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nyctheaterreader's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-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
3.25
jenpaul13's review
4.0
Music’s power is something unparalleled with the joy it can bring to people; but it also has power to wreak unfathomable havoc in We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Twenty years ago, on the verge of breaking it big in the music industry, heavy metal band Dürt Würk fractured and fizzled, leaving band members behind while their lead singer Terry Hunt launched his solo career and a wildly successful empire as Koffin. While Terry easily brings in money, former Dürt Würk guitarist, and Terry’s one-time friend, Kris Pulaski works at a Best Western, barely able to make ends meet. When confronted with a billboard advertising the upcoming tour of Koffin, and Terry’s face, Kris is struck with thoughts of their messy past, which when probing deeper into the murky memories reveals a long-kept, haunting secret: that Terry’s success may have resulted from a sacrifice the other Dürt Würk members were unaware of. Setting out on the road to reunite with her former bandmates and confront Terry, Kris begins a journey that takes her across the country and through long-lost thoughts to right wrongs and play some great music.
With a touch of the surreal and humor infused within the text, this story contains moments of horror that while perhaps not overly frightening creates a palpable tension and evokes an eeriness while also depicting serious struggles of surviving in life, particularly around the “almost” moments that could drive you crazy; there’s an overwhelming sense of persistence to keep going against the odds against you that shines throughout the novel. There were an interesting group of characters as the contemporary action featured those in their forties or fifties, though it didn’t feel as if they were of that age group, flashing back to them in their late twenties/early thirties, which helped begin to contextualize and flesh out their relationships, as well as side narrative focusing on a twenty-something woman striving to escape her depressing West Virginia life. The pacing of the novel was generally quick, though there were some areas that felt oddly slow, with some strange, unbelievable action rapidly pulling readers along to the next hurdle Kris faces. The use of elements from different genres to craft the narrative with horror and playful parody, references, and humor turns it into something more of the absurd, though entertaining, as they mix together; there’s evident passion for music, horror, and humor throughout the text.
Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Twenty years ago, on the verge of breaking it big in the music industry, heavy metal band Dürt Würk fractured and fizzled, leaving band members behind while their lead singer Terry Hunt launched his solo career and a wildly successful empire as Koffin. While Terry easily brings in money, former Dürt Würk guitarist, and Terry’s one-time friend, Kris Pulaski works at a Best Western, barely able to make ends meet. When confronted with a billboard advertising the upcoming tour of Koffin, and Terry’s face, Kris is struck with thoughts of their messy past, which when probing deeper into the murky memories reveals a long-kept, haunting secret: that Terry’s success may have resulted from a sacrifice the other Dürt Würk members were unaware of. Setting out on the road to reunite with her former bandmates and confront Terry, Kris begins a journey that takes her across the country and through long-lost thoughts to right wrongs and play some great music.
With a touch of the surreal and humor infused within the text, this story contains moments of horror that while perhaps not overly frightening creates a palpable tension and evokes an eeriness while also depicting serious struggles of surviving in life, particularly around the “almost” moments that could drive you crazy; there’s an overwhelming sense of persistence to keep going against the odds against you that shines throughout the novel. There were an interesting group of characters as the contemporary action featured those in their forties or fifties, though it didn’t feel as if they were of that age group, flashing back to them in their late twenties/early thirties, which helped begin to contextualize and flesh out their relationships, as well as side narrative focusing on a twenty-something woman striving to escape her depressing West Virginia life. The pacing of the novel was generally quick, though there were some areas that felt oddly slow, with some strange, unbelievable action rapidly pulling readers along to the next hurdle Kris faces. The use of elements from different genres to craft the narrative with horror and playful parody, references, and humor turns it into something more of the absurd, though entertaining, as they mix together; there’s evident passion for music, horror, and humor throughout the text.
Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
kuhnja's review against another edition
5.0
Grady Hendrix is quickly becoming my favorite author. Reading his books is a delight and this was no exception. This was different from his other works, a little less typical "horror" and some fantastical elements. I was teetering between 4 or 5 stars but this had me at the edge of my seat, was jaw dropping and I couldn't wait to get to each new chapter. This book had a point of view. Even the descriptive language was metal. What a treat
mysteriesofmar's review
5.0
not a metal girlie but enjoyed this book so much nonetheless (is nu metal really that bad?)
thoroughly freaked out by the horror aspects and in awe of hendrix' take on "selling your soul"
absolutely phenomenal
thoroughly freaked out by the horror aspects and in awe of hendrix' take on "selling your soul"
absolutely phenomenal
mauraneandbooks's review
2.0
I thought it would be a metal Daisy Jones and the Six but it was not it at all. Grady Hendrix has a very original writing and it might be awesome for some people but not for me (not on this novel at least). It's too messy and nonsense for my taste.
little_bean's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vacantbones's review
4.0
Honestly, Grady Hendrix can do no wrong in my eyes. Whatever direction his work goes in, I just end up having so much fun along the way. His dialogue is rich, his characters are wonderfully flawed, and the story is always, always, always wild.
We Sold Our Souls was far from my favorite Hendrix novel. The pieces didn't all totally come together for me - not my favorite kind of ending, and this was one of those instances where I wish there was more resolution among all the ambiguities we're left with. But I'll say it until I'm blue in the face: even my least favorite Grady Hendrix book leaves me feeling happier than most reads.
We Sold Our Souls was far from my favorite Hendrix novel. The pieces didn't all totally come together for me - not my favorite kind of ending, and this was one of those instances where I wish there was more resolution among all the ambiguities we're left with. But I'll say it until I'm blue in the face: even my least favorite Grady Hendrix book leaves me feeling happier than most reads.
pikamonster's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Definitely a fun read. Like most of his books.