Synopsis: Sandman Slim must save himself-and the entire world-from the wrath of some enraged and vengeful ancient gods in this sixth high-octane adventure. Being a half-human, half-angel nephilim with a bad rep and a worse attitude-not to mention temporarily playing Lucifer-James Stark aka Sandman Slim has made a few enemies. None, though, are as fearsome as the vindictive Angra Om Ya-the old gods. But their imminent invasion is only one of Stark’s problems right now. LA is descending into chaos, and a new evil-the Wildfire Ripper-is stalking the city.
No ordinary killer, The Ripper takes Stark deep into a conspiracy that stretches from Earth to Heaven and Hell. He’s also the only person alive who may know how to keep the world from going extinct. The trouble is, he’s also Stark’s worst enemy . . . the only man in existence Stark would enjoy killing twice.
Review: This was my first time reading a Sandman Slim novel as well as anything by Richard Kadrey despite hearing this series and his name pop up from time to time. Yeah, I’m starting a little late in the game, but I’ll take what I can get! Color me impressed! I really enjoyed this world and characters. Kadrey has quite the imagination when it comes to the powers and abilities of his supporting characters and his central character, James, as well. I started reading it feeling like there was plenty of back story given so I didn’t really feel lost. However, as I read a bit more I do think there were things I would understand better had I read the other 5 books when it came to species, their abilities, and their interrelationships with other species and James. Even still, there is enough new material for me to follow along without much issue. They do reference the past a lot so it’s nice to see another series that does a good job of building on itself. I was intrigued enough by the plot and enjoyed this story enough that I do plan to go back and read the others! Candy (James’s demon girlfriend) is really cool. I like her personality a lot and can see how well it works with his character as well. The world-building is fantastic, thorough, and consistent. This particular book wasn’t very dark for me but I hear that this series takes a bunch of very dark turns in the prequel novels, so color me intrigued.
I am coming off of reading the complete Dresden files earlier this year so a few elements made me think back to that series, but this series has plenty to stand apart on its own as well. I was engaged from beginning to the end. I feel like readers of The Dresden Files and Kate Daniels in particular would really like this one too. There are plenty of quotable passages, very funny ones. I’ll share one of my favorites:
“I throw back the cup of tea. It tastes like hot swamp water filtered through a baboon’s ass.”
So yes, overall I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the novels in this series. Looks like I have another marathon planned for 2015!
Giveaway
Do you want a copy of my book? Well, you might be in luck! One lucky winner of my blog will receive a hardcover copy of the novel! Just tell me if you’re a Richard Kadrey fan or a new reader and what you like about his books, what I can look forward to in some of his other novels, or what you’re looking forward to as a new reader.
How to Enter (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY): My giveaways are only open to followers of Your Urban Fantasy who are 18 years of age or older. In order to enter YOU MUST COMMENT ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT POST AND INDICATE YOU HAVE DONE SO ON THE RAFFLECOPTER WIDGET! If you’re a new member, sign up on the right panel to follow my blog via email. (Make sure to check your email to confirm your subscription. You should receive a notification immediately, so check your spam folder if you don’t see it right away). Current followers can just say so in their post. The next four opportunities are for bonus entries. Overall, there are up to 5 chances to enter:
- Follow this blog via email and comment based on my specifications mentioned before (THIS IS REQUIRED)
- Like my review on Amazon (bonus entry)
- “Like” Your Urban Fantasy on Facebook (bonus entry)
- Follow me on Twitter (bonus entry)
- Tweet about the giveaway (bonus entry – you can do this daily for more entries)
The more entries the better your chance to win! Good luck! And don’t forget to comment!
The giveaway will run from 10/27/14 – 11/9/14. Good luck!
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I’m not a Larissa Ione fan. I am however a Sandman Slim fan. I Like the way Richard Kadrey twist right and wrong 🙂
There wasnt any text bos where I can give you the email I used to follow your blog with. My email it stars with: chericenter… I don’t want to give it here as I don’t want that email spammed.
clerical errors gallore: should read “box” instead of “bos” and “starts” instead of “stars” 🙂
Hey Cherry! I check the email of the winner against what I see in my database. You would need to enter the address here on the site in the top right corner, not on the widget. On the widget you’re just confirming that you’ve done it. I took a glimpse at my database but didn’t notice anything new with the start of the one you wrote above. Did you sign up with that one at while ago? I appreciate the support as always!
Um… kind of confused with your message above… I subscribed with email addy: chericenter-yoururbanfantasy@yahoo.com.
Yes, am an old subscriber. A carried over follower from the old blog you had from blogger.
I just started sandman slim series, is great so far. I’m not up to this book yet but I will be soon.
Richard Kadry is a family favorite! Not only am I a fan of his wildly imaginative work, but my older sons (ages 18 and 14) are also huge fans. The 11 year old son is eagerly waiting for his chance at sharing these books with us (he just needs a birthday or two to pass first)!
I am a Larissa Ione fan and a Sandman Slim fan. My email address is michelle_willms at yahoo dot com