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R**L
A Djinn as tonic (for a world set on self-destruction)
Tom Holt once again endeavors to turn a literary tradition and a mythic system upside down and inside out, in order to take the reader on a wild ride and suggest the general folly of nuclear arms, romantic stereotypes, and self-destructive tendencies in all forms. In DJINN RUMMY, the literary tradition and mythic system is taken from The Arabian Nights (as told to Hollywood), with a Force 12 genie called "Kiss" stuck with the task of saving an ungrateful world while stumbling through the minefield of mortal romance. Though not, perhaps, among Holt's best works, DJINN RUMMY is still a worthy and entertaining afternoon's read.
T**S
Highly imaginative and witty comic fantasy
In Djinn Rummy, British comic fantasy writer Tom Holt takes the old "Genie in the Lamp" premise (or in this case it's an aspirin bottle), recasts it in the present day and has a lot of fun turning it to his own far fetched ends.Their are some fairly remarkable plot twists involving druids, giant carnivorous plants, plagues, Iraqi fishermen, electronically controlled magic carpets, wimpy shop assistants and Cupid that keep the plot moving along at a breakneck pace.There isn't a whole lot of logic to the plot mind, in fact it's debatable if it's even that important. The book depends on Holt's ability to create interesting characters and his witty descriptions of the predicaments that they find themselves in.There is the likable anti-hero Kiss, the love-struck genie with the acid tongue who finds himself in the inconvenient position of having the fate of mankind resting on his shoulders. Then there is the psychotically evil Philly Nine, who loves nothing better than to wipe out all humankind when he's not pursuing the favourite genie pastime of acquiring wealth beyond the dreams of avarice. The human characters are less interesting; this book is all about the genies.If you like Terry Pratchett or Robert Rankin, you'll probably be fairly well disposed towards this book. It does not operate in a purely fantasy environment like Pratchett's Discworld, and it is not nearly as anarchic or off the wall as Rankin's work but it has its moments of inspired lunacy. While it isn't necessarily laugh-out-loud hilarious all the time, it is quite clever, never boring and an enjoyable read throughout.
J**N
Second reading as good as the first.
I first read the book about twenty years ago and decided to read it again. And enjoyed it just as much.
R**A
Quite entertaining, although not the best from the author
Not the best from Tom Holt, but nevertheless quite entertaining. An enjoyable read for any fan of the genre.
B**Y
Worst Tom Holt I've read.
Worst Tom Holt I've read. Love the author but this one is disjointed and just quite random without that gorgeous flow the books normally have.
J**E
Five Stars
Tom Holt as always brilliantly funny
C**H
Well done Tom
I love Tom Holt! He really can't write a bad book! READ IT!Then read it again!!!! I can't get enough of him x
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