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Marvel Pocket Books Novels
Spider-Man: The Darkest Hours
Peter Parker's life has hit a peaceful stretch. No evildoers have tried to flatten him in weeks, his marriage to Mary Jane is stronger than ever, and he's enjoying his job as a high school science teacher. Life is good.
Naturally, that doesn't last.
When Peter learns that his old enemy the Rhino is on a rampage in Times Square, he suits up as Spider-Man to stop the destructive villain in his tracks. But he's unexpectedly foiled in his attempts by the Black Cat, a former ally and old flame. The Cat informs Peter that the Rhino is just a distraction -- the real threat comes from a group of Ancients, members of the same race as the being called Morlun, who Spidey defeated in battle years earlier. The Ancients are now looking to exact revenge -- and hope to steal Spider-Man's life force in the process.
To defeat such powerful beings, Spider-Man is going to need all the help he can get, especially from the Black Cat. But what will Mary Jane Parker have to say about that? Peter isn't sure which is worse -- the Ancients trying to drain his life force, or the wrath of a jealous wife....
Naturally, that doesn't last.
When Peter learns that his old enemy the Rhino is on a rampage in Times Square, he suits up as Spider-Man to stop the destructive villain in his tracks. But he's unexpectedly foiled in his attempts by the Black Cat, a former ally and old flame. The Cat informs Peter that the Rhino is just a distraction -- the real threat comes from a group of Ancients, members of the same race as the being called Morlun, who Spidey defeated in battle years earlier. The Ancients are now looking to exact revenge -- and hope to steal Spider-Man's life force in the process.
To defeat such powerful beings, Spider-Man is going to need all the help he can get, especially from the Black Cat. But what will Mary Jane Parker have to say about that? Peter isn't sure which is worse -- the Ancients trying to drain his life force, or the wrath of a jealous wife....
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
38 people are currently reading
1784 people want to read
About the author
Jim Butcher
204 books51k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
January 13, 2013
Like most of the other reviewers I read this book more because of Jim Butcher then Peter Parker. Over all, it was a good story with 2 minor flaws. First, one of Butcher's biggest talents is working out the logic of his worlds. The world in this book that of Marvel comics. It's a rather schizophrenic world: there are hero's, and aliens, super-science, and magic, and gods from every pantheon. Butcher throws a couple of passes at applying order to all of that; but he's not really allowed to change it, nor can he modify Spidey's relationships. Sometimes that shows.
Second, Spider-Man is too much like Harry Dresden. That's why I got the book in the first place. Spider-Man cracks wise during fights, as does Dresden. Dresden always goes after the Villan no matter the odds, so does Spider-Man. They're both saps about women, and they both do guilt a little too well. The problem with all of this there are points in the book where you shake your head and ask, "Why is Harry Dresden Kissing Marry Jane?" It's oddly distracting...
Beyond that, it's a good book. I don't have quite as much to say about why it's a good book as I do on the book's flaws, but you'll have to trust me. The villains really seem like they might beat Spider-Man, the characters are compelling, and the action is nice and solid. I'd recommend it to fans of Dresden. But you'll need to think of it as a parallel universe where Malcolm Dresden picked a different name for his kid - a name that contained fewer stage magicians, and the kid got a radioactive spider rather then a magic staff.
Second, Spider-Man is too much like Harry Dresden. That's why I got the book in the first place. Spider-Man cracks wise during fights, as does Dresden. Dresden always goes after the Villan no matter the odds, so does Spider-Man. They're both saps about women, and they both do guilt a little too well. The problem with all of this there are points in the book where you shake your head and ask, "Why is Harry Dresden Kissing Marry Jane?" It's oddly distracting...
Beyond that, it's a good book. I don't have quite as much to say about why it's a good book as I do on the book's flaws, but you'll have to trust me. The villains really seem like they might beat Spider-Man, the characters are compelling, and the action is nice and solid. I'd recommend it to fans of Dresden. But you'll need to think of it as a parallel universe where Malcolm Dresden picked a different name for his kid - a name that contained fewer stage magicians, and the kid got a radioactive spider rather then a magic staff.
January 23, 2023
A charmingly written short novel featuring a relatively-well-situated Peter Parker face a sudden and deadly threat alongside some of the usual friends and allies such as Black Cat and Dr. Strange.
December 1, 2019
Audiobook. I'd read anything Jim Butcher wrote even Spiderman. I'm not a Spidey fan BTW. Now for the real shocker, I liked it, really liked it. The story had all the right levels of action, emotional moments and fun. The narrator did an excellent job, the author, well he can do no wrong.
December 3, 2020
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
- Spidey's POV & tone had the kind that I've seen in the newer Spiderman movies.
- Overall, good narration & fun adventure story in the Marvel universe. Bonus Dr. Strange! I do like that character a lot.
Currently on Audible Plus
- Spidey's POV & tone had the kind that I've seen in the newer Spiderman movies.
- Overall, good narration & fun adventure story in the Marvel universe. Bonus Dr. Strange! I do like that character a lot.
September 13, 2020
This is Sequential Art written by one of my favorite Fantasy authors....Jim Butcher. I do NOT read a lot of books in this genre (Sequential Art). Actually, I only read it when I have to for a reading challenge. But the author's name on it, drew me right in. I was wondering if Jim Butcher was going to "Dresden-ify" Spider Man aka Peter Parker. But no, happily he kept Peter Parker.... Peter Parker.
First, I recommend the audio version of this.....I know, I know, that sort of defeats the purpose of Sequential Art. Following along with the book for the art is always an option. But audios are the easiest way for me to get any reading done at all. So I'll take it.
I liked this one. I loved the attention to detail regarding the characters and their relationships. (The dialogue helped with this...immensely.) I think these things are what made this work for me. I like it when I can have some kind of connection with the characters. With this particular story, that made it easy to do. So once that was established, I was along for the ride and I enjoyed my morning listening to this. So 4 stars.
First, I recommend the audio version of this.....I know, I know, that sort of defeats the purpose of Sequential Art. Following along with the book for the art is always an option. But audios are the easiest way for me to get any reading done at all. So I'll take it.
I liked this one. I loved the attention to detail regarding the characters and their relationships. (The dialogue helped with this...immensely.) I think these things are what made this work for me. I like it when I can have some kind of connection with the characters. With this particular story, that made it easy to do. So once that was established, I was along for the ride and I enjoyed my morning listening to this. So 4 stars.
March 31, 2022
If you want to read a comic book prequel to this book, check out Amazing Spider-Man, Vol 2, issues #30-35: Coming Home https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
This book builds directly on the events of those comics, and I do think it's a richer experience if you read the comics first. However, the comics aren't the best, and you don't need them to understand this novel.
It's actually reading this in pairing with those comics that made me appreciate the novel all the more. The characterization of Spider-Man in the two stories are identical, and hats off to Butcher for capturing that. Where the comic just touches on themes and concepts (Peter becoming a teacher, messing with his spider sense, an unstoppable foe, etc), the book goes all in and excels.
My full video review with detailed thoughts is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Aex3...
This book builds directly on the events of those comics, and I do think it's a richer experience if you read the comics first. However, the comics aren't the best, and you don't need them to understand this novel.
It's actually reading this in pairing with those comics that made me appreciate the novel all the more. The characterization of Spider-Man in the two stories are identical, and hats off to Butcher for capturing that. Where the comic just touches on themes and concepts (Peter becoming a teacher, messing with his spider sense, an unstoppable foe, etc), the book goes all in and excels.
My full video review with detailed thoughts is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Aex3...
June 16, 2015
Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat, was always one of Marvel's most intriguing characters, and Butcher captures her voice quite well. (He'd already been practicing Peter Parker's dialog for years in the Dresden books!) Throw in the Rhino, a jealous wife, a cosmic conspiracy or two, and you've got a classic Marvel novel that's one of Spidey's best adventures. They shoulda filmed this one...just sayin'...'nuff said.
January 24, 2019
Basic Plot: Spidey has to deal with 3 evil, vampire-ish baddies who come looking for revenge after their brother got killed.
I have read all of the Dresden files books, so when my husband picked this up and told me why, I was intrigued. Having read many comic books, I've decided that there definitely are some writers that are better for certain characters. Butcher was meant to write Spider-Man. It's unfortunate that Marvel pays its novelists so little, because Butcher could definitely make me want to read more of the novelizations of various graphic storylines. I don't tend to read them, as the visual medium tends to work so much better for the stories. Authors tend to resort to WAY too much visual description to compensate for the lack of pictures. Butcher manages to find a balance between dialogue and description, plus he's so used to writing snarky comments for Harry that he really does Spidey well.
Spidey has to learn to work with others, including his enemy the Rhino, in order to win the fight. There's a didactic nature to the story that's pretty obvious, and the subplot's relation to the overplot is very obvious, but it's all good, lighthearted fun peppered with witty Spidey banter. It isn't my favorite novel by a long shot, but it was a fun, quick read.
I have read all of the Dresden files books, so when my husband picked this up and told me why, I was intrigued. Having read many comic books, I've decided that there definitely are some writers that are better for certain characters. Butcher was meant to write Spider-Man. It's unfortunate that Marvel pays its novelists so little, because Butcher could definitely make me want to read more of the novelizations of various graphic storylines. I don't tend to read them, as the visual medium tends to work so much better for the stories. Authors tend to resort to WAY too much visual description to compensate for the lack of pictures. Butcher manages to find a balance between dialogue and description, plus he's so used to writing snarky comments for Harry that he really does Spidey well.
Spidey has to learn to work with others, including his enemy the Rhino, in order to win the fight. There's a didactic nature to the story that's pretty obvious, and the subplot's relation to the overplot is very obvious, but it's all good, lighthearted fun peppered with witty Spidey banter. It isn't my favorite novel by a long shot, but it was a fun, quick read.
March 4, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I bought it because I like Butcher's Dresden Files and of course Spiderman, but I haven't had great luck with comic novelizations. This one was terrific!
*You don't have to have read the comics to understand this book. Every reference is explained, including character histories.
*All the characters are true to themselves. Particularly Spiderman. His voice was perfect!
*You can't have Spidey without humor and this book achieved his classic sense of humor.
*Black Cat, Mary Jane, Dr. Strange, Wong, even Rhino were all perfect too! I wish the comics would develop Rhino this well!
*It's not really Canon anymore with the Spiderverse storyline reworking Morlun's siblings, but as much as I loved Spiderverse, these versions were even scarier!
*Some comics fall into the all action and not enough character, but this book hit the right combination of Peter Parker and Spiderman.
*You don't have to have read the comics to understand this book. Every reference is explained, including character histories.
*All the characters are true to themselves. Particularly Spiderman. His voice was perfect!
*You can't have Spidey without humor and this book achieved his classic sense of humor.
*Black Cat, Mary Jane, Dr. Strange, Wong, even Rhino were all perfect too! I wish the comics would develop Rhino this well!
*It's not really Canon anymore with the Spiderverse storyline reworking Morlun's siblings, but as much as I loved Spiderverse, these versions were even scarier!
*Some comics fall into the all action and not enough character, but this book hit the right combination of Peter Parker and Spiderman.
July 29, 2014
Contract writing is something many established authors shy away from or only do pseudonymously, but Jim Butcher knocks this out of the park, earning credit for both him and the Spider-man franchise.
December 16, 2019
I thought this was an exceptional story about my favorite Superhero, Spiderman. I'm a bit put off by the recent trend in comics about Spidey because they are changing too much about him and his situation. Even the MCU changed too much. But this story is just right. It takes place after he and MJ have been married for awhile. She is a struggling actress, he is a high school science teacher...the Peter Parker we know and love.
What I liked first and foremost is that this novel is tonally correct. It hits the right notes with Peter (Spidey), MJ, Felicia and even the cameo with Aunt May. It also doesn't ignore the larger Superhero universe Spiderman belongs too (Marvel) with references or appearances by Rhino, Black Cat, Dr. Strange, Hulk, Avengers and quite a few offhanded comments about past Spidey villains. (Green Goblin, Doc Ock, the Lizard to name a few)
The story is fairly concise in that it takes place over a few days. It has a foe I don't recognize, but may be one of the more obscure foes I just don't know about. The fight sequences are great and well described - and make sense. The puzzle, as it is, is strong and understandable.
Overall, I felt the entire novel hit it out of the park. There really wasn't anything about it I disliked and quite a lot that I liked very much. I recommend it.
What I liked first and foremost is that this novel is tonally correct. It hits the right notes with Peter (Spidey), MJ, Felicia and even the cameo with Aunt May. It also doesn't ignore the larger Superhero universe Spiderman belongs too (Marvel) with references or appearances by Rhino, Black Cat, Dr. Strange, Hulk, Avengers and quite a few offhanded comments about past Spidey villains. (Green Goblin, Doc Ock, the Lizard to name a few)
The story is fairly concise in that it takes place over a few days. It has a foe I don't recognize, but may be one of the more obscure foes I just don't know about. The fight sequences are great and well described - and make sense. The puzzle, as it is, is strong and understandable.
Overall, I felt the entire novel hit it out of the park. There really wasn't anything about it I disliked and quite a lot that I liked very much. I recommend it.
November 20, 2017
That was fun and different from anything I typically read. A comic without the pictures, written by a talented author. Biggest knock is that it felt a lot like Harry Dresden instead of purely like Spidey.
It was still a good book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It was still a good book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
September 24, 2021
Good stuff!
This was the first time I got to read a Butcher novel. I could see why his own series are so popular; the man can write tongue-in-cheek first person like nobody's business.
This was the first time I got to read a Butcher novel. I could see why his own series are so popular; the man can write tongue-in-cheek first person like nobody's business.
August 12, 2024
A fun little Spider-man story. When Spidey bumps into the Black Cat he soon finds himself in a trap. The Rhino has been hired by a group of villains who are related to one of his most deadly foes from the past have come for revenge. Spidey may not make it out of this one unscathed.
I love Jim Butcher’s writing. Really enjoying my time with the Dresden Files books and have the whole of the Codex Alera books to read, and he is very good at writing our Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man. He gives Peter a fun voice to follow and tells a good if not simple story, but it is in the character interactions that he really shines. A personal highlight for me is any interaction between the wall-crawler and the Rhino. Cameos from Dr Strange and Wong are fun and very enjoyable.
Recommend this to any Spidey fan even if they want a continuation from a story from the 90s. Can see why Butcher chose the villains he did.
I love Jim Butcher’s writing. Really enjoying my time with the Dresden Files books and have the whole of the Codex Alera books to read, and he is very good at writing our Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man. He gives Peter a fun voice to follow and tells a good if not simple story, but it is in the character interactions that he really shines. A personal highlight for me is any interaction between the wall-crawler and the Rhino. Cameos from Dr Strange and Wong are fun and very enjoyable.
Recommend this to any Spidey fan even if they want a continuation from a story from the 90s. Can see why Butcher chose the villains he did.
January 2, 2022
This book was fascinating! A very suspenseful and adventurous journey. I am looking forward to reading the next two books in this series!
November 13, 2022
Although I enjoy interviews and talks Jim Butcher gives, I’m not a big fan of his writing. Also, I don’t particularly enjoy superhero novels about comic book characters, since I can just read the comic. So the fact I gave this 3 stars is pretty high praise.
I read the sample and he really seemed to nail Peter’s voice, that combination of earnest sentimentality and wisecracking bravado that makes Spidey unique. Plus the nerd stuff and all the dumb puns. (My favorite joke was when Spidey is asking Dr. Strange if he can use magic and medicine to heal a broken bone: “Isn’t this just a bippity-boppity-boo-boo for you?”)
All in all quite fun, with guest appearances by Black Cat and Rhino.
I read the sample and he really seemed to nail Peter’s voice, that combination of earnest sentimentality and wisecracking bravado that makes Spidey unique. Plus the nerd stuff and all the dumb puns. (My favorite joke was when Spidey is asking Dr. Strange if he can use magic and medicine to heal a broken bone: “Isn’t this just a bippity-boppity-boo-boo for you?”)
All in all quite fun, with guest appearances by Black Cat and Rhino.
January 8, 2013
I really should have read this book years ago. But then again, in 2006 I wasn't really paying attention to Spider-Man in the comics and had no real idea who Jim Butcher was. I'm still not back to reading Spidey comics (except for about a year's worth post-"Brand New Day" thanks to friend Eric Bauman's generosity) but I certainly know who Jim Butcher is.
There's a lot of similarity between the way Butcher writes Peter Parker and the way he writes his own Harry Dresden -- not surprising considering Peter, when written correctly, is that great mix of introspective insecurity and extroverted bravado that Butcher writes so well. Both characters share a penchant for defending the underdog, being chivalrous to a fault, and delivering snarky pop-culture references mid-fight to throw the enemy off their game. But I think what Butcher does equally as well is make sure supporting characters (secondary, tertiary and smaller) are characters rather than caricatures. Anyone can write a Spidey novel and give us a strong, sexy Mary Jane, a doting Aunt May and perhaps even a flirty-to-a-fault Black Cat. Butcher takes the time to show that Mary Jane is very much like her husband when it comes to insecurity and bravado, that Aunt May is more intuitive and sensible than decades of writers have given her credit for, and that Felicia Hardy is more than just a reformed cat-burglar. But he also takes time to develop a personality for the Rhino that I don't ever remember seeing displayed in the comics, and when he trots out Doctor Strange and Wong for extended cameos they have distinctive personalities.
Butcher also makes Peter Parker's personal life as important as the super-hero portion of the book, something lots of super-hero novels get wrong. The work and home life dramas (getting assigned to coach the basketball team; Mary Jane needing to get her driver's license to commute to an acting gig in NJ) don't feel like scenes an author shoved in because xx amount of paragraphs have to feature the hero out of costume. The personal scenes progress Peter's story an counter-balance the action. Each side of Peter's life feeds into the other. As it should be.
Of course the fight scenes are balls-to-the-wall craziness. Butcher is one of my favorite writers of more-than-human battles. I can visually every move, and he manages to do that without describing every move in minute detail.
If you're a Butcher fan at all, and even if you're not a comic book fan in general or a Spider-Man fan in particular, I have to highly recommend this.
There's a lot of similarity between the way Butcher writes Peter Parker and the way he writes his own Harry Dresden -- not surprising considering Peter, when written correctly, is that great mix of introspective insecurity and extroverted bravado that Butcher writes so well. Both characters share a penchant for defending the underdog, being chivalrous to a fault, and delivering snarky pop-culture references mid-fight to throw the enemy off their game. But I think what Butcher does equally as well is make sure supporting characters (secondary, tertiary and smaller) are characters rather than caricatures. Anyone can write a Spidey novel and give us a strong, sexy Mary Jane, a doting Aunt May and perhaps even a flirty-to-a-fault Black Cat. Butcher takes the time to show that Mary Jane is very much like her husband when it comes to insecurity and bravado, that Aunt May is more intuitive and sensible than decades of writers have given her credit for, and that Felicia Hardy is more than just a reformed cat-burglar. But he also takes time to develop a personality for the Rhino that I don't ever remember seeing displayed in the comics, and when he trots out Doctor Strange and Wong for extended cameos they have distinctive personalities.
Butcher also makes Peter Parker's personal life as important as the super-hero portion of the book, something lots of super-hero novels get wrong. The work and home life dramas (getting assigned to coach the basketball team; Mary Jane needing to get her driver's license to commute to an acting gig in NJ) don't feel like scenes an author shoved in because xx amount of paragraphs have to feature the hero out of costume. The personal scenes progress Peter's story an counter-balance the action. Each side of Peter's life feeds into the other. As it should be.
Of course the fight scenes are balls-to-the-wall craziness. Butcher is one of my favorite writers of more-than-human battles. I can visually every move, and he manages to do that without describing every move in minute detail.
If you're a Butcher fan at all, and even if you're not a comic book fan in general or a Spider-Man fan in particular, I have to highly recommend this.
August 9, 2018
A really fun follow-up to the 'Morlun' storyline from about 15 years ago. It surprised me I had never heard of this book until recently, since I was reading (but not buying) Spider-Man back in 2006 when it was published.
Oh well, it was still a lot of fun to jump into and enjoy the ride. Spidey and Co. defeated the villains using a little non-help from Doctor Strange and Wong. If that doesn't make sense, read the book and it will. Since it is Spidey, there was a point where he is all but defeated, gives an inspirational speech, and then the villain is beaten.
One final word of review and minor spoiler: Gremlin!
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
Oh well, it was still a lot of fun to jump into and enjoy the ride. Spidey and Co. defeated the villains using a little non-help from Doctor Strange and Wong. If that doesn't make sense, read the book and it will. Since it is Spidey, there was a point where he is all but defeated, gives an inspirational speech, and then the villain is beaten.
One final word of review and minor spoiler: Gremlin!
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
November 29, 2019
What can I say combining Jim Butcher with one of my favorite super heroes is all kinds of win! So Spidey is now a professor and he gets to coach the basketball team. But life is not that simple a new threat arrives that makes him doubt himself and the safety of MJ.
We get to see Spidey team-up with the Rhino. Yes, I just typed the Rhino!
Strange things are afoot and this is one action packed book.
We get to see Spidey team-up with the Rhino. Yes, I just typed the Rhino!
Strange things are afoot and this is one action packed book.
March 23, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This was fun. It was very much like reading a book from The Dresden Files, so I definitely liked that part. Spidey basically reads like Dresden, but I feel like he kinda has that same personality anyway. This was very easy to read, and I enjoyed seeing the group of people Spider-Man works with.
This was fun. It was very much like reading a book from The Dresden Files, so I definitely liked that part. Spidey basically reads like Dresden, but I feel like he kinda has that same personality anyway. This was very easy to read, and I enjoyed seeing the group of people Spider-Man works with.
February 10, 2021
Overall, this was a fun read. The problem with these kind of books, is that they fall into a long established history. This book does that. So you have to spend time trying to figure out where in the history it falls, this can be rather distracting and to a point, disorienting. If you can get past that, the story is very good, and what you would expect from Jim Butcher.
February 27, 2020
Really neat story and well-written. I especially liked getting to know Rhino in those scenes.
I guess the main baddies would have been more scary if I had read the OG story to know how bad it was with the one dude but they don't menace enough here.
I guess the main baddies would have been more scary if I had read the OG story to know how bad it was with the one dude but they don't menace enough here.
December 8, 2023
I loved the dialog in this story. The characters had dynamic , except the bad guys, they were hard to picture. But truly that tends to happen in 1st person superhero novels. The story itself wasn't on any grand scale but sometimes you aren't looking for the epic proportions stuff as often - this story is as good as watching one of the 90's episodes with a more PG-13 rating to it. Which is pretty awesome when I think about it. Even the filler stuff was so good it was good to see Black Cat back in action and Mary Jane was truly a star in this. ;) Rhino , the bad guy.. the once misunderstood is now understood and is more than just the cardboard cutout bad guy. There was good back ground and depth to both him and Cat's past transgressions. Jim Butcher really knows how to write the characters . An amazing job!
July 13, 2020
(C/p from my review on TheStoryGraph) so Butcher does a truly great job in this book, the world is really up his alley. But I.... do not like Peter Parker. I thought maybe Butcher could change that for me, maybe give me a reason to love him but sadly even Butcher cannot Dave the character for me. He’s just not that interesting and the minor characters are equally uninteresting. Not because Butcher didn’t try but just because of the source material he has to work within.
July 16, 2023
Peter Parker much like Harry Dresden will always do the right thing even if it is to his detriment.
The relationships were well written, the villains were darn scary and yeah, like a Dresden book I thought to myself how is he going to get himself out of this one?
I liked the bit at the end with Wong on the court a lot too. Solid 4 star book. Classic Butcher tongue in cheek humor as well
The relationships were well written, the villains were darn scary and yeah, like a Dresden book I thought to myself how is he going to get himself out of this one?
I liked the bit at the end with Wong on the court a lot too. Solid 4 star book. Classic Butcher tongue in cheek humor as well
February 17, 2020
The following review was originally published in the online newspaper The Orkney News in 2019. Link here. https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/09/13...
Spider-Man: The Darkest Hours by Jim Butcher
Hello everyone! I wasn’t intending to take another detour but I quite simply...had too much fun! I haven’t enjoyed myself this much since listening to Realmslayer! For clarification check my review here. https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/02/25...
Those of you who have followed my reviews for a while will be aware of the fact that I am something of a casual comic book fan – mostly thanks to watching the Spider-Man cartoon in the 90s. My three part dissertation of sorts on the History of Carol Danvers – Captain Marvel – is all the proof my readers will need. But I think its only fair I give a bit of my history with these Marvel audio productions.
They aren’t actually audio original superhero stories. There is a company which produces prose book adaptations of select comic book storylines ranging from Iron Man classic Extremis and other Spider-Man storyline Kraven’s Last Hunt to recent superheroine superstar Kamala Khan – Ms. Marvel – and her introductory storyline No Normal. But recently it was announced that Dreamscape Media would be releasing not only these and others in audio but producing new audio adaptations of the newer prose books. Strangely I had no awareness of these newer releases at first. I ordered this Spider-Man release out of curiosity, only to realise after the fact it was a Dreamscape release. Now let’s start the review itself with the plot.
Things have been going well recently for Peter Parker. There’s been no world ending supervillains hanging about, him and Mary Jane are peacefully enjoying married life and his job as a grammar school teacher has been going well. Naturally something has to come along and ruin it. The Rhino starts causing chaos in town – big stupid lug – and of course that means it’s time for Spider-Man to make an appearance! But there’s a big problem. The Black Cat – ally and good friend – warns Spidey that The Rhino is just a lure. Years ago Spider-Man defeated a vampiric hunter who hunted through some form of totemic magic. Morlun. And Morlun’s brothers and sister are out for blood! But how can Spider-Man, normal everyday Peter Parker stop beings called The Ancients? And how can he keep MJ safe while trying to stop hunters who care little for collateral damage?
This story is really entertaining. You don’t need to know tons about comic book history – or watch at least a dozen full length films – to get caught up in swinging along the New York skyline with Spidey catching yourself on the silver lining of the clouds. The story does a very good job at giving the gist of previous events so you feel up to speed without stopping to question everything. And the writing is very well done! This story really has captured Spider-Man’s quippy one liners and cheesy jokes really well whilst also managing to pull off the quieter moments. Breakfast scenes with MJ, small talk at work, even the occasional call to Aunt May. It all feels one hundred percent believable. I very easily found myself closing my eyes and seeing everyone of these conversations in my mind’s eye as well as all the action scenes. That makes sense since the story was written by Jim Butcher – author of The Dresden Files series – and I’d be more than happy to see him channel his inner Peter Parker once again. Especially when he is able to make the main villainess Mortia and her brothers chill the blood. She’s enjoying this chance for revenge just a little too much.
The narration was supplied by Jack Meloche and he does a very good job! He is a pitch perfect Spider-Man and his performance as Mortia really makes her feel like a remorseless huntress with only one thing on her mind. Blood. The comparison to vampires is more than apt! His Mary Jane and Black Cat are also very believable as I could easily lose myself in the world his narration provided. I hope to hear him again if Dreamscape do any more Spider-Man stories. Any superhero stories at all! I’ll be keeping an eye and ear out for Jack Meloche just like I do for Johnathan Keeble and Toby Longworth when listening to Warhammer.
The story really is quite the ride! I almost listened to the entire thing in a day because I lost all track of time. You know a story’s good when you look at the clock and can’t believe it! Even if you are only casually interested in superheroes and their ilk I recommend giving this a chance. It can be quite gripping! And if you have any family members who are Marvel Comics or Cinematic Universe fans or webheads? Buy this now! They’ll thank you for it I’m sure! I might just review a few more in future.
In conclusion this story really is quite the package and I recommend it highly. I couldn’t stop grinning while listening or while writing most of this review. I’ll be back when I can but there may be a short review delay for a while. I’ll return as soon as I’m able to finally keep my promise and return to Good Omens!
Sayonara!
Nephrite.
Spider-Man: The Darkest Hours by Jim Butcher
Hello everyone! I wasn’t intending to take another detour but I quite simply...had too much fun! I haven’t enjoyed myself this much since listening to Realmslayer! For clarification check my review here. https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/02/25...
Those of you who have followed my reviews for a while will be aware of the fact that I am something of a casual comic book fan – mostly thanks to watching the Spider-Man cartoon in the 90s. My three part dissertation of sorts on the History of Carol Danvers – Captain Marvel – is all the proof my readers will need. But I think its only fair I give a bit of my history with these Marvel audio productions.
They aren’t actually audio original superhero stories. There is a company which produces prose book adaptations of select comic book storylines ranging from Iron Man classic Extremis and other Spider-Man storyline Kraven’s Last Hunt to recent superheroine superstar Kamala Khan – Ms. Marvel – and her introductory storyline No Normal. But recently it was announced that Dreamscape Media would be releasing not only these and others in audio but producing new audio adaptations of the newer prose books. Strangely I had no awareness of these newer releases at first. I ordered this Spider-Man release out of curiosity, only to realise after the fact it was a Dreamscape release. Now let’s start the review itself with the plot.
Things have been going well recently for Peter Parker. There’s been no world ending supervillains hanging about, him and Mary Jane are peacefully enjoying married life and his job as a grammar school teacher has been going well. Naturally something has to come along and ruin it. The Rhino starts causing chaos in town – big stupid lug – and of course that means it’s time for Spider-Man to make an appearance! But there’s a big problem. The Black Cat – ally and good friend – warns Spidey that The Rhino is just a lure. Years ago Spider-Man defeated a vampiric hunter who hunted through some form of totemic magic. Morlun. And Morlun’s brothers and sister are out for blood! But how can Spider-Man, normal everyday Peter Parker stop beings called The Ancients? And how can he keep MJ safe while trying to stop hunters who care little for collateral damage?
This story is really entertaining. You don’t need to know tons about comic book history – or watch at least a dozen full length films – to get caught up in swinging along the New York skyline with Spidey catching yourself on the silver lining of the clouds. The story does a very good job at giving the gist of previous events so you feel up to speed without stopping to question everything. And the writing is very well done! This story really has captured Spider-Man’s quippy one liners and cheesy jokes really well whilst also managing to pull off the quieter moments. Breakfast scenes with MJ, small talk at work, even the occasional call to Aunt May. It all feels one hundred percent believable. I very easily found myself closing my eyes and seeing everyone of these conversations in my mind’s eye as well as all the action scenes. That makes sense since the story was written by Jim Butcher – author of The Dresden Files series – and I’d be more than happy to see him channel his inner Peter Parker once again. Especially when he is able to make the main villainess Mortia and her brothers chill the blood. She’s enjoying this chance for revenge just a little too much.
The narration was supplied by Jack Meloche and he does a very good job! He is a pitch perfect Spider-Man and his performance as Mortia really makes her feel like a remorseless huntress with only one thing on her mind. Blood. The comparison to vampires is more than apt! His Mary Jane and Black Cat are also very believable as I could easily lose myself in the world his narration provided. I hope to hear him again if Dreamscape do any more Spider-Man stories. Any superhero stories at all! I’ll be keeping an eye and ear out for Jack Meloche just like I do for Johnathan Keeble and Toby Longworth when listening to Warhammer.
The story really is quite the ride! I almost listened to the entire thing in a day because I lost all track of time. You know a story’s good when you look at the clock and can’t believe it! Even if you are only casually interested in superheroes and their ilk I recommend giving this a chance. It can be quite gripping! And if you have any family members who are Marvel Comics or Cinematic Universe fans or webheads? Buy this now! They’ll thank you for it I’m sure! I might just review a few more in future.
In conclusion this story really is quite the package and I recommend it highly. I couldn’t stop grinning while listening or while writing most of this review. I’ll be back when I can but there may be a short review delay for a while. I’ll return as soon as I’m able to finally keep my promise and return to Good Omens!
Sayonara!
Nephrite.
June 5, 2022
This was my first time reading a novel about a comic book superhero and I wasn't sure what to expect. I ended up really enjoying the story, especially since I had never seen anything with Black Cat or Rhino in it, other than his small role at the end of 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'. I've never really read comics but I knew of Black Cat vaguely and ended up really liking her character. Anti-heroes and morally grey characters are always the most interesting and it seems that she falls nicely into that category.
The other antagonists of 'The Darkest Hours' were just made up for his book and I liked them too, although they weren't the most complex and unique villains ever. Their objective did feel like something that Spider-Man would have to deal with and I actually just assumed they were from the comics, so I was surprised to find out that Butcher invented them himself. I've never read any of Butcher's books but I have heard great things about them. His writing was witty and really suited Peter Parker, I think I will definitely check out his Dresden Files books in the future.
Considering that I had no idea what to expect from this book, I'm pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed them. One thing that did stick out to me a lot was that it throws a lot of Marvel characters and references at you and just assumes you know who everyone is. I do, and I suppose most people would now since they are so popular, but it did seem like some of the references could be cut considering they played no part in the actual story. If you gave this to someone who knew nothing about Marvel prior to reading this book, I think they'd be scratching their head a little bit.
The other antagonists of 'The Darkest Hours' were just made up for his book and I liked them too, although they weren't the most complex and unique villains ever. Their objective did feel like something that Spider-Man would have to deal with and I actually just assumed they were from the comics, so I was surprised to find out that Butcher invented them himself. I've never read any of Butcher's books but I have heard great things about them. His writing was witty and really suited Peter Parker, I think I will definitely check out his Dresden Files books in the future.
Considering that I had no idea what to expect from this book, I'm pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed them. One thing that did stick out to me a lot was that it throws a lot of Marvel characters and references at you and just assumes you know who everyone is. I do, and I suppose most people would now since they are so popular, but it did seem like some of the references could be cut considering they played no part in the actual story. If you gave this to someone who knew nothing about Marvel prior to reading this book, I think they'd be scratching their head a little bit.
November 11, 2020
6 out of 10.
Not a fan of Spidey, but dammit Butcher's name was on the cover.
Not a fan of Spidey, but dammit Butcher's name was on the cover.
January 16, 2021
I enjoy Jim Butcher. I like Spider-Man. For some reason, this didn't hit the spot for me. I really wanted to love it.
July 25, 2023
Entertaining and hilarious, but has zero substance. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews