I have not had the time or interest to get through this book, unfortunately. I requested based on the author and would love to get to it eventually.

Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to read this ARC prior to the book's publication, and we did not end up buying it for our library collection.

I made it to the 31% point of this book and no plot had appeared yet. There were a bunch of scenes strung together. One of my other problems with the book was the dialog which was so clunky and unrealistic that it felt like it had been poorly translated from another language. Some of the world building was imaginative, but the characters weren’t interesting and the pacing was too slow. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Nicely realised world, let down by a rather dull plot. Felt very rushed at the end as everything was tied up.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the early copy!

I tried a few chapters but did not connect with the writing style.

This is not your typical Richard Kadrey book, which intrigued in at the outset. You will find humor in it, but it is not the humor found in the Sandman Slim books, The Everything Box books, or even Butcher Bird. In this book, you will find humor as dark as ash, as dry and brittle as the charred remains of a building burning. The humor is dark and harsh and so unlike the humor in the other books that you have to be prepared for a wit that cuts and burns. This is a different type of humor, but I found that I really liked the caustic wit and burning sarcasm in this book

I absolutely love the series that I mentioned above, and like Richard Kadrey's other books, this book draws you in with claws and teeth and doesn't let go. From the start, you are completely engaged, which I absolutely loved. The world-building in this book is nothing short of amazing. The world that this is set in has won a war and turns to debauchery, decadence, and any sort of hedonism that you can obtain, but always for a price. There are strange things that wander the streets of Lower Proszawa: Fulling function robots taking jobs from the human population, genetically manipulated things created for the amusement of the people as well as creatures serve solely for the purpose of war, a theater that has dark and bloody entertainment on a regular basis. Then a vicious plague breaks out that shatters the illusions of the people. They have to face plague without the decadence and debauchery that has shielded them from reality for so long. The main character, Lago, avoids the decadent offerings of amusement for the flesh and mind as much as possible, but his love interest is fully submersed in this illusionary world of mind-altering drugs, Lago is focused on climbing the ladder for the bike messenger service where he works, but soon is splitting his attention between his ambition and his lover. His greatest dream is to wash away the stain of him common upbringing, but that goal must be set aside in order to deal with the burgeoning chaos gnawing away in the city. It seems that there is no way to escape his past while the city falls down around him.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, Harper Collins and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Mr. Kadrey has created a dense and dark post war world. The government watches it's citizens and trues to keep them sedated. Violence is a theatrical event. It's a world that is easily imagined from today's current events.

3 out of 5 stars. A good piece of dystopian fiction, but not my cup of tea.

The Grand Dark is a prime example of excellent worldbuilding, highlighting a dark and mysterious city whose residents are struggling to recover from a recent bloody war. Kadrey’s creation is brimming with creativity. While the central character and the general story are enthralling, the real beauty of the book lies in the delicate setting and its many surprises. There’s a lot to see in this impressive world, and it’s a real thrill to experience.

A SOCIETY BASED ON FORGETTING

This is a society straight out of post-WWI Berlin. Parties rage for days on end, fueled by drugs and alcohol which are always in ample supply. Most are addicted to drugs which are casually available in most scenes throughout the book. Everyone is living like it’s their final day thanks to the horrifying reminders of the war. Nobody wants to miss a minute of fun and it has turned the city into more of a playground than a fully functioning metropolis. While it’s fun to experience, it’s also unsettling when you begin to realize how dangerous the city truly is. All of the partying is hiding the fact that machines are slowly taking over the city, that anarchists are on the verge of another war, and tensions are always startling high.

A BRILLIANTLY MORBID THEATER

This was the most epic part of the book. The eponymous theater presents hilariously morbid plays every night, putting the most risqué soap operas to shame. It’s exciting to see the author’s creativity come to life with little details like the theater and the shocking plays. It’s definitely a unique plot point I haven’t seen in recent memory.

THE ROBOTIC PRESENCE

The many machines roaming the streets are a mixed bag. On the one hand, they represent the advancement of the city and their many technological advances. They make life easier, to a certain degree. On the other hand, they’re replacing the need for humans in many roles at a time when work is already scarce and the future isn’t bright. There’s an always looming hostility towards machines, adding to the general ominous cloud resting over the city.

A MIX OF TIME PERIODS

Imagining this city is a joy unto itself. It’s a mix between the dirty cities of the Victorian post-industrialist time period and the early technological advances of the early 20th century. There’s the opulence of the 1920s found in the book’s party society, mixed with the technologies prevalent in that era’s science fiction. Combined, it makes for an exciting mishmash of visuals.

I'm always on the lookout for urban fantasy that will work for the readers in my community. This one sounded fun, and it lived up to the promise. I felt like I was reading a version of Blade Runner - hip, fun, strange, and compelling. At times it was alittle slow-moving, but the atmosphere was worth it and pulled me through. Thank you! My first Richard Kadrey. Now, I may turn back to those Sandman Slims!

Largo is a bike currier in Lower Proszawa, traveling all over the city dropping packages to the rich, the poor, and everyone in between. The Great War has just ended and the people of this ravaged city drown themselves in sex, drugs, and parties to forget the terror recently visited upon them. As they give themselves up to pleasures of all kinds they fail to notice that the reality around them is dire. Automata are running the streets, taking jobs from the humans when they most need them, more and more genetically engineered creatures being kept as pets or instruments of war, and the general morbidity of the The Grand Darkness, where very realisitic murders are played out on stage in all it's gory glory. Despite being a drug addict, Largo makes it to work each morning and when the Chief Courier goes missing his job is offered to Largo. Things seem to be looking up for him, with a new promotion, his beautiful girlfriend, Remy, and all the drugs he could possibly need, Largo is living in a state of bliss. But all good things must come to an end.

This book was a beautiful chaos. It was like a mish-mash of gothic architecture, 1940's noir, automatons, and a bit of a lovecraftian feel to polish it all off. Lower Proszawa is a place you can't picture the sun shining or any life outside of its reality. I listened to the audiobook while reading along because the names and places were entirely impossible to pronounce; the names and places making me think it was inspired by the German language. Men and woman are referred to has "Frau", "Herr", and "Fräulein". While listening a lot of the accents also sounded French. Yet there was nothing that implied that these places even existed in the world. Simply put, this world is entirely unique and palpable. While reading I felt completely immersed. I was THERE. Kadney truly is a gifted storyteller with a vivd imagination.

Largo and his actress girlfriend, Remy, along with most of the population, are addicted to a drug called Morphia. When they aren't using Morphia, they are sniffing cocaine or getting drunk, seeing morbid plays that use a type of remote control doll to enact bloody scenes of murder and death, or having sex. In the absence of war, the people of the city have given themselves entirely to pleasure. But just below the surface dark and terrible things are stirring and there's word that the war will be coming again. The Bollocks, or police, are trying to sniff out the people in the resistance and in turn end up brutalizing and jailing innocent people. Walking down the street isn't safe, especially from the law. On every street corner the Iron Dandies can be found. Men that have returned from the war so maimed and disfigured that they must wear iron masks to cover their faces. There's word that people are being abducted from the streets by slavers and everyones jobs are constantly at risk of being taken over by the Mara's, genetically enhanced creatures that some keep as pets. And to top it all off there is a plague, known as The Drops, inflicting random people and no one is sure how it is contracted. It's a bleak world and all anyone wants is to hide from reality.

I really loved the characters in this book. This story features a m/m relationship along with a few bi or pan (not entirely sure which) characters as well. There is also a lot of disability representation in general but two of the main characters specifically. One is blind and the other is disfigured and disabled. They were all well fleshed out and interesting and they all showed amazing character growth throughout. Some of them were utterly unrecognizable by the end of the story. I loved how most of them reacted when faced with hard decisions and the things they were willing to do to protect the ones they loved. Previously seen as frivolous and uncaring, they now showed outstanding grit and determination in the face of their adversaries. The plot was fast-paced and held my attention until the last page. Most of the places this story took us I never saw coming and it was brutal. Kadney held nothing back, there's blood and gore and death aplenty.

This is definitely a book that speaks more for itself than I can. It's very hard to explain a world this detailed that is pulled from so many different things to create this one amazing place. Lower Proszawa is really a character all it's own with it's carnival, its slums and upper-classes and all it's crisscrossing streets and alleys; it has it's own personality and moods. Kadney really created something unlike anything I've ever read. I'm only sorry it ended like it did. As far as I know this is a standalone. It did resolve the most important plot points but there are a few burning questions that never got answered. That is really my only criticism.

There are some triggers to be aware of: Addiction (alcohol and both real and invented drugs), PTSD (maimed & disfigured soldiers are very prominent), Homophobia, Police Brutality & abuse of power, minor animal cruelty (not that any is ok!), Violence (a lot of blood and gore), Sex (not really a trigger but there is a lot of sex or sexual behavior throughout the book), Spreading of Disease/plague, Brutal Death of a Parent (witnessed by child), Brutal Death of a close friend (witnessed by child).

While I did finish The Grand Dark in its entirety, I have to first and foremost agree with all the other reviews out there that say this book is a bit of mess. It felt like Richard Kadrey wanted so badly to fit so many things into this story, that it became tangled. Post-war hedonism, class systems, pervasive drug use, secret government plots, and vivid violence are only a few of the things that are wrapped up in this book. It took me a lot longer than I expected to make it through, because this all makes this a very plodding read.

Now, on to the parts that I did enjoy. First off, I loved the idea of The Grand Dark. Remy's world of puppets and plays, of violence and vice, was a fascinating place to be lost in. Even before Largo's messenger adventures began, I was completely in love with the idea that he and Remy were together. There's something painfully stunning about a couple that holds one another together. These two were both so broken. Their relationship was one that bordered on explosive. Yet, there was something beautiful about the way that they found even a minute amount of happiness in a world that was torn to ribbons by war.

I also appreciated the fact that Kadrey doesn't shy away from the realities of that post-war world. From the Iron Dandies, who are casualties of that war, to the copious drug use that fills the lower class, he shines a light on the gritty parts of Largo's world. As a bike messenger, Largo sees both halves of that post-war haze. The elite, who lost essentially nothing and are untouched. The lower class, who are broken, battered, and addicted. I thought it was a great way to show that duality, because Largo had to be the one to bridge the gap. The whole idea of being a pawn for the government was only the icing on the cake.

So why the lower rating? Mainly the plodding pace, but also that the ending of this book didn't feel at all complete. For how long it took for that ending to finally arrive, I felt so unsatisfied with the way that things wrapped up. Pity, really, but I'm still in the Kadrey fan camp and will await the next book.

This book has elements of dystopian apocalypse meets steampunk meets science fiction. It was very slow going for me but had me very intrigued.
Largo is an ordinary man, not the super-powered protagonist of the Sandman Slim books. Towards the beginning of the book he’s so naive and simplistic that one wants to shake him at times, but he grows impressively and believably as he moves through the story.
It’s definitely dark and the voices are rich.

I really wanted to like this, but I just can't. The premise is grand, the cover is intriguing, but the story just falls short of interesting and seems to wander.

Great book, set in a dark, noirish world, with automatons and all-knowing, agressive special police. Our main character is a bike messenger with a seemingly simple life, that proceeds to become more and more complicated and dangerous as the story progresses.

* I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.”
I adored the everything box and was so excited to read another book from this author. But for me, this book was not what I was hoping for.
For 80% of the book, it’s like walking through mud. The characters aren’t meant to be anti heroism but I couldn’t care about any of them. The story was just spinning its wheels until the last 20 %. I don’t enjoy books that take forever to begin so this one was not for me.

3.5/4 stars!

The Great War has ended. In its wake Lower Proszawa has turned to decadence, hedonism, and drugs to squash the underlying feelings of despair. They turn their backs on those who were injured saving their lives in order to avoid eye contact or staring too long at the disfigurement maring their bodies. Each day is a struggle to survive as intelligent automata have taken over many jobs. Those that work or come into money typically spend it unwisely.

Largo stands apart from the crowd with his ambitions to better himself and ultimately become more than a bike messenger. Coming from the slums, Largo has seen the life that he wants to stay away from. He has worked hard to get where he is today. He has a beautiful girlfriend, drugs to help him through the day, a recent promotion at work, and an offer that could just change his life altogether and bring him closer to the elite class where he wants to be a member of. As Lower Proszawa gets stranger, Largo can feel the shift in those around him turning dark. Will he be sucked into this darkness or can he prevail and make for himself the life he has always wanted?

Fantasy and science fiction are two genres that I typically don’t read much of. I find myself drawn to these genres more in film and television. When I read the premise for THE GRAND DARK it sounded like something I would love to watch and I figured, why not take the chance?

THE GRAND DARK launches with a lot of worldbuilding and character development for Largo. I greatly enjoyed learning more about Lower Proszawa, Largo, and those he comes into contact with. It was a little hard for me to imagine everything right away, but eventually I found my footing thanks to Kadrey’s magnificent attention to detail. I can see why readers enjoy getting to travel to new places and worlds with fantasy and science fiction books!

The premise surrounding The Great War and what has happened is fantastical, but also not too over the top to make it unrelatable. There are always similar scenarios that stem from war and countries being left to clean up the mess. Certain groups of people are always affected more than others. These truths are all included in THE GRAND DARK, simply applied in unique ways.

The character of Largo is truly what sold me on this story and the book as a whole. Largo comes equipped with a not quite rags to riches story. As in, he hasn’t made it to the riches yet, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t trying. In a world and environment where most people seem content to just get by or have had luxury handed to them, Largo stands out with his larger than life ambitions. His new promotion at work has finally given him the keys to his possible success, but is the time right? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

THE GRAND DARK is a slow burn trip into a fantasy tale that will take you on an exciting adventure! There are plenty of interesting characters to keep the reader and Largo on their toes throughout the story! The pace may be slower, but there is a reward at the end. Don’t be put off if you’re confused at first where this story is leading. Hang in there and enjoy the ride!

The idea of a world weary of war, that would rather focus on bread & circuses, while things deteriorate is amazing. The characters are the stars of this book. Some may think it reads slow, but keep in mind, great world building requires the reader to swim around in it for a while!

I received this via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved it guys. This book was just what I wanted It to be. The world building was fun. The characters were very well flushed out. I loved the plot of this. I can not wait to read more by this author. I highly recommend this book.

I lusted for The Grand Dark from the moment I laid eyes on that cover. It looked magical; the first sentences promised me war, and it was written by the father of my all-time favorite badass, Sandman Slim. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.

Thank you Netgalley for fulfilling my wish. My heart thumped when I received notification of approval. Please don’t hold this review against me.

How do I… What can I…. Oh just pull off the bandage already.
The Grand Dark is an extraordinarily well written novel full of danger and debauchery. The main character is fully realized and very likable. All the characters are well crafted, and very well represented. And it bored me out of my ever-loving mind. It’s as the book began its life as a trilogy and was pared down to a single book. Sparing none of the origin story and stinting on the crisis.

This is a great book for the right reader. Kadrey has crafted a no holds barred look into the police state and living on the knife edge of tyranny. The world building is dark and riddled with intrigue. Every aspect of this story is well crafted and incredibly believable. There are several interesting story elements, but it is slow as molasses in January and there is no sizzle. Just a couple of sweet kids so drugged they don’t feel the weight of the oppression that surrounds them. Or feel the sword that threatens to destroy their fragile existence.

Die Hard fans of Sandman Slim should consider what they want out of their read before beginning . I made a huge mistake going into this one looking for the snark and verve of James Stark. The main character, Largo is Stark's polar opposite. He is earnest and thoughtful and charmingly naive.

Stars: 2 out of 5 (and that’s pushing it because at least the language is good)

I love the Sandman Slim series, so I really, REALLY, wanted to love this book… I was so excited to receive the ARC from Netgalley that I pushed all my other half-read books aside to start this as soon as possible. Unfortunately, my excitement soon turned into bewilderment, then annoyance, then boredom. I finished it only because I was already 75% done and felt like I’d already suffered enough torture to stick around and see the ending… which was nothing to call home about.

So what went wrong with this book? Oh where do I begin? Get comfortable, it’s gonna take a while.

First and biggest problem, in my opinion, is the pacing. NOTHING, and I mean, nothing happens in the first 3/4 of the book. The protagonist delivers some packages, then goes home to get high on drugs and have sex with his girlfriend. Rinse, repeat. for over 300 pages!!!

Then the action suddenly picks up around page 300 and we careen to the end at a neck breaking speed. It would be good if the pacing was justified, but it feels exhausting, almost as if the author suddenly realized that he only had 400 odd pages to tell the story and decided to cram all of it in the last 100 instead of editing the beginning and cutting most of the boring bits out. The action feels more like an outline that has been hastily fleshed out just enough to pass mustard. And the big reveal, final big bad, as well as the ending are underwhelming to say the least.

I might have been okay with the lack of story in the beginning if the protagonist was interesting enough to follow along with. But Largo is anything but. He is a doormat. He has no initiative. All his life he simply floats with the current thinking only about his next score or his girlfriend. He doesn’t DRIVE the story, he just floats along in the current. So when it’s not even clear where that current is going, this gets boring very fast.

And even when he actually decides to do something, he doesn’t actually have to work to accomplish anything. There are no real efforts on his part.

He needs to make an urgent delivery and his tires are slashed? Hey, perfect time for character growth and for the author to actually make him DO something to change his circumstance… But no, another courtier, who was never mentioned as being his friend, lends him her bike. Why? Because reasons only known to the author. Mostly, I suspect to move the story along.

He decides to go to Higher Proszawa, which is a battlefield and a quarantine zone off limits for everyone. Does he plan this trip? Does he, you know, gather supplies, investigate the means of getting there an back? Actually do something to get this done? Nope… He just mentions this to his friend Raineer and magically, everything is taken care off. He suddenly has money, and a weapon, and a convenient way in and out via a smuggler his friend knows. Everything handed to him on a sliver platter.

I could go on and on about this, but that would just be beating a dead horse. This character is as interesting as a doorknob. And he is the protagonist, which can tell you a lot about the other characters in this book. They are all cardboard cutouts that have a role to play to push the doormat Largo along. The girlfriend who has zero personality apart from being beautiful and in love with Largo. And her sole purpose in the story is to get captured to push the protagonist into action (or what passes for action for this one). The best friend and wounded veteran that conveniently still has all his contacts and can part with a wad of cash even though he lives in a dilapidated apartment on a meager government pension. And so on, and so forth.

And finally, the worldbuilding really sucks. We are told there was a great war that Lower Proszawa won, but we don’t know when that happened, and who they were fighting against. The other party is only ever mentioned as the Enemy. We also know absolutely nothing about the world outside of this city. I think one other “provincial” town is mentioned once, because a character was born there. Other than that, the rest of the world might as well not exist at all.

In fact, at one point, I even wondered if Lower Proszawa was actually a purgatory for all the souls that died in the war. That would have explained the lack of information about the outside world or why the details of the Great War are so fuzzy, or why they live in constant fear of a new war… Now that’s a twist I would have welcomed. Unfortunately, that wasn’t meant to be.

What we have instead is a sub-par story with a boring protagonist in a barely fleshed out world. Very disappointing book from the author of Sandman Slim series. I definitely won’t recommend it. Save your money and your time for other books.