Ralph Pincus, Occultist Extraordinaire

Ralph Pincus, Occultist Extraordinaire is a book like no other, and upon first glance might leave you a bit rattled and confused. Is this is a good thing? Definitely.

While the book’s description may make you think of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, readers might be in for a bit of a shock when they do start reading. Do not skip on the Author’s Note, as it will soften the questioning voices in your head as you work through the first few chapters of a young man’s sexual adventures while wondering how this ties to a sorcerer and vampire. After reading the first few pages, you might find yourself feeling a bit dirty, maybe even remorseful and a little confused, causing you to reread the book’s description and pondering if you have the wrong book. However, don’t stop reading now as it will all start making sense.

Ralph is a typical horn-dog college sophomore who acts before thinking and engages in various risque and perilous adventures, eventually finding himself unconscious, tied with Christmas lights to the floor, and surrounded by utter macabre. Awoken by a massive hovering shadow, Ralph’s life is forever changed as he is introduced to Gabe, the defiant sorcerer, and Lindsay, an unholy abomination and vampire.

The narration throughout the book is solid and provides instant clarity, while avoiding having to derail the story with explanation. Lambert’s specialty as a storyteller is his use of descriptive language that vividly builds the story around you, involuntarily invoking all of your senses. The characters are unfiltered, politically incorrect, and true to themselves, creating oddly realistic personas. The story itself moves quickly, but this sometimes causes it to feel rushed and lacking depth, while the action is often vague and short lived.

Ralph Pincus, Occultist Extraordinaire is an edge-of-your-seat mind bender with a hint of satire that will leave you secretly wishing there was more to read even as you question your choice in books. This is definitely a “for adults only” book, but hands-down I recommend reading it. May your guilty pleasure be fulfilled.