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Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High
Growing up is hard. Sometimes you just want to kill someone.
212 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2019
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April 21, 2019
Toddy Sweeney, the Fiend of Fleet High
By David Pratt
Hosta Press, 2019
Four stars
Every gay boy needs an ally who will kill for him.
I had been waiting anxiously for this book to appear; and then waited anxiously some more to begin reading it. Finally, I dragged it to the front of my e-reader backlog and just dug in. I knew it would make me squirm, and indeed it did. However, it also brought tears to my eyes, which was not at all what I expected.
This is a young adult novel, although it pushes the edges of the definition of that genre, for sure. It also pushes some other edges, and I’m not talking about the violence. The book’s characters are all somewhat familiar (intentionally) from the world of Young Adult literature, but in David Pratt’s hands they have all been, um, put off kilter. The story of Todd Sweeney and his friends is a spoof, but a spoof that is deadly serious and deeply heartfelt. It is, if you will, a high-school vengeance comedy romance. It is written for young people, gay and straight, and for all of us old gay people who were young once.
To confess up front, I have always avoided every possible incarnation of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I have never seen any version of it, or even listened to the music. The idea of a YA LGBT-themed novel inspired by it pushed lots of my buttons. The great slight-of-hand of Pratt’s narrative is the fact that he keeps the tone light, a bit sit-com-ish. The light-heartedness of the author’s writing leavens the real horror of the situation: the profound evil of people (mostly men) who have power over others; the powerlessness of children; the powerlessness of (some) women; and the violent response to the despair engendered by that powerlessness. Somehow Pratt makes this all amusing, without making it any less serious.
Pratt does not simply dive headlong into a revenge fantasy. He never loses sight of the moral balance, and the inherent conflict in the hearts and minds of his oddball heroes. Doing bad things in the name of good isn’t quite as easy as one might think. Self-justification is not given without self-doubt. Todd Sweeney is a big dopey jock; but he is never self-deluded. He knows himself, and thus we can embrace him. Maybe forgive him. Maybe wish him well.
By David Pratt
Hosta Press, 2019
Four stars
Every gay boy needs an ally who will kill for him.
I had been waiting anxiously for this book to appear; and then waited anxiously some more to begin reading it. Finally, I dragged it to the front of my e-reader backlog and just dug in. I knew it would make me squirm, and indeed it did. However, it also brought tears to my eyes, which was not at all what I expected.
This is a young adult novel, although it pushes the edges of the definition of that genre, for sure. It also pushes some other edges, and I’m not talking about the violence. The book’s characters are all somewhat familiar (intentionally) from the world of Young Adult literature, but in David Pratt’s hands they have all been, um, put off kilter. The story of Todd Sweeney and his friends is a spoof, but a spoof that is deadly serious and deeply heartfelt. It is, if you will, a high-school vengeance comedy romance. It is written for young people, gay and straight, and for all of us old gay people who were young once.
To confess up front, I have always avoided every possible incarnation of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I have never seen any version of it, or even listened to the music. The idea of a YA LGBT-themed novel inspired by it pushed lots of my buttons. The great slight-of-hand of Pratt’s narrative is the fact that he keeps the tone light, a bit sit-com-ish. The light-heartedness of the author’s writing leavens the real horror of the situation: the profound evil of people (mostly men) who have power over others; the powerlessness of children; the powerlessness of (some) women; and the violent response to the despair engendered by that powerlessness. Somehow Pratt makes this all amusing, without making it any less serious.
Pratt does not simply dive headlong into a revenge fantasy. He never loses sight of the moral balance, and the inherent conflict in the hearts and minds of his oddball heroes. Doing bad things in the name of good isn’t quite as easy as one might think. Self-justification is not given without self-doubt. Todd Sweeney is a big dopey jock; but he is never self-deluded. He knows himself, and thus we can embrace him. Maybe forgive him. Maybe wish him well.
March 27, 2019
‘Feel the charm’
New York author David Pratt was born in Hartford Connecticut but now lives in Manhattan where is has become one of the most highly respected authors of gay fiction. He has published short fiction in Christopher Street, The James White Review, Blithe House Quarterly, Harrington Gay Men's Fiction Quarterly, Velvet Mafia, Lodestar Quarterly, and other periodicals, and in the anthologies Men Seeking Men, His3 and Fresh Men 2. David has directed and performed his own work for the theater, including appearances in New York City at the Cornelia Street Café, Dixon Place, HERE Arts Center, the Flea Theater, Theater of the Elephant, and the Eighth Annual New York International Fringe Festival. He has collaborated frequently with Rogério M. Pinto, and he was the first director of several plays by the Canadian playwright John Mighton. David holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. ‘TODD SWEENEY is his fifth novel. He is the founder of Hosta Press.
As the initial work for his new Press, David steps into the field of parody. While most everyone knows the tale of ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,’ now eyes and ears will be open to David’s very adroit parody TODD SWEENEY: THE FIEND OF FLEET HIGH. Few would expect a tale of a gay lad in search of a protector to fit into the confines of such a comparison, but the story works very well indeed and enhances the reputation of the skilled author by demonstrating his ability to write tongue in cheek humor cum terror!
Distilling the plot, and yet sharing the bizarre adaptation of similar character names, is something else the author does well: ‘Every gay boy needs an ally who will kill for him. And no boy could have a better ally than Todd Sweeney. When Todd’s best friend, Toby Ragg, is threatened by homophobic guidance counselor Ashford Squeers, Todd swings into action. But he swings just a bit too hard. Enter best pal Nellie Lovett, who has very creative ideas for making the mess disappear. But then Fleet High bad boy Ryan Plouf threatens Toby and Nellie. Suddenly, Ryan is missing, too, and local cop Tarron Littey is asking some very inconvenient questions. Meanwhile, Toby’s parents threaten to put him in a gay conversion camp. Can Todd and Nellie save Toby before the cops discover just what happened to Fleet High’s worst?’
A taste of this fine transformation shares David’s skillful writing – ‘“Squeers? Came after you?” Todd stiffened. “Oh, Mother! Oh, I’ll get him! I promise you, I will—” “Shush, Todd!” Mrs. Sweeney patted her son’s broad back—the son returned at last, after a lonely and desperate year. “He never actually did anything!” “To think of that thing even coming near you!” Todd’s eyes filled with tears. “‘Guidance counselor!’ I’d like to guide his—” “Todd!” “I’m sorry, Mother.” He slumped. His sweater hung loose. She could see how much weight he had lost. Yet he had gained muscle. “I should have been here to protect you. Mom, I’m so sorry!” His shoulders began to shake; he covered his tear-stained eyes with his large hand. “I’ll get him!” he snarled. “Sh-sh-sh,” his mother said, rocking him. “It wasn’t your fault. We’ll just be grateful you’re home from”—she made a face—“‘boot camp.’ And that they agreed I could send you to that private place. It was maybe a little more civilized.”
Once again David Pratt demonstrates his gifts and the result is a wry and very entertaining novel – with a twist! A fine new book by a master of his craft. Highly Recommended.
New York author David Pratt was born in Hartford Connecticut but now lives in Manhattan where is has become one of the most highly respected authors of gay fiction. He has published short fiction in Christopher Street, The James White Review, Blithe House Quarterly, Harrington Gay Men's Fiction Quarterly, Velvet Mafia, Lodestar Quarterly, and other periodicals, and in the anthologies Men Seeking Men, His3 and Fresh Men 2. David has directed and performed his own work for the theater, including appearances in New York City at the Cornelia Street Café, Dixon Place, HERE Arts Center, the Flea Theater, Theater of the Elephant, and the Eighth Annual New York International Fringe Festival. He has collaborated frequently with Rogério M. Pinto, and he was the first director of several plays by the Canadian playwright John Mighton. David holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. ‘TODD SWEENEY is his fifth novel. He is the founder of Hosta Press.
As the initial work for his new Press, David steps into the field of parody. While most everyone knows the tale of ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,’ now eyes and ears will be open to David’s very adroit parody TODD SWEENEY: THE FIEND OF FLEET HIGH. Few would expect a tale of a gay lad in search of a protector to fit into the confines of such a comparison, but the story works very well indeed and enhances the reputation of the skilled author by demonstrating his ability to write tongue in cheek humor cum terror!
Distilling the plot, and yet sharing the bizarre adaptation of similar character names, is something else the author does well: ‘Every gay boy needs an ally who will kill for him. And no boy could have a better ally than Todd Sweeney. When Todd’s best friend, Toby Ragg, is threatened by homophobic guidance counselor Ashford Squeers, Todd swings into action. But he swings just a bit too hard. Enter best pal Nellie Lovett, who has very creative ideas for making the mess disappear. But then Fleet High bad boy Ryan Plouf threatens Toby and Nellie. Suddenly, Ryan is missing, too, and local cop Tarron Littey is asking some very inconvenient questions. Meanwhile, Toby’s parents threaten to put him in a gay conversion camp. Can Todd and Nellie save Toby before the cops discover just what happened to Fleet High’s worst?’
A taste of this fine transformation shares David’s skillful writing – ‘“Squeers? Came after you?” Todd stiffened. “Oh, Mother! Oh, I’ll get him! I promise you, I will—” “Shush, Todd!” Mrs. Sweeney patted her son’s broad back—the son returned at last, after a lonely and desperate year. “He never actually did anything!” “To think of that thing even coming near you!” Todd’s eyes filled with tears. “‘Guidance counselor!’ I’d like to guide his—” “Todd!” “I’m sorry, Mother.” He slumped. His sweater hung loose. She could see how much weight he had lost. Yet he had gained muscle. “I should have been here to protect you. Mom, I’m so sorry!” His shoulders began to shake; he covered his tear-stained eyes with his large hand. “I’ll get him!” he snarled. “Sh-sh-sh,” his mother said, rocking him. “It wasn’t your fault. We’ll just be grateful you’re home from”—she made a face—“‘boot camp.’ And that they agreed I could send you to that private place. It was maybe a little more civilized.”
Once again David Pratt demonstrates his gifts and the result is a wry and very entertaining novel – with a twist! A fine new book by a master of his craft. Highly Recommended.
April 5, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High uses satire to examine how society attempts to reduce the complicated layers of humanity, the human existence, and everything we create along with it, such as society, politics, etc., into easily identifiable and digestible ideals. With a narrative that starts stripped of complexity so that everything can be pigeonholed into set concepts (for example, erections exclaim that men are manly defenders), Todd Sweeney is a very dramatic caricature that pokes fun at/dissects concepts such as social conformity, the concepts of love, ideas of masculinity/manhood, and the idealism and righteous indignation of youth. It looks at political/social hypocrisy and how that hypocrisy and ugliness manifests in people and places convinced of their good works, while also sneaking in some heartfelt moments of compassion.
Overall, the story is an amusing re-telling of the Sweeney Todd story that, although taking place in modern times, has the same story of power, corruption, and the obedient, unintentionally complicitsheep general populace at its core.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High uses satire to examine how society attempts to reduce the complicated layers of humanity, the human existence, and everything we create along with it, such as society, politics, etc., into easily identifiable and digestible ideals. With a narrative that starts stripped of complexity so that everything can be pigeonholed into set concepts (for example, erections exclaim that men are manly defenders), Todd Sweeney is a very dramatic caricature that pokes fun at/dissects concepts such as social conformity, the concepts of love, ideas of masculinity/manhood, and the idealism and righteous indignation of youth. It looks at political/social hypocrisy and how that hypocrisy and ugliness manifests in people and places convinced of their good works, while also sneaking in some heartfelt moments of compassion.
Overall, the story is an amusing re-telling of the Sweeney Todd story that, although taking place in modern times, has the same story of power, corruption, and the obedient, unintentionally complicit
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
April 4, 2019
First and foremost, TRIGGERS, TRIGGERS, TRIGGERS! They range from conversion therapy, rape, beatings, abuse, verbal abuse, assault, murder, etc. Those are the main ones. If these affect you in any way, please take care of yourself first.
Otherwise, this was one hell of a book. But it will pull your emotions. There were times when I laughed or giggled to raging for the victims. The writing is so well done but it's rough. Knowing what some kids have to go through… It's an outstanding read though.
Squeers. The name alone strikes fear in anyone who may be different. The man is the high school 'counselor’, but in truth, he's a racist, homophobe who gets joy out of beating kids or setting them up so they are forced to go to juvie or conversion therapy. Something of the sort. That's what happened to Todd. And while Todd was gone, Squeers preyed on his widowed mother and his gay friends. Even the other raced kids. Now that Todd is back, he's squeezing Todd more, putting him in the position of obeying or worse will happen. He's forced Todd into meeting him after school everyday with the warning of not being late. Todd has had enough, but has yet to figure out what to do. He's purposely late and when Squeers goes to punish him, Todd swings first, and second, etc. He calls his friend Nellie to help him clean up. And they do in ways that are unbelievable.
But where one bad guy disappears, more crop up. There are mysterious disappearances in town and the cops are hot on Todd and Nellie's trail. When the cops get too close to home, they realize it's time to go, with a pitstop on the way. Now on the run, they have to figure out how to escape with their 3 'kids’. They know it's best to leave them behind, but they've vowed to protect them. Now they have to figure out what's best for everyone before they get caught.
The main characters in this book are, of course, kids. They are put through some very trying times because of adults. Adults who are closeted rapists, bigots, homophobes, and much more. Some scenes in this book broke my heart in ways I dont think will ever heal. Not to say the book was bad. Far from it. But to know what kids especially, have to deal with day in and out, is too much. And much like Todd in this book, you feel like you have to do something or snap. Sometimes snap is what unfolds.
What had me chuckling in this book, however, was the relationship between Todd and Nellie. She didn't blink twice when it came to helping him dispose of the body. But what was funny is how...and kind of...well, seriously gross. But it was the conversations. It was like watching squirrels bouncing from tree to tree. It really was comical. But then I have a twisted sense of humor.
I loved Todd though. Even being a kid himself, he took up the role as protector. He knew what people were doing was wrong, and he wanted to make it right. He wanted to make people better and happy. He wanted to make the world a better place for his friends and family. For everyone.
This is a bit dark of a book because of what it deals with. But there is humor and most of all, love and acceptance. The most important of all. I really loved it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Otherwise, this was one hell of a book. But it will pull your emotions. There were times when I laughed or giggled to raging for the victims. The writing is so well done but it's rough. Knowing what some kids have to go through… It's an outstanding read though.
Squeers. The name alone strikes fear in anyone who may be different. The man is the high school 'counselor’, but in truth, he's a racist, homophobe who gets joy out of beating kids or setting them up so they are forced to go to juvie or conversion therapy. Something of the sort. That's what happened to Todd. And while Todd was gone, Squeers preyed on his widowed mother and his gay friends. Even the other raced kids. Now that Todd is back, he's squeezing Todd more, putting him in the position of obeying or worse will happen. He's forced Todd into meeting him after school everyday with the warning of not being late. Todd has had enough, but has yet to figure out what to do. He's purposely late and when Squeers goes to punish him, Todd swings first, and second, etc. He calls his friend Nellie to help him clean up. And they do in ways that are unbelievable.
But where one bad guy disappears, more crop up. There are mysterious disappearances in town and the cops are hot on Todd and Nellie's trail. When the cops get too close to home, they realize it's time to go, with a pitstop on the way. Now on the run, they have to figure out how to escape with their 3 'kids’. They know it's best to leave them behind, but they've vowed to protect them. Now they have to figure out what's best for everyone before they get caught.
The main characters in this book are, of course, kids. They are put through some very trying times because of adults. Adults who are closeted rapists, bigots, homophobes, and much more. Some scenes in this book broke my heart in ways I dont think will ever heal. Not to say the book was bad. Far from it. But to know what kids especially, have to deal with day in and out, is too much. And much like Todd in this book, you feel like you have to do something or snap. Sometimes snap is what unfolds.
What had me chuckling in this book, however, was the relationship between Todd and Nellie. She didn't blink twice when it came to helping him dispose of the body. But what was funny is how...and kind of...well, seriously gross. But it was the conversations. It was like watching squirrels bouncing from tree to tree. It really was comical. But then I have a twisted sense of humor.
I loved Todd though. Even being a kid himself, he took up the role as protector. He knew what people were doing was wrong, and he wanted to make it right. He wanted to make people better and happy. He wanted to make the world a better place for his friends and family. For everyone.
This is a bit dark of a book because of what it deals with. But there is humor and most of all, love and acceptance. The most important of all. I really loved it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Want to read
June 27, 2019"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
July 11, 2019
Dark and deliciously twisted.
Todd Sweeney just wants to take care of those around him, especially his friend Toby. When he learns of what he went through in a re-education center, he takes matters into his own hands to protect him. Along with his love interest, Nelly, they hatch a plan to save their friends, one dark plan at a time.
I loved this modern remake of a classic. This book with filled with dark humor, action, and romance. This is not your typical YA horror.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Todd Sweeney just wants to take care of those around him, especially his friend Toby. When he learns of what he went through in a re-education center, he takes matters into his own hands to protect him. Along with his love interest, Nelly, they hatch a plan to save their friends, one dark plan at a time.
I loved this modern remake of a classic. This book with filled with dark humor, action, and romance. This is not your typical YA horror.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
November 29, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review
3.75
Fresh from a year at a boys’ reformatory school, Todd Sweeney comes home to learn his widowed mother is being menaced by Ashford Squeers, the evil, sadistic Fleet High guidance counselor who lied and helped send Todd away. Not only that, Todd learns that Squeers is having his best friend and “little brother” Tobias sent away to a “conversion camp” after having done the same to Tobias’s one true love, Anthony, months before. Desperate to be a good man and protector like his father, Todd goes about it in a decidedly final manner when a meeting between Squeers and Todd brings their mutual hatred and antipathy to a gory head.
At a loss, Todd calls the smartest, most level-headed person he knows, Nellie Lovett. Between studying and taking care of her parents, big-hearted Nellie spends her free time being the good little liberal—selling empanadas for scholarships to champion the less fortunate. When called upon by Todd to help him out of his sticky situation, Nellie not only quickly helps Todd process his Squeers problem, but helps him comfortably don the mantle of paddle-wielding knight. Soon, the two discover their passion for social justice and bloody vengeance knows no bounds, and they eventually embark on a madcap scheme to free Tobias and Anthony from the clutches of “soul-saving” familial love as suspicions from the law fall upon them.
Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High uses satire to examine how society attempts to reduce the complicated layers of humanity, the human existence, and everything we create along with it, such as society, politics, etc., into easily identifiable and digestible ideals. With a narrative that starts stripped of complexity so that everything can be pigeonholed into set concepts (for example, erections exclaim that men are manly defenders), Todd Sweeney is a very dramatic caricature that pokes fun at/dissects concepts such as social conformity, the concepts of love, ideas of masculinity/manhood, and the idealism and righteous indignation of youth. It looks at political/social hypocrisy and how that hypocrisy and ugliness manifests in people and places convinced of their good works, while also sneaking in some heartfelt moments of compassion.
Overall, the story is an amusing re-telling of the Sweeney Todd story that, although taking place in modern times, has the same story of power, corruption, and the obedient, unintentionally complicit sheep general populace at its core.
“They told you to be good and to obey. So you were good and you did obey, but still they mowed you down. They lied, others went along, and the liars got promoted and won awards, while the silent, exhausted thousands just slept through it all.”
At the end of Todd’s journey as self-appointed defender, he learns that life isn’t as black and white as it seems and that “even the biggest, strongest man can’t fix everything”—a point emphasized by the fact that the main problem solvers/thinkers are women. The evolution of Todd’s viewpoint is encapsulated by the decreasing overtly evilness of his foes and the increasing difficulty involved in saving his loved ones. For example, Pratt’s description of Squeers is particularly well done and seems intended to make the reader gag with disgust. Beyond having the man roll around in a pig pen and walk around in a muck-covered suit twirling his mustache, Squeers couldn’t come across as any more vile, repulsive, and deserving of vigilante justice. Yet as the dragons Todd slays become less black and white/caricatures of social media posts, Todd questions his method of protection and the totality of choices/circumstances that make a person “good” or “bad.”
As someone who enjoys satire and appreciates how delicate a balancing act it can be, there are some things that did not work for me. The story is written in such a way that it mimics a stage play, which in my opinion is good for some elements of the story, but less so for others. For example, the chapters begin with scene-synopsis/stage directions that fit with the glib/dramatic air of the narrative, but the dialogue is also written in this manner, and with it being as overly-dramatic/lampooning as it is at times, it was distracting to me and sometimes worked against the story. This is especially true in scenes that successfully dramatize a situation to highlight a point Pratt seems to be making, but whose impact is lessened and sometimes muddled by the dialogue. Additionally, I felt that the pacing is also negatively affected by this, particularly in the latter part of the story where stakes and ridiculousness are higher, and in which the last 20% rushes in new characters, then shifts the POV and storyline in the last 5% of the tale to the “rescuees” and their new guardian.
Though for me Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High lost a bit of steam at the end and had a bumpy dismount, it’s still an enjoyable read. So, if you are looking for a fun tongue-in-cheek look at humanity or simply enjoy stories featuring long pig empanadas, this one may be for you.
3.75
Fresh from a year at a boys’ reformatory school, Todd Sweeney comes home to learn his widowed mother is being menaced by Ashford Squeers, the evil, sadistic Fleet High guidance counselor who lied and helped send Todd away. Not only that, Todd learns that Squeers is having his best friend and “little brother” Tobias sent away to a “conversion camp” after having done the same to Tobias’s one true love, Anthony, months before. Desperate to be a good man and protector like his father, Todd goes about it in a decidedly final manner when a meeting between Squeers and Todd brings their mutual hatred and antipathy to a gory head.
At a loss, Todd calls the smartest, most level-headed person he knows, Nellie Lovett. Between studying and taking care of her parents, big-hearted Nellie spends her free time being the good little liberal—selling empanadas for scholarships to champion the less fortunate. When called upon by Todd to help him out of his sticky situation, Nellie not only quickly helps Todd process his Squeers problem, but helps him comfortably don the mantle of paddle-wielding knight. Soon, the two discover their passion for social justice and bloody vengeance knows no bounds, and they eventually embark on a madcap scheme to free Tobias and Anthony from the clutches of “soul-saving” familial love as suspicions from the law fall upon them.
Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High uses satire to examine how society attempts to reduce the complicated layers of humanity, the human existence, and everything we create along with it, such as society, politics, etc., into easily identifiable and digestible ideals. With a narrative that starts stripped of complexity so that everything can be pigeonholed into set concepts (for example, erections exclaim that men are manly defenders), Todd Sweeney is a very dramatic caricature that pokes fun at/dissects concepts such as social conformity, the concepts of love, ideas of masculinity/manhood, and the idealism and righteous indignation of youth. It looks at political/social hypocrisy and how that hypocrisy and ugliness manifests in people and places convinced of their good works, while also sneaking in some heartfelt moments of compassion.
Overall, the story is an amusing re-telling of the Sweeney Todd story that, although taking place in modern times, has the same story of power, corruption, and the obedient, unintentionally complicit sheep general populace at its core.
“They told you to be good and to obey. So you were good and you did obey, but still they mowed you down. They lied, others went along, and the liars got promoted and won awards, while the silent, exhausted thousands just slept through it all.”
At the end of Todd’s journey as self-appointed defender, he learns that life isn’t as black and white as it seems and that “even the biggest, strongest man can’t fix everything”—a point emphasized by the fact that the main problem solvers/thinkers are women. The evolution of Todd’s viewpoint is encapsulated by the decreasing overtly evilness of his foes and the increasing difficulty involved in saving his loved ones. For example, Pratt’s description of Squeers is particularly well done and seems intended to make the reader gag with disgust. Beyond having the man roll around in a pig pen and walk around in a muck-covered suit twirling his mustache, Squeers couldn’t come across as any more vile, repulsive, and deserving of vigilante justice. Yet as the dragons Todd slays become less black and white/caricatures of social media posts, Todd questions his method of protection and the totality of choices/circumstances that make a person “good” or “bad.”
As someone who enjoys satire and appreciates how delicate a balancing act it can be, there are some things that did not work for me. The story is written in such a way that it mimics a stage play, which in my opinion is good for some elements of the story, but less so for others. For example, the chapters begin with scene-synopsis/stage directions that fit with the glib/dramatic air of the narrative, but the dialogue is also written in this manner, and with it being as overly-dramatic/lampooning as it is at times, it was distracting to me and sometimes worked against the story. This is especially true in scenes that successfully dramatize a situation to highlight a point Pratt seems to be making, but whose impact is lessened and sometimes muddled by the dialogue. Additionally, I felt that the pacing is also negatively affected by this, particularly in the latter part of the story where stakes and ridiculousness are higher, and in which the last 20% rushes in new characters, then shifts the POV and storyline in the last 5% of the tale to the “rescuees” and their new guardian.
Though for me Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High lost a bit of steam at the end and had a bumpy dismount, it’s still an enjoyable read. So, if you are looking for a fun tongue-in-cheek look at humanity or simply enjoy stories featuring long pig empanadas, this one may be for you.
March 20, 2019
I am going to start out by saying, I am a romance reader and this is in no way romance. I read very little horror and will admit I balked at this at first. There are many versions of the Todd Sweeney or Sweeney Todd story but this is an unusual take using high school students.
Todd Sweeney is home fo his High School year. he has been sent to reform school by his guidance counselor that has been trying to get into his moms pants and took over his dads office in the school.
Mr. Squeer is an evil man that takes advantage of a woman and abuses kids and gets by with it but Todd is going to stop it and things get out of hand. He recruits his girlfriend Nellie to help him out of a bad situation and they devise quite a weird and gross way of "cleaning up" Todd's mess. Things spiral out of control from here. I have to say I wanted to keep reading once I started to see the outcome.
The chapter headings were a bit odd to me and threw me off at times, but all in all, it wasn't a bad story.
If you like horror, murder, setting things right, and something different you may enjoy this.
Todd Sweeney is home fo his High School year. he has been sent to reform school by his guidance counselor that has been trying to get into his moms pants and took over his dads office in the school.
Mr. Squeer is an evil man that takes advantage of a woman and abuses kids and gets by with it but Todd is going to stop it and things get out of hand. He recruits his girlfriend Nellie to help him out of a bad situation and they devise quite a weird and gross way of "cleaning up" Todd's mess. Things spiral out of control from here. I have to say I wanted to keep reading once I started to see the outcome.
The chapter headings were a bit odd to me and threw me off at times, but all in all, it wasn't a bad story.
If you like horror, murder, setting things right, and something different you may enjoy this.
June 30, 2019
Horrifically irreverent and deeply emotional
Todd Sweeney is back from reform school to serve his last year in high school at Fleet High. The evil guidance counselor, Squeers, is trying to take over the world. He’s a bully, a bigot, racist, etc. and has it out for Todd.
Squeers pushes Todd too far and oops, too bad for Squeers.
Nellie, bless her pragmatic heart, describes Squeers as a physics problem. “He has to be converted into something.” And with a little imagination, a little elbow grease and YouTube voila! Ashford empanadas for the Ashford Squeers scholarship fund. Lol!
The ridiculous is paired with the macabre in this story. So much murder in the name of philanthropy and protection is just out there and messed with my psyche.
Which, of course, it’s supposed to do.
The audiobook narration is performed with much enthusiasm. The first chapter was a bit too screechy for me, but it does put you in the right frame of mind.
Reconciling the heavy themes (sexual assault, anti-gay, racism, sexism, power) with the joyful murders stretched me. Cuz wow. This is my first time reading this author and I wasn’t expecting anything so thought-provoking. It’s a very good satire.
Trigger alert- There are conversion therapy scenes and descriptions of sexual assault.
Todd Sweeney is back from reform school to serve his last year in high school at Fleet High. The evil guidance counselor, Squeers, is trying to take over the world. He’s a bully, a bigot, racist, etc. and has it out for Todd.
Squeers pushes Todd too far and oops, too bad for Squeers.
Nellie, bless her pragmatic heart, describes Squeers as a physics problem. “He has to be converted into something.” And with a little imagination, a little elbow grease and YouTube voila! Ashford empanadas for the Ashford Squeers scholarship fund. Lol!
The ridiculous is paired with the macabre in this story. So much murder in the name of philanthropy and protection is just out there and messed with my psyche.
Which, of course, it’s supposed to do.
The audiobook narration is performed with much enthusiasm. The first chapter was a bit too screechy for me, but it does put you in the right frame of mind.
Reconciling the heavy themes (sexual assault, anti-gay, racism, sexism, power) with the joyful murders stretched me. Cuz wow. This is my first time reading this author and I wasn’t expecting anything so thought-provoking. It’s a very good satire.
Trigger alert- There are conversion therapy scenes and descriptions of sexual assault.
April 12, 2019
A refreshing satirical 21st century take on a 19th century penny dreadful motif. Full of bloody deeds and dark humor, which I enjoyed perhaps a bit more than I should admit.
December 7, 2019
I am a big fan of Sweeney Todd, so I was excited when I was granted the opportunity to review Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High. This retelling presents a teenage Todd Sweeney whose motive is avenging his gay friend, Toby. Sweeney Todd has always been a deeply political penny dreadful, and I appreciated how David Pratt honored this by considering the challenges that teenagers face in the politics of high school. Pratt took a beloved character and created a tale for him that introduces his story to a new generation, but appeals to adults as well.
David Pratt's writing format follows the classic vein of a penny dreadful, but I did find that his dialogue could be hard to read at times. He overuses exclamation points, which detracts from the story and made it harder for me to read consistently. While I did love Pratt's imagination and his ability to recreate a classic story in a new light, I would have liked to see more realistic punctuation to improve reading quality.
Overall, Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High is a fun, thrilling ride that appeals to both young adults and adults. David Pratt put his own spin on a classic penny dreadful while honoring the original tone and story. If you are a fan of Sweeney Todd or vengeful teenagers, then Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High will be a treat for you.
*As seen on Reedsy Discovery
David Pratt's writing format follows the classic vein of a penny dreadful, but I did find that his dialogue could be hard to read at times. He overuses exclamation points, which detracts from the story and made it harder for me to read consistently. While I did love Pratt's imagination and his ability to recreate a classic story in a new light, I would have liked to see more realistic punctuation to improve reading quality.
Overall, Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High is a fun, thrilling ride that appeals to both young adults and adults. David Pratt put his own spin on a classic penny dreadful while honoring the original tone and story. If you are a fan of Sweeney Todd or vengeful teenagers, then Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High will be a treat for you.
*As seen on Reedsy Discovery
March 24, 2020
This book was a trippy, bloody, and I loved it. Todd is a budding young serial killer with Nellie as his willing accomplice/lover.
Please see curlybookowl.com/2020/03/23/todd-swee... on or after March 23 for a full review!
Please see curlybookowl.com/2020/03/23/todd-swee... on or after March 23 for a full review!
October 24, 2019
I know the author is much loved and touted for his previous books but I just could NOT get into the plot and the characters left me cold. I gave up reading halfway through chapter three.
February 9, 2019
2.5 stars
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