Paths Not Taken: Nightside, Book 5

I was once again really, really impressed at how well the narrator, Marc Vietor, does in creating a believable cast of characters who each have their own distinctive voice. I yearn to have him narrate all of the Raymond Chandler Philip Marlowe mysteries, as he would be the perfect person to give voice to those works!

This novel is entertaining look at the early history of the Nightside as initially John, Tommy, and Susie travel backwards in time with the assistance of Father Time. Later in the story, Tommy gets tossed back to present day Nightside, though John and Susie keep going backwards towards. . . . Oh, I'm not saying as you'll discover that yourself.

I will single out two highlights of the novel for me.

First, the look at the earlier incarnations of The Londinium Club -- where those with real power go to indulge in pleasures best not described here -- adds a nice touch to the texture of the Nightside story. I particularly like that the Doorman is apparently immortal! The Londinium Club is reflective of London as it grew around this magical place and Green revels in telling its story.

Second, and a real treat for me, was the long look at Herne the Hunter, His Court, and the Wild Hunt. (Yes, John being the prey. A truly bad idea for Lord Herne as John doesn't play fair. Indeed, Herne will suffer badly for taking on John.) I think I've said before that I considered the Nightside novels to be fantasy, but hearing them makes me think that they are more properly treated as classic English horror as the detailed descriptions of the beings herein and what they do is rather visceral when heard.

Suffice it to say the story, though not resolved, is advanced properly.And the usual high production values of everything Audible does is evident here.

Cat Eldridge / Green Man Review

I am still enjoying this series and its good to finally know who John Taylor's mother is!! Normally, a long series tends to get tired, but I'm finding that the plots are still interesting and its nice to have a familiarity in the characters and watching them develop.

I find the narrator in this series to be excellent and I'll be getting the rest of the series.

This is a good addition to the Nightside series. I am always impressed with Green's ability to play on words and fiddle with history just a bit. I'm not too sure how I feel about this series become more of a mythology series than a Taylor solving the most recent mystery series. I feel now that it becomes imperative that each book be read in order and that I understand what's happening with all the characters because I might miss something in future books.

Marc Vietor is a wonderful narrator and I hope to listen to more of his work in the future. If you want some good, easy fantasy books to listen to during your commute or while working around the house, I'd recommend the Nightside series.

Mr. Green seems to have gotten trapped in his own nightmare. These novels are definitely redundant page after page, hour after hour to literally impossible unending mayhem and destruction.
There is some very dark humor that does at one time or another surface to keep the reader almost laughing, but otherwise the repition of personal histories goes on and on and on, much like the energizer bunny. I will not invest another hour or dollar in this series. Very disappointing indeed!