is left? I’m getting worried about her, and I think her situation will come to a head in season three.
I wasn’t as wowed by the season two’s plot arc. I think this season might be a bit more episodic? It felt like less of an overarching story. Or maybe I was just less interested in the Vatican politicking than the demonic activity of last season. That’s not to say that this season didn’t include plenty of magic and monsters. It actually explored the magic side of things more, which I appreciated (plus Middle Coom was deliciously creepy). However, I felt like the Network was never the strong villains that the Hand were last season.
Still, season two of Bookburners is thirteen episodes of urban fantasy fun, loaded with pop culture references (I spied one to Steven Universe!). If you want urban fantasy with an ensemble cast and no romantic focus, you should really check Bookburners out. I think it’d also appeal to those who like a police procedural element and horror influences. All in all, Bookburners is a story I’d recommend.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
Bookburners follows a secret society within the Vatican responsible for searching out and destroying magic and demonic activity. Last season, it became clear that the amount of magic in the world is increasing. Ashanti, the Archivist, believes that Team Three should seek to understand more about magic, using magic to fight magic. This isn’t a popular idea. Meanwhile, a new magical plot is a foot from a mysterious group called “the Network.” Once again, Team Three will find themselves facing previously unimaginable situations.
As was the case with season one, the transition between different authors feels seamless. While it may be a whole bunch of different authors writing these episodes, the entire story really has the same style and voice. It’s well written in general, but I’m highly impressed by how these authors work with the same voice.
The high point of Bookburners is the characters. After the first season, I was already attached to the main cast. I’ve really come to enjoy each of them and their interactions with each other. Grace and Sal’s friendship remains a favorite aspect of mine, but I was also glad that we got to see more of Liam’s backstory. Ashanti’s a major source of conflict this season, as she’s increasingly pushed on the society to do with magic… and the society’s starting to push back. Also, how much of Grace’s candle is left? I’m getting worried about her, and I think her situation will come to a head in season three.
I wasn’t as wowed by the season two’s plot arc. I think this season might be a bit more episodic? It felt like less of an overarching story. Or maybe I was just less interested in the Vatican politicking than the demonic activity of last season. That’s not to say that this season didn’t include plenty of magic and monsters. It actually explored the magic side of things more, which I appreciated (plus Middle Coom was deliciously creepy). However, I felt like the Network was never the strong villains that the Hand were last season.
Still, season two of Bookburners is thirteen episodes of urban fantasy fun, loaded with pop culture references (I spied one to Steven Universe!). If you want urban fantasy with an ensemble cast and no romantic focus, you should really check Bookburners out. I think it’d also appeal to those who like a police procedural element and horror influences. All in all, Bookburners is a story I’d recommend.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
April 27, 2019
This was a good read, but it does pale in comparison to Season 1. This collection feels more episodic and less of a single piece than the previous book did, until the last 4 episodes or so. The epilogue did nothing for me.
That said, it’s still impressive that a bunch of diverse writers can all create entries which feel remarkably cohesive over 800 pages. Even working from the same outline that seems tough. So kudos to whoever it is at Serial Box who shepherds these books to publication.
That said, it’s still impressive that a bunch of diverse writers can all create entries which feel remarkably cohesive over 800 pages. Even working from the same outline that seems tough. So kudos to whoever it is at Serial Box who shepherds these books to publication.
October 7, 2018
2.5 Stars 🌟
September 17, 2023
The second volume of this well-written urban fantasy serial keeps up the tension and character dynamics, as Team three survives (barely) intraparty schisms and unpredictable magicks all to save the world (again), but only to find itself outfoxed (*ahem*) by Vatican politics.
August 31, 2018
The first one was much more fun than this one. It dragged on and on. Not interested in the next installment.
October 6, 2018
Season 2 moved a little slower than season 1. And I got a bit bored with the politics of the Order. Sansone should be running everything but she has a vagina and the Vatican can't have women doing anything. It's probably too much to hope that Team Three will fully break from the church. But I'm invested now, and it really is an awesome story and amazing format Serial Box has going.
February 4, 2018
I absolutely love this series - it's a little pricey, but I got it relatively cheap on Google Play books, so I'm not complaining.
A look at my review for the previous instalment will make it clear that I originally got into this series because the enterprise was helmed by Max Gladstone, whose books I unequivocally adore. However, I have to mention a few other aspects of this season that I found interesting beyond Gladstone's involvement:
1. The previous season treated magic as a lot more horrific, and unknowable; it was usually quite Lovecraftian. This season changes it around, with one of the main characters spending a lot of her time trying to understand magic - it changes the type of storytelling to a genre a prefer.
2. Margaret Dunlap (who earlier was just a name I didn't know) is apparently one of the creative forces behind The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, one of my relatively recent obsessions.
3. The existing framework of understanding from the earlier season really helped get rid of info-dumpy aspects of the book.
I absolutely enjoyed the season. Unlike last time, characterisation wasn't the only thing that was consistent - quality was consistently good, the worldbuilding made a lot more sense, and the tendency of the differences between writing styles to pull one out of the book is mostly gone. As a piece of collaboratively written, episodic fiction, this is much better than the previous season.
The other aspect that I really didn't expect was the shift of focus - season one was very obviously the story of Sal, the new member of the Society. This season gives all the members of Team Three equal weight, and there are many stories in which Sal doesn't even appear. This is a much more balanced perspective to the story that came from season one, and I'm glad for it.
Finally, the entire season is somewhat the played out version of an argument between the same two characters, with different ones winning in different episodes. This character conflict could get grating at times, but it makes for a solid binge-able story, and I'm having to make a lot of effort to stop myself from buying the full cost season 3 instead of just picking up the book when its on sale in a few months.
In any case - this is a wonderful series, and I highly recommend it. I hope that more of the authors I like get together to use the Serial Box format, because I definitely enjoy it.
A look at my review for the previous instalment will make it clear that I originally got into this series because the enterprise was helmed by Max Gladstone, whose books I unequivocally adore. However, I have to mention a few other aspects of this season that I found interesting beyond Gladstone's involvement:
1. The previous season treated magic as a lot more horrific, and unknowable; it was usually quite Lovecraftian. This season changes it around, with one of the main characters spending a lot of her time trying to understand magic - it changes the type of storytelling to a genre a prefer.
2. Margaret Dunlap (who earlier was just a name I didn't know) is apparently one of the creative forces behind The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, one of my relatively recent obsessions.
3. The existing framework of understanding from the earlier season really helped get rid of info-dumpy aspects of the book.
I absolutely enjoyed the season. Unlike last time, characterisation wasn't the only thing that was consistent - quality was consistently good, the worldbuilding made a lot more sense, and the tendency of the differences between writing styles to pull one out of the book is mostly gone. As a piece of collaboratively written, episodic fiction, this is much better than the previous season.
The other aspect that I really didn't expect was the shift of focus - season one was very obviously the story of Sal, the new member of the Society. This season gives all the members of Team Three equal weight, and there are many stories in which Sal doesn't even appear. This is a much more balanced perspective to the story that came from season one, and I'm glad for it.
Finally, the entire season is somewhat the played out version of an argument between the same two characters, with different ones winning in different episodes. This character conflict could get grating at times, but it makes for a solid binge-able story, and I'm having to make a lot of effort to stop myself from buying the full cost season 3 instead of just picking up the book when its on sale in a few months.
In any case - this is a wonderful series, and I highly recommend it. I hope that more of the authors I like get together to use the Serial Box format, because I definitely enjoy it.
May 2, 2024
Вторият сезон на Сириъл бокс за ватиканските книгоборци беше доволно занимателен, но някак страда от синдрома на втората книга, въпреки не толкова обичайния формат в който излиза.
Липсваха ми Сал и Пери, които тук останаха доста на страна. Тринадесетте епизода бяха съсредоточени много повече върху Лиъм и миналото му с така любимите ми техно култисти, но някак успяха да извъртят самите епизоди, като почти нямаше демонски книги, а чудовищата и ситуациите не ми влязоха толкова оригинални. Все пак от Кристина се получи пленителен антагонист – харизматична, безморална и отдадена.
Мазилажът също беше намален, което не ми обади. Може би защото Грейс се прехвърлила в отдел 1, а тя го изнасяше на гръб. Новото попълнение в отдел 3 почти изигра ролята на „червена риза“, а не мислех, че отбора писатели е толкова щадящ главните си герои.
Като бонус имаме доста развитие на другите герои от отдел 3, Отец Менчу, Асанти и Грейс, но динамиката в отбора се разпада постепенно и това не ми хареса. Интересно беше все пак, не можеш да очакваш да събереш толкова противоречиви образи и да има хармония, но не е ли това, което всички очакваме от развлекателно четиво?
Имаше доста податки към отдел 4, предполагам в следващия сезон ще се разнищи и това.
Финалът беше задоволителен, но не пощади никой от отряд 3. Политиката, честно казано, ми дойде в повече, но това е Ватикана. Да се надяваме, че следващата част ще е по-добра.
Липсваха ми Сал и Пери, които тук останаха доста на страна. Тринадесетте епизода бяха съсредоточени много повече върху Лиъм и миналото му с така любимите ми техно култисти, но някак успяха да извъртят самите епизоди, като почти нямаше демонски книги, а чудовищата и ситуациите не ми влязоха толкова оригинални. Все пак от Кристина се получи пленителен антагонист – харизматична, безморална и отдадена.
Мазилажът също беше намален, което не ми обади. Може би защото Грейс се прехвърлила в отдел 1, а тя го изнасяше на гръб. Новото попълнение в отдел 3 почти изигра ролята на „червена риза“, а не мислех, че отбора писатели е толкова щадящ главните си герои.
Като бонус имаме доста развитие на другите герои от отдел 3, Отец Менчу, Асанти и Грейс, но динамиката в отбора се разпада постепенно и това не ми хареса. Интересно беше все пак, не можеш да очакваш да събереш толкова противоречиви образи и да има хармония, но не е ли това, което всички очакваме от развлекателно четиво?
Имаше доста податки към отдел 4, предполагам в следващия сезон ще се разнищи и това.
Финалът беше задоволителен, но не пощади никой от отряд 3. Политиката, честно казано, ми дойде в повече, но това е Ватикана. Да се надяваме, че следващата част ще е по-добра.
Read
October 1, 2020Join Detective Sal Brooks, newest recruit to a black-ops magic hunting team backed by the Vatican, as she travels the world to keep the supernatural in check. Just remember: watch your back and don't touch anything.
Fans of Supernatural, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Da Vinci Code will love this epic urban fantasy. Bookburners Season 2 is written by Max Gladstone, Margaret Dunlap, Brian Francis Slattery, Andrea Phillips, Mur Lafferty, and Amal El-Mohtar and presented by Serial Box Publishing.
Can't even begin to say how good this is. There are several new outbreaks of magic, a meeting with some of Liam's old "Network" crowd who are trying to bring even more magic into the world and some very weird happenings all over. The Matrisse from the first Season's Magic Bazaar calls in a favor Asante owes her and I kind of hope she shows up again as she's a pretty interesting character. Xie Sands does an amazing job with a huge number of character voices and never loses track or slips up even once. I can't always do that even in my head.
I got so caught up in the last few episodes that I didn't even shut it off when I finished my walk and they're pretty long chapters. You can get the kindle or paper version at Amazon but give the Serial Box version a try as it's much more immersive.
Fans of Supernatural, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Da Vinci Code will love this epic urban fantasy. Bookburners Season 2 is written by Max Gladstone, Margaret Dunlap, Brian Francis Slattery, Andrea Phillips, Mur Lafferty, and Amal El-Mohtar and presented by Serial Box Publishing.
Can't even begin to say how good this is. There are several new outbreaks of magic, a meeting with some of Liam's old "Network" crowd who are trying to bring even more magic into the world and some very weird happenings all over. The Matrisse from the first Season's Magic Bazaar calls in a favor Asante owes her and I kind of hope she shows up again as she's a pretty interesting character. Xie Sands does an amazing job with a huge number of character voices and never loses track or slips up even once. I can't always do that even in my head.
I got so caught up in the last few episodes that I didn't even shut it off when I finished my walk and they're pretty long chapters. You can get the kindle or paper version at Amazon but give the Serial Box version a try as it's much more immersive.
February 12, 2021
Sal Brooks couldn't stop running.
In this second installment of the Bookburners series, Team Three is facing down some old enemies and some major differences of opinion regarding magic. Should they harness magical powers to fight the evil magical forces they face? Or is all magic evil and to be avoided at all costs?
This book suffers from what a lot of 2nd books and 2nd seasons of TV shows suffer from, namely, where do we go from here? So you end up with something that seems to faff about for a bit and then just ends up being a long set-up for an exciting next book. There were several episodes in this book that just seemed like filler, and I would have rather we moved the main plot along quicker. I still enjoy the characters and their relationships. And I am excited for the next season.
This was fun escapist reading, which was something I definitely needed after what I have been reading lately. I definitely recommend it for those who enjoy TV shows like The Librarians or Warehouse 13 . There are definitely some fun adventures to be had in these collections.
CW: cult, drug abuse (description of past), gore, kidnapping/abduction, medical procedures, murder, suicidal ideation, torture, violence
In this second installment of the Bookburners series, Team Three is facing down some old enemies and some major differences of opinion regarding magic. Should they harness magical powers to fight the evil magical forces they face? Or is all magic evil and to be avoided at all costs?
This book suffers from what a lot of 2nd books and 2nd seasons of TV shows suffer from, namely, where do we go from here? So you end up with something that seems to faff about for a bit and then just ends up being a long set-up for an exciting next book. There were several episodes in this book that just seemed like filler, and I would have rather we moved the main plot along quicker. I still enjoy the characters and their relationships. And I am excited for the next season.
This was fun escapist reading, which was something I definitely needed after what I have been reading lately. I definitely recommend it for those who enjoy TV shows like The Librarians or Warehouse 13 . There are definitely some fun adventures to be had in these collections.
CW: cult, drug abuse (description of past), gore, kidnapping/abduction, medical procedures, murder, suicidal ideation, torture, violence
September 28, 2018
I've got to say, I enjoyed this one even more than the first season. I really appreciate getting the point of view of other Book Burners beyond Sal, and the world building is great. It's nice to see some of the perennial questions of the Masquerade trope dealt with (yes, it's been around for centuries, but no one's noticed because it has been getting worse...). The history of the Inquisition and the Society's place within it is addressed, but not so much that it gets in the way of the action.
Absolutely picking up Season 3!
Absolutely picking up Season 3!
July 24, 2023
There needs to be a season three!!!
I serious lost track of time while I was listening to season two. I WAS a little frustrated with the continuous tension between Arturo and the archivist, but it was worth it. I want to know where Grace goes next. I need to see where Perry comes into play. And, heaven help us, I seriously want more of Frances.
Long story, but worth every single minute.
I serious lost track of time while I was listening to season two. I WAS a little frustrated with the continuous tension between Arturo and the archivist, but it was worth it. I want to know where Grace goes next. I need to see where Perry comes into play. And, heaven help us, I seriously want more of Frances.
Long story, but worth every single minute.
January 2, 2020
I see the ffort that was made to bring interst to this season. But I find the episodes to all have the same feel and use the same outline for story structure. There are three more seasons in this series. I am not sure that I want to pay for additional episodes.
July 6, 2024
Book burners season 2
This is good work but Story Book is good I don't know how to explain it80% of this is Enjoyable and fun I really did like it but I Would have done it a bit differently
This is good work but Story Book is good I don't know how to explain it80% of this is Enjoyable and fun I really did like it but I Would have done it a bit differently
July 14, 2017
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HOLY SHIT
August 9, 2017
Review - and a season's worth of recaps - at RB: https://ragingbiblioholism.com/2016/0...
October 9, 2017
An entertaining urban fantasy adventure. Not as good as "Season 1", but something light to read.
July 23, 2018
This so needs to become a tv series.
December 15, 2018
Disappointing 2nd season... didn't have quite the same payoff as season 1... felt like setup for season 3, in the end...
December 4, 2019
Yep, I'm definitely obsessed.
Just read it. Or listen to the excellent Xe Sands narrate it for you. It's just so good!
Just read it. Or listen to the excellent Xe Sands narrate it for you. It's just so good!
April 19, 2020
Or three and three quarters.
June 18, 2021
A vast improvement from the first book. I loved it.
September 11, 2023
Wondering if I should leave now or keep reading.
November 3, 2023
Did they really find team four in like one ep and then went like cool bye(?
December 19, 2020
Solid ending. Very similar to the first book - silly, fun, well written, fast read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews