Book Talk: Ballistic Kiss (Sandman Slim Book 11) by Richard Kadrey
I'll start by saying I liked this chapter in Stark's story but it was hard to come by. Here's why... the plot was super simple, the set-up and pay-off brightly apparent---like Gladius bright, some of the new characters were annoying. Everything you love about Stark is there, the snark, the attitude, the self-loathing disguised as arrogance, and the penchant for violence. There is a attempt at character growth which is needed and kind of funny---Stark on mood enhancement drugs, that's a sitcom on Cinemax. Wait, does Cinemax still exist, I don't know. Kadrey builds interesting worlds and despite his sometimes clunky storytelling you always come back for his voice, his peculiarly crass way of describing the world and others and the use of violence to regulate his idea of social mores--you know, kinda like Hannibal Lector.
I've read a few reviews criticizing Kadrey's attempts of "inclusion" with the addition of a non-binary character and the excessive use of pronouns. Some say he was trying too hard or pandering. Others suggest building the character's identity out like Carlos the bartender. I say there is no easy way to introduce new characters, especially developing a character in the context of gender identity. There is no specific way to make an introduction. The character is what they are. That said, I found the character wanting. It was nice to see them used more in the series and developed, I want more depth, guile and spice in the Way of Candy. Perhaps we get it in the next installment.
The ending was not strong, it was predictable. But it did not fail. Kadrey ties some loose strings and creates a big-ole dangle of mess for Stark down the line. Will we see Mason again? I hope not, that ship has sailed. Will we get a visit from the Golden Vigil or Wormwood? Meh. Hope not. Wormwood seems interesting but Kadrey seems to have dropped it. More Sub Rosa rivalry? Come on, is anyone gonna fuck with the former Lucifer? Whatever it is, the danger should be more personal and impact James on a deeper level. Bring us back to the guy looking for vengeance and a chance to get back to true love.
Goddamn, am i asking fr a supernatural John Wick story? Maybe?
Prolly not. Just give more texture. Kadrey has us, we're on the bus with him, he can take time play this story out and not have to go LA is burning again on us. But I guess that's what we love--chaos, magic and sarcasm wrapped in a broken heart and sealed with a ballistic kiss.
Kevin Smith once said that he'd keep going to the theatres to see Die Hard movies, he'd watch John McClain in a wheelchair chasing terrorist screaming, "Yippee Kayaaaaeeee, Motherfucker!," until his end. I feel the same about Stark. I'd read Sandman Slim slaughtering the sinful while on Prozac nursing a bad back and an arm sling. Problem is, Kevin Smith now hates Bruce Willis and his love is backing away from the franchise. As long as Kadrey keeps with the development and gives us new ideas and reasons to love Stark and his band of merry misfits, I'll keep coming along for the ride.
I'd even ride bitch.
