Helpful Score: 9
I loved this book. But then I am a big fan of your classic down and dirty comics. I think if you like dark graphic novels you will dig this book.
Sandman Slim (or Jimmy if you want to piss him off) has just escaped from Hell. He is here to revenge his girlfriend and will stop at nothing to get the guys that did her in. And, hey, if he gets stuck in a plot to stop world destruction on the way to his main goal who's to say that he actually meant to save the world?
Sandman Slim is your typical down and dirty anti-hero. He does good deeds because he is stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time. He has no intention of being a hero. He has a dark biting sense of wit, and this shows through in the number of over-the-top biting analogies he makes or phrases he tosses out. Almost every line he speaks sounds like it's jumping out of a comic book; so if you don't like this type of writing I would skip this book. I felt like I was wandering the dark streets of a dirtier Gotham City for parts of the book; at other times I was sure I had fallen into Simon Green's Nightside books.
I enjoyed this book immensely. The dry, dark sense of humor had me chuckling a number of times. Slim's gun-toting attitude was amusing as was his serial stealing of hot cars. Oh, yeah, and Slim is a super cool magician too, so don't forget that.
Slim was one of those characters that keeps getting beat to a pulp and then gets up and dusts himself off for some more; reminded me in some ways of both John Taylor (Nightside series) and Harry Dresden (Dresden Files). All of the characters in this book were quick and dirty types (a lot of over the top quotes thrown around like in the Nightside series). I particularly liked the Jade and the Doctor, as well as Slim's close alchemist friend.
This book was quick paced, action packed, and didn't pull any punches when it came to the gore involved. If you don't like to get down and dirty then don't read this book. Surprisingly there really wasn't any explicit sex, just violence galore.
The book wrapped up nicely, but there could be more books in the future featuring Sandman Slim and I certainly hope that there are.
I would recommend this book if you liked: The Nightside by Simon Green, Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, Sandman by Neil Gaiman, or dark graphic novels (Batman, Sin City, etc.).
Sandman Slim (or Jimmy if you want to piss him off) has just escaped from Hell. He is here to revenge his girlfriend and will stop at nothing to get the guys that did her in. And, hey, if he gets stuck in a plot to stop world destruction on the way to his main goal who's to say that he actually meant to save the world?
Sandman Slim is your typical down and dirty anti-hero. He does good deeds because he is stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time. He has no intention of being a hero. He has a dark biting sense of wit, and this shows through in the number of over-the-top biting analogies he makes or phrases he tosses out. Almost every line he speaks sounds like it's jumping out of a comic book; so if you don't like this type of writing I would skip this book. I felt like I was wandering the dark streets of a dirtier Gotham City for parts of the book; at other times I was sure I had fallen into Simon Green's Nightside books.
I enjoyed this book immensely. The dry, dark sense of humor had me chuckling a number of times. Slim's gun-toting attitude was amusing as was his serial stealing of hot cars. Oh, yeah, and Slim is a super cool magician too, so don't forget that.
Slim was one of those characters that keeps getting beat to a pulp and then gets up and dusts himself off for some more; reminded me in some ways of both John Taylor (Nightside series) and Harry Dresden (Dresden Files). All of the characters in this book were quick and dirty types (a lot of over the top quotes thrown around like in the Nightside series). I particularly liked the Jade and the Doctor, as well as Slim's close alchemist friend.
This book was quick paced, action packed, and didn't pull any punches when it came to the gore involved. If you don't like to get down and dirty then don't read this book. Surprisingly there really wasn't any explicit sex, just violence galore.
The book wrapped up nicely, but there could be more books in the future featuring Sandman Slim and I certainly hope that there are.
I would recommend this book if you liked: The Nightside by Simon Green, Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, Sandman by Neil Gaiman, or dark graphic novels (Batman, Sin City, etc.).
Helpful Score: 5
Well, that was interesting – three stars, easy.
After working on Shadow of the Torturer and Claw of the Conciliator, I needed a break and something easy. Sandman Slim came up as that break.
James “Jimmy” Stark, aka Wild Bill, aka Sandman Slim is a murderous soul (dont call him Jimmy, he doesnt like it and you wouldnt either). But wouldn’t you be after 11 years in Hell as the only living human down there? When we meet him he’s only just escaped and literally jumped right into the fire. All he has is Abaddon’s dagger, the Key to the Room With 13 Doors and a Veritas coin with an attitude. And he’s dead set on avenging himself against those that sent him to Hell and murdered the only person he ever loved.
So, did I like it? Enough to give it three stars and write a review, but not enough to be singing its praises to the rafters. Its not bad, and as urban fantasy noir, its excellent. Jimmy has a good voice, with a quick wit, ready with a quip and a nasty black sense of humor. But I dont really like him. He doesnt even begin to move to redeemable until near the end of the book, and at several points he ponders going back to Hell.
Stark is supposed to be cool – and myself from my teens and twenties probably would have thought him intensely cool. At forty, he doesnt look all that sympathetic. Hes all but invulnerable (personifying the phrase That which does not kill me makes me stronger), has the Key, a powerful magician, a fighter, an assassin and can shoot with the best of them. The problem is, hes not exactly likable. Hes very violent, impulsive, destructive, self centered and on and on. Outside his love of Alice, hes not all that human. Still, that rapier quick wit offers something… And he does decide there are better things than returning to pit fights in Hell.
Despite Starks flaws as a character, Richard Kadrey has a great ear for dialogue and came up with those quips Jimmy drops left, right and center. For the dialogue and using Vidocq as a character Ill forgive him for Starks failings.
Likes: Starks big mouth overloading his small behind; Eugene Vidocq; Use of traditional and non-traditional Christian mythos, no Lovecraftian monstrosities here; Dialogue.
Dislikes: Im supposed to like Stark? In addition to all his flaws I mentioned above, hes angsty.
Verdict: «««A fun, fast read. Not the deepest thing, but fun.
Suggested for: Urban Fantasy fans, fans of Dashiell Hammett (particularly The Continental Op), Andrew Vachss‘ Burke books
After working on Shadow of the Torturer and Claw of the Conciliator, I needed a break and something easy. Sandman Slim came up as that break.
James “Jimmy” Stark, aka Wild Bill, aka Sandman Slim is a murderous soul (dont call him Jimmy, he doesnt like it and you wouldnt either). But wouldn’t you be after 11 years in Hell as the only living human down there? When we meet him he’s only just escaped and literally jumped right into the fire. All he has is Abaddon’s dagger, the Key to the Room With 13 Doors and a Veritas coin with an attitude. And he’s dead set on avenging himself against those that sent him to Hell and murdered the only person he ever loved.
So, did I like it? Enough to give it three stars and write a review, but not enough to be singing its praises to the rafters. Its not bad, and as urban fantasy noir, its excellent. Jimmy has a good voice, with a quick wit, ready with a quip and a nasty black sense of humor. But I dont really like him. He doesnt even begin to move to redeemable until near the end of the book, and at several points he ponders going back to Hell.
Stark is supposed to be cool – and myself from my teens and twenties probably would have thought him intensely cool. At forty, he doesnt look all that sympathetic. Hes all but invulnerable (personifying the phrase That which does not kill me makes me stronger), has the Key, a powerful magician, a fighter, an assassin and can shoot with the best of them. The problem is, hes not exactly likable. Hes very violent, impulsive, destructive, self centered and on and on. Outside his love of Alice, hes not all that human. Still, that rapier quick wit offers something… And he does decide there are better things than returning to pit fights in Hell.
Despite Starks flaws as a character, Richard Kadrey has a great ear for dialogue and came up with those quips Jimmy drops left, right and center. For the dialogue and using Vidocq as a character Ill forgive him for Starks failings.
Likes: Starks big mouth overloading his small behind; Eugene Vidocq; Use of traditional and non-traditional Christian mythos, no Lovecraftian monstrosities here; Dialogue.
Dislikes: Im supposed to like Stark? In addition to all his flaws I mentioned above, hes angsty.
Verdict: «««A fun, fast read. Not the deepest thing, but fun.
Suggested for: Urban Fantasy fans, fans of Dashiell Hammett (particularly The Continental Op), Andrew Vachss‘ Burke books
Helpful Score: 4
Oh, this was a fun book! I'm really impressed with the style and sense of humour that ran rampant through the entire novel. It certainly is a solid foundation for a series and I am very curious to see where the series goes from this point. Full of action and comedy, this highly entertaining tale of one man's return from Hell to extract revenge on the enemies who put him there was hard to put down! The characters - human and non-human alike - were well-constructed and sympathetic. I am definitely looking forward to the second installment which is due out in October!
Helpful Score: 4
Th Miami Herald review says it: "Sarcastic, irreverent, and ridiculously enjoyable." An unusual and highly enjoyable urban fantasy read. Full of twists and turns with sarcastic humor splashed liberally throughout. Definitely looking forward to book two.
Helpful Score: 4
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Review: This book follows James Stark, who has just returned to Earth after being sent to Hell. He had fought in the arena in Hell, and served as a general assasain for his owner. When his old girlfriend is killed by the same group that sent him to Hell, he manages to escape so that he can hunt down and kill them. On his quest to find them he causes all sorts of havoc, makes new friends, new enemies and old friends into enemies. Oh, and has the opportunity to save the world.
Overall the story is good. I like all the various members of the magical world that we meant. Revelations about Stark's past are interesting.
However, while the story is interesting, Stark is very off putting. He doesn't care about anything except killing the group that sent him to Hell and killed his girlfriend, which results in lots of arguments with friends, potential allies, enemies and just about anything else he could get into an argument with. He has major impulse control problems - whenever he finds himself near one of the group that he's hunting he just goes straight for them with no thought or planning, something that gets very tiring after a while. If the obnoxiousness of Stark's impulse and anger issues could have been scaled back a bit he would have been a bit more likable and the book as a whole would have been more enjoyable.
Also, I just don't get the Sandman Slim thing - it's brought up about 3/4 of the way through the book like it was something he was calling himself, when he'd never heard it before. After that he doesn't hesitate to call himself that anytime he needs to threaten anyone. However, it didn't feel natural or even really feel like it was a name that belonged to him.
Overall, a good story with a grating main character. I'll read the second book and see if he mellows out a bit.
Review: This book follows James Stark, who has just returned to Earth after being sent to Hell. He had fought in the arena in Hell, and served as a general assasain for his owner. When his old girlfriend is killed by the same group that sent him to Hell, he manages to escape so that he can hunt down and kill them. On his quest to find them he causes all sorts of havoc, makes new friends, new enemies and old friends into enemies. Oh, and has the opportunity to save the world.
Overall the story is good. I like all the various members of the magical world that we meant. Revelations about Stark's past are interesting.
However, while the story is interesting, Stark is very off putting. He doesn't care about anything except killing the group that sent him to Hell and killed his girlfriend, which results in lots of arguments with friends, potential allies, enemies and just about anything else he could get into an argument with. He has major impulse control problems - whenever he finds himself near one of the group that he's hunting he just goes straight for them with no thought or planning, something that gets very tiring after a while. If the obnoxiousness of Stark's impulse and anger issues could have been scaled back a bit he would have been a bit more likable and the book as a whole would have been more enjoyable.
Also, I just don't get the Sandman Slim thing - it's brought up about 3/4 of the way through the book like it was something he was calling himself, when he'd never heard it before. After that he doesn't hesitate to call himself that anytime he needs to threaten anyone. However, it didn't feel natural or even really feel like it was a name that belonged to him.
Overall, a good story with a grating main character. I'll read the second book and see if he mellows out a bit.
Helpful Score: 3
The "urban fantasy" genre is packed with crap, making it tough to find the good stuff. This is one of the good ones, though not without its flaws. It is slightly over-written in places, and the story could be more tightly told. This should read as a faster-paced pulp novel... but that seems to be a common flaw even among the better urban fantasy books.
However, this is a good one... leaning more towards crime fiction, an original word with original monsters (how sick to death am I of vampires and werewolves?). A male protagonist is refreshing for the genre, (far less common than the many Anita Blake clones).
Oh, and not much "woe is me, for I am cursed" angst. A monstrous antihero who embraces his nature.
Recommended for fans of the genre. Fits in well with Mike Carey's "Felix Castor" series.
However, this is a good one... leaning more towards crime fiction, an original word with original monsters (how sick to death am I of vampires and werewolves?). A male protagonist is refreshing for the genre, (far less common than the many Anita Blake clones).
Oh, and not much "woe is me, for I am cursed" angst. A monstrous antihero who embraces his nature.
Recommended for fans of the genre. Fits in well with Mike Carey's "Felix Castor" series.
Helpful Score: 2
Having tried graphic novels and found them not to my taste, I didnt know if id like this author. He draws you in with his magic and mayhem which both are never ending!Reading like a great action thriller, he is constantly attacked or attacking someone or something but it somehow makes sense with his plot! Yes there is a defined plot that makes sense! Dive in and try this novel, I look forward to the next installment from Sandman Slim.
Helpful Score: 2
I gotta admit that if this was the first urban anti-heroic fantasy story I'd ever read, I'm not sure I would like it as much as I do. Sandman Slim is on the extreme side of the modern, urban magic worker who got screwed by his mates and is back for vengeance for his girl friend's murder. But he grows on you, especially since I'm writing this review after reading one of the later books. In this book, you see where he starts out and ends up. There is some character growth ... uh change ... by the end.
The fight sequences almost work as well as Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. The cast of characters are definitely much more varied, with very murky loyalties and motivations. The running joke of the number of cars he "borrows" (I want that knife) is second only to the number of clothes destroyed. And the Devil ends up pawing through a stack of DVD's looking for some quality entertainment down below.
The fight sequences almost work as well as Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. The cast of characters are definitely much more varied, with very murky loyalties and motivations. The running joke of the number of cars he "borrows" (I want that knife) is second only to the number of clothes destroyed. And the Devil ends up pawing through a stack of DVD's looking for some quality entertainment down below.
Helpful Score: 1
To paraphrase William Gibson's review: this is the best B-grade movie I've ever read.
Let me be clear: this isn't ground-breaking literature, and you'll never find it on Oprah's book club list. But, DAMN, this is by far the most fun book I've read in a long time. It is schlocky, dirty, foul-mouthed, read-it-while-smoking-and-drinking fun.
Other reviewers have sufficiently covered the genre and what the story is about. I'll reiterate here that if you're easily offended by foul language, alcohol use, smoking, irreverent discussions about God/Heaven/angels (as well as Lucifer/Hell/demons), you'll probably want to steer clear.
I was delighted to see that the ending was left wide open for more books -- actually, after finishing this book I found out that there is indeed a second book ("Kill the Dead"). I don't smoke, but I almost lit one up in celebration.
Highly, highly recommended -- but only if it's to your tastes.
Let me be clear: this isn't ground-breaking literature, and you'll never find it on Oprah's book club list. But, DAMN, this is by far the most fun book I've read in a long time. It is schlocky, dirty, foul-mouthed, read-it-while-smoking-and-drinking fun.
Other reviewers have sufficiently covered the genre and what the story is about. I'll reiterate here that if you're easily offended by foul language, alcohol use, smoking, irreverent discussions about God/Heaven/angels (as well as Lucifer/Hell/demons), you'll probably want to steer clear.
I was delighted to see that the ending was left wide open for more books -- actually, after finishing this book I found out that there is indeed a second book ("Kill the Dead"). I don't smoke, but I almost lit one up in celebration.
Highly, highly recommended -- but only if it's to your tastes.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was unlike anything I've read before -- part thriller/part magical fantasy (although you begin to wonder if it is fantasy or real) -- but overall fast moving, interesting and intriguing -- I read it straight through last weekend, and will look for the sequel.
Fantastic read, very entertaining. Good story line and amazing characters. I would definately recommend this book!
Richard Kadrey is my new favorite author! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly Recommend!
There must be something wrong with me. James Stark is possibly the least redeemable guy on earth. Murderous, violent, crude, rude and irredeemably unacceptable. I Absolutely Adore Him. This is my second time through and I Love Stark more than ever. Richard Kadrey is in a world all his own with Sandman Slim. His words paint stark unforgettable pictures. His humor is truly demonic and never fails to make me smile while I'm berating myself for being such a terrible person.
"I'll be the first hit-man in history who has to panhandle for bullets."
"I need a cigarette and a shower. Damn, you can't smoke in the shower (I know, I tried)"
As long as Kadrey keeps putting out one-liners like those I'll be addicted.
Kill the Dead here I come!
"I'll be the first hit-man in history who has to panhandle for bullets."
"I need a cigarette and a shower. Damn, you can't smoke in the shower (I know, I tried)"
As long as Kadrey keeps putting out one-liners like those I'll be addicted.
Kill the Dead here I come!
