The Fuller Memorandum
Third Laundry novel. Bloody good
A, Books, Fiction, Horror, Humour, Rated, Science Fiction, Thriller
A, Books, Fiction, Horror, Humour, Rated, Science Fiction, Thriller
13:19, July 9th 2010
Anansi Boys
Gods are a preoccupation of Mr Gaiman, what with the sheer number of Gods and godlike beings in Sandman, and of course the rather good and rather lengthy American Gods.
This time though the tone is less weighty. In a curious bybrid of fantasy, horror and humour the book relates the story of Charles “Fat Charlie” Nancy. Fat Charlie is a likeable, if rather ineffectual, man who finds out after his Father’s funeral that he was the spider god and trickster Anansi and not only that but he has a brother too.
On a whim he invites this newly revealed brother, Spider, into his life and things start to spiral out of control.
This is a very enjoyable book, wittily written and effectively scary at times. It’s only weakness is a somewhat unlikely denouement.
I’d recommend it as an introduction to Gaiman, maybe only bettered by Neverwhere. I’d also recommend it as a good read to just about anybody.
A, Books, Fiction, Horror, Humour, Rated, fantasy
A, Books, Fiction, Horror, Humour, Rated, fantasy
11:30, January 8th 2008
Good Omens
This is one of my favourite books of all time.
It’s a brilliant play on the story of the horror film The Omen, which was about the coming of the anti-christ.
In Good Omens, though, the anti-christ ends up with the wrong family and the well meaning attempts of an angel and a demon to prevent his rise have absolutely no effect. A swirl of sub-plots contain a host of brilliant characters such as Anathema Device – the professional descendent of the only seer to have prophecies that were 100% correct, or Shadwell – the bitterly eccentric leader of the Witchfinder Army (current corps – 2 members), and his well meaning but drippy recruit Newton Pulsifer.
This book is funny, insightful, full of great characters and is a totally great read.
It’s on my ‘give this book to everyone I know and force them to read it list’ – it’s that good.
In an interesting sidenote it would appear that I own quite an unusual edition of the book. Nice to know!
A+, Books, Fiction, Horror, Humour, Rated, fantasy
A+, Books, Fiction, Horror, Humour, Rated, fantasy
20:24, December 28th 2007
The Jennifer Morgue
The second Bob Howard book is a genuine delight.
Where the first played with the tropes of a Len Deighton style spy, this one subverts the James Bond archetype.
Full of clever twists and humour, Stross subverts your expectations at every step.
Of all his varied output I think that the Laundry books come out best – he tries a bit too hard with his full-on SF and seems a bit bored of his fantasy series. With the Laundry he\’s just having fun and it shows.
I wholeheartedly recommend that you read both The Atrocity Archives and this one – you will not regret it.
A, Books, Fiction, Horror, Rated, Science Fiction, Thriller
A, Books, Fiction, Horror, Rated, Science Fiction, Thriller
08:44, October 9th 2007
Storm Front
First of the Dresden Files Series introduces Harry Dresden, Wizard For Hire.
In this book Harry attempts to solve a series of ghastly magical murders at the request of a detective in the local Police Department, and tackle a missing persons case at the same time. All while having to deal with Madame who happens to be a Vampire, dark Magicians, being under constant surveillance by the wizard’s council and, oh, the local Chicago mob.
It’s a pretty entertaining romp if wildly nonsensical at times. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a decent piece of fantasy horror with a nice dash of humour.
B, Books, Fiction, Horror, Rated, fantasy
B, Books, Fiction, Horror, Rated, fantasy
22:17, August 10th 2007