Sure, the devil steals cable.Ī number of inexplicably odd tactical moves and inconsistencies left me wondering if Stark was supposed to be dumb, or the plotting was just that underdeveloped. Brad Pitt? Scarface? Two Donald Trump references? Suuuure, eleven years in Hell. Then the dialogue had loads of one liners made for action movies, with far too many cultural references. I know they did when there was a trip to the magic emporium, and by the time the Men in Black appeared, I’m sure I looked possessed. I think my eyes rolled about the time the Nazis showed up to toss the bar. More troublesome was the middle of the road creativity, largely of the kitchen sink variety. The ending had a great plot twist that surprised me. Somewhat dreading a stereotypical war of heaven versus hell, I enjoyed Kadrey’s solution to the traditional plotting dualism. While the Sub Rosa was a snooze, the Inquisitor Medea was nicely described and menacing. I found the Jade especially enjoyable, her Chuck Taylors and their ‘first date’ together.
There were several interesting ideas that elevated it above the mundane, including Stark’s acquired resistance to injury, the Jade and the underlying celestial conflict. I read voraciously until about a third in, when it became more of a struggle. Money is an issue if he’s going to complete his goals (isn’t it always?), so Vidocq hooks him up with a storekeeper that needs an odd job or two done. He meets Kas’ manager, Allegra goes on a shopping trip for new leathers and boots and stops at his old apartment where he finds Vidocq, an alchemist, a thief and an old friend. After stopping at the Bamboo House of Dolls bar for a drink, he finds Kasabian, circle scapegoat, running a porn shop on the Hollywood strip. Landing in a Hollywood cemetery, he quickly robs a suit and steals a car. Eleven years ago, six fellow members of a magic circle sent him to Hell, and his mission is to kill them all. Jason-cough- I mean, Stark–has made it out of Hell and is looking for revenge.
Pulpy urban fantasy on steroids, it’s perfect for an adrenaline read, but I recommend a pass if you are in the mood for deep thinking or don’t feel up for violence. Recommended to Carol by: Kristen Read from September 22 to 23, 2012, read count: twice ★ ★ ★Īfter the second read-through, I’ve come to the conclusion that Sandman Slim is Jason Statham starring in a Simon R.
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