The Tears of the Furies (The Menagerie, No. 2) [Paperback]

Christopher Golden (Author), Thomas E. Sniegoski (Author)

Book Description

Series: Menagerie | Publication Date: May 31, 2005

Meet the Menagerie--as hodge-podge a mix of other-worldly beings as anyone can imagine. But a sorcerer, a scientist, a sixteen-year-old demon, and the others all have one thing in common: a hunger for justice--no matter what the cost.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Ace (May 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441012930
• ISBN-13: 978-0441012930
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,230,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Horror > Dark Fantasy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trial and "Furies", August 21, 2005

By 

Little Willow (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tears of the Furies (The Menagerie, No. 2) (Paperback)

Tears of the Furies, the second in the dark fantasy series THE MENAGERIE, does not disappoint. Once again, Golden and Sniegoski have conspired to create an action-packed story that weaves classic mythology together with intrigue and suspense.

The characters introduced in the first book, The Nimble Man, are all present and accounted for. This is a strong sophomore release, because character development is key. The relationship between Doyle and Ceridwen continues to strengthen and distract them both. Danny is also in the forefront; being a teenager and a changeling, he and his mother must deal with his physical changes as well as his emotional outbursts. Readers also learn more about the past of the stalwart Dr. Leonard Graves.

The cast is intelligent as well as witty. One-liners by hobgoblin Squire never fail to amuse. His obsession for Skittles is also revealed. Eve, the fallen vampire, still dresses in designer clothes when she's going into battle.

Tears of the Furies dives head-first into Greek mythology. Not only will readers cross paths with the vindictive Furies, but with Orpheus, the Ferryman, even Cyclops. Medusa is at the core of the story. The Gorgon is a vengeful ex-beauty, and the team tracks her as she turns a multitude of people into stone. Persons from Doyle's past come into play, opening up another can of worms.

I look forward to the next book in The Menagerie series, because the first two installations were page-turners which kept me engrossed from start to finish. I am eager to see what the authors come up with next.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Olympian-sized Adventure!!, September 2, 2005

By 

Eric the Red (Sunny California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tears of the Furies (The Menagerie, No. 2) (Paperback)

This second novel in the Menagerie series was fantastic. I totally agree with the previous reviewer, however.
It had some very slow parts, but then finally seemed to kick into overdrive the last half of the novel.

I love the various characters that comprise the Menagerie. This novel, like the 1st one, was full of dark magicks, action, and cool monsters from straight out of a twisted myth.

Definately worth your time to read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Like Reading Two Different Books, June 13, 2011

By 

Jem (MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Tears of the Furies (The Menagerie, No. 2) (Paperback)

The premise of this series is very cool. It's like a new twist on the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (or even the Justice League), but with more unique, and urban fantasy-type characters. I mean, Eve. THE EVE - as a vampire?! So, despite the fact that The Nimble Man: The Menagerie #1 never really sucked me in, I went on to Furies because the potential was so high.

I have read many books over the years written by two (or more) authors. Most of the time, I don't notice. Regrettably, it is very noticeable with this series. At the beginning, the team splits: three go to Greece to investigate mysterious murders and four go (eventually) to the Underworld. I can't help but think the two writers each handled one segment - and it was like reading two different books. This issue was exacerbated when it came to character development - they are all one dimensional because there is no connection between them, or the two lines of the plot. The hobgoblin, Squire, can travel through shadows. I know because EVERY SINGLE TIME the story switched back to him readers were again told that he travels through shadows (this after being told every time in book one). It's like the author has to remind you after you come back from reading that other book! But, that's all the info we really get about him. Eve, the ultimate sinner, is a vampire with a refined taste in fashion. But, how did she come to be with the Menagerie and why? With such an unusual and eccentric bunch of characters, that it is implied have been together for a long time, I expected more camaraderie - or at least familial nitpicking - and some sharp, funny, emotional dialog. That is completely lacking. They are like strangers to one another.

I did like that these novels incorporate so much historical into the fantastical, and that the various mythologies and religions all exist and have unforeseen repercussions. The overarching plot with the DemoGorgon and Sweetblood is tantalizing while still allowing each book to have closure. In short, all the ingredients are here for the perfect recipe of urban fantasy. But, in this case, too many cooks are spoiling the pot.