Chaos Bleeds

Rating:
Summary: Buffy dummies down
Review: I am not a cross-media fan. For instance, most comics do not translate well to film. So when I first noticed this book, I put off getting, then reading it. "Chaos Bleeds" is based on the computer game of like name. It is not familiar to me.
Buffy and the gang find themselves caught up in seemingly unending battles with vampires and zombies in Sunnydale. Tara is along for the ride; this takes place during Season 6. The action moves from one locale to another in seconds, disorienting to Buffy and Spike. Everything starts with the vampire Kakistos. Enter the Slayer Faith, and Ethan Rayne, who is caught up in the age-old battle between the Powers That Be and the First Evil.
Getting Faith out of prison is becoming old. If they must include her, authors should do some post-t.v. books. She is a better character than this "escape from prison" ploy would indicate.
The inclusion of Sid the Ventriloquist's Dummy was a nice addition. Not enough to make a good book, however.
I have the impression that the book is basically filler to connect events at the different game levels. Right or not, the book did not gel for me.
"'Got to remember never to say how easy things are going. I knew that rule, just forgot it.'"



Rating:
Summary: No Giles/Ethan? Shenanigans!
Review: After investigating the source of a severe vampire attack at the magic box, Buffy discovers some very strange occurrences. Such as Sid the dummy and Kakistos, the ancient vampire that killed Faith's first watcher, mysteriously coming back to life. Things get even worse when Ethan Rayne shows up. He's apparently run afoul of the First and has named Buffy, Faith, Spike, Willow, and Xander his protectors.

I usually don't read Buffy fiction but I couldn't pass this one up because I'm a huge Ethan Rayne fan. Alas, this book was disappointing to say the least. The bulk of the book is made up of very boring fight scenes that go on for far too long. What little plot the book contains is completely ridiculous and would severely mess with the continuity of season seven. The Ethan parts were pretty dissatisfying as well, especially since there was no Ethan/Giles interaction. A little humor would have gone a long way towards making this book tolerable but most of the jokes were just not funny. The only good thing I can say about this book is that everyone seemed to be in character to a certain degree. Still, avoid this one at all costs!

Rating:
Summary: Actually, it's supposed to be Season 5 of Buffy.
Review: And I say that as the author. It takes place in Season Five, just after the death of Buffy's mom. Spike wasn;t really tight with the scooby's at teh time and was still trying to deal with his own strong feelings for Buffy. Trust me, I'm a long time fan of the show and would not make an error like that.
That was an editorial error. And yes, actually, teh description of Spike as posted from the book is from Xander's perspective. Even at their closest and chummiest, they have never been friends. Not even in Seasons six or Seven. Also, I've read most of the books and own every episode of the show.

Having said all of that, sorry if you didn't like the book, it IS my first attempt at a Buffy novel, and if I am fortunate enough to get another.

I'm also a big fan of Spike (Though my wife is, understandably, a BIGGER fan.).

PS The three star review just reflects teh current average. They MADE me put in a star rating

Rating:
Summary: Kung Fu Cameo Curtain Call
Review: As a book, it makes a great video game. Er, that is, as a video game, it makes a boring book. I mean...

I went into this one with high expectations, which may be one of the reasons it didn't thrill me that much. James Moore is a pretty good author - his Under the Overtree is well worth reading - and he does well with the characters. But he's hampered with writing a video game, which is all but impossible even for characters as well-developed as these.

The real problem is this: the plot consists of nothing more than former plot retreads, the cast of characters merely returning cameos from the past. It's as if the entire point of the story is to squeeze in as many guest appearances from the entire history of the series as possible. Glory is nowhere in evidence, nor (strangely) is Dawn or Evil Angel, and the exclusion of Mayor Wilkins - especially with Faith thrown into the mix - is simply bizarre. Oz barely appears. But aside from the aforementioned characters, just about everyone from the Buffyverse manages to pop into what skeletal plot there is just long enough to say "hello" and "goodbye" again.

The plot - such as it is - consists of Buffy and Co. running around alternate hell-dimensions, combating The First Evil's selected army of past baddies. Eternal troublemaker Ethan Rayne made a bet with the First in order to escape his imprisonment by the Initiative, in which he staked the First's power against his own enslavement by the First: winner take all. Buffy and her friends constitute Ethan's chosen army, and a number of former Buffy villains comprise the opposition.

Everything you want in a Buffy story is there - action, wisecracks, a bit of clever intrigue - but there's simply too much of it. Action is on literally almost every page, with nothing more than a minimal passing nod to plot, and that passing nod doesn't happen until the novel is more than half over. You can skim over entire chapters and miss nothing at all by way of story.

Still, it is Buffy, and sometimes fun. Xander escapes an evil Anya by means of a very funny bunny trick; Faith gets another go-round with her vampire nemesis, Kakistos; Sid the ventriloquist-puppet demon-hunter is in on the act, and Ethan Rayne can't help but be entertaining even if he is utterly irredeemable.

Not bad for hardcore Buffy fans, but newbies will be lost from page one. And even hardcore Buffy fans could do better. If all you want is some Buffy kick-it action, though, you won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Not an insulting book at all.....
Review: As a HUGE fan of Buffy, I've read all of the books; ALL of them, Buffy, Angel, the Comic Books, Fray, the unauthorized readers from various publishers, etc. I found Chaos Bleeds to be, albeit not the best of the series, a good read. While the fight scenes were, at times, needlessly long and drawn out, the characters were written well, both in dialog and description. While the books states that it takes place during Season Six, the Author himself has stated that was an editorial mistake and the story actually takes place in Season 5, shortly after the death of Joyce and before Glory began her attack on the group in earnest. Based on the Video Game of the same name (aka Buffy 2:Chaos Bleeds) the story attempts to cram as many Buffy characters as possible into the pages. As I read this, I couldn't help but picture each scene as challenges in the game, rather than scenes from an episode. I'm sure the author had very little leeway in the plot or characters as a result of this.
As a fan, nothing makes me more upset when reading these books to come across continuity errors. There have been many times in both the Buffy and Angel series when a comment is made to refer to an episode in the series that contradicts when the story is actually supposed to take place. I cringe, and then I continue reading. For those who don't know, when the editors at Simon Pulse solicit a new story for the series, they have guidelines of when the stories can take place and what "status" the characters currently have. For example, last summer they were only taking new stories that took place in an "alternate Season Six" where Tara was dead and Anya was a Vengeance Demon. The latest Buffy/Angel crossover book, Seven Crows, followed these guidelines.
...

Rating:
Summary: Not an insulting book at all.....
Review: As a HUGE fan of Buffy, I've read all of the books; ALL of them, Buffy, Angel, the Comic Books, Fray, the unauthorized readers from various publishers, etc. I found Chaos Bleeds to be, albeit not the best of the series, a good read. While the fight scenes were, at times, needlessly long and drawn out, the characters were written well, both in dialog and description. While the books states that it takes place during Season Six, the Author himself has stated that was an editorial mistake and the story actually takes place in Season 5, shortly after the death of Joyce and before Glory began her attack on the group in earnest. Based on the Video Game of the same name (aka Buffy 2:Chaos Bleeds) the story attempts to cram as many Buffy characters as possible into the pages. As I read this, I couldn't help but picture each scene as challenges in the game, rather than scenes from an episode. I'm sure the author had very little leeway in the plot or characters as a result of this.
As a fan, nothing makes me more upset when reading these books to come across continuity errors. There have been many times in both the Buffy and Angel series when a comment is made to refer to an episode in the series that contradicts when the story is actually supposed to take place. I cringe, and then I continue reading. For those who don't know, when the editors at Simon Pulse solicit a new story for the series, they have guidelines of when the stories can take place and what "status" the characters currently have. For example, last summer they were only taking new stories that took place in an "alternate Season Six" where Tara was dead and Anya was a Vengeance Demon. The latest Buffy/Angel crossover book, Seven Crows, followed these guidelines.
...

Rating:
Summary: *A Truly Chaotic Book*
Review: Based on the second Buffy game, Chaos Bleeds is understandably an action type book. There's not much in the way of plot but the writer has attempted to cram this in. One of the main problems with Chaos Bleeds was the long fight scenes and action sequences that went on and on. Although I do like reading action books, this one failed mainly since the plot was not explored until more than halfway through the book. For those who like reading action, you'll probably enjoy this. For those that haven't played the game, you'll be lost.

The plot of Chaos Bleeds takes place in the sixth season, before OMWF and there's not much in the way characterization. When Ethan Rayne returns to Sunnydale, he explains that he's challenged the First into battle. Five of his champions (Buffy and the Scoobs) against the First's. Unfortunately, the First can pick his warriors from any time or dimensions. If Ethan wins the battle, he will be granted ultimate power. Buffy and the Gang are fighting for their lives in this battle, but if they win, how will they deal with a power mad Ethan?

ALthough this book is very much like a reunion for BtVS with the return of Faith, Sid, Kakistos and Ethan, there's disappointingly a lack of interaction between the characters.

Basically to say, Chaos Bleeds is a very chaotic book that just bleeds from one fight scene to another.

Rating:
Summary: Chaos Bleeds is an insult to BTVS (and Spike) fans
Review: Chaos Bleeds now resides in my circular file. I got as far as page 8, and dumped the book in disgust. Never again will I buy a "Buffy" book. This book is more than just a waste of money; if you are a fan of Buffy, and particularly, of Spike, its an insult to your intelligence and fan loyalty.
Here's why:

"...Xander nodded as the local vampiric mascot of the Maagic Box, William the Bloody, better known to his friends and enemies alike as Spike, came up into the main store from the basement. His sharp-featured face was set in a carefully neutral expression. Spike was a vicious murderer and supernaturally strong. That he was also a vampire didn't even begin to make his presence easier to accept. His only saving grace was that he was now a "neutered" vampire. Not all that long ago, a group called The Initiative had caught the bloodsucker and put a chip in his skull that made it almost
impossible for Spike to actually attack a living person. All he had to do was take a violent action toward any human being andhe would get a nice, crippling migraine. Xander Harris had been on the receiving end of a few Spike attacks in his day, and he had also dealt with the people he cared for being kidnapped and grievously injured by the blond-haired, punked out creep...." (P. 8).

The foregoing was enough to make me, a loyal fan and watcher of both BVTS and Angel, and a big fan of Spike, want to puke.

This book (according to the front cover) takes place during Season 6 of Buffy. Obviously, its not the same universe shown onscreen. The Spike described in this book is NOT the character that many of us have grown to care deeply about. Its a total distortion of Spike's character, and -- since the book is in no way presented as an "alternative universe" story, a
fraud. And an insult to us, the fans.

The real (not revisionist)history is this: In Season 4, Spike realized that he was in love with Buffy.

In Season 5, Spike began, with great effort, changing his behavior to win her love. Buffy relied upon him to protect her mother and her little sister, when they were threatened by the hell-god Glory, who was searching for her "Key". Of course, the "Key" was Dawn. Spike did so, even to the extent of allowing himself to be tortured almost to death rather than reveal to Glory that Dawn was the Key. He fought at the side of Buffy and her friends and helped them escape from Glory, and from the Knights of Byzantium. Just before the final battle against Glory was to begin, Buffy told Spike that "we're not all going to make it," and Spike said "I always knew I'd go down fighting." Buffy told Spike she was counting on him to
protect Dawn; his response: "To the end of the world, even if that is tonight." And he tried his best, risking his life to save Dawn. When he failed, and saw Buffy lying on the ground dead, he crumpled to the ground and cried in agony.

In the first two episodes of Season 6, we learned that Spike has fought with the "Scooby gang" during the 147 days that Buffy has been dead and has served as Dawn's primary protector. When Willow is able to bring Buffy back to life with a spell, he becomes her primary confidante, friend and supporter. He
continues to be deeply in love with her and she begins to, reluctantly, reciprocate. The middle of season 6 brings a musical episode, which ends with Spike saving her life once again (while everyone else looks on and does nothing) and ends with a passionate kiss.

Of course, we now know that a great deal more happened in the second half of Season 6. Spike and Buffy had a torrid love affair (with much mental and physical abuse of Spike by Buffy), culminating in a disastrous 10 second confrontation that may or may not have been an attempted rape of Buffy by
Spike, who was so used to acquiescing to Buffy's taste for sexual violence and dominance games that he didn't realize (for all of 10 seconds) that this one time, "no, don't" really mean't "no, don't." Nevertheless, Spike was so traumatized by what he had done, that he went on a quest to regain his
soul, and did so in the last episode of the season. And of course, we now know that in the seventh and final season, Spike returns to Sunnydale, driven to madness by guilt for the crimes he committed as a vampire and tormented by the First Evil. Buffy, learning that he now has his soul back, rescues him from the school basement and he becomes her strongest ally in
the fight against the threat posed by the First Evil, and she begins to return his love. In the last episode of the season and (and of the series itself), Spike dies heroically, saving the world from destruction by the First Evil.

Certainly, neither the writers nor the publishers of this book knew what would happen in the remainder of Season 6 (its unclear when in this season the story in this book supposedly occurs) nor what would occur in Season 7.

But this book was released in July, 2003 -- after Season 7 was completed and represents itself as occurring at some point during Season 6. It is a despicable act to release this distortion. I am so angry that I will never again buy another one of these books, and I am widely circulating this
report so that others will do likewise. Why should we, the fans, spend money on distortions that seriously misrepresent the characters that we have grown to care so much about? Why should we continue to pay the publishers and "owners" of these characters) to disrespect us? If they want to publish Buffy fiction, there are hundreds of them on the net. And the skills and talents of many of the fanfiction writers far exceed those of most of your writers. Perhaps the publishers need to learn from them. I certainly have.

Rating:
Summary: "I Can Feel This Place Unravelling..."
Review: Forms of entertainment are a funny things these days: first there was literature, and then movies that were either original, or based upon the earlier books. Now it's common to go to the movie theatre in order to watch a movie based on a theme-park ride ("Pirates of the Carribean") or a computer game ("Lara Croft"), or read a book based on a television series (titles from the "Charmed" series). "Chaos Bleeds" is another bizarre first: a book based on a video game based on a highly popular television series.

Even if the words "based on the video game" wasn't stamped on the cover of this Buffy the Vampire Slayer novelisation, I suspect that most shrewd readers would guess that this was not your average "Buffy" book, given the sheer amount of action and fighting that takes place in it. In fact the lack of character interaction, the simplistic "find-the-body-part" narrative and the sense of surrealism that the other dimensions create adds to the atmosphere of the hack-and-slash world of video games.

Buffy and the Scooby Gang are drawn into a massive arena of fighting when an old nemesis Ethan Rayne re-appears in Sunnydale and breaks to them some rather appalling news: he has made a deal with the entity known as the First Evil in a bid for power. The deal is that the two adversaries will choose five champions and pit them against each other. Ethan has chosen Buffy, Spike, Willow, Faith and (in the absence of Oz) Xander, who must fetch the five body parts of Cassandra Rayne, Ethan's ancestress who holds the key to destroying the First. But the First has his own champions, and has bent the rules a bit by selecting them from other dimensions, which means that previously defeated foes are now back in action: Kakistos, Adam, Anyanka, Drusilla and more. A little help comes from the wooden-dummy Sid, who apparently didn't get heaven-sent after killing the last demon in Season One's episode "The Puppet Show", and instead shows up to inform the Slayer about Hope's Dagger, the only weapon that can defeat the First.

It is an interesting concept, and a good way to reintroduce popular characters that no longer have a place on the television show (I'm just sorry they didn't include more - what about Angelus? Darla? The Mayor? Snyder?), but it's perfectly obvious that its true format belongs on the Playstation/X-Box/Nintendo/whatever console. Page upon page is packed full of characters fighting: kicking, punching, stabbing, running, elbowing, shooting, head-butting...and needless to say reading action sequences are utterly boring compared to watching them on the T.V. (or in this case *controlling* them on the T.V.).

Furthermore, "Chaos Bleeds" does some serious damage to the continuity of the show: it's set in Season Six (ie, Joyce is dead, Tara's still alive, Spike's chipped), and is seemingly unaware that Buffy goes up against the First once more in Season Seven, where she certainly makes no mention on the show of this particular run-in with the First, nor her triumph over It. Neither does it try to explain how Faith gets back into prison or what actually happens to Ethan (easily one of the show's most popular villians) after all this occurs.

Which is a shame, since James A. Moore is otherwise so careful throughout the book not to contradict anything that has previously happened on the show, which is to the book's detriment. He almost seems afraid to gives us any new information on the characters that could have churned up my interest in the book's progression - for instance, he often mentions Faith's first Watcher (all we know about her from the show was that she was female and died messily at the hands of Kakistos), yet he doesn't take the opportunity to tell us anything more about her - not even her name! I've always found this to be an untouched mystery well-worth exploring, but Moore seemed reluctant to give us anything on the character's backgrounds that hadn't already been mentioned on the show (and was therefore already known to 99% of the readers).

Maybe I'm being a bit harsh in my assessment - for all I know Moore was drafted into writing this novelisation, but the fact remains that it is a somewhat confusing and irrelevant addition to the stock of Buffy-inspired books.

Rating:
Summary: Come on, give Mr Moore some credit!
Review: I have no idea why everyone is saying the book is bad because it's made up of fighting. It's based on a video game, and if an author is writing a novel based on something, he has to stand true to it. 'Chaos Bleeds' the video game, is a fight heavy game, and the fight scenes, even though there are many of them, are handled well, and are not as dull as you would imagine.
James Moore shows great understanding of the Buffy characters, and show, and wrote each characters perspective very well. With some very funny and Memorable lines.
A very entertaining book.