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B of the Bang
All across London, billionaires receive an emergency alert from specialist extraction company B of the Bang. A nuclear missile is inbound and society's elite have less than 70 minutes to reach the bunkers. As they head for the exits, it's your fault if you get in the way.
From the bestselling indie author of the modern classic Before and After, B of the Bang is a satire of wealth, power, lobsters, inequality and why you shouldn't flush wet wipes down the toilet.
From the bestselling indie author of the modern classic Before and After, B of the Bang is a satire of wealth, power, lobsters, inequality and why you shouldn't flush wet wipes down the toilet.
328 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2024
94 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Shanahan
14 books325 followersAbout me:
Best-selling author of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic fiction. Books tend to have elements of horror in them too, mostly because I'm pretty degenerate and I like books where there's a smattering of gore.
If you would like to die in one of my books then you can add your name to the HAT OF DEATH by filling in the form here:
http://www.iwillliterarilykillyou.com/
For legal reasons I have to point out that this is a literary, rather than a literal death. You're quite safe.
Best-selling author of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic fiction. Books tend to have elements of horror in them too, mostly because I'm pretty degenerate and I like books where there's a smattering of gore.
If you would like to die in one of my books then you can add your name to the HAT OF DEATH by filling in the form here:
http://www.iwillliterarilykillyou.com/
For legal reasons I have to point out that this is a literary, rather than a literal death. You're quite safe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 5, 2025
B of the Bang is a company offering a unique service for the ultra-wealthy. An early warning extraction in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist or nuclear strike.
It starts off with several billionaires getting the call via a custom black briefcase, that a nuclear strike is imminent. If they can make their way to an exfiltration point there will be 2 bunker spots available to them - it's only available to gold level and higher members though, so a certain member of the Royal family misses out as she only has a silver membership.
But, is all as it seems or has someone made a mistake?
At around the same time, a plane crash lands into the Thames that's carrying the Prime Minister. It's hard to write anything more about the plot without spoiling it, so I'll just round up what I thought.
This was a madcap, mishmash of a book set in the UK. It was really funny in parts, and had me crying with laughter - the humour was very British, silly and self-deprecating. The satirical aspects certainly touched close to home with corrupt politicians, dodgy Royals, ridiculous mainstream media and narcissistic billionaires.
Nonetheless, had a decent plot and some likeable, and in equal measure, some loathsome characters. Bradford Alderman VIIII, is one of those aforementioned loathsome characters and an utterly pathetic man. But it has to be said, some of his scenes were the funniest, and you even felt sorry for him at times... only to immediately hate him again.
There's some dark stuff in here too. There's one scene that had me wincing - and I'm not even a man. Jenny and William certainly had their thing going on.
I thought this one was a lot of fun, but it really will boil down to what you're tastes are. I'd also say strictly speaking this isn't post-apocalyptic, more like pre-dystopian... maybe?
I remember reading the Before and After duology a while ago and really liked it, so I was glad when I stumbled on this. The Author definitely has a knack for nailing the Brits and our stereotypes and humour.
Rating this one a 3.5 but will round up to 4.
It starts off with several billionaires getting the call via a custom black briefcase, that a nuclear strike is imminent. If they can make their way to an exfiltration point there will be 2 bunker spots available to them - it's only available to gold level and higher members though, so a certain member of the Royal family misses out as she only has a silver membership.
But, is all as it seems or has someone made a mistake?
At around the same time, a plane crash lands into the Thames that's carrying the Prime Minister. It's hard to write anything more about the plot without spoiling it, so I'll just round up what I thought.
This was a madcap, mishmash of a book set in the UK. It was really funny in parts, and had me crying with laughter - the humour was very British, silly and self-deprecating. The satirical aspects certainly touched close to home with corrupt politicians, dodgy Royals, ridiculous mainstream media and narcissistic billionaires.
Nonetheless, had a decent plot and some likeable, and in equal measure, some loathsome characters. Bradford Alderman VIIII, is one of those aforementioned loathsome characters and an utterly pathetic man. But it has to be said, some of his scenes were the funniest, and you even felt sorry for him at times... only to immediately hate him again.
There's some dark stuff in here too. There's one scene that had me wincing - and I'm not even a man. Jenny and William certainly had their thing going on.
I thought this one was a lot of fun, but it really will boil down to what you're tastes are. I'd also say strictly speaking this isn't post-apocalyptic, more like pre-dystopian... maybe?
I remember reading the Before and After duology a while ago and really liked it, so I was glad when I stumbled on this. The Author definitely has a knack for nailing the Brits and our stereotypes and humour.
Rating this one a 3.5 but will round up to 4.
November 7, 2024
Absolutely love this book.
The end of the world by nuclear bomb is coming. The book follows a whole host of billionaires attempts to flee to safety from London.
There is so much chaos caused by incredible stupidity that it kept me hooked from the beginning. A new perspective on the end of the word scenario, I’ve laughed, gagged and been utterly appalled by the behaviour of the characters. You are kept on your toes until the very end. I spent the whole book rooting for a lobster (definitely not a line I thought I’d ever utter). Long live King Glen 🎉
The end of the world by nuclear bomb is coming. The book follows a whole host of billionaires attempts to flee to safety from London.
There is so much chaos caused by incredible stupidity that it kept me hooked from the beginning. A new perspective on the end of the word scenario, I’ve laughed, gagged and been utterly appalled by the behaviour of the characters. You are kept on your toes until the very end. I spent the whole book rooting for a lobster (definitely not a line I thought I’d ever utter). Long live King Glen 🎉
December 31, 2024
Didn’t vibe with this book at all but refused to dnf it
October 29, 2024
B of the Bang review
Absolutely hilarious, apocalyptic romp
From the first pages, ‘B of the Bang’ takes you on a wild ride through London which will have you laughing one second and grimacing the next. It’s the kind of book where you find yourself staying up way too late to read it because you keep wanting more, it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year.
I read a lot of apocalyptic novels and this is definitely the most bonkers and unexpected book of this genre; they are typically harrowing and depressing whereas ‘B of the Bang’ takes the subject matter and turns it on its head, then shoots it, uses a stun-gun on it and then flushes it down the toilet. Every twist and turn is unpredictable and you find that by the end, you’re genuinely moved by the story. You meet characters that you instantly warm to and others that you would happily punch in the face. It ticks every box for me; easy to read, memorable for all the right reasons and relatable characters and situations. 100% must buy - it would also make a great gift if you happen to have an ‘impossible to buy for’ billionaire friend.
Absolutely hilarious, apocalyptic romp
From the first pages, ‘B of the Bang’ takes you on a wild ride through London which will have you laughing one second and grimacing the next. It’s the kind of book where you find yourself staying up way too late to read it because you keep wanting more, it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year.
I read a lot of apocalyptic novels and this is definitely the most bonkers and unexpected book of this genre; they are typically harrowing and depressing whereas ‘B of the Bang’ takes the subject matter and turns it on its head, then shoots it, uses a stun-gun on it and then flushes it down the toilet. Every twist and turn is unpredictable and you find that by the end, you’re genuinely moved by the story. You meet characters that you instantly warm to and others that you would happily punch in the face. It ticks every box for me; easy to read, memorable for all the right reasons and relatable characters and situations. 100% must buy - it would also make a great gift if you happen to have an ‘impossible to buy for’ billionaire friend.
November 1, 2024
As someone with a famously terrible attention span, I read this in one sitting on a train between Glasgow and London. It may help that I was picked for the I WILL LITERARILY KILL YOU section:
"Several of the names in this book were provided by my readers who donated their names to save me from thinking of fictitious ones, something I find strangely hard to do. The deal is that they lend me their name and I find ways to feature or kill them in my writing. You can join them. Sign up for free at www.iwillliterarilykillyou.com Lauren Crossley Ryan Patrick Kaye Eilidh Miller William Monroe Jennifer Morgan Chris Morton Tabitha Montaner Felicity O’Keeffe Angelina Warden Mia Raquel Wilson"
A tremendous thanks to Andrew for not making me face the fatberg, or generally be a billionaire nightmare. I'll accept the PMs promised pint.
"Several of the names in this book were provided by my readers who donated their names to save me from thinking of fictitious ones, something I find strangely hard to do. The deal is that they lend me their name and I find ways to feature or kill them in my writing. You can join them. Sign up for free at www.iwillliterarilykillyou.com Lauren Crossley Ryan Patrick Kaye Eilidh Miller William Monroe Jennifer Morgan Chris Morton Tabitha Montaner Felicity O’Keeffe Angelina Warden Mia Raquel Wilson"
A tremendous thanks to Andrew for not making me face the fatberg, or generally be a billionaire nightmare. I'll accept the PMs promised pint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
Another 5 star read from this writer! It took me a little while to get into this one, but once I was in, I was hooked. Underneath all the chaos and utter randomness, this book is extremely sharp and witty, with lots of subtle observations about modern society. It has a superb cast of characters: some utterly detestable, and others so loveable that I was rooting for them the whole way. The plot seems to be a bit all over the place to start with, but it all ties together perfectly at the end. And I loved the epilogue!! If this is your first time experiencing the superb writing of Andrew Shanahan, I highly recommend you immediately purchase Before and After (and its sequel).
January 7, 2026
An excellent read. B of the Bang hurtles toward disaster, it's full of funny, odd and sometimes detestable characters.
The book starts with a simple yet horrifying premise: a nuclear missile is incoming, and there's about an hour to reach safety.
Shanahan manages to turn this doomsday scenario into a brilliantly chaotic, darkly hilarious adventure.
I've read a few from this author now and enjoyed them all.
The book starts with a simple yet horrifying premise: a nuclear missile is incoming, and there's about an hour to reach safety.
Shanahan manages to turn this doomsday scenario into a brilliantly chaotic, darkly hilarious adventure.
I've read a few from this author now and enjoyed them all.
December 28, 2024
Another cracking read with some hilarious moments, a pacey plot filled with well formed, believable characters. I've not read anything by Andrew Shanahan that I haven't loved. Well deserved 5 stars.
March 13, 2025
I first encountered this author when I joined X (then Twitter) and he messaged asking if I fancied a dystopian read or was it too 2020!. This piqued my interest and I ordered the Kindle version of Before and Author which is now a firm favourite of mine in the genre. I was also part of The End of The World Reading Club in time for the sequel Blood and Flesh to be released and now join the club in cheerleading Shan.
B of the Bang is a very different vibe to the Before and After series. This isn’t a bad thing but it was far more satirical with political undertones. This meant a different sort of humour which was near to the knuckle at times but still made me laugh out loud. Its actually more realistic than some dystopian fiction even with one of the main characters wearing a lobster suit….
The characterisation was excellent and although the characters are fictional, you can definitely see where some of the inspiration came from! I also loved all the animal characters who were bit parts but definitely stole some of the scenes (Ronan, Mitzy, The Colonel, Fudge and of course King Gary the lobster). The interconnecting storylines were cleverly weaved together as we learn how different people react to the threat of a nuclear missile heading towards London. It definitely made you think – what would YOU do?
I sped through this one by reading and listening to the audio (great narrator by the way!). A must if you are in the mood for a good ol’ British nuclear warhead/billionaire superiority/corrupt PM’s/unrequired love kind of story.
B of the Bang is a very different vibe to the Before and After series. This isn’t a bad thing but it was far more satirical with political undertones. This meant a different sort of humour which was near to the knuckle at times but still made me laugh out loud. Its actually more realistic than some dystopian fiction even with one of the main characters wearing a lobster suit….
The characterisation was excellent and although the characters are fictional, you can definitely see where some of the inspiration came from! I also loved all the animal characters who were bit parts but definitely stole some of the scenes (Ronan, Mitzy, The Colonel, Fudge and of course King Gary the lobster). The interconnecting storylines were cleverly weaved together as we learn how different people react to the threat of a nuclear missile heading towards London. It definitely made you think – what would YOU do?
I sped through this one by reading and listening to the audio (great narrator by the way!). A must if you are in the mood for a good ol’ British nuclear warhead/billionaire superiority/corrupt PM’s/unrequired love kind of story.
October 31, 2024
Andrew Shanahan has done it again. After swallowing my bitter disappointment that Shan's most recent offering doesn't feature Ben and Brown (I implore you to read Before and After, after B of the Bang of course) I went in with very high hopes. These hopes were absolutely not dashed. Shan has the ability to quickly bring characters to life, such that after just a few lines they walk straight off the page. Well, some walk. Others scuttle, impeded by their foam exoskeleton. Others still strut with the unearned confidence that only a Scion with a cavalier approach to Roman numerals has.
This is an apocalyptic novel like no other; it is foul-mouthed, sarcastic, achingly astute satire. Every time I thought I knew what was coming...nope! We lurched off in another mad direction with carefully crafted microenvironments setting the scene so well I could almost smell it (thanks for that).
The apparent insatiable thirst for stupidity of some of the characters makes for many laughs out loud moments but Shan's real strength is in creating rounded humans that the reader can't help but empathise with and root for. Needless to say, I adored B of the Bang, and after devouring it in 3 days I have renewed my membership with the Shan Appreciation Society.
This is an apocalyptic novel like no other; it is foul-mouthed, sarcastic, achingly astute satire. Every time I thought I knew what was coming...nope! We lurched off in another mad direction with carefully crafted microenvironments setting the scene so well I could almost smell it (thanks for that).
The apparent insatiable thirst for stupidity of some of the characters makes for many laughs out loud moments but Shan's real strength is in creating rounded humans that the reader can't help but empathise with and root for. Needless to say, I adored B of the Bang, and after devouring it in 3 days I have renewed my membership with the Shan Appreciation Society.
March 6, 2025
B of the Bang is like watching a high-speed train hurtle toward disaster—except the train is full of London’s oddest (and sometimes most loathsome) people and you can’t look away (That or the scene in Austin Powers with the steamroller I’ve not decided yet). The book starts with a simple yet horrifying premise: a nuclear missile is incoming, and there’s just over an hour to reach safety. Serious business, right? Well, somehow, Shanahan manages to turn this doomsday scenario into a brilliantly chaotic, darkly hilarious adventure.
Each chapter introduces a new character, like speed-dating with the apocalypse. Some you’ll love, some you’ll loathe, the pace is relentless, the twists come out of nowhere, and the humor is delightfully twisted. One moment you laugh at a character’s ridiculous reaction to impending doom, and the next you’re contemplating the deep, unsettling truths about human nature.
The cultural references are en pointe from Craig David to passcodes to Boursin! Disgusting, revolting and I loved it!
It’s satire, its survival, and it’s an absolute riot. Shanahan has taken the disaster genre and sprinkled in just the right amount of absurdity, making B of the Bang an unmissable read. Five stars—and an emergency go-bag—highly recommended.
Each chapter introduces a new character, like speed-dating with the apocalypse. Some you’ll love, some you’ll loathe, the pace is relentless, the twists come out of nowhere, and the humor is delightfully twisted. One moment you laugh at a character’s ridiculous reaction to impending doom, and the next you’re contemplating the deep, unsettling truths about human nature.
The cultural references are en pointe from Craig David to passcodes to Boursin! Disgusting, revolting and I loved it!
It’s satire, its survival, and it’s an absolute riot. Shanahan has taken the disaster genre and sprinkled in just the right amount of absurdity, making B of the Bang an unmissable read. Five stars—and an emergency go-bag—highly recommended.
March 3, 2025
Wow.
I'm a big fan of this author's work, having read his Before and After duology, but this blew me away (pun only sort of intended).
The satirical comedy is just ridiculous enough to seem absurd but also, unfortunately, realistic enough that, given the state of the world as is, it isn't unrelatable. The depth of the characters is amazing considering there are so many of them - Shanahan has written them all so well that you find yourself really rooting for them, or not as the case may be. I know of a few writers who can't manage anything more than 2D personalities with a smaller cast than BOTB.
There are twists and turns that really keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think one thing is wrapped up, another comes along and rips it open again! Each way is so refreshingly apart from the last that the dead horse isn't being beaten within an inch of its afterlife but rather Frankensteined back to life before being slaughtered all over again in a different way every time - thoroughly enjoyable.
I can't wait to read more of his work. There are great things to come from Andrew Shanahan!
I'm a big fan of this author's work, having read his Before and After duology, but this blew me away (pun only sort of intended).
The satirical comedy is just ridiculous enough to seem absurd but also, unfortunately, realistic enough that, given the state of the world as is, it isn't unrelatable. The depth of the characters is amazing considering there are so many of them - Shanahan has written them all so well that you find yourself really rooting for them, or not as the case may be. I know of a few writers who can't manage anything more than 2D personalities with a smaller cast than BOTB.
There are twists and turns that really keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think one thing is wrapped up, another comes along and rips it open again! Each way is so refreshingly apart from the last that the dead horse isn't being beaten within an inch of its afterlife but rather Frankensteined back to life before being slaughtered all over again in a different way every time - thoroughly enjoyable.
I can't wait to read more of his work. There are great things to come from Andrew Shanahan!
October 31, 2024
This book is a mad, chaotic, gory and beautifully executed romp through a (possibly?) apocalyptic future based in London. This characters of the story are detailed and 3d, and you either love or hate them. There are so many characters in fact that you are introduced to a new one each chapter, and you wonder how you'll keep up, but Andrew's excellent writing means you don't need to worry as the story unfolds in front of you. All you really need to know is that there might be missiles. Or there might not! But mainly it's a funny tale of the true human condition when faced with possible catastrophe, and the depths some people will go to in order to try and meet their own needs. If you like clever writing, a good chuckle, a bit of wincing and wanting to read bits through your fingers, and apocalyptic story lines then this book is for you!
November 1, 2024
Again Shanahan smashes this writing business by coming out with another book that I could not put down and am eager to reread! I have loved his other titles and read Before and After/ Flesh and Bones multiple times.
B of The Bang does not disappoint and I was utterly engrossed in the journeys of its characters; each having their individual tale but also intertwined with the others in various ways - much like real life. I laughed out loud frequently and my only disappointment was that it had to end and now I have to wait for another book!
B of The Bang does not disappoint and I was utterly engrossed in the journeys of its characters; each having their individual tale but also intertwined with the others in various ways - much like real life. I laughed out loud frequently and my only disappointment was that it had to end and now I have to wait for another book!
November 2, 2024
Take a royal, a megalomaniac and a lobster.Who do you think will win through when the end of the world is nigh?
This story is fast paced and some of the characters you are rooting for and some you definitely aren't!
As you are dragged through a world of panic and confusion there are wonderful sparks of dark humour and scenes that will definitely make your eyes water.
The characters are pin sharp and I enjoyed every moment of their journey.
Keep your gold coins close and your enemies closer.
Brilliant writing.I can't wait for another book!
This story is fast paced and some of the characters you are rooting for and some you definitely aren't!
As you are dragged through a world of panic and confusion there are wonderful sparks of dark humour and scenes that will definitely make your eyes water.
The characters are pin sharp and I enjoyed every moment of their journey.
Keep your gold coins close and your enemies closer.
Brilliant writing.I can't wait for another book!
August 8, 2025
Andrew Shanahan is easily the most creative writer I have ever come across! No one could even possibly come close to any of his plots, story lines and incredible characters. I truly love everything about his work. This only got a 4 from me as before and after/flesh and blood are my favourite reads from him. I sometimes got a little lost with how many characters we were following throughout the novel but we got there in the end. Truly one of the best underground indie authors I’ve ever come across!
January 10, 2025
This was an excellent read. Hilarious from start to finish and undoubtedly the funniest book I have ever read. I would regularly be caught laughing out loud at this book (something which never happens) and didn’t mind one bit. If you’re British, you’ll love it. The parody and references in this book are unrivalled.
March 9, 2025
B for Bang started as a solid 3-4 star read, but at the halfway mark, it launched into a whole new league. By the end, I had to bump it up to a 5. Seriously entertaining, packed with sharp wit, and loaded with twists and turns—plus, that ending? A total missile strike out of nowhere. Buckle up for impact.
April 1, 2025
Reading club read [EOTWRC]: a bonus book for the club as it's a new book by a favoured author. I'd never read anything by him before but the cover was promising and I was hooked on the nuttiness of the first chapter. It's a chaotic ride through London (probably helps if you know the city better than I do). Thoroughly enjoyable and extremely unpleasant (in a very funny way) at times.
April 21, 2025
an excellently observed often hillarious satire of the modern era and the juxtaposition of wealth and reality.
a brilliant ensemble cast of characters, ranging from the gig economy workers to retail billionaires and denizens of white hall.
all crossing paths in an excellent array of gags and scenarios.
a great read, and frankly begging for a tv adaptation
a brilliant ensemble cast of characters, ranging from the gig economy workers to retail billionaires and denizens of white hall.
all crossing paths in an excellent array of gags and scenarios.
a great read, and frankly begging for a tv adaptation
April 30, 2025
Not for me this....extremely try hard and is probably a rejected TV thing. The cliche character tropes with the over the top "bloody hell this is crazy this but let's make a joke" lines are excruciating so are the characters trying to get you connected to any of them just didn't work for me....then the plot just plods. Sorry just not for me.
July 21, 2025
B of the Bang is a brilliantly bonkers satire with a heartfelt message behind the comedy, and I loved every single chaotic moment of it. I don’t think I’ve EVER laughed out loud at a book as much as I did with this one. I can’t recommend it enough. There’s one scene in particular involving two of the characters that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon, and all I can say is: ouch.
October 31, 2024
I wrote this book so you may want to consider my bias. That said, I do really like the joke about trickle down economics and the fact that I made myself sick while writing the scene where they are in [redacted].
January 17, 2025
A gross, silly, bawdy satire about the apocalypse that I don’t think was for me. Loved the scenario but found most of the characters abhorrent and some of the situations they found themselves in a bit cringey rather than hilarious. That said, it did have some very funny lines that made me laugh out loud.
February 19, 2025
Kobe! Honestly an instant favourite. Can’t wait to read every single andrew shanahan book there is. Suckled this one down in 9 sweet days.
Word of warning though, do avoid eating an egg sandwich if you’re approaching page 186-7.
Word of warning though, do avoid eating an egg sandwich if you’re approaching page 186-7.
August 17, 2025
I really wanted to love this book and I can’t really give it a fair review as I have DNF’d it. The premise is interesting and funny, the writing is good - I just think it’s not for me and that’s okay!
August 23, 2025
Never a dull moment
Darkly comic and full of larger than life characters who find themselves swept along in a spiralling situation. The author has a wonderful way of describing things in only four or five words.
Darkly comic and full of larger than life characters who find themselves swept along in a spiralling situation. The author has a wonderful way of describing things in only four or five words.
October 16, 2025
Andrew Shanahan surely has a way with words and comes up with the most original idea.
If you ever think you have messed up at work, think again! What a hilarious ride! I found myself cackling and some of things I read. Highly recommend
If you ever think you have messed up at work, think again! What a hilarious ride! I found myself cackling and some of things I read. Highly recommend
February 2, 2025
Love love loved this book- smashed it and the other 2 (Before and After, Flesh and Blood) in one weekend. I couldn’t put any of them down and am really sad that I’ve finished them. So well written, amazing characters, so funny, silly and clever. Roll on the next one- I’m waiting!!
February 2, 2025
London in chaos, rich people doing stupid things, grossness beneath the city… this book has it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews