Wrack and Roll

If you're the type that thought 1980s heavy metal had the power to change the world, here's a fun and trashy novel for you. I agree with the previous reviewer who said that this book's basic theme is pretty hokey - the idea that rock n' roll can inspire worldwide class conflict and revolution, and can save humanity through the power of music. Also, the supernatural elements of the story are poorly defined, there are some issues with plot holes and character relations, and the nuclear war backdrop is pure 1986 paranoia. But with those flaws aside, Bradley Denton created a rollicking story in a fun rock setting with great dialogue, along with (usually) well-crafted characters with complex personalities. I especially liked the Lieza character - the rockstar protagonist who knows she has the power to save the world but is held back both by her painful past and her celebrity persona; and the guy known as Pissant - a washed up professor who barely manages to claw his way up from an alcoholic abyss and make his contribution to rock n' roll salvation. And while the conclusion of the story fizzles out a little after an extensive build up, Lieza and her wild band really do teach the world to respect the rock. [~doomsdayer520~]