Soul Remains is the 2nd book in The Terribly Serious Darkness Series.

What a great sci-fi story. Synopsis - Where do goblins come from? Why do they only turn up in the Old Country, and why do they like swearing so much? Sloot Peril—a "hero" who's staunchly averse to heroics—goes searching for answers. Much to his chagrin, he finds them.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more from this author.

Soul Remais is the second book of a series, and the writing in both books is just amazingly hooky! You can't drop it!
Fun, the pacing is just great to sit and read without that feeling of wanting to go do something else, or read something else along.. Put on some ambience music, sit down and boom you got in the mood to read until its done!

Poor Sloot, I like him a lot.

I am not sure what I was expecting when I first decided to ask NetGalley for this book. I had not read the first in the series but the description and cover were so intriguing to me that I couldn't help but want to read it for myself. The character of Sloot reminds me of Bartleby from "Bartleby the Scrivener," odd and unlikeable but interesting in an unfortunate kind of way.

You wouldn't expect a ghost to act the ways Sloot does, especially such an incompetent one. The humor was dry and the narrative took its time but those two factors that may lessen another book add to the world that Hooker builds.

I love to read sam hooker writing. So that is why I picked the book I like the story.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for providing with the E-Arc in exchange of honest review.

I finally got a chance to sit and read this book and I absolutely loved it! This brings the after life into a whole new light. There are rules and just a whole community. I can’t wait to read more!

This book is an absolute joy. The writing brings the story to life. The world that Sam Hooker has created is one that I hope to read about in more books. Even the way legal matters are handled in this society were anything but dull.

Sam Hooker's writing reminds me of Terry Pratchett, and that is a wonderful thing. This is a series that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Sam Hooker
Publisher: Black Spot Books
Publication Date: 23 Apr 2019

Soul Remains is dark, witty, hilariously tragic and a very fun read. If you like your fantasy with more than a dash of absurdity this is the series for you!

In Peril in the Old Country, we were introduced to Sloot Peril, a strangely likeable accountant who is about as uninteresting a character as one is like to meet. And, honestly, I suspect Sloot would be perfectly OK with that description, thank you very much. Sloot is a by-the-books, routine-driven, compulsive and predictable man who would be much happier with his ledger books than anything else.

Sloot is back in Soul Remains and again he is pushed well outside of his comfort zone (which is extremely infinitesimal) only now, it is as a ghost. You see, sadly for Sloot his adventure in the first book ended with his death. However it did not end his part in the story. Many of the friends and foes that he met in Old Country are back in this new story, but many are taking on different forms: one is now a demon, another might actually be a goblin, and, well that is just some of the least bizarre.

Perhaps the most noticeable strengths of Old Country was the humor which was often very witty and smart. The same humor is ratcheted up in Soul Remains, and I honestly felt at times as though it was in fact too much, occasionally tripping up the flow and pacing of the story and stealing the show. While I appreciate the clever analysis and social commentary that often comes out of the humor, it would have been better for me if it would have been used a little more sparingly. Nevertheless, it was still a highlight of the book.

The characters are developed largely through dialog (which is done well and is heavily peppered with more of the humor), and we see a very different side of Sloot. Well, it might be more accurate to say that we get glimpses of a different Sloot. Watching him evaluate the world through a different set of lenses than the tried-and-true, seeing him struggle to change his perspective, and rooting for him to somehow save the day, we in turn get to peek at our own faults. I found myself asking, “Am I this afraid of change?” “Do I avoid taking risks for these reasons?” “Do I come across this awkwardly to others?” (I think I can see myself in Sloot more easily than I would like to admit.)

At the end of it all, this was another enjoyable story. Unfortunately, it took me a little while to get into the story (again because the humor was too liberally applied in the early chapters). I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, and I will round it up to 4 because I like Sloot so much.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves silly books with smart, witty humor. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my unbiased and honest review.

I love this book. When I requested from NetGalley, I did not realize it was the 2nd in a series. Went back and bought the first book. After reading some other reviews, I will say that this book may not be for everyone. I would not describe it as fast-paced, need to find out what happens next. I found the writing brilliant and loved all the characters. It is witty, intelligent, and overall delightful. I adored the character of Edmund of legal disclaimers. I would compare this book to floating along on a relaxing lazy river made of amusing characters, witty banter, and clever turns-of-phrase. There is a 100% chance that I will re-read both of these. :-)

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this one. I really look forward to the next in the series.

Soul Remains is the second book in the Terribly Serious Darkness series by Sam Hooker. Released 23rd April 2019 by Black Spot books, it's 330 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

I've encountered some books which somehow either really resonate with me or just fall completely flat. They're sort of the literary equivalent of some fiercely extreme sports manoeuvre which either works flawlessly and leaves everyone breathless or winds up with a trip to the A&E/emergency room (or morgue). This book is very much in that vein. It reminds me a lot of what might happen if Lemony Snickett and Glen Cook got together and wrote a book. It's quite morbid in places and main character Sloot needs a smack 'round the noggin sometimes, but somehow it is readable and quite funny in places. I'm pretty jaded and this one managed to surprise a few giggles out of me on my bus commute to work.

The author is undeniably gifted. The book is full of repartee and the dialogue is well crafted. I did not read the books in order and found no trouble following along with the plot. The backstory is skillfully woven into the narrative. That being said, I often needed a break because the dialogue and writing spin wildly off into sub-plots and asides at whiplash speed. For readers who prefer a more sedate style of writing, this one will have you rending hair and gnashing teeth; it's like an albino ferret on speed. Ditto for readers who need their characters to have proper names and not sort of Dickens-on-crack which Mr. Hooker provides (Sloot Peril, Mrs. Knife, Dr. Widdershins, Vlad Defenestratia the Invader (*snicker*) just to name a few).

I found it quite humorous and extremely quirky and well written. For me, it worked. I can well imagine other readers reading it and wondering what in the world I was thinking. For readers who are on the fence, use the sample feature on Amazon and try a chapter.

I will be looking for the next books from this author.

Four stars.

This books greatest strength is the dialogue, which in turn tells what kind of writer Sam Hooker is. This is a very well written book that feels like Poe and Lemony Snicket got together to create a story. It's morbid but humorous at the same time. Sometimes I feel that when you read fantasy or science fiction, it can get a bit somber with all the brooding characters and ultimate evil villains. Sometimes you just need something that is entertaining, something that you don't have to take yourself so seriously about. That's where this story comes in. I will definitely keep this author on my essential read list.

The second installment of the “Terribly Serious Darkness” series by Sam Hooker is a hilarious adventure of humor, wit and absolute craziness - particularly the characters.

Although I have not read the first book in the series I was able to follow the second book with no immediate hassles or pauses in the book.

Poor Sloot. He is an unwitting character in loyalties to many people in life and in death.

I find that there is a lot of little occurrences happening all at once throughout the book. Which can potentially be a bit distracting from the main task at hand.

Star Rating: 3.8

Soul Remains by Sam Hooker is a good follow up to Peril in the Old Country. This time the Old Country is in danger and Sloot just might be the hero the people deserve. There's just one small thing before Sloot can begin his adventures - he's a ghost. That's right Sloot is dead, but he's still just as willing (but incompetent) to save his home. Just like in the previous installment my favorite aspect is the absurd sense of humor that's totally worthy of Monty Python, Douglas Adams, and Terry Pratchett. It's definitely not for everyone, but I thought it mostly hit all the right notes. My only real issue is that sometimes way to much is going on which breaks up the main story. I'm looking forward to more of Sloot's adventures in the future - I mean, that has to be more after that ending.

In Soul Remains, the hapless and unlucky accountant, Sloot, is still trying to save his beloved city, Salzstadt, from everything bad. Everything bad now includes the walking dead and goblin multitudes plus the increasingly bizarre inability of city residents to see that anything is wrong.

You can’t keep Sloot down. Though he was killed at the end of the previous book in this series, he is back as a ghost. That doesn’t stop Sloot from being just as willing (and unfortunately incompetent) to save his city and the Dominator, long may he reign. The Dominator, in the meantime, has disappeared.

Readers will either laugh along with the puns and humor here and have a great time…or not. The best way to tell is by determining if you think Monty Python and/or A Fish Called Wanda is laugh-out-loud funny. If so, you will enjoy this deep dive into the creatively weird world of Sloot and the Old Country as much as I did. Soul Remains is highly recommended to those who enjoy something completely different. 4 stars!

Thanks to Black Spot Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Absurd and funny, the author dashes in parts of wild fantasy, Monty Python humor and clever puns, all wrapped in a story that keeps you reading. A fun and quick read!

I enjoyed the tongue firmly planted in cheek humor of the writing and look forward to reading what happens next in the series. Sloot Peril is the last person (or ghost) who would be having an adventure as he is the type to avoid anything that would even remotely seem like adventure but the course of events draws him along anyways.

Soul Remains is a continuation of Peril in Old Country. It has been quite a journey for me. If you like your puns and constant back and forth jibes in your books, this is most definitely for you. I want to thank Black Spot Books and NetGalley for giving me permission to read this ARC.

Poor Sloot Peril. He suffered terrible trials in the first book in the series, Peril in the Old Country. Sloot went from humble accountant in the impenetrable bureaucracy of Salzstadt before being wrapped up in evil schemes, international warfare, and falling in love. I’m not sure whether or not to be surprised to see him again at the beginning of Soul Remains. On the one hand, what happened to Sloot at the end of the first book in the series should have meant that, at the very least, we should have a new protagonist. And yet, at the beginning of this novel, Sloot pops right back into action. From his own grave. Because he’s a ghost.

Sloot’s troubles are not over now that he’s dead. If nothing else, the stakes are even higher. The plots that sent Sloot to his death are still afoot and Sloot’s employers still expect him to keep working. Now, however, they can summon him in an instant through arcane magic. It is incredible annoying for the fractious Sloot. It’s even more irritating for his girlfriend and the people who want to talk to him. Sloot needs summon-waiting.

There’s too much to sum up to give you all an idea of what this book is about. If I tried, not only would I run way over my target word count, I would also sound demented. Soul Remains is a madcap romp through two countries and the afterlife as Sloot struggles with his impossible tasks and his girlfriend (who is also dead, but only sometimes) tries to untangle him from his various bosses. There are fairies, one warlord, numerous necromancers, plenty of ghosts, goblins, and so much more. Readers who like oddball fantasy novels that never take themselves too seriously even during the serious bits (i.e. fans of Terry Pratchett) will love this continuation of poor Sloot’s progress. I had a blast.

I can't say that I loved the first book in this series, so it's no surprise that I didn't love the second. It's sad, because there's so much promise in Hooker's writing, but the run-on sentences and endless pointless descriptions are so tedious to read. It's still quirky, and I can see these books appealing to fans of Tim Burton, Neil Gaiman and Douglas Adams, but it's just a bit much for me. Too strange, too in-my-face. The dialogue is clever but gives me a headache to keep up with it. I'd be interested in checking out anything Hooker puts out after this however, maybe something a little less otherworldly?

Sloot Peril is back. Well, not back as expected, since he's now a ghost, but nevertheless back. The Old Country is in danger. Goblins roam around the cities, and the Domnitor—long may he reign—has left the building (sorry, the city). Everything seems lost - but, wait; maybe Sloot is the hero everyone's been expecting. Can Sloot save the day (and the Domnitor-long may he reign-from being kidnapped)?

This is the second book in the Terribly Serious Darkness Series. The adventures of the unfortunate hero continue, and this time, they're taken one step further: our hero starts off dead in this book! For those of you who aren't familiar with Hooker's writing, you're in for a treat: the author has incredible amounts of dark humor in his depository, making this a very enjoyable read for people who appreciate a little weirdness and sarcasm.

However, the narration is stretched quite a lot - humor is good. Humor analysis, not so much. Humor everywhere hindering the plot, well, for me that's a no. So, although I really wanted to dive into Sloot's world once again (I read and reviewed the first book with great joy), I found it extremely difficult and tiring to follow; not because it was a tough plot to unravel, but because there were so many interruptions by the author's narration. Yes. To the point that it hindered his own story.

Other than that, the characters are hilarious, smart, and sometimes hilariously tragic. It was an overall okay read, one that could have been an absolutely amazing one with some serious amounts of additional editing.