I love the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries by Angie Fox so when I saw she had a new book coming out I had to take a look. When I read the blurb and it mentioned one of my most favourite comedies ever I was hooked.

There is a war being waged in Hell between two separate factions of Gods and paranormals are being press ganged into choosing a side and fighting to the death. Their length of service is basically the rest of their natural lives or until the end of the war, whichever comes first. Given that the Gods are immortal and seem to have the same regard for their troops as they would the pawns in a game of chess, chances are a quick death is the best they can hope for. The humour in this book definitely veers towards the dark side and there is a love element which is the slow burn variety – with a secret that could get her killed Petra is in no hurry to trust anyone especially a handsome Demi-god. Throw in ancient prophecies coming true and life is looking very precarious indeed for the medic.

After reading I can’t help but feeling slightly disappointed by this book though and that is nothing to do with the writing or the plot line. I think I was unfairly comparing each character to those of the TV series. Is Petra Robichaud a female Hawkeye Pierce? This was in no way the author’s fault but I think if she hadn’t mentioned M.A.S.H. in the blurb I might have read this book with a more open mind and enjoyed it a lot more. As it is I give 3.5 stars.

A most awesome read! I have read this author’s other books so when I saw this book,I took the opportunity to read this book. The storyline was great. I was not sure how things would develop and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this storyline. Petra is a really cool human. She has few friends but she discovers when she opened her heart that there were people there for her. As she begins to realize how important she is to the war, she begins to gain more confidence. I can surmise that the following books in the series will be just as awesome as the other books.

The Monster MASH: A dead funny romantic comedy by Angie Fox
Publisher: Author Collective 20, Moose Island Books
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers | Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Release Date: December 29, 2020

The Monster MASH is the first book in The Monster MASH Trilogy by Angie Fox and I can't wait for the next book to come out!

The Monster MASH is filled with all the paranormal goodness you could hope for: Vampires, Werewolves, Demigods, actual Gods, other supernatural, and a surgeon who sees spirits!

I absolutely loved this book. Set in a battlefield MASH unit, the book tells the story of Petra, who was 'recruited' to serve as a trauma surgeon during the never-ending war of the Gods (the Old and the New). The characters are so relatable and engaging. The storyline is filled with humor and suspense and a lot of heart. This book has a great pace and I couldn't put it down. I refused to go to bed before I knew how it ended.

I look forward to the next books in the series! I can't wait for the next one to release in January 2021!

I'm so grateful to Angie Fox, Author Collective 20, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I have read a few books by Angie Fox in the past and I have been enjoying them so ofcourse I had to read this book.

The Monster MASH is a fantastic read that got me hooked from the very beginning. It is very entertaining.

I do recommend it.

This book was awesome. I couldn't put it down. This was everything I did not expect. I love this authors writing but had never read any of these kind of books. I picked it up because it sounded good. Demigods at war. that is a topic that isn't covered much. I loved how this book was written. There wasn't a jump in romance. I find that refreshing. We get Petra's story and learn about her as a character along with the rest of the gang. There are some moments that make you laugh.me. Some that make you rethink how much we take for granted. I hope everyone takes the time to read this book. It was better then good.

I’ve long meant to read Angie Fox’s comedic fantasies, and so I was eager to get my hands in The Monster MASH when I spotted it on NetGalley, and was thrilled to have an early review copy. The premise promised the same as the movie MASH and the subsequent TV series had, but with gods and supernatural entities: an endless war told from the point of view of the hospital staff that have no personal interest in the outcome, but who have no way of escaping, so they express their frustration with disobedience, disrespect and endless pranks. What was delivered was only a vague resemblance of that, and I’m afraid the book didn’t work for me at all.

The main character, Dr Petra Robichaud, has worked seven years on the front lines of a war between gods, taking care of injured gods, demigods and heroes. She’s been drafted against her will and she can only get out when she dies. This doesn’t seem to be a problem for her, nor does it affect her actions. She can see ghosts, which is apparently a big no-no among the gods, and might indicate she has a role to play in a prophecy that ends the war. The other main character is Galen, a demigod warrior who ends up on her operating table. He’s absolutely determined to see the prophecy to come to pass, though I never quite understood why now, when he’s been fighting for centuries already. He was overbearing and annoying, and as a love interest, a great disappointment.

This was a first person narrative and Petra the only point of view character. Problem for me was that I didn’t like her at all. She’s over forty, experienced trauma doctor and, according to her friends, a cynic—not a surprise when one has spent years at war—yet she behaved like a schoolgirl, positively dying of embarrassment every time someone teased her of her alleged relationship with Galen. She didn’t take any charge of her life or have proper insight in herself. Her interactions with Galen were those of a teenager with her first crush, and consisted mostly of denial. There was no discernible reason that I could find why she nonetheless fell in love with him. I found her annoying, inconsistent and cowardly, and could only marvel when other characters described her as the opposite.

Other characters were odd and annoying too. Galen was the worst, a cardboard figure that showed up to order Petra around or save her. Other characters seemed to like him, but readers weren’t invited in their interactions and so can’t judge for themselves. The rest of the cast are oddities that were probably meant to be the comedic relief, but since they never did anything funny and their communications with Petra were mostly snarky, they didn’t come across as such. The only character I liked was the commander, but he had a fairly minor role.

But it’s not just my personal preferences that made Petra an unsatisfying main character. She had no agency. She didn’t influence the plot in any way at any point. She made no attempt to investigate or influence the prophecy concerning her—though apparently she had tried before the book began—and her only act of defiance was denying it had anything to do with her. There were some action scenes where she was usually saved by Galen, and although they had impact on the outcome of the story, they were accidental on her part. In the end, she watched the story unfold on TV. I kid you not.

However, what really made the book fail was that it had no plot. All the interesting bits had happened before it began: Petra’s fiancé had died in the war between gods; she had been drafted to the opposite side, learned about the prophecy and acted on it with bad consequences for her. All this was revealed to the reader in due, and not so due, course, but it didn’t have any impact on the plot or Petra’s actions, apart from her trying to deny her role in the prophecy.

The book has an inciting incident that throws Petra and Galen together. After that, half the book is spent with Petra dragging her heels about the prophecy. Absolutely nothing happens to advance the non-existent plot. She hangs around with her friends, does some hospital stuff, and goes back and forth with Galen whilst apparently falling in love with him at some point too. After the half point, the prophecy suddenly kicks in and we’re following it on TV where Petra learns how it’s supposed to unfold. There are some action scenes that confirm it, and then the prophecy is fulfilled. We watch it on the side-lines. Petra has no part in it. Undying love is declared. The end.

All in all, the book was unfunny, boring and unromantic. It failed in every level that I expect from a comedic fantasy. There’s an afterword from the author where she says this is a revised version from an earlier one where she couldn’t follow her vision for the book. Without reading the original version, I’m inclined to think that she should’ve let it be. This is a start for a series, but needless to say, I’m not going to continue with it.

A drawn-out war, immortals and quasi-mortals and critters of a dubious nature, and a teeny-tiny bit of prophecy. It's so small you'll barely notice it. You know, provided you've been living under a rock for the past millennia. HA. Yep, I liked this one. It was messy and bloody and full of actual heroes (we're talking heroes straight out of myth and legend here!) and one VERY reluctant doctor who knows first hand the price of trying to manipulate a prophecy to fit the circumstances at hand.

To say Petra is cautious might be understating things. She's resigned to living out the rest of her days in a MASH camp patching up wounded soldiers only to send them back out to the battlefield. She absolutely DOES NOT intend to reveal her ability to see the dead. No way, no how. Then Galen ends up on her operating table and she acts on instinct to save him.

AND THINGS START HAPPENING.

A hunky hero, a reluctant heroine, monsters, pranks, gods, a tough camp commander, and a WHOLE lot of close quarters. Petra might dig in her heels at being at the center of it all, but she rises to the occasion when it comes down to it. VERY fun and off-beat and I'm looking forward to what the next adventure brings.

Oh, I had a lot of fun with this book! I jumped at the opportunity to read this book because the description sounded like something I would really enjoy. I have read a couple of books written by Angie Fox and knew that I like her style of writing so I felt like this book would be a good bet. It was so easy to slip into this book's world and I couldn't wait to see how things would work out.

Petra is a physician working in a MASH unit that is in place to treat injuries in the neverending war between the gods. She has been drafted to serve for the rest of her life or until either the war ends (which it probably won't). Everyone thinks that she is just a regular mortal but she has one little secret, she can see the dead. She saves the life of a demigod on her table who learns her secret and her life suddenly changes.

I really liked the characters in this book. Petra was a strong woman who worked really hard to do whatever good she could in the world. Galen was awesome. He seemed to take everything in stride but was always there ready to save the day when he was needed. Rodger just wanted to be able to be back with his family but was a good friend to Petra. Petra was not eager to jump into a relationship with Galen so it was fun to see how things ended up developing between the pair.

I think that this book was very well written. I really liked the fact that there was a good dose of humor sprinkled throughout the book. I loved the banter between the characters and thought that it added to the appeal of the story. There was a great balance of excitement, romance, and humor throughout the book and the pacing was very well done. This was a book that was very easy to read for hours at a time.

I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a fun story that kicks off a promising series that I look forward to reading more of in the near future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Moose Island Books via NetGalley.

This book was completely unexpected. Who knew I would be totally into a book about wartime doctors?

Petra is one such wartime doctor. The war? Well it's between good and evil, old and new gods, you know, the usual. Because she's got some supernatural blood, she got drafted to be a doctor for... forever, since that's how long the war is supposed to last. Lucky for her, though, she's not immortal, so her term will be significantly shorter than her fellow doctors. So, what's supposed to stop the war? Well, there's a whole prophecy thing that may or may not refer to Petra.

Galen ends up on her table and prompts her to use her ghostly powers to bring him back to life, triggering all sorts of supernatural shenanigans and romantic hijinks. These two are perfect for each other, but it takes a while to get there (for Petra). The snark, quirk, and general adorableness of this book had me quickly flipping pages on my kindle all the way to the happy ending. If this is the start of a series - sign me up!

As a fan of both MASH and mythology I was quite excited for this book. Angie Fox creates a unique set up: a war between old & new gods has waged for centuries, and mystical mortals can be drafted at either side at any time. Half-fae Petra is a doctor who has been drafted from her mortal life in New Orleans to now work in a medical unit in Limbo. Unfortunately for her, she also sees the dead, a talent the gods have forbidden. Petra’s situation is further complicated when her secret is discovered by Galen, a special ops demigod who believes she is the key to fulfilling a prophecy and ending the war.

As I said, I was excited for this set up and I do appreciate the world Ms. Fox creates, however this book never really found its footing. The first half dragged without reason, when there were tons of opportunities to give back story or build emotions, but instead I just felt like we were going in circles it Petra’s actions without getting any depth to explain her actions. There was a ton of potential for Petra and Galen’s relationship and I liked the characters but I was constantly left wanting ~more~, in a dissatisfied way.

Overall it’s not a bad book, and perhaps later books in the story will fill the gaps I felt here, but for now I’m left feeling like this was a missed opportunity.

I loved the cover of this book and couldn’t wait to read it. As I was reading this book, I kept thinking I had read it before. Turns out, it is a rewrite of an old story, and truthfully, it was better the second time around. I love the characters, the interaction between them is fabulous. The storyline reminds me of the old MASH TV series, only this camp is located on the boundaries of Hell and the characters are werewolves, vampires, immortals, Demi gods, and Dr. Petra Robchaud, a drafted mortal with a secret that can get her killed. I love this author’s writing. It is original, filled with humor and odd, but likable characters, and many surprises. I can’t wait to read the next story in the series. You will not be disappointed.

I was given an ARC by Netgalley for a honest review. Thank you to the author and publisher.

I'll rated it 2 out of 5 stars. This book wasn't my cup of tea. I think the author had good intentions, and the plot is somewhat interesting.
This book is for people who like fast paced books, that get thrown right into the action and you got to figure your way out.
Just to say, I have not seen the MASH show so I had no expectations nor will I compare the book to it.

This book tries to be funny, but it tried too hard and comes out a bit forced. ( I had a constant cringe face on)
There's a bit of instalove, so I didn't find their romance believable - there was a lot of lets stare into each others eyes, do you feel the connection? < moments. Very few people can pull off instalove and this book didn't.

The characters were two dimensional, especially the secondary ones.. Also there were a few characters like 'Charlie' that popped up for a second with a backstory to not appear again (well he appears once more, but the main character sees him from a distance- so that doesn't count).

Petra (the protagonist) herself wasn't that likable, she didn't want to get involved in anything and was negative about everything. It was really weird, it didn't feel like she was in her 40s, her actions (other then her job) said otherwise. I don't know what to say about Galen , he was "meh" . *shrugs shoulders*

Anyways, I really wanted to like the book but I really struggled to finish it. I would recommend this book to people who want a short read, with a 'unique' plot line and who like the show MASH - I guess?

Leave it to Angie Fox to put her own spin on MASH that is a funny, enjoyable, fantasy with twists and turns as always keeping in interesting. Looking forward to more.

Angie Fox presents a unique setting taking place in a MASH camp during the war between gods. Everybody with supernatural or useful characteristics is forcebly recruted by either side of the opponents. Like in the M*A*S*H series, this book discribes the hard life inside the MASH as well es the process of treating the more or less magical patients and how the residents deal with the harsh environment. One of them is doctor Petra Robichaud who does her outmost to save every patient coming on her table. Her life and everyone elese's is changing when a high ranking commander is coming in.

I don't think I have read anything by Angie Fox that I have not loved. Her characters feel like friends and you start to see aspects of your friend/or self in them. I haven't really thought about a MASH unit since the television show and to have one with paranormal surgeons and patients is fascinating. I enjoyed this book filled with humor and romantic intrigue.

I'm a huge Angie Fox fan and this book shows why. The world building is fantastic and completely unique. There was no guessing what was going to happen next because you haven't read anything like this before. I became completely invested in the characters. Petra and Galen have chemistry that is hot hot hot! The romance is a slow burn while the war and prophecy take center stage. The supporting characters are interesting as well, especially Rodger. You can't help but picture the t.v. show M.A.S.H. setting while reading.
This trilogy has a lot of promise and readers will love that you don't have long to wait between books. I really enjoyed the ending. Then I got to the blurb for book two, my mouth dropped open and I yelled at the pages. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Four and a half
This was a fabulous start to a new series and honestly I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. Does anyone remember the tv show Mash from the 70's because this has exactly that feel. Medics working flat out to put soldiers back together knowing that they are only going to get hurt again. Banter, practical jokes and general sticking your nose where it doesn't belong because everyone is teetering on the brink, exhausted and trying to stay sane. That my fellow reader is the end of the similarities because this war is fought between the Old Gods and the New Gods with Demi Gods and Mortals conscripted. The Mash unit of the New Gods is in Limbo and that's where we meet Petra a human doctor trying to just keep going. Petra has a deadly secret though because she can see the dead and its absolutely imperative that no one realises because thanks to an ancient prophecy it would mean she would be put to death ! So what can she do when not only does she literally push someone's soul back into their body but when he wakes the stubborn Commander just won't leave her alone ?
I really enjoyed this and that's probably because it's completely different to anything else I've read. Perhaps not laugh out loud funny but manic and compulsive reading. The romance didn't really fit very well for me but I'm invested enough to want Petra and Galen to get a happy ending. I particularly enjoyed the second half as things became much clearer and the supporting characters felt more fleshed out. I feel this could definitely entertain those who enjoy paranormal stories with a twist of humour and I look forward to reading more about Petra and her adventures.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Love, love, loved this!!!! MASH with sphinxes. This reminded me of a few other series I’ve read and loved- and now want to reread. If you like your characters with snark and wit, and your plots multilayered, you’ll like this. It’s not so heavy you can’t get through it in a sitting or two, but I definitely didn’t want to put it down.

I remember the series MASH as I watched the reruns in the 90s so I was easily swayed by this book. The heroine of the story, Petra, is a doctor who has been drafted to a MASH years ago during a war between the gods. She has the ability to see the dead and has kept that a secret as it could have her killed. But one day she operates on a demi-god, Galen, and she saves his life by using her skill. So he knows and she unwittingly triggers a prophesy.

The story is fun and fast but for me it was rather predictable. I did like the fact that Petra in this story is not some heroine that saves the world but rather is the trigger.

I believe the series has been published once before, but I have not read that series so I cannot compare. My rating is based on the fact I read a lot of urban fantasy so I compared this to my fave series.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of THE MONSTER MASH (Book 1) by Angie Fox in exchange for an honest review. The gods are at war, and they conscript anyone they want to fight in their armies. Dr. Petra Robichaud is one such conscript; she’s been pulled into the war by the younger gods and assigned to the MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) unit. When your coworkers are immortals, it’s hard to get seniority, so Petra gets all of the easy, i.e., boring, cases. Petra is excited to luck out and finally pull a difficult case, but in saving her patient, she reveals her deepest secret to the man she saved. Petra has a psychic gift forbidden by all of the gods; being born with this particular gift is an offense punishable by the death penalty. Petra’s patient is Commander Galen of Delphi who leads an elite special forces combat group. No matter how hard Petra tries to convince Galen he’s suffering from a near-death delusion, he obstinately pursues Petra and the satisfaction of prophecy.

I enjoyed this book. I was excited to receive the ARC because I enjoy both urban fantasy and this author’s books. I recommend this book to fans of the author and to fans of urban fantasy featuring war, prophecies, gods, and medical procedures.

#TheMonsterMASH #NetGalley