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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Monsterific, March 19, 2003
This review is from: Monster Island (Hardcover)
MONSTER ISLAND proves there is power in collaboration. Here, we have two amazing authors, Christopher Golden and Thomas E. Sniegoski, join forces to tackle a Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel crossover of epic proportions. The novel has amazing character interaction. It met and exceeded my expectations for crossover meetings, be they reunions or first impressions. I especially enjoyed how well Fred and Tara got along. They almost instantly connect and their newfound friendship continues throughout the story while others comment on the wackiness that is them. The authors certainly did their research when it comes to the monsters that have been on both shows before. Many familiar faces or races of demons appeared. The descriptions of those who were established on the series are accurate; the details of the new breeds the writers invented are imaginative and creative. Anything with a wide array of characters, be it a book, a television series or a film, has to be handled very carefully so as not to confuse the readers and viewers. Golden and Sniegoski delicately balance the plotlines and give fan-favorite characters equal facetime. Not only do they incorporate the time-honored story of good versus evil, but they utilize issues that have been everpresent on both shows: ill-meaning father figures, abusive pasts, soul-searching, morality and mortality. The story is engaging and the final battle is tremendous. I highly recommend this novel to any and all fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Two thumbs way up. Or, if you are a monster, two horns or two fangs up.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An amazing story ... unless you're Spike., October 12, 2005
This novel is well written, packed with action, humor, and the misery-loves-company angst that made Buffy such an incredible show.
The story, sort of a Buffyverse version of Hitler and his genocidal mania, finds our beloved characters fighting not only evil, but their own previous mindsets as they all learn that not all demons are evil, and some are worth laying your life down for.
It's a story worthy of Buffy, Angel and their crews, and the author does a brilliant job of bringing the two casts together. He has a gift for painting a picture with his words that bring the characters to life in the reader's mind. He describes Angel, crouching like a stone gargoyle, and captures that bat-like thing that makes Angel so delicious.
I loved the book and was sorry when it came to an end. It's definitely worth the read.
I only have one complaint with this book. The Spike bashing other reviewers have mentioned - it's the only reason I didn't give this book five stars. Major Spike Bash-o-rama!
The cruel things they say to Spike, especially Buffy, go way beyond being funny or amusing. They even go past being irksome. The bashing is not only distracting, it actually takes something away from an otherwise great and beautifully written story. Spike even saves Angel's life, and they all still treat him like crap. Even Willow takes pot shots at him. It's ... disconcerting.
If you're a devoted Spike fan, it'll likely tick you off. And that's a shame, because everything else in this book comes together so well.
Was the Spike Slamming Contest really necessary?
Nope. Nor was it comic relief.
Aside from that, a thoroughly enjoyable book from cover to cover.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
For Whom the Slayer Toils, August 29, 2003
This review is from: Monster Island (Hardcover)
A music teacher of mine once observed that the greatest examples of each musical era come after the end of that era. While that is arguable, there is no question that 'Monster Island' is an outstanding example of Buffy literature coming out too late for it to be anything but a poignant reminder of our favorite vampire slayer. It is set in the time period after Buffy's final return from the dead, and before the onset of Willow's own difficulties. Not the best of times, but one of relative peace before things finally come completely apart. Also of interest is that Chris Golden and Tom Sniegoski have chosen to bring Buffy and Angel together in an unusual struggle. One in which the folk they are fighting to save are demons. It shouldn't be any surprise that demons are liable to the same social dysfunctions that humans fall victim to. In this case, the onset of a racial purity movement threatens the existence of demons of mixed (part human) heritage - as well as those who support them. In Sunnydale, a string of grim murders draws the Scooby gang into the nets of General Axtius, a Brachen demon who (oddly enough) was Doyle's father before he took up the flag of 'demonic cleansing.' Then Axtius shifts his focus to Los Angeles, where he is distracted from his cause by his efforts to wreak revenge on Angel, whom he blames for Doyle's death. Realizing that the problem is bigger than either her or Angel, Buffy comes to Los Angeles, where the join forces. Eventually traveling to a mysterious island where those demons who have come to value peace have set up a safe retreat. There they must make a last stand against the hordes of General Axtius. Golden and Sniegoski have proven themselves a powerful writing team of several occasions, but 'Monster Island' may be their finest hour. Not only is there a strong plot, but the character interaction - especially as the Sunnydale and Los Angeles contingents adjust to each other - is remarkable. The story underlines the changes all of the character have gone through, and provides interesting insights into some of the less character. Great plot, writing, characters, and the sweet bitterness of nostalgia for something that will never happen again. If you are ever going to read a Buffy book put this on your must read list.
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