Agents of Light and Darkness (Nightside, Book 2) (original 2003; edition 2003)

Certainly hooked on the series now. I'm pretty sure there's a subtle satire going on here, a sort of pulp send up carefully worked through the weave of stories. The characters aren't exactly deep or nuanced, and there are a few too many catch phrases used a little too often ("Got it in one!"), but when I hold onto that satire element, it just falls into the humor category. The plot of this one is pretty interesting, although I don't agree (quite) with the way Taylor catches the blame for it all. I loved the twist at the end, in particular, as it caught me completely off-side. Very solid second in the series, which is always the hard one. ( )

I've been listening to all the NIghtside audiobooks in the car on my way to work, and I'm up to 'Hell to Pay'. Going back and writing these reviews I realise I don't remember much of this one. Probably because it bored the hell out of me.

The first book nicely built up the hero John Taylor, the world of the Nightside and asked questions about the significance of his return. Unfortunately 'Agents of Light and Darkness' doesn't really build on much of that but goes off on a tangent. Something about the unholy grail being stolen and thousands of demons and angels come in to the Nightside to fight over it. I remember thinking the pace was so quick I often missed important bits of information. I seem to remember that I got into the characters of Suzie Shooter and the Collector a bit more, but like the first book there were elements that didn't impress me such as the Speaki Gun. What?!

Without doubt the weakest entry in the Nightside series. Though Marc Vietor, the narrator, is still pretty good. ( )

Not as predictable as I expected! It could have gone a very ho-hum direction at one point, but it stayed interesting and entertaining. ( )

One more book dutifully tried. I didn't care for it any more than the last book.

I think the lightning fast pace of the book worked against it. With so much action going on it felt like there really wasn't enough time to get to know the characters well.

Sure you may hear the surface motivations of people but that isn't the complete picture. ( )

I thought this second book in the series was much stronger than the first. The first had altogether too much world-building, but this time we get right to the meat of the story. The Unholy Grail (a cup that Judas drank from that grants its holder great power) is supposedly on the loose in the Nightside, and everyone knows about it. Including the Angels, both from above and below. Taylor is brought in to find it — hopefully before the Angels tear the Nightside to pieces.

Since this is a YA book, it’s a relatively quick read. I felt more connected to Taylor and his unusual associates this time around, and will likely continue with the series. ( )