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Nicky Faces Catastrophe... and Survives?!

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Nicky was many things:
Video rental store employee.
Somewhat devoted son.
Unobservant slacker.
But never heroic.

So when he accidentally unleashes a horde of evil fae upon the world, and discovers that it is up to him to capture them back-he is reluctant.

Thankfully, an actual warrior is there to ensure that the world is safe and that the idiot who hath wrought their fury unto the world doesn’t fall to pieces.

Between his guardian Will, his reckless boss, and a handful of powerful fae, Nicky must learn to overcome his mediocrity and fight for the good of the world- As long as his mother doesn’t kill him first.

Can Nicky grow up in time to save himself? Is he stupid enough to think that he could conquer the god of mortality? Will he die a gruesome death or somehow survive due to sheer dumb luck?

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2023

9 people are currently reading
38 people want to read

About the author

Matti McLean

27 books7 followers
Born in Toronto, but with roots in Northern Ontario, Matti McLean is a quirky queer writer aspiring to create works that are whimsical, satirical, silly and light in a world that is increasingly dark.

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5 stars
8 (44%)
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7 (38%)
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2 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for cultofdamien.
40 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2024
Nobody gets this book like I do (also because nobody else is reading it and I hate you).
Listen, I am the slowest reader on Earth but this book always turn me into the 12-year-old-who-manages-to-finish-one-book-in-three-hours I used to be. I've already read it an unhealthy amount of times since I purchased it in December. It got me out of a terrible slump and became my favorite read of last year. It's so stupid and funny and nonsense and ridiculous and every single word makes me laugh like a maniac. You know what also is? GAY!! IT'S SO FREAKING GAY!! And Nicky, our protagonist, is the most disastrous messy dumbfag on Earth. I would sell my liver to read about more stupid queer guys. And I don't mean naive and "aDoRkAbLe" no, I mean STUPID. His place is a sewer, he forgets to shower, he's constantly horny and his only real talent is unhinging his jaw wide enough to fit huge chunks of greasy fries. At least he's a committed VHS store clerk. But — he's so loveable. If you can go through the mess of an individual who unleashes the freaking fae apocalypse, you'll find a guy who cares about the people he loves and is as open minded as someone could be (your ex boyfriend is an owl? No problem). And who also goes through a very good character development... at least in taking responsibilities.
And Will... Poor Will... Doing the expenses of falling for the biggest idiot in the universe. Most of their relationship is Will (understandably) lashing out at Nicky, until the turn of events that brings them close. They are so cute. The hot fae warrior and the predestined dumbfuck. The only thing their relationship needed more was ON SCREEN SMUT!! COME ON!! I FINALLY GET A CUTE ADORABLE COUPLE WITH SO MUCH CHEMISTRY AND THEY DON'T HAVE ON PAGE SEX?? I'M OFFENDED!!
Oof there's so much about this book that I would love to talk about. I love all the supporting characters (especially Nicky's peachy mom), the grittiness (I feel this is set in the 90s because, you know, VHS stores and landline phones) and the fae lore. I am not a huge fan of fae fantasy but this is such an original twist to the awful fae rOmAnTaSy trend of lately. Fuck Rhysand, Will is THE ultimate fae husband ❤️ (also, Nicky not getting what a fae is and keeping understanding that Will is a "fairy"... I'm hysterical).
I have come to learn that the author is working on a sequel involving lovecraftian lore and I NEED IT LIKE AIR!! I need more of these characters and Nicky's worldwide disasters.
Profile Image for Aubrey.
573 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2023
I walked into this book wanting to support my dear friend, who is the author. And I walked away feeling satisfied, fulfilled, and so full of pride! 

Nicky Faces Catastrophe is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's hilarious, fun, and a whirlwind of an adventure! I really didn't expect to love Nicky as much as I did. He's endearing, and a little hapless, but he had me absolutely charmed by the end of the book. 

And I wasn't the only one! But in the interest of not spoiling the book, I'll keep Nicky's charms hush hush for now. 

I've had a hit-or-miss relationship with books about the fae for as long as I can remember. But the way they're portrayed here was perfect for me. They're wily, and cunning, and a little pretentious. But also relatable, in a very particular kind of way. And the way Nicky just takes everything being thrown at him at face value just adds to the whole fun of the book. 

There were twists, there were turns, and every time something was revealed, it not only illuminated something that had previously transpired, it also added to the levity and fun of the whole plot as well. Again, no spoilers, but there is one instance near the end that made me choke on my wine as I read it. It was brilliantly executed, and I'm a little in love with the author for blindsiding me so wonderfully. 

If you're looking for a light-hearted, silly, fun romp through them realm of the fae, with a little chaos and kissing along the way, this is absolutely a book you need to read. 
Profile Image for Bookworm .
154 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2023
Nikki Can't Be Bothered

This book is dubbed a laugh-out-loud mm romantic horror comedy novel. That's no lie. I literally laughed out loud throughout the whole book. Nikki is basically a human sloth who is forced to take action when he opens a cursed book. What ensues is utter ridiculousness. If you love humor, give this book a read.
Profile Image for Shelba.
2,693 reviews99 followers
dnf
March 25, 2023
DNF @ 2%.

Oh, boy. It was immediately apparent that the sense of humour in this book is not my cuppa.
Profile Image for Christian Baines.
Author 17 books151 followers
September 7, 2023
Great fun for fans of fae lore, eldritch lunacy, and retro 90s geek aesthetics garnished with queer.
Profile Image for Marcel.
71 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2023
This is cute and charming and absolutely ridiculous.

It’s not without its problems but I enjoyed reading it.
Profile Image for Michael.
Author 9 books18 followers
October 20, 2023
This book! I truly enjoyed it and read it in two sittings. Nicky is the unlikely human protagonist – slothful, unambitious, and lacking in discernment – while at the same time being hilarious, lucky, and a risk taker. I loved Nicky’s interactions with the other characters and the laugh-out-loud banter. I also appreciated the nineties throwbacks, including that Nicky works at a video rental store.

Throughout his life and in his relationships with others, Nicky has developed an internalized sense of inadequacy and is often told by others that he is stupid. He has to overcome this (or at the very least own it) if he is to correct the serious mistake of unleashing hundreds of dangerous Fae into the human world after opening a mystical book that was packaged with warning labels.

I flipped through the pages with delight, though what caught me most by surprise was how cleverly McLean uses the Fae to give the reader a glimpse into Nicky’s tragic past. There is a hole in his heart that he has filled mostly with cheesy poofs, and part of his adventure is not only to save the world, but also to do a bit of self-mending so that he can open himself to the possibility of connection.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, keep you turning the pages, and warm your heart while giving a unique spin on Fae, Nicky Faces Catastrophe…and survives?! is for you. I look forward to seeing what McLean writes next.
1 review2 followers
March 15, 2023
This novel is a witty and entertaining fantasy adventure with a very 90s spin (video stores, remember those?) - Matti has taken all the things we cherish about that decade and given them a supernatural makeover. The humour is interspersed throughout the story, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read, and highlighting the trials and challenges faced by a young adult during the era, albeit a young adult with unusual gifts. It's fast-paced fun, suitable for anyone who enjoys a bit of escapism from the real world.
1 review
March 19, 2023
A great write! Had all my attention once I started reading it. It's a sweet and silly read, recommended if you are trying to get into reading.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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