A review by willrefuge
Devil Said Bang: A Sandman Slim Novel by Richard Kadrey

3.0

Richard Kadrey's description of hell, in the post-first Sandman Slim books is a little strange. I mean, really weird. Only comparatively though. It's like earth, with guns and cars and death and finances and stores and phones and more, but with terms like 'double-dead' and hellhounds and... after a little it begins to lose me. I'm not questioning his vision or calling it stupid (uh, exactly), I just can't picture it. So the first hundred or so pages of this one was a bit of bland reading for me. I mean that not as in boring, but more like teens listening to their parents nag them. In one ear and out the other. Some information was retained, maybe, but only the very basic principles, or broadest plot points. Once we get back up to earth I hope the pace will level out a bit--but hey, who knows? This could be the one that kills the dinosaurs.

Or not. The real question is three or four? I'm not sure. But we'll go with 3/5 for now.

It was good, the end at least (and I don't just mean 'when it ended'). But there were confusing parts, even a few where the plot wandered aimlessly while the author went on a bender. Or maybe these were the only times he wrote sober. Either way, I guess it all worked out. Thee book is finished, I'll read the next one or two or six. As much as it galls me, I got through this one quick enough that it couldn't've been THAT bad. So I guess it's a winner.

Keep up the good work, old man. Just ditch the angel. Using her to tie everything together is just getting sad.