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Secret Histories #5
For Heaven's Eyes Only
I’m Eddie Drood. AKA Shaman Bond, a member of the Drood family. We Droods have been holding back the forces of darkness for generations. It’s a hell of a job—and we’re good at it…
But now, the Droods have hit a bad patch, what with the death of our Matriarch and the discovery that she was killed by one of our own. It’s left us in more than a bit of disarray, and it goes without saying that those forces of darkness are taking advantage of the situation. There’s a Satanic Conspiracy brewing—one that could throw humanity directly into the clutches of the Biggest of the Big Bads, forever.
Things are looking grim—and here I am, not able to be of any help. On account of I’m dead…
But now, the Droods have hit a bad patch, what with the death of our Matriarch and the discovery that she was killed by one of our own. It’s left us in more than a bit of disarray, and it goes without saying that those forces of darkness are taking advantage of the situation. There’s a Satanic Conspiracy brewing—one that could throw humanity directly into the clutches of the Biggest of the Big Bads, forever.
Things are looking grim—and here I am, not able to be of any help. On account of I’m dead…
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
54 people are currently reading
1100 people want to read
About the author
Simon R. Green
312 books3,207 followersSimon Richard Green is a British science fiction and fantasy-author. He holds a degree in Modern English and American Literature from the University of Leicester. His first publication was in 1979.
His Deathstalker series is partly a parody of the usual space-opera of the 1950s, told with sovereign disregard of the rules of probability, while being at the same time extremely bloodthirsty.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
His Deathstalker series is partly a parody of the usual space-opera of the 1950s, told with sovereign disregard of the rules of probability, while being at the same time extremely bloodthirsty.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 15, 2014
Ok continuation of this James Bond-inspired paranormal series. Yet another cliffhanger. Don't be surprised when I suddenly stop reading the series, even if I have the next book on hand. Cliffies really piss me off.
January 30, 2013
Okay, I'm willing to admit that the last line of the synopsis is a little misleading. Yes, Eddie did die at the hand of a Antidrood in disguise, pretty much on the last page of From Hell With Love. And yes, he is still dead at the beginning of this book. He's in some sort of frozen limbo, hence the book cover, and isn't really sure what's going on. It doesn't take long for Molly and his family to get him back into the land of the living though. While he was in that frozen manor, Eddie is given a hint at some nasty goings-on in the form of a Satanic Conspiracy. Now the Droods haven't really taken one of these conspiracies seriously for decades now. Not since the last major Satanic plot hatched by the Nazi's during World War II. So nobody really thinks much of it right away.
It's only after some routine investigations start to go horribly wrong, that the family is willing to concede that there may actually be something to the whole thing. Because it's a Satanic Conspiracy, they turn to Harry Drood and his half demon lover, Roger Morningstar, to figure out what's going on from the Hell side of things. I love the return of Harry and Roger, the other super couple of the Drood family. Even though Eddie and Harry don't like or trust eachother, they are still family. And with the Droods, family counts more than anything else.
I'm not going to get into all the twists and turns, because there is a lot of them. There are major betrayals that rock the family's foundation to it's core. The family loses some of it's key members, though I'm hoping that somehow they will be brought back in a future book. I'm actually still a little sad by the loss. Though I must say, I like they way the two were together at the end. They were two characters, that despite how much I loved them, I never felt they could be trusted. In the end, not only was that trust solidified, but what they had between them, was finally revealed to be real and stronger than anything else in their lives.
Through some spatial manipulation, sheer violence, and a heap of good luck, the Droods are able to squash the Satanic Conspiracy and save the world once again. And though everything seems kosher when they return, it doesn't take long for the Eddie and the Droods to suffer a catastrophic setback, one that I will have to wait for the next book to figure out. You got to love those cliffhanger endings.
It's only after some routine investigations start to go horribly wrong, that the family is willing to concede that there may actually be something to the whole thing. Because it's a Satanic Conspiracy, they turn to Harry Drood and his half demon lover, Roger Morningstar, to figure out what's going on from the Hell side of things. I love the return of Harry and Roger, the other super couple of the Drood family. Even though Eddie and Harry don't like or trust eachother, they are still family. And with the Droods, family counts more than anything else.
I'm not going to get into all the twists and turns, because there is a lot of them. There are major betrayals that rock the family's foundation to it's core. The family loses some of it's key members, though I'm hoping that somehow they will be brought back in a future book. I'm actually still a little sad by the loss. Though I must say, I like they way the two were together at the end. They were two characters, that despite how much I loved them, I never felt they could be trusted. In the end, not only was that trust solidified, but what they had between them, was finally revealed to be real and stronger than anything else in their lives.
Through some spatial manipulation, sheer violence, and a heap of good luck, the Droods are able to squash the Satanic Conspiracy and save the world once again. And though everything seems kosher when they return, it doesn't take long for the Eddie and the Droods to suffer a catastrophic setback, one that I will have to wait for the next book to figure out. You got to love those cliffhanger endings.
March 15, 2021
Pah! This ending has gotta be the most ambitious cliffhanger anybody ever thought oh.
I laughed my ass off... The Drood twists never end.
I laughed my ass off... The Drood twists never end.
November 7, 2011
We all know or have heard of the expression, NO Rest for the Wicked. But perhaps a tad of that was forgotten or could be reworked for this novel, as there is certainly No Rest for the Ones who faced the Wicked! In this case, the new bad in the continuing Secret Histories series by award winning author and my fave, Simon R. Green.
Last we saw our hero, Edwin Drood, he was stabbed and left for dead in Book 4, From Hell With Love, after confronting the accursed Immortals who infiltrated the ranks and the family of Droods to assassinate their leader, the Matriarch. Although they were also successful in storming Castle Frankenstein to battle down the Immortals with the help of Frankenstein’s spawn, it was finally time for Eddie to get some peace and quiet.
But peace and quiet were not exactly what he had when the book opens up with a scene in a ghost dimension, or Limbo, and has Eddie running up and down a cold, glass-frosted, and desolate looking Drood Hall. He’s all alone and hasn’t found a living soul to talk to except finding and talking to members of his family who already have died or those foes or friends that he has dispatched and died from the service of protecting the world from supernatural bad-asses, as that’s what the Drood Family does.
The Droods, all clad in their indestructible and retractable, Golden Armor, are our defense against the supernatural horde who want to lay claim to the world that is ours. In Limbo, Eddie encounters someone telling him, and alluding to it successfully, that his parents are actually alive. And of course, Eddie being the hero of our tale, never really was dead, as his girlfriend, the powerful witch Molly Metcalf comes into Limbo and brings him out. Although he was nearly dead, he wasn’t quite so as Molly had the initiative of transporting his heart elsewhere; to a secret location and thus he couldn’t be killed. Dear reader, this was also a trick that Molly did in Book 4 when I thought she was a goner. I know, spoiler! Me bad.
But moving on, Book 5 continues on the mayhem and doubt instilled in the previous book and brings in a new malevolent force slated to create havoc in the world, by way of a Satanic conspiracy. The need to know who’s behind it and how deeply the organization has infiltrated the British and other governments of the world in preparation for the much touted, Great Sacrifice; once revealed was shocking enough to make me shake my head in disgust. Disgust, not from the writing or plot points, but for what it entailed for its success. Ah, Green, you still amaze me with each book outing.
Suffice to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this 5th book and urge anyone to not read it in random order but to start where it all began. From new characters like powerful telepath, Ammonia Van Acht, Charlatan Joe, Lady Damnation, Indigo Blue, the adorable spirit named Poof that finally has revealed itself and guards the Drood Library, to other noteworthy recurring and revealing characters like the Drood lovers Roger Morningstar and Harry Drood, the novel offers the same witty dialogue, repartee and snappish remarks between Molly and Eddie and also between other members of the Drood clan make this another classic Drood read for me.
Just when I thought Book 3 tired and burned me out early and left me for a revitalized reading, Books 4 and 5 certainly did that. And with another cliffhanger to top all endings, I fear that I may have to wait too long for the next book to come out next year. And because this is the supernatural James bond adventure that we have all come to enjoy and love with each release on the life of a Drood, Book 6 is aptly titled, Live and Let Drood.
Frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Where’s my Martini, shaken…not stirred. Please.
Last we saw our hero, Edwin Drood, he was stabbed and left for dead in Book 4, From Hell With Love, after confronting the accursed Immortals who infiltrated the ranks and the family of Droods to assassinate their leader, the Matriarch. Although they were also successful in storming Castle Frankenstein to battle down the Immortals with the help of Frankenstein’s spawn, it was finally time for Eddie to get some peace and quiet.
But peace and quiet were not exactly what he had when the book opens up with a scene in a ghost dimension, or Limbo, and has Eddie running up and down a cold, glass-frosted, and desolate looking Drood Hall. He’s all alone and hasn’t found a living soul to talk to except finding and talking to members of his family who already have died or those foes or friends that he has dispatched and died from the service of protecting the world from supernatural bad-asses, as that’s what the Drood Family does.
The Droods, all clad in their indestructible and retractable, Golden Armor, are our defense against the supernatural horde who want to lay claim to the world that is ours. In Limbo, Eddie encounters someone telling him, and alluding to it successfully, that his parents are actually alive. And of course, Eddie being the hero of our tale, never really was dead, as his girlfriend, the powerful witch Molly Metcalf comes into Limbo and brings him out. Although he was nearly dead, he wasn’t quite so as Molly had the initiative of transporting his heart elsewhere; to a secret location and thus he couldn’t be killed. Dear reader, this was also a trick that Molly did in Book 4 when I thought she was a goner. I know, spoiler! Me bad.
But moving on, Book 5 continues on the mayhem and doubt instilled in the previous book and brings in a new malevolent force slated to create havoc in the world, by way of a Satanic conspiracy. The need to know who’s behind it and how deeply the organization has infiltrated the British and other governments of the world in preparation for the much touted, Great Sacrifice; once revealed was shocking enough to make me shake my head in disgust. Disgust, not from the writing or plot points, but for what it entailed for its success. Ah, Green, you still amaze me with each book outing.
Suffice to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this 5th book and urge anyone to not read it in random order but to start where it all began. From new characters like powerful telepath, Ammonia Van Acht, Charlatan Joe, Lady Damnation, Indigo Blue, the adorable spirit named Poof that finally has revealed itself and guards the Drood Library, to other noteworthy recurring and revealing characters like the Drood lovers Roger Morningstar and Harry Drood, the novel offers the same witty dialogue, repartee and snappish remarks between Molly and Eddie and also between other members of the Drood clan make this another classic Drood read for me.
Just when I thought Book 3 tired and burned me out early and left me for a revitalized reading, Books 4 and 5 certainly did that. And with another cliffhanger to top all endings, I fear that I may have to wait too long for the next book to come out next year. And because this is the supernatural James bond adventure that we have all come to enjoy and love with each release on the life of a Drood, Book 6 is aptly titled, Live and Let Drood.
Frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Where’s my Martini, shaken…not stirred. Please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 24, 2011FOR HEAVEN'S EYES ONLY aims to be a mix of James Bond and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and it succeeds marvelously on both fronts. Green mixes magic, science, and comedy in equal parts, to create a fast moving and enjoyable style.
At it's best, even those new to the series will have no trouble jumping in with book five. At it's worst, the Secret Histories series skates perilously close to glib. The opening of FOR HEAVEN'S EYES ONLY is a prime example of this shortcoming, but not to an extent that the story was derailed.
The charm of these books is not so much in what happens, but the flair with which it happens, and it's well worth the effort to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride. A different brand of urban fantasy than I normally enjoy, FOR HEAVEN'S EYES ONLY was easy to pick up, jump in, and enjoy.
Sexual Content: References to sex
At it's best, even those new to the series will have no trouble jumping in with book five. At it's worst, the Secret Histories series skates perilously close to glib. The opening of FOR HEAVEN'S EYES ONLY is a prime example of this shortcoming, but not to an extent that the story was derailed.
The charm of these books is not so much in what happens, but the flair with which it happens, and it's well worth the effort to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride. A different brand of urban fantasy than I normally enjoy, FOR HEAVEN'S EYES ONLY was easy to pick up, jump in, and enjoy.
Sexual Content: References to sex
July 4, 2017
This was probably the best entry in the series since the first. It has drama, humor, good character moments, action, big developments, a dangerous threat, and all the mayhem and insanity one would expect from a Secret Histories novel. I really enjoyed it and it kept me interested and didn't really drag or make me lose interest. Its a reminder of why I enjoy Simon R. Greens writing style and while the Nightside series is still the one I prefer there is certainly nothing wrong with these books. Now John Taylor and Eddie Drood in the same place... that would be something to see, and probably run away screaming from shortly thereafter. Not much else to really say about it other than if you liked the earlier books in the series then this one is probably going to hit the spot for you.
March 21, 2015
Mainly due to the Nightside series, I keep expecting more from this series. But it's just alright. Big, over the top fights. Eddie "having to" do unsavory things for the "greater good" and feeling badly, but not that badly about it. Molly trying to be his conscience, even as she has no problem doing half the things she has problems with him doing. Lots of people who "deserve to be dead".
There are some funny moments, some good wit, sometimes some interesting elements. But there's still something odd about an anti-hero who sees himself as closer to the hero than the anti part. (As, I think, does his creator Green.)
There are some funny moments, some good wit, sometimes some interesting elements. But there's still something odd about an anti-hero who sees himself as closer to the hero than the anti part. (As, I think, does his creator Green.)
April 7, 2022
I liked this one, but it wasn't my favorite of the series. The first half felt like a collection of short stories. It's like the author had loose ends from the last few books that he wanted to tidy up, so each chapter feels like a mini adventure for Eddie and Molly. I mean, it all ties together by the end, but I felt as if the main plot of the story wasn't as good as the first few chapters. The main threat just felt kind of lame compared to the other books.
I will say that Eddie became a much more interesting character to me in this one more than he has in the previous books. He was more vulnerable and didn't act like he was one step ahead the whole time. I liked that.
And of course, there's a solid hook at the end. Gonna be reading the next one asap.
I will say that Eddie became a much more interesting character to me in this one more than he has in the previous books. He was more vulnerable and didn't act like he was one step ahead the whole time. I liked that.
And of course, there's a solid hook at the end. Gonna be reading the next one asap.
July 28, 2011
For pure, no holds-barred, random acts of kickassery and hilarious dialogue you simply can't beat Simon R. Green. This latest book of the Drood family chronicles is yet another stand out book in the series. I only have ~19K characters left in the Review box here which is nowhere close enough to provide even a cursory overview of the series. Every time I think he can't possibly crank things up more, he does so -- I mean, come on! A Nazi programmed, cybernetic Franken-ape killing machine? Out-frickin-STANDING!
If you're looking for serious, sombre and introspective fiction then move along. Nothing to see here. But if you're in the mood for just some good, quick and remarkably inventive writing you owe it to yourself to check out any of his work. Hawk & Fisher series. The Deathstalker series. The Nightside series. And, of course, the Drood Family series. They're all great. Some might complain about the repetitive descriptions of characters and setting and other quibbling minor points. I won't disagree. But for just really, really fun-to-read books, pick any of his series and you'll love it.
If you're looking for serious, sombre and introspective fiction then move along. Nothing to see here. But if you're in the mood for just some good, quick and remarkably inventive writing you owe it to yourself to check out any of his work. Hawk & Fisher series. The Deathstalker series. The Nightside series. And, of course, the Drood Family series. They're all great. Some might complain about the repetitive descriptions of characters and setting and other quibbling minor points. I won't disagree. But for just really, really fun-to-read books, pick any of his series and you'll love it.
July 8, 2011
the fifth novel in the secret histories is more wonderful reading by simon r. green...this one doesn't disappoint in the least! eddie drood is back along with his girlfriend molly metcalf, the wild witch of the wood. together the two of them (along with the rest of the drood family) need to stop a satanic conspiracy that seems to have a way to control the minds of the people. there are also rumors that there will be a "great sacrifice" tied into the conspiracy. another great romp as eddie and molly attempt to find out the plot and stop it before it is too late.
November 19, 2016
This is a great series and I love seeing what new trouble Eddie and Molly get into. This time around there is a Satanist plot (which no one takes seriously) threatening the world. You get plenty of Drood family drama, cool weapons, Molly's sister Isabelle and lots of action. Plus plenty of Uncle Jack and William, whom I love.
June 23, 2011
Something about this book lacks the same magic that was present in the previous installments in the series. I can't quite put my finger on what the difference between the different books is. The story had an odd flow to it, some of the jokes (while funny the first time) started to feel a bit repetitive as the story progressed. I don't know if it's repetitive in this book, or over the series or over the authors larger body of work.
November 26, 2011
I didn't really dig the satanic conspiracy as the major threat, it was even more overblown and silly than usual, but I enjoyed the book anyway. I'm not sure how much I'd have enjoyed it in paper, but as audiobooks this series is always fun because the reader does a great job of conveying that bit of sarcasm and satire that add the twists that keeps it from getting bogged down in the overdramatic scenes. Plus his warm, rich tones are just a pleasure to listen to.
April 5, 2013
Fifth in the Secret Histories urban fantasy series revolving around the Drood family in England.
My Take
Green has such a good time making fun of secret agents, family, scientists, and demons with the Nightside's influence leaking in all over, LOL. There is no shortage of action in this one, and again I just couldn't figure out how Green was going to get them out of this. There were heart-stopping moments galore, some of which resulted from Eddie's inability to step back and plan for a minute.
I do enjoy Eddie fighting in his armour. The new Ethel-generated suits are so much more fun than the old stuff! Of course, I do enjoy how the Metcalf sisters keep surprising the gentlemanly boy with their own fighting skills.
Dusk's comment toward the end would have meant more if Eddie had been badder instead of the few times he stepped over the line.
Whoa, a whole load of things and people that scare the bejeebers out of Droods pops up in this one. If Eddie wants to keep Molly and his Shaman Bond persona safe, then why does he allow her to approach him at the Faire? Oh man, there's a bit more behind William's afflictions than anyone thought!
It's fun, exciting, terrifying, and then heartbreaking...
The Story
It's a nightmare in Drood Hall, and Eddie's in the thick of it. All the people he's killed over the years are demanding information---right along with the Nightside's Walker.
It's a visit to negotiate with Ammonia; a trip to the Supernatural Arms Faire---a little bit steampunk, a little bit James Bond, and a little bit crazed weaponsmaster!; some fancy and not-so-fancy undercover work that appears not to have worked at all; and, betrayal after betrayal after betrayal.
They have got to find that traitor in the Hall!
The Characters
Eddie Drood, a.k.a., Shaman Bond (Eddie's cultivated his Bond persona so no one is surprised as to where or when Shaman appears), is a field agent for the Drood family based in London. Molly Metcalf is his witchy girlfriend, always looking out for her man. Isabella is her sister, "a supernatural terrorist, twilight avenger, and so hardcore in her convictions she could scare the wings off an angel", who envies the Droods' having the best toys. Louisa is the youngest sister. She's been dead seven years now and it hasn't held her back---she's more feared than the other two. Hey, you welcome one Metacalf witch, you welcome them all...
Uncle Jack, the Armourer who has way too much fun in his workshop (think James Bond's Q), steps up to rule the family.
William is the whacko Librarian in his ever-faithful white bunny slippers with a new assistant (and nanny), Ioreth; and, there's something in the Old Library that's watching over William. A Harvey-type pooka shows up. Cousin Harry is still plotting for his own gain with his partner, Roger Morningstar, the half-demon, his half-brother, AND his lover---he shows off his true self in this one!; The new Cedric has settled into his post as Serjeant-at-Arms, and, you just can't keep Ethel, the new alien entity, out of anything.
Other significant Droods include Callan as the Head of the War Room; Howard is in charge of Operations; Margaret, a.k.a., Capability Maggie, the head landscaper, is suggested as a possible Matriarch; Jacob was the ghost most everybody hated or feared; Amelia is a far-seer who gave her all; and, Virgil is another far-seer.
Geoffrey Earl is the local vicar and the bossy Margaret are some of the few survivors of Little Stoke. The Wulfshead Club is supposed to be neutral territory where Molly and Eddie meet up with Larry Oblivion (Nightside); Trash; Jeremy Diego the ghostfinder; Monkton Farley, a consulting detective; Philip MacAlpine who made some silly, far-reaching decisions in Daemons are Forever; Bishop Beastly "who refuses to belong to any organised church that would accept the likes of him"; Lady Damnation; and, the Indigo Spirit is a human superhero.
Walker was the ruler of the Nightside before he was toppled due to his own hubris (see The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny (Nightside, 10)). Ammonia Vom Acht is the best psychic in the world and quite possibly Uncle William's best chance at recovering his mind. It's just that, well, she terrifies the Droods. Peter is her alcoholic husband. Augusta Moon looks like one of P.G. Wodehouse's terrifying aunts and dresses à la Lord Peter Wimsey traveling "the world doing good, and to hell with whether other people appreciated it". Usher is here, there, and everywhere at once; he runs the Gun Shops of Usher in the Nightside. The Bloodred Guard will take on anyone including the Satanists. They're just not being paid enough to take on a Drood. Charlatan Joe will sell anyone out.
The Satanists include:
Lightbringer House is the central meeting place for the Satanists. Alexandre Dusk is a self-made computer geek leading the group. Hmmm, makes me wonder about Bill Gates... Jodie Harper and Mother Shipton are some of the Satanists in London's Undertowne. Sir Terrence "Terry the Toad" Ashtree is having his doubts. Stefan Klein is in charge of hooking Ammonia up.
The Droods sprang from a Druid back at the beginning, almost, of time who made a deal with an alien entity. The Droods have since watched over the world, ensuring that nothing too horrible occurs and they are feared by all---"aliens, elves, mad scientists and their monsters, secret organizations, and ancient inhuman enemies". The Immortals were an ancient Drood enemy---a human had reached the Heart first and made his own deal.
The Cover
The cover is the opening shot in which Eddie is trapped in a deserted Drood Hall, ice clinging to everything with our focus on the silhouetted profile of Walker standing just outside the open doors.
The title is a take-off on a James Bond movie, and quite appropriate for this story since its Satanists, instead of Spectre, planning to destroy the world.
My Take
Green has such a good time making fun of secret agents, family, scientists, and demons with the Nightside's influence leaking in all over, LOL. There is no shortage of action in this one, and again I just couldn't figure out how Green was going to get them out of this. There were heart-stopping moments galore, some of which resulted from Eddie's inability to step back and plan for a minute.
I do enjoy Eddie fighting in his armour. The new Ethel-generated suits are so much more fun than the old stuff! Of course, I do enjoy how the Metcalf sisters keep surprising the gentlemanly boy with their own fighting skills.
"Roger mentions that he's been banned from Limbo and when Molly asks him how one can possibly be banned, his reply is:
'Boisterousness,' Roger said vaguely. 'Bad behaviour. You know how it is.'"
Dusk's comment toward the end would have meant more if Eddie had been badder instead of the few times he stepped over the line.
"'Send the bill to Drood Hall,' I said. 'And we'll all take turns officially ignoring it.'"
Whoa, a whole load of things and people that scare the bejeebers out of Droods pops up in this one. If Eddie wants to keep Molly and his Shaman Bond persona safe, then why does he allow her to approach him at the Faire? Oh man, there's a bit more behind William's afflictions than anyone thought!
"Being a Satanist is "a very self-indulgent lifestyle...indulge every sin, wallow in every pleasure, satisfy every need...gets very boring after a while. Because if you can do anything, then nothing really matters anymore. It's all so...superficial."
It's fun, exciting, terrifying, and then heartbreaking...
The Story
It's a nightmare in Drood Hall, and Eddie's in the thick of it. All the people he's killed over the years are demanding information---right along with the Nightside's Walker.
It's a visit to negotiate with Ammonia; a trip to the Supernatural Arms Faire---a little bit steampunk, a little bit James Bond, and a little bit crazed weaponsmaster!; some fancy and not-so-fancy undercover work that appears not to have worked at all; and, betrayal after betrayal after betrayal.
They have got to find that traitor in the Hall!
The Characters
Eddie Drood, a.k.a., Shaman Bond (Eddie's cultivated his Bond persona so no one is surprised as to where or when Shaman appears), is a field agent for the Drood family based in London. Molly Metcalf is his witchy girlfriend, always looking out for her man. Isabella is her sister, "a supernatural terrorist, twilight avenger, and so hardcore in her convictions she could scare the wings off an angel", who envies the Droods' having the best toys. Louisa is the youngest sister. She's been dead seven years now and it hasn't held her back---she's more feared than the other two. Hey, you welcome one Metacalf witch, you welcome them all...
Uncle Jack, the Armourer who has way too much fun in his workshop (think James Bond's Q), steps up to rule the family.
William is the whacko Librarian in his ever-faithful white bunny slippers with a new assistant (and nanny), Ioreth; and, there's something in the Old Library that's watching over William. A Harvey-type pooka shows up. Cousin Harry is still plotting for his own gain with his partner, Roger Morningstar, the half-demon, his half-brother, AND his lover---he shows off his true self in this one!; The new Cedric has settled into his post as Serjeant-at-Arms, and, you just can't keep Ethel, the new alien entity, out of anything.
Other significant Droods include Callan as the Head of the War Room; Howard is in charge of Operations; Margaret, a.k.a., Capability Maggie, the head landscaper, is suggested as a possible Matriarch; Jacob was the ghost most everybody hated or feared; Amelia is a far-seer who gave her all; and, Virgil is another far-seer.
Geoffrey Earl is the local vicar and the bossy Margaret are some of the few survivors of Little Stoke. The Wulfshead Club is supposed to be neutral territory where Molly and Eddie meet up with Larry Oblivion (Nightside); Trash; Jeremy Diego the ghostfinder; Monkton Farley, a consulting detective; Philip MacAlpine who made some silly, far-reaching decisions in Daemons are Forever; Bishop Beastly "who refuses to belong to any organised church that would accept the likes of him"; Lady Damnation; and, the Indigo Spirit is a human superhero.
Walker was the ruler of the Nightside before he was toppled due to his own hubris (see The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny (Nightside, 10)). Ammonia Vom Acht is the best psychic in the world and quite possibly Uncle William's best chance at recovering his mind. It's just that, well, she terrifies the Droods. Peter is her alcoholic husband. Augusta Moon looks like one of P.G. Wodehouse's terrifying aunts and dresses à la Lord Peter Wimsey traveling "the world doing good, and to hell with whether other people appreciated it". Usher is here, there, and everywhere at once; he runs the Gun Shops of Usher in the Nightside. The Bloodred Guard will take on anyone including the Satanists. They're just not being paid enough to take on a Drood. Charlatan Joe will sell anyone out.
The Satanists include:
Lightbringer House is the central meeting place for the Satanists. Alexandre Dusk is a self-made computer geek leading the group. Hmmm, makes me wonder about Bill Gates... Jodie Harper and Mother Shipton are some of the Satanists in London's Undertowne. Sir Terrence "Terry the Toad" Ashtree is having his doubts. Stefan Klein is in charge of hooking Ammonia up.
The Droods sprang from a Druid back at the beginning, almost, of time who made a deal with an alien entity. The Droods have since watched over the world, ensuring that nothing too horrible occurs and they are feared by all---"aliens, elves, mad scientists and their monsters, secret organizations, and ancient inhuman enemies". The Immortals were an ancient Drood enemy---a human had reached the Heart first and made his own deal.
The Cover
The cover is the opening shot in which Eddie is trapped in a deserted Drood Hall, ice clinging to everything with our focus on the silhouetted profile of Walker standing just outside the open doors.
The title is a take-off on a James Bond movie, and quite appropriate for this story since its Satanists, instead of Spectre, planning to destroy the world.
August 7, 2020
Simon R. Green is a bastard... excuse me, master of the cliff-hanger. At the end of the previous book in the series, From Hell with Love, he manages to kill our narrator and main character. I don't consider this a spoiler, since the dust-jacket notes for this book explains that the story begins with Eddie Drood being dead. I mention all this to tell you that the dratted (ahem) master has hung us from yet another cliff at the end of this one. Just in case the liner notes for the next book don't mention what happens, I'll keep mum about it.
Green has never disappointed, with this series or any other that he has developed over his prolific years (and may he have many more). From my strictly personal viewpoint, I prefer Green's books over those of Jim Butcher is that there's more humor and personal quirkiness that helps to relieve the otherwise relentless tension and horror of the books. I've delved only shallowly into Butcher's rich collection, and I've enjoyed his fine writing. For me, however, Green develops a richness and delight in his various characters that make for a well-rounded exploration of the depths of dark horrors and grisly battles. Characters like the Armorer, the Librarian, the Witch of the Wild Wood, and we are introduced to the world's most powerful telepath, with the wonderful moniker of Ammonia Vom Acht ("vom" being a masculine or neuter variation, contracting "von dem" ["of the," loosely] and "eight." Who, we may yet be told, are the other seven?
You can read more about the plot and such in other places. I'm only here to tell you that Green's books are taking up a major portion of my library shelves, and for great reasons. Strongly recommended. Start from the beginning, The Man with the Golden Torc, and enjoy the whole marvelous tapestry.
Green has never disappointed, with this series or any other that he has developed over his prolific years (and may he have many more). From my strictly personal viewpoint, I prefer Green's books over those of Jim Butcher is that there's more humor and personal quirkiness that helps to relieve the otherwise relentless tension and horror of the books. I've delved only shallowly into Butcher's rich collection, and I've enjoyed his fine writing. For me, however, Green develops a richness and delight in his various characters that make for a well-rounded exploration of the depths of dark horrors and grisly battles. Characters like the Armorer, the Librarian, the Witch of the Wild Wood, and we are introduced to the world's most powerful telepath, with the wonderful moniker of Ammonia Vom Acht ("vom" being a masculine or neuter variation, contracting "von dem" ["of the," loosely] and "eight." Who, we may yet be told, are the other seven?
You can read more about the plot and such in other places. I'm only here to tell you that Green's books are taking up a major portion of my library shelves, and for great reasons. Strongly recommended. Start from the beginning, The Man with the Golden Torc, and enjoy the whole marvelous tapestry.
October 15, 2019
For Heaven's Eyes Only is the fifth book in the Secret Histories series written by Simon R. Green. It stars Edwin Drood, code named Shaman Bond and he is a part of the Droods, an ancient family that purportedly watches over the world and protects it from various threats, including supernatural and magical ones.
When Eddie and his witch lover, Molly Metcalf, stumble across a Satanist conspiracy, the Droods vow to stop the Satanists' horrific plan, which involves a mysterious Great Sacrifice. Along the way, Eddie tackles every possible over-the-top supernatural action situation: an office building full of bad guys, a Supernatural Arms Faire with aplomb.
For Heaven's Eyes Only is written rather well. Clever world-building, madcap characters, cheeky one-liners, and a James Bond feel make the narrative stand out and with a surprise ending that will have readers wanting more. The narrative is engaging, grapping, fast-paced, and emotionally intense, which blends action, science fiction, and pulp fiction in his wonderful urban fantasy setting.
All in all, For Heaven's Eyes Only is written rather well and is a good start to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
When Eddie and his witch lover, Molly Metcalf, stumble across a Satanist conspiracy, the Droods vow to stop the Satanists' horrific plan, which involves a mysterious Great Sacrifice. Along the way, Eddie tackles every possible over-the-top supernatural action situation: an office building full of bad guys, a Supernatural Arms Faire with aplomb.
For Heaven's Eyes Only is written rather well. Clever world-building, madcap characters, cheeky one-liners, and a James Bond feel make the narrative stand out and with a surprise ending that will have readers wanting more. The narrative is engaging, grapping, fast-paced, and emotionally intense, which blends action, science fiction, and pulp fiction in his wonderful urban fantasy setting.
All in all, For Heaven's Eyes Only is written rather well and is a good start to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
January 20, 2019
The Drood family is dedicated to saving humanity from all things evil and alien. They're stretched to the limit stopping the new Satanist conspiracy and the "Great Sacrifice."
The series the book belongs to is a parody of the James Bond films. That should help set the tone for the book. It's silly bubble gum that purposefully uses melodrama to maximum effect. One of those times doing everything the "wrong" way just works.
The series the book belongs to is a parody of the James Bond films. That should help set the tone for the book. It's silly bubble gum that purposefully uses melodrama to maximum effect. One of those times doing everything the "wrong" way just works.
January 18, 2018
For the first time, I felt like I was reading a different series. This does not feel like a story from the Nightside, but like something different. For the first time, there is an actual conspiracy and something resembling a mystery and effort to solve it.
That lets me even forgive at the end.
That lets me even forgive at the end.
July 7, 2018
This is the 4th book in the series. Some characters from Nightside series are referenced. Well written fantasy series. Green challenges readers to find the puns, catch the jokes, and see points of reference to other literary works. At the same time, he challenges readers 'ordinary' ways of thinking in effective and surprising ways.
June 27, 2021
The 5th volume of Green's Secret Histories continue to up the ante, facing another global threat and handling it with the usual tongue-in-cheek panache and subtle jokes.
If you've enjoyed the previous ones, don't hesitate. This is an evolving story line, though, so if you haven't read any of the previous ones, you really need to start with #1.
Enjoy!
If you've enjoyed the previous ones, don't hesitate. This is an evolving story line, though, so if you haven't read any of the previous ones, you really need to start with #1.
Enjoy!
January 2, 2022
As is typical of books in this series, the story was engaging from the very beginning, and Green does a masterful job of combining urban fantasy with horror. That being said, I did have a few issues with this book, which is why I gave it a lower rating than normal for this series. To read my full review, please visit my blog: https://allyouneedarebooksandcats.wor...
February 22, 2022
I feel like this book was all over the place and not super enjoyable. Maybe it was the content, but I felt like it was just introducing some aspects of the character, but then the story itself was just boring.
November 28, 2024
I'm hooked. Everyone of Green's series are impossible to not finish. You become friends with or enemies of the characters! When I'm on the last book of a series...it takes me forever to finish. I just can't say goodbye 💔
March 25, 2025
I like the series but this is the weakest installment so far. There seems to be a bit of inconsistent behaviour Edwin throughout the novel and while this is supposedly addressed near the end it all feels a bit rushed.
Hopefully the next book recovers.
Hopefully the next book recovers.
June 30, 2018
non-stop from beginning to end
September 9, 2019
Read as audiobook. Awesome narrator
October 29, 2019
One of the better books in the series, so far
April 23, 2011
For Heaven's Eyes Only by Simon R. Green is one of the books in his Secret Histories urban fantasy series.
Eddie Drood, aka Shaman Bond, is a member of the powerful and secretive Drood family. The Droods are secret agent-types who help protect the world from all kinds of nasty supernatural threats. So when Eddie, his friends, and his very large family start hearing rumors of a Satanist conspiracy and a big sacrifice that's coming up, they quickly get involved and find out that the danger is real and much worse than they feared. But Eddie and his family are determined to stop the Satanists -- no matter how high the price may be ...
I'm a sucker for spy books, and I admit that the title on this one intrigued me. This book definitely had a spy feel to it -- sort of an over-the-top, James Bond-type story mixed with the clever whimsy and slightly nonsensical characters of a Terry Pratchett book. It also has that very English feel to it.
There's a lot to like in this book. The world building is clever and interesting, and I enjoyed seeing the inner workings of the Drood family and their headquarters with all of its magical and spy gadgets. I also liked Eddie. He's a tough guy who's determined to do the right thing, but he has some real regrets about some of the things that he's done and some of the ones that he does in this book. The story moves along at a fairly nice clip, and the big battle scene at the end is certainly imaginative.
My only quibble is at times it seems like there's more cleverness than substance to the story. There are a couple of plotlines and characters where it seems like the only point of them being in the book is so that Greene can say something witty about them. Also, Greene does a little too much with the world building at times. There are a couple of scenes that are very heavy on description that I thought would have read a little quicker if some of the description had been trimmed down a bit. Finally, there's a long-running joke about nobody taking Satanists seriously that got a little old after the first few references.
Overall, though, this is a cool mix of spies and urban fantasy. If you like Terry Pratchett's books, you'll probably enjoy this one.
Eddie Drood, aka Shaman Bond, is a member of the powerful and secretive Drood family. The Droods are secret agent-types who help protect the world from all kinds of nasty supernatural threats. So when Eddie, his friends, and his very large family start hearing rumors of a Satanist conspiracy and a big sacrifice that's coming up, they quickly get involved and find out that the danger is real and much worse than they feared. But Eddie and his family are determined to stop the Satanists -- no matter how high the price may be ...
I'm a sucker for spy books, and I admit that the title on this one intrigued me. This book definitely had a spy feel to it -- sort of an over-the-top, James Bond-type story mixed with the clever whimsy and slightly nonsensical characters of a Terry Pratchett book. It also has that very English feel to it.
There's a lot to like in this book. The world building is clever and interesting, and I enjoyed seeing the inner workings of the Drood family and their headquarters with all of its magical and spy gadgets. I also liked Eddie. He's a tough guy who's determined to do the right thing, but he has some real regrets about some of the things that he's done and some of the ones that he does in this book. The story moves along at a fairly nice clip, and the big battle scene at the end is certainly imaginative.
My only quibble is at times it seems like there's more cleverness than substance to the story. There are a couple of plotlines and characters where it seems like the only point of them being in the book is so that Greene can say something witty about them. Also, Greene does a little too much with the world building at times. There are a couple of scenes that are very heavy on description that I thought would have read a little quicker if some of the description had been trimmed down a bit. Finally, there's a long-running joke about nobody taking Satanists seriously that got a little old after the first few references.
Overall, though, this is a cool mix of spies and urban fantasy. If you like Terry Pratchett's books, you'll probably enjoy this one.
September 21, 2012
In our last tale, Eddie was in trouble. He finds himself in an odd place surrounded by spirits of enemies, most of whom he's killed personally. Each of them trying to get information out of him.
Of course, this scene is quickly changed, though not resolved. Of course, the ramifications of this, well most of them, the actual, important, possibly world altering implications are forgotten. The main characters get distracted and stumble onto a new enemy and a new threat and they forge ahead with that. The bad guys are completely and totally evil, and it's very easy to tell that they need to be stopped.
The fun of this book is in the action and the descriptions of the weird locations and situations. The characters are multifaceted and the author's imagination is very diverse, but every single time the heroes walk into an ambush I wanted to shout "Look Out!" For a bunch of intelligence agents of supernatural threats, the Droods walk into a LOT of traps.
There are a lot of simple things that Eddie and his family could do to make things much easier. Especially since they have the access to bleeding edge of magic, technology and an extra-dimensional traveler to help them.
I like the series for the reasons mentioned above, but it's not for everyone. There are a lot of hiccups and quite a examples of why the bad guys are really EVIL. The antics are graphic and sometimes disturbing, so buyer beware. It's very similar to the author's Nightside series, to which this series has been linked, where literally anything can be bought. The bad guys partake in a lot of debauchery, mostly to prove that each one is "more eviler" than the others, so things can get disturbing. OK, I think two warnings is sufficient.
August 21, 2012
(This review was originally written for Nocturne Romance Reads)
A fast-paced, inventive tale, "For Heaven's Eye's Only" puts a new spin on classic adages and will keep readers attentions until the very end.
The second installment begins where the last book left off with Eddie Drood and his spy-based family and friends trying to stop a group of Satanist bent on total world domination. Simon R. Green masters his amusing and action-based adventures and includes very interesting and unique characters throughout the book. Eddie has the tough-guy, James Bond -feel that makes his character likable and enjoyable. His inner struggles and feelings about past decisions he made and actions he took, made Eddie all the more realistic on a personal level readers could identify with and relate to. His girlfriend Molly, the wild witch of the wood, was also a character that shined through this book along with the Drood family. The Drood family and friends definitely had some serious hurtles to overcome and readers will be shocked with some of the aspects of the story and characters. Although the story was action-packed and had some interesting, sinister elements, it also had some predictable and monotonous moments as well that readers could find cumbersome. Thankfully these nuances are few and far between and do not overshadow the story.
Overall, "For Heaven's Eyes Only" was an interesting spy noir, action-adventure that will keep readers entertained and interested from start to finish! Simon R. Green fans will enjoy this tale particularly as it encompasses his very unique skill of writing.
A fast-paced, inventive tale, "For Heaven's Eye's Only" puts a new spin on classic adages and will keep readers attentions until the very end.
The second installment begins where the last book left off with Eddie Drood and his spy-based family and friends trying to stop a group of Satanist bent on total world domination. Simon R. Green masters his amusing and action-based adventures and includes very interesting and unique characters throughout the book. Eddie has the tough-guy, James Bond -feel that makes his character likable and enjoyable. His inner struggles and feelings about past decisions he made and actions he took, made Eddie all the more realistic on a personal level readers could identify with and relate to. His girlfriend Molly, the wild witch of the wood, was also a character that shined through this book along with the Drood family. The Drood family and friends definitely had some serious hurtles to overcome and readers will be shocked with some of the aspects of the story and characters. Although the story was action-packed and had some interesting, sinister elements, it also had some predictable and monotonous moments as well that readers could find cumbersome. Thankfully these nuances are few and far between and do not overshadow the story.
Overall, "For Heaven's Eyes Only" was an interesting spy noir, action-adventure that will keep readers entertained and interested from start to finish! Simon R. Green fans will enjoy this tale particularly as it encompasses his very unique skill of writing.
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