Hollywood Dead

James Stark, also known as Sandman Slim, is partially back from the dead and hoping to earn his way all the way back to life in his terrifically over-the-top 10th magical slugfest (after The Kill Society). Eva Sandoval, the L.A. leader of Wormwood—a gang of evil Illuminati types who want to rule the world or worse—offers Stark a chance at complete resurrection if he will prevent a Wormwood faction from enacting a ritual that will destroy the City of Angels. He also has to bring her any artifacts that he finds. Stark is the half-human son of the archangel Uriel and “once ruled Hell for a hundred days,” but his partial life is slipping away, so he has little choice but to agree. The problem is that archvillains aren’t known for keeping their word, and Sandoval is no exception. A lot of pain and blood ensues, mostly Stark’s, but luckily, this wisecracking antihero has new friends and old to assist him. The nonstop action and dark humor will thrill urban fantasy fans, including those new to the series. (Aug.)