Hidden (The Sword of Lucifer Book 2)

Lucifer’s Star

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Things get difficult and dirty, they don't tend to magically and conveniently work out for characters. World-building is done in a steady way.

As the story progresses we learn about the world through dialogue and internalizations. There's plenty of secrets and it seems mythical entities have fun while playing with human and alien lives. The big theme of the book is the politics. Betrayals were easy, but when you ad A. As the story progresses, understanding some of the trickier concepts becomes vital, although it doesn't require a reader to hold a degree in quantum physics.

Just to use imagination. The cast of characters is diverse and interesting with strong female representation.

Lucifer: Book Two (Collected)

I think most characters were compelling and three-dimensional. Everyone here has a past that influences his choices. Alliances are constantly shifting, and nothing is ever quite what it seems. There is a sort of love triangle between the characters. Ilsa is a bioroid - created to sexually please and seduce others.

Even though she's managed to flee her former masters, she didn't manage to reprogram herself and she's not wired for monogamy. She sleeps with Clarice O'Hara, the security chief of Shogun. Cassius sleeps with both of them. It's not a problem as the society is rather sexually open and it's not a big deal to have multiple partners, even when being in a relationship. There's no unnecessary drama, just people, cyborgs, and bioroids learning to care and fight for each other.

While I enjoyed many parts of the novel, I have to admit I wasn't able to fully connect with Cassius' voice. As a result, my engagement in the story lacked emotional component. I think Cassius is an interesting character - he used to think of himself as a hero just to understand he was a bad guy. He's not who you would call a good person and that's fine. I don't like good characters. It's just there's something in him that irks me. The writing is rather good. We may discuss if there isn't an excess backstory told here and there and maybe a bit too much telling in places.

It's possible but it didn't influence the pacing. The final confrontation was surprising and interesting but didn't manage to knock me on my knees. Overall, Lucifer's Star is a well-paced book with no boring parts at least to me. It's quick to read and easily accessed, all while dealing with ethical concerns, and philosophical questions.

I think of it as a good reintroduction to the Space Opera genre. Because I couldn't really connect with Cassius, rating won't be higher. I need to emphasize that it's highly subjective; interesting plot plus great secondary characters made it a fun read for me, even despite the mentioned "issue". May 23, Andy rated it really liked it. Fight for people rather than fight for the people themselves.

Individuals are worthwhile but people as a whole are a nebulous concept which can be used to justify anything. Lucifer's Star has all the elements I generally look for in space opera: It also has the hallmarks of "grimdark" genre fiction that appeal to me: Fans of epic space battles, shifting alliances, fast-paced action, betrayal and treachery will find everything they're looking for in this book along with the kind of nuanced and complex ruminations on what it means to be human that the best stories involving AI, robots, androids, and clones often provide. This story has the deep philosophical elements of something like Ancillary Justice, but is still pulpy enough to keep your adrenaline pumping and the pages turning.

Every character in the story has a past, alliances are constantly shifting, and nothing is ever quite what it seems. The evolving motivations of the main character, Cassius Mass, feel organic and never driven by plot necessity. I think my favorite character is probably Isla, a "bioroid" who longs to be free of her programming so she can discover who she really is. I reserve 5 star reviews for those books that truly stand above the rest. This one is a solid 4, but there's not much I can offer in terms of criticism other than that I generally like a story with more of a slow build rather than non-stop action.

I also tend to go for a more plausible, hard sci-fi type of space opera rather than pulpy space fantasy with laser-swords, etc. The authors did a fine job of rooting the book in hard science for the most part, but yeah Those are completely subjective criticisms based on my own preferences though; overall this is probably the best space opera from an independent author I've ever read. Looking forward to reading the further adventures of Cassius Mass!

Jun 07, Stephen Kozeniewski rated it really liked it. Without being a hacky Star Wars knockoff trust me, I've read my fair share of those C. Phipps takes this basic premise and runs with it. Cassius Mass was the greatest starfighter pilot of the Crius Archduchy - which makes him either a war criminal or a war hero, depending on your perspective.

After going into hiding for years, Cassius himself gradually comes around to the former What if Darth Vader had survived the Battle of Endor and went on to realize that The Empire had been the bad guys? After going into hiding for years, Cassius himself gradually comes around to the former conclusion as he realizes that no matter how noble and selfless his actions were, ultimately they were in support of an evil government. It's notoriously harder to win the peace than to win a war, as Cassius learns as he's drawn into a variety of spy networks and criminal enterprises, all while mostly just wanting to drink himself into a stupor.

Space battles, fistfights, and political double-dealing all ensue, resulting in a rip-roaring narrative that rarely falters or slows. Phipps has a killer instinct and a killer style. His work is simple in the most admirable sense of that word. I suspect he actually probably toils away at his prose and stories for hours on end until it just seems simple to the reader - an even more remarkable feat, actually. His writing is crisp, clear, concise, and yet also evocative. Let's talk negatives briefly. For one, his love of Lovecraft bled through on every page.

Second, there was a lot of tangled spy networks including more than a few clones and imposters and God knows what else. By the time Judith or Clarice or Zoey or somebody had died for the third or fourth time, I started wondering who the hell they had been in the first place. Either the spy-fi antics needed to be streamlined a bit or I needed to pay a bit more attention, and I won't even pretend to know which it was.

You won't be disappointed. Aug 19, Aubrey Law rated it really liked it. Lucifer's Star was an entertaining science fiction story full of space battles and some super cool future technology. Looking forward to the next book s in the series. Nov 24, Allan Batchelder rated it it was amazing. A fun read -- a real popcorn, space opera that will keep you entertained for hours.

Aug 13, Jon rated it it was amazing. A really fun space opera that's about as twisty as it gets. Every chapter the character peels back an onion where there's different layers, different interests. The most appealing part to me of this was the concept of the bioroids, how they are thought of in society and how they get manipulated. A lot of clone sheenanigans, and very cool conceptual stuff which you don't usually see in SF novels in that regard -- most books have one type of clone and that's that, but this shows a variety of optio A really fun space opera that's about as twisty as it gets.

A lot of clone sheenanigans, and very cool conceptual stuff which you don't usually see in SF novels in that regard -- most books have one type of clone and that's that, but this shows a variety of options of how a person might end up, and that's intriguing, and probably more realistic in that regard. The main character feels very real, the characters are very distinct in general. I really would like to get to know the before-Judith better, of which there's a flashback scene but not a lot other than that, it probably would make me more sympathetic to her compared to other events in the book, but it was a fine first book in a series, with plenty of room to explore a lot with these characters and this universe.

Something to note, but I'm not going to ding a book for intentional character choices. The writer clearly understood what he was doing so it is not a commentary on skill or enjoyability of the book, but something to note. Lots of unexpected turns, great perspective character. May 19, Devin Madson rated it really liked it. It has been WAY too long since I read any sci-fi, having fallen into a deep fantasy groove over the last few years, but it was about time to break free so here we are.

And thankfully I picked a good book to leap back in with. I have a terrible habit of having multiple books on the go and reading them in bits and pieces rather than devouring, but with this one I put everything else down by the third or fourth chapter because the characters just got under my skin and it keeps up the pressure to tu It has been WAY too long since I read any sci-fi, having fallen into a deep fantasy groove over the last few years, but it was about time to break free so here we are.

I have a terrible habit of having multiple books on the go and reading them in bits and pieces rather than devouring, but with this one I put everything else down by the third or fourth chapter because the characters just got under my skin and it keeps up the pressure to turn pages. Lucifer's Star is a fast-paced, twisting adventure that takes all the action, espionage and back stabbing that I like in my fantasy into SPACE.

Add a dose of moral ambiguity, deep questions about identity and humanity, and some fine, humour-laced prose and I can happily say I enjoyed this read very much. However, I think it will take time to get used to sci-fi again and I did find myself occasionally broken out of the zone.

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I am not sure whether that is the fault of small nit-picks that jarred my author brain seriously, being an author is a curse when you want to just read or the setting being not what I'm used to, or a little bit of both, but that is probably something unique to my reading experience. As is the weirdness of having a character that shared my daughter's quite unusual name. Not sure I'l ever get used to that one! Jul 21, Shawn D Robertson rated it really liked it.

Let me start by saying how viciously intricate the plot of this book is. The backstabbing runs deep and you really never know who to trust. The pacing is fast, making for a quick read. The characters are well constructed and they stick to their motivations, even when we didn't know all those motivations from the outset. The main character Cassius Mass , in particular, exemplifies the nature of the book. He's bitter, jaded, screws himself over, and while he is clearly confused about much in his l Let me start by saying how viciously intricate the plot of this book is.

He's bitter, jaded, screws himself over, and while he is clearly confused about much in his life, his better qualities often shine through. It is clear that Phipps and his partner loved what they created, and Charles brought it to life in a big and darkly beautiful way. May 22, Tim Martin rated it it was amazing Shelves: Trying to steer clear of feudal, house, and familial politics back home, he only wants to love his wife and fight for his people even as he suspects he is fighting for ideals that his superiors secretly snicker at.

The opening, quite gripping chapter is a space battle with Cassius the leader of his squadron, men and women he leads to death and defeat against what was probably always insurmountable odds, as he was on the losing end of a massive interstellar war as his side, the feudal Archduchy, surrenders to the Commonwealth, an empire in spirit if not in name that is 30 times the size of the Archduchy.

After the war, his home planet of Crius virtually destroyed by orbital bombardment, his wife Judith, sister, the entire family dead in the destruction, the rulers of the Archduchy either dead, terrorists, or working with the victors to make themselves rich, and Cassius a wanted war criminal for terrorist activities after the war, though he was always a very well-known figure to both sides , Cassius is in hiding. Doing his best with medication, alcohol, and a somewhat carefree life, Cassius strives to forget the lost friends, family, and nation as well as the horrible things he did after the Archduchy had surrendered.

Cassius through the vast majority of the book navigates a virtual minefield of double crosses, spies, assassins, liars, blackmailers, and worse as each play dangerous games with very high stakes one game placing the entire human race throughout the stars at grave risk, no matter their allegiances during the last war as the galaxy gears up for a war perhaps a great deal bigger than the last.

The world building was superb, it felt like a rich, layered space opera setting with a sense of history and not a setting tied too much around one idea though the rights of sentient beings and in fact what is a sentient being were major issues touched upon again and again in the novel, a concept that had much wider implications than it first appeared, very well done.

We are introduced to a rich world of Watchers, rogue A. The characters were vivid and interesting, all of them morally gray at best to varying degrees and pretty much none of them what they appear at first. Cassius himself was a very interesting character and while not always completely laudable for his actions, did hold to a moral central core far more than most of the other characters in the novel past and present. I had few complaints about the book and some of those complains could easily be addressed in the sequel. Isla had a fascinating past and while a major character for much of the book, sometimes it felt like she drifted away from the attention of the narrative, though that was probably unavoidable.

She was continually surprising and I had a difficult time predicting her actions, though in truth I think many characters in the novel had that same problem as well. She was definitely a difficult character to pigeon hole. I would like in a sequel to get more of a sense of the Community or the Elder Races but there was more than enough information in this novel to make sense of how they related to Cassius and the events of the book.

There was a lot of betrayals, intrigue, and double crosses in the book and it almost edged sometimes in being too much to keep track of though this never happened as the strongly character driven aspects of the intrigue made it easier to follow than it otherwise might have been. Pacing was absolutely excellent as the e pages just flew by as I would spend hour after hour immersed in the story.

Looking forward to the next book in the series! View all 8 comments. May 18, Trevor Sherman rated it it was amazing Shelves: This in no way influences what I say. As always, my opinions, while completely awesome and undeniably correct, are completely my own. This book starts during what turns out to be the last battle of a huge war between the Crius Archduchy and the Interstellar Commonwealth. This first chapter can be called nothing but epic. And even though the scale is soon lowered the epicness never goes away.

Cassius is a great character from the start, even though he is beaten and in hiding he is proud of who he is. Although he probably should not be proud of his hiding skills. But like I said the scale is lowered and what at first looks to be a grand space opera with huge battles becomes a character driven story of intrigue and deception with huge Battles. And the characters doing the driving are first rate. I loved them all, even the ones I hated, if that makes any sense. I blazed through the book so fast it felt like it only took a few seconds but I loved every second of it.

I give it 5 stars out of 5 and I wish I could give William a hand. Check out my other reviews on my blog https: This is the story of Cassius Mass, a famous star pilot working incognito on a freight hauler after being on the losing side of an intergalactic war. Through a series of discoveries amidst undercover operations, and some bit of chance, Cassius realizes he may have been fighting on the losing side all along.

Lucifer's Star is filled with big ideas, plenty of twists, and witty dialogue. I would have enjoyed a little more world building in the visceral sense, but all-in-all a solid read. If you're i This is the story of Cassius Mass, a famous star pilot working incognito on a freight hauler after being on the losing side of an intergalactic war.

If you're into big intergalactic epics where your heroes are just as sharp with the banter as they are their guns in the spirit of Han Solo this is for you.

Lucifer Vol 2

Apr 28, C. Baum rated it really liked it. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It had some content that actually made me laugh The rest of the story is well written If you haven't read CT Phipps, you're missing out. Oct 30, Matthew Davenport rated it it was amazing. The world building in this book was amazing and we see a lot of detailed explanations in the interplanetary relationships as well as the individual cultures, all without taking away from the main story by being too filled with description.

The descriptors come out naturally. Cassius is a clone of the sovereign, with cybernetic implants to make him the perfect warrior, the perfect royal heir, and the perfect sexual partner. By the start of chapter 2, we find a down and out, drug and alcohol addled, his face and DNA changed to hide his identity, and living aboard a pirate spaceship with a questionable crew. From that point, his past begins to come back in a huge way and takes Cassius on a path that makes him question not only who he is, but also everything that he previously held as true.

He goes through a huge transition from the beginning of the book all the way to the end. When I said this book reminded me of a couple of other stories, it really did, but mostly in just elements. There was even a moment that reminded me of the Borg from Star Trek. A lot of reminders, or ingredients, that made themselves into a great cake. And I love cake! Epic Space Fantasy that leaves me begging to learn more about Cassius Mass!

Aug 30, David Hambling rated it really liked it. Cassius Mass is on the run for war crimes, hiding out as navigator on a tramp merchant spaceship. Because Mass is really an ace starfighter pilot with over four hundred kills to his name, cybernetic enhancements and a proton sword hidden in his quarters. Because this is a darkly comic work which upends the usual expectations, with no Jedi, no Force and no good guys and survival Cassius Mass is on the run for war crimes, hiding out as navigator on a tramp merchant spaceship.

The setting is the aftermath of a war between the evil and fascist Archduchy, which has been defeated by the evil and corrupt Commonwealth. There are other parties involved too, including merchant guilds, slavers and aliens. The fun here is the combination of galactic warfare, from space battles to blaster shootouts to power-armor punch-ups and swordfights, with Phipps snark-infested dialog.

The plot goes through some convolutions and revelations abound. I listened to the audiobook of this far-future, ship-based, first-person sci fi novel and I really enjoyed it. The combination of C. The gestalt entity of Phipps-Burns switches flawle I listened to the audiobook of this far-future, ship-based, first-person sci fi novel and I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend it. Aug 12, Laz the Sailor rated it really liked it Shelves: After a very rough start, this became an enjoyable romp, bouncing all over the place.

Although I never lost track, the plot lines were tangled and everyone had two agendas - except our beleaguered hero who wanted to rescue everyone except himself. Some of the themes have been well explored over the decades, but I felt that most were handled well here - though there were too many of them. The characters and larger themes were intriguing. I'm glad this was chosen as a BOTM, as I probably would have After a very rough start, this became an enjoyable romp, bouncing all over the place. I haven't yet decided whether to read any subsequent books.

Jun 26, James allen Razor rated it it was amazing. I failed to mention this is a more adult book then normal star wars fare it's not grim dark but it's a great inbetween. I am excited to see what comes next in a galaxy plunged with laser swords in there back. May 23, Luke Hindmarsh rated it it was amazing. Think Firefly but with the Browncoats being absolute bastards instead of people seeking freedom.

I mean imagine they'd been into experimenting on people in a feudalistic society where the nobles have a great time treating everyone else like dirt. Then give a huge dollop of Star Wars and a cherry called Dune. Then you're beginning to get an idea of the direction Lucifer's Star will take you. But it's even better than that.

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I haven't had much reading time recently, but I was forced, yes forced, to Think Firefly but with the Browncoats being absolute bastards instead of people seeking freedom. I haven't had much reading time recently, but I was forced, yes forced, to make time to read Lucifer's Star. It gripped me, amused me and left me looking forward to the sequel. Please let there be a sequel! Well written and flowing prose which avoided too much 'techno-babble'. I found the dialogue witty and convincing--the sort of dialogue I could expect from something by Joss Whedon. Are there any flaws? None that stood out for me.

I liked the pop-culture references that were woven in - they never broke immersion for me or seemed out of place. When you realise who Isla is supposed to look like it's amusing but it's only suggested, never plainly stated. The characters--these were not simple caricatures but felt very well put together. Many of the other characters also will surprise you. In particular, the characters Isla, Clarice, William and Hiro all struck me as having real depth to them. No clear good and evil here--knowing who is in the right is not clear cut in this book. That moral ambiguity is pulled off with skill and really added to a highly entertaining read.

The setting--felt well-developed with a sense that there was a world or rather a universe outside the events of the story. Impressively realised but subtly. The setting was brought to life within the events and dialogue rather than as some kind of infodump. Despite references to Dune, Firefly and Star Wars, I felt that the setting was original and not just a rehashed version of these. Inspired by them but not copying them. The story--a complex tale of betrayal or not betrayal, politics, espionage and revenge.. I'm not going to give anything away, but the twists and turns of this story are beyond entertaining and into 'gripping'.

Final word--I love space opera. Here it's done with just the right amount of grit in the characters' eyes and dirt on the starships' hulls. Morally complex but also a thrill ride. Jul 26, Ian Miller rated it really liked it. In this SciFi novel, humanity has spread itself across the galaxy, separated into factions, and these factions are busily at some sort of perpetual war with each other. The book basically follows Cassius, a leading fighter pilot from the side that lost the war when an arbitrary surrender was made just as his squadron had almost been completely wiped out desperately trying to stop the enemy.

Cassius fights some sort of space guerilla war as leading lights from his side are subjected to victor's j In this SciFi novel, humanity has spread itself across the galaxy, separated into factions, and these factions are busily at some sort of perpetual war with each other. Cassius fights some sort of space guerilla war as leading lights from his side are subjected to victor's justice, then he gives up and becomes a navigator on a ship of misfits.

The story then follows what happens next. The backstory is so extensive I would have cut most of that out and have written an earlier novel as there is easily plenty of material for it, and much of it is not really relevant to this story, which makes the first half of the book rather slow going. The world building is excellent, and a very complex galactic-wide social structure is firmly embedded.

People are as likely as not to have been cloned, hence there can be more than one of anyone present. Some have "enhanced" brains, and can download very complex information. The nature of the warfare, and why which planets are on what side is quite plausible. There is a large cast of characters, but they are not particularly well developed. The reason for this is, they are all continually lying, and when everyone lies, it is hard to see who they really are. There is a very large backstory because each character has been scarred in the previous war, and we find out about this from long conversations.

The characters are all carrying demons from the past, and in my opinion, too much was made of that and the prolonged introspective and mea culpa discussions inhibit the development of the story. Another issue for me was that when all the characters are lying, they all know each other are liars, yet they all believe when it is going to lead them into a trap.

Apr 11, Craig rated it really liked it. This is where a lot of the seemingly disconnected stories in the first book really start to come together in a very involving storyline, which largely revolves around Lucifer making his own universe and the varied factions that oppose and support him. The art by Peter Gross is pretty good, though not as sharp as in The Unwritten. Dean Ormston's issues are standouts, usually providing a brief interlude between multi-issue story arcs.

A big step forward for this series--has me looking forward to w This is where a lot of the seemingly disconnected stories in the first book really start to come together in a very involving storyline, which largely revolves around Lucifer making his own universe and the varied factions that oppose and support him. A big step forward for this series--has me looking forward to what comes next. May 06, Eli Bishop rated it liked it Shelves: Most of this is as strong as the first book, and Carey keeps on raising the stakes of the story in surprising ways, but there's a very lengthy subplot that I thought wasn't just disappointing but kind of gross, where a bunch of demons pretending to be European aristocrats get involved with a human spirit in hell.

For some reason, whenever Carey writes demon characters, as opposed to other kinds of monsters, I find them boring and the whole thing becomes more generically "Vertigo comic with tit Most of this is as strong as the first book, and Carey keeps on raising the stakes of the story in surprising ways, but there's a very lengthy subplot that I thought wasn't just disappointing but kind of gross, where a bunch of demons pretending to be European aristocrats get involved with a human spirit in hell.

For some reason, whenever Carey writes demon characters, as opposed to other kinds of monsters, I find them boring and the whole thing becomes more generically "Vertigo comic with tits and swears, heh heh"; in this case there's a major character whose entire personality is that she's super slutty and kinky, and the other demons never get tired of talking about this, and it's got a weirdly juvenile Piers Anthony vibe.

I'm not sure what Carey had in mind there, but it didn't work for me at all especially since I still don't like Peter Gross's art and even less so when he's trying to draw Sexy; it helps if I squint and pretend that they got the other Books of Magic illustrator I liked, Peter Snejbjerg. However, the rest of the book is great. Oct 11, Chris Lemmerman rated it really liked it Shelves: Oh Lucifer, you rascally devil, you. This second volume chronicles his continuing attempts to govern his own Creation after procuring the ability to create one in the first volume.

He meets with varying success, but is always entertaining, and Mike Carey's constant shifting of storytelling perspective keeps every story in this volume fresh and new, whilst contributing to the overall narrative very well. Mar 11, Get X Serious rated it liked it. I love how Carey plays with conventional Christian mythology. Once again though, I think this series is failing to live up to its full potential, whatever that may be, but it's still really fun and more often than not, thought provoking.

It's worth reading this collection just to see Lucifer make his own Garden of Eden and gives one rule to his creations: Feb 17, Eric rated it really liked it Shelves: This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

May 16, Adastra rated it really liked it Shelves: In this collection, Lucifer is tired of our universe and creates his own - with the restriction that no worship is allowed in his own creation. This social experiment goes well until some of the characters introduced in Book One or rather, the collection of The Morningstar Option and Lucifer hear of it. Book Two is a great continuation and gives more story and depth to all characters that were introduced in Book One, while keeping the new characters to a minimum.

Apr 15, Iida rated it really liked it Shelves: While a fresh world and its new people are being tested in another universe, one of my favourite characters, Gaudium, enters the story in the old world. Also much enjoyed the beautifully drawn side arc Nirvana. Jun 24, Anchorpete rated it really liked it.

If you ever read a few of my reviews, it is a good chance Mike Carey has come up, and it is a good chance that I have stated that he is "the most underrated writer in comics". Lucifer is where he made it to the big time. It seems like someone working at my local Library really wanted me to get into this series. Almost every single Lucifer Trade is stocked on their shelves. Unfortunately, they had the first trade, then the last three trades before the end of the series. There was a huge gap, for a If you ever read a few of my reviews, it is a good chance Mike Carey has come up, and it is a good chance that I have stated that he is "the most underrated writer in comics".

There was a huge gap, for a long time, until someone rectified it with this massive collection. I read this, and now I have the other trades to look forward to.

Here I am talking about myself instead of talking about the content of this story. I guess that is because it is such an enigma of a story, that it is hard to review it with a simple paragraph. This story is epic in Scope, covering the greatest anti-hero of all time as he builds his own version of reality. Lucifer attempts to make his version of reality, and the entire collection of stories focuses on how he deals with the many forces that try to prevent him from being God 2.

Lucifer isn't even the star of this book. His actions effect every single character, but instead, he is more of a catalyst as opposed to a protagonist. There is no true protagonist in this book, instead we get a full cast of characters who get caught in the crossfires of those who wish to tear down Lucifer's new reality. Carey's writing is superb, as usual. This book certainly feels like a true Vertigo title of old, like Sandman and Hellblazer.

I think the key sign that it fits in with those greats is not the fact that it stars or references many Vertigo characters, like Death, Destiny and even lucifer himself. Instead, it is the fact that every issue can focus on a separate character, and tell a story using a different genre, and a completely different style of narration, and yet it still clearly reflects the personality of the title character, with every issue. Jun 01, J'aime rated it really liked it Shelves: Lucifer is powerful, enigmatic, and arrogant. Which suits the fallen angel perfectly.

In Book 2, everyone wants a piece of it! The stories in this volume jump around among many players, all of which are being moved into position for an elaborate game of chess that all comes together at the end. This can be challengin to follow, and occasionally frustrating as you leave a particularly interesting tale to jump elsewhere. But, the way it all comes together is very satisfying. The book opens with Mazikeen, who is desperate to restore her face. Desperate enough to go to the Children of Lilith, from who she is cast out.

Each story is mostly self-contained, but with threads that tangle into other stories. Overall, thus volume is significantly darker in tone than the first book, with even more visceral violence and disturbing imagery. Lucifer is no hero, but is never less than interesting. What does he want?

Does he even know? Recommended, but not for the squeamish! May 12, Cole rated it it was amazing Shelves: Lucifer's creation experiment becomes a battleground as old foes and old friends turn up in unexpected roles. Mazikeen comes into her own as war leader of the Lilim. Teenage angel Ellain Belloc makes a choice you are going to see coming a mile away.

Meanwhile, the Archangel Michael begins to feel sympathy for the devil. Personally, I find Lucifer to be an easier character to follow than Morpheus, which is probably why I am getting through these books so much faster than I did the Sandman series. The cynical take on Christian duality is nothing new, but it is executed so well here! I am mildly disappointed but not surprised that Lucifer's creation is basically a mirror of Yaweh's, and I find myself hoping to see more of what lies outside either one.

Mazikeen is by far the best character in Book 2. I also really enjoy Michael's story arc. Oct 08, Campo rated it it was amazing. Conclusion to world building and a many characters new and old being redefined is a simple review of this volume. Nov 06, Loki rated it it was amazing Shelves: I gave the previous volume five stars, and this one constitutes a distinct improvement.

Would that it were possible to give it six stars. Nov 04, Shane rated it really liked it. Another strong showing in this series, this compilation continues the story of Lucifer after he relinquished rulership of Hell as told in Neil Gaiman's The Sandman decades of ago. This graphic novel originally released as issues of the comic, plus a terrific bonus issue is complex and many-layered.

It is also, for the most part, well-written and compelling. The bonus issue, "Nirvana," is a standalone that is this book's narrative and artistic peak. The whole thing is good, but this shor Another strong showing in this series, this compilation continues the story of Lucifer after he relinquished rulership of Hell as told in Neil Gaiman's The Sandman decades of ago. The whole thing is good, but this short bundle of pages is among the best comics I've ever read. If you are interested in high-stakes cosmology, occultism, angels and demons, and complex plot threads you'll like this book.

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My one complaint is it seems this bundle was bound together more for size considerations than anything having to do with the story. You couldn't really read this and call it quits, as a good number of threads spill forward into the next volume.

Nov 07, Dissonant rated it it was amazing. I'm going to say this at the start: The Nirvana one-shot is amazing. The art is amazing, just like the art in a lot of short limited series and one-shots is. Nice, interesting story too; cool cameo by Daniel Hall second incarnation of Dream. The issues in this trade paperback that came from the main series were also great; they formed a cohesive narrative, and the insertion of the Nirvana one-shot didn't distract from it at all.

As the cover suggests, Death of the Endless also makes a minor cam I'm going to say this at the start: As the cover suggests, Death of the Endless also makes a minor cameo, where her interaction with Lucifer reminds me of her interactions with Dream in the Sandman series. The ending is great; I think I'm actually beginning to like Mike Carey's writing in Lucifer better than the writing of Neil Gaiman in the Sandman series that Lucifer was spun off of. Jul 31, Heather rated it it was amazing. But if I were to fly, where would I fly?

The heavens are not a place for human souls. There were stories in-between the main story which were so good. I especially loved "A Dalliance with the Damned" which was a regency romance in Hell where snuff is made out of the pain of damned souls!! Oh, and did I mention Death has her own cameo? I was waiting for it as the cover is a bit of a spoiler. Epic goodness on a huge scale! Mar 22, S. Lucifer aims to create a new universe, to one-up dear old dad.

How will things turn out for him? Resisting hell-puns, best as I can. Still enjoying this series. The thing that irks me, however, how clearly men are shown naked in scenes of suffering while women are shown naked to be sexy. Are there no women in hell? I mean, regular mortal women? Who aren't here to have sex with men in-between torturing them? Is there a woman section of hell? Sorry, this just really bothers me. Jul 11, Saif Saeed rated it really liked it Shelves: It's just naturally like this because the main character isn't the aloof Dream of the Endless, its Lucifer, the baddest dude in religious history.

Book one was great, book two continues to be just as good. Not much else to say other than that I'm enjoying this so far. Epic in scale and loving where its going so far thematically. Apr 29, Martin Chalupa rated it really liked it Shelves:

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