Given the set up for this book not much happened within the first 150 pages. Maybe there was a payoff to be had later. I'll never know. The first-person narrator liked to blather along and the author set him up with all the tools he needed to get his vengeance. The book would have been much more interesting if the main character had either a. Got right down to the vengeance business b. Given some details about what his time in hell was like c. Had some actual obstacles to overcome early on

Enjoyable, interesting read with tough, irreverent, extremely violent hero. The black humour adds spice to the book. Looking forward to book 2.

This one grabbed me. I love dark humor and found this by finding what others Dresden Files lovers would like. I've got the second book reserved and look forward to starting it.

Heaven vs. Hell. Main character escapes from hell after 11 years to track down those who sent him there. Fun but not great.

So the guy who got sent to Hell alive and got work down there as a hit man escapes and meets a nice girl who is trying to quit drinking. Turns out she is still up for occasional mass slaughter, so long as it doesn't entail shooting people full of digestive enzymes and then sucking them dry. They have a lovely first date killing hordes of magicians, demons, and Things from the Void, and then he has to leave her because his Destiny, because his Vengeance, because his Deeply Wounded Soul, and because the author has a mortgage to pay and a viable series character, which means no character development can occur for at least three more books. This is why I wind up reading literature instead of pulp, even though literature is too hard for me in every way.

Will, don't tell anyone! I adore these books! Kadrey sweet talks you into his world, ties you down (actually you volunteered) and subjects you to the filth and glory of his imagination!

I loved this - first book of a series, I think the third is just coming out now. Sandman Slim is part of circle practicing magic when his circle turns on him and banishes him to hell. Eleven years later he escapes and he's back for revenge. Set in griddy L.A., it's supernatural and awesome!

From the description on the back, this book turned out to be a little different than I expected. None the less, if you like gritty urban fantasy with a dash of humor than this is for you. Stark is an anti-hero easy to get attached to. My only caution is: ladies? This is not supernatural romance so do not look for it here, you will be disappointed.

Great novel. Love the heaven/hell thing. you gotta read it to understand but well worth it.

Darkly entertaing and full of sarcasm and black humour. If your tired of happy, fluffy do-gooders, pick this one up and you won't be disappointed.