Stross provides a distinctly different look at some fantasy
staples or stables as in this case. The
protagonist postulates a rather different Unicorn than that of the run of the
mill fantasy portrayal. This is part of
the Laundry series and is a novella.
The Laundry series seems to be written with the tongue in
cheek, understated Brit or Dr. Who whimsy.
The secret division of government that is tasked with keeping the occult
under control is referred to as the Laundry.
Bob Howard is the understated protagonist. He perceives himself as a hard working yeoman
in a generally boring branch of government unless he is knee deep in critters
trying to do him in!
The understated, low key and occassionally verbose style is
entertaining. It is reminiscent of the
stereotypical "English Countryside" fiction. The inclusion of manic unicorns and special
ops teams provide an excellent counterpoint to the laid back style.
I particularly liked the methodology of bureaucratic
nonsense bashing with the periodic government memos.
It was suspenseful and entertaining, it was a good read.
I recommend the book.
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.
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