Thursday 14 November 2013

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Bobby Dollar 1 and 2: The Dirty Streets of Heaven and Happy Hour in Hell - Tad Williams

Release Date: 06/06/13
Publisher:  Hodder

SYNOPSIS:

BOBBY DOLLAR ISN'T YOUR AVERAGE ANGEL. Sure, he takes the occasional trip to Heaven, but his job as an advocate - arguing the fate of the recently deceased - keeps him pretty busy on Earth, and he's more than happy to spend the rest of his time propping up the bar with his fellow immortals. Until the day a soul goes missing, presumed stolen by 'the other side'. A new chapter in the war between heaven and hell is about to open. And Bobby is right in the middle of it, with only a desirable but deadly demon to aid him.


REVIEW:

I love it when an author hits the reader with something not only a little different but something that’s ground breaking in its own right. Whilst there are quite a few books out there that fit into the Urban Fantasy Crime PI, this one takes that concept and turns it on its head as the story’s principle hero is an attorney who argues your case for the divine side against the dirtiest fighting team from H E double hockey sticks.

Its definitely quirky, it has some great twists and when you throw into the mix an author who knows how to bring it all into one epic format, that will not only entertain but linger in your thoughts all round gives you something to savour. Just thank the book gods that I didn’t have to wait for the second title as it would have been an eternity in its own right.




Release Date: 24/09/13
Publisher:  Hodder

SYNOPSIS:

Bobby Dollar has a problem or four of epic proportions. Problem one: his best friend Sam has given him an angel's feather that also happens to be evidence of an unholy pact between Bobby's employers and those who dwell in the infernal depths. Problem two: Eligor, Grand Duke of Hell, wants to get his claws on the feather at all costs, but particularly at all cost to Bobby . Problem three: Bobby has fallen in love with Casimira, Countess of Cold Hands, who just happens to be Eligor's girlfriend. Problem four: Eligor, aware of Problem three, has whisked Casimira off to the Bottomless Pit itself, telling Bobby he will never see her again unless he hands over the feather. But Bobby, long-time veteran of the endless war between above and below, is not the type of guy who finds Hell intimidating. All he has to do is toss on a demon's body, sneak through the infernal gates, solve the mystery of the angel's feather, and rescue the girl. Saving the day should just be a matter of an eon or two of anguish, mutilation and horror. If only it were that easy.


REVIEW:

OK, the second book in the series and to be honest with you, one that after the pretty epic beginning felt more than a little flat. Our principle hero is still as strong, the dialogue excellent but when you add to this something sadly lacking with the plot as well as overall story development all round left me feeling a little cheated. That’s not to say that it’s a bad book, its just that when the tale isn’t furthered it feels more like filler for a solid and high action conclusion in the third part. A great shame.

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