Reviews

Casino Infernale by Simon R. Green

jkusters's review against another edition

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3.0

I felt that this was one of the weaker Secret History books. It starts with what really felt like a stand-alone shirt story that offered tantalizing glimpses of Molly's history, but that glimpse was all we got for the rest of the novel. The remainder of the book dealt with Shaman's and Molly's infiltration into Casino Infernale and the Shadow Bank. It started off feeling somewhat formulaic, but there were some twists that kept it from becoming completely stale. (There unfortunately were some elements that were completely predictable, like flunkies turning traitor.) It was nice to see what Eddie was capable of without his torc, and it's always a pleasure to see Molly let loose, at least when she wasn't made nearly useless by far too frequent use of "null zones." Overall a pleasurable read in the series but not up to the standards of previous books.

texaswolfman's review against another edition

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5.0

Great addition to the series. Spy's, mercenaries, monsters, Gods, aliens and crazy shenanigans. I am in love with Molly the wild witch of the woods.

hbaier94's review

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.0

rbdcaanada's review against another edition

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5.0

another excellent entry in the Secret Histories tales.

preiman790's review

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4.0

After several lackluster books from MR. Green this came as a welcome surprise. Casino Infernale is something of a return to form for the series and the author in general. Sent on a mission to break the Shadow Bank Eddy must play at the famous Casino Infernale where you play not for money but for immortal souls. And if the stakes weren't high enough already, Eddy must do this mission without the golden armor his family is famous for.
Casino Infernale promises healthy measures of action humor and Simon R. Green's trademark weirdness and it delivers on all accounts. I honestly don't know what was going on before, But I am sincerely glad to see the old Green magic back again.

lauraakersauthor's review

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5.0

Simon R. Green is a prolific writer and the grind of turning out numerous novels can sometimes take away from the quality of the writing. That said, Casino Infernale is top notch. Number 7 in the Secret Histories series, it continues to follow the adventures of Eddie Drood and his wild witch girlfriend, Molly Metcalf.

Without giving too much away, Eddie & Molly are tasked to "break the bank" of the Shadow Bank, a nefarious institution secretly financing the dark side of life and its players. In order to do so, they must compete against the major players in a series of games at Casino Infernale.

The casino scenes and games are flat-out fun. Roulette takes on a new meaning, games are literally life and death and the protagonists are constantly confronted by traps and near-death experiences. Eddie Drood is also hampered by a new, devastating limitation of his powers.

This book is a page-turning, fun read. I would highly recommend it!

sgilbert3114's review against another edition

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4.0

Like all the books in this series, this was a fun read, but I was a little disappointed. It felt like an interlude book, filler, and considering the title, there was actually very little "casino" in it. To read my full review, please visit my blog: https://allyouneedarebooksandcats.wordpress.com/2022/02/10/casino-infernale/

melbsreads's review

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4.0

I've had mixed feelings about the recent books in this series, but this one was pretty damned great. I loved seeing Eddie cope with fights and dangerous situations without the power of his armour behind him. I loved the casino and all its creepiness. And I especially loved how Green brought in characters from a bunch of his other universes and series, including the Nightside, the Ghost Hunters, and Shadow's Fall.

It did feel a little repetitive at times once they hit the casino - play risky game, get moderately but not over-the-top hurt, win risky game via method that somehow dodges around all the security the casino has in place, rinse and repeat - but I love the characters and the twists (although one of them was totally predictable) in this world so much that I didn't really care that it felt repetitive.

Basically, it was fast-paced and full of great characters, and I really enjoyed it.

vkemp's review

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4.0

Eddie Drood used to run the family business, keeping the world safe, but he gave it up to return to being a field agent. As Shaman Bond, he and Molly Metcalfe, the Wild Witch of the wood, travel to Nantes to break bank of the Casino Infernale and stop a war over the Crow Lee inheritance, something all the Major Players desire. Shaman and Molly must pass through a series of increasingly difficult tests to move up the food chain to get into position to break the bank and free all the souls held captive by the Shadow Bank who runs the Casino. Shaman has to rely completely upon his native intelligence and fighting acumen because his golden armor is banned and Molly is without her magic because of the major Null Zone within the Casino. Their love for each other and ability to think on their feet saves the day repeatedly. Lots of fun and action for those who enjoy paranormal adventures.

sturg30n's review

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5.0

These really are ridiculous books, but extremely entertaining and gripping. Can't wait for the next one.
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