The Atrocity Archives (Laundry Files, #1) in Building a SciFi/Fantasy Library

Dec 27, 2017 Andrew rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is one of those titles I have known about for years, through other peoples references, quotes and even recommendations but have never quite got round to to reading. Well now I have changed all that (especially since I have had a copy on my shelves for some time and never got round to reading it).

So here goes (with my usual condition of no spoilers)

The book is based around the idea that mathematics and some of the higher forms of more exotic calculations are akin to magic, containing power This is one of those titles I have known about for years, through other peoples references, quotes and even recommendations but have never quite got round to to reading. Well now I have changed all that (especially since I have had a copy on my shelves for some time and never got round to reading it).

So here goes (with my usual condition of no spoilers)

The book is based around the idea that mathematics and some of the higher forms of more exotic calculations are akin to magic, containing power to alter and influence both ours and other universes (no don't worry this is all part of the introduction to the book). In this way you are given a level of familiarity and still keeping its exotic and "other-worldly" feel.

Yes there is a serious case of technobabble where fancy formula are thrown around like some sort of mathematical bingo - often to the confusion to all but those in the "know" i.e. the characters but not you dear reader.

However this is quickly over looked (or just disappears in to the back ground) and then the real fun can begin. Once you have settled in to the pace of the book you realise the story is fast paced with a lot of black humour usually presented from the quick thinking (and often quick mouthed) main character. A lot of similarities to other urban horror/fantasies can be made but none quite really fit, this book has a style all of its own.

One of the things that I enjoyed about the books is the main character although still relatively new to the whole thing, rather than panicking and letting his lack of experience stall him, rather heads straight on in with a sense of duty and obligation. Okay he may not get it right and he may regret at his leisure but at least he is someone you can root for even if you want to slap him from time to time.

The only thing that caught me out was that Charles Stross has written a lot of stories of the Laundry. Some are full length novels where as others are simply short stories. And this is what caught me out - I didn't realise there was a short story tacked on to the end of this book. I hasten to add I really enjoyed this additional story I just was not expecting it.

So all in all I think its a great start and a good introduction to what is obviously a growing case of characters. The question is where will it all be heading - I guess I need to find that second instalment. ...more

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Jan 30, 2019 Anthony rated it really liked it

Shelves: spy-thriller, fiction

An enjoyable read. A quirky sci-fi, spy, thriller. A mid level spy agency worker who finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy that involves murder, other worlds, demon summoning, and some zombies at the end. A fun escape.

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