Books 1-4 (Bill The Vampire - The Mourning Woods

These books were fast paced, funny and enjoyable. Not your regular vampire books, thank you very much. Very well written. Thank you, Rick, for providing and great series of books that I will continue to read.

One of the best series that I have read in a long time. Bill is one smart ass of a character and at the same time just an ordinary guy that has gotten himself into an unordinary situation. The series keep you rooting for the underdog and that is exactly what Bill is. Koodos all around.

At first I was so thrilled and thought I'd found a new favorite author.

I haven't. While Bill is an intelligent smart-ass like I love in a protagonist, these books have an awfully misogynistic view on women. The women in Rick's books are either hot or not and either bimbos or back-stabbing bitches. I really wanted to like these, but every time I see the way he's written the women, I cringe.

Real women don't back-stab each other and aren't catty to each other whenever given the chance. We aren't all bimbos, bitches, or hags.

Ah, well.

Meet Bill.
Bill is an early twenty-something game designer who lives with his two buddies.
It all starts out predictably enough, with the familiar "Way-too-hot-girl-feigns-interest-in-dweeby-guy-and-next-thing-you-know-holy-cow-she's-a-vampire!" trope.

Fair enough! I've read any number of fun stories that start out exactly like this.
Bill narrowly escapes complete death but wakes up - a vampire.
Again. Familiar and maybe a little jejune, but so what? Standard stuff, right?

And so it is - until you get to know Bill.

Bill, the titular "hero", is the most unrelievedly frustrating character I have ever read.
He is unfailingly immature, passes up no opportunity to make inappropriate/sexist/dangerous comments with no regard to circumstances that often threaten his life or the lives of others.
He is singularly inept at literally everything he does, with the possible exception of writing game code.
Every other character - and I mean EVERY other character - is better at simple existence than Bill is.

Now don't get me wrong.
I have read (and loved) characters that are "boys in a man's body", or "lovable, bumblers" or "blissfully unaware" types.
But where they are clever, or humorous or even endearing, Bill is relentlessly...stupid.
Not in a way that advances the plot, or obscures a hidden genius or a heart of gold.
He's just an idiot.

He, literally, MISSES NO OPPORTUNITY to make a sexist and juvenile comment that a 5th grader would be ashamed of.
Or to be ridiculously and utterly needlessly insubordinate to some powerful or dangerous character.
Again - this is not in service to the plot, or to display boyish charm or misguided bravado. Oh no.
In fact, it is habit is so tiresomely consistent that it resembles a sort of Tourette's Syndrome of stupidity.

Literally every character in these stories is more urbane, intelligent, competent and likable than Bill. Even the craziest and most violent of his enemies is a welcome relief.

I have read several "volumes" of this series in the hopes that somewhere along the line Bill develops some characteristic that makes him the least bit sympathetic, but no dice.

Bottom line: Bloody awful.

This one got 4 stars due to some minor editing issues that required doubling back in some places.

Having said that I felt this had am excellent cat of characters that made the read fast more enjoyable because of the comedic/male communications methods, and the odd things that are brought out about a well developed, at least to me it was, world with an interesting view of the world.

Recommend this to any fan of humor, vampires, urban fantasy, and simple escapism.

Great New take on modern vampire,likable/hateful real character's BUT I thought for 6.99 I bought the first and the next 3 right after I finish ed 1st one , but it turns out I cant open the other 3 books, so now all I have done is pay triple to read the first book, its a shame I really liked Bill , and the author has many more books out but I will not waste my money again,

Trigger warning. Cute story but the author repeatedly uses the r word as an insult. I bought this book for my son, and he enjoyed the story but the repeated use of the r work by the author is insensitive to people with cognitive impairments, and frankly lazy. I can thinks of at least 10 words that could be substituted in.

A really funny "relatable" vampire story. So far, I finished the 2nd of 4 books. Each time I pick this up, I'm a little sad that I'm getting closer to then end, but at the same time I cannot put this book down. Awesome!!!

I listened to the audio book and read along. Let me tell you, this series had me laughing out loud. It's amazing. It's unexpected, intriguing, intense, and hilarious. Bill and Sally are great comedy.

Pros: Clever premise, decent plotting, the occasional surprise twist. How does a guy learn how to be a vampire if he doesn't have a mentor?
Cons: The author writes in the voice of an immature, sex-obsessed man-boy, which quickly started to grate on me. I've started Book 4 and the protagonist (I can't call him a hero) shows no signs of maturing as he learns about the vampire world. I think I'll call it quits if I finish Book 4.

Far too misogynistic, homophobic, and juvenile for me. Some funny moments, but I just couldn't get past how sexist the whole thing was and how smart the main character thinks he is vs. how insanely stupid he actually is. I stopped reading after the second book.

An interesting plot concept, but reading the same ancillary things over and over again gets dreary. For example:
- the main character's fascination with cleavage and reduction of nearly all women to sex objects
- the constant (and I mean constant) calling the main female character a bitch (I didn't count, but dozens of times per book, at least)
- the utter lack of character development...all shallow, all the time

The author is advertised as using 'snarky' dialogue, but it just comes off as juvenile and sexist.

In the 2nd book, the author couldn't decide if one of the main side characters (a 300 year old vampire locked-in as a physical 12 year old) should act like a 300 year old (knowledge, wisdom, etc.) or a 12 year old (fascinated by cartoons, etc.)

So, bottom line: The books are ok...started struggling to make it through the second, now in the third, we'll see if it improves. I'm reading them via Kindle Unlimited. If I'd bought the first book, I wouldn't have bought the others.

If you're a fan of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles or the early years of the Dresden files, you should enjoy this character. I enjoy Bill's wit and the humor that goes on between him and his peers. The humor of the book is on par with the Atticus and Oberon dynamic of the Iron Druid books. The author's take on the "underworld" is original and refreshing. My one major complaint is that through four books, Bill has shown no real growth. He only escapes his perils through the assistance of his peers or through sheer luck. Combine that with how clueless he's made out to be at times and the total incompetence he displays at others, and it doesn't just make for a flawed character, it makes for one that you start to root against. The other characters in the book seem to carry him. Contrary to my opinion of Bill, the books are very entertaining. I just sincerely hope that the author sees fit to bring Bill up to the level of the other characters soon.

Yeah, I am bulk reviewing the rest of the first half of this series (books 2-4). See my review of Book 1 on its page.

My hopes were pretty much dashed, as the author hasn't really done much more character developement in the next three books in the series. This genre is an easy genre to develop characters- you set the lengths of lives in a vampire novel in ways that are impossible in other books. I should know way more than the shallow details I have about the main character, his right hand partner in the coven, his roommates, his love interest, and his roommate's love interest. Instead, they feel so unimportant to me. By the third book in a series, I should absolutely love or loathe SOMEONE....anyone. I feel really "Meh" about this group.

Stop trying to sell me the idea that Bill is a good guy. Good guys don't think the way he does.

SPOILERS- Who is so devoted to their crush that they haven't been seeking a relationship-even a casual one, but is constantly thinking misogynistic thoughts about the women he comes in contact with? I understand noticing them, but I am so sick of Bill internal monologues being interrupted that way. The author is trying to hard to make Bill "good" without really writing him that way. He doesn't feel passionate about fighting for himself or loved ones, he constantly thinks about running away or such....and yes, a protaganist can be conflicted, but that isn't how Bill comes off. He comes of as a geeky, "friend-zoned"(eyeroll), 'nice guy' stereotype that we've all seen online....all he is missing is the fedora and using "M'Lady" in his speech. (And sharing his misogyny out loud).
Sally is a one dimensional money-grubbing, slutty-dressing c*cktease (in the protagonists mind, at least)....We have no true back story at book FOUR!!! For a vampire.

Other things that bothered me:

- For a smart guy, Bill does absolutely NOTHING from day one to learn or practice his skills, normal vamp or Freewill inclusive. It's mentioned more than once that one of the bennies of being the Freewill is needing less sleep....so he has the time (between the 'adventures').

- The Coven is supposed to be organized and well run under Sally, under the ruse of Bill's leadership...yet Sally doesn't have him even put up the illusion of being leadership- i.e. He should be in contact with Boston and the First Coven, even if only for show. He should also have to dress/act the part in front of the vamps he supposedly rules over, even if just for show. There should be no need to steal cars with the Covens supposed resources.

-In this situation, you'd expect a vampire leader to up his personal security- especially if living with two humans he cares about, no?

- With his (& his roommates) skills, why wouldn't Bill be 'keeping an eye', virtually speaking, on Boston since he distrusts Colin?

There are so many lost opportunities in this series...it could have been great, but it just falls flat. I gave it four books...I'm not going to read any more. And that's a huge deal for me, I usually hang in to the very end -hoping beyond hope it'll get better.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!! Oh my god. It feels like a perfect representation of what a guy I went to college with (in the computer science department) would be like if turned into a vampire. This series had me from the moment it made references to a show I watched religiously with my father as a little kid - a show with a catchphrase of, "Let's get dangerous." Bill gets turned into a vampire against his will but fights back when he's almost immediately put down. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. His best friends know about his severe allergy to the sunlight and love him anyway... If love is the right term for wanting to see just how much pain and damage he can take in the name of "research." You end up with a cast of characters involving his (human) roommates, nerdy as can be, a superficial new family from the vampire coven that turned him, a couple of scheming vamps trying to keep him alive, covens of witches who want him dead (they stole the term 'coven' from the vampires, sneaky witches), and a love interest that Bill, like many nerds, is too afraid to ask out but kind of acts like a stalker towards with how much he knows about her life. Plus, other supernatural beings get brought into the mix. Just not werewolves. Clearly, those could never exist.

I normally shy away from books with male lead characters, because it's harder for me to get into the story. The snark in the story more than makes up for that. The nerdy references, too - but if you're not a major nerd, there aren't so many that it'll ruin the story for you. It's not a crutch. This compilation also includes a couple of short stories and character interviews after finishing book 4, for those that are into that kind of thing. I'm extremely happy I finally read this after it being on my TBR list for waaaay too long. It's a fun read, and I highly recommend it to others.

I just finished the first four books of the Tome Of Bill series. What a wild ride it is, the main character Bill suddenly wakes up to find himself a Vampire, but not just a run of the mill vampire. He's a Freewill which means he cannot be compelled by any other Vampires even ones that are extremely old and powerful. He is also a nerd, lives in Brooklyn with two roommates that are his best friends. Ed is a stoic, unemotional person who finds out first that Bill is now a vampire, to which he asks something like " so now you're a Vampire?" After almost setting Bill on fire when he opens the blinds to wake him up. Tom is a serous collector of action figures and the like and thinks it's cool that Bill is now a vampire. Then there is Sally a beautiful vampire who is responsible for the "turning" of Bill, she bought him to the party. This is one of the funniest series I have ever read, laugh out loud at the antics and scenarios that Bill and company get into. Then there is all the cursing and one liners that all the characters have in common. It's just great and reminds me of another Great and Hilarious author, Mark Tufo. The stories are exciting,hilarious and are never boring, what a great imagination Rick Gualtieri has. And you know just by his writing that he must be such a hilarious person in real life to be able to write the way he does. Like Mark Tufo's Mike Talbot, I hope Rick Gualtieri keeps writing as many books about Bill and friends as he can, you will agree once you've finished even one of The Tomes of Bill.

I have to agree with the other reviews that the main character is the worst part of this series. Bill the vampire is a dull man-child that NEVER grows as a character through out the four book series. If your into a 20's something guy who never out grew his high school immaturity then this is the book for you. The series starts by trying to make him out to be this nerdy/geek guy, he's not, he's just an idiot. It was entertaining at first but when you realized what an idiot he is and he never learns or grows, you start hoping for his death. His supporting cast of characters are way more entertaining and they grow into fuller characters as the books continue. I did like the books because of the supporting characters and will read the rest just for them. Kill off Bill and let the others take the story over!

This series rocks. I like most sci-fi, urban fantasy, and chick-lit light and generally favor female authors just to support their cause and while the Tome of Bill series is a break from my normal reading, I’ve read them **ALL** because I just couldn't put them down. If you are a gamer and into D&D, Rick Gualtieri gets you and you will find the books amazingly well written and funny. It is written from a 20-something, "fluffy" geek's perspective after he wakes up "dead", and includes the wacko adventures of his regular weekend D&D group, his roommates, the girl of his dreams and the girl from his nightmares, other more scary vampires, witches, Templars, Big Foot and rock creatures. There's religion, a horny guy with a moral compass, politics and commentary on absolute power corrupting absolutely. Nothing is off limits. As a woman reader, I don't like the (b-word) which Rick Gualtieri used liberally throughout the books, but, I guess that word, along with female parts are in the thought bubble over every guy's head about every 20 seconds, so, it's not out of place. The books are well edited and it's clear from his writing that his mamma raised him to respect mothers, wives and daughters. (Read them and tell me I am off base here.) These books are easy to read and are fast paced. I am anxiously waiting for the conclusion (Book 8?) and (more please).

I absolutely LOVED this series, and raved about it till my husband read it, and our friends started reading it. The Tome of Bill series is hysterically funny. Full of pop culture references, full on nerdiness/geekiness, Bill and his room mates could be your neighbors down the hall, or in extreme cases, you best friends. I totally laughed out loud at some places in the books.

This series is not going to be for everyone. But for those it IS FOR, you are not going to regret picking this up and reading them all.

It's not the worst thing I've read; the typos aren't terrible and the overall flow works. With that being said, Bill is a pathetic moron. I get that he's the "nerdy, D&D, pines over a girl for years but can't say hi without vomiting in his mouth" type of character but he never grows to be more than that. In three and a half books he hasn't taken a single page to improve anything about himself. How am I supposed to like a main character who is so gloriously stupid?

As for the complaints of homophobia, misogyny, excessive cursing, etc.... Grow up. People cuss. Guys think about boobs. People think mean things about each other. Get over it.

You will enjoy this series if you like funny vamp stories & are not a prude! I almost stopped reading during the first chapter because I am a prude. However, I have a “give it at least five chapters” rule. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this series! I appreciate the growth of the characters & the crazy storylines!

One of the worst characters ever! Bill has the emotional maturity of a 15 year old teenager. I really tried liking the book, but half way through, but could not stand him and longer. Save your money and time. If you like comedy vampire urban fantasy, try Fred the vampire accountant instead.

I wanted to like this series, but I find the main character to be unlikable. The writing is ok, it's just not anything I care for, and I'm tired of seeing so many Tome of Bill recommendations flooding Kindle store feed. Just because I've read something, doesn't mean want to read more of it.
I'm hoping this review will help get rid of them.

I had been seeing these books being advertised on my feed, and decided to give them a shot. Great call on my part! Funny, witty and nerdy! All my favorites in one place.
Bill and Sally have great chemistry, the world of vampires is well thought out, and the epic scope of the series makes it well worth getting.
Will be buying the rest.

I was shocked, but I loved it! I really didn't think I would but I picked up this volume due to recommendations from a friend. I thought, damn, another vampire series. Really? But the hilarious banter of Bill is refreshing. Maybe it's because he works as a programmer by "day" or maybe its because he's just bat-shit crazy or, more than likely, its because there is an open valve from attitude to mouth with no filter in between. Bill is the D&D playing, video game junky, haphazardly powerful, nerdy vampire that we all wish we were. LOL

I came across this series while searching for a favorite author of mine, Christopher Moore. If you like his books, you'll like this author as well. Satirical fiction at its best. Rich with dark humor, relatable characters, and intriguing storylines.

What happens when your typical sarcastic, D&D playing computer programmer gets turned into a vampire. This, this is what happens. Clever characters with a complex overarching plot, full of nerd humor. A good read.

Bill is awesome, Sally is a B***H, Ed is an wiseass, and Tom is well Tom. These are some of my favorite books in recent years. I would LOVE to see this made into a television show. It is hilarious, serious, bloody, and very engrossing. Can't wait to read the next 3 books and the other side stories. Oh and whatever you do don't make Gan upset!!

At first i found bill amusing in high school class clown kinda way. But after the first 2 books he becomes just plain annoying. He uses the sane jokes, makes the same mistakes... He's supposed to be an intelligent guy but he cones across as being as bright as your average burn out.

Actually take "grandmas boy", mix in the cast of "half baked" and add a splash of vampires (thankfully not sparkly teenaged ones) and you have this book.

Very much in the vein of Buffy, but with more cursing. Try to imagine if Drew Carry had been turned into a vampire and how his team of friends would have handled it (with more cursing). Very enjoyable, but did I mention there was a great deal of cursing?

With my hectic schedule I tend to pick up books through audible more often than not. I picked this up because of the reader. It was multiple books in one audible purchase which was a plus, but the reader really gets you into the story which is different than every other vampire story out there. I would have happily bought each of the books separately after the first book and I have for all the rest of the books after this tome.

The writing is good, but I hope that the "hero" develops competence in future releases. Having the hero stumble through situations using low wattage IQ constantly gets old. I have hope that the author will have the hero "grow a pair" in future books. :-)

Ok, I have not laughed out loud while reading a book since the first few Stephanie Plum books! Move over Janet Evanovich, hello Rick Gaultieri! I can't get enough of these characters! I am an avid reader and read 1-2 books of fiction every week. I accidentally stumbled onto this series and it has quickly become one of my favorites! Thanks so much!

I had a blast reading these. I found it pretty easy to identify with Bill and Rick Gualtieri's writing style is hilarious. Bill strikes me as a pretty stereotypical nerd type, who's easily distracted even in the midst of narration. Definitely recommended

I wanted to like this book. The whole idea of someone becoming a vampire when they don't fit the archetype and just mucking their way through it is one of my favorite plotlines, and when the main character is a colossal geek, that's even better. But, try as I might, I just can't bring myself to like Bill.

The guy is so painfully self-unaware it hurts. Sure, he knows that he's chubby and a nerd, but on another level he's completely oblivious - branding other men as "douchebags" before doing things like seriously commenting that it would be acceptable to kill fat women (but not thin, pretty ones) for food, and wishing for an opportunity to rape his potential love interest. I stuck the book out for a few more chapters than I wanted to see if he'd ever get over this particular problem, but it never seems to happen.

It's a shame, too. The book has some decent ideas, and even funny jokes, but it just falls apart in the wake of its main character's egocentricism.

This series kicks total ash! Easily on par with Mark Tufo in comedy quality and sarcasm as well as action that will not quit. I don't leave good reviews for mediocre reads. This is a great set and I devoured them one after the other. You can't wrong, especially with that price. Lets face it, Optimus Prime has never had a better use. - Nuff said.

This is an amazing series! The author writes in such a way that you feel you are in the story. This is how I imagine things would go with my friends and family if I ever became a vampire. Awesome books!!!

I have to admit I was not expecting much when I picked up the first book in this series and I was very pleasantly surprised. I am no scholar nor a member of the grammar police so I am not judging this series in that regard.

If you like Harry Dresden, Atticus O'Sullivan or others in the urban fantasy genre then you MUST buy these books and follow this author. In my opinion these books are as good as anything out there, better then most.

The author tells a great story with fun characters and hysterical interactions and I cannot recommend it more.

Very entertaining, I like the interaction between the characters. Unlike the tons of (phony) PC characters Bill and his buddies talk to each other like real guys talk to each other. I would like to see the main character learn to take care of himself but I am only on book 3, so far so good.

Tried on a whim and the main character comes across as funny,sarcastic and a genuine smart a** who was at the wrong place at the wrong time and now his life is upside down yet he manages to keep all those traits and holds on to his humanity as much as the undead can.