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Remy Chandler #2
Dancing on the Head of a Pin
Meet Remy Chandler...
He's one of the good guys...
But he's in bad trouble...
Having lost the love of his life, Remy finds himself turning away from the world. He seeks out dangerous jobs that involve the supernatural and bring him into contact with his past. In his latest case, a cache of ancient weaponry is stolen from a collector who deals in antiques of a dark and dubious nature.
The weapons were forged eons ago and imbued with unimaginable power. In the wrong hands they can destroy Heaven and Earth. To prevent that, Remy Chandler must decide if he is willing to lose the last of his own humanity...
He's one of the good guys...
But he's in bad trouble...
Having lost the love of his life, Remy finds himself turning away from the world. He seeks out dangerous jobs that involve the supernatural and bring him into contact with his past. In his latest case, a cache of ancient weaponry is stolen from a collector who deals in antiques of a dark and dubious nature.
The weapons were forged eons ago and imbued with unimaginable power. In the wrong hands they can destroy Heaven and Earth. To prevent that, Remy Chandler must decide if he is willing to lose the last of his own humanity...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 21, 2009
32 people are currently reading
933 people want to read
About the author
Thomas E. Sniegoski
281 books1,105 followersThomas E. Sniegoski, often credited as Tom Sniegoski is the author of more than two dozen novels for adults, teens, and children. His teen fantasy YA series Fallen was adapted into a trilogy of monstrously successful TV movies by ABC Family Channel. His other books for teens include Sleeper Code, Sleeper Agenda, and Force Majeure, as well as the upcoming series The Brimstone Network. The author's first adult novel, A Kiss Before the Apocalypse, hit the shelves in 2008, with its sequel, Dancing on the Head of a Pin to be released in 2009.
Sniegoski's work for younger readers includes Billy Hooten: Owlboy, and the fantasy quartet OutCast, which he co-authored with Christopher Golden. OutCast is in development as a film at Universal. Sniegoski and Golden have also collaborated on the adult dark fantasy series The Menagerie, and multiple creator-owned comic book series, including The Sisterhood, which is being prepped for a feature film by InterMedia, and Talent, currently in development at Universal after a major bidding war.
As a comic book writer, Sniegoski's work includes Stupid, Stupid Rat Tails, a prequel miniseries to international hit, Bone. Sniegoski collaborated with Bone creator Jeff Smith on the prequel, making him the only writer Smith has ever asked to work on those characters. Sniegoski and Golden also wrote the graphic novel BPRD: Hollow Earth, a spinoff from Hellboy.
Sniegoski was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his wife LeeAnne and their Labrador Retriever, Mulder. Tom recently completed the new young adult novel, Legacy, which is set to be released in October of 2009.
Sniegoski's work for younger readers includes Billy Hooten: Owlboy, and the fantasy quartet OutCast, which he co-authored with Christopher Golden. OutCast is in development as a film at Universal. Sniegoski and Golden have also collaborated on the adult dark fantasy series The Menagerie, and multiple creator-owned comic book series, including The Sisterhood, which is being prepped for a feature film by InterMedia, and Talent, currently in development at Universal after a major bidding war.
As a comic book writer, Sniegoski's work includes Stupid, Stupid Rat Tails, a prequel miniseries to international hit, Bone. Sniegoski collaborated with Bone creator Jeff Smith on the prequel, making him the only writer Smith has ever asked to work on those characters. Sniegoski and Golden also wrote the graphic novel BPRD: Hollow Earth, a spinoff from Hellboy.
Sniegoski was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his wife LeeAnne and their Labrador Retriever, Mulder. Tom recently completed the new young adult novel, Legacy, which is set to be released in October of 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 19, 2025
Love this series so far!
Dancing on a Head of a Pin
By Thomas E. Sniegoski
This continues the story of our angel, with fallen angels and heavenly angels. So much happens! Kept be glued to the story. Of course, my favorite character is Marlowe, the dog which our angel can understand and talk with.
Dancing on a Head of a Pin
By Thomas E. Sniegoski
This continues the story of our angel, with fallen angels and heavenly angels. So much happens! Kept be glued to the story. Of course, my favorite character is Marlowe, the dog which our angel can understand and talk with.
April 28, 2009
Another good entry from Sniegoski. It's a good example of what I like best about fantasy and sci-fi - on the surface it's a typical paranormal/urban mystery, but it's also an philosophical examination of life, love, good vs. evil and free will. (And most importantly, the value of having a good dog in your life!) Not that mainstream fiction can't deal with deep topics, but often the fantastical setting or structure allows for a more complex weaving of adventure and fun with serious ruminations about the meaning of life and this crazy world. I read an article in the NYTimes recently discussing the value of reading and popular books and whether reading is valuable in and of itself or only if it's serious literature. It implied that reading can't be fun and educational or valuable at the same time. I think that's crazy; why should I have to suffer to learn, why can't thinking, debating, examining and growing be enjoyable? So, back to the topic, I liked the book. I think the character of Remy is complex and compelling. I identify with his struggles, despite us having absolutely nothing in common on the surface. We share many of the same questions about dealing with love, loss, friendship, responsibility, and fear. Of course, you can just read it for the interesting adventure and mystery, and it's not quite as deeply layered or serious as this review may make it sound, but I enjoy the layers that are here and look forward to more from this author.
June 21, 2017
At one point, I was so frustrated I almost threw this book across the room. An angel living as a human, and a private investigator, has a lot of potential. However, after finishing this I realized something. He's not really a PI. Every "case" is just another attempt to restart/prevent another war in heaven. Remy is pulled in to investigate; he fights with himself over the need to release his angel; and the bad guy is probably another angel. Remy doesn't investigate; he gets told what he needs to know (well after he needed to know it).
A man contacts Remy about finding some stolen antique weapons. The weapons turn out to be "The Pitiless," powerful artifacts of evil (which came from heaven, don't get me started on that). The man knows this. He knows what Remy is. But, he doesn't tell Remy. He deliberately handicaps the one person here to help. Remy discovers the truth when he's beaten up by a fallen angel's henchmen (henchangels?). Oh, he gets beaten up a lot for a supposedly great warrior of heaven. Remy has to enter Hell to retrieve the Pitiless. He admits to himself that his human persona won't be enough. So, does he change into an angel before going? No. He jumps in and ends up hanging off a cliff. Does he change now so that his wings can save him? No. He falls a huge distance and is injured. Does he finally change in order to heal himself? Of course not! He waits until he's attacked by a mob of hellhounds to start what is an oddly long process. (This is where the book almost flew.) Now that he's finally an angel, he's still pretty well useless. You'd think his holy powers would be more than a match for fallen angels, cut off from their holy powers, who've been suffering millennia of torment. Nope. He's beaten back only to end up failing in his mission. Just what is the point of Remy Chandler?
Like another reviewer, I felt the contradictions in the world-building hurt the story. Is God good and Lucifer evil? If so, how is it that God is served by war-hungry angels? When Remy ends up at the gates of heaven on the brink of another war he meets Michael. "How does it feel to abandon everything that you are?" the Archangel asked, malice dripping from each and every word. Malice?! From a servant of God, one of Remiel's brothers? And if preventing Lucifer's escape is so important, why was Remiel the only angel working on behalf of God? Remy's refusal to return to heaven has become the elephant in the room. If he believes Lucifer was wrong, then how can he continue to refuse to return to God? Who he loves and misses. But if he does return, no more Remy Chandler novels.
There are good ideas here. Characters with internal conflict are usually interesting, especially Remy's grief over the loss of his wife and struggle to retain his humanity. The twist at the end with Madach was fantastic. I like the idea that hell is not for humans. Fallen angels operating on Earth like the Mafia is damn clever - and could have made for great cases. Sadly, I do not think the above issues can be resolved without a drastic change. And I don't like being frustrated with no payoff.
A man contacts Remy about finding some stolen antique weapons. The weapons turn out to be "The Pitiless," powerful artifacts of evil (which came from heaven, don't get me started on that). The man knows this. He knows what Remy is. But, he doesn't tell Remy. He deliberately handicaps the one person here to help. Remy discovers the truth when he's beaten up by a fallen angel's henchmen (henchangels?). Oh, he gets beaten up a lot for a supposedly great warrior of heaven. Remy has to enter Hell to retrieve the Pitiless. He admits to himself that his human persona won't be enough. So, does he change into an angel before going? No. He jumps in and ends up hanging off a cliff. Does he change now so that his wings can save him? No. He falls a huge distance and is injured. Does he finally change in order to heal himself? Of course not! He waits until he's attacked by a mob of hellhounds to start what is an oddly long process. (This is where the book almost flew.) Now that he's finally an angel, he's still pretty well useless. You'd think his holy powers would be more than a match for fallen angels, cut off from their holy powers, who've been suffering millennia of torment. Nope. He's beaten back only to end up failing in his mission. Just what is the point of Remy Chandler?
Like another reviewer, I felt the contradictions in the world-building hurt the story. Is God good and Lucifer evil? If so, how is it that God is served by war-hungry angels? When Remy ends up at the gates of heaven on the brink of another war he meets Michael. "How does it feel to abandon everything that you are?" the Archangel asked, malice dripping from each and every word. Malice?! From a servant of God, one of Remiel's brothers? And if preventing Lucifer's escape is so important, why was Remiel the only angel working on behalf of God? Remy's refusal to return to heaven has become the elephant in the room. If he believes Lucifer was wrong, then how can he continue to refuse to return to God? Who he loves and misses. But if he does return, no more Remy Chandler novels.
There are good ideas here. Characters with internal conflict are usually interesting, especially Remy's grief over the loss of his wife and struggle to retain his humanity. The twist at the end with Madach was fantastic. I like the idea that hell is not for humans. Fallen angels operating on Earth like the Mafia is damn clever - and could have made for great cases. Sadly, I do not think the above issues can be resolved without a drastic change. And I don't like being frustrated with no payoff.
January 6, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up. This was a good follow up to the first book. This time around he has to deal with the death of his wife from the previous book. His grief is shown well and is believable. The passion and love that he feels for her is one of the most beautiful and tragic romances I've read in Urban Fantasy.
Again the mythos feels real to me. I often felt that what Sniegoski was portraying was closer to what was written in the old Testament than what I learned in Sunday school. I don't know how much is true and how much isn't (my degree focused on world religious thought and philosophy rather than Christianity) but so much felt right. I think that's impressive in world building in this genre.
The situation this go-round is even more dire then last time, and I began to wonder how the next book could top this one. The final battle in this one is spectacular.
Of course, one of my favorite parts is the interaction between Remy and his dog, as well as the dogs and other creatures in the storyline. Marlowe is a little smarter than your average dog, but his feelings and motivations are quite realistic. Remy's love and respect for the animal as well as the seriousness with which he takes his role as the digs caretaker is refreshing. He even stops to make sure his dog will be cared for when he goes into a situation where he could die. I think a detail like that is what makes Sniegoski so good at characterization as he showed the angel's humanity and loyalty with this act.
However there were a number of things that detracted from the great aspects of the book such as the author over explaining things. For example, Remy is told to stay hidden when entering a crime scene. The author spends a paragraph explaining why. Characters also repeat themselves without the description acknowledging that they are doing so, and in such a way that it feels like it was a mistake that they did.
There are a couple of areas where something in the plot contradicts something that happened earlier. For example, at one point one of the characters has some critical objects. A few scenes later it is revealed he doesn't have them anymore, but there is no part of the text that explains that he lost them let alone how. I reread the intervening chapters again and the scene where it must have happened, and at no point does it mention that he put them down or anything like that.
Although Remy's a detective, he's not a very good one. Most of what he finds out is through things happening to him. When he is hired for the initial job, he doesn't ask any pertinent questions like specifics about how the incident happened, key questions that would have saved some time and effort.
There are other incongruities like something was created by an angel at one part, and then attributed to a human later, or a powerful weapon used only once that could have made a real difference they ignore, or the all to common to this genre that in one scene someone is really injured but a couple of scenes later is fine.
But Remy's humanity is beautifully obvious even as he struggles to fight his inner warrior of God and his love for his wife and dog are the things that make the story for me. I just wish that the editor would have caught the inconsistencies which would have moved the book up at least half a star for me.
Again the mythos feels real to me. I often felt that what Sniegoski was portraying was closer to what was written in the old Testament than what I learned in Sunday school. I don't know how much is true and how much isn't (my degree focused on world religious thought and philosophy rather than Christianity) but so much felt right. I think that's impressive in world building in this genre.
The situation this go-round is even more dire then last time, and I began to wonder how the next book could top this one. The final battle in this one is spectacular.
Of course, one of my favorite parts is the interaction between Remy and his dog, as well as the dogs and other creatures in the storyline. Marlowe is a little smarter than your average dog, but his feelings and motivations are quite realistic. Remy's love and respect for the animal as well as the seriousness with which he takes his role as the digs caretaker is refreshing. He even stops to make sure his dog will be cared for when he goes into a situation where he could die. I think a detail like that is what makes Sniegoski so good at characterization as he showed the angel's humanity and loyalty with this act.
However there were a number of things that detracted from the great aspects of the book such as the author over explaining things. For example, Remy is told to stay hidden when entering a crime scene. The author spends a paragraph explaining why. Characters also repeat themselves without the description acknowledging that they are doing so, and in such a way that it feels like it was a mistake that they did.
There are a couple of areas where something in the plot contradicts something that happened earlier. For example, at one point one of the characters has some critical objects. A few scenes later it is revealed he doesn't have them anymore, but there is no part of the text that explains that he lost them let alone how. I reread the intervening chapters again and the scene where it must have happened, and at no point does it mention that he put them down or anything like that.
Although Remy's a detective, he's not a very good one. Most of what he finds out is through things happening to him. When he is hired for the initial job, he doesn't ask any pertinent questions like specifics about how the incident happened, key questions that would have saved some time and effort.
There are other incongruities like something was created by an angel at one part, and then attributed to a human later, or a powerful weapon used only once that could have made a real difference they ignore, or the all to common to this genre that in one scene someone is really injured but a couple of scenes later is fine.
But Remy's humanity is beautifully obvious even as he struggles to fight his inner warrior of God and his love for his wife and dog are the things that make the story for me. I just wish that the editor would have caught the inconsistencies which would have moved the book up at least half a star for me.
August 16, 2011
Like the first book of the series, Dancing on the Head of a Pin is a quick and easy read -- fluff, almost. I mean, okay, there's some gruesome bits, and it's an apocalypse, but it's still very easy to read.
I sort of wish there'd been more to the mystery aspect, and also that there'd been more of a build-up. Once you've dealt with the apocalypse, how can you go back to figuring out who the banker's wife is screwing? Well, in real life, easily, but in fiction? I do wish there'd been some sort of reasonable escalation: now it pretty much has to be the apocalypse in every book.
The best character is Marlowe. Hands down.
Obviously, there's unfinished business in this book, and I'm interested in how that's going to play out. Not so interested I need to grab the next book right now, though.
Have to say, though, it still makes me think this is professional Supernatural fanfic, starring Castiel -- uh, Remiel -- the private investigator, and Dean -- sorry, Steve -- the human with a "profound bond" -- sorry, "special bond" -- with him.
I sort of wish there'd been more to the mystery aspect, and also that there'd been more of a build-up. Once you've dealt with the apocalypse, how can you go back to figuring out who the banker's wife is screwing? Well, in real life, easily, but in fiction? I do wish there'd been some sort of reasonable escalation: now it pretty much has to be the apocalypse in every book.
The best character is Marlowe. Hands down.
Obviously, there's unfinished business in this book, and I'm interested in how that's going to play out. Not so interested I need to grab the next book right now, though.
Have to say, though, it still makes me think this is professional Supernatural fanfic, starring Castiel -- uh, Remiel -- the private investigator, and Dean -- sorry, Steve -- the human with a "profound bond" -- sorry, "special bond" -- with him.
May 4, 2015
Still feels like making the setting quickly. Not bad, though. When attention is paid to a character they become fleshed out and interesting. Could use more people with that attention that stay in the story, though.
October 1, 2017
Remy Chandler aka Remiel the Seraphim has just buried his wife after a long loving marriage. His reality is based on his love for Maddie, and he acknowledges that having loved her has humanized him.
He was a warrior of Heaven when Lucifer rebelled, and has been sent to Earth. I never quite got if he was a bad guy or not, but got the impression that his exile may have been self imposed. He never fought with Lucifer, but is trying to redeem himself and find meaning for his life, which he had for a while with Maddie.
He has a dog he talks to (and which talks back), a good friend who is a homicide detective, and another friend who is a gatekeeper to Hell. All these clash as the series moves towards Hell on Earth - starting with Remy being sent for in order to retrieve lost weapons of paranormal heritage. These weapons, collectively called the Pitiless, call to the soul to be used for death and destruction. Remy searches for them , finding out more about Heaven on Earth than he thought possible. He also sees where the emissaries of Heaven interact with the humans in order to fulfill their interpretation of the will of the Almighty.
If I had one complaint about this book it would be that Remy really doesn't do a lot of detecting, even though he is billed as a PI. His actions are similar to the character Korsak in the former television series Razzoli and Isles in manners and actions, which is a plus and a minus.
However, when I find myself avidly reading the excerpt from the sequel, I knew that this was a keeper!
He was a warrior of Heaven when Lucifer rebelled, and has been sent to Earth. I never quite got if he was a bad guy or not, but got the impression that his exile may have been self imposed. He never fought with Lucifer, but is trying to redeem himself and find meaning for his life, which he had for a while with Maddie.
He has a dog he talks to (and which talks back), a good friend who is a homicide detective, and another friend who is a gatekeeper to Hell. All these clash as the series moves towards Hell on Earth - starting with Remy being sent for in order to retrieve lost weapons of paranormal heritage. These weapons, collectively called the Pitiless, call to the soul to be used for death and destruction. Remy searches for them , finding out more about Heaven on Earth than he thought possible. He also sees where the emissaries of Heaven interact with the humans in order to fulfill their interpretation of the will of the Almighty.
If I had one complaint about this book it would be that Remy really doesn't do a lot of detecting, even though he is billed as a PI. His actions are similar to the character Korsak in the former television series Razzoli and Isles in manners and actions, which is a plus and a minus.
However, when I find myself avidly reading the excerpt from the sequel, I knew that this was a keeper!
September 7, 2009
Remy Chandler is more than just a Private Investigator. He’s an angel. But years ago, he left Heaven to live on Earth as just another human. But what Remy has come to found out is that you can’t run away from your past or who you are and now, having lost the love of his life, he finds himself turning away from his human life and friends and seeking out his more dangerous, otherworldly past.
His latest case involves the theft of a cache of ancient weapons stolen from a collector who deals with antiquities with a not-so-clean nature. Remy knows the weapons were made eons ago and were imbedded with unbelievable power. Now he has to find and stop them from ending up in the wrong hands of someone who would try to use them for evil to destroy Earth and even Heaven.
And to do that, Remy will have to decide if he’s willing to lose his humanity.
Dancing on the Head of a Pin is the second novel in the Remy Chandler series and a wonderful addition it is. Remy is a nicely-developed character who is torn between so being heartbroken over the death of his wife that he is being reckless and isn’t sure if he wants to continue to live as a human. Because of that, the reader sees him fight his angel side yet at times it seems like he wants to give in. But not everything is dark and gloomy, Remy has this twisted sense of humor that lightens whatever situation and makes the story even more delightful to read. The plot of the stolen weapons is tight and very focused. Along with the great characters, including the secondary ones, and the action-packed plot, Dancing on the Head of a Pin is an entertaining and smart detective story.
His latest case involves the theft of a cache of ancient weapons stolen from a collector who deals with antiquities with a not-so-clean nature. Remy knows the weapons were made eons ago and were imbedded with unbelievable power. Now he has to find and stop them from ending up in the wrong hands of someone who would try to use them for evil to destroy Earth and even Heaven.
And to do that, Remy will have to decide if he’s willing to lose his humanity.
Dancing on the Head of a Pin is the second novel in the Remy Chandler series and a wonderful addition it is. Remy is a nicely-developed character who is torn between so being heartbroken over the death of his wife that he is being reckless and isn’t sure if he wants to continue to live as a human. Because of that, the reader sees him fight his angel side yet at times it seems like he wants to give in. But not everything is dark and gloomy, Remy has this twisted sense of humor that lightens whatever situation and makes the story even more delightful to read. The plot of the stolen weapons is tight and very focused. Along with the great characters, including the secondary ones, and the action-packed plot, Dancing on the Head of a Pin is an entertaining and smart detective story.
October 6, 2009
Sniegoski's Remy Chandler novels are strangely compelling for me in ways that defy rational explanation.
I was raised Catholic, but had always rejected Catholicism and all of its trappings, to the point of for many years being rabidly opposed to the church (I now view such vigorous hatred as overcompensating, and have chosen to retire to a mild dislike for the church leadership/hierarchy and much of the dogma and theology that goes with it).
So it took me quite by surprise when I found myself feeling utterly drawn in to Sniegoski's short story in Mean Streets. I found myself itching for more which led me to this book (I now regret not having started with the first novel in the series, A Kiss Before the Apocalypse but it didn't seem to dampen my enjoyment of the story any.
Sniegoski's god is omnipresent yet never actually seen to act directly in the stories, with a harsh almost to the point of cruel sense of justice that pervades the mythos.
It's been great watching someone take the characters of traditional Christian beleif and transpose them into a modern and, from my perspective anyway eminently enjoyable context.
Looking forward to reading the first book!
I was raised Catholic, but had always rejected Catholicism and all of its trappings, to the point of for many years being rabidly opposed to the church (I now view such vigorous hatred as overcompensating, and have chosen to retire to a mild dislike for the church leadership/hierarchy and much of the dogma and theology that goes with it).
So it took me quite by surprise when I found myself feeling utterly drawn in to Sniegoski's short story in Mean Streets. I found myself itching for more which led me to this book (I now regret not having started with the first novel in the series, A Kiss Before the Apocalypse but it didn't seem to dampen my enjoyment of the story any.
Sniegoski's god is omnipresent yet never actually seen to act directly in the stories, with a harsh almost to the point of cruel sense of justice that pervades the mythos.
It's been great watching someone take the characters of traditional Christian beleif and transpose them into a modern and, from my perspective anyway eminently enjoyable context.
Looking forward to reading the first book!
February 3, 2011
After reading the first Remy Chandler book, I was looking forward to this one. And it was just as good as the first one.
Remy might be a PI from Boston, but he's not your average man. Nope, he actually used to be known as Remiel, the Seraphim. Actually, his angelic personality hasn't completely left him, he just prefers to keep it hidden behind his human guise. After recently losing the love of his life, he's still mourning her death.
So he turns his attention to helping his friend, Francis (a former Guardian Angel) and finally decides to get back to his office. However, when he takes the job of helping a collector find some weapons that were stolen from his home, Remy finds himself once again deeply caught up in a very serious angelic situation. Because this man isn't the only one who wants these powerful and ancient weapons. Someone else wants to use them to release Lucifer from his prison.
This story was as addictive as the first one, and I absolutely loved it! Oh, and the twist towards the end was excellent. I didn't expect it until about one paragraph before it was revealed... very clever. I'm really enjoying this series. Good thing the third book's on its way. :)
Remy might be a PI from Boston, but he's not your average man. Nope, he actually used to be known as Remiel, the Seraphim. Actually, his angelic personality hasn't completely left him, he just prefers to keep it hidden behind his human guise. After recently losing the love of his life, he's still mourning her death.
So he turns his attention to helping his friend, Francis (a former Guardian Angel) and finally decides to get back to his office. However, when he takes the job of helping a collector find some weapons that were stolen from his home, Remy finds himself once again deeply caught up in a very serious angelic situation. Because this man isn't the only one who wants these powerful and ancient weapons. Someone else wants to use them to release Lucifer from his prison.
This story was as addictive as the first one, and I absolutely loved it! Oh, and the twist towards the end was excellent. I didn't expect it until about one paragraph before it was revealed... very clever. I'm really enjoying this series. Good thing the third book's on its way. :)
June 4, 2013
Have read a number of good paranormal series featuring male protagonists fighting evil in the world, be it wizard, druid, psychopomp, half-Auphe and even human. Thought I’d covered it all until this series.
Remy Chandler is an Angel who, sickened and disillusioned by the great war in heaven, decided to live out life in a guise of a human. He worked as a private detective and got married to a wonderful woman, and that’s where the story begins…
As expected, there’s lots of action and plot twists churning out vengeful angels, magic, demons etc right from Book One. The author steps things up in this second instalment, with the story steamrolling into an impressive battle that had made glued to the pages until the end. Sniegoski handled the romance part with atypical sensitivity for a male author, and provides touching flashbacks of the angel’s life with his wife and also the events that explain Remy’s departure from heaven.
This is the first Thomas E. Snegoski series that I am following, and certainly won't be the last. It’s not as great as Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden, but definitely better than some others that I’ve read. Hmmm…come to think of it, I have yet to read about vampire male leads in such a series. They seem to feature aplenty in the romance genre though….
Remy Chandler is an Angel who, sickened and disillusioned by the great war in heaven, decided to live out life in a guise of a human. He worked as a private detective and got married to a wonderful woman, and that’s where the story begins…
As expected, there’s lots of action and plot twists churning out vengeful angels, magic, demons etc right from Book One. The author steps things up in this second instalment, with the story steamrolling into an impressive battle that had made glued to the pages until the end. Sniegoski handled the romance part with atypical sensitivity for a male author, and provides touching flashbacks of the angel’s life with his wife and also the events that explain Remy’s departure from heaven.
This is the first Thomas E. Snegoski series that I am following, and certainly won't be the last. It’s not as great as Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden, but definitely better than some others that I’ve read. Hmmm…come to think of it, I have yet to read about vampire male leads in such a series. They seem to feature aplenty in the romance genre though….
November 26, 2015
Still reeling after the death of Remy takes a case looking for stolen weapons. The case takes him back into the workings of angels, there is an angel group who wants the weapons, as well as a fallen angel, and all their minions. There is plenty of action and violence as it comes at Remy at all sides and in the end it has everything to do about a plan to free Lucifer from Hell. The plot after that realization is confusing and contradictory in a way. While I enjoy the angel mythology most of the time, there are times I cant figure out what it's all about. So while I was on board with the first half of the story, the second half didn't work for me.
As for some random thoughts, I very much enjoyed Remy's feelings of sadness with respect to Madeline. This issue, of one partner being immortal and the other not, comes up often in paranormal and urban fantasy but this is the first time I've read about the after affects. Not something I want to read about all the time but I like it here.
I do wish Remy would be an actual PI and not always caught up in this angel business. Still interested in the series but hoping for something less convoluted in the next one.
As for some random thoughts, I very much enjoyed Remy's feelings of sadness with respect to Madeline. This issue, of one partner being immortal and the other not, comes up often in paranormal and urban fantasy but this is the first time I've read about the after affects. Not something I want to read about all the time but I like it here.
I do wish Remy would be an actual PI and not always caught up in this angel business. Still interested in the series but hoping for something less convoluted in the next one.
December 25, 2009
2nd in the Remy Chandler series. Better than the first and as before, very Supernatural like in its take on angels. In this book, Remy has to stop the Nomads from releasing Lucifer. And as is usual in Sniegoski's books, the creatures of both Heaven and Hell turn out to be pretty much selfish bastards. Though I admit that sometimes it was hard for me to understand Remy's reasoning: like, he's blaming everything that happened - the war in Heaven, the rift between the fallen angels who stood with Lucifer and the host of Heaven - on Lucifer alone despite doubting God's mercy and the rightfulness of the actions of the Heaven's host himself. So yeah, in the end, reading the book you really do feel like Dean Winchester who told both the demons and the angels to go and screw themselves because neither party was righteous in its doings and goals. I think that people who like the 4th and 5th season of Supernatural would like this series.
February 7, 2012
So Remy is hired by a man to find some stolen. Aided by Marlowe, is awesome dog that he can communicate with, and fallen Guardian Angel Francis, they try and fugure out WTF is going on. I love how the author talks about the difference in angels and the difference in fallen angels. Some angels get out of Hell and live on Earth. Book 2 of the adventures of Remy Chandler aka the angel Remiel takes off not long after the end of Book 1. I really enjoyed Book 1 so I was excited to pick up this book and I liked Book 1 more but still enjoyed this. And...it made me angry!! Not to spoil but something bad happened and it made me very sad. I think I'm going to have trouble reading on.
Liked: Angels
Disliked: The bad part!!!
Book Cover: Meh
Characters: Great
Favorite Character: Francis
Writing: Good
Plot: Good
Ending: Set up for next book
http://www.roseysreview.com/2012/02/b...
Liked: Angels
Disliked: The bad part!!!
Book Cover: Meh
Characters: Great
Favorite Character: Francis
Writing: Good
Plot: Good
Ending: Set up for next book
http://www.roseysreview.com/2012/02/b...
October 17, 2009
A follow up novel featuring Seraphim-in-disguise Remy Chandler, fresh from the battle at the end of the first novel. Remy is hired to find a cache of ancient weapons stolen from a rich owner, and finds out the weapons were forged in Heaven to aid Lucifer Morningstar. This eventually brings Remy into Hell itself. This book was darker than the first, and resulted in one character that I liked biting the dust. But Marlowe's still good, and I liked how the book ended on a hopeful note with Remy meeting a new woman. Makes me look forward to the next book. Three and a half stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2010
I imagine it must be demoralizing working in the publishing industry. You love reading and books and want to bring that joy to others. And then you regularly get dreck like this book crossing your desk. You know there are enough people with standards so low that you can make money selling them this crap, but on the other hand you know you will be guilty of killing trees and brain cells if you publish this. You think about your mortgage, your son's braces, your daughter's tuition...then you sigh deeply and start the process towards publication.
December 17, 2009
2nd book in the series, following the life and adventures of an angel who walked away from Heaven after The War. He wasn't cast out - he just didn't like what he had become during The War, and he left. He's wandered the Earth since, as a human, trying to be human.
March 18, 2010
I really liked this book. I am hoping that Sniegoski can write more in this series faster, lol. The next one in the series is Where Angels Fear to Tread, published March 3, 2010.
January 28, 2020
Dancing on the Head of a Pin is the second book in Remy Chandler series written by Thomas E. Sniegoski. It stars Remy Chandler, an investigator, who just happens to be a former angel.
Remy Chandler is recovering from the death of his wife and wondering about his place in the world or if he even has a place in the world. Especially since the Thrones have offered him a place back in heaven. However, the world doesn’t stop for a grieving angel. Several weapons have gone missing – weapons from every stage in history, each the very epitome of their kind and craftsmanship. They are the Pitiless and they have power far beyond being devastating tools of destruction.
Furthermore, other people certainly want them – not least of which the Denizens, fallen angels who have returned to Earth from Hell to live out the rest of their penance and seek redemption. They’ve absorbed the forces of Hell and aren’t seeking a path back to Heaven, but revel in the corruption of mortals around them. However, the Pitiless contain power even they don’t know – and are part of a scheme that can rock Heaven itself to its core.
Dancing on the Head of a Pin is written rather well. The narrative has a pacing issue as it took quite the while for the book to get going and even long for the actual plot to take effect. Much of the narrative explored Remy's emotions and dealing with his wife's death and his place in the world and whether he truly wants to remain with humanity or re-ascend to heaven.
All in all, Dancing on the Head of a Pin is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Remy Chandler is recovering from the death of his wife and wondering about his place in the world or if he even has a place in the world. Especially since the Thrones have offered him a place back in heaven. However, the world doesn’t stop for a grieving angel. Several weapons have gone missing – weapons from every stage in history, each the very epitome of their kind and craftsmanship. They are the Pitiless and they have power far beyond being devastating tools of destruction.
Furthermore, other people certainly want them – not least of which the Denizens, fallen angels who have returned to Earth from Hell to live out the rest of their penance and seek redemption. They’ve absorbed the forces of Hell and aren’t seeking a path back to Heaven, but revel in the corruption of mortals around them. However, the Pitiless contain power even they don’t know – and are part of a scheme that can rock Heaven itself to its core.
Dancing on the Head of a Pin is written rather well. The narrative has a pacing issue as it took quite the while for the book to get going and even long for the actual plot to take effect. Much of the narrative explored Remy's emotions and dealing with his wife's death and his place in the world and whether he truly wants to remain with humanity or re-ascend to heaven.
All in all, Dancing on the Head of a Pin is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Read
February 1, 2021With Madeline gone, Remy has very little left to enjoy in his life as a human. He's been ignoring his private investigation business, for the most part, and avoiding the few friends that he has. He and Marlowe are just getting by, tho Marlowe is probably getting over his grief more quickly.
When a Nomad, one of a group of angels who left Heaven voluntarily after Lucifer's war, turns up multilated in the hands of one of the Denizens, a group of "paroled" angels still doing penance on Earth after a stint in Hell, Remy gets the feeling that his life is about to get interesting once more. He visits the leaders of the Nomads to see if they might know what the Nomad was up to before he met his dismemberment and death, but they claim ignorance.
Shortly after that, Remy is contacted by a potential client who wants him to investigate the theft of some weapons from his extensive and expensive collection. Remy takes the job on a hunch and starts poking around. He consults his angelic friend, Francis, guardian of the gate between Hell and Earth, and finds out that the weapons may be The Pitiless, a set of weapons whose creation was inspired by angels, basically unstoppable, designed to kill over and over again.
More than one set of evil forces in the world are intent on getting their claws on The Pitiless, and Remy is caught in the middle, trying to do the right thing, to prevent Heaven and Hell from going to war once more. Dark, brutal, somewhat depressing, but a good tale again from Sniegoski.
When a Nomad, one of a group of angels who left Heaven voluntarily after Lucifer's war, turns up multilated in the hands of one of the Denizens, a group of "paroled" angels still doing penance on Earth after a stint in Hell, Remy gets the feeling that his life is about to get interesting once more. He visits the leaders of the Nomads to see if they might know what the Nomad was up to before he met his dismemberment and death, but they claim ignorance.
Shortly after that, Remy is contacted by a potential client who wants him to investigate the theft of some weapons from his extensive and expensive collection. Remy takes the job on a hunch and starts poking around. He consults his angelic friend, Francis, guardian of the gate between Hell and Earth, and finds out that the weapons may be The Pitiless, a set of weapons whose creation was inspired by angels, basically unstoppable, designed to kill over and over again.
More than one set of evil forces in the world are intent on getting their claws on The Pitiless, and Remy is caught in the middle, trying to do the right thing, to prevent Heaven and Hell from going to war once more. Dark, brutal, somewhat depressing, but a good tale again from Sniegoski.
October 24, 2018
October is when I typically read or listen to primarily fantasy, paranormal, horror books. This fits the bill perfectly. Angels and demons, fallen angels and hellions.
Events are in motion that someone is trying to free Lucifer Morningstar from Tartarus, Hell's prison. Remy has his hands full and he's not sure he wants it that way. His wife he truly loved has died and he barely has enough empathy and care for his Labrador, Marlowe.
Remy finds himself more and more intrigued as events unfold. He knows he needs to get involved.
This series is more than just angels and demons. Remy is an angel who lives on Earth by choice and there are some happy about it but a lot who are angry and want him back. Remy battles his inner celestial being to stay where he is, but with his beloved wife no longer with him, he's not sure what he wants.
I love this story, these characters. Marlowe has a voice because Remy can speak to animals. I adore Marlowe. He's a sweetie. Everyone should have a Marlowe.
I can definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
Events are in motion that someone is trying to free Lucifer Morningstar from Tartarus, Hell's prison. Remy has his hands full and he's not sure he wants it that way. His wife he truly loved has died and he barely has enough empathy and care for his Labrador, Marlowe.
Remy finds himself more and more intrigued as events unfold. He knows he needs to get involved.
This series is more than just angels and demons. Remy is an angel who lives on Earth by choice and there are some happy about it but a lot who are angry and want him back. Remy battles his inner celestial being to stay where he is, but with his beloved wife no longer with him, he's not sure what he wants.
I love this story, these characters. Marlowe has a voice because Remy can speak to animals. I adore Marlowe. He's a sweetie. Everyone should have a Marlowe.
I can definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
August 16, 2019
I am really loving this Remy Chandler series! Having read this book earlier this week, I sadly do not have many memories of this story apart from a general sense of what went on in it, but I really loved it!
I have to say, though, that I hope
I felt for Remy missing his wife, but I was glad his memories of her helped him find strength. I was also glad that he :-)
All in all, I found the events in this story to be rather exciting, very interesting, and I really enjoyed reading about them! :-)
I have to say, though, that I hope
I felt for Remy missing his wife, but I was glad his memories of her helped him find strength. I was also glad that he :-)
All in all, I found the events in this story to be rather exciting, very interesting, and I really enjoyed reading about them! :-)
February 12, 2018
In the second book ofthe Remy Chandler series, Sniegoski upped his game a bit.
As with the previous installment, I continue to find the main character Remy entertaining, and worthy of a story. His internal battle with his Angelic nature and his desire to keep a sense of humanity is forefront in this character. His willingness to withhold the Angelic nature continually leads to beatings that would otherwise not happen if he let out his inner Angel.
I appreciated the development of the character Francis, (Fraciel) the fallen Angel. Another really interesting take by Sniegoski is Hell. Hell is not designed or inhabited by humans. Hell is for fallen Angels that rebelled against Heaven during the Morning Star (Lucifer) rebellion.
The story of the pitiless weapons and the private investigating still leave something to be desired, but the over all story is entertaining, and a quick read. This novel gets 4 stars.
As with the previous installment, I continue to find the main character Remy entertaining, and worthy of a story. His internal battle with his Angelic nature and his desire to keep a sense of humanity is forefront in this character. His willingness to withhold the Angelic nature continually leads to beatings that would otherwise not happen if he let out his inner Angel.
I appreciated the development of the character Francis, (Fraciel) the fallen Angel. Another really interesting take by Sniegoski is Hell. Hell is not designed or inhabited by humans. Hell is for fallen Angels that rebelled against Heaven during the Morning Star (Lucifer) rebellion.
The story of the pitiless weapons and the private investigating still leave something to be desired, but the over all story is entertaining, and a quick read. This novel gets 4 stars.
January 2, 2023
I really enjoy the Remy Chandler books, or at least the ones I’ve read so far. Remy is an angel who left Heaven after the fallen were cast down. He chose to live as a human instead. In his centuries on Earth, Remy has no desire to be pulled in to the plots of Heaven or Hell.Yet, he again has been pulled in. He is hired by a wealthy client to find some weapons that were burgled from his house. The weapons, of course, were not ordinary weapons. While I found some parts of the book (like the weapons not being ordinary) rather predictable, I was still surprised by some of the book. I really enjoy the world this author has built. And, finally, I just love Marlow!
October 12, 2021
A very interesting world, with memorable characters. The stolen weapons Remy is trying to find are far worse than we could imagine, and far more powerful than weapons on earth should be. Add to it the never-dying war of the angels, gates to Hell and a depressed detective, and you have a story well worth reading...more than once.
December 3, 2016
Good action scenes and scary writing. This one had a rather complicated plot with lots of characters to keep track of. I would love to see a movie of Remy Chandler.
July 24, 2017
It was fine, maybe a bit too dark for my tastes, and perhaps I should've known. I won't be reading anything else in the series unless I'm truly desperate.
October 16, 2018
I really like Remy and his dog Marlowe, but way too much death and destruction in this book.
November 22, 2018
Love it!
April 2, 2019
This was a painfully slow start and to be entirely honest, I didn't enjoy anything until about halfway through.
Cursed powerful weapons designed for Lucifer himself... Oh yeah, and Lucifer HIMSELF.
Cursed powerful weapons designed for Lucifer himself... Oh yeah, and Lucifer HIMSELF.
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