The Angel Chronicles, Volume 1

Rating:
Summary: Nancy Holder does the best novelizations of Buffy episodes
Review: Unlike the first two volumes in this Buffy sub-series, this thirdcollection of a trio of adapted scripts from the second season ofBuffy the Vampire Slayer really do all focus on pivotal moments in"The Angle Chronicles." Nancy Holder, clearly the top writerof the Buffy books, adapts the teleplays of "Surprise" byMarti Noxon, "Innocence" by Joss Whedon, and"Passion" by Ty King. These pivotal stories in the seriescover the episodes where Angel spends the night with Buffy, istransformed into Angelus, and brutally kills Jenny Calendar. As theback cover notes, there are stories chronicling Angel's darkerside. In fact, it never gets any darker than this, but it also setsup the fabulous of the series, the two-part "Becoming"episodes at the end of Season Two.

Holden does a nice job ofcapturing the emotional depth of the conflict within these stories.It is a thankless job to put into words those things that transcendwords, such as the emotional meltdown suffered by Giles and Buffyafter she rescues her Watcher from his gallant but doomed attack onAngelus. Holden never disappoints in her efforts, which carry over toher original stories as well (Read Holder's comments above to see howcommitted she is to getting things right). As novelizations of Buffyepisodes go, I have yet to read one better than this. One of the nicethings about this volume is that these particular episodes are thefirst three on the Buffy and Angel Chronicles video collection.Hopefully the other three episodes will be novelized in the fourthvolume of "The Angel Chronicles," although such sensiblesymmetry is probably too much to hope for on this side of theHellmouth. Until then, think about given Nancy Holder's non-Buffybooks a try as well. You have to support someone like this boys andgirls.

Rating:
Summary: If you missed season one, this will help you catch up
Review: The good news is that these three adaptations of Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes are written by Nancy Holder, who I think is clearly the best writer working on these novels. The bad news is that of the three episodes included in this trilogy-"Angel," "Reptile Boy," and "Lie to Me"-only the first is a pivotal (extremely pivotal) Angel episode from the television series that I consider to be the best on television today. Of course that is not really bad news since the main point of the various "Chronicle" books is to novelize the episodes for those of us who are ashamed to admit we came to Buffy the Vampire Slayer a little late and have not seen all of the episodes from the first season (for which we eagerly await the rumored first set of DVDs with the complete first season).

One of the nice things about these adaptations is that the prologue and chapters usually conform to the teaser and acts of the television episodes, albeit with an epilogue crafted from the last scene of the shower (e.g., Buffy kissing Angel at the Bronze while her crucifix sears his chest from the end of the "Angel" episode."). There is also a prologue and epilogue to the "Chronicles" themselves, attempting to frame the set of episodes into some sort of coherent whole, but that really does not happen with this particular set (unlike Volume III, which is the best in the series). This book gets four stars because only original Buffy novels can score a five, and only then if they are worthy (i.e., The Gatekeeper Trilogy.

Rating:
Summary: Stirs the Passions in all of us
Review: Nancy Holder weaves a seductive narrative around the novelization of three outstanding episodes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In Surprise, Buffy celebrates her birthday and her love for Angel amid the return of the evil Drusilla. In the second story, Innocence Buffy and Angel find that love changes everything. And finally in Passion, Buffy is heart broken as Angel explores the passions which lie in all of us. Some more deadly than others.

These tales of love, despair, and passion can't fail to touch the heart of any reader. It doesn't matter if you are a fan or not. This book stands on its own as an enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: this book really captures the pivotal point of the series. if you don't read any ohter buffy books, this has to be a must for all buffy fans. now if they would write one to complete the story on 'becoming 1 and 2', anne and dead man's party i would be in heaven. also after you read the book, why not buy or rent the videos.

Rating:
Summary: In the Beginning there was Angel
Review: A delightful novelization of three episodes of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Each story, 'Angel', 'Reptile Boy' and 'Lie to Me' is a step in the poetic romance between the slayer and the vampire.They fall in love. They try to kill each other.They try to have a normal relationship and they struggle with the results of his past deeds. Nancy Holden does a lovely job of connecting the stories. I recommend this to all who love danger and action with a good romance. Even if you have never watched the TV show you will enjoy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Awsome! Will there be more?
Review: I've really enjoyed the Angel Chronicles. And I really hope there will be a 4th one w/ epsodies including "I only have eyes for you" and the "Becoming 1 and 2". Although I enjoyed the 3rd chronicle I wish there'd be a 4th because your left w/ a blank as to what happens to Angel (I know but i'd like to be able to read it).

Rating:
Summary: Angel's Beginnings
Review: This was an excellent book which took a look at Angel's life when he met Buffy. It allows you to see into Angel's mind during the episodes Welcome to the Hellmouth, The Harvest and Angel so that you get some understanding of the beginnings of their relationship. An excellent book and a must read for any Buffy fan.

Rating:
Summary: If you missed the episodes this is the book to read
Review: I missed the entire first two seasons of Buffy and I read this book and it helps to explain a lot.Read it if you love the Angel character or missed the episodes.

Rating:
Summary: These are 3 wonderful books.....
Review: If you love Angel and Buffy, then you'll love these 3 books! I personally love Angel and I also love Buffy so I thought these books were awsome! I've read them over and over and I still read them over and over! So over all they're 5 stars! :)

Rating:
Summary: Have you seen the eps? Don't miss this book!
Review: As the other Angel-Chronicles, this one also is an addition to the television episodes. Some questions you might have had after seeing the episodes are definitely cleared up here. Nancy Holder sure has great insight in the Buffy-characters.

If it weren't for all the typo's, I would have given this book 5 stars!

<< 1 2 3 4 5 .. 9 >>