this is a briskly-paced supernatural thriller about mind control and controlling the world around us. it is also about as one-dimensional as they come, despite the potential of the multi-leveled subject matter and the breadth of the narrative (from World War 2 Germany to present-day Hollywood, and dozens of locales in between). the novel and several of the characters are obsessed with chess, which makes for some intriguing action. although it includes several wonderfully creepy set-pieces, overall this is far more action-oriented than horror. this is Simmons' second book, which must be the explanation for the occasionally stilted writing and the clear need of an editor. the single first-person strand amongst all the third-person narratives is from one of the villainous 'mind vampires', which allows for some enjoyably tricky twists of perspective during various loaded scenes. and it certainly helps to create a devious and punchy ending. besides being an intriguing tool for the narrative, i think that this character is the novel's chief strength: a very ironic portrait of a vicious, racist, murderous, insanely self-absorbed, semi-senile southern belle - but one who also manages to be somewhat sympathetic and surprisingly funny. particularly when detailing her prudish and judgmental view of modern society. what a bitch! but not just any bitch - a mind-controlling bitch who will get you and all of your loved ones if you stand in her way! just imagine if prudish, semi-senile southern belles were in control of your mind and body...shudder. the things they'd do!
