Review of Fairy Metal Thunder by J.L. Bryan

Title: Fairy Metal Thunder
Author: J.L. Bryan
Published by: JLBryanbooks.com
Pages: 196
Source: Obtained Free from Amazon on (6/30/2012)
Format: ebook
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Jason plays guitar in a teenage garage band called the Assorted Zebras, but they have no fans, no gigs, and they're going nowhere. Even worse, Jason has a crush on their lead singer, but she doesn't seem interested in him at all.

Then Jason steals instruments from the fairy world. Soon the band is enchanting crowds, and Jason is a step closer to the girl of his dreams, but the new gear is brimming with dangerous and destructive magic they can't control.

Their shortcut to success has cost a troupe of innocent fairies their livelihood and turned Jason and his band into enemies of the powerful Queen Mab, who sends supernatural bounty hunters to track them down, including one of the most dangerous horned creatures in Faerie...a small unicorn named Buttercake.

Fairy Metal Thunder is a fun, quirky read with a storyline that will have you quickly flipping through the pages. 

This is my second J.L. Bryan novel and in both novels he has the most unique elements in his stories.  In Fairy Metal Thunder there are some rockin' musical fairy instruments that are out of this world.  They change everything for the lives of Jason and his band members.  I love that this story centers around the power of these instruments and how they are used.  I have never encountered anything like this, so the idea was fresh and captivating. 

As for Jason he seemed like a genuinely good guy.  Of course he is a teenager and a bit of a rebel at times but the way he cares for is his younger sister is endearing.  Of all the character, we get to know Jason the best with him being the narrator.  I wish that there would have been a little more character development with the other characters, especially Erin.  Maybe in the next books in the series we will get to learn more about each of these characters and see where Jason and Erin's relationship goes.

The music the Assorted Zebras play is explosive.  I really wish there were some mp3 that went along with the book so we could hear it.  I have a feeling it would be quite a psychedelic experience.  Along with the music an interesting part of the story for me was the setting.  The novel was set in Wisconsin...my home state!  Therefore when they mentioned cities and such I knew exactly what they were talking about.  Always a neat experience.

Whether you are a music fan or just like a great twist to a fairy tale try Fairy Metal Thunder.  I think you'll like it. 

Fairy Metal Thunder Read-Along Week 3

The Fairy Metal Thunder Read-Along & Scavenger Hunt is hosted by Missie of The Unread Reader, Kelly of Reading the Paranormal, Tina of Tina’s Book Reviews, and Jen of In the Closet With a Bibliophile.

Questions for Chapters 14-20 of Fairy Metal Thunder:

1. In the beginning of chapter 14, poor Jason is having a tough time at work. Its busy, people are rude, there are hot girls talking to him, big lady's are about to starve, all in all bad work day. So tell us about a time when you had to deal with a pushy customer or rude behavior, did you freak, keep it together, throw a slawburger?

Whenever I had a grumpy or rude costumer I would smile back pleasantly and tell them I can get the manager for them if they'd like.  I figure it was always better to send them to someone higher up, that way I did have to get yelled at all day.  Even now when I encounter rude people, I try to be as pleasant as possible, but inside I'm fuming and thinking very bad things.  Then I usually call either my family or my besties so they can commiserate with me. 

2. In chapter 16 Jason is getting ready to shoot his rocking music video and perform for a crowd. Have you ever made a rock video, been in a play or anything that shows you doing something with musical talent? Extra points if you want to show us.

I was in show choir (essentially Glee) when I was in high school so I'm sure there are videos of all those performances but I have no idea where they are.  My friends and I also used to make music videos when we were bored.  We would dress in costumes, sing (or lip-sing) and just have fun.  One of my favorites was during Christmas time and we did Santa Baby.

3. Speaking of videos, the boys have a little chat about Steven Spielberg in chapter 17, what is your favorite Spielberg movie? Can't think of one...well then tell us about one of your favorite Sci-fi movies.

There are so many greats ones that I can't chose just one.  These are some of my favorites...The Goonies, Schindler's List, Twister, Saving Private Ryan, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Eagle Eye.  All great movies!

4. At the end of Chapter 17 the guys say bye to Dred who is getting ready to move, did you ever have to start over in a new school or new place when you were in highschool? Was it good, bad...horrible?

I went to a college where I didn't know anyone.  At first I hated it and wanted to quit and go home, but soon I met some people and gradually I couldn't imagine ever leaving.  My first friend at college is actually still one of my best friends and that proves the struggle was completely worth it. 

5. If you had a pet Unicorn what would you name it?

I found this site of 100 Unicorn names and their meanings.  How crazy is that?  Anyway I picked Annamika which means full of grace. 

Fairy Metal Thunder Read-Along: Week 2

The Fairy Metal Thunder Read-Along & Scavenger Hunt is hosted by Missie of The Unread Reader, Kelly of Reading the Paranormal, Tina of Tina’s Book Reviews, and Jen of In the Closet With a Bibliophile.

Questions for Chapters 7-13 of Fairy Metal Thunder:

1. Unfairly grounded by his parents, Jason decides to lie to them so he can go to the audition in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, not only does the audition end poorly but his parents discover his lie and things go downhill from there. Tell us the most outrageous lie you've ever been caught in. Bonus points if you can provide pictorial proof. Reenactments eagerly accepted.
I don't ever remember being caught in a lie or lying very much in particular.  I can be kind of ditsy at times so I stick with the truth (besides the little white lies of liking someone's haircut, outfit, etc.) because otherwise I'd forget the lie and then it would all crumble and burn.

2. In Faerie, Aoide is summoned to see the Faerie Queen. Have you ever met someone important like the Faerie Queen? Someone famous? Tell us the story behind how it happened. Once again, pictures are a plus!

When I was a junior in high school President George W. Bush come to my school and delivered a speech on Educational Accountability for the No Child Left Behind campaign.  (Yes we did get patted down by tall, dark and handsome secret service men).  Does that count as meeting a famous person?  I've also met some wonderful authors, but I have no pictures of that. 

3. Caught lying to his father about his non-existent job at the car wash, Jason has now found gainful employment at Buddy McSlawburger's - where he's forced to wear "the funny hat" as part of his uniform. What's the worst job you've ever had? Did it involve a particularly noxious uniform? Tell us about it - in riveting, full-color detail!

I sound kind of boring this week, but I haven't really had any horrible jobs.  I did work at Shopko (a short description for those of you who haven't heard of Shopko...little higher up than Wal-Mart, but not as nice as Target) and we had to wear khakis pants and a red polo shirt.  To this day I will not wear a read shirt and khakis colored pants or skirt together because it reminds me of working there. 

4. In an effort to regain their stolen instruments, Aoide and Rhodia travel to the sugar swamp to hire a hunter. Wouldn't you love to live somewhere where the water is sweet and the grass is made of sugar cane? Show us a picture of you enjoying your favorite sweet treat. Or, rewrite history and tell us how your version of the sugar swamp would differ from the one in the book.

My sugar swamp would be exactly like Candy Land only more popcorn and ice cream.  I was imagining the Candy Land in Katy Perry's music video for California Girls, except no bra shooting whip cream (though at times I'm sure that would be fun).  I love popcorn and the crazier the toppings the better.  But since it's summer I can't get enough of ice cream...especially in the form of an ice cream sandwich!  Yummy!  (Enjoy the crazy angle...my 23 month old niece wanted to take the picture.)

Questions for Chapter 1-6 of Fairy Metal Thunder:

1. At the beginning of the story, the Assorted Zebras are just a garage band, but they are expecting to make it big. Who knows, you just might find yourself at one of their concerts someday. Until then, show me your favorite concert t-shirt. It could be a picture of a concert you actually attended or a pic of a vintage tee of your favorite band. Be sure to tell me the story behind the tee.

The summer before my senior year of high school, five of my friends and I took a road trip to see Dave Mathews Band. The traffic for the concert was so bad that we drove the shoulder of the interstate for five miles just to get to the exit. As we were inching along my best friend (who was driving her car and was right behind my car) wasn't paying attention and rear-ended me and totalled my car. But never fear, after the tow truck came, we still got a ride to the concert and it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to.

And to make the story even better, I accidentally stole this shirt.  Someone was selling them during the concert and as I was hanging on to the shirt I went to get out my money and the guy disappeared.  Apparently the person was selling counterfeit shirts and the security guards came around just as I was reaching for my money. I had no idea and wanted to find the guy to give him my money, until my friends told me what went down.  As you can see, I decided to keep the shirt anyway. 

2. Jason’s mom forces him to agree to do some yard work for Mrs. Dullahan, which wouldn’t be so bad if she wasn’t rumored to be a witch. Tell me about the worst chore you were ever forced to do. Who make you do it? Bonus points if you have a picture to share of you doing the dirty work.

I really don't like to iron.  In fact, I am the type of person that if something is wrinkled I will just throw it back in the dryer.  (Please excuse the messy laundry room)  

3. Uh oh! There seems to be a jewelry thief in the neighborhood. Have you have had anything stolen from you? Or have you ever lost something precious? Did you ever find it? Make a Reward if Found poster for the stolen or lost item. Convince us to find it for you. Make the reward good!

A couple of years ago, I was at a party at one of my friend's place.  I was wearing some killer heals (literally, I think I still have the blisters) and so like any fun loving party girl I took my shoes off.  A couple of hours later my friend ran up to me and told me someone left wearing my new shoes!  Are you kidding me?  Who steals shoes? 

 

4. In Faerie, Jason declares himself as Jason the Guy Who Wants That Necklace Back. Weird, but then again every name has a meaning. What does your name mean? What is the origin? Do you go by any kind of nicknames? How did you get that nickname?

Lisa is Hebrew for "God's Promise."  As for nicknames my dad and sister called me kid-o until my sister had my niece.  Now I'm permanently known as "Auntie" to my immediately family.   

5. When Jason gets home from his all night adventures through Fairy, his parents unfairly ground him for a month! Care to share a time you were grounded by your parents for no good reason?

Surprisingly I was either a pretty good kid, or I was really good at not getting caught.  Believe it or not, I was never grounded.