The Dirty Streets of Heaven cover art

The Dirty Streets of Heaven

A Bobby Dollar Novel, Book 1

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The Dirty Streets of Heaven

By: Tad Williams
Narrated by: Joe May
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About this listen

The Dirty Streets of Heaven is the first in a new set of fantasy-fuelled thrillers from the author George R. R. Martin cites as one of the major inspirations behind Game of Thrones: Tad Williams, international best-selling author of The Dragonbone Chair.

Bobby Dollar isn’t your average angel! Sure, he takes the occasional trip to Heaven, but his job as an advocate - arguing the fate of the recently deceased - keeps him pretty busy on Earth, and he's more than happy to spend the rest of his time propping up the bar with his fellow immortals. Until the day a soul goes missing, presumed stolen by "the other side".

A new chapter in the war between heaven and hell is about to open. And Bobby is right in the middle of it, with only a desirable but deadly demon to aid him.

©2012 Tad Williams (P)2012 Hodder & Stoughton Epic Fantasy Fantasy Horror Mystery Scary Fiction Paranormal Exciting Suspense

Critic reviews

“When I heard that Tad Williams was writing an urban fantasy novel, I got all tingly. Now I've read it, and it's even better than I'd dared to hope. It's snarky, fast-paced, and above all, original. You should be tingly, too.” (Patrick Rothfuss)
“’Tad Williams' ... famous four-book trilogy was one of the things that inspired me to write my own seven-book trilogy. [ I ] said, "My god, they can do something with this form," and it's Tad doing it.” (George R. R. Martin)
“Exhilarating action, fascinating characters, and high stakes will leave the reader both satisfied and eager for the next installment.” ( Publishers Weekly)
“Williams has managed to create something really special with The Dirty Streets of Heaven that manages to breathe new life into the urban fantasy genre while at the same time retaining the magic of his earlier novels, an incredible start to a promising series.”( SF Book website)
“Williams has managed to create something really special with The Dirty Streets of Heaven that manages to breathe new life into the urban fantasy genre while at the same time retaining the magic of his earlier novels, an incredible start to a promising series.”( SF Book website)
All stars
Most relevant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's fun and surprising.

Who was your favorite character and why?

"Junior". He's the 'real' person in the tale.

Have you listened to any of Joe May’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No but I really enjoyed this performance. His characterisations are detailed and secure.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes. Both.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed it so much I bought the two following books in the series.
2 was a washout; 3 saved it somewhat but neither were as good as this.

A great tale:

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Thought this might be a good take on heaven and earth as in the Devil's Detective (which I enjoyed) or be a bit like the Dresden Files which again I enjoyed. This is not a bad story with humour but the main character does not work. He is more like a love struck teenager than a old battle worn warrior of God. The romance with a demon I found cringe worthy and I began to dislike him as much as his awful name. Not for me this one.

Did not live up to what I expected.

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Tad Williams set himself quite a task writing a detective noir novel set in heaven, but I think he pulls it off quite nicely. The narration is spot on, getting just the right level of humour in the darkness, and the writing is rich with one-liners and smart descriptions. Overall, pretty damn fine - on to the next one ...

$Bobby

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This is the first time I have read/heard a story along these lines and I must admit I enjoyed it. Initially not too sure about the Marlowesque style of narration but it grew on me. Now I will be adding Bobby Dollar to my collection of Ben Aaronovitch's Peter Grant and Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus.
I only hope that Tad Williams' story of Heaven -v- Hell is pure fantasy, otherwise I may be in for a bumpy eternity...

Enjoyable listen

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Dirty Streets of Heaven to be better than the print version?

I cannot say for sure as I have only heard the audio book. But it is VERY WELL READ by Joe May. His performance almost seems like half the fun and thrill of the book, so my answer would most likely be "yes", had I read the book in print.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dirty Streets of Heaven?

The characters are so complex and human, while being angels (and some of the demons). The most memorable part as such I will not reveal hear. That would be a spoiler. But lets just say it has to do with a pig and "reversed curse" :)

Also a crazed (or is he) dude, who arranges a very unique auction. For a very special item.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Just the protagonist himself. So selfaware, "human" and cynical considering that he, Bobby Dollar (real name: Robert Deloreal) - he is one of the most interesting main protaginist (telling his story in first person) I read about for a long while.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh. A lot.

Any additional comments?

Very different from most of Tad William's fantasy book until now. This is a very different kind of fantasy. No knights or kings here. Just angels, demons and God! :)

I look forward to the next book in this triology! :)

ANGELS N DEMONS go crazy. Very innovative and fun!

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