Book by a dangerous, angry Man ! - Rated 
Apocalyptic fiction has always been a firm favourite of mine when it comes to finding something to do while passing away a few hours on a journey, or in between repeats on the Beeb. So I picked up this
book at a local store after seeing it advertised in the back of one of the Abaddon Tomes Of The Dead series. (The Words Of Their Roaring worthy of a good plug here)
The story is set a few years in the aftermath of a sickness/plague which causes all but one particular blood group to die, and deals with one mans struggle to find answers to questions, to which readers only really discover in the latter half of the book. Thrown into the mix a combination of Quasi Religious nutters, child kidnappers, gang warfare, drug induced deliriums and fair few interesting Characters and Spurrier has created an interesting new vision of the future.
Though the book starts off in the UK, the majority of the story takes place in New York, and the surrounding states. Its funny just how many times the UN building seems to feature in these kind of novels (i.e. Monster Island).
The only two things that really spoiled this book for me was what I felt was an odd way of writing. Most of the book is written in the first person, whilst other exerts are written in third person. I am not a
great fan of first person fiction, since either the person is writing a diary or is going to survive any trials and tribulations thrown at them. Anyone who has read this book will know that the main character really has a chip on his shoulder - which to me got a bit tiresome at times -and I can't really remember anyone talking to this guy surviving the book !!!
And secondly, I was a bit disappointed in the slightly open ended ending, though I will admit that I certainly would buy any follow up to Spurrier's novel. The world created by Spurrier was really deserving of a whole series of books, delving into the Clergy, and the post apocalyptic new world. I am a big fan of Deathlands by James Axler (Lawrence James), and if that series is still plugging away after 25 years then there would certainly be room in the market for a follow up.
So, a great idea, but cut far too short. 4 out of 5.
A view of the future - Rated 
I must say i thoroughly enjoyed this book, a dark view of the future where people have to join, and serve, cults to be able to survive. The hero will stop at nothing, and i mean nothing, to reach his goal. Even although he is not a typical hero you will be impressed by his "bloody mindedness". Read and enjoy.
Post apocalyptic mayhem! - Rated
Well I'm alway on the look-out for new stories in an aftermath setting - you know, where civilisation has fallen and the survivors struggle to rebuild etc. I wasn't expecting much, apart from my money's worth of course, but this book really stood out for me.
Firstly its well written, not what I expected at all, in fact at times you almost forget its in a 'pulp type' setting. There is a science behind the unusual setting (I won't spoil it for any potential readers out there, but it makes sense), and a lot of action (and swearing!), but most importantly a good and deep perspecitive on the troubled but talented main character. He's slightly twisted, and very obsessed, but also written in a believeble way. Some great action sequences and some familiar yet different locations, and a brilliant ending! I loved it and it was a complete surprise for me. Highly recommended. I hope there are sequels!
|
