The Nightmare Stacks by Charles Stross is the seventh book in the Laundry Files series, following protagonist Alex Schwartz as he navigates a world invaded by an army of magical monsters, led by an elvish princess. The book cleverly combines elements of fantasy battles with modern military forces, bureaucracy, and dark horrors, all infused with Stross's signature biting wit and tongue-in-cheek humor. The plot unfolds in Leeds, showcasing a delightful mix of eldritch horrors, government bureaucracy, and character growth, as Alex finds himself entangled in a mission to save the world from an impending invasion.

Characters:

The characters include Alex, a young vampire navigating challenges, Cassie, an intriguing figure from the elven side, and mentors like Pete who enrich the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines humor with horror and bureaucracy, utilizing detailed world-building and varied perspectives.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on an elvish invasion led by hierarchical forces, showcasing the protagonist Alex's struggles with authority and personal relationships amidst chaos.

Setting:

The setting juxtaposes the mundane life in Leeds with a chaotic invasion, merging fantastical and bureaucratic elements.

Pacing:

Pacing begins slowly but ramps up dramatically, maintaining tension and engagement through rapid action.

It’s an hour after dusk on a Saturday evening four weeks before the spring gothic festival. Alex the Vampire strolls along the sea front, his hands thrust deep into the pockets of his tweed jacket. Th...

Notes:

The Nightmare Stacks features Alex Schwartz as the new protagonist, moving away from Bob Howard's perspective.

The narrative shifts in focus from individual reactions to the role of the Laundry organization in a changing world.

The story explores the idea of an invasion from an elvish realm, echoing elements of high fantasy.

Stross presents the elves as having a strict hierarchy and authority greater than any human monarchy.

The novel includes commentary on the failures of top-down hierarchies in decision-making.

Alex struggles with his new identity as a vampire while working for the British government's paranormal defense agency, The Laundry.

The book features a comedic dinner scene where Alex introduces his vampire girlfriend Cassie to his incredulous parents.

The story cleverly incorporates themes of magical warfare alongside military tactics.

The book is described as being accessible for newcomers to the series, though prior knowledge enhances the experience.

The narrative balances personal character development with epic scale events, including significant action sequences.

The book discusses the complexities of civilization, contrasting elvish aesthetics with their brutal nature.

Alex's character is portrayed as somewhat socially awkward but competent in his role despite immense pressure.

The plot involves a serious invasion attempt that highlights the horrors of warfare, contrasting the earlier humorous tone of prior books.

The book is recommended as a good starting point for new readers, although familiarity with earlier entries enriches understanding.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of violence, alien invasion, and implications of genocide, which may be distressing for some readers.

Has Romance?

Romantic elements between Alex and Cassie are present but are secondary to the overarching plot.

From The Publisher:

The Laundry Files' "fast-paced blend of espionage thrills, mundane office comedy and Lovecraftian horror" (SFX) continues as Hugo Award-winning author Charles Stross assigns a day trader to a permanent position on the night shift…

After stumbling upon the algorithm that turned him and his fellow merchant bankers into vampires, Alex Schwartz was drafted by the Laundry, Britain's secret counter-occult agency that's humanity's first line of defense against the forces of darkness. Dependent on his new employers for his continued existence-as Alex has no stomach for predatory blood-sucking-he has little choice but to accept his new role as an operative-in-training.

For his first assignment, Alex is dispatched to Leeds to help assess the costs of renovating a 1950s Cold War bunker for use as the Laundry's new headquarters. Unfortunately, Leeds is Alex's hometown, and the thought of breaking the news to his parents that he's left banking for the Civil Service, while hiding his undead condition, is causing him more anxiety than learning how to live as a vampire secret agent preparing to confront multiple apocalypses.

Alex's only saving grace is Cassie Brewer, a drama student appearing in the local goth festival who is inexplicably attracted to him despite his awkward personality and massive amounts of sunblock.

But Cassie has secrets of her own-secrets that make Alex's nightlife behaviors seem positively normal…

Ratings (5)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (3)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

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The Nightmare Stacks?

About the Author:

Charles Stross was born in Leeds, England, in 1964. He has worked as a pharmacist, software engineer and freelance journalist, but now writes full-time. To date, Stross has won three Hugo Awards and been nominated twelve times. He has also…

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The Nightmare Stacks

Charles Stross

Book 10 in the series:Laundry Files