Wednesday 28 October 2009

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Pandaemonium - Christopher Brookmyre

BOOK BLURB:

The senior pupils of St Peter's High School are on retreat to a secluded outdoor activity centre, coming to terms with the murder of a fellow pupil through the means you would expect: counselling, contemplation, candid discussion and even prayer - not to mention booze, drugs, clandestine liaisons and as much partying as they can get away with. Not so far away, the commanders of a top-secret military experiment, long-since spiralled out of control, fear they may have literally unleashed the forces of Hell. Two very different worlds are on a collision course, and will clash in an earthly battle between science and the supernatural, philosophy and faith, civilisation and savagery. The bookies are offering evens.


REVIEW:

If there’s one thing you can say about Brookmyre is that he’s not only got a very dry sense of humour but he seems to know exactly how to pace a tale to keep the reader not only glued but enchanted by his offering. Its got enough punching power to risk a few rounds in the ring with any of the current heavy hitters and will perhaps potentially lead the author into the ring for one of the most humorous books of the year. Whilst some will say that its not his best work to date, as an introduction I thoroughly loved it and if the quality of this offering is anything to go off I’ll definitely be seeking other titles out. Finally add to the mix great characterisation, punchy descriptiveness and a school bus full of teenagers alongside some daemons and it’s a powder keg just waiting to combust on your bookshelf.

1 comment:

luke said...

my favorite of his is The Sacred Art of Stealing.