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The Hotel #2
The Well at the Bottom of Everything
Vain thought destroying the Portal to the Hotel at the End of Time would mean freedom for her and Roman, but her happy ever after is coming to an end.
A horrible mistake and a stray bullet force her to infiltrate the Hotel and contend with a new and terrible power: The Well at the Bottom of Everything.
Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken.
The Hotel will have its revenge.
A horrible mistake and a stray bullet force her to infiltrate the Hotel and contend with a new and terrible power: The Well at the Bottom of Everything.
Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken.
The Hotel will have its revenge.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2021
4 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 9, 2024
The Well at the Bottom of Everything is the second book in The Hotel urban fantasy series about a group of misfits who’ve been taken from their lives and forced to work as power sources for a mysterious villain. I read and loved The Hotel at the End of Time a couple of years ago, so had been meaning to get to this one for ages, but other reading commitments kept getting in the way. Then when I finally got to it I found I couldn’t remember much of the fist book’s plot - and you don’t get much recap, so I did a quick re-read of the first instalment then came back to this, which helped a lot.
I like the originality of the premise of this series, and the humour, but found main character Vain a lot more annoying here.
After escaping from the Hotel and destroying the portal between their worlds, Vain, Roman, Emma and their assorted friends are trying to live normally, but when she spots a Wyatt, Vain sets off a series of events which will force her back to the Hotel for an almighty showdown…
This is told from various character viewpoints, which made it difficult at time to keep track of what was going on with whom - as there’s a LOT going on. Vain’s jealousy of Emma was relatable if frustrating - I just felt sorry for poor Mark. This one was gorier than the first book, and the action more relentlessly manic. I liked the evolution of one major character from the previous book and that we find out what the whole point of Arthur’s hotel is. I guess a cliffhanger ending is fairly inevitable to lead into the final book of the trilogy, so I’ll need to get to that one soon.
I like the originality of the premise of this series, and the humour, but found main character Vain a lot more annoying here.
After escaping from the Hotel and destroying the portal between their worlds, Vain, Roman, Emma and their assorted friends are trying to live normally, but when she spots a Wyatt, Vain sets off a series of events which will force her back to the Hotel for an almighty showdown…
This is told from various character viewpoints, which made it difficult at time to keep track of what was going on with whom - as there’s a LOT going on. Vain’s jealousy of Emma was relatable if frustrating - I just felt sorry for poor Mark. This one was gorier than the first book, and the action more relentlessly manic. I liked the evolution of one major character from the previous book and that we find out what the whole point of Arthur’s hotel is. I guess a cliffhanger ending is fairly inevitable to lead into the final book of the trilogy, so I’ll need to get to that one soon.
September 17, 2021
I loved it. Even if I could have survived with a little less emotional dramas.
Loved Vain chapters in this one as much I loved them in the previous one.
And even if I didn't get to care for her as much as I cared for other characters, I appreciated one of the new points of view. The other one, I have to admit grew on me.
What I appreciated more is all the work the author spent on explaining the Hotel's story and dynamics. He did a lot of world(s) building, and managed to make rules that ground the reader a little in this story where physic in general is so mistreated that probably will need several hours of therapy to cope.
What I loved
What I absolutely did not like
Loved Vain chapters in this one as much I loved them in the previous one.
And even if I didn't get to care for her as much as I cared for other characters, I appreciated one of the new points of view. The other one, I have to admit grew on me.
What I appreciated more is all the work the author spent on explaining the Hotel's story and dynamics. He did a lot of world(s) building, and managed to make rules that ground the reader a little in this story where physic in general is so mistreated that probably will need several hours of therapy to cope.
What I loved
What I absolutely did not like
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.
Pros: Entertaining twist on the portal fantasy/multiverse genre and the accidental heroes + found family tropes. Humorous and adrenalinic. The Hotel setting steps up the game (and the fun) with respect to Book 1.
Cons: There's some woman vs. woman hostility about a man and a sort of love triangle (they aren't the same thing though). The humour might not be everyone's cup of tea.
WARNING! Gore and violence.
Will appeal to: Those who like a crazy story that never lets up about a bunch of improbable heroes.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I specifically requested an ecopy from the author. This didn't influence my review in any way.
Also...gotta love a cover that fits my blog 😂. Seriously though, this is an indie series and the covers are STUNNING. Not to mention, these books are so well edited. So much for prejudice.
SPECIAL GETAWAY
I went into this book expecting a riot, and I wasn't disappointed. If anything, The Well at the Bottom of Everything is even more entertaining and adrenalinic than its predecessor (no second book syndrome here!). After destroying the Portal to the Hotel, the gang has been trying to adjust to a "normal" life, with varying degrees of success (unsurprisingly, being "normal" isn't Vain's strong suit 😂), until a matter of life or death forces them to do the very last thing they would want: find a way back to the Hotel in order to kidnap a healer. Seriously, no sweat. What ensues is an action, humour and surprise-packed romp (though not without some brutal and dramatic incidents) that reads like a videogame on acid and at the same time addresses (if often ironically) the pain of human relationships, both of the friendly and the romantic kind.
The thing I loved most, though, was the Hotel itself, ever-shifting and slowly deteriorating after the Portal destruction, nothing short of a character in its own right. Also, the purpose of the Well (where the Hotel's "guests" are forced to endlessly pour energy) is finally revealed, and it's an unexpected game-changer that forces us to sympathise with the villain (to an extent) and exponentially ups the stakes. The book ends with a cliffhanger (or two), and while I'm usually a bit critical of those, in this case it's the perfect hook to the next installment, which will focus on the infamous Elevator to Everywhere while still addressing (arguably, since I believe it will be the last book in the series) the can...or Well...of worms that's been opened at the Hotel itself. [...]
Whole review here.
Pros: Entertaining twist on the portal fantasy/multiverse genre and the accidental heroes + found family tropes. Humorous and adrenalinic. The Hotel setting steps up the game (and the fun) with respect to Book 1.
Cons: There's some woman vs. woman hostility about a man and a sort of love triangle (they aren't the same thing though). The humour might not be everyone's cup of tea.
WARNING! Gore and violence.
Will appeal to: Those who like a crazy story that never lets up about a bunch of improbable heroes.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I specifically requested an ecopy from the author. This didn't influence my review in any way.
Also...gotta love a cover that fits my blog 😂. Seriously though, this is an indie series and the covers are STUNNING. Not to mention, these books are so well edited. So much for prejudice.
SPECIAL GETAWAY
I went into this book expecting a riot, and I wasn't disappointed. If anything, The Well at the Bottom of Everything is even more entertaining and adrenalinic than its predecessor (no second book syndrome here!). After destroying the Portal to the Hotel, the gang has been trying to adjust to a "normal" life, with varying degrees of success (unsurprisingly, being "normal" isn't Vain's strong suit 😂), until a matter of life or death forces them to do the very last thing they would want: find a way back to the Hotel in order to kidnap a healer. Seriously, no sweat. What ensues is an action, humour and surprise-packed romp (though not without some brutal and dramatic incidents) that reads like a videogame on acid and at the same time addresses (if often ironically) the pain of human relationships, both of the friendly and the romantic kind.
The thing I loved most, though, was the Hotel itself, ever-shifting and slowly deteriorating after the Portal destruction, nothing short of a character in its own right. Also, the purpose of the Well (where the Hotel's "guests" are forced to endlessly pour energy) is finally revealed, and it's an unexpected game-changer that forces us to sympathise with the villain (to an extent) and exponentially ups the stakes. The book ends with a cliffhanger (or two), and while I'm usually a bit critical of those, in this case it's the perfect hook to the next installment, which will focus on the infamous Elevator to Everywhere while still addressing (arguably, since I believe it will be the last book in the series) the can...or Well...of worms that's been opened at the Hotel itself. [...]
Whole review here.
July 28, 2021
Vain, the anti hero Deadpool like character we love is back and its been a few months since Emma blew up the Portal. Vain is trying to live a normalish life and trying to do normal things like order coffee and possibly start a crime-solving boat company with either the boat itself solving the crime or only solving crimes related to boats. Finding a wild Wyatt, Vain stalks him to a Wyatt nest and we discover the Wyatts becoming domestic without guidance from Trick or Arthur by watching Cake Wars and talking about gender equality.
All hell breaks loose when one of the conduits gets put into a coma and Vain has to find a way to reopen the portal to get a healer. With a few action scenes and references of 80’s and 90’s movies from Vain (Home Alone sliding elevator scene), she somehow gets everything taken care of in her Vain way. We learn a whole new surprising side of Trick on a trip with the Elevator and get to visit a few other worlds. We finally get the Well’s origin story and its not weird street magician, David Blaine. Left open for the next book in the series with more questions than answers, I will be impatiently stalking Michael James’s twitter account for answers.
For anyone who reads and enjoys this series, Michael James also wrote Aliens and Ice Cream and it’s one of the best alien invasion books EVER. You can read it for free on Amazon
https://piratetwinkiereadsblog.wordpr...
All hell breaks loose when one of the conduits gets put into a coma and Vain has to find a way to reopen the portal to get a healer. With a few action scenes and references of 80’s and 90’s movies from Vain (Home Alone sliding elevator scene), she somehow gets everything taken care of in her Vain way. We learn a whole new surprising side of Trick on a trip with the Elevator and get to visit a few other worlds. We finally get the Well’s origin story and its not weird street magician, David Blaine. Left open for the next book in the series with more questions than answers, I will be impatiently stalking Michael James’s twitter account for answers.
For anyone who reads and enjoys this series, Michael James also wrote Aliens and Ice Cream and it’s one of the best alien invasion books EVER. You can read it for free on Amazon
https://piratetwinkiereadsblog.wordpr...
September 12, 2021
The only problem with this book was the characters. They were fine, sort of, but rationale was thin, as in the last books. Particularly bad with one character, who acted very differently in this book. So much so that I just couldn't buy it.
But the action was good (though I did skim over some paragraphs during the fighting) and the worldbuilding was great.
I will read other books my this author. I see there are only two others. Hurry and write some more, please.
But the action was good (though I did skim over some paragraphs during the fighting) and the worldbuilding was great.
I will read other books my this author. I see there are only two others. Hurry and write some more, please.
April 6, 2023
It’s not a hell-gate. It’s a Portal to a Hotel on the outskirts of time where horrible duplicate monsters force people into crippling labour for eternity in service to a madman who lives above everyone in his, oh I see your point, yes, it’s a hell-gate.
OK, everyone that joined us in the last chapter has already realized that Vain brings a certain level of… insanity? über-sanity? with her everywhere she goes and pretty much with everything she says. And that is certainly the case in this book, as she continues to inflict her puzzling yet oddly effective thought processes on our previously introduced crowd as well as several newcomers. And if you thought the concept of the Hotel was odd from what we learned before, well, this time we take things into new tiers of wackiness that I'm going to be recovering from for a long time. Or at least until I read Chapter 3, which I will be starting as soon as I finish this review along with it's stunted and extremely edited cousin for the same on Amazon (they no likey the Anglais with the haha's!).
To call this a shit show would undersell the inherent qualities in both shit and shows.
No, just as before this is sheer madness from top to bottom, side-to-side, starboard to port, milk and cookies… well, you name it, 'cause it's nuts. On my "seriously, WTF?"-o-meter, we are truly into Jack Townsend "Tales From The Gas Station"-esque territory and I fear we may exceed by the time this is all said and done. Make no mistake though: James' prose continues to be amazingly rich, never wasting time or energy spouting non sequiturs (ahem… not a spoiler, just blatant plagiarism that). Not only does our guide into this bizarreness manage to sneak such delicious examples as stultiloquence into this rich tapestry of prose, but he also throws in a very appreciated "Futurama" nod along the way ... and that's without even mentioning the "Independence Day" thingie (USA! USA!). Which I didn't mention (it's all an illusion cried the man that looked like David Blaine but holy crap, that is definitely not David Blaine!). Now if that alone doesn't put things a couple of stars up in most peoples' ratings, well, I'll just be over here shovelling away my excess amounts of Cartesian doubt about their true intentions. I mean, Thomas Wheridison… classic Vain, right?
Everyone laughs at my jokes all the time, only sometimes not out loud.
Oh and don't worry - or perhaps do considering the circumstances - Emma the Accidentally All Powerful is back. And naturally when she goes nuclear, well, things get bad. Or good. Hm, read and find out. And the author creates an "event" let's call it very early in this book which sets off not only Emma but a whole bunch of bad things happening to good, bad and somewhere in the middle people as well (I never did exactly settle on the Janes). Emma's struggles with her sudden near omnipotence makes up a truly fascinating sub-plot of this tale, noting that sadly she never gets to practice any of that on the return of Smooth, sorry, Smoove Dick. Or better said A Smoove Dick (you'd think there would just be the one, but then you'd be wrong).
If you are being kidnapped and are unable to get Siri to relay rescue instructions, press five…
And as all this (gestures vaguely but still in quite an impressive and theatre-worthy way) is going on, we're still treated to some truly funny passages. Even the chapter headings - which are always a treat no matter who is delivering them (take note ye authors!) - are quite often a riot. Plus every new glimpse into and at the Hotel and its workings is just mind-blowing (I think we had mind-boggling earlier, no?). So side-splitting humo(u)r, brain damaging irreality, and oh did I mention a love triangle like no other? Well, by the end it winds up being more like some kind of skewed multi-dimensional rhomboid thing but you understand the basics I hope!
The Hotel was like a lens. A focal point for everything, all of what was, all of what could be.
Sure, I'll admit that some parts moved a bit slower than others - ew yuck, kissing and love and just gag me with a spoon! Which I'm only doing because I don't want anyone to think I'm just the author writing a review under a pseudonym so that you'll all join us, noting all are welcome! But by the end (of the book, keep up okay?), I was spent, I was sweating, and I was also a bit drunk. Not that said inebriation (sorry, nothing as fancy as stultiloquence found in the Thesaurasaurus for that) was a bad thing once we were done. So many deaths, so much blood, but OMG what a final battle! And hey, don't bitch about the late 80s or early 90s, the music was awesome and I was still single. So we've got that going for us. Aw, I love being confusing as hell.
I will find you and kill you using a guitar pick, a tablespoon of salt, and a staple gun.
On to Book 3. Where I have no feckin' clue what's coming next! Ye gods above and nether demons below, it's so delicious I could scream!!!
OK, everyone that joined us in the last chapter has already realized that Vain brings a certain level of… insanity? über-sanity? with her everywhere she goes and pretty much with everything she says. And that is certainly the case in this book, as she continues to inflict her puzzling yet oddly effective thought processes on our previously introduced crowd as well as several newcomers. And if you thought the concept of the Hotel was odd from what we learned before, well, this time we take things into new tiers of wackiness that I'm going to be recovering from for a long time. Or at least until I read Chapter 3, which I will be starting as soon as I finish this review along with it's stunted and extremely edited cousin for the same on Amazon (they no likey the Anglais with the haha's!).
To call this a shit show would undersell the inherent qualities in both shit and shows.
No, just as before this is sheer madness from top to bottom, side-to-side, starboard to port, milk and cookies… well, you name it, 'cause it's nuts. On my "seriously, WTF?"-o-meter, we are truly into Jack Townsend "Tales From The Gas Station"-esque territory and I fear we may exceed by the time this is all said and done. Make no mistake though: James' prose continues to be amazingly rich, never wasting time or energy spouting non sequiturs (ahem… not a spoiler, just blatant plagiarism that). Not only does our guide into this bizarreness manage to sneak such delicious examples as stultiloquence into this rich tapestry of prose, but he also throws in a very appreciated "Futurama" nod along the way ... and that's without even mentioning the "Independence Day" thingie (USA! USA!). Which I didn't mention (it's all an illusion cried the man that looked like David Blaine but holy crap, that is definitely not David Blaine!). Now if that alone doesn't put things a couple of stars up in most peoples' ratings, well, I'll just be over here shovelling away my excess amounts of Cartesian doubt about their true intentions. I mean, Thomas Wheridison… classic Vain, right?
Everyone laughs at my jokes all the time, only sometimes not out loud.
Oh and don't worry - or perhaps do considering the circumstances - Emma the Accidentally All Powerful is back. And naturally when she goes nuclear, well, things get bad. Or good. Hm, read and find out. And the author creates an "event" let's call it very early in this book which sets off not only Emma but a whole bunch of bad things happening to good, bad and somewhere in the middle people as well (I never did exactly settle on the Janes). Emma's struggles with her sudden near omnipotence makes up a truly fascinating sub-plot of this tale, noting that sadly she never gets to practice any of that on the return of Smooth, sorry, Smoove Dick. Or better said A Smoove Dick (you'd think there would just be the one, but then you'd be wrong).
If you are being kidnapped and are unable to get Siri to relay rescue instructions, press five…
And as all this (gestures vaguely but still in quite an impressive and theatre-worthy way) is going on, we're still treated to some truly funny passages. Even the chapter headings - which are always a treat no matter who is delivering them (take note ye authors!) - are quite often a riot. Plus every new glimpse into and at the Hotel and its workings is just mind-blowing (I think we had mind-boggling earlier, no?). So side-splitting humo(u)r, brain damaging irreality, and oh did I mention a love triangle like no other? Well, by the end it winds up being more like some kind of skewed multi-dimensional rhomboid thing but you understand the basics I hope!
The Hotel was like a lens. A focal point for everything, all of what was, all of what could be.
Sure, I'll admit that some parts moved a bit slower than others - ew yuck, kissing and love and just gag me with a spoon! Which I'm only doing because I don't want anyone to think I'm just the author writing a review under a pseudonym so that you'll all join us, noting all are welcome! But by the end (of the book, keep up okay?), I was spent, I was sweating, and I was also a bit drunk. Not that said inebriation (sorry, nothing as fancy as stultiloquence found in the Thesaurasaurus for that) was a bad thing once we were done. So many deaths, so much blood, but OMG what a final battle! And hey, don't bitch about the late 80s or early 90s, the music was awesome and I was still single. So we've got that going for us. Aw, I love being confusing as hell.
I will find you and kill you using a guitar pick, a tablespoon of salt, and a staple gun.
On to Book 3. Where I have no feckin' clue what's coming next! Ye gods above and nether demons below, it's so delicious I could scream!!!
July 28, 2021
The Well Review
Michael James has done it again. For those of you who have read The Hotel at the End of Time the sequel is even better.
From chapter one your thrown back into Vain’s dangerous, comedic, and often off kilter world. The second book seamlessly continues on from the events from the first instalment without skipping a beat.
Vain is with Mark, Roman is with Emma, Wyatts are causing havoc. What a dilemma am I right.
Chapter 5 was perfect. The fact that James did not shy away from sensitive topics in women’s rights really shows the female readers that he notices us and respects us. The comedic approach didn’t make it feel forced but still opened up conversations to these subjects. So definite applause for that. Also side note: Vain using Siri was priceless.
“Inclusivity makes us all winners.” The comedic timing. But also true.
Drunk Wyatt on the loud speaker. That is all.
Seriously debating adding d**ktits to my range of insults.
I have so much enjoy the fact that the handcuffs are not only physically trapping their victims but mentally as well.
I really appreciate the art of multi-character perspective. I feel so much more connected to characters when I can read their thoughts. Also can we have a moment to appreciate Charm. What a badass. Just goes to show that “strong” characters don’t have to all be 20-30yrs old.
Oh Vain. Only you could comment about an woman vs. woman trope while talking to the woman your about to fight. Also Michael having the audacity to match Vain and Trick was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Enemies to lovers will trump anything for me. My only qualm is that it seemed very sudden but since it’s not the main focus of the story I’ll allow it.
Still appreciating the fact that Vain and Roman remain friends and that it wasn’t a “love interest” situation.
Mark’s death was absolutely savage and I’m totally ok with that. I’m a little sadistic what can I say. I am also very curious how Trick was going to use a guitar pick, a tablespoon of salt, and a staple gun to murder Hush but I digress.
I can’t wait for the full release so someone who is artistically talented can make some fan art of the characters because that I would love to see.
Eventide was an interesting addition. I will say that was not what I was expecting to be Arthur’s reason for being the way he was. I would have liked a little bit more of a back story for Eventide just to explain how he got to the hotel and also how was the hotel created or is it just there? Just a few extra points to explain that he’s not “just” a scary demon.
Ended with a bang. All in all an enjoyable read as was expected. It’s the humour for me. I have never really laughed out loud when reading but I tell you I’ve been getting some strange looks while reading this.
Definitely would recommend. I rated it a 4 only docking a point for the above mentioned items. Still a wonderful read overall with lovable and hateble characters. Also the cover is bomb. If your debating I’m telling you just get it. All you need is a one liner from Vain to be hooked.
Michael James has done it again. For those of you who have read The Hotel at the End of Time the sequel is even better.
From chapter one your thrown back into Vain’s dangerous, comedic, and often off kilter world. The second book seamlessly continues on from the events from the first instalment without skipping a beat.
Vain is with Mark, Roman is with Emma, Wyatts are causing havoc. What a dilemma am I right.
Chapter 5 was perfect. The fact that James did not shy away from sensitive topics in women’s rights really shows the female readers that he notices us and respects us. The comedic approach didn’t make it feel forced but still opened up conversations to these subjects. So definite applause for that. Also side note: Vain using Siri was priceless.
“Inclusivity makes us all winners.” The comedic timing. But also true.
Drunk Wyatt on the loud speaker. That is all.
Seriously debating adding d**ktits to my range of insults.
I have so much enjoy the fact that the handcuffs are not only physically trapping their victims but mentally as well.
I really appreciate the art of multi-character perspective. I feel so much more connected to characters when I can read their thoughts. Also can we have a moment to appreciate Charm. What a badass. Just goes to show that “strong” characters don’t have to all be 20-30yrs old.
Oh Vain. Only you could comment about an woman vs. woman trope while talking to the woman your about to fight. Also Michael having the audacity to match Vain and Trick was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Enemies to lovers will trump anything for me. My only qualm is that it seemed very sudden but since it’s not the main focus of the story I’ll allow it.
Still appreciating the fact that Vain and Roman remain friends and that it wasn’t a “love interest” situation.
Mark’s death was absolutely savage and I’m totally ok with that. I’m a little sadistic what can I say. I am also very curious how Trick was going to use a guitar pick, a tablespoon of salt, and a staple gun to murder Hush but I digress.
I can’t wait for the full release so someone who is artistically talented can make some fan art of the characters because that I would love to see.
Eventide was an interesting addition. I will say that was not what I was expecting to be Arthur’s reason for being the way he was. I would have liked a little bit more of a back story for Eventide just to explain how he got to the hotel and also how was the hotel created or is it just there? Just a few extra points to explain that he’s not “just” a scary demon.
Ended with a bang. All in all an enjoyable read as was expected. It’s the humour for me. I have never really laughed out loud when reading but I tell you I’ve been getting some strange looks while reading this.
Definitely would recommend. I rated it a 4 only docking a point for the above mentioned items. Still a wonderful read overall with lovable and hateble characters. Also the cover is bomb. If your debating I’m telling you just get it. All you need is a one liner from Vain to be hooked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am a huge fan of The Hotel at the End of Time, so was incredibly pleased when the author reached out about providing a review for Book 2 in The Hotel. This doesn't disappoint.
In the first chapter, I was a little worried that the humour that made the original so special would be overused, driving the story instead of the story and characters driving the humour. This first chapter is indeed highly amusing, but really loved the original's blend. As I kept reading, however, my worry was abated. Not only does it continue to add to the story, it is funnier than the first time out, too.
The characters are more developed than the first outing. This is particularly remarkable, given the author is balancing a larger cast throughout, instead of the "core" characters predominantly featured in the original.
The prose and pacing are also on-point throughout this book. It is brilliantly written, and the editing is strong. This book is "bigger" than the original, with a looming threat, and the author balances this well, keeping the momentum up until the very end.
Highly recommended. I will be posting my full review on my website, on 31 July.
I am a huge fan of The Hotel at the End of Time, so was incredibly pleased when the author reached out about providing a review for Book 2 in The Hotel. This doesn't disappoint.
In the first chapter, I was a little worried that the humour that made the original so special would be overused, driving the story instead of the story and characters driving the humour. This first chapter is indeed highly amusing, but really loved the original's blend. As I kept reading, however, my worry was abated. Not only does it continue to add to the story, it is funnier than the first time out, too.
The characters are more developed than the first outing. This is particularly remarkable, given the author is balancing a larger cast throughout, instead of the "core" characters predominantly featured in the original.
The prose and pacing are also on-point throughout this book. It is brilliantly written, and the editing is strong. This book is "bigger" than the original, with a looming threat, and the author balances this well, keeping the momentum up until the very end.
Highly recommended. I will be posting my full review on my website, on 31 July.
October 11, 2021
If you've read the first in this series (and you definitely should before jumping into this one), you'll be pleased to know you've got even more of the things you loved about it to look forward to in this second installment. These books are hard to sum up in a review. They are chaotic, funny, packed to the gills with action, tension, emotion, and complex characters. The author does a great job of raising the stakes even higher in this outing while never losing focus on the interpersonal relationships that are the beating heart of this series. Vain is an amazing character. There are a lot of labels that could be applied to her but it isn't any one of them that makes Vain who she is. Her way of interacting with the world and dealing with events beyond her control are both outlandish, maddening, and totally, totally relatable, at least to someone like me who shares a lot of the same traits.
My only criticism of the books in general would be that Vain is such a dominating presence, sometimes the rest of the cast takes a backseat. I confess I occasionally lost track of who was who among some of the minor characters and was glad to see Trick step up as a more complex character in this outing to give Vain some competition. But this is a minor criticism in a series that has so much to offer. If you love sardonic, silly, ridiculous humor; action that starts off with a bang and never lets up; clever and original worldbuilding; and high-stakes, high-emotion payoffs, check out this amazing series.
My only criticism of the books in general would be that Vain is such a dominating presence, sometimes the rest of the cast takes a backseat. I confess I occasionally lost track of who was who among some of the minor characters and was glad to see Trick step up as a more complex character in this outing to give Vain some competition. But this is a minor criticism in a series that has so much to offer. If you love sardonic, silly, ridiculous humor; action that starts off with a bang and never lets up; clever and original worldbuilding; and high-stakes, high-emotion payoffs, check out this amazing series.
September 3, 2021
So, this is really hard to review without spoilers.
Just like the first book (Hotel at the End of Time), Well at the Bottom of Everything is laugh-out-loud, funny as all hell, with heartfelt characters. Each have very realistic and compelling journeys. Also back for book 2 were the intensely entertaining, high stakes, action sequences. Great dialog, too.
But my hope for the unexpected was fulfilled too. This book was super suspenseful. It takes sharp turns to unexpected places for some really key characters from the first book, and I was fully on board the entire way. ****URG! Resisting spoilers****
I LOVED each character's journey and where the story left off.
I'm so glad George R.R. Martin did not write this, because I am literally incapable of waiting very long for book 3!
Just like the first book (Hotel at the End of Time), Well at the Bottom of Everything is laugh-out-loud, funny as all hell, with heartfelt characters. Each have very realistic and compelling journeys. Also back for book 2 were the intensely entertaining, high stakes, action sequences. Great dialog, too.
But my hope for the unexpected was fulfilled too. This book was super suspenseful. It takes sharp turns to unexpected places for some really key characters from the first book, and I was fully on board the entire way. ****URG! Resisting spoilers****
I LOVED each character's journey and where the story left off.
I'm so glad George R.R. Martin did not write this, because I am literally incapable of waiting very long for book 3!
December 22, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author
finally got around to this one and im glad I did I enjoyed the first book of this series and it was good to catch up with vain roman and emma again also good to see more of hush because i like him even though hes mean this book answers some the questions that i had after the first one and the arrival of a new villain puts things into perceptive and the ending is a twist its still quite open ending but i guess because the series is continuing there were some new characters and i didnt quite keep track of all of them but it didnt detract form the story and there a lot of funny moments too
finally got around to this one and im glad I did I enjoyed the first book of this series and it was good to catch up with vain roman and emma again also good to see more of hush because i like him even though hes mean this book answers some the questions that i had after the first one and the arrival of a new villain puts things into perceptive and the ending is a twist its still quite open ending but i guess because the series is continuing there were some new characters and i didnt quite keep track of all of them but it didnt detract form the story and there a lot of funny moments too
September 17, 2021
Picking up six months after the end of the first part of the Hotel series, the happy ending they earned isn't sitting well with one of the protagonists which leads to disaster, plans, teamwork, cannibals and an ancient demon from the bottom of a well.
Another fantastic read that dragged me merrily along in Vain's wake.
It'll be a tough to top this one, but I can't wait to see what Michael James has in store with the next book in the series.
Another fantastic read that dragged me merrily along in Vain's wake.
It'll be a tough to top this one, but I can't wait to see what Michael James has in store with the next book in the series.
February 28, 2022
Like the first book, a fun, funny, fast-paced read that I looked forward to reading each night. I purposely dragged it out since I know the third book won't be available for some time.
There were a few chapters here and there that had me start to question how much I liked some of the characters, but by the end I was back to enjoying everyone, and some much more than I ever would have anticipated.
Can't wait for the third installment!
There were a few chapters here and there that had me start to question how much I liked some of the characters, but by the end I was back to enjoying everyone, and some much more than I ever would have anticipated.
Can't wait for the third installment!
August 28, 2021
If you were a fan of the first book of the Hotel series, you likely won't be disappointed with this one. Fast-paced, witty and some great callbacks to the first book.
Really looking forward to seeing how this all wraps up in the third and final book of the series, and hoping a certain taxi driver makes a cameo appearance!
Really looking forward to seeing how this all wraps up in the third and final book of the series, and hoping a certain taxi driver makes a cameo appearance!
April 25, 2024
Mike continues to impress with this wacky world and idea. This one took a little more getting into than the first but once you're on the ride, strap in and hang on! The whole series has been added to my comfort books list. By the end of this book, even if you were unsure about the characters, you'll love them ❤️
August 20, 2021
OMG this was awesome! I love Vain so much. She is a totally kick-ass hero, with the best lines ever. This book is so funny, I laughed out loud a lot. It's also exciting! Super great plot! I already can't wait until the next book comes out.
March 18, 2022
This book is hilarious! Just like the first one, it is a fast and easy read.
I loved seeing Vain again. I enjoyed that we see through the vilain’s eyes a little bit this time around and the realization of who the true vilains are.
I honestly cannot wait for the next book.
I loved seeing Vain again. I enjoyed that we see through the vilain’s eyes a little bit this time around and the realization of who the true vilains are.
I honestly cannot wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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