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The Twits Chronicles #2
Twits in Peril: A Steampunk Distraction
Those who know me will tell you I have a weakness for gambling. My valet, Bentley, has often had to speak to me about it. Bentley, however was at home.
Cyril's old friends Ford and Lincoln wager that he can't survive living like an average citizen for a week. Cyril attempts to blend in with the crush of humanity but without Bentley's help he soon finds himself embroiled in one misunderstanding after another.
“Tom Robbins’ Twits stories are hilarious, thought provoking and mind bending. He takes his lovable boobs on adventures that teach them truth and honor while giving us giggles, romance and even social justice. His juicy turns of phrase will stick in your ear like a catchy song."- Michael Urie, Actor, Director and Producer.
Cyril's old friends Ford and Lincoln wager that he can't survive living like an average citizen for a week. Cyril attempts to blend in with the crush of humanity but without Bentley's help he soon finds himself embroiled in one misunderstanding after another.
“Tom Robbins’ Twits stories are hilarious, thought provoking and mind bending. He takes his lovable boobs on adventures that teach them truth and honor while giving us giggles, romance and even social justice. His juicy turns of phrase will stick in your ear like a catchy song."- Michael Urie, Actor, Director and Producer.
- GenresSteampunk
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2022
67 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 10, 2022
Our hero Cyril Chippington-Smythe has done it again. Because of his tendency to take on any wager he must now go from being the richest man in the world to living a life among the lower class people for seven days without revealing his wealth. The odds of success are greatly lowered by the fact that he makes Bertie Wooster seem like a genius and that Bentley, his steam powered robotic version of Jeeves, Mr. Wooster's ever ingenious valet, cannot provide assistance.
This silly story has a social message that cuts through the outlandish behavior of Cyril and his friends & family but fits well with the story. Maybe you can teach dumb dogs new tricks.
This silly story has a social message that cuts through the outlandish behavior of Cyril and his friends & family but fits well with the story. Maybe you can teach dumb dogs new tricks.
September 1, 2022
In a reading funk? Try a dose of Steampunk.
Tom A Robbins’ Twits in Peril is the second of his diverting comedy of manners series.
Reader learns more clearly how far in the future these antics lie Page one reveals our hero sitting, waiting for his cocktail, “gazing at the brass and Naugahyde whose patina derived from centuries of careful polishing by the staff…” Thus, Cyril Chippington-Smythe lives several centuries after 1914 when the eponymic artificial leather was developed by the US Rubber company in Naugatuck, CT. But I digress.
Poor Chippington-Smythe! Readers empathize with this nearly-oblivious richest of industrialists! He’s gotten himself in over his head this time, having accepted a wager for honor (and the sake of his annual bar bill at Twits, his club.) To prevail, he must go for a time, disguised, to live as hoi polloi. Alas, when word leaks to his peers, they-- encumbered by little but ennui, wit, and fashion-- simply can’t help themselves but get involved (and risk our hero’s success.)
As in Book I, hilarity ensues as if watching a farce on stage. Guffaws diffuse social commentary—and nearly distract Reader from larger issues. You might even miss the un-credited reference to one of Hillel HaBavli’s most famous first century aphorisms (Ch 5.)
I can’t wait to read Book III, Twits Abroad where Cyril, Bentley, and The Usual Suspects return…)
Tom A Robbins’ Twits in Peril is the second of his diverting comedy of manners series.
Reader learns more clearly how far in the future these antics lie Page one reveals our hero sitting, waiting for his cocktail, “gazing at the brass and Naugahyde whose patina derived from centuries of careful polishing by the staff…” Thus, Cyril Chippington-Smythe lives several centuries after 1914 when the eponymic artificial leather was developed by the US Rubber company in Naugatuck, CT. But I digress.
Poor Chippington-Smythe! Readers empathize with this nearly-oblivious richest of industrialists! He’s gotten himself in over his head this time, having accepted a wager for honor (and the sake of his annual bar bill at Twits, his club.) To prevail, he must go for a time, disguised, to live as hoi polloi. Alas, when word leaks to his peers, they-- encumbered by little but ennui, wit, and fashion-- simply can’t help themselves but get involved (and risk our hero’s success.)
As in Book I, hilarity ensues as if watching a farce on stage. Guffaws diffuse social commentary—and nearly distract Reader from larger issues. You might even miss the un-credited reference to one of Hillel HaBavli’s most famous first century aphorisms (Ch 5.)
I can’t wait to read Book III, Twits Abroad where Cyril, Bentley, and The Usual Suspects return…)
February 7, 2025
Tom Allan Robbins has done it again, he manages to deliver razor-sharp comedy wrapped in absurdity, a tale so ridiculous that it borders on painfully real.
At the heart of the novel is Cyril, a wealthy aristocrat who makes a bet that he can “slum” it among the working class for a week. What starts as a game for the elite quickly spirals as other rich socialites, seeing his endeavor as a novel source of entertainment, join in. The result is a farcical yet depressingly familiar scenario where the wealthy treat poverty as an adventure, oblivious to the struggles of those who endure it daily.
Robbins masterfully balances satire and social commentary, though it’s well hidden behind light hearted humor that it could easily be overlooked. Cyril’s journey, while undeniably satirical, does show some unexpected personal growth—even if it is in a round a bout kind of way.
The book also underscores how immense wealth grants the elite unchecked influence, letting them treat society as their playground without facing real consequences. Which couldn't be more relevant than it is in today's climate. One of the novel’s strongest aspects is how it highlights the resilience and hope among those in lower socioeconomic conditions. In stark contrast to the wealthy’s shallow amusement, the “peasants” display genuine camaraderie, innovation and solidarity proving that mutual support has long been a necessity for survival.
Twits in Peril is a book that forces you to laugh so you don’t cry. It’s a hilarious, scathing, and eerily relevant take on class disparity, proving that sometimes, the only way to survive reality is to mock it.
At the heart of the novel is Cyril, a wealthy aristocrat who makes a bet that he can “slum” it among the working class for a week. What starts as a game for the elite quickly spirals as other rich socialites, seeing his endeavor as a novel source of entertainment, join in. The result is a farcical yet depressingly familiar scenario where the wealthy treat poverty as an adventure, oblivious to the struggles of those who endure it daily.
Robbins masterfully balances satire and social commentary, though it’s well hidden behind light hearted humor that it could easily be overlooked. Cyril’s journey, while undeniably satirical, does show some unexpected personal growth—even if it is in a round a bout kind of way.
The book also underscores how immense wealth grants the elite unchecked influence, letting them treat society as their playground without facing real consequences. Which couldn't be more relevant than it is in today's climate. One of the novel’s strongest aspects is how it highlights the resilience and hope among those in lower socioeconomic conditions. In stark contrast to the wealthy’s shallow amusement, the “peasants” display genuine camaraderie, innovation and solidarity proving that mutual support has long been a necessity for survival.
Twits in Peril is a book that forces you to laugh so you don’t cry. It’s a hilarious, scathing, and eerily relevant take on class disparity, proving that sometimes, the only way to survive reality is to mock it.
September 16, 2022
Great fun
An amusing fish-out-of-water tale in which Cyril, the wealthy corporate oppressor, pretends to be Johny, the average guy, in a dystopian world. He finds that the "poor" live lives that are in some ways better than his own. Cyril is delightfully obtuse as are several members of his family who join him on his adventure. Best of all? I didn't notice spelling or punctuation errors. Delightful!
An amusing fish-out-of-water tale in which Cyril, the wealthy corporate oppressor, pretends to be Johny, the average guy, in a dystopian world. He finds that the "poor" live lives that are in some ways better than his own. Cyril is delightfully obtuse as are several members of his family who join him on his adventure. Best of all? I didn't notice spelling or punctuation errors. Delightful!
November 13, 2022
Still Going Strong!
I am frequently let down by the sequels of comedy, but this series is getting better if anything! Cyril is a silly creature in the first book, but he becomes a little more lovable in this. Annnnnd the laughs just keep coming! I highlight funny quotes in my books, not the serious or wise, and it honestly seems that about half the book is highlighted! My one and only complaint is three length- I want so much more Cyril and Bentley!
I am frequently let down by the sequels of comedy, but this series is getting better if anything! Cyril is a silly creature in the first book, but he becomes a little more lovable in this. Annnnnd the laughs just keep coming! I highlight funny quotes in my books, not the serious or wise, and it honestly seems that about half the book is highlighted! My one and only complaint is three length- I want so much more Cyril and Bentley!
May 18, 2024
This would safely fall in the PG category. It would take a lot of artistic liberty to stretch it into a PG-13. It was good. I wasn’t as crazy about this one as the first one. This one felt much shorter, like there was much less development to the plot. The story ended on page 96. I didn’t think this one was as funny. I plan to read the next one, but I’m not nearly as excited as I was after the first book.
July 17, 2024
Death before dishonour.
Much like the first Twits instalment, this was a joy to read. If only they were longer. Dare I say, that for me, the humour is bordering on Pratchett quality....And that's as big a compliment that can be given.
Onwards with the next one.
Much like the first Twits instalment, this was a joy to read. If only they were longer. Dare I say, that for me, the humour is bordering on Pratchett quality....And that's as big a compliment that can be given.
Onwards with the next one.
October 22, 2024
A bit convoluted...
This 2nd book in the Twits Chronicles gets a bit twisted in its purpose and then... everything works out. At least, I think it does. Anyway, another fun ride that leads us back to the "chicken or the egg" dilemma.
This 2nd book in the Twits Chronicles gets a bit twisted in its purpose and then... everything works out. At least, I think it does. Anyway, another fun ride that leads us back to the "chicken or the egg" dilemma.
August 26, 2022
HO-HUM…
I found this book to be silly, and ridiculous with a splash of humor… It’s an Interesting storyline, somewhat entertaining, but totally useless. I won’t be purchasing book 2
January 8, 2024
Jeeves for the 21st century
Wodehouse wit served in a steampunk platter. The 2nd Twits confirms Robbins ability to combine laugh out loud humor with social commentary.
Wodehouse wit served in a steampunk platter. The 2nd Twits confirms Robbins ability to combine laugh out loud humor with social commentary.
July 1, 2024
A little bit Dickens, a little bit Bertie Wooster, great mini read.
October 13, 2024
Awesome second story in what's quickly proving to be a reliably hilarious series.
In this outing, rich and spoiled Cyril makes a bet with friends that he can't live like a common man for a week. If this doesn't give you a Trading Places vibe, you clearly need to catch up on your classic movie watching.
The concept is played to the limits, taking on absurd proportions as more and more people get involved in the prank. I had no idea how far it would go, which was half the fun!
I cannot begin to tell you how strongly I recommend this series. If you have even a small shred of a sense of humor, dive in!!!!
In this outing, rich and spoiled Cyril makes a bet with friends that he can't live like a common man for a week. If this doesn't give you a Trading Places vibe, you clearly need to catch up on your classic movie watching.
The concept is played to the limits, taking on absurd proportions as more and more people get involved in the prank. I had no idea how far it would go, which was half the fun!
I cannot begin to tell you how strongly I recommend this series. If you have even a small shred of a sense of humor, dive in!!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews