Spider-man: The Darkest Hours (Pocket Star)

by Jim Butcher

Paperback, 2009

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

Pocket Books (2009), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 320 pages

Description

Peter Parker's life has hit a peaceful stretch. No evildoers have tried to flatten him in weeks, his marriage to Mary Jane is stronger than ever, and he's enjoying his job as a high-school science teacher. Life is good. Naturally, that doesn't last. When Peter learns that his old enemy, the Rhino, is on a rampage in Times Square, he suits up as Spider-Man to stop the destructive villain in his tracks. But he's unexpectedly foiled in his attempts by the Black Cat, a former ally and old flame. The Cat informs Peter that the Rhino is just a distraction-the real threat comes from a group of Ancients, members of the same race as the being called Morlun, who Spidey defeated in battle years earlier. The Ancients are now looking to exact revenge-and hope to steal Spider-Man's life force in the process. To defeat such powerful beings, Spider-Man is going to need all the help he can get, especially from the Black Cat. But what will Mary Jane Parker have to say about that? Peter isn't sure which is worse-the Ancients trying to drain his life force or the wrath of a jealous wife...… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Darla
Spidey battles the siblings of an earlier foe, while also facing even more daunting adversaries, like a high school basketball team and the DMV. Much excitement and adventure, combined with Butcher's trademark wit and depth.
LibraryThing member Alera
This is by no means a high form of literature, but Jim Butcher never disappoints me. Quick-witted dialogue and action sequences that keep my full undivided attention has always been his thing. I openly admit to knowing little if nothing about the Spider-Man universe that didn't come from that
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little movie with Toby in it. But even with that, I've always had a love for the comic book verses and the super heroes. I recommend this book on the grounds that it truly did make me giggle from the first page in. But more then that, it cements to me just why Jim Butcher is the awesome. Therefore check out Jim Butcher's books. For snark and just a bit of magic, high paced action, and an actual well developed character I highly recommend the Harry Dresden series. Seriously it is love. If you love high fantasy....I really urge you to read the Codex Alera series. They are actually, I believe, his best work. Beautiful. Love fest over now.
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LibraryThing member silversurfer
An enjoyable read. Not a great premise, but good, fairly interesting & well written by one of my fave authors. Would love to know more about MJ and Peter's domestic life.
LibraryThing member nocturnewytche
A great Spider-Man novel. The original novels of the late 90's- early 2000's were my favorites but this ranks up there with them. It is entertaining and an enjoyable read. Enjoy the MJ/Peter dynamic and the Black Cat is always interesting, even for me as an MJ fan. :) Good book!
LibraryThing member ViciousJ
I'm a big fan of Butcher and a big fan of Spidey - no contest. Not a bad little story and definitely a different look at the Rhino as well as some great interplay between Mary-Jane and the Black Cat.
LibraryThing member 2wonderY
This is my Jim Butcher! Angsty but funny.
LibraryThing member Kindleifier
I picked this up not because it was Spider-Man but because it was written by Jim Butcher, one of my favourite authors.

First the disclaimer - I’ve never read any Spider-Man books, graphic novels or comics, so my only knowledge of him is a couple of the early films. What I failed to appreciate is
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the presence of so many other “supers” in his stories. This I found distracting. I could happily suspend disbelief in the main character as everything was related from his point of view. The other “supers” though, not so much. I was thinking of giving up on the book, but I am glad I persisted.

The writing is classic Butcher - bags of tension leavened with humour and snark; amazing escapes; a bit of philosophising; a strong moral code in the lead character, and a couple of subplots running alongside the main one.

The narrator was good, giving distinctive voices to all the characters.

I did enjoy it, in the end, though I could have done with a crib-sheet with some background to all the “supers” mentioned so that I could appreciated their significance. But that’s just me. I will probably listed to it again, though not as often as I listen to the Dresden Files.
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LibraryThing member TheYodamom
Audiobook. I'd read anything Jim Butcher wrote even Spiderman. I'm not a Spiddy fan BTW. Now for the real shocker, I liked it, really liked it. The story had all the right levels of action, emotional moments and fun. The narrator did an excellent job, the author, well he can do no wrong.

Language

Physical description

320 p.; 8.51 inches

ISBN

1416594760 / 9781416594765

Local notes

When Peter learns that his old enemy the Rhino is on a rampage in Times Square, he suits up as Spider-Man to stop the destructive villain in his tracks. But he’s unexpectedly foiled by the Black Cat, a former ally and old flame. The Cat informs Peter that the Rhino is just a distraction—the real threat comes from a group of Ancients, members of the same race as the being called Morlun, who Spidey defeated in battle years earlier. The Ancients are now looking to exact revenge—and hope to steal Spider-Man’s life force in the process.
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