A review of The Man with the Golden Torc

I read through The Man with the Golden Torc at such high speeds that I had to remind myself to slow down and actually enjoy it, rather than simply barrelling through to get to the end. That’s probably one of my biggest shortcomings and the reason why I often read a book two or three times through before setting it aside. I have to go back and pick up all the details I missed as I whipped through it the first time. Of course, speed-reading is one of the first signs that I’m enjoying the story.

The Man with the Golden Torc is Simon R. Green’s sashay into James Bond territory. It’s rather obvious, considering the title. But that’s what was so fun about this book. It’s a definite shift from his more macabre Nightside series, which I am still going through and enjoying. So if you want something a little lighter and satirical, this would be a great place to start.

Meet Eddie Drood, one of the black sheep of the Drood family, who, using their magical golden torcs, patrol the supernatural world and keep it from causing too much trouble by…say, getting presidents pregnant with demon spawn, or stopping elven lords from wiping out all of humanity just out of spite. The Drood family has a tough job. But recently it’s gotten even more ridiculous as it seems there is a traitor on the family selling out all their secrets. Unfortunately, the blame lands square on Eddie, who is just trying to fight the good fight, defeat the bad guys, ya know? Now he’s on the run from his own, all-powerful family, and the only people he can go to for help are those he’s been battling against all his life.

It’s a great ride, and in the tradition of all James Bond flicks, has a rip-roaring car chase to boot, with one of the most tricked-out cars off the lot. There’s even a takeoff of the infamous Q, who hands out magical gadgetry that Bond only dreams he could get his hands on. Green has quite a few surprises to dole out, and his characters are as colorful as ever. I would say the biggest flaw comes from his style, which can get a little repetitive at times. Not in a boring, seen-it-before way. Nothing boring here. Pure excitement. But characters often repeat themselves, or dialogue can sound very similar in describing the scenery. I also spotted a few situational parallels that Green also uses in his Nightside series, such as a bar where all the freaks and power-players tend to hang out. I guess it’s keeping to his style of imagination.

Anyways, it’s a great read, if you can’t tell from what I’ve said so far. A bit brighter than Nightside, with a nice, twisty ending and lots of humor along the way. There is the promise of a series here, so I’m looking forward to the next installment.

I see that smile.