Save the day is a book about furry super heroes and about a couple in particular. I really enjoyed this book. It was gripping and I couldn't wait to see that happened in the ensuing chapters. DJ Fahl writes with a passion and it really shows that superheroes is a topic that he really enjoys writing about. The only thing that may turn off some readers is the fact it's written in present tense. I have to admit I found it a little bit, towards the second or third chapter, before I was used to the writing style. But that may just be my own failings. It's, without a doubt, one of the best books I've read in a long time.
- Brian Williams

 

 

My partner bought this book a year ago, and I just got around to read it. So cover to cover took 4.6 hours. Which is about my normal reading speed. However, I will say that I completely enjoyed the book. Strong Points: - Strong Character Distinctions: There is a never a point where I am struggling to identify which character is speaking and to whom they are addressing. This is particularly difficult when there are a large collection of characters speaking (there are several of these occasions throughout the novel). - Strong Thematic Modulations: To explain this concept simply, "Plot is the mannequin - your story are the clothing." Although this is a very standard plot (the evolution of a difficult relationship) the customization, twists, and unique elements of this novel make that mannequin interesting, deep, and most importantly authentic. - Suspension of Disbelief: In fantasy, superhero, and urban fantasy sub-genres there is an inherent difficulty in balancing what is plausible and what is not within a single world. D.J. Fahl has gone to great lengths to balance these elements of a "Super" world. The novel addresses the political, social, economic, and military issues that arise in a "Super" world. Although those elements are not dominant in the novel they are in fact part of the overarching tension of the narrative. - Cliche Work Arounds: Dangers in "Super" worlds tend to revolve around the binary nature of Superhero vs. SuperVillain. It is refreshing to encounter a novel that not only allows for characters to die - but allows evil to win. Additionally character morality is not black or white, again a great sigh of relief. Additionally the gay characters are not walking stereotypes. Instead they actually have depth, balance, lives, and most importantly character flaws. I will not say there are not several "stock" background characters - they happen in novels - what I am saying is that they are balanced with "real" characters. Character origin stories are not a belabored plot element, which again is refreshing as it allows the story to move and continue to develop. - Narrative Structure: First person narration can be very tedious. This is a failure of a first person attached viewpoint. The author here has used a shifting attachment point to create interest in the story as well as a way to colour the situation. This ties back to the review commentary of the character distinctions. The transitions, which do not normally occur within chapters, are handled well are handled well. I could continue my discussion on the more detailed points of the book. However, I would run the risk of revealing too much of the story. My overall impression of the story is that the narrative itself is strong and well balanced.
- Waylon Darosh

 

 

Don't pass this one up, D.J. Fahl succeeds in delivering a very entertaining experience in "Save the Day". This is set in a parallel universe to our own, with cities and places we all know and love from the United States, but replaces humans with anthropomorphic animals, and gifts a select few of them with superpowers. This book taps into the fascination we all have with superheroes, supervillains, and death defying skills that supersede anything we can do in reality. The fight scenes are action packed and the third person limited point of view allows us to see the creativity of one of the masked vigilantes, Star Coyote. We also see how sometimes, staying alive in such a dangerous line of work comes down to luck. The threat of death is very real, and in one particular scene, very horrifying. Even the super strong, super smart, and super fast must deal with their own mortality. Mixed in with this is the very real fact that there are consequences to donning tights and a mask to fight people who would abuse their power for idealistic or personal gain. We gain intimate insight into the loved ones of the superheroes, who are normal people trying to worry about their jobs, finances, and, in some cases, children. On top of all this, they must find peace with the fact that their loved ones perform a vital yet dangerous service to the citizens of the world. Death is very real, and has touched the lives of numerous heroes and normal people alike. On top of all this, the protagonist, Star Coyote, not only lives a double life of all superheroes, he has also tangled each of his two lives into knots. Each knot, when untangled, brings a whole new slew of problems for the coyote. This is compounded by the fact that he just can't stop shouldering other people's burdens. It is very entertaining to see how these shortcomings unravel throughout this lengthy piece of work. Along with seeing the world of superheroing from the perspective of Star Coyote, we also get to see it from the eyes of the border collie who loves him the most. This is something I feel lacks in many other superhero pieces which is delivered very nicely here. We get a peek into the normal, and very sweet domestic life of the main characters. You can imagine a Thanksgiving day dinner with these people as your neighbors and friends, without all the masks and fighting. It definitely leaves a warm fuzzy feeling when their personal lives come together and they can be themselves. This book throws in serious discourse, action packed fight scenes, along with comedy, all in a very entertaining fashion. With a strong and diverse supporting cast, this novel is a recommended read. Some of the climactic and emotional scenes are illustrated by Vince Suzukawa and they are true to the text and done beautifully.
- Joshua Machado-Wilcox