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Terribly Serious Darkness #2
Soul Remains
It’s Dark in the Old Country.
Where do goblins come from? Why do they only turn up in the Old Country, and why do they like swearing so much? In the second book of Terribly Serious Darkness, Sloot Peril—a “hero” who’s staunchly averse to heroics—goes searching for answers. Much to his chagrin, he finds them.
Everything changed after the Fall of Salzstadt, but try telling that to the people of the city, whose capacity for denial is unmatched. They have yet to acknowledge that Vlad the Invader cut a bloody swath through their city, that the dead are walking the streets, or that the Domnitor—long may he reign—has fled to wherever despots go on very long vacations while goblin infestations take care of themselves.
The worst of villains holds all of the power, unspeakable dark forces are on the rise, and everyone wants to kidnap the Domnitor—long may he reign—for their own nefarious ends. If all of that weren’t bad enough, Sloot’s got the fate of his own soul to worry about.
Can his girlfriend help him save the Old Country from annihilation? Is Myrtle really his girlfriend? If all goes well for Sloot—which it never does—he might just sort it all out before the Dark swallows them all up.
Where do goblins come from? Why do they only turn up in the Old Country, and why do they like swearing so much? In the second book of Terribly Serious Darkness, Sloot Peril—a “hero” who’s staunchly averse to heroics—goes searching for answers. Much to his chagrin, he finds them.
Everything changed after the Fall of Salzstadt, but try telling that to the people of the city, whose capacity for denial is unmatched. They have yet to acknowledge that Vlad the Invader cut a bloody swath through their city, that the dead are walking the streets, or that the Domnitor—long may he reign—has fled to wherever despots go on very long vacations while goblin infestations take care of themselves.
The worst of villains holds all of the power, unspeakable dark forces are on the rise, and everyone wants to kidnap the Domnitor—long may he reign—for their own nefarious ends. If all of that weren’t bad enough, Sloot’s got the fate of his own soul to worry about.
Can his girlfriend help him save the Old Country from annihilation? Is Myrtle really his girlfriend? If all goes well for Sloot—which it never does—he might just sort it all out before the Dark swallows them all up.
330 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2019
10 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Sam Hooker
7 books56 followersSam writes darkly humorous fantasy novels about things like tyrannical despots and the masked scoundrels who tickle them without mercy. He knows all the best swear words, though he refuses to repeat them because he doesn't want to attract goblins. He lives in California with his wife and son, who renew their tolerance for his absurdity on a per-novel basis.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 13, 2019
Soul Remains (Terribly Serious Darkness #2) by Sam Hooker is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I really think the author is related to Monty Python. This book has similar wit, cleverness, and crazy characters one might expect from the Python movies. This is book two and I didn't read book one but I can't say I felt behind, the story caught me up so I had no lag time. I think my jaws are sore from smiling! 😆 This was a fun book to read, I will have to make time to read the first one. Lots of humor, creatures, creativity, fun plot, zany characters, and unpredictable circumstances, what more can you expect from an dead hero?
January 3, 2019
Publishing Date: April 2019
Publisher: Black Spot
ISBN: 9781732935723
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1.2/5
Publisher’s Description: It’s Dark in the Old Country. Where do goblins come from? Why do they only turn up in the Old Country, and why do they like swearing so much? In the second book of Terribly Serious Darkness, Sloot Peril—a “hero” who’s staunchly averse to heroics—goes searching for answers. Much to his chagrin, he finds them. Everything changed after the Fall of Salzstadt, but try telling that to the people of the city, whose capacity for denial is unmatched. They have yet to acknowledge that Vlad the Invader cut a bloody swath through their city, that the dead are walking the streets, or that the Domnitor—long may he reign—has fled to wherever despots go on very long vacations while goblin infestations take care of themselves. The worst of villains holds all of the power, unspeakable dark forces are on the rise, and everyone wants to kidnap the Domnitor—long may he reign—for their own nefarious ends. If all of that weren’t bad enough, Sloot’s got the fate of his own soul to worry about. Can his girlfriend help him save the Old Country from annihilation? Is Myrtle really his girlfriend? If all goes well for Sloot—which it never does—he might just sort it all out before the Dark swallows them all up.
Review: Wow this was tedious. Just read the full description and your head will bounce off the table sans narcoleptic fit.
This is a tale woven from the British literary spirit; copious dialogue, endless scene descriptions and an overly contorted story line peppered with outlandish characters. Wading through this was like sticking your hand in a badger hole to find your dropped wallet.
Publisher: Black Spot
ISBN: 9781732935723
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1.2/5
Publisher’s Description: It’s Dark in the Old Country. Where do goblins come from? Why do they only turn up in the Old Country, and why do they like swearing so much? In the second book of Terribly Serious Darkness, Sloot Peril—a “hero” who’s staunchly averse to heroics—goes searching for answers. Much to his chagrin, he finds them. Everything changed after the Fall of Salzstadt, but try telling that to the people of the city, whose capacity for denial is unmatched. They have yet to acknowledge that Vlad the Invader cut a bloody swath through their city, that the dead are walking the streets, or that the Domnitor—long may he reign—has fled to wherever despots go on very long vacations while goblin infestations take care of themselves. The worst of villains holds all of the power, unspeakable dark forces are on the rise, and everyone wants to kidnap the Domnitor—long may he reign—for their own nefarious ends. If all of that weren’t bad enough, Sloot’s got the fate of his own soul to worry about. Can his girlfriend help him save the Old Country from annihilation? Is Myrtle really his girlfriend? If all goes well for Sloot—which it never does—he might just sort it all out before the Dark swallows them all up.
Review: Wow this was tedious. Just read the full description and your head will bounce off the table sans narcoleptic fit.
This is a tale woven from the British literary spirit; copious dialogue, endless scene descriptions and an overly contorted story line peppered with outlandish characters. Wading through this was like sticking your hand in a badger hole to find your dropped wallet.
April 22, 2019
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley I exchange for an honest review.
Soul Remains by Sam Hooker is a good follow up to Peril in the Old Country. This time the Old Country is in danger and Sloot just might be the hero the people deserve. There's just one small thing before Sloot can begin his adventures - he's a ghost. That's right Sloot is dead, but he's still just as willing (but incompetent) to save his home. Just like in the previous installment my favorite aspect is the absurd sense of humor that's totally worthy of Monty Python, Douglas Adams, and Terry Pratchett. It's definitely not for everyone, but I thought it mostly hit all the right notes. My only real issue is that sometimes way to much is going on which breaks up the main story. I'm looking forward to more of Sloot's adventures in the future - I mean, that has to be more after that ending.
Soul Remains by Sam Hooker is a good follow up to Peril in the Old Country. This time the Old Country is in danger and Sloot just might be the hero the people deserve. There's just one small thing before Sloot can begin his adventures - he's a ghost. That's right Sloot is dead, but he's still just as willing (but incompetent) to save his home. Just like in the previous installment my favorite aspect is the absurd sense of humor that's totally worthy of Monty Python, Douglas Adams, and Terry Pratchett. It's definitely not for everyone, but I thought it mostly hit all the right notes. My only real issue is that sometimes way to much is going on which breaks up the main story. I'm looking forward to more of Sloot's adventures in the future - I mean, that has to be more after that ending.
July 28, 2019
I finally got a chance to sit and read this book and I absolutely loved it! This brings the after life into a whole new light. There are rules and just a whole community. I can’t wait to read more!
May 12, 2019
In Peril in the Old Country, we were introduced to Sloot Peril, a strangely likeable accountant who is about as uninteresting a character as one is like to meet. And, honestly, I suspect Sloot would be perfectly OK with that description, thank you very much. Sloot is a by-the-books, routine-driven, compulsive and predictable man who would be much happier with his ledger books than anything else.
Sloot is back in Soul Remains and again he is pushed well outside of his comfort zone (which is extremely infinitesimal) only now, it is as a ghost. You see, sadly for Sloot his adventure in the first book ended with his death. However it did not end his part in the story. Many of the friends and foes that he met in Old Country are back in this new story, but many are taking on different forms: one is now a demon, another might actually be a goblin, and, well that is just some of the least bizarre.
Perhaps the most noticeable strengths of Old Country was the humor which was often very witty and smart. The same humor is ratcheted up in Soul Remains, and I honestly felt at times as though it was in fact too much, occasionally tripping up the flow and pacing of the story and stealing the show. While I appreciate the clever analysis and social commentary that often comes out of the humor, it would have been better for me if it would have been used a little more sparingly. Nevertheless, it was still a highlight of the book.
The characters are developed largely through dialog (which is done well and is heavily peppered with more of the humor), and we see a very different side of Sloot. Well, it might be more accurate to say that we get glimpses of a different Sloot. Watching him evaluate the world through a different set of lenses than the tried-and-true, seeing him struggle to change his perspective, and rooting for him to somehow save the day, we in turn get to peek at our own faults. I found myself asking, “Am I this afraid of change?” “Do I avoid taking risks for these reasons?” “Do I come across this awkwardly to others?” (I think I can see myself in Sloot more easily than I would like to admit.)
At the end of it all, this was another enjoyable story. Unfortunately, it took me a little while to get into the story (again because the humor was too liberally applied in the early chapters). I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, and I will round it up to 4 because I like Sloot so much.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves silly books with smart, witty humor. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my unbiased and honest review.
Sloot is back in Soul Remains and again he is pushed well outside of his comfort zone (which is extremely infinitesimal) only now, it is as a ghost. You see, sadly for Sloot his adventure in the first book ended with his death. However it did not end his part in the story. Many of the friends and foes that he met in Old Country are back in this new story, but many are taking on different forms: one is now a demon, another might actually be a goblin, and, well that is just some of the least bizarre.
Perhaps the most noticeable strengths of Old Country was the humor which was often very witty and smart. The same humor is ratcheted up in Soul Remains, and I honestly felt at times as though it was in fact too much, occasionally tripping up the flow and pacing of the story and stealing the show. While I appreciate the clever analysis and social commentary that often comes out of the humor, it would have been better for me if it would have been used a little more sparingly. Nevertheless, it was still a highlight of the book.
The characters are developed largely through dialog (which is done well and is heavily peppered with more of the humor), and we see a very different side of Sloot. Well, it might be more accurate to say that we get glimpses of a different Sloot. Watching him evaluate the world through a different set of lenses than the tried-and-true, seeing him struggle to change his perspective, and rooting for him to somehow save the day, we in turn get to peek at our own faults. I found myself asking, “Am I this afraid of change?” “Do I avoid taking risks for these reasons?” “Do I come across this awkwardly to others?” (I think I can see myself in Sloot more easily than I would like to admit.)
At the end of it all, this was another enjoyable story. Unfortunately, it took me a little while to get into the story (again because the humor was too liberally applied in the early chapters). I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, and I will round it up to 4 because I like Sloot so much.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves silly books with smart, witty humor. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my unbiased and honest review.
April 1, 2019
I enjoyed this story, i struggled through the puns and punclines but got out on the other side better equiped in my English vocabulary. Thank you kind Sam and the people of Salt.
April 15, 2019
Absurd and funny, the author dashes in parts of wild fantasy, Monty Python humor and clever puns, all wrapped in a story that keeps you reading. A fun and quick read!
March 21, 2019
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sloot Peril is back. Well, not back as expected, since he's now a ghost, but nevertheless back. The Old Country is in danger. Goblins roam around the cities, and the Domnitor—long may he reign—has left the building (sorry, the city). Everything seems lost - but, wait; maybe Sloot is the hero everyone's been expecting. Can Sloot save the day (and the Domnitor-long may he reign-from being kidnapped)?
This is the second book in the Terribly Serious Darkness Series. The adventures of the unfortunate hero continue, and this time, they're taken one step further: our hero starts off dead in this book! For those of you who aren't familiar with Hooker's writing, you're in for a treat: the author has incredible amounts of dark humor in his depository, making this a very enjoyable read for people who appreciate a little weirdness and sarcasm.
However, the narration is stretched quite a lot - humor is good. Humor analysis, not so much. Humor everywhere hindering the plot, well, for me that's a no. So, although I really wanted to dive into Sloot's world once again (I read and reviewed the first book with great joy), I found it extremely difficult and tiring to follow; not because it was a tough plot to unravel, but because there were so many interruptions by the author's narration. Yes. To the point that it hindered his own story.
Other than that, the characters are hilarious, smart, and sometimes hilariously tragic. It was an overall okay read, one that could have been an absolutely amazing one with some serious amounts of additional editing.
Sloot Peril is back. Well, not back as expected, since he's now a ghost, but nevertheless back. The Old Country is in danger. Goblins roam around the cities, and the Domnitor—long may he reign—has left the building (sorry, the city). Everything seems lost - but, wait; maybe Sloot is the hero everyone's been expecting. Can Sloot save the day (and the Domnitor-long may he reign-from being kidnapped)?
This is the second book in the Terribly Serious Darkness Series. The adventures of the unfortunate hero continue, and this time, they're taken one step further: our hero starts off dead in this book! For those of you who aren't familiar with Hooker's writing, you're in for a treat: the author has incredible amounts of dark humor in his depository, making this a very enjoyable read for people who appreciate a little weirdness and sarcasm.
However, the narration is stretched quite a lot - humor is good. Humor analysis, not so much. Humor everywhere hindering the plot, well, for me that's a no. So, although I really wanted to dive into Sloot's world once again (I read and reviewed the first book with great joy), I found it extremely difficult and tiring to follow; not because it was a tough plot to unravel, but because there were so many interruptions by the author's narration. Yes. To the point that it hindered his own story.
Other than that, the characters are hilarious, smart, and sometimes hilariously tragic. It was an overall okay read, one that could have been an absolutely amazing one with some serious amounts of additional editing.
May 4, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Soul Remains is the second book in the Terribly Serious Darkness series by Sam Hooker. Released 23rd April 2019 by Black Spot books, it's 330 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
I've encountered some books which somehow either really resonate with me or just fall completely flat. They're sort of the literary equivalent of some fiercely extreme sports manoeuvre which either works flawlessly and leaves everyone breathless or winds up with a trip to the A&E/emergency room (or morgue). This book is very much in that vein. It reminds me a lot of what might happen if Lemony Snickett and Glen Cook got together and wrote a book. It's quite morbid in places and main character Sloot needs a smack 'round the noggin sometimes, but somehow it is readable and quite funny in places. I'm pretty jaded and this one managed to surprise a few giggles out of me on my bus commute to work.
The author is undeniably gifted. The book is full of repartee and the dialogue is well crafted. I did not read the books in order and found no trouble following along with the plot. The backstory is skillfully woven into the narrative. That being said, I often needed a break because the dialogue and writing spin wildly off into sub-plots and asides at whiplash speed. For readers who prefer a more sedate style of writing, this one will have you rending hair and gnashing teeth; it's like an albino ferret on speed. Ditto for readers who need their characters to have proper names and not sort of Dickens-on-crack which Mr. Hooker provides (Sloot Peril, Mrs. Knife, Dr. Widdershins, Vlad Defenestratia the Invader (*snicker*) just to name a few).
I found it quite humorous and extremely quirky and well written. For me, it worked. I can well imagine other readers reading it and wondering what in the world I was thinking. For readers who are on the fence, use the sample feature on Amazon and try a chapter.
I will be looking for the next books from this author.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Soul Remains is the second book in the Terribly Serious Darkness series by Sam Hooker. Released 23rd April 2019 by Black Spot books, it's 330 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
I've encountered some books which somehow either really resonate with me or just fall completely flat. They're sort of the literary equivalent of some fiercely extreme sports manoeuvre which either works flawlessly and leaves everyone breathless or winds up with a trip to the A&E/emergency room (or morgue). This book is very much in that vein. It reminds me a lot of what might happen if Lemony Snickett and Glen Cook got together and wrote a book. It's quite morbid in places and main character Sloot needs a smack 'round the noggin sometimes, but somehow it is readable and quite funny in places. I'm pretty jaded and this one managed to surprise a few giggles out of me on my bus commute to work.
The author is undeniably gifted. The book is full of repartee and the dialogue is well crafted. I did not read the books in order and found no trouble following along with the plot. The backstory is skillfully woven into the narrative. That being said, I often needed a break because the dialogue and writing spin wildly off into sub-plots and asides at whiplash speed. For readers who prefer a more sedate style of writing, this one will have you rending hair and gnashing teeth; it's like an albino ferret on speed. Ditto for readers who need their characters to have proper names and not sort of Dickens-on-crack which Mr. Hooker provides (Sloot Peril, Mrs. Knife, Dr. Widdershins, Vlad Defenestratia the Invader (*snicker*) just to name a few).
I found it quite humorous and extremely quirky and well written. For me, it worked. I can well imagine other readers reading it and wondering what in the world I was thinking. For readers who are on the fence, use the sample feature on Amazon and try a chapter.
I will be looking for the next books from this author.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
February 15, 2019
This book reminds me of a play I saw once. Lots of exuberant characters always coming and going. Random asides that don’t seem to fit or move the the storyline. Some laughs along the way to keep you interested.
In the end though, it just wasn’t my play and this isn’t my book.
Sloot Peril keeps things grounded. Even if he’s no longer grounded himself as he’s a ghost that floats through the ether. Except when he’s summoned for spy duty by what used to be his head and is now a shrunken head worn on a belt. Then he’s taken back to The Narrative (the real world).
My favorite part of this book is the goblins. Granted if summoning goblins to your home only requires you to swear... well my house would be overflowing with the little monsters. There are other funny asides sprinkled throughout including a literal eternity waiting in line. I enjoyed the gothic feel of the book as well.
The story felt crowded at times. There were a lot of subplots. I wasn’t always able to juggle them enough to get attached to any of them. Overall this book stuck me as one people are going to either love it or leave it.
In the end though, it just wasn’t my play and this isn’t my book.
Sloot Peril keeps things grounded. Even if he’s no longer grounded himself as he’s a ghost that floats through the ether. Except when he’s summoned for spy duty by what used to be his head and is now a shrunken head worn on a belt. Then he’s taken back to The Narrative (the real world).
My favorite part of this book is the goblins. Granted if summoning goblins to your home only requires you to swear... well my house would be overflowing with the little monsters. There are other funny asides sprinkled throughout including a literal eternity waiting in line. I enjoyed the gothic feel of the book as well.
The story felt crowded at times. There were a lot of subplots. I wasn’t always able to juggle them enough to get attached to any of them. Overall this book stuck me as one people are going to either love it or leave it.
April 16, 2019
In Soul Remains, the hapless and unlucky accountant, Sloot, is still trying to save his beloved city, Salzstadt, from everything bad. Everything bad now includes the walking dead and goblin multitudes plus the increasingly bizarre inability of city residents to see that anything is wrong.
You can’t keep Sloot down. Though he was killed at the end of the previous book in this series, he is back as a ghost. That doesn’t stop Sloot from being just as willing (and unfortunately incompetent) to save his city and the Dominator, long may he reign. The Dominator, in the meantime, has disappeared.
Readers will either laugh along with the puns and humor here and have a great time…or not. The best way to tell is by determining if you think Monty Python and/or A Fish Called Wanda is laugh-out-loud funny. If so, you will enjoy this deep dive into the creatively weird world of Sloot and the Old Country as much as I did. Soul Remains is highly recommended to those who enjoy something completely different. 4 stars!
Thanks to Black Spot Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
You can’t keep Sloot down. Though he was killed at the end of the previous book in this series, he is back as a ghost. That doesn’t stop Sloot from being just as willing (and unfortunately incompetent) to save his city and the Dominator, long may he reign. The Dominator, in the meantime, has disappeared.
Readers will either laugh along with the puns and humor here and have a great time…or not. The best way to tell is by determining if you think Monty Python and/or A Fish Called Wanda is laugh-out-loud funny. If so, you will enjoy this deep dive into the creatively weird world of Sloot and the Old Country as much as I did. Soul Remains is highly recommended to those who enjoy something completely different. 4 stars!
Thanks to Black Spot Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2019
I had the opportunity to get a chance to read this before release. I honestly do not know how this author got under my radar. If you are a fan of Lemony Snicket with the morbidity of Poe than you really need to pick this book up. If they made this into a movie or tv series it would definitely be something that Tim Burton would do well with. I personally am a fan of a book with good dialogue and being able to think outside of the usual in that dialogue, this is one of those books. Now with that said I will point out that there is a LOT of dialogue in the story because of the fact that it is what drives the narrative and inner monologue of the main character. So if you are more of an action or broody fantasy type then I don't feel that you will find it to your liking. The rest, however, is very well written and I feel that the characters are pretty well fleshed out. Some you enjoy and some you just want to smack. If you need something to laugh about while your imaginative morbidity is crying for something to read then this is a must in your collection.
June 4, 2019
This book came to me from the publisher for review, and while not necessarily a book I would personally choose to read, I know there would be a huge following for this type of literature. If you are interested in witches, goblins, ghosts, demons, and the walking dead, you will totally love this book.
Sam Hooker has quite a way with words and puts a whole new twist on the meaning of life after death. A lot of the time, his tongue-in-cheek humor kept me reading, but I had a difficult time with the whole premise. His characters are interestingly engaging and, prior to their meeting up in the afterlife, interacted with one another before the fall of the fictional Salzstadt.
This book is a must-read for people who enjoy fantasy to the extreme and would like to enjoy some very clever turns of phrases.
Sam Hooker has quite a way with words and puts a whole new twist on the meaning of life after death. A lot of the time, his tongue-in-cheek humor kept me reading, but I had a difficult time with the whole premise. His characters are interestingly engaging and, prior to their meeting up in the afterlife, interacted with one another before the fall of the fictional Salzstadt.
This book is a must-read for people who enjoy fantasy to the extreme and would like to enjoy some very clever turns of phrases.
March 28, 2019
I can't say that I loved the first book in this series, so it's no surprise that I didn't love the second. It's sad, because there's so much promise in Hooker's writing, but the run-on sentences and endless pointless descriptions are so tedious to read. It's still quirky, and I can see these books appealing to fans of Tim Burton, Neil Gaiman and Douglas Adams, but it's just a bit much for me. Too strange, too in-my-face. The dialogue is clever but gives me a headache to keep up with it. I'd be interested in checking out anything Hooker puts out after this however, maybe something a little less otherworldly?
An e-copy of this book was provided by Black Spot Books and Smith Publicity via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
An e-copy of this book was provided by Black Spot Books and Smith Publicity via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
April 24, 2019
The second installment of the “Terribly Serious Darkness” series by Sam Hooker is a hilarious adventure of humor, wit and absolute craziness - particularly the characters.
Although I have not read the first book in the series I was able to follow the second book with no immediate hassles or pauses in the book.
Poor Sloot. He is an unwitting character in loyalties to many people in life and in death.
I find that there is a lot of little occurrences happening all at once throughout the book. Which can potentially be a bit distracting from the main task at hand.
Star Rating: 3.8
Although I have not read the first book in the series I was able to follow the second book with no immediate hassles or pauses in the book.
Poor Sloot. He is an unwitting character in loyalties to many people in life and in death.
I find that there is a lot of little occurrences happening all at once throughout the book. Which can potentially be a bit distracting from the main task at hand.
Star Rating: 3.8
January 6, 2020
Disappointed. I LOVED the first book. I loved the story and the characters and the writing and flew through it in two days. I went straight to the library to get this one; I couldn't wait to start it.... then I almost didn't finish it several a times over the couple of weeks I slogged through it. Way too many characters and plot lines to keep track of. I had no idea what was happening at any given time and I kept forgetting who all the characters were who didn't really serve a purpose to the story. This story could have used a lot of cleaning up and left me very disappointed.
July 28, 2020
I am not sure what I was expecting when I first decided to ask NetGalley for this book. I had not read the first in the series but the description and cover were so intriguing to me that I couldn't help but want to read it for myself. The character of Sloot reminds me of Bartleby from "Bartleby the Scrivener," odd and unlikeable but interesting in an unfortunate kind of way.
You wouldn't expect a ghost to act the ways Sloot does, especially such an incompetent one. The humor was dry and the narrative took its time but those two factors that may lessen another book add to the world that Hooker builds.
You wouldn't expect a ghost to act the ways Sloot does, especially such an incompetent one. The humor was dry and the narrative took its time but those two factors that may lessen another book add to the world that Hooker builds.
April 23, 2019
I received an ARC of this title and also purchased the paperback the moment it was on pre-sale. Sam Hooker is an amazing author. The world he created in Peril in the Old Country was amazing and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Sloot and his friends. I was not disappointed! From the dark humor to the vivid imagery, Mr. Hooker's writing makes for a book I can't put down. I've read it once and can't wait for the paperback to arrive so I can read it again.
September 27, 2021
Soul Remains is the 2nd book in The Terribly Serious Darkness Series.
What a great sci-fi story. Synopsis - Where do goblins come from? Why do they only turn up in the Old Country, and why do they like swearing so much? Sloot Peril—a "hero" who's staunchly averse to heroics—goes searching for answers. Much to his chagrin, he finds them.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more from this author.
What a great sci-fi story. Synopsis - Where do goblins come from? Why do they only turn up in the Old Country, and why do they like swearing so much? Sloot Peril—a "hero" who's staunchly averse to heroics—goes searching for answers. Much to his chagrin, he finds them.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more from this author.
March 12, 2019
I requested this book from Netgalley for an honest review. I enjoyed this book, but sometimes it felt like the story was headed in too many directions. It did make me laugh a good amount. It's a very unique concept. I mean, the hero is a dead guy! I didn't read the first book in this series, but I might just have to check it out.
March 31, 2019
I enjoyed the tongue firmly planted in cheek humor of the writing and look forward to reading what happens next in the series. Sloot Peril is the last person (or ghost) who would be having an adventure as he is the type to avoid anything that would even remotely seem like adventure but the course of events draws him along anyways.
July 3, 2019
Great, though a little lifeless compared to the one before it.
April 23, 2019
I love this book. When I requested from NetGalley, I did not realize it was the 2nd in a series. Went back and bought the first book. After reading some other reviews, I will say that this book may not be for everyone. I would not describe it as fast-paced, need to find out what happens next. I found the writing brilliant and loved all the characters. It is witty, intelligent, and overall delightful. I adored the character of Edmund of legal disclaimers. I would compare this book to floating along on a relaxing lazy river made of amusing characters, witty banter, and clever turns-of-phrase. There is a 100% chance that I will re-read both of these. :-)
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this one. I really look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this one. I really look forward to the next in the series.
September 20, 2021
Warning: to avoid angry swearing (and the resultant summoning of goblins) be advised that after this initial paragraph there will be terribly serious spoilers for the first book in the series: Peril in the Old Country. Not only should you not read beyond this paragraph if you have not read Peril in the Old Country, but you should also not read Soul Remains. The absurdist plot to this book picks up shortly after the previous one left off and does not bother to do much in the way of reintroducing characters or recapping storylines in the web of plots that have ensnared the pathetic, neurotic Sloot Peril. Suffice it to say, it is well worth your time to read both of these hilarious books as long as you don’t mind cliffhanger endings. Now, off you go to check out the first book if you want to avoid having its ending spoiled…
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…Okay, if you’re still here you know (or are about to find out) that the first book ended with many of the characters dying (very Blackadder), including poor Sloot crushed to death under a pile of goblins. Sloot, being the unlucky fellow that he is, is not permitted to rest in peace (though possibly in pieces). He remains enmeshed in all the various plots and counterplots with the added inconvenience of being a ghost who can be summoned, banished, etc. All of this makes the book a bit more disjointed and surreal than the first one, but no less entertaining. The author takes satirical potshots at a wide variety of topics and tropes (he has a whole new set to work with since half of the characters are now dead-ish) and throws in witty turns of phrase that kept me chuckling throughout. The book again ended on a cliffhanger, which I’m still not a fan of, but at least I was expecting it this time…and I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
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…Okay, if you’re still here you know (or are about to find out) that the first book ended with many of the characters dying (very Blackadder), including poor Sloot crushed to death under a pile of goblins. Sloot, being the unlucky fellow that he is, is not permitted to rest in peace (though possibly in pieces). He remains enmeshed in all the various plots and counterplots with the added inconvenience of being a ghost who can be summoned, banished, etc. All of this makes the book a bit more disjointed and surreal than the first one, but no less entertaining. The author takes satirical potshots at a wide variety of topics and tropes (he has a whole new set to work with since half of the characters are now dead-ish) and throws in witty turns of phrase that kept me chuckling throughout. The book again ended on a cliffhanger, which I’m still not a fan of, but at least I was expecting it this time…and I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
July 31, 2024
Poor Sloot Peril. He suffered terrible trials in the first book in the series, Peril in the Old Country. Sloot went from humble accountant in the impenetrable bureaucracy of Salzstadt before being wrapped up in evil schemes, international warfare, and falling in love. I’m not sure whether or not to be surprised to see him again at the beginning of Soul Remains. On the one hand, what happened to Sloot at the end of the first book in the series should have meant that, at the very least, we should have a new protagonist. And yet, at the beginning of this novel, Sloot pops right back into action. From his own grave. Because he’s a ghost...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
April 23, 2023
This book is an absolute joy. The writing brings the story to life. The world that Sam Hooker has created is one that I hope to read about in more books. Even the way legal matters are handled in this society were anything but dull.
Sam Hooker's writing reminds me of Terry Pratchett, and that is a wonderful thing. This is a series that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Sam Hooker
Publisher: Black Spot Books
Publication Date: 23 Apr 2019
Sam Hooker's writing reminds me of Terry Pratchett, and that is a wonderful thing. This is a series that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Sam Hooker
Publisher: Black Spot Books
Publication Date: 23 Apr 2019
February 17, 2019
The book itself was good but it was really difficult to get into because so much was predicated on the first boo, which I hadn’t read (Peril in the Old Country). The story was light and an easy enough read. So it’s definitely not a stand alone. The hero was a good guy, his girlfriend kind of disappeared in and out of the book. To fully understand it, I’ll have to go back and read the original book.
March 11, 2019
I so hoped to like this book, but it was just not for me. When I don't like a book I would just rather not write anything, because it may just not be for me.
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