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What to Eat During the Apocalypse
In the heart of a dystopian London, where the air crackles with tension and the streets echo with uncertainty, a reluctant hero emerges. Meet Dom, a laid-back everyman with a penchant for sarcasm and a feline companion named Mango. When catastrophic events plunge the city into darkness, he finds himself on an unexpected journey for survival.
As the fabric of society unravels, join Dom on a side-splitting adventure through a city overrun by authoritarianism and existential crises, where unexpected allies and bizarre encounters await around every corner. From dodging government goons to befriending conspiracy theorists with questionable beliefs, Dom's escapades will keep you laughing from start to finish.
But amidst the laughter lies a deeper exploration of resilience, transformation, and the human spirit. Through Dom's evolution from apathetic slacker to unlikely hero, What to Eat During the Apocalypse offers a poignant reflection on the absurdity of life and the power of finding humour in the face of adversity.
As the fabric of society unravels, join Dom on a side-splitting adventure through a city overrun by authoritarianism and existential crises, where unexpected allies and bizarre encounters await around every corner. From dodging government goons to befriending conspiracy theorists with questionable beliefs, Dom's escapades will keep you laughing from start to finish.
But amidst the laughter lies a deeper exploration of resilience, transformation, and the human spirit. Through Dom's evolution from apathetic slacker to unlikely hero, What to Eat During the Apocalypse offers a poignant reflection on the absurdity of life and the power of finding humour in the face of adversity.
230 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2024
13 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Vladimir Stefan
2 books23 followersVladimir Stefan is a Romanian-born writer based in London. He writes fiction that blends dark humour with sharp social commentary, political insight, and a drive to challenge the status quo. His debut novel, What to Eat During the Apocalypse, introduced a distinct voice through a unique blend of recipes and social critique.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 24, 2024
Got this for review on netgally.
The cover, tile and premise had me very intruiged to read it. It was a short read and I enjoyed it but not enough for 4 stars or higher. It was an interesting way to tell a story about apocalypse tough.
The cover, tile and premise had me very intruiged to read it. It was a short read and I enjoyed it but not enough for 4 stars or higher. It was an interesting way to tell a story about apocalypse tough.
June 5, 2024
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The cover of this book caught my eye because it looked intriguing, promising a blend of humor and survivalist insights set against the backdrop of an impending doomsday. However, the book itself falls short of these expectations, offering little more than the ramblings of someone seemingly disconnected from the harsh realities of an actual apocalypse.
One of the most significant shortcomings of the book is its attempt at humor. Stefan seems to be trying too hard to infuse wit and satire into the narrative, but these attempts frequently miss the mark. Instead of providing a sharp and entertaining critique of survivalism and government conspiracies, the jokes feel forced and out of place, detracting from the overall reading experience.
The characters, too, fail to leave a lasting impression. They lack depth and complexity, making it difficult for readers to form any genuine connection or investment in their fates. The main protagonist, in particular, comes across as bland and uninspiring. His narration, intended to convey a sense of impending doom, instead feels monotonous and fails to evoke the necessary tension or urgency that one would expect in an apocalyptic setting.
Furthermore, the pacing of the book is inconsistent. The narrative plods along for much of the first two-thirds, only to suddenly pick up pace around the 70% mark. This abrupt shift leaves the story feeling disjointed and uneven. Important events and developments are rushed through or skipped entirely, leaving readers with unanswered questions.
Overall, this was a disappointing read for me that did not live up to its intriguing premise.
The cover of this book caught my eye because it looked intriguing, promising a blend of humor and survivalist insights set against the backdrop of an impending doomsday. However, the book itself falls short of these expectations, offering little more than the ramblings of someone seemingly disconnected from the harsh realities of an actual apocalypse.
One of the most significant shortcomings of the book is its attempt at humor. Stefan seems to be trying too hard to infuse wit and satire into the narrative, but these attempts frequently miss the mark. Instead of providing a sharp and entertaining critique of survivalism and government conspiracies, the jokes feel forced and out of place, detracting from the overall reading experience.
The characters, too, fail to leave a lasting impression. They lack depth and complexity, making it difficult for readers to form any genuine connection or investment in their fates. The main protagonist, in particular, comes across as bland and uninspiring. His narration, intended to convey a sense of impending doom, instead feels monotonous and fails to evoke the necessary tension or urgency that one would expect in an apocalyptic setting.
Furthermore, the pacing of the book is inconsistent. The narrative plods along for much of the first two-thirds, only to suddenly pick up pace around the 70% mark. This abrupt shift leaves the story feeling disjointed and uneven. Important events and developments are rushed through or skipped entirely, leaving readers with unanswered questions.
Overall, this was a disappointing read for me that did not live up to its intriguing premise.
May 13, 2024
4.25 stars!
What a great take on the apocalypse. I found this a refreshing and new approach to this type of story. Usually, post-apocalyptic books show society at its absolute worst with everyone out for themselves and whilst there were some aspects of this from the powers that be... I loved the sense of community spirit of the book. The fact that cooking and mealtimes were used to help this was just the icing on the cake for me.
The story initially follows Dom, who lives alone with his pet cat Mango as the apocalypse takes over London. It is a slow start as there is only so much interaction you can have with a cat... but it is worth sticking with it as Dom's social circle grows throughout the story, and some of these characters have a lot to offer.
I loved that the author used some of the best aspects of being 'British' often with a big slice of humour thrown in. I really do think tea shortages may be the sign of the end of the world, and even in an apocalypse, I'm sure we would still find the time to discuss the weather!
The author also managed to make this a thought-provoking story on what it means to be British in modern times and helps to celebrate the cultural diversity of this little cluster of islands. I was rooting for Dom and his group throughout, and I'll say it again, the sense of community spirit and kindness was lovely to see! I also loved the recipes at the end, including some from the authors Romanian heritage. I'll definitely give these a try!
I'm so pleased I got to read this debut novel, and I'm already looking forward to more books by this author.
With thanks to the author Vladimir Stefan for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
What a great take on the apocalypse. I found this a refreshing and new approach to this type of story. Usually, post-apocalyptic books show society at its absolute worst with everyone out for themselves and whilst there were some aspects of this from the powers that be... I loved the sense of community spirit of the book. The fact that cooking and mealtimes were used to help this was just the icing on the cake for me.
The story initially follows Dom, who lives alone with his pet cat Mango as the apocalypse takes over London. It is a slow start as there is only so much interaction you can have with a cat... but it is worth sticking with it as Dom's social circle grows throughout the story, and some of these characters have a lot to offer.
I loved that the author used some of the best aspects of being 'British' often with a big slice of humour thrown in. I really do think tea shortages may be the sign of the end of the world, and even in an apocalypse, I'm sure we would still find the time to discuss the weather!
The author also managed to make this a thought-provoking story on what it means to be British in modern times and helps to celebrate the cultural diversity of this little cluster of islands. I was rooting for Dom and his group throughout, and I'll say it again, the sense of community spirit and kindness was lovely to see! I also loved the recipes at the end, including some from the authors Romanian heritage. I'll definitely give these a try!
I'm so pleased I got to read this debut novel, and I'm already looking forward to more books by this author.
With thanks to the author Vladimir Stefan for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
May 9, 2024
This book was such a pleasant surprise. It captivates you from the first pages and it makes it hard for you to put it down. It touches on important topics in a light matter and it’s dystopian in a similar sense to the Handsmaid Tale, as in although it feels very far fetched, it also feels like a reality that can very much happen. I think that’s what makes this book so appealing, the relatability of it to our current times. A good laugh and a thought provoking book at the same time.
May 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book cover to cover. The story follows Dom and the true star of the show, Mango the cat companion, as they venture through an apocalyptic landscape.
I could vividly imagine each scene and found myself getting attached to even some of the peripheral characters who interacted with Dom throughout. I liked that the personalities of all the characters differed so much to reflect the chaos of the situation, and particularly appreciated how even the unlikeable characters were written in a whimsical style so they were not unbearable to read.
The book reads as light-hearted due to its humour but there is a lot of underlying depth throughout which makes the story memorable and engaging. I found myself not wanting it to end and definitely laughed out loud multiple times.
Overall, a unique writing style that is really well-written, imaginative and super hilarious. Would recommend to anyone!
I could vividly imagine each scene and found myself getting attached to even some of the peripheral characters who interacted with Dom throughout. I liked that the personalities of all the characters differed so much to reflect the chaos of the situation, and particularly appreciated how even the unlikeable characters were written in a whimsical style so they were not unbearable to read.
The book reads as light-hearted due to its humour but there is a lot of underlying depth throughout which makes the story memorable and engaging. I found myself not wanting it to end and definitely laughed out loud multiple times.
Overall, a unique writing style that is really well-written, imaginative and super hilarious. Would recommend to anyone!
May 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I haven't laughed out loud while reading in a long time, so I definitely had a good time with this one. I look forward to reading other stories this author comes up with.
June 11, 2024
What to Eat During the Apocalypse by Vladimir Stefan is a comedic, yet plausible, future state of the UK (and the world) if things progress along this path. It is a political commentary with some food, laughter, heartwarming moments, and a sassy cat thrown in!
Novellas can be hard to structure, but I felt the main character Dom went through great character growth that really fit the situation. I loved following through this apocalyptic story and how it pushes people to take on roles they may have never imagined. There was so much told in such a short about of time! I loved the recipes at the end too! Five star read for those who are interested in what's going on in the world and face the challenges ahead of us! Also the cover is amazing!
Novellas can be hard to structure, but I felt the main character Dom went through great character growth that really fit the situation. I loved following through this apocalyptic story and how it pushes people to take on roles they may have never imagined. There was so much told in such a short about of time! I loved the recipes at the end too! Five star read for those who are interested in what's going on in the world and face the challenges ahead of us! Also the cover is amazing!
June 23, 2024
This was a superb take on the idea of the apocalypse. I found this book hilarious. Honestly, I found myself laughing so much in the beginning, and it was actually really refreshing to be able to laugh at a subject that's actually rather serious.
Ya know what I loved most was the presence of community between the characters. Other books I've read have portrayed our society in such a terrible way with characters that have been very self centred so it was great reading about people coming together to protect each other and fight for what they believe in especially for freedom.
Another aspect that was unexpected was the recipes Dom was writing down for post apocalypse. These were actually listed at the end, and the authe even included the method. Meal times continued to be a sure staple in such a scary time. Again, it showed signs of hope and community. I loved the extra recipes from the authors heritage, and I actually said I'd love to give them a try.
I am so glad I got a spot on the book tour and was able to read this thought-provoking book. A massive thanks to InstaBookTours & Vladimir Stefan for my spot and an e-copy of the book.
Ya know what I loved most was the presence of community between the characters. Other books I've read have portrayed our society in such a terrible way with characters that have been very self centred so it was great reading about people coming together to protect each other and fight for what they believe in especially for freedom.
Another aspect that was unexpected was the recipes Dom was writing down for post apocalypse. These were actually listed at the end, and the authe even included the method. Meal times continued to be a sure staple in such a scary time. Again, it showed signs of hope and community. I loved the extra recipes from the authors heritage, and I actually said I'd love to give them a try.
I am so glad I got a spot on the book tour and was able to read this thought-provoking book. A massive thanks to InstaBookTours & Vladimir Stefan for my spot and an e-copy of the book.
May 15, 2024
Book name: What to Eat During the Apocalypse
Author: Vladimir Stefan @vladimirstefan_
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🐱
My thoughts: Despite being outside my usual genre, the intriguing title, eye-catching cover, and the author's humorous introduction drew me in. Stefan’s writing is vivid and engaging, seamlessly blending humor with profound reflections on human resilience. The well-developed characters, from Dom's quirky allies to the ever-amusing Mango, add depth and richness to the story.
And this book took me on a nerve-wracking apocalypse adventure, showcasing how people can come together despite their differences. I found myself loving every character and every moment. The short and interesting chapters, alternating between Dom's past and present life, kept the narrative fresh and intriguing. The emotional scenes, like Yashmin leaving Dom, left a lasting impact on me.
I enjoyed the story a lot and was completely immersed in the story that I forgot to eat my dinner and finished the book in one sitting.
The ending was satisfying and left me reflecting on the journey. Dom's evolution was compelling, and the book’s portrayal of political themes was enlightening, offering insights into global politics that I hadn’t considered before.
The recipes sprinkled throughout the book, including Indian delicacies like biryani and bhaji, were a delightful addition.
Characters like Mr. Patel, Gerard, and Patience's were charming, and Mango’s antics provided endless amusement. My favorite line, "Meow Meow, bitch," 😂 perfectly captures the book’s witty tone and leaves me chuckling.
What to Eat During the Apocalypse is deliciously written. And I highly recommend every #booklover to read this book 💖.
Thank you, @vladimirstefan_ for the ARC copy in exchange for my genuine review. I absolutely loved your book and the recipes, especially the ones passed down from your mother. I will cherish this book and look forward to your future works.
And thank you, Mango, for not killing our precious Dom. And I hope Gordon Ramsay is doing well in Malta 🥺.
Author: Vladimir Stefan @vladimirstefan_
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🐱
My thoughts: Despite being outside my usual genre, the intriguing title, eye-catching cover, and the author's humorous introduction drew me in. Stefan’s writing is vivid and engaging, seamlessly blending humor with profound reflections on human resilience. The well-developed characters, from Dom's quirky allies to the ever-amusing Mango, add depth and richness to the story.
And this book took me on a nerve-wracking apocalypse adventure, showcasing how people can come together despite their differences. I found myself loving every character and every moment. The short and interesting chapters, alternating between Dom's past and present life, kept the narrative fresh and intriguing. The emotional scenes, like Yashmin leaving Dom, left a lasting impact on me.
I enjoyed the story a lot and was completely immersed in the story that I forgot to eat my dinner and finished the book in one sitting.
The ending was satisfying and left me reflecting on the journey. Dom's evolution was compelling, and the book’s portrayal of political themes was enlightening, offering insights into global politics that I hadn’t considered before.
The recipes sprinkled throughout the book, including Indian delicacies like biryani and bhaji, were a delightful addition.
Characters like Mr. Patel, Gerard, and Patience's were charming, and Mango’s antics provided endless amusement. My favorite line, "Meow Meow, bitch," 😂 perfectly captures the book’s witty tone and leaves me chuckling.
What to Eat During the Apocalypse is deliciously written. And I highly recommend every #booklover to read this book 💖.
Thank you, @vladimirstefan_ for the ARC copy in exchange for my genuine review. I absolutely loved your book and the recipes, especially the ones passed down from your mother. I will cherish this book and look forward to your future works.
And thank you, Mango, for not killing our precious Dom. And I hope Gordon Ramsay is doing well in Malta 🥺.
June 21, 2024
This was a witty, refreshing look at a dystopian world, starring Dom, a single man who lives with his cat and reminisces over what could have been. The first third of the book is just Dom and his cat, Mango, in his house, waiting to see what develops after the neighbourhood is attacked. Then the story ramps up as communities unite, but the whole story is wonderfully written.
The narrative draws you in, making the seemingly normal a surreal experience as Dom mulls over society, capitalism, and the world in general. Whatever your views on these issues, the author will certainly make you stop and think deeply about what is going on in the world.
Well written, this is an enjoyable read that will keep you thinking long after you've finished. Hopefully there'll be a sequel, as I'd love to see where the author takes the story next! Highly recommend.
The narrative draws you in, making the seemingly normal a surreal experience as Dom mulls over society, capitalism, and the world in general. Whatever your views on these issues, the author will certainly make you stop and think deeply about what is going on in the world.
Well written, this is an enjoyable read that will keep you thinking long after you've finished. Hopefully there'll be a sequel, as I'd love to see where the author takes the story next! Highly recommend.
June 19, 2024
‘“I’m so glad I got that biryani recipe from him,” I tell her as she covers him with a jacket.’
Stop, because as someone who loves dark humour and cooking, this was brilliant.
I was laughing from the first page but could also appreciate the important topics hit on in a light manner. It was very Covid pandemic, and therefore very relatable, until it got going a bit more. The balance between humour and depth was perfect and has you wanting more.
Thank you for not leaving Mango behind, my two would be in hazmat suits too 🐈⬛🐈
I will be recommending this to everyone I know. And I’ll also be trying out the traditional recipes given to us at the end. An author I will definitely be looking out for in the future.
Out on the 28th June 2024. So go and preorder!!
Meow meow. Bitch.
Stop, because as someone who loves dark humour and cooking, this was brilliant.
I was laughing from the first page but could also appreciate the important topics hit on in a light manner. It was very Covid pandemic, and therefore very relatable, until it got going a bit more. The balance between humour and depth was perfect and has you wanting more.
Thank you for not leaving Mango behind, my two would be in hazmat suits too 🐈⬛🐈
I will be recommending this to everyone I know. And I’ll also be trying out the traditional recipes given to us at the end. An author I will definitely be looking out for in the future.
Out on the 28th June 2024. So go and preorder!!
Meow meow. Bitch.
May 29, 2024
An ARC provided by Netgalley.
What To Eat During The Apocalypse was a quick-paced comedy that was rather fun. The writing style felt adjacent to Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and is good for fans of Douglas Adams. I especially liked the inclusion of the recipes at the end- I'll probably try some out when I get the chance.
This book fell flat for me on two aspects though- characterization and pacing. I wasn't particularly compelled by the characters, and I disliked being in the main characters head. The pacing of the story was consistent until about 70% in- where it rapidly picked up pace with a timeskip that was barely explained. This definitely knocked down my enjoyment, so ultimately I give this book 3/5 stars.
What To Eat During The Apocalypse was a quick-paced comedy that was rather fun. The writing style felt adjacent to Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and is good for fans of Douglas Adams. I especially liked the inclusion of the recipes at the end- I'll probably try some out when I get the chance.
This book fell flat for me on two aspects though- characterization and pacing. I wasn't particularly compelled by the characters, and I disliked being in the main characters head. The pacing of the story was consistent until about 70% in- where it rapidly picked up pace with a timeskip that was barely explained. This definitely knocked down my enjoyment, so ultimately I give this book 3/5 stars.
June 17, 2024
fun interesting story set during an apocalypse. I thought from the title we would get more story involving food. This novella is short and really does carry a decent fast paced story in that small amount of pages. I didn't really like the main character, he didn't really seem to know his privilege, but I think that was the point. This was a curious take on classism set during the end of the world. Its a quick read and definitely worth picking up.
December 13, 2025
A refreshing but terrifyingly realistic take on the dystopian genre. The pacing at times felt rushed and the narrative took some getting used to. Overall a fun read.
May 8, 2024
Overall rating: 3 of 5 stars
The beginning of the book—wherein there were what felt like endless paragraphs of musings from Dom—was difficult to slough through.
However, when Dom had other individuals to interact with, the development of his character blossomed.
I wouldn't necessarily call this *just* an apocalypse cookbook, though there may have been a time or two I snagged an idea for dinner, but the amount of cooking involved was somewhat refreshing. Something often overlooked in books (not as much in apocalypse/dystopia genres due to the general, distinct lack of food) is characters eating. It is often glossed over. It was refreshing that wasn't the case here.
I loved the included recipes at the end of the book, especially those from the author's native land. However, my only request would be to indicate how the lesser known (in English) words are pronounced. I'm confident I would unintentionally butcher trying to say what I'd be cooking due to that.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see an apocalypse-adjacent book wherein the struggles faced are those that we truly can relate to. Plus, lots of shared love through food and recipes!
P.S., I am going to make papanasi's, they sound DELICIOUS!
Note, I received a copy of this book via NetGalley to read and leave an honest review of.
#WhattoEatDuringtheApocalypse #NetGalley #liv.readsalot #livreadsalot #livvaroni @liv.readsalot
The beginning of the book—wherein there were what felt like endless paragraphs of musings from Dom—was difficult to slough through.
However, when Dom had other individuals to interact with, the development of his character blossomed.
I wouldn't necessarily call this *just* an apocalypse cookbook, though there may have been a time or two I snagged an idea for dinner, but the amount of cooking involved was somewhat refreshing. Something often overlooked in books (not as much in apocalypse/dystopia genres due to the general, distinct lack of food) is characters eating. It is often glossed over. It was refreshing that wasn't the case here.
I loved the included recipes at the end of the book, especially those from the author's native land. However, my only request would be to indicate how the lesser known (in English) words are pronounced. I'm confident I would unintentionally butcher trying to say what I'd be cooking due to that.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see an apocalypse-adjacent book wherein the struggles faced are those that we truly can relate to. Plus, lots of shared love through food and recipes!
P.S., I am going to make papanasi's, they sound DELICIOUS!
Note, I received a copy of this book via NetGalley to read and leave an honest review of.
#WhattoEatDuringtheApocalypse #NetGalley #liv.readsalot #livreadsalot #livvaroni @liv.readsalot
August 26, 2024
I found myself laughing so loud while reading this book! To appreciate and enjoy this reading journey, you need to love sarcastic & dark humor. Why not give this a perfect five starts then? Simple, the second half of the book focuses on political/conspiracy turmoil and lacks the ironic, dark humor of the first half, which made it a little harder for me to follow; don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it and finished the book but the contrast too drastic for me.
The author does a great job making you feel like a silent person next to Dom. Can we give some kudos to Mango? Meow (insert insult), I enjoyed the cat so much!
This book is funny, creative, and thought-provoking. Just think- What if?
The author does a great job making you feel like a silent person next to Dom. Can we give some kudos to Mango? Meow (insert insult), I enjoyed the cat so much!
This book is funny, creative, and thought-provoking. Just think- What if?
June 18, 2024
Having recently moved to London as an expat myself, it was a pleasure to watch my present-day surroundings of West London be brought to life in this comedic dystopia (including the London underground, where I spent many mornings reading this book on route to work). Like Dom, I, too, understand the nothingness felt within the corporate world-- a world I decided to give up when I moved to London after having the same reflections as Dom in the novel.
I very much enjoyed the satirical commentary upon present-day themes that resonate with the milennial reader (conspiracy, companionship, class, corporate life, purpose).
Through sarcasm and wit, the author has the reader cheering on the dynamic duo, Dom and his furry sidekick, Mango, as the reader is reminded of the ever-present heroism in your seemingly average, corporate-drained 20-something. The inclusions of pop culture, milennial humour and the incorporation of present-day issues leveraged in an entertaining way, makes this novel an exciting read.
The novel is exciting, creative and eccentric in the kind of way that has you silently cheering on both Dom and Mango, as well as the collective neighbourhood of citizens, rising up against the government and its powers.
The intersection of the dystopian chaos and social commentary, with Dom's seemingly "regularness" and his passion for the art of cooking makes for a dynamic duo, as pleasantly enjoyable as the main characters themselves. The novel was a quick-paced, fun read that reminded me of the concept of The Hunger Games' district uprisings against the Capitol, one of my all-time favourites and a reminder that a dystopian London may not be as far away as exaggerated.
I very much enjoyed the satirical commentary upon present-day themes that resonate with the milennial reader (conspiracy, companionship, class, corporate life, purpose).
Through sarcasm and wit, the author has the reader cheering on the dynamic duo, Dom and his furry sidekick, Mango, as the reader is reminded of the ever-present heroism in your seemingly average, corporate-drained 20-something. The inclusions of pop culture, milennial humour and the incorporation of present-day issues leveraged in an entertaining way, makes this novel an exciting read.
The novel is exciting, creative and eccentric in the kind of way that has you silently cheering on both Dom and Mango, as well as the collective neighbourhood of citizens, rising up against the government and its powers.
The intersection of the dystopian chaos and social commentary, with Dom's seemingly "regularness" and his passion for the art of cooking makes for a dynamic duo, as pleasantly enjoyable as the main characters themselves. The novel was a quick-paced, fun read that reminded me of the concept of The Hunger Games' district uprisings against the Capitol, one of my all-time favourites and a reminder that a dystopian London may not be as far away as exaggerated.
June 24, 2024
What to Eat During the Apocalypse follows the story of Don, a thirty-something fellow living in London with his passive-aggressive cat, Mango, during extraordinary times. Kicking off on the first day of the end of civilization, we join our protagonist in his observations about the mayhem viewed from his window and the absence of helpful items within his flat. Don makes an unlikely friend, Gerrard, through written conversations from their respective flats, and eventually, they become friends, shacking up together. The humor often falls flat, but it did not quelch my interest in following Don.
The book is a quick read, which one does not often find these days. Though Don is not a particularly likable character, I got a kick out of the first two-thirds of the book. A good question is posed: ‘What would today’s egocentric generation do in this situation?’ The answer is clearly, nothing. Dom decides to create a cookbook until the duo decides to venture out into a dystopian London, joining up with a rebel group ready to fight the powers that be.
That being said, the last 30% of the book drastically changes tone and themes, leading to confusion and a lack of satisfying explanation of why apathetic Dom has left home to do his part. At this point, any satire seems to disappear, and the story spirals into a rushed conclusion that does not add up for me.
Truthfully, I did not realize that the book’s end was the grand finale. Flipping through the last pages of recipes, I was sure there’d be some kind of concrete conclusion, but I was left with the feeling of reading an uncompleted piece of work.
Though I would not recommend What to Eat During the Apocalypse, I’d be happy to pick up the next book Vladimir Stefan publishes. He’s an interesting storyteller with strong potential.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is a quick read, which one does not often find these days. Though Don is not a particularly likable character, I got a kick out of the first two-thirds of the book. A good question is posed: ‘What would today’s egocentric generation do in this situation?’ The answer is clearly, nothing. Dom decides to create a cookbook until the duo decides to venture out into a dystopian London, joining up with a rebel group ready to fight the powers that be.
That being said, the last 30% of the book drastically changes tone and themes, leading to confusion and a lack of satisfying explanation of why apathetic Dom has left home to do his part. At this point, any satire seems to disappear, and the story spirals into a rushed conclusion that does not add up for me.
Truthfully, I did not realize that the book’s end was the grand finale. Flipping through the last pages of recipes, I was sure there’d be some kind of concrete conclusion, but I was left with the feeling of reading an uncompleted piece of work.
Though I would not recommend What to Eat During the Apocalypse, I’d be happy to pick up the next book Vladimir Stefan publishes. He’s an interesting storyteller with strong potential.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2024
As a fan of winding down in the evening with comedy TV shows such as *The Big Bang Theory*, *The Office*, and *South Park*, I found this book to be a delightful, quick and comforting read. It seamlessly blends humor with surprising insights into the realities of UK society and political themes, feeling like a beloved comfort food that offers both pleasure and occasional, thought-provoking depth. This week my comfort food was a bowl of cheerios, though it did not offer any political insight on the UK.
This book shows how both fragile we are under the government, how easily we can break, yet how strong we can be together as a community. It makes you question, what is it you really value and why have we grown into some of these peculiar norms within society in the UK. I loved the British humour and it was nice to have the foreign outlook. At the heart of London is the foreigners! Brexit and the ‘revamp’ on the immigration system, in my opinion has been a grave mistake and I believe over the next few years the effects of this will only worsen. As a half British, half Brazilian myself, I would not be here if it was not for foreigners coming to the UK and my whole family life, my work has all been built based on the mix within the community.
While I haven't delved too deeply into comedic novel territory, a couple I have read that stand out are *Guards! Guards!* by Terry Pratchett and *Dungeon Crawler Carl* by Matt Dinniman. If you are looking for a humorous read with some thought provoking insights on government and society, a sassy cat ‘meow meow bitch’ and an apocalypse scenario, What to Eat During the Apocalypse might be up your alley!
This book shows how both fragile we are under the government, how easily we can break, yet how strong we can be together as a community. It makes you question, what is it you really value and why have we grown into some of these peculiar norms within society in the UK. I loved the British humour and it was nice to have the foreign outlook. At the heart of London is the foreigners! Brexit and the ‘revamp’ on the immigration system, in my opinion has been a grave mistake and I believe over the next few years the effects of this will only worsen. As a half British, half Brazilian myself, I would not be here if it was not for foreigners coming to the UK and my whole family life, my work has all been built based on the mix within the community.
While I haven't delved too deeply into comedic novel territory, a couple I have read that stand out are *Guards! Guards!* by Terry Pratchett and *Dungeon Crawler Carl* by Matt Dinniman. If you are looking for a humorous read with some thought provoking insights on government and society, a sassy cat ‘meow meow bitch’ and an apocalypse scenario, What to Eat During the Apocalypse might be up your alley!
June 14, 2024
A debut novel about a man in London who tries to survive an attack by some unknown enemy while using food he has on hand to cook up useful and tasty recipes that he wants to put in a book for people who may go through the same thing as him.
Like most people I was drawn to this book by the cover. Great cover! Then I read the first few pages and the book immediately bombed for me. Stefan’s attempt at humor is painfully forced. It’s so cheesy I couldn’t help but cringe. On the plus side, this didn’t last the whole book. Thankfully Stefan began to actually develop his character (yet only slightly) and creat some sort of plot to have an actual story.
Look, this is a “fun time” book. A quick, mostly lighthearted (despite the theme), somewhat humorous book you might pick up by accident and then quickly forget. This isn’t something most people would recommend. The characters are hardly developed. The tone and pace of the book is all over the place and very inconsistent. The plot has so many holes in it. And, although it mentions some serious and important political issues, it never fully explores any of them. It was like listening to some sheltered teenager try to explain to me what’s wrong with society, full of ignorance and lack of experience.
Stefan has some nice recipes at the end that help justify the title of the book, but other than that, the title barely made sense. All that being said, Stefan writes very well. I hope he writes a more cohesive book with substance. I would not recommend this book but I would read more from this author.
***Thank you NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours, and Vladimir Stefan for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.***
Like most people I was drawn to this book by the cover. Great cover! Then I read the first few pages and the book immediately bombed for me. Stefan’s attempt at humor is painfully forced. It’s so cheesy I couldn’t help but cringe. On the plus side, this didn’t last the whole book. Thankfully Stefan began to actually develop his character (yet only slightly) and creat some sort of plot to have an actual story.
Look, this is a “fun time” book. A quick, mostly lighthearted (despite the theme), somewhat humorous book you might pick up by accident and then quickly forget. This isn’t something most people would recommend. The characters are hardly developed. The tone and pace of the book is all over the place and very inconsistent. The plot has so many holes in it. And, although it mentions some serious and important political issues, it never fully explores any of them. It was like listening to some sheltered teenager try to explain to me what’s wrong with society, full of ignorance and lack of experience.
Stefan has some nice recipes at the end that help justify the title of the book, but other than that, the title barely made sense. All that being said, Stefan writes very well. I hope he writes a more cohesive book with substance. I would not recommend this book but I would read more from this author.
***Thank you NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours, and Vladimir Stefan for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.***
July 3, 2024
So, I’ve never done this before, but here goes nothing. *Sips tea*
"What To Eat During The Apocalypse" by Vladimir Stefan.
If the title didn’t already grab your attention, the content certainly will. From documenting recipes to battling an apocalypse, this book feels like it was written by an overthinker for overthinkers (which, honestly, is perfect for me!). Beyond its meticulous culinary detail, it answered quite a few questions I had while Dom, the main character, navigated his end-of-the-world predicament.
Dom is an emotionally intelligent man caught between capitalism and his innate desire for self-development. This corporate pleaser gets thrown into a situation where growth is the only option (good for him). He finally realizes he can do more than PowerPoint! Embracing his leadership skills, Dom maneuvers the plot to its climax, steering through chaos and camaraderie with humor and finesse.
As the blurb suggests, this book isn’t as centered around conflict as much as I expected. I was hoping for more... war and politics. (No, don’t raise that eyebrow.) But, the book is truly about connections, more than the apocalypse itself. At least, that’s what I think.
Quote: “We went from being inside our houses, even before the gas, nonchalant to the world outside our walls and too preoccupied with our wealth, health, and joy, to standing up together, finding community in the darkest of times.”
Despite my preference for more showing than telling, the book’s message is conveyed thoroughly. I did struggle to find the motive behind the man-made apocalypse, but I'm sure we'll uncover more in the sequel.
To sum it up, I enjoyed this read. It gave me quite a few laughs, though the ending felt a bit rushed and there were parts I would've LOVED to see elaborated. The language and flow were excellent, and I'm looking forward to reading more of your work, Vladimir Stefan.
This is an ARC, and "What To Eat During The Apocalypse" will be published on June 28, 2024.
A few notable quotes:
“Can’t risk foodborne illnesses during biological warfare—that’s like having a heart attack during a funeral: bad timing, bigger picture going on.”
“I think people make places, more than borders, and my people love food.”
“Spending was the only thing that made us happy, and protecting what we spent was our purpose.”
“They tell you to climb that ladder, promising purpose and fulfillment, until you find yourself so distracted with the steps, you ignore the ones holding it.”
“How many friends does this woman have or need? My cut-off is in single digits.” (Laughed out loud at this one.)
“I start drawing up. I need ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers there. This is England, so I must add a ‘sorry’ there too.”
“Probably best to pick my washing up before it gets moldy. You have to have fresh clothes if you’re taken prisoner.”
Priorities, right? *Shakes head*
"What To Eat During The Apocalypse" by Vladimir Stefan.
If the title didn’t already grab your attention, the content certainly will. From documenting recipes to battling an apocalypse, this book feels like it was written by an overthinker for overthinkers (which, honestly, is perfect for me!). Beyond its meticulous culinary detail, it answered quite a few questions I had while Dom, the main character, navigated his end-of-the-world predicament.
Dom is an emotionally intelligent man caught between capitalism and his innate desire for self-development. This corporate pleaser gets thrown into a situation where growth is the only option (good for him). He finally realizes he can do more than PowerPoint! Embracing his leadership skills, Dom maneuvers the plot to its climax, steering through chaos and camaraderie with humor and finesse.
As the blurb suggests, this book isn’t as centered around conflict as much as I expected. I was hoping for more... war and politics. (No, don’t raise that eyebrow.) But, the book is truly about connections, more than the apocalypse itself. At least, that’s what I think.
Quote: “We went from being inside our houses, even before the gas, nonchalant to the world outside our walls and too preoccupied with our wealth, health, and joy, to standing up together, finding community in the darkest of times.”
Despite my preference for more showing than telling, the book’s message is conveyed thoroughly. I did struggle to find the motive behind the man-made apocalypse, but I'm sure we'll uncover more in the sequel.
To sum it up, I enjoyed this read. It gave me quite a few laughs, though the ending felt a bit rushed and there were parts I would've LOVED to see elaborated. The language and flow were excellent, and I'm looking forward to reading more of your work, Vladimir Stefan.
This is an ARC, and "What To Eat During The Apocalypse" will be published on June 28, 2024.
A few notable quotes:
“Can’t risk foodborne illnesses during biological warfare—that’s like having a heart attack during a funeral: bad timing, bigger picture going on.”
“I think people make places, more than borders, and my people love food.”
“Spending was the only thing that made us happy, and protecting what we spent was our purpose.”
“They tell you to climb that ladder, promising purpose and fulfillment, until you find yourself so distracted with the steps, you ignore the ones holding it.”
“How many friends does this woman have or need? My cut-off is in single digits.” (Laughed out loud at this one.)
“I start drawing up. I need ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers there. This is England, so I must add a ‘sorry’ there too.”
“Probably best to pick my washing up before it gets moldy. You have to have fresh clothes if you’re taken prisoner.”
Priorities, right? *Shakes head*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2024
I’d describe What to Eat During the Apocalypse by Vladimir Stefan as Prophet Son meets Leave the World Behind meets some great 2000’s comedy, like the film Step Brothers or something like that. I’ve read so many books about the Apocalypse, but I think one mirrors what my feelings would be like - “Holy crap, what is happening? But let me find humor in it.”
This book probably isn't for everyone. But it was for me and for those who enjoy apocalyptic tales, dystopian stories and speculative fiction AND enjoy some good old fashioned warped humor. This story definitely hit the sweet spot for me.
While the premise of the story is not original, the way in which it is told is fun and special. While true, a little cookbook is woven into the novel (and spoiler alert - recipes are available at the end!) it looks at some of the things a Mx. Anyone would go do during such a strange string of events.
Our main character, Dom, starts off facing the apocalypse on his own, with his bitchy cat. He’s just a regular dude with a regular job trying to make ends meet. He comes across pretty vanilla at first, but as each page passes he grows & becomes more and more likable. Books are always more enjoyable when you grow to like the main dude more than when you end up hating him, right?
I especially liked the descriptions that Stafan provided about this fictional world’s society and government. While many were parodies of the current political climate and its cast of characters, it left me thinking - is this description really that far off?
While it dealt with such a heavy topic, you know THE apocalypse, it did it with humor and the lens in which I think many of us would view it through.
I’m not really a great cook, but maybe I’ll make something from the book’s delicious sounding recipes. Or I'll just order the takeout version!
This book probably isn't for everyone. But it was for me and for those who enjoy apocalyptic tales, dystopian stories and speculative fiction AND enjoy some good old fashioned warped humor. This story definitely hit the sweet spot for me.
While the premise of the story is not original, the way in which it is told is fun and special. While true, a little cookbook is woven into the novel (and spoiler alert - recipes are available at the end!) it looks at some of the things a Mx. Anyone would go do during such a strange string of events.
Our main character, Dom, starts off facing the apocalypse on his own, with his bitchy cat. He’s just a regular dude with a regular job trying to make ends meet. He comes across pretty vanilla at first, but as each page passes he grows & becomes more and more likable. Books are always more enjoyable when you grow to like the main dude more than when you end up hating him, right?
I especially liked the descriptions that Stafan provided about this fictional world’s society and government. While many were parodies of the current political climate and its cast of characters, it left me thinking - is this description really that far off?
While it dealt with such a heavy topic, you know THE apocalypse, it did it with humor and the lens in which I think many of us would view it through.
I’m not really a great cook, but maybe I’ll make something from the book’s delicious sounding recipes. Or I'll just order the takeout version!
June 13, 2024
What to eat during the apocalypse
by Vladimir Stefan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I didn't really know what to expect when I first started reading this book, and I was soon drawn into the chaos that quickly escalated.
The story follows Dom. A recently turned 31 year old, who has not long separated from his girlfriend. He lives in Hounslow with his cat, Mango.
After receiving his shopping delivery from Tesco, he makes something to eat, then sits down to watch his TV show, when all of a sudden, the programme is interrupted with an emergency breaking news story, followed by explosions and green smoke outside.
Dom can't figure out what's going on, so he puts a poster in his window, to communicate with people in houses near to him. This is how he meets Gerard.
The story is full of laughs, yet does get incredibly political towards the middle of the book, which sort of put me off a bit. I'd recommend if you feel the same when you get to this party, just keep going. It soon returns to the comedic aspect.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who does enjoy "end of the world" type stories
by Vladimir Stefan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I didn't really know what to expect when I first started reading this book, and I was soon drawn into the chaos that quickly escalated.
The story follows Dom. A recently turned 31 year old, who has not long separated from his girlfriend. He lives in Hounslow with his cat, Mango.
After receiving his shopping delivery from Tesco, he makes something to eat, then sits down to watch his TV show, when all of a sudden, the programme is interrupted with an emergency breaking news story, followed by explosions and green smoke outside.
Dom can't figure out what's going on, so he puts a poster in his window, to communicate with people in houses near to him. This is how he meets Gerard.
The story is full of laughs, yet does get incredibly political towards the middle of the book, which sort of put me off a bit. I'd recommend if you feel the same when you get to this party, just keep going. It soon returns to the comedic aspect.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who does enjoy "end of the world" type stories
June 23, 2024
In the heart of a dystopian London, where the air crackles with tension and the streets echo with uncertainty, a reluctant hero emerges. Meet Dom, a laid-back everyman with a penchant for sarcasm and a feline companion named Mango. When catastrophic events plunge the city into darkness, he finds himself on an unexpected journey for survival.
Filled with satire and comedic moments I read this is one sitting.
I found an unlikely hero in Dom and along with his human companion, a dungeon abc dragons loving nerd Gerrard, they embark on an unexpected adventure whilst facing the end of the world.
Although funny, this does have a darker side to the story and with our upcoming general election at the forefront of most people’s minds it makes a stark comparison to what could happen if we’re not sensible!
I really enjoyed the writing - it was witty and clever and some parts were so close to the mark they had me laughing out loud.
The dialogue with Mango the cat was hilarious- cats are mean at the best of times let alone in an apocalypse when they don’t know if they’re going to be fed!
This was a quick read but even though it was shorter than the usual books I read, it didn’t take anything away from the experience.
Filled with satire and comedic moments I read this is one sitting.
I found an unlikely hero in Dom and along with his human companion, a dungeon abc dragons loving nerd Gerrard, they embark on an unexpected adventure whilst facing the end of the world.
Although funny, this does have a darker side to the story and with our upcoming general election at the forefront of most people’s minds it makes a stark comparison to what could happen if we’re not sensible!
I really enjoyed the writing - it was witty and clever and some parts were so close to the mark they had me laughing out loud.
The dialogue with Mango the cat was hilarious- cats are mean at the best of times let alone in an apocalypse when they don’t know if they’re going to be fed!
This was a quick read but even though it was shorter than the usual books I read, it didn’t take anything away from the experience.
June 13, 2024
I was given an ARC copy in exchange of an honest review.
This book holds up a mirror to the British Government, only its one of those wobbly fun fair mirrors.
I adored the first half of this story. Dom’s isolation and how he copes with the realisation that things are going downhill very very fast.
The recipes break up the otherwise miserable outlook, and gives Dom something to work towards in the beginning.
The author uses a really dry humour that is essentially British, in the same way we like to have a cup of tea and join a queue. How Dom learns to communicate, his terror at the family across the road turning to the occult and all the friends he picks up along the way just adds to the experience.
The only reason I couldn’t give this five stars is because I found the ending almost too rushed. I would have loved to have seen the uprising built up in the same way the first half of the book was.
But nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read and one I will be recommending all my friends pick up on release day.
This book holds up a mirror to the British Government, only its one of those wobbly fun fair mirrors.
I adored the first half of this story. Dom’s isolation and how he copes with the realisation that things are going downhill very very fast.
The recipes break up the otherwise miserable outlook, and gives Dom something to work towards in the beginning.
The author uses a really dry humour that is essentially British, in the same way we like to have a cup of tea and join a queue. How Dom learns to communicate, his terror at the family across the road turning to the occult and all the friends he picks up along the way just adds to the experience.
The only reason I couldn’t give this five stars is because I found the ending almost too rushed. I would have loved to have seen the uprising built up in the same way the first half of the book was.
But nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read and one I will be recommending all my friends pick up on release day.
June 16, 2024
This book has a great premise - literally writing a cookbook during the apocalypse. It has good characters, and cats, and is quite well written, sentence to sentence. It's main problem is that it feels like the outline of a book. Everything that happened to get to the apocalypse is just dumped on the reader, no shoeing, only telling. The (smaller) problem is that a plot has to have some basis in reality, and having a radio (and who has radios these days?) does not mean you can transmit. So that was a giant plot hole that really bugged me. Anyway, I hope Vladimir Stefan gets a good literary mentor or editor, because his writing has a lot of potential, and even this book, reworked and fleshed out, could be a great read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Author for an free a-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Author for an free a-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2024
Thank you to @instabooktours for inviting us onto the book tour for What to eat during the apocalypse.
This book is short and an easy to read book it's about a man called dom who lives with his cat called mango and the are living through a mini war and his unsure what to do as its kind of like a lock down he is a business manager from a bank so it's not a very helpful job to have during this time so he decides to write a cookbook and he communicates with his neighbour through a ouji board and his neighbour writes back on a white board. Together they decide to ignore the advice of staying inside and decided to make haz suits and go out and see what is happening and if need be fight.
There are at times some funny little quotes and phrases from him as they are suffering through the apocalypse.
The end part of the book are his recipes it's just a nice easy different read.
This book is short and an easy to read book it's about a man called dom who lives with his cat called mango and the are living through a mini war and his unsure what to do as its kind of like a lock down he is a business manager from a bank so it's not a very helpful job to have during this time so he decides to write a cookbook and he communicates with his neighbour through a ouji board and his neighbour writes back on a white board. Together they decide to ignore the advice of staying inside and decided to make haz suits and go out and see what is happening and if need be fight.
There are at times some funny little quotes and phrases from him as they are suffering through the apocalypse.
The end part of the book are his recipes it's just a nice easy different read.
June 11, 2024
I absolutely adored the start of this book, as with some of the others who have reviewed, I wish the second half was a little slower and matched the pacing of the start. It also got really silly, which matched the humour well but I would have liked something darker to make the main character's humour stand out more. Maybe I'm just sick in the head 😂
Overall the book is really funny and aligns well with my views. I love that it includes the actual recipes in the end which you can try to immerse yourself further in this world.
I absolutely recommend this book. I think it sums up current anxieties in Europe and the US over "Trumpism" and the rise of the far right really well. It was super immersive and I actually think it would make a great TV show.
Overall the book is really funny and aligns well with my views. I love that it includes the actual recipes in the end which you can try to immerse yourself further in this world.
I absolutely recommend this book. I think it sums up current anxieties in Europe and the US over "Trumpism" and the rise of the far right really well. It was super immersive and I actually think it would make a great TV show.
June 21, 2024
How would you cope if there was an apocalypse? Dom’s ok as his Tesco weekly shop has just been delivered and he has various tins/rice etc in the cupboard. Just after his shop arrived, The Traitors was interrupted with an emergency broadcast and the sky turned green. Cue the weird and wonderful goings on during the apocalypse including making a friend with a neighbour who’s he’s never spoken to before and learning how to survive - oh, and writing a cookbook for people in similar situations!
I liked the idea, it was all just a bit weird for me. I think I’ve found that dystopian books are not really my thing, but I did enjoy it for the most part. It gave an insight into what happens when the country gets brainwashed and votes for the “right” person to be in charge - they get rid of the deadwood of society eve though they’re real people with real struggles and problems.
Overall, a quick easy read and I’ll probably read the next one just to find out how things are going with everyone. I loved the recipe book at the end too, some great meals in there!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 (3.5/5 rounded up for Amazon & Goodreads)
I liked the idea, it was all just a bit weird for me. I think I’ve found that dystopian books are not really my thing, but I did enjoy it for the most part. It gave an insight into what happens when the country gets brainwashed and votes for the “right” person to be in charge - they get rid of the deadwood of society eve though they’re real people with real struggles and problems.
Overall, a quick easy read and I’ll probably read the next one just to find out how things are going with everyone. I loved the recipe book at the end too, some great meals in there!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 (3.5/5 rounded up for Amazon & Goodreads)
May 11, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What to Eat During the Apocalypse is a super quick read that is very heavy handed in its message. Steeped in a what if scenario that takes place approximately ten years in the future, it tells the story of Dom, an accountant in London who finds himself in the middle of the apocalypse, but there's more to the story.
A super quick read laced with humor and heart (and recipes!). If you're okay with some political commentary through your story, then I'd say give it a go.
What to Eat During the Apocalypse is a super quick read that is very heavy handed in its message. Steeped in a what if scenario that takes place approximately ten years in the future, it tells the story of Dom, an accountant in London who finds himself in the middle of the apocalypse, but there's more to the story.
A super quick read laced with humor and heart (and recipes!). If you're okay with some political commentary through your story, then I'd say give it a go.
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