The United Nations Department for the Enforcement and Apprehension of Demons is the first, last and only line of defence against the supernatural threats trying to break into a world where magic and technology are uneasy bedfellows.Someone is raising the dead, literally. There are zombie assassins in Parliament and zombie hordes running riot in Hull. Agent Ward, the Man From U.N.D.E.A.D. is assigned to find out why this is happening and who is responsible. It's a case that will take him from the dinosaur plateaus of Brazil to mountain castles in Bavaria and from exclusive London clubs into the swampy heart of Voodoo itself; Haiti.This sequel to "The Man From U.N.D.E.A.D. - The Curious Case Of The Kidnapped Chemist" unearths more crazy characters, bizarre situations, close shaves and tight escapes than before.
I am English and recently bade a fond farewell to my forties. I have been writing stories since school when I won a parker pen for being shortlisted in a national schools writing competition.
My particular genre of choice wanders around all over the place, but has mainly settled into humorous fantasy and science fiction (or at least I think they're humorous and some people who have kindly left reviews seem to agree).
During any spare time (of which there isn't much since I'm recently widowed and dealing with two children) I edit a website focussed on science fiction television at www.scififreaksite.com and a similar blog on the side.
I then try to cram in a few books on my kindle to read.
An amusing take on a zombie attack. From flying dinosaurs to zombies to demons this book is thoroughly enjoyable to read. The ending gives a new insight into how to run a successful interrogation while showing that political shenanigans are the same the world over. I can highly recommend this series to anyone who has an interest in the unusual mixed with the mythical and baked into an unusual and humourus dish.
These novels are great fun! If I have a (slight) criticism it is that Agent Ward is too competent. There seems to be no ridiculous situation that he cannot get out of by some brilliant idea or other.
From Simon Green to Charles Stross, secret agencies dealing with the supernatural and pastiching Bond are a popular trope these days. In his Man From UNDEAD series, Darren Humphries has forged a strong take on this trend with his slightly alternate Earth ruled by magic.
In his second adventure, Agent Ward travels from Oxford to Haiti, via Hull, to unravel the truth behind an outbreak of zombies. The action is non-stop, witty and exciting, but it just falls short of the first book's solid structure. The climax just seems a little underwhelming after the dramatic zombie scenes of the book's middle section. There's a bit of a 'for goodness sake' plot contrivance at one point. "Well, it just so happens..."
None of this detracts greatly from the enjoyment factor of the book, as much of the pleasure of reading it comes (for me at least) from following Agent Ward's internalised reactions to his adventures, which are consistently entertaining. But plot wobbles do knock it a shade off that perfect five star pedestal for me.
I'll certainly be reading book 3, and I gather there's already a fourth book out in the adventures of Agent Ward. A really promising series.
So there I was after Book 1 thinking I need another Agent Ward kick, so what better than dive into volume 2 !
And what a volume 2 this was ! You find the same fab main character and the same ingredients that made book one, but I don't know, this one has a little bit of something that makes it even better and even more enjoyable ! I certainly had great fun reading it !
Definitely can't wait for the next installment in the series. Agent Ward is definitely a force to be reckoned with !
Once again Darren Humphries has written a cracking novel. I absolutely loved the first in the series and the second has proven to be even better. Agent Ward is a very likeable character who inevitably gets in to some unusual but exciting situations.
I love the humour in this series of books and it has had me laughing out loud on many occasions.
Keep them coming Mr Humphries! I can't wait for the third installment
Agent Ward is great. He's laid back yet cool. But he's no James Bond. After all, JamesBond has never had to deal with zombies. So does that mean that Agent wArd is cooler than James Bond? Probably.
As to Darren Humphries. I'm sure he'd like to be Agent Ward. And not James Bond. Myself, I think I'd prefer to meet Agent Ward. He'd save me from zombies and any other supernatural creatures that might scare me.
The second installment of this series once again had me laughing along at the exploits of Agent Ward and his companions.
A zombie story like no other, Agent Ward once again finds himself in a dangerous position as he tries to prevent the take over of Hull, avoid entanglements with politicians and save the world from the apocalypse. Oh, and please his boss while he does it.
Once again surrounded by a fascinating array of characters, Ward leads the battle for the survival of the planet.
A smile from start to finish and laugh at loud funny in places too. As i said about the first book in the series- "The Man From U.N.D.E.A.D. - The Curious Case Of The Kidnapped Chemist"-If you enjoy well written,fast paced,amusing,tongue-in-cheek urban fantasy you are in for a real treat. This book is even better;tighter written,and even better told.
I don't think I've giggled so much through a book ever, well not since U.N.D.E.A.D. 1.
Darren has a wonderful talent of mixing humour with detective investigations, be prepared for a lot of silliness that will speak straight to your inner child.
Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait for U.D.E.A.D. 3!
Agent Ward is being chased by zombies; a tricky feat when they can't go faster than a slow shamble. But it's not just one or two, it's hundreds of them. And someone's controlling them. From Hull to Haiti, the South American jungle to the corridors of power, Ward has definitely go his work cut out for him this time...