Scan barcode
seang81's review against another edition
2.0
Caveat - I’m a fan of the Laundry Files so went into this expecting a minor reboot of that series and the great novels that were written. I was robbed. This feels like a run of the mill, almost bored rehash, like the author isn’t sure that he wants to continue writing in the Laundry-verse. So, if you like the Laundry Files, well, this is like them only half-hearted, a little forgettable, missing something. I’d read this if you’re a huge fan and want more of the same, otherwise, go back to the main series and remember what made these novels good in the first place!
nedhayes's review against another edition
5.0
Another brilliant series begins by SFF wunderkind [a:Charles Stross|8794|Charles Stross|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1355510574p2/8794.jpg]. This series is ostensibly tied to The Laundry Files, and in fact it does take place in the same universe, but with much more eldritch terror to hand and a very personal involvement in familial magic.
The characters and the ideas and the social commentary are all Stross, and I'm struck anew how carefully and thoughtfully he structures his multi-threated plots (in a lesser hand these would be anodyne or predictable) and how hilariously he places his cultural references. His evocation of Peter Pan is especially brilliant in this novel.
Looking forward to the next installment in this series!
The characters and the ideas and the social commentary are all Stross, and I'm struck anew how carefully and thoughtfully he structures his multi-threated plots (in a lesser hand these would be anodyne or predictable) and how hilariously he places his cultural references. His evocation of Peter Pan is especially brilliant in this novel.
Looking forward to the next installment in this series!
danielwestheide's review against another edition
4.0
Apparently, it is possible to write an entertaining novel in the Laundry universe that isn't about the Laundry at all. "Dead Lies Dreaming" is a fascinating mash-up of X-Men, Mutant City Blues, Cory Doctorow's "Pirate Cinema", James Bond, heist stories, and Lovecraftian magic. In addition, it tackles topics like London's crazy real estate bubble. I really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to more books in this new series.
smfields's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
maxed's review
1.0
The most disappointing book in Laundry universe. I can't believe it's not ghost-written. It's about as bad as later Asprin's Myth books. Instead of actual interesting heroes, we get an LGBT bingo, which to my eye seems like it could be offensive to actual LGBT readers, stereotypes and all. Some authors really should stick to "write what you know" - and Stross's forte is white male nerds. Yes, I understand Stross got tired of Bob Howard, but he was witty, he was relatable and he was interesting. Main characters in this book... They're not BAD. But there is nothing to them, I wouldn't miss them much if we never hear about them again.
The same couldn't be said of opposition. They ARE badly written. They all are Saturday-cartoon level baddies, maybe even Atlas Shrugged villains. Cringy as hell.
What's worse, it doesn't feels like this books advances the global story even one bit. The ending is weak in general, it doesn't feel very satisfying, and it doesn't feel like it changes anything in the book's world - unlike older Laundry stories, which were a steady progression toward CASE NIGHTMARE GREEN.
I really hope for another GOOD Laundry book, but I guess we're not getting one, with this being a new series? I guess it's time to say good bye to this particular universe, then. No book that uses the word "mansplaining" un-ironically is going to make it any better.
The same couldn't be said of opposition. They ARE badly written. They all are Saturday-cartoon level baddies, maybe even Atlas Shrugged villains. Cringy as hell.
What's worse, it doesn't feels like this books advances the global story even one bit. The ending is weak in general, it doesn't feel very satisfying, and it doesn't feel like it changes anything in the book's world - unlike older Laundry stories, which were a steady progression toward CASE NIGHTMARE GREEN.
I really hope for another GOOD Laundry book, but I guess we're not getting one, with this being a new series? I guess it's time to say good bye to this particular universe, then. No book that uses the word "mansplaining" un-ironically is going to make it any better.
dreweire's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beradboy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
necrotechnical's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
titusfortner's review against another edition
3.0
Fun book, I like the shift to the new cast of characters in this universe.
kirkw1972's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this overall but found it hard going. It's my first experience of Stross's work and maybe I should've started with something else? It's a mix of science fiction, heist story, fantasy, and so much more. The characters (both good and evil) are well drawn and I loved the world building. For me maybe a few too many characters and I got lost in the plot a few times. Overall I liked it but didn't love it