Good entertaining roller coaster of a ride book. ( )

I will keep this short and simple.

“[...] whether you’re fleeing violent rape gangs, remembering those lost loved ones, or daydreaming of a future where wild dogs no longer roam the streets, we hope you’ll keep making Jack Daniel’s your preferred beverage.”

If the above quote makes you smile a little, or want to grab a drink, this book is going to be right up your alley.

Victor Gischler really nailed this. The end of the world, gang rivalry juicers, booze drugs cannibals, religious nuts, machine guns, more machine guns, molotovs, piss poor beer…. and strippers.

Well, that’s it. ‘Nuff said.

If anyone wants to borrow my copy, get in line. I think there are five folks in line right now.

--
xpost RawBlurb.com ( )

What a fun read. Squeamish at times but "realistic" of sorts as far as post-apocalyptical books go. The main character was likable enough in that you wanted him to succeed but also considerably flawed making serious mistakes even while he knew better. I also liked the ending which was a good closing of the current story but did leave it open to a sequel is that author is so inclined (I would pick it up and read if he did come through). If you enjoy snarky humor in a grimy horrible world then pick it up - I personally couldn't put it down and was slightly annoyed when it was finished because my ride was over. Solid read. ( )

Although it may seem like just about everyone is writing a post- apocalyptic tale these days, few have ever done it as well as Gischler. This end-of-the World story is so well written and so easy to read. It hardens back to classic science fiction end of the world stories like Heinlein's Farnham's Freehold or Burroughs' Moon Maid Trilogy. There's even a nod to Anderson's Virgin Planet - an offbeat nod.

It is a story which is often kitschy and irreverently told but works because Gischler's keeps the entire story firmly rooted in his new world. It follows the crazy adventures of a man who knew the end of the world was coming and prepared for it. But after nine years alone in his mountain, he thinks it's time to visit society - or the semblance of near anarchy that now passes for society.
Between running from cannibals and Mother Superiors, Mortimer becomes a celebrity at a chain of go-go dancing clubs, Armageddon Joeys, that also double as trading posts and gets involved in a war between the states.

At no point in reading this did I voluntarily put it down. It's just plain great entertainment from beginning to end. This is excellent stuff. ( )

Author Victor Gischler put together a book that reads like an R-rated Douglas Adams novel complete with Adams' humor, yet at times a bitter accounting of Man's last days on earth. This post-apocalyptic novel has a catchy title for sure, and the hot woman with an assault rifle on the cover would make any red-blooded American want to read this book.

There are so many crazy coincidences and odd happenings that make the world end that you would not fathom it. It breaks the envelope of credulity, for sure. A terrorist nukes Washington and a major earthquake ruptures the west coast and at the same time World War III happens in China, Russia and Europe. Everything goes to hell all at once.

Except for our former insurance salesman and (we think) divorced husband who has been holed up for nine years in a well-stocked cave somewhere in Tennessee, a state that still has some sense of normalcy -- if you don't count the Red Stripe gangs and the slaves on bikes.

Interesting society: One side ruled by The Red Czar, who rules with an iron hand has gathered all the gangs into one large gangland. On the other side we have Johnny Armageddon and his Go Go clubs, that are really nothing more than a "titty & bar" show (which Johnny denies of course).

The book makes interesting premise as to the different kinds of society here -- capitalism on Johnny's side and a military dictatorship on the other. Each plans the others' demise and Mortimer is the pawn that both sides attempt to use to wipe out the other.

At times the story is tedious, especially the relationships between Ann, his former wife, and Mortimer. Also the subplot of slavery, with men riding bicycles to generate electricity was kinda silly -- there were solar panels around and someone was starting to refine oil again -- as was the convoluted war between the two factions towards the end of the book.

It's not a bad book by any means and reads rather quickly, if somewhat violently. A bit of graphic sex and lots and lots of drinking and vomiting ensue between plot points, just to warn ya!

Are we heading to a future where the buck rules and the girls are hot? Read the book and find out!

Other Novels by Victor Gischler:

To the Devil, My Regards
Shotgun Opera
The Deputy
( )