Sandman Slim

Sandman Slim, Book 1

By: Richard Kadrey

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

When he was 19, James Stark was considered to be one of the greatest natural magicians, a reputation that got him demon-snatched and sent downtown - to Hell - where he survived as a gladiator, a sideshow freak entertaining Satan's fallen angels.

That was 11 years ago. Now, the hitman who goes only by Stark has escaped and is back in L.A. Armed with a fortune-telling coin, a black bone knife, and an infernal key, Stark is determined to destroy the magic circle - led by the conniving and powerful Mason Faim - that stole his life.

Though nearly everything has changed, one constant remains: his friend Vidocq, a 200-year-old Frenchman who has been keeping vigil for the young magician's return. But when Stark's first stop saddles him with an abusive talking head that belongs to the first of the circle, a sleazy video store owner named Kasabian, Stark discovers that the road to absolution and revenge is much longer than he counted on, and both Heaven and Hell have their own ideas for his future.

©2009 Richard Kadrey (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

From the gates of hell to Los Angeles

How I feel about this book is a little complicated. I definitely liked it, and MacLeod Andrews does an awesome job with his characterizations in all of the books.

When I first finished this book I wasn't sure I would finish the series. I liked the book, but I didn't have an overwhelming need to jump into the series right away. However I kept thinking about the characters, and Andrews reading. And I had to go back for seconds.

I'm glad I did. I eventually finished the whole series and I hope that Kadrey revisits these characters. The mythology grows on you and the characters only get better and more interesting with age.

I've read a couple of reviews that complain about the story being far-fetched and utilizing too much "deus ex machina". True, but if you are looking for reality you're looking in the wrong place. This story and series is pretty "outside". You will need to suspend quite a bit disbelieve. But I think its worth it.

Everything I love in one book

I have waited so long to listen to this book and it was worth waiting

LISTEN TO THIS ONE.

Narrator ROCKS. The development of the characters is a bit slow at first. But he adds in a little bit at a time and it makes for a great book. I have not shed a tear in a few years and the ending made me do that. Maybe because i relate to the main guy. This one is not a waste of a credit... if you listen to the whole thing. AND are not very religious.

Definitely want to be best book I have listen to in a while

Great listen. I will be purchasing the rest of the series!!!!! Don't pass this one up.

Strange....but in a good way!

If you like magical realms, with a battle between good, evil and the inbetween, then this is your book!

Noir mystery with angels devils heaven and hell

If you could sum up Sandman Slim in three words, what would they be?

Humorous imaginative fantasy

What other book might you compare Sandman Slim to and why?

Sandman Slim reminds me of Harry Dresden from Jim Butchers series. Stark is a little darker and the magic system. Is different but the stories structure is much the same. Fantasy crack ,it sucks you in and keeps you comming back for more.

What does MacLeod Andrews bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

MacLeod has a good 5 or 6 characters that he gives distinct vocal personalities. I think he does a good job with pacing. If I was reading text I would not get the depth of emotion he puts into the dialog.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There's more laughing than crying in this series.

Any additional comments?

It's a good read. If you like the first one just like potato chips you have to read the rest and hope Richard Kadrey keeps writing about the Sandman.

Great story, no bad points

If you could sum up Sandman Slim in three words, what would they be?

Ticked all boxes

What other book might you compare Sandman Slim to and why?

I stumble onto this book and I am pleased I did. Yes, it is a part of a series, but it was a complete story. It read at a good pace. You can't help be drawn into the lives of the characters and be swept along with the story. I have already relistened to the story three times now.

Have you listened to any of MacLeod Andrews’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

It was a very pleasant to discover that MacLeod Andrews was narrating. He would be one of my favourite reader, and he didn't disappoint this time.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The whole book was full of points that made me laugh and provide a good level of suspense.

I loved It!!!

This was my type of book. A twist of magic and mystery. A real fun ride. "Richard, I want more Sandman Slim books!!"

Sandman is a real "character"

What made the experience of listening to Sandman Slim the most enjoyable?

The story was unusual and the writing very cleaver. It allowed you to watch and imagine yourself as part of a lifestyle you would never be a part of or which doesn't really exist. It was downright fun!

What did you like best about this story?

The preformance was excellent. He really has a tremendous range.

Which character – as performed by MacLeod Andrews – was your favorite?

Sandman was the best!!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book would be great for one sitting if time permitted. Lots of action and fun.

Any additional comments?

Very cleaver unusual book. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I loved it!

Not the Best but Not the Worst!!

Keep looking for a series that will keep it interesting the whole way through. Thought I had found what I had been searching for but......!!!!
The first half was good and parts of the middle BUT the ending was a let down. The title character "Sandman Slim" had lots of issues. Wanted to slap him in the mouth and say grow up you punk. To much sappy memories talk about a girl that he only knew for a brief time and was willing to watch the world burn in order to find revenge.
MacLeod did an excellent job in keeping the story rolling BUT at times "Sandman Slim" sounded more like a whinny baby than a stoned faced killer.
With all that being said I'm going to attempt the 2nd book in the series and see where it leads.