Ballistic Kiss

A Sandman Slim Novel

De: Richard Kadrey

Narrado por: MacLeod Andrews

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.

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.

Pronoun problems

The English language does not have any singular gender neutral pronouns, so when Stark starts dating a non-binary the pronouns become problematic. For example: A group of his friends walk into the bar. They sit next to him. His friends don’t sit next to him, his gender neutral friend with benefits does whose preferred pronouns are they and them. There is a lot of confusion for the reader associated with that. It pulls you out of the story. It doesn’t help that the character is an idiot and you’ll secretly wish for them to die. Sure there’s a whole explanation into gender identity and why they are the way they are, (When I say they, I mean the character not all gender neutral people.) but it just comes off as preachy and plot hole filler as to why she does the things she does. I hope they get killed off in the next book.

Pretty good, but ...

There are definite story problems here, as Sandman Slim inexplicably breaks character at times throughout this book. These seem to me to be just lazy ways to further the plot. Overall it's good but I think it will frustrate loyal followers of the series.

The Sandman series.

It became my favorite series. From the first book to the last has kept my interest without fail. I wish I could read it again for the first time. The performer Macleod Andrews had the perfect voice for the hero.

Stark is back

A gaggle of ghosts are on the run and Stark needs to solve a mystery to save LA!

Sandman Slim has PTSD

Richard Kadrey explores the effects of PTSD in another brilliant satirical Sandman Slim mystery.

On meds to treat the condition, Stark struggles to come to grips with the depression and anxiety of PTSD, his typical violent, impulsive response to those emotions and he's also trying to fit in with 'normal' people...or at least as normal as the people can be around Stark. There are many laugh out loud moments. The shopping trip at a local supermarket was exceptionally hilarious and highlights the kind of screwed up thought processes PTSD sufferers have trying to relate to and be accepted by society. Starks muted behavior, fuzzy logic and inability to think through a problem is a direct effect of the meds he's taking. It's smoothing out his emotions and it's a bit frustrating at times when you want him to just solve an annoying problem by annihilating it like he used to, but conversely Stark is also able to remain calm and participate in strong, intimate conversations with his friends, where in the past he would have made wisecracks and avoided the subject. Not that he doesn't make wisecracks throughout the book. His sarcasm is superb. And he's still a one man wrecking machine.

The mystery itself is a bit circuitous, but the resolution is both gratifying and satisfying. By the end of the book characters grow and evolve, things change and some things stay the same. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I typically don't like, but I'm still looking forward to the next book. Macleod Andrews narration is excellent throughout, making for a vivid, enjoyable, three dimensional experience.

Well worth the credit.

Another great Sandman Slim book

This is definitely 1 of my top five urban fantasy books. A series where the main character actually does magic; not occasionally, off screen. Part of who Jimmy is is magic. So he problem solves with magic in mind.