Charles D'Ambrosio is an incredible writer. Let me start with that. And his vocabulary is incredible. (I can't remember the last time I had to keep reaching for a dictionary while I was reading fiction.) He is also a master of story architecture. The scenes are ordered in a certain way for a reason: because it contributes to the telling of the story.

His stories are always dark - and sometimes dark and disturbing. His characters have long since hit rock bottom. Some are on their way back up. Many don't even remember that there's such a thing as up - or happy - or hope. The language and images can be coarse and raw. (Some people will be offended, so be forewarned.) But the writing and the material is so powerful, it's worth having the odd nightmarish image stuck in your head for a while. (I'm hoping it's just for a while.)