The Nightmare Stacks is the seventh novel in Charles Stross’s Laundry series. The Laundry is a super secret British Intelligence agency who focuses on Lovecraftian threats to our world. You don’t have to read the previous books in the Laundry series to enjoy The Nightmare Stacks. Our hero is a mathematician named Alex Schwartz. Alex had the bad luck of invoking higher level math that opened a dimension so V-symbiots infected him. The result: Alex is now a vampire. But, that’s okay. The Laundry has uses for vampires, werewolves, and other strange creatures.
The existential threat in The Nightmare Stacks revolves around an invasion of Leeds by an extra-dimensional army armed with basilisks and dragons. The Laundry’s assets are spread thin in Leeds so Alex is called upon to engage the enemy forces. If you’re a fan of the Laundry series, you’re going to enjoy this latest romp. If you’re looking for some fun Summer reading, The Nightmare Stacks would make a great Beach Book! GRADE: B+
I’ve tried reading three Stross books, including the first in the Laundry series. For some reason they don’t connect with me.
Bill, I know what you’re talking about. I struggled through a couple of Stross books before I finally adapted to Stross’s style. The Laundry novels improve after the first one.
As we watched GAME OF THRONES last night I realized I could never completely sink into stories with dragons and skeletons. Phil even less so. We lack that gene, I guess.
Patti, you have to adopt a 12-year-old mind-set for these kinds of fantasy. Then, they can be fun.
I have to agree with Bill. I’ve tried the first Laundry book but couldn’t get into it at all, yet I’ve read and enjoyed Simon R. Green, whose books are at least similar in theme.
Weird.
Jeff, I’m a fan of Simon R. Green, too. You’re right about the similarities with Green and Stross. But, I agree, Stross’s style can be a little off-putting.
George, I have a number of books by both Stross and Green hanging around here somewhere but I actually haven’t read either author. Maybe I should change that.
Jerry, I’ve enjoyed books by Stross and Green. Perfect escapist reading!
Why should I have to suffer through three books in order to adapt to the writer’s style!? Let him write something I like or I’ll go elsewhere! It’s not like there aren’t more books in the house than I’ll ever read!
Bob, I feel the same way each time I try to read Proust.