Sandman Slim

Sandman Slim, Book 1

De: Richard Kadrey

Narrado por: MacLeod Andrews

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.

What Would John McClane Do?

There were things that I loved about this book and there were things that were unbelievably lame.

First, the Good:
The modern supernatural setting in LA is bloody brilliant. I've sampled a good amount of this genre: Dresden, Mercy Thompson, Iron Druid, American Gods, and this one holds its own very well. In one novel Kadrey elaborates some supernatural arcana, teases others, and leaves himself plenty of room to explore.

The action is solid, gruesome, plentiful and well described. While it may not refine exactly who has what powers and the exact mechanics of each, you still get clearly depicted fight scenes, explosions, magical fireballs and whatnot. You're never left waiting long and the story moves quickly.

The story is a common trope: Hero returns from long absence for revenge or redemption, finds world has changed and has to cope with changes and adversity on the way to his goal. See: Payback, The Perfect Weapon, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka!, and about a million others. On its own this is fine, if not particularly innovative, but it does play extremely well with the supernatural setting.

The Lame:

The title character is a joke. And it is not because Kadrey can't write good characters. Most of the ones in the book are just fine, some are extremely well developed. Stark (Sandman Slim) is a cartoon.

He is a magically gifted kid who at 19 is betrayed and sent, still alive, to Hell to be tortured and made to fight in gladiatorial combat for 11 years. That in itself is really, really cool. Unfortunately, his portrayal is that of a 14 year old with all the cynicism of a vetran IRS agent depicted by Chuck Palahniuk and a constant pathological need to prove what a tough guy he is. It's silly. It took me 10 minutes to hate him. After that all the trouble he gets himself into is well deserved. I started rooting for people to beat some sense into him.

You can just imagine him thinking, "what would a tough guy drink/smoke/say?" It is like every sentence about the title character should end with, "because I'm a badass."

That said, Andrews's depiction of Slate is dead on. He sounds exactly like he reads, like a young guy trying to do a Jack Nicholson impression. I was well satisfied with Andrews's reading mostly. I had do take some points off for his French accent. It's close, but the way he pronounces Rs are an abomination.

I'M STEELTOE BOOTS IN A BALLET SLIPPER WORLD

NOT A RENT AND ELECTRIC GUY
Stark (Sandman Slim) is just back from Hell, where he has been kicking Demon Butt. This takes place in THE LAND OF CHEESEBURGERS AND COWBOYS. The wise cracks and hard core action is non-stop. The humor is dry, witty and often vulgar. Stark has been away from Earth for eleven years. A lot of things have changed, for instance no smoking in bars. For Stark, who CAN'T SMOKE IN THE SHOWER, BELIEVE ME, HE HAS TRIED, wonders why COFFEE DOES NOT COME IN A CIGARETTE FLAVOR. Stark has not been treated well by his so called friends, and he is out for revenge. Matter of fact they have made him feel DUMPED LIKE THE PROM DATE THAT DIDN'T GIVE OUT.

A GUY WHO ISN'T AFRAID TO PANTS GOD.
You may not have a problem with all the bad language, but still might have a problem with the disrespect for your religion. God is viewed as a deity who makes mistakes, with humans being the biggest ones. The Virgin Mary, Pope and Jesus are also made fun of. DID I HURT YOUR FEELINGS AGAIN? SORRY WHEN THIS OVER, I'LL SEND FLOWERS TO YOUR INNER CHILD.

HARRY POTTER IS A WIZARD, I'M A MAGICIAN
I listened to this right after a Harry Dresden Novel. This has a lot in common with that, he even as his own version of Bob. This is gorier, nasty and funnier, if you like that sort of humor and a lot of people will not, so beware. THE TRICK IS NOT TO REMEMBER, THE TRICK IS TO LEARN. There are some intellectual messages hidden in the gory vulgar details. Unlike everyone else who like to lecture in their novels, Kadry knows how to entertain. Yet, some people will get so wrapped up in the vulgarity that they will miss the genius of Richard. SO SIMPLE FUNGUS COULD GET IT.

MY HEAD IS FULL OF MONSTERS AND I'M ONE OF THEM.
I believe fans of Clive Barker and J.A. Konrath will love this. This may sound like it is nothing but a bunch of one liners, but all sentences are well planned out and fit the story and the characters. Most novels kind of go flat in the middle, with a attention getter in the beginning and a grand finale. This book is entertaining from start to finish. NICE OUTFIT, DID YOU GET THAT AT ONE GARAGE SALE OR MORE THEN ONE?

The narrator is a perfect fit for this novel.

YOUR THE ONE WITH ALL THE BOOKS, YOU TELL ME.

Contemporary Magic

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

Joss Whedon meets Edgar Allen Poe, with consulting by Jim Butcher, and Kevin Hearne. More harsh then Dresden and not as kicked back to "The Iron Druid", More street smart than the others. Great read! Narrator brings character to life!

What did you like best about this story?

Homeland security tie in, of course they would know what is going on.

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

"Agent Tex Wells" Homeland security. I know this guy in the real world

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

Yes but not possible

latecomer to a great series

I love listening to this book it was so easy to picture all of the events and really get into the story. Sandman slim is a great anti-hero super fun, well written, not as funny as some books but definitely enjoyable. It reminds me of the Pax Arcana series by Elliott James not quite as tongue in cheek as James' books however. Both books feature male protagonist who are a bit cocky, where every they go trouble is ahead. I will definitely continue the series.

LoL...very interesting

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

This is my first time experiencing a book from this author. Wow what a story teller! He's extremely creative and sarcastic...I think that's what I love about him the most. Now I'm on the fifth Sandman Slim series! Bring on more!!!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sandman Slim?

The characters tell it like it is attitude and sarcastic nature.

What about MacLeod Andrews’s performance did you like?

Love his voice and passion. His enthusiasm when he narrates draws you into the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book challenges your religious beliefs. It makes you say "hmmmmmmm"