Monday, October 15, 2012

Review: The Super Spud Trilogy by Michael Diack

The Super Spud Trilogy
By Michael Diack
Publisher:
Pen Press

* A copy was provided by the author for review.

To Sum It Up: Thanks to genetic engineering, the world’s most amazing potato, the Super Spud, has been created. Not only do Super Spuds make incredible tasting potato chips, or crisps, but they magically come to life if they remain uneaten once their use-by date is up. The lives of the Super Spuds are very much like those of humans. These extraordinary snacks form their own cities, have their own culture, and occasionally have to do battle with their evil twins. But Super Spuds must always remember one thing when going about the business of their daily lives: being spotted by humans means instant death.

Review: Without a doubt, The Super Spud Trilogy is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. Potato chips (or crisps, as they’re called in the UK and in the novel) that are secretly leading their starchy lives, unbeknownst to humans? I just had to read this.

A book hasn’t made me laugh this much in a while. I just loved the humor in this book; it’s exactly my type—quirky and entirely tongue-in-cheek. I also love pop culture references, and The Super Spud Trilogy is teeming with them. From Star Wars to Batman, there’s a Super Spud counterpart to practically any film or TV character you can think of. Since I happen to be a big Star Wars geek, I had a good chuckle when some Super Spuds named Leyla, Luke, and Chewy turned up, along with their enemies, Anna and Kin. There’s also an epic speech in which Super Spud G-James mentions the title of nearly every James Bond film. Yes, the jokes can be a bit obvious at times, but I didn’t mind. In fact, as I read, I was eager to see which pop culture figure would show up next.

Just like ordinary potato chips, Super Spuds come in an assortment of flavors, although they’re probably not the ones that are familiar to us (Steak and spinach, anyone? How about a nice tuna flavor instead?) Each flavor corresponds to a particular Super Spud personality. My favorite flavor was steak and spinach (That would be my favorite Super Spud flavor in the book, not the flavor that I’d actually like to try. Steak and spinach does not sound like a palatable combination to me at all.). These Super Spuds are renowned for their strength and courage and are usually military generals. There’s no end to their valor, and they’re highly competitive with each other when it comes to saving their fellow Super Spuds. It’s hilarious watching them try to outdo each other with their acts of heroism.

Since Super Spuds are still only potato chips, after all, their fragile constitution means that the Super Spud mortality rate is fairly high. War sometimes breaks out between Super Spuds, too, adding even more names to the list of casualties that is found at the end of the book. There are a lot of characters in The Super Spud Trilogy, and you don’t get the chance to become attached to many of them because before you know it, they’ve met an untimely death. I wish that I’d been able to read more about a few of the Super Spuds before their demise, but that’s the way their world works. When you’re a Super Spud, you never know when a bird will swoop in and munch on you.

From time to time I like reading a book that is completely different from the genres that I usually read, and The Super Spud Trilogy fit the bill perfectly. It’s such a fun read from beginning to end, and there’s no shortage of imagination. This book is guaranteed to make you smile, and sometimes we all need a read like that.

All in All: The Super Spud Trilogy is a very original book that features numerous laugh-out-loud moments. If you’re in the mood for something light and comical, then try reading about the Super Spuds’ exciting adventures.

Check out the blog tomorrow for my interview with author Michael Diack!

4 comments:

  1. LOL this book sounds so ridiculous but funny. Where ever did you find this?!

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    1. I was contacted by the author for a review. And it is one laugh-filled read!

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  2. Lol that books sounds so strange and interesting at the same time! I may have to check this book out, I'm sure my kids would love it! You have a new follower! I'm having a giveaway over at my blog and would love for you to enter! Here's the link if you'd like to pay me a visit:

    MaMa's Book Corner Giveaway

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    1. I think this is a book that you can all read and enjoy together. Thanks for following!

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