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Odd Men Out #1
Odd Men Out
The Civil war has ended but not because the South surrendered, instead it's on hold while both sides face a new enemy—the chewers, dead men who've come back to life. Cyrus Joseph Spencer didn’t fight in the war and couldn’t care less about the United Nations of America that resulted from it. His main concern is making money and protecting his crew from all manner of danger. But when tragedy strikes he's forced to take shelter onboard a dirigible piloted by the U.N.'s peace-keeping force. It's soon apparent that many more dangers are lurking and Cyrus must decide whether to throw in with strangers in a desperate bid to protect the country or cast off on his own.
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2013
3 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Matt Betts
26 books164 followersI've been writing for a number of years and had some good fortune in getting my work in print and online venues. I've also contributed as a staff member to a few magazines. I'm a big fan of pop culture. I love old movies; good ones, bad ones, doesn't matter. Actually, I sometimes prefer the bad ones.
My first book, Odd Men Out, was launched in the summer of 2013 from Dog Star Books. It has some steampunk, some alternate history, some horror and a giant lizard. That's plenty for the first book, right?
My second book, Indelible Ink, is an urban fantasy crime story that's sort of my homage to the late Elmore Leonard by way of the Dresden Files. I had so much fun writing this and I think it shows in the book.
Two of my novels were released in 2018: The adventure/kaiju/scifi book The Shadow Beneath the Waves, and the dark fantasy/comedy Indelible Ink.
My cryptid novels include White Anvil: Sasquatch Onslaught and Skunk Ape Kingdom.
My most recent book is Gone Where the Goblins Go, a mashup of The Wizard of Oz and Apocalypse Now. It is weird and fun and a little touching.
I've also written two books of speculative poetry - See No Evil, Say No Evil and Underwater Fistfight.
I love attending cons - I've been a panelist, moderator, invited guest, and presenter. It's always a joy to interact with readers, other writers, and creators.
My first book, Odd Men Out, was launched in the summer of 2013 from Dog Star Books. It has some steampunk, some alternate history, some horror and a giant lizard. That's plenty for the first book, right?
My second book, Indelible Ink, is an urban fantasy crime story that's sort of my homage to the late Elmore Leonard by way of the Dresden Files. I had so much fun writing this and I think it shows in the book.
Two of my novels were released in 2018: The adventure/kaiju/scifi book The Shadow Beneath the Waves, and the dark fantasy/comedy Indelible Ink.
My cryptid novels include White Anvil: Sasquatch Onslaught and Skunk Ape Kingdom.
My most recent book is Gone Where the Goblins Go, a mashup of The Wizard of Oz and Apocalypse Now. It is weird and fun and a little touching.
I've also written two books of speculative poetry - See No Evil, Say No Evil and Underwater Fistfight.
I love attending cons - I've been a panelist, moderator, invited guest, and presenter. It's always a joy to interact with readers, other writers, and creators.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 20, 2013
In a world where steampunk has become little more than a checklist for most authors (air ships, zombies, detectives, pirates, etc), nothing is more refreshing than a book that actually gets it. Steampunk shouldn't be simply an author's attempts to steer characters through checkpoints, although that is what most steampunk has sadly become in recent years. Odd Men Out understands that steampunk should be focused on characters, story, and good writing that just so happens to be set in a steampunk world. The adventures of the Leonidas Polk airship involve everything from zombies ("chewers" in this tale) to Godzilla-esque creatures. On top of the absurdity, there is espionage, Civil War terrorist cells, and probably most important - circus clowns with guns. Even as the book stretches out into these bizarre fringes, it never seems forced or unbelievable. The author manages to guide the story through the craziness in a way that actually engages the reader and makes them believe in a world where the Civil War reached a stalemate so that both armies could fight zombies and lizards. By focusing on the characters rather than the steampunk elements, Betts manages to keep the reader engaged throughout the insanity. Another huge advantage to Odd Men Out is that while most steampunk spends endless paragraphs describing the scenery (we get it, everything is copper and steam-powered... move on), this novel focuses its prose on action and character development. This novel sits firmly on the beach of steampunk with its feet resting in the edge of the shores of bizarro. Absolutely perfect summer read for those looking for something new, or for those who - like me - were in the need for some good steampunk.
June 3, 2013
Odd Men Out is my first book by Matt Betts, but it certainly won't be my last. It's a heady mixture of American history, a touch of Robert Kirkman, and a dash of Firefly thrown in a giant Steampunk vat and all bubbling over into one hell of a good read. Where all of the above could become a hot mess in less capable hand, Betts has created a world that keeps you riveted page after page. I was hooked from the first chapter. The plot is strong, the action has you on the edge of your seat, and the characters become instantly familiar. I was honored to get an early read of this - the only downside is I now have to wait THAT much longer for the next one! It's a strange new world and I can't wait for more.
November 2, 2013
Odd Men Out includes a little bit of everything effectively blended together, resulting in an action-packed story of a diverse team of do-gooders and baddies. There are a lot of characters and a lot of action to get though--not to mention a lot of world-building--but it all clips by at a quick pace, and never does that info-dump thing that so much science fiction falls back on.
The story takes place in an alternative history version of the U.S. in which the Civil War has ended only because the South and North have joined together to fight a zombie outbreak. When the book opens, the zombie outbreak is pretty well contained, although still ongoing, and the country is adapting to a new normal. What caused the outbreak? No one knows, but neither does anyone know exactly what mad scientist Dr. Pooley was working on before his death…
This truce of convenience doesn’t sit well with everyone, including Tom Preston, leader of a group of Northern loyalist terrorists who destroy infrastructure, engage in espionage, and generally lie, steal, and kill their way into possession of a small arsenal, including one mythically powerful (but untested) weapon. The only people in a position to stop Tom from leveling Atlanta are a rag-tag team of former soldiers, circus performers, pacifists, and others, all with their own secrets. Also thrown into the mix is a circus baron stubbornly intent on bringing some questionable giant lizards into his show.
Although I found myself wanting to explore some of the characters a little more, the author gives you everything you need to know to understand their actions and motivations. In a plot this complex, there’s not really time for much more. But I never felt lost or confused keeping up with everything, which says something to the author’s skill at understanding exactly what the reader will need. And with this many characters to choose from, pretty much any reader will find at least one to closely identify with.
I’d recommend this book to a wide range of people, but it would make an especially good gift for the people in your life who think books are boring. Odd Men Out just might change their minds.
The story takes place in an alternative history version of the U.S. in which the Civil War has ended only because the South and North have joined together to fight a zombie outbreak. When the book opens, the zombie outbreak is pretty well contained, although still ongoing, and the country is adapting to a new normal. What caused the outbreak? No one knows, but neither does anyone know exactly what mad scientist Dr. Pooley was working on before his death…
This truce of convenience doesn’t sit well with everyone, including Tom Preston, leader of a group of Northern loyalist terrorists who destroy infrastructure, engage in espionage, and generally lie, steal, and kill their way into possession of a small arsenal, including one mythically powerful (but untested) weapon. The only people in a position to stop Tom from leveling Atlanta are a rag-tag team of former soldiers, circus performers, pacifists, and others, all with their own secrets. Also thrown into the mix is a circus baron stubbornly intent on bringing some questionable giant lizards into his show.
Although I found myself wanting to explore some of the characters a little more, the author gives you everything you need to know to understand their actions and motivations. In a plot this complex, there’s not really time for much more. But I never felt lost or confused keeping up with everything, which says something to the author’s skill at understanding exactly what the reader will need. And with this many characters to choose from, pretty much any reader will find at least one to closely identify with.
I’d recommend this book to a wide range of people, but it would make an especially good gift for the people in your life who think books are boring. Odd Men Out just might change their minds.
September 7, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Goodread's First-Reads giveaway program.
A quick read that surprised me in how much I enjoyed the ride. "Odd Men Out" largely works positively because Betts appears to have had so much fun writing it, and such an endearment for fun pieces of genre fiction from sci fi to horror. Mention of Mystery Science Theater 3000 in the introduction to the novel got me excited and hopeful; entering into the story fulfilled those emotions, Betts manages to keep the story serious enough in tone while still having a lot of fun poking at troupes and throwing in amusing references. One lovely pun in reference to "Jaws" made me chuckle for a while.
As others note, the novel is a hodgepodge mix of genre elements from apocalyptic to alt history, to steampunk, to B movie monster movies, and on and on. What makes this work is that Betts keeps the same tone throughout and above all the same style. Despite many elements, the book at heart is a simple adventure story, full of action and crisp writing. The story, and its execution are just simply fun.
What disappointed me about the novel was firstly that it is too short. Some portions seem rushed, with action taking place off-screen that I would've been curious to 'see'. Betts could have also used some more room to get in better characterization (without losing the story's pace and pulse). At the end of this I have a vague sense of who the characters were - as in their 'role' to the story. Their identities, however... What really makes them tick and unique... not so much. In addition their interactions - particularly in the romance aspect - is predictable, cliched, and thus kind of lifeless. Obviously though, these sorts of issues aren't what's at the forefront of a book like this, so while I could imagine it being better, these disappointments didn't seriously detract from the entertainment at its core.
Despite how much I enjoyed it, this isn't the type of book I'd normally first go to and pick up cold without knowing the author or trusted reviews. I had entered a previous giveaway from the publisher, Raw Dog Screaming Press, a title I actually was more interested in from the blurb. Failed to win that, but at the time I had looked into the publisher and their entire independent catalog I was intrigued. When I saw this from the same publisher I signed up more to see one of their titles moreso than this particular novel. I'll gladly seek out future works by Betts though, hoping they'll keep the fun and magic with improvements to boot.
I could never afford to get lots of their releases, (being independent small press, they aren't likely to be easy to find second hand) but I would also be willing now to try ones at full price that did look good. Normally I wouldn't comment on price and construction like this, but this book is also one of the sturdiest and nicest paperbacks (trade) that I've had, and for once I'd consider the full price of a trade paperback to be worth it. I carry books around all the time, on the bus reading to work, etc, and usually they become bent, scarred, creased, despite my best attempts at keeping them pristine. This kept its corners rigid, had no easy creasing, etc. I was so impressed I thought I should say something.
It should be easy to tell if you like this kind of book: the genres, the easy reading, etc. If you do, definitely try getting ahold of a copy. Then watch some MST3K, you'll be in the mood assuredly.
A quick read that surprised me in how much I enjoyed the ride. "Odd Men Out" largely works positively because Betts appears to have had so much fun writing it, and such an endearment for fun pieces of genre fiction from sci fi to horror. Mention of Mystery Science Theater 3000 in the introduction to the novel got me excited and hopeful; entering into the story fulfilled those emotions, Betts manages to keep the story serious enough in tone while still having a lot of fun poking at troupes and throwing in amusing references. One lovely pun in reference to "Jaws" made me chuckle for a while.
As others note, the novel is a hodgepodge mix of genre elements from apocalyptic to alt history, to steampunk, to B movie monster movies, and on and on. What makes this work is that Betts keeps the same tone throughout and above all the same style. Despite many elements, the book at heart is a simple adventure story, full of action and crisp writing. The story, and its execution are just simply fun.
What disappointed me about the novel was firstly that it is too short. Some portions seem rushed, with action taking place off-screen that I would've been curious to 'see'. Betts could have also used some more room to get in better characterization (without losing the story's pace and pulse). At the end of this I have a vague sense of who the characters were - as in their 'role' to the story. Their identities, however... What really makes them tick and unique... not so much. In addition their interactions - particularly in the romance aspect - is predictable, cliched, and thus kind of lifeless. Obviously though, these sorts of issues aren't what's at the forefront of a book like this, so while I could imagine it being better, these disappointments didn't seriously detract from the entertainment at its core.
Despite how much I enjoyed it, this isn't the type of book I'd normally first go to and pick up cold without knowing the author or trusted reviews. I had entered a previous giveaway from the publisher, Raw Dog Screaming Press, a title I actually was more interested in from the blurb. Failed to win that, but at the time I had looked into the publisher and their entire independent catalog I was intrigued. When I saw this from the same publisher I signed up more to see one of their titles moreso than this particular novel. I'll gladly seek out future works by Betts though, hoping they'll keep the fun and magic with improvements to boot.
I could never afford to get lots of their releases, (being independent small press, they aren't likely to be easy to find second hand) but I would also be willing now to try ones at full price that did look good. Normally I wouldn't comment on price and construction like this, but this book is also one of the sturdiest and nicest paperbacks (trade) that I've had, and for once I'd consider the full price of a trade paperback to be worth it. I carry books around all the time, on the bus reading to work, etc, and usually they become bent, scarred, creased, despite my best attempts at keeping them pristine. This kept its corners rigid, had no easy creasing, etc. I was so impressed I thought I should say something.
It should be easy to tell if you like this kind of book: the genres, the easy reading, etc. If you do, definitely try getting ahold of a copy. Then watch some MST3K, you'll be in the mood assuredly.
July 17, 2013
I’m not a good cook. It took me far too long to learn that, no matter how awesome chorizo, oregano, cabbage and mangos are, they shouldn’t go in my French toast. The tastes will fight each other for attention, not allowing me to taste any of them and the result will be confusing to my pallet, at best. That ‘s kind of how I feel about my experience with Odd Men Out. It has a whole bunch of awesome, but there was a bit too much going on to keep track of what was supposed to matter.
The story has a simple enough basis: An unlikely and disparate group of misfits (heretofore referred to as the O.M.O.) bands together to stop a plot by the big bad guys. Okay, there is a bit more than that going on: Mid Civil War, the fighting on both sides has stopped because zombies. A group called the Sons of Grant is rather peeved that they didn’t get to run rampant over those filthy rebs and has found a secret weapon that they think might wipe the Confederate government out completely. There is also some stuff about a circus magnate (perhaps a PT Barnum stand-in) and a giant lizard that may or may not be of oriental origin. And the leavings of a genius/mad scientist.
The core story, about a single minded individual driven by powerlust and an unwillingness to let go of his bitterness in the face of a much larger problem and the humble men and women who find they have no choice but to try to stop him, is a great one. I wanted to dive into that and drown. I liked the members of the O.M.O. and the idea of regular people stepping up in the face of general buttheadedness. I was concerned once the previously mentioned single minded man got ahold of a WMD. I was invested in that conflict.
However, the narrative was a bit too scattered for my taste. Yes, there were zombies, but they didn’t seem to matter much besides providing a threat worth setting the Civil War aside for. Even then, I had a hard time taking them seriously since they barely made any appearances and were usually dealt with quickly. Yes, there was a giant lizard, but I failed to see where it mattered in the plot. That sublplot was so ancillary that I didn’t even notice when it was resolved. I had to go back at the end to find out what happened to the giant lizard that had been destroying a major city. Also, the characters were too spread out and I had a hard time parsing who was where doing what. Maybe it‘s because I’m a shitty reader, but it still created a problem for me.
The biggest issue, though, was how much I adore Matt Betts. I know him from poetry and short fiction where he shines and dances like a shimmery bit of fetchlight. His voice is distinctive, confident and always means that a good time is about to be had. That’s why I was sad to be left wondering where that voice went while reading Odd Men Out. Every once and awhile a line or a paragraph or a moment of unbridled Matt Betts-iness would appear (like the quote at the top of this review) and there would be much rejoicing, until it faded away again. That made me sad because I missed his voice.
There’s a solid heart to the Odd Men and I wanted to enjoy this story. All the same, I had a hard time cutting through so much of everything and it made it hard for me to enjoy the experience.
The story has a simple enough basis: An unlikely and disparate group of misfits (heretofore referred to as the O.M.O.) bands together to stop a plot by the big bad guys. Okay, there is a bit more than that going on: Mid Civil War, the fighting on both sides has stopped because zombies. A group called the Sons of Grant is rather peeved that they didn’t get to run rampant over those filthy rebs and has found a secret weapon that they think might wipe the Confederate government out completely. There is also some stuff about a circus magnate (perhaps a PT Barnum stand-in) and a giant lizard that may or may not be of oriental origin. And the leavings of a genius/mad scientist.
The core story, about a single minded individual driven by powerlust and an unwillingness to let go of his bitterness in the face of a much larger problem and the humble men and women who find they have no choice but to try to stop him, is a great one. I wanted to dive into that and drown. I liked the members of the O.M.O. and the idea of regular people stepping up in the face of general buttheadedness. I was concerned once the previously mentioned single minded man got ahold of a WMD. I was invested in that conflict.
However, the narrative was a bit too scattered for my taste. Yes, there were zombies, but they didn’t seem to matter much besides providing a threat worth setting the Civil War aside for. Even then, I had a hard time taking them seriously since they barely made any appearances and were usually dealt with quickly. Yes, there was a giant lizard, but I failed to see where it mattered in the plot. That sublplot was so ancillary that I didn’t even notice when it was resolved. I had to go back at the end to find out what happened to the giant lizard that had been destroying a major city. Also, the characters were too spread out and I had a hard time parsing who was where doing what. Maybe it‘s because I’m a shitty reader, but it still created a problem for me.
The biggest issue, though, was how much I adore Matt Betts. I know him from poetry and short fiction where he shines and dances like a shimmery bit of fetchlight. His voice is distinctive, confident and always means that a good time is about to be had. That’s why I was sad to be left wondering where that voice went while reading Odd Men Out. Every once and awhile a line or a paragraph or a moment of unbridled Matt Betts-iness would appear (like the quote at the top of this review) and there would be much rejoicing, until it faded away again. That made me sad because I missed his voice.
There’s a solid heart to the Odd Men and I wanted to enjoy this story. All the same, I had a hard time cutting through so much of everything and it made it hard for me to enjoy the experience.
April 14, 2014
The story was fine. It had steampunk, the Civil War, Airships, and godzilla-like monsters so it had all the components to a book I should love. However, I never could get into the story. I never had a feeling of wanting to finish this book at every available moment. It was more of a chore, finishing this book more out of a sense of obligation than entertaiment. I really wanted to love it, but I guess something didn't click for me.
September 2, 2013
Absolutely packed with action, I loved the way this book blew away the standard genre restraints and expectations while creating characters I cared about. Fans of Firefly, Star Wars, Godzilla, Shawn of the Dead, and BioShock will all delight in this book.
September 10, 2013
I don't care if you like steampunk, science fiction, zombies, or fantasy...if you're a fan of good characters and adventure, you'll love this book. This is an exciting tale deftly told. I like how the villain's role was so important and defined, I liked seeing the way he thought. The heroes are standouts--each one had personality and story. I highly recommend this book!
October 20, 2013
I have read very few books in the steampunk genre, and would only recommend a couple if them to friends. "Odd Men Out" has moved to the top of that recommend list. It's brilliantly paced action made it difficult to put down. I genuinely look forward to reading more from Mr. Betts.
November 11, 2013
Review Excerpt: These characters’ journeys from outcast to hero set in a creatively-built playground made Odd Men Out an enjoyable read and Matt Betts an author to follow. The genre mashup between steampunk, alternate history, horror and monster-catching thriller excited me in their introduction, but often let me down as they faded offscreen for another genre element to show up. The focus of the story is clearly on characters becoming heroes, but the above genre elements felt too quickly used and discarded.
Full review: http://www.adventuresinscifipublishin...
(disclaimer, I'm changing my rating from a 3 to a 4 star because of a recent distinction I will make between the two. 3 Stars have elements I enjoyed, but not enough to make me buy the sequel. 4 Stars are books I will buy the sequel for, but which had areas that took them down from being a 5 Star. As I say in my full review, I want more Matt Betts books!)
I just realized that I can take advantage of the spoiler hiding that Goodreads offers to illustrate my criticism without spoiling anything for those who haven't read Odd Men Out:
Full review: http://www.adventuresinscifipublishin...
(disclaimer, I'm changing my rating from a 3 to a 4 star because of a recent distinction I will make between the two. 3 Stars have elements I enjoyed, but not enough to make me buy the sequel. 4 Stars are books I will buy the sequel for, but which had areas that took them down from being a 5 Star. As I say in my full review, I want more Matt Betts books!)
I just realized that I can take advantage of the spoiler hiding that Goodreads offers to illustrate my criticism without spoiling anything for those who haven't read Odd Men Out:
September 23, 2014
Start with your basic steampunk broth. Add a healthy dose of airship vs airship combat. Drop in a dollop of alternate Civil War, a dash of backstabbing intrigue, season with zombies, and garnish with a giant lizard. Bake at 350 for a little under an hour, read, and enjoy.
This may or may not have been the recipe that author Matt Betts used when creating the wonderful world of Odd Men Out. Unlike most steampunk fare set in a fog enshrouded England, Odd Men Out takes place in a United States where the war between the states was halted by a nationwide outbreak of the undead. An uneasy alliance has been formed while the United Nations of America fight to suppress the reanimated dead. The rich take airship tours of the countryside while those desperate for a new life cram into giant mechanized turtle-like machines for the long trek across the country. There are peacekeepers, of a sort, patrolling the wilds, but they are cut off from governmental command and are left to their own devices. Meanwhile, northern loyalists known as the Sons of Grant are looking to send a message to the South in the form of a horrible weapon...a weapons that no one seems to understand or even know how it works.
If that paragraph alone isn't enough to make you run out and buy Odd Men Out, allow me to point out the fact that I didn't even discuss the giant lizard!
Betts does an amazing job of crafting a world which is not only filled with all of these amazing things, but in which these amazing things function normally. He expertly mixes genres, borrowing from steampunk, sci-fi, horror, and alternate history with ease. Clever creations like the Sons of Grant and the United Nations of America enhance a world which makes perfect sense. Happily, the world is populated with interesting characters who behave like actual people. The antagonist is not evil for evil's sake, he believes in his cause. Heroes like Cyrus are flawed, their motivations believable and very human.
Odd Men Out is a well written novel filled with action and derring do, an absolute delight to read.
This may or may not have been the recipe that author Matt Betts used when creating the wonderful world of Odd Men Out. Unlike most steampunk fare set in a fog enshrouded England, Odd Men Out takes place in a United States where the war between the states was halted by a nationwide outbreak of the undead. An uneasy alliance has been formed while the United Nations of America fight to suppress the reanimated dead. The rich take airship tours of the countryside while those desperate for a new life cram into giant mechanized turtle-like machines for the long trek across the country. There are peacekeepers, of a sort, patrolling the wilds, but they are cut off from governmental command and are left to their own devices. Meanwhile, northern loyalists known as the Sons of Grant are looking to send a message to the South in the form of a horrible weapon...a weapons that no one seems to understand or even know how it works.
If that paragraph alone isn't enough to make you run out and buy Odd Men Out, allow me to point out the fact that I didn't even discuss the giant lizard!
Betts does an amazing job of crafting a world which is not only filled with all of these amazing things, but in which these amazing things function normally. He expertly mixes genres, borrowing from steampunk, sci-fi, horror, and alternate history with ease. Clever creations like the Sons of Grant and the United Nations of America enhance a world which makes perfect sense. Happily, the world is populated with interesting characters who behave like actual people. The antagonist is not evil for evil's sake, he believes in his cause. Heroes like Cyrus are flawed, their motivations believable and very human.
Odd Men Out is a well written novel filled with action and derring do, an absolute delight to read.
November 19, 2014
First, I picked it up because of the cover. It's great. Right away BOOM!
Second, I read the back and learned it was Steampunk meets Civil War meets Zombies.
Third, thumbing through it, I learned there were Pirates, Circus folk, Apocalyptic themes and....wait...B-Movie type LIZARDS!
*Money then magically appeared in my hand and it was mine.*
In The Park Four-Bagger! Yes, C.J Spencer is kinda like Han Solo, but, remember, I said there were Pirates—so this is to be expected. And did I mention the LIZARDS! Ok, yea, I didn't see that coming. The Circus parts were nice and I'm a fan of Bad Guys being explored because they're often easily overlooked. I enjoyed the Giant Walking Ship more than the actual Air Ships.
Personal NOTE: Upon discovering Mr. Bett's term for Zombies (Chewers) I remember laughing and smiling. I came to a somewhat similar thought early into the Walking Dead Craze when seeing Zombies on TV and realizing how "Chewy" they looked. So, it's always fun to know you're not alone in the dark. :)
Humble Opinion—There might've been better use of dialogue, character direction; some scenes might've been more flushed out, slowed down or sped up to improve flow and I think the History could've been used to better advantage, but all-in-all, this being his first time out, I say WELL DONE! And when can I read the next one?
Second, I read the back and learned it was Steampunk meets Civil War meets Zombies.
Third, thumbing through it, I learned there were Pirates, Circus folk, Apocalyptic themes and....wait...B-Movie type LIZARDS!
*Money then magically appeared in my hand and it was mine.*
In The Park Four-Bagger! Yes, C.J Spencer is kinda like Han Solo, but, remember, I said there were Pirates—so this is to be expected. And did I mention the LIZARDS! Ok, yea, I didn't see that coming. The Circus parts were nice and I'm a fan of Bad Guys being explored because they're often easily overlooked. I enjoyed the Giant Walking Ship more than the actual Air Ships.
Personal NOTE: Upon discovering Mr. Bett's term for Zombies (Chewers) I remember laughing and smiling. I came to a somewhat similar thought early into the Walking Dead Craze when seeing Zombies on TV and realizing how "Chewy" they looked. So, it's always fun to know you're not alone in the dark. :)
Humble Opinion—There might've been better use of dialogue, character direction; some scenes might've been more flushed out, slowed down or sped up to improve flow and I think the History could've been used to better advantage, but all-in-all, this being his first time out, I say WELL DONE! And when can I read the next one?
January 23, 2016
I was browsing the "new" book shelf, at the library, when this title caught my eye. The blurb on the cover said, ..."steampunk-horror-historical-thriller", so I just had to check it out. First, I'm not into horror, at all, but the other three genres push my buttons. This book was written for the short-attention-span crowd. There's a lot going on: the Civil War has been put on hold, because of a zombie outbreak, dirigibles are a prime mode of transportation, along with "turtles"(imagine a steampunk version of the "AT-AT's" from Star Wars), and the cause just might be a particular secret weapon(of mass destruction, of course, that's if anybody can figure out how to use it.), which may also have caused a "Godzilla"-like creature, and it's larger-than-men babies, on the island where the weapon was developed. There's a band of terroristic Union soldiers, planning on stealing the weapon, to unite the country, and putting themselves in power. There's an entrepreneur, who runs a circus/zoo, who sets out to capture some of the giant lizard babies, which of course, causes the adult giant lizard to follow them, back to civilization, in a rage. Of course, there's a sequel planned, though this is the author's debut novel. This book is definitely a fun, forgettable, read-on-the-beach, kind of book. It was well worth the price I paid.
March 10, 2014
Pretty good alternative history where twentieth century military technology existed pre-Civil War and resulted in zombies, Godzilla, and a split and semi-reunited Confederacy and United States. A legendary scientist probably triggered both the zombies and Godzilla; the stresses from the zombies led to an early end of the Civil War and a United Nations of America that had little power. Americans of both stripes still struggled with each other, but mainly just to survive from the devastation from the zombies and having to keep on watch for them. Enter the main characters who are connected via the new governments largely abandoned military forces on the West Coast, a P.T. Barnum-like impresario, and a northern secret society called the Sons Of Grant willing to use terrorism to re-start the war. Everyone is compromised in some way, but some are able to overcome their pasts. The writing is a bit choppy; I can't tell if it is beyond the skills of the author or some sort of failed imitation of Hemingway. Regardless, the characters are pretty thinly drawn and the transitions are abrupt and sometimes confusing. It may get better as this is intended to be a series, but really doesn't deserve more stars.
March 7, 2015
This story is amazingly written. It combines zombies and Godzilla almost brilliantly. Who wouldn't enjoy the idea? The characters are many, the situation a creative one. This is steampunk in a Civil War setting, about the time it should have been set in. I was with this book, riding it at 5 stars, until the ending. In the last 30-40 pages I stumbled and wondered what this had turned into. While I absolutely look forward to the sequel, it felt too rushed and answered no questions at all. Instead it suddenly felt like Godzilla was a side quest in a video game, completely unnecessary for anything but to add time. The zombies are a clever device, but again, they seem to be nothing more than a device, at least by the end of the story. Because of the rushed conclusion this felt like a lot of plots mixed into one, without the novel going particularly anywhere. It's a shame, and it slowed this book from being a full five stars, but until those last pages I would have recommended this book to anyone, and when it comes to reading the sequel I hope that Betts decides to answer a few more questions instead of only creating new ones.
August 13, 2013
This book hits a sweet spot for me, because I love genre "mash-up" type stories. I'm predisposed to enjoy a book that involves an alternate history, post-apocalyptic steampunk vs. zombies and kaiju setting. A book like that could easily turn out to be a mess - I've read more than one genre mash-up book that has a cute premise that the author thinks is enough to make a whole book. This book doesn't fall into that trap - in addition to the fun premise it has a great ensemble cast of characters and a plot that kept me turning pages. I'm looking forward to a sequel, because I want to see what happens with some of these characters.
(Full disclosure: Unlike most of the books I read I actually know Matt Betts, the author of this book. That didn't really matter while I was reading it - this book is a fun ride regardless of who wrote it. This is the first thing of Matt's that I've ever read though. And while I expected to like it based on what he had told me about the setting he was working with, I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would.)
(Full disclosure: Unlike most of the books I read I actually know Matt Betts, the author of this book. That didn't really matter while I was reading it - this book is a fun ride regardless of who wrote it. This is the first thing of Matt's that I've ever read though. And while I expected to like it based on what he had told me about the setting he was working with, I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would.)
February 14, 2015
Full disclosure, I am good friends with the author and his wife. I Loved this book. I can't wait for the next installment. I wasn't sure what to expect from a steam punk zombie book with giant turtles and such. I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of character and that the story kept a great pace. Well done.
January 8, 2014
A fun adventure with something for everyone. Somehow the concept and all the strange turns made sense and didn't seem silly. It could have very well end up there. Kudos to the author for taking us to a place that doesn't exist and making us feel like it did.
January 27, 2016
A fun mess of a Story...
August 23, 2013
How can you not like Steampunk that includes Zombies!!! Fast moving and action filled, Of course I had to wrestle it away from my teenage son just so I could read it!
September 20, 2013
very cool. sometimes it read like a screenplay, but most of the time it was just plain great. my personal grading criteria won't allow for four stars, so this is a solid three.
November 2, 2013
it was good fun but a little too much of been there done that since it seemed so much like Cherie priest's novel boneshaker but still a fun little afternoon read
January 28, 2014
Super fun!
January 4, 2023
Full of wit and wicked adventure, Odd Men Out's so-crazy-it-just-might-work style of subgenre crossing is Steampunk done right, and results in a novel with something for everyone.
May 5, 2014
A really refreshing read. A good mix of Alternate History, Steampunk, Sci Fi, a touch of horror and great story telling. A must read!
May 2, 2014
Not to my liking at all.
January 20, 2015
It took me a while to get into this book, but I'm glad I kept reading. Looking forward to reading more by Matt Betts!
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