Paths Not Taken: Nightside Series 5

Paths Not Taken

(Simon R Green)

Pages: 272
Year Published: 2005

Teaser: John Taylor has finally found out who is mother is. She is none other than the first wife of Adam, Lilith, creator of Nightside. So, to find out more about his mother and her destructive future plans he decides to travel to the past to a time before the creation of Nightside. He brings with him a fellow PI, Tommy Oblivion, and his long time 'friend,' the trigger happy Suzie Shooter. (AKA. Holy crap, it's her! RUN!)

Short Thought: More confusing than past novels, but answered a lot of questions and filled in a lot of back story.

Expanded Thoughts: This 5th installment in the Nightside series deviated from the usual 'gumshoe' formula that the others had. The actual 'job' that John receives plays a very small part in this one. The focus was instead on the back story, Nightside and its history, Lilith, and character growth.

That being said, this is a very important novel if you are reading the entire series. It ties up 90% of the plot lines and answers most of the questions that you hadn't even thought to ask yet. It is basically an introduction to the 'BIG SHOWDOWN.'

My only gripe is that the 'time traveling,' paradox' thing really messed with my head. I found it very confusing. So, if you aren't used to reading that kind of sci-fi stuff, be prepared to slow down. (I had to reread some parts 3 times to get the significances and such.)

My apologies for the short review, but honestly I couldn't think of any other way to not give spoilers. This book is chock full of 'em.

Additional Notes: This novel has descriptive violence and dark themes.

Hex and the City: Nightside Series 4

Hex and The City
(Simon R Green)

Pages: 256 (Mass Market Paperback)
Year Published: 2005

Teaser: John is the closest he has ever been to finding out the truth about his mysterious mother. Lady Luck offers to give him valuable information about his background as payment for a job. This job is dangerous and will put John on the bad sides of some very powerful players in Nightside. As usual, John doesn't seem too upset about it.

Short Thought: As with the other novels in this series, this is sick and twisted fun that is surprisingly easy to relate to.

Expanded Thoughts: This 4th installment in the series builds upon what has been introduced in the previous novels as well as answers a lot of questions and open new doors.

One central theme of the previous books was the mysterious origins of John Taylor. Why does everyone fear him? Who is his 'all-powerful' mother? What of his father? We actually get answers to these questions and more in this book. (Thank God!)

Also, this novel has a interesting and deliciously macabre cast of supporting characters. Some new Nightside residents take center stage. Some of them include: Sinner (sold his soul for love), Pretty Poison (Sinner's demoness lover), and even a unique Madman. They play off of each other well, and can be pretty hilarious at times. My only complaint is that the author's builds these characters up sometimes just lets them go.

Though there are a few redundancies and places that I wish were more developed, this is a great, easy to follow, fantasy story with twisted allusions that tickle your well of useless knowledge.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes and descriptive violence.

Nightingale's Lament: Nightside Series 3

Nightingale's Lament

(Simon R. Green)

Pages: 256
Year Published: 2004

Teaser: To square off his debts, John Taylor took a job from his long time unfriendly enemy Walker. Of course, he got the job done in a way only "the cursed John Taylor" could--by screwing up the electricity grid for Nightside and leaving a lot of carnage behind. So, John decides to head to Strangefellows to escape Walker's wrath.

While at the bar, John is approached by a man who has a job for him. The man is concerned about his daughter who has recently cut off all contact with her friends and family. He wants to know if she is okay. John agrees to take the job even after he finds out who this mysterious girl is. The daughter is none other than Rossignol, the singer whose songs are so sad that many have committed suicide after listening to them. The problem becomes even more dangerous when John finds out that she is managed by the Cavendishes--one of the most powerful and strange duos in Nightiside. John is suspicious that the Cavendishes are using Ross as a weapon so he brings along the only comrade of his immune to such things, Dead Boy.

Short Thought: Yet another twisted and fun ride that is the best in the series yet.

Expanded Thoughts: Even though Nightside is a place in which no one would want to be found, it is definitely a great place to observe. With each novel, the author shows us yet another dimension of Nightside, sometimes literally, while keeping some of our favorite constants like Strangefellows and its jaded bartender.

This novel was the best in the series so far. In previous posts, I have complained before about the redundancy of some of the syntax. (John Taylor is scary. Nightside is scary. Things are strange in Nightside. Blah blah blah) It was minimized in this one. Granted, it was still there, but not annoyingly so. Also, the 'mystery' plot was much more focused. In previous books, there is so much going on that the actual 'job' gets forgotten sometimes. This 'job' is at the forefront of the story, and becomes extremely trying for John emotionally. He honestly wants to help Rossignol and not just complete the job and intimidate along the way. Lastly, the new supporting characters are the most brilliant and developed yet. All hail Dead Boy!

Though I love this series, I did have one complaint about this novel. The 'Walker' job in the beginning just seemed randomly thrown in to me. It was like a short story just thrown in the beginning.

Over all, a very dark, twisted, and highly entertaining short read.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, violence, and gore.

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd novel in the Nightside Series by Simon R. Green.

Agents of Light and Darkness: Nightside Series 2

Agents of Light and Darkness
(Simon R. Green)

Teaser: John Taylor is back in Nightside and doesn't appear to be returning to the normal world any time soon. He has taken a new job that pays as well as it is dangerous. A mysterious priest has hired him to locate and retrieve the Unholy Grail (the cup from which Judas drank). The task proves to be quite difficult and attracts some of John's most powerful enemies. Angels and Demons, anyone?

Short Thought: Off the wall detective adventure that is as twisted as it is fun.

Expanded Thoughts: What can I say? This book is corny in the darkest, most entertaining way possible. It is just plain fun and shouldn't be taken too seriously. I won't lie; I wasn't too fond of the first book. I thought it was too predictable and cheesy in a bad way. This one was much better, and borders on masterful.

There are many things about it I absolutely love. First, the settings and characters are out of this world. It is like what the world would look like if Quentin Tarantino and a posse of evil clowns took over. I can't even fathom how someone comes up with stuff like this. I thought it was pretty crazy in the first novel. The author takes it a step further in this one.

Second, I love the throwback to old gumshoe stories and film noir. I think it has a brilliant amount of cheesiness added (just like in the old movies) and takes it to the darkside. I could almost picture a movie scene with John Taylor sitting at a desk with a ceiling fan in the foreground. (And oh don't forget the trickling piano music with a hint of muted trumpets.) I feel that it was too forced in the first novel, but it was very balanced in this one.

Lastly, the actual plot surrounding the Unholy Grail retrieval was great on its own. It had twists, turn, and obstacles that built throughout the short novel. All the extra stuff just helped to bring different tones and colors to it.

I only have a few gripes. First, some of the lines are annoyingly repetitive. (...this is the nightside. ...Suzy likes to shoot people. ....people fear John Taylor. ....Alex has a poor disposition.) I just want to scream, I KNOW!, sometimes. Second, what happened to the real world? I don't think that it was ever explained. John had hidden from Nightside for years in the 'real world.' Did he just not return?

In closing, if you want a short and fun novel that appeals to your dark side, you should really check out this series. I believe Agents of Light and Darkness is just a taste of the dark and twisted fun to come.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd book in the Nightside Series by Simon R. Green.

Additional Notes: This book contains scenes of a dark and violent nature.

Deathwish: Cal Leandros Series 4

Deathwish

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Niko and Cal are hired by the vampire Seamus to find out who is after him. He is an ex-husband of Promise of whom Niko knew nothing about. The job pays well, but it causes a rift in Promise's and Niko's relationship. He can no longer trust her. Unfortunately, they don't really have time to discuss it because the Auphe are back and more vicious than ever. They have a plan for Caliban, and it starts with Niko's death. Cal must dig deep, even at the risk of losing himself, to protect Niko from his monstrous relatives. Niko is in constant fear that Cal may dig too deep as he watches him slowly decline into the monstrous darkness.

Short Thought: Urban fantasy genius. Pushes the envelop. Absolutely amazing. Blown away.

Expanded Thoughts: I was blown away by this. I was sure this series was crap on a stick at the beginning. I am so glad that I didn't bet anything on that. This series is brilliant. Thurman, in this novel, takes you on a ride that never slows down and isn't afraid to take everything to a new level complete with dark, delicious new twists and developments. It is almost like the novel hits you in waves. It settles down for a couple pages, and then, BAM! you get blown away over and over again.

The dialogue was not forced or annoying. Cal still had his flair (or is that Robin?), spunk, and dark humor, but IT WAS ACTUALLY FUNNY and well timed and paced. The author is very consistent with the characters and their developments and growths. Niko is slowly becoming even more intertwined into Promise's life as Caliban is slowly becoming more dark and doubting his humanity. I could go forever about how wonderful it is, and how brilliant the characters are.

One thing that has changed in this novel with respect to the series is that half the book is written from Niko's perspective instead of just Cal's. It really highlights their relationship and differences in their humanity and views. We also get even more glimpses into their past. It also keeps everything fresh and doesn't allow the reader to bore of the same humor over and over again. I thought that this took the series to another level, and made Cal's dark humor funny and better placed.

Before I start squealing like I'm at a New Kids on the Block (I feel old) concert, I end this with statement that if you are going to read a contemporary fantasy/paranormal series, this is the one. It's not too masculine, and it's certainly not feminine. It fits all twisted tastes and doesn't disappoint.

Additional Notes: This is the 4th novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, mild language, violence, and gore.

Madhouse: Cal Leandros Series 3

Madhouse

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Cal and Niko are back again, but with a new breed of enemies to add to the ever-growing list. Sawney Beane, a formerly deceased cannibalistic serial killer, is on the loose and leaving a trail of bodies behind. The brothers race to stop him from killing anyone else, but find themselves stretched in two directions when someone makes an attempt on Robin's life. All in a day's work for these brothers who never seem to catch a break.

Short Thought: Overall a good addition to the unique series. Slightly better than the two previous books.

Expanded Thoughts: This third installment into the series is more like three short stories in one. So, for the purpose of this review, I'll be discussing them separately.

First, the main plot is the resurrection of the Scottish serial killer, Sawney Beane. He is a gruesome cannibal that doesn't hesitate to leave a trail of gore and horror behind him. I'm not going to comment on this storyline much, because I didn't feel that it was anything terribly unique. It was like a horror version of a Criminal Minds episode. It was great fun, but not terribly different from other stories of its kind.

Second, there is somebody out to kill the ever-randy Robin Goodfellow. Really, how do you narrow down a suspect when the Puck has made millions of enemies of thousands of years. This was actually my favorite plot line in the whole novel. It was clever, and you get to see a different side to Robin--instead of his bare bottom in action, you get to see a vulnerability clouded in fear (and probably still in action). The ending was also brilliant. I truly never guessed who the perp was until it was revealed.

Lastly, Cal goes to any lengths to get laid. I really didn't like this storyline. It was like a badly done Gothic version of American Pie. I felt that it didn't fit in with the flow of the rest of the series. It was almost like the author decided that she didn't like George and needed a way to write her out without killing her. It was a major turning point for Cal, but not a good one in my opinion.

This series keeps steadily getting better. I look forward to reading the next. This was definitely the best one of the series I've read so far, I almost enjoyed reading it too much. With all this dark humor and horror, I think I scared myself with how much I did enjoy it. Perhaps, I should work up a really kick butt maniacal laugh to go with it.

Additional Notes: This is the third novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, violence, and mild language.

Moonshine: Cal Leandros Series 2

Moonshine

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Life is never dull when Niko or Cal are anywhere to be found. The brothers are embarking on new territory as they decide to stay in New York City for the long haul. No more running away. To help to make ends meet, Niko teams up with his current lover Promise to form a bodyguard service. It seems like a great idea, and pays really well. The job lands them into even more trouble. If that wasn't bad enough, Cal is starting to exhibit more and more Auphe-like behavior. These brothers just can't catch a break to save their lives.

Short Thought: A nice continuation to the series, a bit better than the first.

Expanded Thoughts: This novel was a nice continuation and did build upon what was introduced in the premiere novel, but it didn't go anywhere new. It stayed at the same pitch, same level.

It did differ greatly from the first novel in that it was less forced and less cheesy. I love the sarcastic voice of the main character Cal, but sometimes it's too much and can become redundant. You just want to smack him. (If you didn't think he might bite you or shoot you.)

That being said, the characters proved to be much more than cardboard backing in this one. The story delves deeper into Niko's (the truly tragic character) life and character. The author also is genius at giving the perfect 'push and pull' energy between the brothers. They love each other, but the bond was built on tragedy, worry, and violence. It is very interesting to see how they play off of each each and support each other. It is truly something unique in this genre.

I can't wait for the next one!

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, language, and violence.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Something from the Nightside: Nightside Series 1

Something from the Nightside
(Simon R Green)

Teaser: John Taylor makes his living as a mediocre private eye working in London. Unfortunately, business has been slow as of late, and John is running out of cash fast. John's luck turns around when a mysterious upperclass businesswoman comes knocking on his door with a case for him. She is willing to pay John more money than he has ever received for a job to find her runaway daughter and drag her back home. As always, there is a catch. The daughter is believed to have run away to Nightside, the fabled dark inner part of London. John must make a choice, refuse the job and find other ways out of his financial situation, or accept the job and travel to Nightside where he would have to face a part of his past that he has been running from for years.

Short Thought: Although very cheesy and cliched, I found it entertaining in a "sadistic, twisted" kind of way."

Expanded Thought: I had never read a novel like this before. It wasn't serious and brooding; It was freakin' fun to read! It was watching an old noir film on acid.

The characters in Nightside are ridiculous, and that's why I like them. There are the epitome of a stereo-type (PI, Tough As Nails Chick, Grumpy Bartender, etc), but they have little twists that make them funny and amusing to read.

If you are looking for a short, deliciously, dark, and fun fantasy story, you have to check out this series. My only complaint is that it is beyond cliche at times, and it can get annoying. I hope in later books it won't be this bad.

Additional Notes: This novel does contain some scenes of a dark nature.

Additional Notes (2): This is the first book of the Nightside series by Simon R Green

Nightlife: Cal Leandros Series 1

Nightlife

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: This book centers around a pair of brothers, Niko and Cal, who are extremely close due to the unfortunate lives dealt to them. It focuses on the younger brother, namely Cal, who has a dark side (an inhuman father) that just won't die. They have to decide whether to keep running or face their problems head on. Unfortunately, these are the types of problem that won't shrink away nicely.

Short Thought: Interesting, paranormal story that sets itself apart from others in this genre. The characters, the two brothers, are very human and believable.

Expanded Thoughts: Finally, I got around to a urban fantasy written in a masculine tone. (Surprisingly, the author is female. I'm still shocked about that.) This novel was good, but I think the author was trying too hard with the humor and sarcasm in some areas.

I am going to definitely continue with the series, because it is different that much of what is out there now. I believe this will turn into one of my favorites.

Especially Recommended For: Folks who like Japanese anime, shows like Moonlight, those of us with a dark sense of humor, and fans of fantasy looking to deviate from the romance series

Additional Notes: This is the First novel in the Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman.

The Lies of Locke Lamora: The Gentlemen Bastard Sequence 1

The Lies of Locke Lamora

(Scott Lynch)

Teaser: How much trouble could one scrawny homeless orphan be? Too much for anyone except an underground con man. He decides to purchase the orphan, and insures his investment by placing a death mark on him. The death mark, granted by the godfather of the underground, means that if the orphan disobeys or gets in someone's way, he can be killed without consequence. So the prophet takes the little orphan, Locke, under his wing and into his thieving brotherhood, the Gentlemen Bastards, to develop his 'trouble' into invaluable skills.

Fast forward several years, and Locke and his 'brothers' of the Gentlemen Bastards are the most successful tricksters in the city, and fortunately they are the only ones with that knowledge--until a man who calls himself the Grey King appears and Locke finds himself in the most trouble yet.

Short Thought: Beautifully rendered adventure. It has become one of my favorites.

Expanded Thoughts: I actually started out hating this book the first fifth of the way through. It was very hard to understand and plot lines were popping out everywhere. (As you may have guessed, I read for...LEISURE, not brain exercises.) I almost put it down and cut my losses.

Then, like it was a different novel altogether, it became wonderful. Think of a fantasy Ocean's Eleven, but deeper, smarter, and more interesting. The world that Scott Lynch has created is very interesting; and he isn't afraid to place REAL obstacles and tragedies in the main characters' ways. (My favorite thing about any author...)

It was also nice to read a 'masculine' (not about clothes, love, or sex) fantasy novel with depth. We get introduced to beyond witty and intelligent partners in 'crime' who have formed a life long friendship (reminiscent of the westerns my dad watches, or military mates). The pace is wonderful, and the humor is ACTUALLY hilarious. (Gasp!)

Additional Notes: This novel does contain scenes of a dark nature.

Additional Notes: This is the first book in The Gentlemen Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch.