Feathered Quill Book Reviews

 #Bookreview of 33 Frivolous Pricks (Of Time)

By: Michael A. Greco

Publication Date: January 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8303449244

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: October 17, 2025

Michael A. Greco's 33 Frivolous Pricks (Of Time) is a daring, genre-defying dive into the chaos of time travel, human absurdity, and universal repercussions. Through a story that is simultaneously amusing, reflective, and steeped in dark humor, Greco weaves an expansive narrative that questions both reason and ethics in equal proportions.

The narrative starts with eight time travelers leaving the year 2025, embarking on what they consider harmless excursions into history, “frivolous pricks.” Their adventures take a disastrous turn when one member assassinates Ronald Reagan in 1964, initiating a series of events that thrusts them into increasingly disastrous moments in time. They encounter some of the most horrific disasters and despicable crimes of the twentieth century, and as they remain trapped in the past, the pricks become increasingly lethal. As the group fights to correct their mistakes, the very fabric of history begins to fray. Each “prick” evolves into a vignette, amplifying moments in history, while the central question looms: will they ever make it back home, and is it even right for them to do so?

Amidst this narrative is a subplot set in Japan, where a young girl, Charlie, imprisoned by her own power of pyrokinesis, battles against the concepts of beauty and tradition. Her destructive path and mysterious ties to one of the travelers create a deeply emotional counterbalance to the novel’s scientific and philosophical chaos. Returning character Pinky Bell, familiar to readers of Greco’s earlier works, serves as the moral anchor, her story offering reflection, empathy, and occasional grace amidst catastrophe.

The characters are as unconventional and unpredictable as the narrative itself. Each one is vividly drawn, brimming with quirks and flaws. Greco skillfully intertwines humor and intellect, crafting characters who are both absurd and remarkably human. Their conversations are sharp, layered with cleverness and existential reflections, making even the most outlandish personalities oddly relatable. These memorable characters propel the story forward with energy and unpredictability, ensuring that each page is filled with intrigue and significance. Their presence not only molds the story’s distinctive tone but also elevates the book into a reflective journey through life’s absurdities and the flow of time.

Greco’s true power lies in both his creativity and his readiness to confront uncomfortable realities about humanity’s desire for control, correction, and atonement. 33 Frivolous Pricks (Of Time) is an exhilarating, thought-provoking journey through different eras, merging history, humor, and the essence of humanity. This is not a novel meant for relaxation or comfort; rather, it is filled with vibrant energy and daring risks. Its rough edges contribute to its unique character. It prompts readers to examine their own lives, the systems they inhabit, and the decisions they make. It is likely to resonate most with those who appreciate thought-provoking fiction laced with dark humor and have a taste for compelling narratives.

Quill says: Michael A. Greco’s newest creation is a bold and memorable literary adventure, an intricate exploration of time and its repercussions.

For more information about 33 Frivolous Pricks (Of Time), please visit the author's website at: michaelandrewgreco.com/