Codespell (Ravirn, Book 3) [Mass Market Paperback]

Kelly McCullough (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 27, 2008

The universe needs a reboot...

In the twenty-first century magic has gone digital, and Ravirn, a direct descendant of one of the three Fates, is a talented sorcerer and computer hacker extraordinaire. So when Necessity, the sentient computer that runs the universe, catches a virus that crashes most of the magical Internet, Ravirn is tasked with fixing it. Whoever repairs Necessity will, for that moment, run the universe. Unfortunately for the sorcerer, some very dangerous beings have figured that out too.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In Cybermancy (2007), Ravirn, grandson of the fate Lachesis and the muse Thalia, got blown to chaos and recreated as a more powerful demigod. He also made an immortal enemy of Hades. Now, coming to terms with his new status and staying out of his enemies’ way, he attracts trouble by taking on, however reluctantly, the job of ridding Necessity, the sentient computer that runs the universe, of a virus. Repair completed, he will, for a moment, run the universe and be able to change anything. Some very unpleasant beings want to bring him to that point and then dispose of him. McCullough balances the seriousness and the slapstick nearly perfectly. --Frieda Murray

About the Author

Kelly McCullough has sold short fiction to publications including Weird Tales, Absolute Magnitude, and Cosmic SF. An illustrated collection of Kelly's short science fiction, The Chronicles of the Wandering Star, is part of InterActions in Physical Science, an NSF funded middle school science curriculum. He lives in western Wisconsin.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Ace (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441016030
• ISBN-13: 978-0441016037
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kelly McCullough was raised and educated by free-range hippies. Later he received a degree in theater and worked in improv. That combination was the perfect preparation for his current career as author and cat herder. He lives and writes in the Midwest with his physics-professor wife, Laura. He enjoys hiking and biking and his role as self-heating cat furniture. He is the author of the WebMage and Fallen Blade series. More information can be found at his website www.kellymccullough.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author Kelly McCullough + the new genre he has inspired = pure genius!, June 5, 2008

By 

Detra Fitch (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Codespell (Ravirn, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

Ravirn may be the umpteenth great-grandson of Lachesis, one of the three Fates, but he is no longer part of their House. Recently Ravirn has become his own House, House Raven. The CEO of Pantheon Inc, Zeus, throws a party and for Ravirn attendance is mandatory. Ravirn is more than a little surprised when he spies Dairn at the party. Ravirn had been pretty sure Dairn had died during their last battle. As uncomfortable Ravirn is whenever he looks into the mirror and sees chaos reflected in his eyes, he is even more stunned to see what is in Dairn's eyes. Looks like Ravirn is not the only one to receive an upgrade lately.

Within Dairn's body is a (sort of) dead goddess. Nemesis used to be Goddess of Vengeance, visiting the wrath of the gods on the heads of men, and the wrath of Necessity, the sentient computer, on the heads of the gods. For some unknown (to Ravirn) reason, Nemesis is back and her entire being is focused on deleting Ravirn's existence - permanently. The only one able to deal with Nemesis is her mother, Necessity. But Necessity is currently (ahem) broken and her where-abouts are unknown.

Whoever repairs Necessity will, for that moment, run the entire universe and be able to remake everything to his/her liking. This means that many dangerous people (or beings, if you prefer) are trying to locate Necessity. Ravirn and his new girlfriend, Tisiphone (the Fury), and Melchior (little, blue web goblin) team up. Blend in some spicy help from the Goddess of Discord and they have the makings of a very hot team. Oh, did I mention that Hades still wants Ravirn dead as well?

***** Personally, Tisiphone has always been my favorite Fury. For the gamers out there who have played the MMO of Diablo II, picture Andariel with fiery wings instead of peacock feathers and you have a very close image. Tisiphone is the very embodiment of vengeance and destruction. It is great to see Ravirn on her good side - her VERY good side - for a change. Most of the characters from WebMage and Cybermancy make an appearance, even if only briefly. However, a new family member is introduced as well.

Even though Mythology and magic have gone digital, since one must keep up with the changing times, readers do not need to be in the I.T. (Information Technology) field to fully enjoy and appreciate what the author has created here. I do not recall the last time I have loved a series of books as I have this one. Author Kelly McCullough + the new genre he has inspired = pure genius! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good recovery, June 5, 2008

By 

Cees Jan Mol (Eindhoven, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Codespell (Ravirn, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

The magical universe has shut down and rebooting it isn't restoring the system. Ravirn, turned demi-god (or pretty close to it), is having to fix it. With Nemesis, the Goddess of Revenge, after him that's not easy...

McCullough's universe is as great as in the previous two books. This book however comes across as more action packed. What is nice about that, is that it makes the book fast-paced, draws out the character of the Furies, gives more insight into his divine family ("Meet your grandmother!"), refreshes his love interest. Slightly less positive is the effect it has on the depth of character we've gotten used to in the first two books. There's less "people" (i.e. characters of all sorts, be they divine, punk-fairy, cyber-mythological or otherwise) to meet, to be entertained by and to enjoy.

For a large part I was pretty lost in this book. No idea what the action actually was about... And then suddenly, McCullough turned it around, quite smoothly and it all made sense. It's a nice book. Not bad at all. But less suprising than the previous two. And with a little less depth.

5.0 out of 5 stars an unexpected treat, September 12, 2009

By 

tjcurr (Gulf coast of Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Codespell (Ravirn, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

I got this book for my ten-year old son, and he convinced me to read it too. We now have all four in this series and eagerly await the next. Some 'romantic moments' here and there, but nothing very graphic, and my son just skipped through those parts. A well-thought-out new universe, lots of fun.