htb2050's review
1.0
Ruined the series lately it seems like this is not the same author who wrote all those previous books at all.
staticdisplay's review
4.0
there's a fun old timey mystery entangled in all the usual madness. like many others, I didn't care for Janet - no issue with the pronouns, but I find the romances in this series generally immature and not compelling; I think they would have been a more interesting character as introduced at the very beginning, able to help Stark host a house party with normal snacks and drinks but not able to understand so much of his life (and being similarly incomprehensible to him). that would have brought out a lot of the other issues this book explored, like taking medication for PTSD and anxiety, trying to be less impulsive and have a healthier self-concept, blee bloo. which I actually think is a pretty interesting turn for the character. the swerve into animal sacrifice was like... ok, cut this person loose dude. fortunately, there were so many other things going on in the story that were more fun to read. can't believe the series is ending, I've been reading it for almost 10 years! I'm Old.
jane_1975's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jbelang85's review against another edition
3.0
Good but not the best in the series
Some SPOILERS AHEAD. I love this series and overall enjoyed the book. But I don't understand the character of Janet. A non-binary love interest for Stark. It was good seeing him move on. But Janet seems to be a reckless adrenaline junkie in a magical sense who just seems to be making dumb decisions and keeps telling Stark he should give her club a chance as they are looking to do things which he essentially can do in a blink of an eye. Why I get that they may want to learn it themself, why would they not think to ask him to teach them rather than those amateurs. And then why would he stay with them after she repeatedly makes such poor choices? Overall, good but given that he just met Janet, it seemed and odd choice.
Some SPOILERS AHEAD. I love this series and overall enjoyed the book. But I don't understand the character of Janet. A non-binary love interest for Stark. It was good seeing him move on. But Janet seems to be a reckless adrenaline junkie in a magical sense who just seems to be making dumb decisions and keeps telling Stark he should give her club a chance as they are looking to do things which he essentially can do in a blink of an eye. Why I get that they may want to learn it themself, why would they not think to ask him to teach them rather than those amateurs. And then why would he stay with them after she repeatedly makes such poor choices? Overall, good but given that he just met Janet, it seemed and odd choice.
atomicwizard's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
pbanditp's review
4.0
Sandman Slim, aka James Stark, is back. If you haven’t read the series yet, then you should go get the books and fix that. They are fun.
Stark was once a normal human. Now he is a half-angel, former ruler of hell, and all around badass antihero and he is here to save us mortals once again.
This time a horde of ghosts invades a section of LA known as Little Cairo and Stark is sent in to figure out what the hell is going on.
I enjoyed jumping back in with Stark and his group of misfits. He goes around pissing everyone off and causing general mayhem while trying to keep the dead and their spirits where they belong.
Stark was once a normal human. Now he is a half-angel, former ruler of hell, and all around badass antihero and he is here to save us mortals once again.
This time a horde of ghosts invades a section of LA known as Little Cairo and Stark is sent in to figure out what the hell is going on.
I enjoyed jumping back in with Stark and his group of misfits. He goes around pissing everyone off and causing general mayhem while trying to keep the dead and their spirits where they belong.
chloefrizzle's review
2.0
At first I was thinking, "I don't understand why everyone hates Janet so much. They're great." Then I got to know Janet better and realized how manipulative and stupid they are. It was one of those rare characters that are so annoying that they drag down the entire book with them.
My full video review with detailed thoughts is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2XeH4F1G9A
My full video review with detailed thoughts is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2XeH4F1G9A
chupacobbruh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kmpuzzled's review
4.0
Another great Sandman Slim story. I love how he evolves through his struggles but am sorry he goes through so much for our entertainment. ;) A few other characters were annoying but it was a great ride.
frogcatcher3's review
4.0
Bored, on meds, and trying to be a "normal" human is no way for Stark to live. Good thing that boring doesn't last long in LA. Taking on violent ghosts, a crazy death cult, and keeping a friend from being deported all while trying to manage a new love life(plus an old flame) is much more Stark's speed.
Kadrey nails it again in a super fun, exciting read.
Kadrey nails it again in a super fun, exciting read.