Ballistic Kiss

A Sandman Slim Novel

By: Richard Kadrey

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Sandman Slim is back in Los Angeles and kicking more supernatural ass in this inventive, high-octane listen—the next to last volume in the popular and acclaimed fantasy adventure series from New York Times bestselling author Richard Kadrey.

As the battle between warring angels continues, James Stark is focused on seemingly simpler matters now that he's resurfaced on earth: an invasion of ghosts. L.A.'s Little Cairo neighborhood has suddenly been overrun by violent spirits, and Thomas Abbott knows if anyone can figure out why they've appeared—and how to get rid of them—it's Stark.

Armed with the Room of Thirteen Doors, Stark quickly learns that the answer may reach back to the 1970s and the unsolved murder of small-time actor, Chris Stein. As he begins to dig into the cold case, another area of Stark's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled with Janet, a woman he saved during the High Plains Drifter zombie attack.

Janet's brush with the living dead hasn't quenched her thirst for danger. She's an adrenaline junkie and a member of The Zero Lodge—a club that promises "there's zero chance you'll get out alive." The Lodge attracts thrill seekers who flock to perilous events such as night walks through the LA Zoo—with its deadliest animals uncaged. Joining the lodge to be with Janet, Stark makes a pair of crucial discoveries that could decide the fate of LA and Heaven itself.

To prevent the Little Cairo haunting from consuming the city, Stark must piece together the connections between the Lodge and a missing angel last seen in a Hollywood porn palace. But while he may dispatch the ghosts, Stark knows that without his help, the bloody war in Heaven could rage forever.

©2020 Richard Kadrey (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

I always look forward to another Sandman Slim Tale

The winning combination of Richard Kadrey and MacLeod Andrews has done it again. Another awesome Sandman Slim story that was tough to pause. This one had me laughing out loud and shaking my head with sadness. My only complaint about this novel is the same complaint I have with the rest of the series; the ride is over too quickly. I've been a fan since day one, and I eagerly await the next tale.

The worst but not terrible

First I should get this out of the way. I don't care for the woke nonsense being put into everything these days. That said I don't think this story did it too badly. It was only explained once and fairly briefly and Stark referring to them with their pronouns generally wasn't too distracting and I laughed once when it waa used for comedy.

My bigger issue is with the story the first half or so felt very different from the other stories and was kind of just slice of life. The more interesting parts and the part that actually made me mad happened later into the story.

Over the past few months I've gone through the entire series and truly enjoyed them. The characters, world, mysteries and the rest kept me coming back for more. This story though has me worried about the future of the series because although I don't think it was a terrible one I felt it was a level or two down from the rest of the series. I wouldn't pay the actual price for it but if you have an audible credit it's at least worth a once through.

best so far

I love this series but my issue has been up until this point that Starks personality was basically just "stereotypical badass" . In this book his character gets a real fleshed out ark with personal development. That party scene was fantastic and nuanced in a way I have not seen for this character. well done.

Great book emotional roller-coaster

It was just a great as the others but for some reason this one was a emotional roller-coaster and I was just along for the ride. I can't say enough for this series! Can't wait for the next one!

I honestly love this series.

Book eleven was kinda slow to start, and the way it reads is some what frustrating and bordering annoying. For the first two or three chapters. No actually for the entirety of the book. It seems as though he's building up for something really big and the next one to come but at the same point in time it leaves much to be desired in the book Yes there was content Yes I was happy there was another book. And I understand the complex emotions that coincide with thinking of the characters and this story. so I understand that there are things that I had to have been addressed but possibly been done in a better manner because it sounds like there's 75% of the story is nothing but a character dealing with complaints or complaining and there's only 15% story and plotline and progression and character growth is within that as well probably somewhere within there I'd say. But nonetheless I do honestly enjoy this book and will most likely continue to listen to it many, many times in the future again.

damnit

I love all these books but pronouns really. I'm sorry I'm not with that. and didn't think you would sink to that to sale a book. but it's a very good book. But a vagina is a vagina and a penis is a penis. boy girl man woman. but that's just me and don't let my asshole self stop you from getting the book it truly is great. the next one better come sooner then the last. sorry of the bad the good and the threat. chop chop we are waiting

Come on! Give me a break. Pronouns in the story! don't follow the insane.

I really like the series but this one is already seeming a bit much. maybe the series should have ended early.

Still got it

I have loved this series from the first book. There is tons of actions, twist and turns while still keeping you on the edge of your seat. I love the humor and the character. zi wish this series would go on forever. I love the world that Richard Kadrey created.

don't be scared off by the reviews.

In Stark we trust! don't shy away because of the negative reviews. the pro noun shade is just nonsense. I don't care what a person wants to be called. don't agree or disagree agree with the politics. titles are just terms. book was just as good as others in the series. not my favorite but not my least favorite either. we have come this far with little jimmy. no reason to abandon him now!

love this series

Solid story, pronoun thing confused me tho. I got a little lost haha. Excellent narration as always!