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A review by foxfic
The Dead Take the A Train by Cassandra Khaw, Richard Kadrey
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It’s a cosmic horror take on what has become a typical demon-hunting main character trope, but there’s plenty here to keep the story fresh and interesting.
We’re introduced to our main character, Julie, as she is trying her damnest to make ends meet only to be stymied at every turn, often by her ex, who works for a Buffyverse-esque law firm which owes their success to the eldritch horror they collectively worship.
When Julie accidentally summons an extradimensional being bent on destruction rather than a guardian angel, she’s assisted by her found family — a group ranging from her absolutely platonic best friend all the way to seemingly omnipotent cyber deities.
The magic system is visceral and gruesome and relies heavily on the concept of borrowing from tomorrow to pay for today, a sentiment which really resonated for me as a chronically ill person. The more Julie and the other characters take, the more they’ll have to reckon with later — but often there isn’t a choice to be had, and only one thing can be dealt with at a time.
This is a fully contained story, although there is a broader plot which does not get resolved, but likely will in the sequel.
We’re introduced to our main character, Julie, as she is trying her damnest to make ends meet only to be stymied at every turn, often by her ex, who works for a Buffyverse-esque law firm which owes their success to the eldritch horror they collectively worship.
When Julie accidentally summons an extradimensional being bent on destruction rather than a guardian angel, she’s assisted by her found family — a group ranging from her absolutely platonic best friend all the way to seemingly omnipotent cyber deities.
The magic system is visceral and gruesome and relies heavily on the concept of borrowing from tomorrow to pay for today, a sentiment which really resonated for me as a chronically ill person. The more Julie and the other characters take, the more they’ll have to reckon with later — but often there isn’t a choice to be had, and only one thing can be dealt with at a time.
This is a fully contained story, although there is a broader plot which does not get resolved, but likely will in the sequel.