Ballistic Kiss

A Sandman Slim Novel

By: Richard Kadrey

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Sandman Slim is back in Los Angeles and kicking more supernatural ass in this inventive, high-octane listen—the next to last volume in the popular and acclaimed fantasy adventure series from New York Times bestselling author Richard Kadrey.

As the battle between warring angels continues, James Stark is focused on seemingly simpler matters now that he's resurfaced on earth: an invasion of ghosts. L.A.'s Little Cairo neighborhood has suddenly been overrun by violent spirits, and Thomas Abbott knows if anyone can figure out why they've appeared—and how to get rid of them—it's Stark.

Armed with the Room of Thirteen Doors, Stark quickly learns that the answer may reach back to the 1970s and the unsolved murder of small-time actor, Chris Stein. As he begins to dig into the cold case, another area of Stark's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled with Janet, a woman he saved during the High Plains Drifter zombie attack.

Janet's brush with the living dead hasn't quenched her thirst for danger. She's an adrenaline junkie and a member of The Zero Lodge—a club that promises "there's zero chance you'll get out alive." The Lodge attracts thrill seekers who flock to perilous events such as night walks through the LA Zoo—with its deadliest animals uncaged. Joining the lodge to be with Janet, Stark makes a pair of crucial discoveries that could decide the fate of LA and Heaven itself.

To prevent the Little Cairo haunting from consuming the city, Stark must piece together the connections between the Lodge and a missing angel last seen in a Hollywood porn palace. But while he may dispatch the ghosts, Stark knows that without his help, the bloody war in Heaven could rage forever.

©2020 Richard Kadrey (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Still got it

I have loved this series from the first book. There is tons of actions, twist and turns while still keeping you on the edge of your seat. I love the humor and the character. zi wish this series would go on forever. I love the world that Richard Kadrey created.

don't be scared off by the reviews.

In Stark we trust! don't shy away because of the negative reviews. the pro noun shade is just nonsense. I don't care what a person wants to be called. don't agree or disagree agree with the politics. titles are just terms. book was just as good as others in the series. not my favorite but not my least favorite either. we have come this far with little jimmy. no reason to abandon him now!

Stark should trust his gut.

It’s Sandman Slim trying to be nice, calm, and sociable. Sometimes your instincts are right from the beginning and fitting in isn’t for you.

I don’t care about Starks new love interest being non-binary, but he shouldn’t be that stupid with the things they are into.

love this series

Solid story, pronoun thing confused me tho. I got a little lost haha. Excellent narration as always!

loved it

If you have followed the series and liked it, you'll love this one. I like the way Kadrey truly develops the character. nice to see growth and philosophy in all of the straight ahead action.

The worst but not terrible

First I should get this out of the way. I don't care for the woke nonsense being put into everything these days. That said I don't think this story did it too badly. It was only explained once and fairly briefly and Stark referring to them with their pronouns generally wasn't too distracting and I laughed once when it waa used for comedy.

My bigger issue is with the story the first half or so felt very different from the other stories and was kind of just slice of life. The more interesting parts and the part that actually made me mad happened later into the story.

Over the past few months I've gone through the entire series and truly enjoyed them. The characters, world, mysteries and the rest kept me coming back for more. This story though has me worried about the future of the series because although I don't think it was a terrible one I felt it was a level or two down from the rest of the series. I wouldn't pay the actual price for it but if you have an audible credit it's at least worth a once through.

I always look forward to another Sandman Slim Tale

The winning combination of Richard Kadrey and MacLeod Andrews has done it again. Another awesome Sandman Slim story that was tough to pause. This one had me laughing out loud and shaking my head with sadness. My only complaint about this novel is the same complaint I have with the rest of the series; the ride is over too quickly. I've been a fan since day one, and I eagerly await the next tale.

damnit

I love all these books but pronouns really. I'm sorry I'm not with that. and didn't think you would sink to that to sale a book. but it's a very good book. But a vagina is a vagina and a penis is a penis. boy girl man woman. but that's just me and don't let my asshole self stop you from getting the book it truly is great. the next one better come sooner then the last. sorry of the bad the good and the threat. chop chop we are waiting

Come on! Give me a break. Pronouns in the story! don't follow the insane.

I really like the series but this one is already seeming a bit much. maybe the series should have ended early.

Don't Let the Negative Reviews Scare You Off

For those of you who are wondering if you should read this book based on some of the reviews given, I understand your concern. Some of the reviews complained of a preachy tone, focused on gender identity issues. Others bemoaned a lack of plot or the direction of the storyline. I don't have a problem with fluid gender boundaries, but I also didn't want to listen to hours of lecturing on the topic. I decided to trust the author I had been reading for so long, and I bought the audiobook. I am so glad I did!

First, let me say that the whole brouhaha about identity politics is way overblown. It is briefly explained and is quickly referenced only on occasion. I don't think it took away from the reading experience at all. The number of people who were so upset about it really surprised me.

The complaints about plot and development I can understand a little; the story is not perfect, but it is entertaining and engaging, advancing the narrative of the series in a coherent manner. The new love interest is in serious need of character development, since their actions didn't provide a very coherent picture of who they are. Hopefully, this will be resolved in future books. Also, some of Stark's actions towards the end seemed rushed and needed more explanation. Overall, though, I found this book to be humorous, entertaining, and thought-provoking. The conclusion is really not that much of a cliffhanger. Seeds for future conflict are normal for a series.

What I like best about the book is how Kadrey brings Stark back to his humanity. If Stark continued his path of thoughtless destruction without any balance, he risked becoming a violent charicature, as opposed to a violent man. Some reviewers didn't like this part of the novel, but it seemed a good idea to me. For everyone who likes his nihilistic attack on the world, don't worry, it's still there.

MacLeod Andrews is excellent as always, and I don't regret my purchase. I recommend Ballistic Kiss.