Well, that was a waste of time. TAD could have summed this up in 100 pages or less. Bobby is not what I would call an engaging character and as angels go, not very convincing. Actually, he's a jerk who is in lust for Cas, not in love with Cas. And would you really go to Hell for lusting after someone? The description of hell was disappointing and very superficial...it was in your face, one thing after another and I was numb to it after the first 30 pages. So many characters that could have really been explored. Why was Walter there? I guess we'll see Walter again in book 3.I really enjoyed the first book and thought it was interesting with twists and turns that kept me turning the page. This book just plain bombed and didn't really offer anything except reinforcing how much of a jerk Bobby is. I did not grow to like Bobby more, just the opposite. Why would his friends want to help him??? He treats them horribly and uses them. The "love" scenes with Cas were prepubescent "lust" scenes and not a compelling reason to venture to hell and back for someone. Cas was just an object, nothing more...too bad too, she could be so much more and there is a lot there to explore. TAD chose not to do that though and instead we are left with an object, not a person.I'm sure I'll read the 3rd just to finish the series, hoping that there will be some redeeming qualities but I have my doubts. We'll see... I really enjoyed the first book of the Bobby Dollar-saga: We don't have to discuss Williams writing style - its great - , but I enjoyed the idea of the story, the tone, the characters,...pretty much everything. So the bar was raised pretty high. Which is probably why I can only give 2 stars for 'Happy Hour in Hell'.Don't get me wrong: storytelling in general is still as good as ever and there are some new intriguing characters introduced. The story and also good ole Bobby are a lot more depressive and bleak than the first one, the tone is darker. The way Williams describes life in heaven but especially life in hell is genious. Also the message behind it, if anyone ever deserves an eternity of bliss or one of agony and if some things are so bad that they cannot be redeemed.But I did not really enjoy this book. There was not a lot of progress for either story nor characters. Sure, you got some more heavenly intrigues, learnt a lot about a demon's everyday life and ways to torture anyone who was sent to hell, but to me it didnt really lead anywhere. And at some points it was simply boring and repetitive.Maybe I simply have to wait until I read the third book to give a better review. And read it I will. But I do hope it gets a little more interesting.
What do You think about Happy Hour In Hell (2013)?
3.5 stars listened to audiobookTad Williams again showcases his imagination
—hailstorm15
fast food, but good: hot and greasy!
—Lucystockfer
