Control Spark

by Simon Carr, Rachel Crocker (editor)

Theres a lot to cover here, ok, first what if the voice inside your head left and became a mop, you ever think of that? of course not, why would you, forget that.

Second! If particles are everywhere all at once until they are observed, then why do we all see the same thing when we observe them, who is doing that, it can’t be us or we would all see something different, who or what controls what particles become when we look at them?

Nigal is about to discover the answer to that question when he stumbles across a secret that’s been hidden under the great pyramids for thousands of years, a discovery that throws his, and everyone else’s life into utter chaos!

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2024

About the author

Simon carr is, well he is me, hello. I write comedy Sci-fi and horror books. I started writing in 2018. I am severely dyslexic, on the very high end of the scale. So, writing a book was just me being defiant really, doing something I ought never to have been capable of doing.

I really enjoyed writing my first book, Space And Stuff, so I carried on writing. That makes it sound a lot simpler than it was, but after a lot of learning and editing; so much editing! And going through proofreaders at a rate of knotts, I got my books to a standard that only made a few grammar Nazis heads explode; so it will have to do.

I am from Blackburn in the UK, born in the summer of 1976. I have actually won three awards for my books, I know! I was as surprised as you are. If perfect grammar is your thing then you might want to give them a miss, but if you like satire and goofy scenarios I might be what you have been looking for.

Reviews

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review.

Another winner from a consistently amusing author. The story is smart, witty, and lots of fun, with headspinning twists and unforgettable characters. The book is brilliantly narrated by William Sky.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Simon Carr strikes again! Nigel works at a bank's call center. He is not living his best life. He makes just enough money, has very few friends, and his girlfriend just left him. This last is a problem because he just spent most of his savings to buy a non-refundable budget vacation to Egypt for the two of them. Nigel asks his best friend to go with him, instead. Sandra agrees to go.

At the airport, Nigel buys a pendant with a green stone from an odd beggar. Once they arrive in Egypt they meet Malik, their tour guide and motorized rickshaw driver that has a fear of traffic. It's not so much the traffic that bothers him as it is the increased possibility of insurance claims. Instead of touring the Great Pyramid of Giza, they go to the Practice Pyramid of Whackowiki. (You don't make something like the Great Pyramid without first making sure you understand how it's done.) That's when their whole world turns upside-down.

You can trust Simon Carr to write a very funny story that tries to sneak in a little quantum physics to help explain some of the insanity. But, I'm not sure how physics explains a talking mop or alien invasions from the rodent people or cat people.

Although this story has fewer Laugh-out-loud moments than most of his other books, the story is a good blend of snark and slapstick, along with some pathos, too. It also is one of his most organized stories- it actually follows a storyline rather than throwing out a hundred scenes and then bringing things together at the end. He does both very well but I didn't want you surprised by the style. Enjoy.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐

The author brilliantly takes everyday occurrences and twists/turns and winds them to way in left way for an absolutely hysterical read! What's even better is that in every instance the read will be nodding in agreement and commiserating with the characters! From the first paragraph to the incredible ending I was smitten with the book! Give yourself a bit of extra time on your read ~ and you should 100% read Control Spark ~ because you'll want to reread some sections a few times just because they're so entertaining. I think maybe the genre is sci-fi satirical comedy but no matter the label ~ it's fantastic! Five stars five planets rating from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌐🌐🌐🌐🌐

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside two days for this dangerously humourous British contemporary science-fiction satiric apocalyptic space opera which starts near London where Nigel Bates and Sandra Carlisle work in the call centre for an online bank.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Carr’s Control Spark plunges readers into a whirlwind adventure that begins with heartbreak and ends with an epic battle for Earth’s survival. After being dumped by his girlfriend, Nigel invites his friend Sandra on a preplanned escape to Egypt. What should have been a simple getaway transforms into a pulse-pounding odyssey when Nigel, on a whim, buys a seemingly harmless trinket at the airport. That innocuous purchase draws him and Sandra to the enigmatic Whackowiki pyramids, where a hidden, ancient power known as the 'Control Spark' alters the course of their lives forever. Suddenly imbued with the astonishing ability to manipulate matter, Nigel becomes a magnet for forces far beyond his understanding. Alien civilizations, each with their own agendas, soon descend upon Earth, determined to seize the Control Spark. What follows is a frantic struggle as Nigel must defend his friends, navigate the treacherous waters of international diplomacy, and ward off a looming extraterrestrial invasion. Humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Carr’s ambitious exploration of scientific concepts and alien cultures stands out as a highlight. The narrative boldly tackles complex theories, yet the writing remains accessible and engaging. The scientific elements, which could easily have overwhelmed the story, are deftly handled and surprisingly easy to grasp. Furthermore, the diversity of extraterrestrial civilizations is nothing short of mesmerizing. Each alien race is crafted with remarkable attention to detail, boasting unique physiologies, societal structures, and motivations that bring the intergalactic conflict to vivid life. The novel's global perspective offers a breath of fresh air. Unlike many science fiction tales that default to a US-centric approach, Control Spark unfolds across international landscapes, with countries from around the world playing pivotal roles. Carr paints a realistic picture of how nations might truly band together in the face of an existential threat, adding a layer of authenticity to the unfolding crisis.

Control Spark still delivers an exhilarating ride packed with action and thought-provoking ideas. Sci-fi enthusiasts who revel in tales of alien intrigue and grand scientific concepts will find much to appreciate. This novel demands the attention of adult readers ready for a story that’s thrilling, ambitious, and unafraid to imagine the unimaginable.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've gotten used to saying something like "this is Carr at his best! But honestly he's outdone himself here. The beginning is so much like his other books--you have the snark and satire we've grown used to. But as we get into the book, we realize that he's kinda taking on some more serious issues. He's got a lot more going on in this one, imho, than he does in the other books I've read. Or he's got a lot more in all of them than what I've given him credit for--perhaps both. There's still a LOT of satire throughout, don't get me wrong, and it's funny! But there's this undertone of seriousness, there are discussions between characters that underpin the satire and hilarity, leading to this one feeling a bit heavier than the other books. This I actually kinda liked. I enjoyed it far more for the hint of seriousness and realism. Trust me, the realism is minimal, but many things do hit home. Perhaps I'm just having a day or 2, but I appreciate the subtlety of the satire enmeshed with the heart. I'm not sure my words are really doing it justice, nor explaining just how fantastic this book was. It has a lot of great twists and turns. And I'll be seriously disappointed if it just ends with this book. I think there's much more coming, and I cannot wait for what's next! Im absolutely along for the ride!!!

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel follows the life and times of Nigel. From the heartfelt moments to the serious obstacles of the daily grind, Nigel's life has struggles that many people will understand. Nigel faces socio-economic struggles that pit him against life challenges, which in turn lead Nigel to meet some interesting characters! Some of these individuals include personalities like someone Nigel encounters in his home, but who may or may not be an intruder! The author writes in an interesting and lyrical way, with unexpected surprises and scenarios that are very unique. This is a well-recommended read by a well-written science fiction author, Simon Carr. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and you will love it also!

[Matthew W Seniff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of the author of Control Spark and he does not disappoint. There are very few authors that make me burst out in laughter while I’m reading it. I’m talking about laughter that makes the other people in a waiting room react. My dog is staring at me, wondering why I’m laughing while I’m reading it. Perhaps we should read Control Spark alone in the dark with a flashlight.
Fortunately no one will judge you (at least not yet) for spreading gales of laughter. This book is the perfect antidote for a bad day at work.
Control Spark is the ultimate multiverse based story. In fact it grabs the multiverse by its tail and gives it a big shake. I recommend to anyone with a funny bone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monty Python meets Independence Day in this outrageous novel. Nigel Bates (no relation), an average Joe, stumbles onto a centuries old item that represents all the power in the universe. He and two friends find themselves suddenly in the middle of an alien invasion. The aliens want the item back and are prepared to destroy all life on Earth to get it. That's the basic gist of the book but there are many snarky comedic allusions to politics and society. I was never certain if this was science fiction or comedy. I guess it's both.
I would recommend this book if you like tongue in cheek fiction and general weirdness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A break in where nothing was stolen, a broken relationship and a subsequent trip to Egypt take our hero and his sidekick on a fantastic journey where incidents had me laughing so hard I had to mop tears before I could continue to read. The events that follow are so unexpected and the way Simon tells them you are compelled to read to see where the tale takes you.
I strongly recommend you read this somewhere that outbursts of laughter will not disturb (i.e. not the public library) unless you don't mind strange looks, but read it you should.
This book was a free review copy but I would have paid to read it as I have become a huge fan of Simon Carr since the first book I read

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was very entertained by this story. I was just amazed at how this author can take a subject like quantum physics and make it laugh-out-loud humorous. I enjoyed all the twists and turns this story underwent. I liked Nigal, who just seemed to be an ordinary fellow whose life became utter pandemonium. I thought William Sky's narration was a great pleasure to listen to as his performance was very entertaining. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Nemesis Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild, witty ride with a mind-bending premise and a mop with way too much personality! Simon Carr delivers a story that’s as chaotic as it is clever, and William Sky’s narration brings every twist to life with energy and charm. If you’re ready for a fast-paced adventure packed with humor, mystery, and reality-breaking questions, this one’s a must-listen!

[PlotTwist_Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nigel adventure that begins with heartbreak and end in battle for Earth’s survival. After saving it for 15 months to go on a trip out with his girlfriend to Egypt she breaks up with him just before the trip so instead, he takes his friend from work. This is a funny, witty, unpredictable weird. Strange Science Fiction cluster f*ck of a book.

[John Bitsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book . The story was fast paced and had me hooked from the 1st page. Definitely recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[robert wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't get enough of these quirky characters, like all of Carr's works, it was hilarious from start to finish. Super excited to read more in this saga as most of these are more than 1 book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I have my life put on hold. Yes this book has me wondering where my mop is to clean up the tears from laughing so hard. Simon Carr has become my favorite author when I need a good laugh.

[Nupur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good one. A twisted, weird but entertaining Book. Enjoyed listening to this audio book. It was a fun experience.

[Janelle Halstead · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly tried. I had about an hour and 40 minutes left in the audiobook and it’s a DNF for me. It was humorous at first that just drizzled out for me. Definitely not for me.

[Korra II Allison Baskerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot-wise, there’s really nothing special going on. There is a competent plot, but more than anything, it’s a wall to bounce jokes off of. I requested this book as a review copy for one reason, and one reason only. The author. The cover art caught my eye, I read “Simon Carr”, and knew it was going to be fucking hilarious. And goddamn, the legend didn’t disappoint.

It reminds me of Vaughn Ashby’s Aurora Wasteland Literary Universe. I wish I knew a better way to describe this sort of humor. Characters often make sarcastic remarks or responses to each other, clearly intending to be a joke, and the other characters really don’t react, and instead run with it. The comedy is more for the reader/listener, than for the characters, and I think that’s what makes it work so well.

It’s full of 2020s meta humor, such as making fun of so-called “authors” who shit out “books” using “A.I.”, world leaders, social media users, and so on. The jokes might fly over the heads of people who don’t spend much time on the internet though. Not every joke landed for me, but I still laughed at many of them, and some I simply didn’t get, though that didn’t take away from the story as a whole.

Unfortunately the narration is bleh. The narrator would do voices, making each character sound distinct, and then over time they’d all start to sound the same. It was often difficult to tell people apart in conversations, and then there’d be a periodic reset (likely a different recording session) where he’d put effort into things again.

If the book sounds appealing to you, I’d also reccomend Our Fathers by Simon Carr, and “In the Image of Man” for its slightly similar plot idea.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Control Spark is laugh out loud funny from page one. Excellent characters and witty dialog coupled with one of Simon Carr's trademark ludicrous plots make this a joy to read.

Ancient Egyptian Pyramids and Alien invasion are just the beginning of a really fun adventure.