Tag: R.T. Slaywood Page 3 of 7

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 43: Missing Things by R. T. Slaywood: A New Home

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On January 12, 2024

In Urban Fantasy

I’ve got to get more regular in reading/posting these again. I started late, but I’m now 42 behind. Cool number, but…ack.

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 43: Missing Things

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #43
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: January 12, 2023

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

Or maybe not. But he gets better. And then his new…friends? Acquaintances? People who keep popping up in his life?…start explaining exactly what’s going on to him.

What’s Missing Things About?

So they go back to the trash at the park to see where he stashed his coat to retrieve his license and whatnot. I’m unclear how much time has passed since he did that, but it seems unlikely that the trash hadn’t been picked up yet. But hey, roll with it.

His house key is missing—and it looks like someone took it while leaving money and his wallet behind. How’s that for a puzzle? Bonaduke’s the only one who seems to care, but it’s eating at him.

Then they go visit the new crashpad for the group and Zero and Bonaduke bicker a bit.

So, what did I think about Missing Things?

Could we all try having a conversation and stop assuming everyone knows and understands things? Seriously. After the last couple of episodes where people were talking and explaining things—you know, like functional adults. We’re back to people not communicating, making assumptions, and then flying off the handle when assumptions clash. It happens to all of us from time to time, but these people seem to make it a lifestyle and it’s hard to put up with.

A couple more dialogue tags would’ve been helpful here. I don’t like to have to re-read a conversation to figure out who’s talking, much less who said what.

Wow. I sound like a grouch here. But there’s nothing much to talk about here. The title for this episode is apt—there’s Bonaduke’s missing key, and then everyone missing context/understanding of what’s happening.

It was bound to happen, but I’m disappointed that we’ve sunk so low from the last couple of episodes.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 42: Meaningful by R. T. Slaywood: Lesson One

By

On December 22, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 42: Meaningful

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #42
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: December 22, 2023

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

Or maybe not. But he gets better. And then his new…friends? Acquaintances? People who keep popping up in his life?…start explaining exactly what’s going on to him.

What’s Meaningful About?

I said nothing happened in the last episode, but man…it was action-packed compared to this one. They drive, they talk, they have some lousy fast food, then drive and talk some more.

But that’s okay. Because what they talk about is important: Alan gives Bonaduke a quick version of his origin story, starts to explain Omnicrat and their activities, and what he, Om, and Zero are trying to do. Better yet, he gives Bonaduke a better understanding of how magic interacts with the world and people.

So, what did I think about Meaningful?

This is the talkiest that Slaywood’s been yet–hardly any narrative, either. (or so close it doesn’t matter). It’s a lot to take in, really–not too much, but a lot–and it’s going to be one of those episodes you bookmark so you can come back and reference it later when you see some of this in action.

There’s part of me that wants to compare some of what we saw in earlier episodes to what we’re told here, too–just to see how the “in action” compares to the “theory.” But I think I’ll hold off on that for now, to see how things play out a little (and frankly, Vella isn’t easy to flip back and forth through quickly and I’m not in the mood to put up with that), I’ll just assume that Slaywood is being internally consistent (and if not, I really don’t care–the path he’s on is good enough that I’m fine with him diverging a bit from earlier stuff)

This is really good to see, I’m glad we’re starting to get some of the world explained to us. Things are starting to gel.

4 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 41: Garden Conversation by R. T. Slaywood: Did We Just Get Some Answers?!?

By

On December 15, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 41: Garden Conversation

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #41
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: December 15, 2023

I felt one step closer to knowing what was going on, however I was a long way off from having enough information to decide if I wanted to throw in my hat with these guys.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

Or maybe not. But he gets better.

What’s Garden Conversation About?

Um. On the one hand, not much happens. But it’s the way that not much happens that’s the interesting bit. Alan and Om deal with the lock that Bonaduke had flexed his magic on in the last episode. The results are better read than explained.

Then the injured Bonaduke and his two associates climb the apartment building’s stairs to the roof where they encounter, once again, something better read than explained.

Like I said, not much happens.

So, what did I think about Garden Conversation?

That opening quotation speaks for me–both in context and at the end of the episode. Still, we get so much information here about magic and how it works in general (and some more details about Bonaduke in particular), that I am comforted and pleased. I need someone to reciprocate Bonaduke’s opening up and a good follow-up to what Om told us still–but we’re so close to being given enough to grasp the magic system.

We also learn a lot more about the various players.

Sure, I could belly-ache (again)* about how it took 41 episodes to get this. But why? We got it. The explanations we had to assume were forthcoming have started to arrive. Also, the plot inches along a bit–and we get one of the best visuals in the series so far (followed shortly by one of the most disturbing).

* Same goes for the grammar and spelling.

Great closing. Possibly Slaywood’s best yet.

4 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 40: Close/Open by R. T. Slaywood: Moving Day Cont’d

By

On December 1, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 40: Close/Open

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #40
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: November 24, 2023

Alann smiled like a kid who was about to show something they thought was really cool, but ultimately underwhelming. However when he pushed open the door he spoke in a confident tone that would make any potential buyer visualize the open road.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

Or maybe not. But he gets better.

What’s Close/Open About?

Um. On the one hand, not much happens. But it’s the way that not much happens that’s the interesting bit. Alan and Om deal with the lock that Bonaduke had flexed his magic on in the last episode. The results are better read than explained.

Then the injured Bonaduke and his two associates climb the apartment building’s stairs to the roof where they encounter, once again, something better read than explained.

Like I said, not much happens.

So, what did I think about Close/Open?

I’m not really sure what to say here. I think I liked it, but since so much of this episode needs grounding or fuller explanation in a future episode (hopefully 41), it’s hard to really know what I think.

I’m really tempted to spend the rest of the evening catching up to where Slaywood is currently with the story–if only so I have something to say here. I get this way from time to time, but I’m committed to the episodic approach.

But really, I don’t know what to say. It was well-written, worth sticking with, and I’m curious about what comes next.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 39: In The Dark by R. T. Slaywood: Moving Day

By

On November 24, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 39: In The Dark

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #39
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: November 24, 2023

“You don’t remember?”

“Haven’t tried to yet. Everything hurts.”

Om came over and picked up a cane from next to the couch that I had failed to notice then handed it to me. “Probably for the best. Death is an experience most would want to forget.”

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

Or maybe not.

What’s In The Dark About?

Bonaduke wakes up, not remembering being in the apartment—actually, he doesn’t remember much (see above). To say that he’s weak is an understatement—think Westley during his final confrontation with Humperdinck. Alan and Om are packing up and leaving the apartment, for reasons alluded to, but not fully explained.

Bonaduke mostly watches things, given his strength, and then gets to use his magic just a touch.

And that’s basically it.

Thank you, Mr. Slaywood!

The whole he/she thing about Zero is addressed briefly in a way that confirms I was right to be confused.

So, what did I think about In The Dark?

Yes, I’ve complained a bit in the past about these transition episodes. This one seems more blatant than usual—Slaywood is moving the saga from one section to another, being coy about the details (as per usual). I’m not going to do that this time.

This is a good point for the transition, particularly when it comes to the whole death thing. Isn’t that what the Death card represents in Tarot readings? (at least the ones I’ve seen in print and on TV say that). So let’s move (literally, for Alan and Om) to something else.

Now, if we’re not given more information about his coming back to life, why they’re moving, and what the ritual, etc. they referenced at the end of the episode are about soon. Then I’ll complain. But for now, let’s let everyone catch their breath and call it a good day.

3.5 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 38: Operator by R. T. Slaywood: An Overall Lack of Bedside Manner

By

On November 9, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 38: Operator

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #38
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: November 9, 2023

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

What’s Operator About?

Bonaduke is in rough shape when they get him back to the apartment, collapsing before he can really do much at all. The others rush to his aid, but since doesn’t realize how much he’s injured he struggles against it. He more than struggles–he lashes out (effectively, it should be noted) when the treatment/examination hurts as much as the injuries do, or inflames them.

The others struggle to restrain him and largely have success until Myrrh enters the room, and his rage toward her fuels him to attack her with magic unlike he’s been able to before–and when that fight is over, everything fades to black.

If it weren’t for the fact that there are dozens of episodes left (with more to come), you could make the case that this was a cliffhanger. But the suspense around Michael’s continuing existence is low. The real question is…what’s the situation going to be like when he comes to?

So, what did I think about Operator?

Too often in fiction (on page or on screen) I can’t help get frustrated by the lack of communication–honestly, if someone had taken a moment to talk to Bonaduke–or to listen to him–here, things might have gone better for all involved. Maybe not, but it would’ve been nice to see some effort.

There’s a point or two that would’ve been helped with a dialogue tag, honestly. The other part that would’ve been nice is to refer to some of these old faces with more than a name–something to help those of us who haven’t thought of them in 20 episodes or so to remember who they were. None of these are significant issues, and might say more about my memory than anything.

Overall, it was good to dip my toe back into the water here–and hopefully, I get back into regular reading of it. And, most importantly, I want to see what the next episode holds.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 37: Last Leg by R. T. Slaywood: Some Aftermath, and a Glimpse of What’s to Come

By

On October 19, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 36: Roadside Assistance

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #37
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: October 19, 2023

“C’mon, we need to get going.” His words pinballed in my mind and took me a couple seconds to take hold. He offered me a hand.

“I don’t think I can.”

“I told you, I can’t leave you, and we need to go before we draw any more attention.”

“No, I mean I don’t think I can move.” I said barely clinging to consciousness. Looking down I could see how bad I was beat up. A wet borrowed shirt, covered in blood and watered down ink was now torn in a dozen places. Beneath which were scraps and gouges at various points of bleeding. My legs and jeans were not looking much better.

I also seemed to have lost a boot.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars).

What’s Last Leg About?

It takes some work for Bonaduke to pull himself together after the ending of Episode 36–no matter what he knows really happened, his mind saw something else. And you just can’t shrug that off.

But he has to get moving–Zero helps him (one boot and all) to the car so they can go get some medical attention, get off the street, and regroup.

Eric’s not doing well–everything he’s experienced is so far from what he’s capable of understanding that his mind is having a hard time coping.

And, well, that’s about it, really.

So, what did I think about Last Leg?

This felt longer than usual (but I’m not doing word counts, so who knows). Which is good–things got to breathe a little bit. This is still very much a transition from the last mini-arc to the next, but Slaywood accomplished a little more than that.

I think we’re about done with Eric–which is good and bad, I liked him, but I think he’s served his purpose. Although it’s possible that he’s going to get drawn in even deeper with Bonaduke and the rest. Which will not end well for him.

I may have an idea where we’re headed for the next episode or two, and I’m intrigued.

I don’t have much to say, really. Good episode overall.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 36: Roadside Assistance by R. T. Slaywood: Don’t Make Him Angry, You Wouldn’t Like Him When He’s Angry

By

On September 29, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 36: Roadside Assistance

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #36
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: September 29, 2023

A part of me, the grifter, knew it was a trick. That the face twisted in pain was a mask that was stolen from my memories…But it didn’t matter. The part of me that wished and longed to see her alive one last time won the moment he changed his face.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars).

What’s Roadside Assistance About?

So…yeah. Bonaduke is looking at his beloved’s face. He knows it’s not her–but, oh, he wants it to be. This sets off a flashback for him (and the reader) surrounding Francine’s death.

Once he’s able to wrest his mind back to the present, Bonaduke lets his anger out–the anger about having to deal with this again, anger for his own role in her death, and anger about who knows what else. The results promise not to be pretty, but it’ll be the next episode before we know exactly what all that might be.

So, what did I think about Roadside Assistance?

We run, once again, into my biggest problem with this story. Part of it has to do with the brief episodic nature that it’s told in, and part of it is Slaywood’s style. I wonder how this would read as a novel/novella, then I’d know for sure. Frequently episodes like this one feel like a half-developed outline more than a narrative. This is seen best when Bonaduke uses his grift, but it’s also in the flashback (although I think that’s more purposeful, so I’m not complaining)–it seems to me that Slaywood is trying for the text come across as mysterious or enigmatic, but lands as abstruse, incomplete, and unclear.

That said, Slaywood’s really able to convey Bonaduke’s grief and anger here–this is the most honest emotional reaction we’ve seen from him, and the power of it clear. It’s probably the closest the reader’s really been able to come to understand Bonaduke yet.

A mixed bag, to be sure, but one that pushes the reader on to the next episode.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 35: Game Over by R. T. Slaywood: Well, THAT was Unexpected

By

On September 22, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

I know I normally do these on Friday, but I’ve been saying I need to dip into this more so I can catch up. Also, (and pettily), I’m not going to let the distractions of the last 24 hours break my streak (884 days once I hit “publish”). Something big can derail me, and I’ll be okay with that. But not trivia.

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 35: Game Over

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #34
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: September 21, 2023

My shirt, jeans, skin, and muscle tore on each brief contact with the ground as I rolled on the asphalt. A crack sounded from my elbow that I could feel through my entire body before I finally came to a stop.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one.

What’s Game Over About?

With a crash, everyone’s back in the Real World. The game is over, and it’s bad. Bodies, detritus, and vehicles scatter the road.

Bonaduke starts looking around, looking for what to do next…and gets a mighty big surprise.

Turn and Face the Strange

When I talked about Episode 34, I said, “there’s a section in which I lost track of pronouns and antecedents, or Zero’s gender changed. I’m pretty sure it was a slip of the finger.” Well, I went back and checked—and yeah, in Episodes 33 and prior, Zero was a woman. “She” and “her” were consistently used in reference to Zero. But for these last two, Zero’s a “he.” I trust there’s an explanation for this.

So, what did I think about Game Over?

Hmmm. It was okay.

Like I feared, it was a come-down to leave Zero’s game, but there’s plenty of promise for what’s to come. The last couple of lines, in particular, have a lot of promise.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 34: Three to Four Times The Charm by R. T. Slaywood: Annnnnnnd They’re Off!

By

On September 19, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

I know I normally do these on Friday, but I’ve been saying I need to dip into this more so I can catch up. Also, (and pettily), I’m not going to let the distractions of the last 24 hours break my streak (884 days once I hit “publish”). Something big can derail me, and I’ll be okay with that. But not trivia.

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 34: Three to Four Times The Charm

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #34
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: September 19, 2023

Asphalt bounced off the car. I was tossed into the side of the trunk as we dodges a massive fiery crater. Behind us the squatters leader was standing through the sunroof holding a rocket launcher.

Of course.

A rocket launcher.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one.

What’s Three to Four Times The Charm About?

This episode gives us slightly over half of the first(?) lap of the race. Eric and Zero are manning the wheel and the phone controls, Bonaduke does what he can to help by climbing in the trunk to act as a look-out for the cars behind them and to do what he can to slow them down (mostly by throwing miscellaneous objects at them).

That’s it. That’s the sum of the episode (unless I was going to get into a play-by-play).

So, what did I think about Three to Four Times The Charm?

I’m trying not to complain about Slaywood’s editing (which has greatly improved)—but there’s a section in which I lost track of pronouns and antecedents, or Zero’s gender changed. I’m pretty sure it was a slip of the finger, but it was at such a bad time for me—the last thing I needed at the moment was to stop and read a couple of paragraphs 5 times to see if I could track pronouns.

This is all action—that’s it. And it’s fast-paced, too—try not to read this at a speed worthy of Mario Kart (or whatever your preferred racing game is). There’s an effective cliffhanger, too. Good stuff, and I’m fighting the impulse to read on.

The note from the author at the bottom of this episode made me smile—and forgive (but not forget) the pronoun bit.

I’ll note again that Zero’s arc has put a lot of fun into this series.

3.5 Stars

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