I love this film but that he gets pulled out of hell hospital and healed by his buddy the chiropractor of all things always kills me in the context of medical ethics and soldiers/vets, even if you see it as a red herring in an extended near/pre-death experience.

As in, the parallel world of supernaturals is in truth equitable and awesome, with most negative aspects of the "cursed" existence of the types of beings overblown or outright made up, and you're trying to help them mundane humans forge a better world like yours, while some try to kill you.

Oh for sure. The characterisation and style is what hooked me. If you were to read only the plot summary it might seem conventional otherwise, but that never tells the full story.

I'll make a note of that, thanks. I know people really like it, but I wonder if I would if I got into them for the first time now. I often bounce off young adult oriented stuff, but then again I read his dark materials when I was an adult and liked it.

That's good to hear - I may reread the first law trilogy and then continue in chronological order then. It must be ten years since I read them in any case.

Thank you either way! I've actually only read the first trilogy. Do you know if the Age of Madness trilogy is as good? I was initially put off by the industry v magic theme, but I'm starting to reconsider.

Loved: Earthsea cycle, discworld, Lotr
Liked: Malazan b.o.t.f., song of ice and fire, the first law, broken earth series
Neutral: Realm of the elderlings
Not interested: Wheel of time, any B. Sanderson