The Grand Dark

By: Richard Kadrey

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

“A stand-alone heavy hitter that’s more in line with recent deviants like Chuck Wendig’s upcoming Wanderers (2019) and Daniel H. Wilson’s The Clockwork Dynasty (2017). Tonally, this lush novel is closer to Scott Lynch’s pirate fantasy The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006), but technologically it resembles the near-future dystopias of Cory Doctorow or China Miéville […] Wildly ambitious and inventive fantasy from an author who’s punching above his weight in terms of worldbuilding—and winning.”

-- Kirkus (starred review)

From the bestselling author of the Sandman Slim series, a lush, dark, stand-alone fantasy built off the insurgent tradition of China Mieville and M. John Harrison—a subversive tale that immerses us in a world where the extremes of bleakness and beauty exist together in dangerous harmony in a city on the edge of civility and chaos.

The Great War is over. The city of Lower Proszawa celebrates the peace with a decadence and carefree spirit as intense as the war’s horrifying despair. But this newfound hedonism—drugs and sex and endless parties—distracts from strange realities of everyday life: Intelligent automata taking jobs. Genetically engineered creatures that serve as pets and beasts of war. A theater where gruesome murders happen twice a day. And a new plague that even the ceaseless euphoria can’t mask.

Unlike others who live strictly for fun, Largo is an addict with ambitions. A bike messenger who grew up in the slums, he knows the city’s streets and its secrets intimately. His life seems set. He has a beautiful girlfriend, drugs, a chance at a promotion—and maybe, an opportunity for complete transformation: a contact among the elite who will set him on the course to lift himself up out of the streets.

But dreams can be a dangerous thing in a city whose mood is turning dark and inward. Others have a vision of life very different from Largo’s, and they will use any methods to secure control. And in behind it all, beyond the frivolity and chaos, the threat of new war always looms.

Very interesting, and voicing is good no problems

it was very interesting to listen too, the setting was the best part. but the plot helped to take the readers all over the city.

wow!

it's one of my all-time favorite stories. it's half the writing and half the narration but God the depressing overview of life in this war-torn City tale is just magnificent almost like I can picture living there and it's not necessarily a good thing but you get what good you can out of it I don't know amazing book definitely listen to it I've already given it five goes

Good Book

I listened to another book by the same narrator and couldn't stand him. I think he was perfect for this book though. The protagonist is written as a kind of dim "useful fool" character. Instead of twisting and become a brainiac by the end of the book, he basically stays the same (with a few character improvements). This is the perfect way to write a book like this, IMO, as it allows the reader to see the world through a neutral eye. Early on, we understand what's happening in the city, and the corruption, but Largo is blissfully unaware until the 3rd act. Good writing, good narration, good book.

Excellent story with great narrator!!

Post apocalypse from different world/history..grimdark style..check. Went by fast with a perfect narrator. There were a few moments towards the beginning when I thought there was another person narrating but turns out vikas Adam is just good at his job.

The scene with lucy's character when at her birthday party might be the only complaint I have,..just didn't like her voice..but loved the story and would listen to the next if there is one. Definately a dark world to place youtself in.

Thank you Richard and Vikas.

Great world building falters in the end.

Great world building. Story really loses steam in the last 3rd of the book. It lost all of the interesting subtleties the made the 1st 2/3 great. I really enjoyed living in that world for a while but it fumbles in the endzone. Too precious at the end.