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Making Monsters
Librarian note: An older cover for this edition can be found here: 23-Feb-2014.
Making Monsters is an apocalyptic horse race. Ozark reluctantly participates in a half-baked conspiracy to overthrow the United Corporations of America. But time is running out. Manmade earthquakes create sinkholes that devour the landscape. Engineered sterility devastates crops and plant life. Chemically induced insomnia spreads like a virus. Scorned militants indulge dark desires. And ancient, subterranean nightmares will compete to bring the era of man to an abrupt and unmerciful conclusion. The end is near…and it's corporately sponsored.
Making Monsters is an apocalyptic horse race. Ozark reluctantly participates in a half-baked conspiracy to overthrow the United Corporations of America. But time is running out. Manmade earthquakes create sinkholes that devour the landscape. Engineered sterility devastates crops and plant life. Chemically induced insomnia spreads like a virus. Scorned militants indulge dark desires. And ancient, subterranean nightmares will compete to bring the era of man to an abrupt and unmerciful conclusion. The end is near…and it's corporately sponsored.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2014
5 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Joe Turk
2 books17 followersJoe Turk is a gallery exhibited surrealist painter, animator, professional hand double, licensed architect, gaming enthusiast, and collector of amusing cat photos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 16, 2016
An oddly heartwarming dystopia
Summary: Ozark and a “misfit toys” collection of co-conspirators—gamer, pole dancer, assassin, gay actor and so forth--must overthrow the United Corporations of America (Health, Energy, Defense etc.) while surviving and/or escaping their quasi prisoner/slave existence. They struggle at it for a while, but are overcome by events. The End.
Review: The plotline and world-building are the simplest of threads, straightforward from oddly intriguing and mysterious kick-off chapters to gentle build in the middle and gallop to a mighty and powerful end. The treat here is the characters, a huge and high quality chocolate box of unique and delicious characters. We’ve got generals airlifted in from Dr. Strangelove. As mentioned above, a pole dancer with a heart of gold. Several gamers, hardcore, and their evil bot opponents. Murderous assassin-roommates. A handsome gay actor with a flair for on-stage revolutionary fervor. Our hero, Ozark, of course, but I will leave the reader to discovery him. Turk is a marvelous character builder. Even the minor characters linger with you, each with their own speech and behavior patterns and perfect reality. The storyline and world are social commentary sketches, more absurd than strictly plausible, powerfully but non-didactically skewering our crony capitalist current reality by taking it to absurd extremes and then letting events unfold. The author also takes aim at online dating sites, military leaders, and seed manufacturers, among other fun explorations.
I loved the writing. Unobtrusive when the action was galloping along, full of delicious observations and turns of phrases during slower periods, this book was a true pleasure to read. From the first chapter, I relaxed into the absurdities and trusted the author, for I felt safe in the hands of a mad master. The book might piss off a few ardent regulation-hating capitalists, but anyone with a sense of humor will enjoy it. Little tricks, like a chapter number countdown, demonstrate the intelligence and craft behind every line. I suppose it is strange to call a dystopian novel “heartwarming” but it actually was, in spite of all the tragedies, and the dead people, and the insect-things, and the end of the world as we know it.
Recommendation: I happily recommend this book for those who like dystopian fiction mixed with a little gently humorous social commentary. The writing and craft are top-notch. Some sexy moments and cartoon violence, but nothing gross or graphic.
Summary: Ozark and a “misfit toys” collection of co-conspirators—gamer, pole dancer, assassin, gay actor and so forth--must overthrow the United Corporations of America (Health, Energy, Defense etc.) while surviving and/or escaping their quasi prisoner/slave existence. They struggle at it for a while, but are overcome by events. The End.
Review: The plotline and world-building are the simplest of threads, straightforward from oddly intriguing and mysterious kick-off chapters to gentle build in the middle and gallop to a mighty and powerful end. The treat here is the characters, a huge and high quality chocolate box of unique and delicious characters. We’ve got generals airlifted in from Dr. Strangelove. As mentioned above, a pole dancer with a heart of gold. Several gamers, hardcore, and their evil bot opponents. Murderous assassin-roommates. A handsome gay actor with a flair for on-stage revolutionary fervor. Our hero, Ozark, of course, but I will leave the reader to discovery him. Turk is a marvelous character builder. Even the minor characters linger with you, each with their own speech and behavior patterns and perfect reality. The storyline and world are social commentary sketches, more absurd than strictly plausible, powerfully but non-didactically skewering our crony capitalist current reality by taking it to absurd extremes and then letting events unfold. The author also takes aim at online dating sites, military leaders, and seed manufacturers, among other fun explorations.
I loved the writing. Unobtrusive when the action was galloping along, full of delicious observations and turns of phrases during slower periods, this book was a true pleasure to read. From the first chapter, I relaxed into the absurdities and trusted the author, for I felt safe in the hands of a mad master. The book might piss off a few ardent regulation-hating capitalists, but anyone with a sense of humor will enjoy it. Little tricks, like a chapter number countdown, demonstrate the intelligence and craft behind every line. I suppose it is strange to call a dystopian novel “heartwarming” but it actually was, in spite of all the tragedies, and the dead people, and the insect-things, and the end of the world as we know it.
Recommendation: I happily recommend this book for those who like dystopian fiction mixed with a little gently humorous social commentary. The writing and craft are top-notch. Some sexy moments and cartoon violence, but nothing gross or graphic.
August 2, 2016
Where shall I exactly begin with this novel? First off, I have to say that Making Monsters has stuck with me in a way that is quite hard to explain, even hours after reading it. Think of Joe Turk's writing abilities like you would maybe a snowball. But a snowball that is gingerly being rolled up a rocky mountain in Aspen, Colorado or wherever your mind so happens to wander geographically. That ball then becomes a massive boulder of snow, it becomes a force that bonds the entire structural integrity of the hypothetical (stay with me here) mountain...and then finally, a towering avalanche brings it all down in one swift and beautiful motion.
That's how I actually felt when reading this book. And it was an exhilarating rush of a read altogether. While it did start off the day much like I would with some lethargic aspirations, it deftly paid off in droves at the end. There are just so many things I could say right now about what I loved specifically within the contents of this story, but I'll just do some rapid-fire thoughts about it.
The countdown concept with the chapters. That was such a simple, effective way of building tension...without you even realizing that it had been doing so the entire time in the background.
The intelligent passages of dialogue and narrative. To me, author Joe Turk writes in a way that is without any pretension, a talented and passionate visionary that has definitively garnered my respect when it comes to fearless storytelling. Needless to say, I'm ready for whatever is next.
The wide-reaching imagination and the eerie realness of the novel as a whole. I enjoyed so many sections, so many characters (Evander was my personal favorite, Yohan a very CLOSE second), so many connect-the-dot moments. One of my true joys in life is when a story comes together wonderfully and Making Monsters does with that ease.
The ending. Not to ruin anything for future readers, but I couldn't have imagined a better way to close up shop. It was so descriptive and properly apocalyptic. I felt the shimmering picturesque images embed themselves vividly into my own make-believe interpretation of the events unfolding.
The message overall. This is the part that I respected the most about this novel. While it was clearly written in a fashion meant to entertain throughout, it is equipped with a powerful lesson about humanity in general. About what we are doing to this world and how we are defiantly oblivious to the destruction creaking underneath the floorboards of our supposed delusional importance.
You know something...truth be told, I'd like to reread this book one day. And I'd like to get lost in its fun all over again whilst being holed up in an underground bunker.
That's how I actually felt when reading this book. And it was an exhilarating rush of a read altogether. While it did start off the day much like I would with some lethargic aspirations, it deftly paid off in droves at the end. There are just so many things I could say right now about what I loved specifically within the contents of this story, but I'll just do some rapid-fire thoughts about it.
The countdown concept with the chapters. That was such a simple, effective way of building tension...without you even realizing that it had been doing so the entire time in the background.
The intelligent passages of dialogue and narrative. To me, author Joe Turk writes in a way that is without any pretension, a talented and passionate visionary that has definitively garnered my respect when it comes to fearless storytelling. Needless to say, I'm ready for whatever is next.
The wide-reaching imagination and the eerie realness of the novel as a whole. I enjoyed so many sections, so many characters (Evander was my personal favorite, Yohan a very CLOSE second), so many connect-the-dot moments. One of my true joys in life is when a story comes together wonderfully and Making Monsters does with that ease.
The ending. Not to ruin anything for future readers, but I couldn't have imagined a better way to close up shop. It was so descriptive and properly apocalyptic. I felt the shimmering picturesque images embed themselves vividly into my own make-believe interpretation of the events unfolding.
The message overall. This is the part that I respected the most about this novel. While it was clearly written in a fashion meant to entertain throughout, it is equipped with a powerful lesson about humanity in general. About what we are doing to this world and how we are defiantly oblivious to the destruction creaking underneath the floorboards of our supposed delusional importance.
You know something...truth be told, I'd like to reread this book one day. And I'd like to get lost in its fun all over again whilst being holed up in an underground bunker.
May 30, 2016
Joe Turk is an amazing artist and author. Not only did he paint his own cover (which I found to be brilliant), he used his words to paint a story as well. With all of the apocalyptic novels out there, I thought that this novel might not be as original as it could be, but I was very wrong.
Turk's story and ideas are something that I have never seen before in a novel, and I enjoyed thoroughly the idea that humans are creating their own death traps. Even though this novel follows the idea that the government and corporate officials are the ones creating man made disasters to destroy life, I felt that this was also a metaphor for how we as a race are destroying the earth and writing our own death sentences. Joe Turk was clever with his words, and through reading this novel I felt as though each scene and character were being painted before me.
For my reviews, the biggest aspect that I judge on is originality and this novel received a well deserved 5/5 for that. I didn't feel that I had read the story so many times before; instead, I felt that I was reading a story that was well thought out and had been mulled over for quite a long time. In today's day and age, I think that this novel came at the perfect time due to the conflicts that we are currently facing based on how we have treated our planet. I also think that Turk wanted the reader to understand that it isn't the earth that we should be afraid of, but our fellow humans. However, this novel wasn't preachy and only presented the reader with a situation that is much needed at this time in the world. I am gladly giving this book 5/5 and I am sure that, no matter what genres you prefer, this book will leave a lasting impression.
If you enjoy Dystopian/Apocalyptic novels, then this book is the one for you. The writing was clear and crisp and I thoroughly enjoyed stepping into Turk's world.
Turk's story and ideas are something that I have never seen before in a novel, and I enjoyed thoroughly the idea that humans are creating their own death traps. Even though this novel follows the idea that the government and corporate officials are the ones creating man made disasters to destroy life, I felt that this was also a metaphor for how we as a race are destroying the earth and writing our own death sentences. Joe Turk was clever with his words, and through reading this novel I felt as though each scene and character were being painted before me.
For my reviews, the biggest aspect that I judge on is originality and this novel received a well deserved 5/5 for that. I didn't feel that I had read the story so many times before; instead, I felt that I was reading a story that was well thought out and had been mulled over for quite a long time. In today's day and age, I think that this novel came at the perfect time due to the conflicts that we are currently facing based on how we have treated our planet. I also think that Turk wanted the reader to understand that it isn't the earth that we should be afraid of, but our fellow humans. However, this novel wasn't preachy and only presented the reader with a situation that is much needed at this time in the world. I am gladly giving this book 5/5 and I am sure that, no matter what genres you prefer, this book will leave a lasting impression.
If you enjoy Dystopian/Apocalyptic novels, then this book is the one for you. The writing was clear and crisp and I thoroughly enjoyed stepping into Turk's world.
March 27, 2016
Let me start this review by saying, what I think is funny might be considered offensive to others. A book I’d call a comedy, somebody else might call horror. That said, I thought this book was hilarious. Here’s an exchange that will give you a sense of the tone set…
“My boyfriend at the time, Marco Le Fleur, came up with the idea to fake my death and raise prices. It worked. Prices shot through the roof after they found my suicide note. He was a marketing genius. Ah, Marco, I miss you and your big, soft, puffy hands. I mean crazy soft. When you shook his hand, it was like shaking hands with a breast. Not a young breast either, like an old one. Like gripping a sandwich bag full of water.”
“None of this is true,” said Ozark.
“He was a thief, though, my Marco. He was supposed to collect the checks and we’d split the money. But he kept it all. What was I going to do, sue him? I was supposed to be dead. It all worked out in the end, though,” Haley sighed nostalgically. “I planted a lot of kiddie porn around his flat and called the gendarmes. He was mad about that. Pretty sure he’s still in jail. In jail or killed in jail. Heard some rumors he was killed, but not totally sure on that. I moved back here, like, right after.”
And thus it goes. Corporate states pilot the planet toward doom while Ozark, Haley, and a merry band of self-centered nihilists laugh their way into the abyss, competing, conspiring, and eventually murdering one another. The language is mostly simple and fast moving, though there are a few weirdly evocative spots.
Anyway, I liked the book’s message and laughed. Might fall shy of classic literature, but I was entertained. Would recommend. 5 stars.
“My boyfriend at the time, Marco Le Fleur, came up with the idea to fake my death and raise prices. It worked. Prices shot through the roof after they found my suicide note. He was a marketing genius. Ah, Marco, I miss you and your big, soft, puffy hands. I mean crazy soft. When you shook his hand, it was like shaking hands with a breast. Not a young breast either, like an old one. Like gripping a sandwich bag full of water.”
“None of this is true,” said Ozark.
“He was a thief, though, my Marco. He was supposed to collect the checks and we’d split the money. But he kept it all. What was I going to do, sue him? I was supposed to be dead. It all worked out in the end, though,” Haley sighed nostalgically. “I planted a lot of kiddie porn around his flat and called the gendarmes. He was mad about that. Pretty sure he’s still in jail. In jail or killed in jail. Heard some rumors he was killed, but not totally sure on that. I moved back here, like, right after.”
And thus it goes. Corporate states pilot the planet toward doom while Ozark, Haley, and a merry band of self-centered nihilists laugh their way into the abyss, competing, conspiring, and eventually murdering one another. The language is mostly simple and fast moving, though there are a few weirdly evocative spots.
Anyway, I liked the book’s message and laughed. Might fall shy of classic literature, but I was entertained. Would recommend. 5 stars.
May 16, 2016
Just finished Making Monsters and wanted to leave my review while the impact of the book was still fresh. O.M.G.
It is hard to articulate how amazing this wild ride was. The plot drew me in although I semi expected a heavy-handed eco diatribe wrapped in a thinly conceptualized story. Nothing could be further from the truth. The author cleverly set his dystopian tale in the future but not the distant future. The result is a world that is clearly on the skids but still familiar enough to create emotional response. The result is a gripping story that won’t let go and is all the more harrowing because it somehow feels entirely possible.
In addition Making Monsters’ cast is first-rate. Alliances shift, archetypes change direction and characters adjust their motivation with such alacrity that before you realize it you are reminding yourself to take deep breaths and make sure that dinner doesn’t burn on the stove.
And I want to echo several other reviewers as far as the humor is concerned. It comes in staccato bursts, not only because the characters, themselves are quirky and borderline insane but because the author’s third person point of view is the perfect vehicle to showcase his own skill at deft, sardonic humor. I found myself inelegantly yelping with laughter throughout the book, especially when a climactic scene produced humor I wasn’t expecting.
The book is option ready, as far as I’m concerned. It actually flows like a screenplay and the ‘scenes’ seem to be in perfect sequence already. I think the thing that impressed me the most was the fact that it is no small feat to write a dystopian novel with complex characters (not just tropes) that has a genuine message to convey. Making Monsters hits on all cylinders and yes, I am so fracking excited for the sequel.
It is hard to articulate how amazing this wild ride was. The plot drew me in although I semi expected a heavy-handed eco diatribe wrapped in a thinly conceptualized story. Nothing could be further from the truth. The author cleverly set his dystopian tale in the future but not the distant future. The result is a world that is clearly on the skids but still familiar enough to create emotional response. The result is a gripping story that won’t let go and is all the more harrowing because it somehow feels entirely possible.
In addition Making Monsters’ cast is first-rate. Alliances shift, archetypes change direction and characters adjust their motivation with such alacrity that before you realize it you are reminding yourself to take deep breaths and make sure that dinner doesn’t burn on the stove.
And I want to echo several other reviewers as far as the humor is concerned. It comes in staccato bursts, not only because the characters, themselves are quirky and borderline insane but because the author’s third person point of view is the perfect vehicle to showcase his own skill at deft, sardonic humor. I found myself inelegantly yelping with laughter throughout the book, especially when a climactic scene produced humor I wasn’t expecting.
The book is option ready, as far as I’m concerned. It actually flows like a screenplay and the ‘scenes’ seem to be in perfect sequence already. I think the thing that impressed me the most was the fact that it is no small feat to write a dystopian novel with complex characters (not just tropes) that has a genuine message to convey. Making Monsters hits on all cylinders and yes, I am so fracking excited for the sequel.
May 12, 2016
Overall reminded me of Cabin in the Woods, the way different sinister forces were slowly creeping up on the characters. Ozark and Evander reminded me of Big Bang Theory characters. Haley would fit in on Aqua Hunger Force. Scenes with the four generals made me think of Dr Strangelove. If these are the kinds of shows you like, you’ll probably enjoy it. Mix of dark humor and interesting ideas but doesn’t take itself too seriously.
May 10, 2016
Making Monsters is a steady dystopian read. Slightly futuristic, but a very realistic prediction of the near future if we do not change our ways as humans on this planet. I absolutely loved how the central theme to the novel was about the negative impacts of corporate capitalism and how this will ultimately lead to apocalypse, which then, no one will take the blame. Great character development, I really enjoyed all of the characters. And the ending is by far the best part! I’ve been reading more and more novels, that are constructed around the underlying problems of today’s world, and how we are digger ourselves deeper and deeper. Many systematic issues, and this novel is another great reason why we need to keep positive and keep hope, change our ways. If many authors are realizing this, then many people are as well, and awareness is the first step to action.
August 5, 2016
Welcome into the new world of corporations, in a future where every bad decision that could be made was made, hanging not very far from now– a very dystopian one, of course. Making Monsters is a novel cleverly mixed with a burlesque and absurd in the same time theater play, in several parallel acts that, at least in the beginning, seem to belong to some independent puzzles served to the reader in an original way. The almost surrealist writing, mostly through dialogues, is making things both difficult and enjoyable – there is an innate humor, on the dark side of the spectrum, in almost every character populating the cast.
Don’t be surprised, after reading the novel, to consider that we already are one step inside this disturbing, futuristic world.
Don’t be surprised, after reading the novel, to consider that we already are one step inside this disturbing, futuristic world.
May 17, 2016
This was a fun, 'plot-driven' book that distracted me with its sense of humor and devious characters. I was fully addicted to it for the two nights it took me to read. Couldn't stop turning the pages. A light-hearted take on the end of the world.
May 17, 2016
I really came to care about the characters and had an emotional reaction to the ending.
If a book gets me to feel something, I call that a good book.
If a book gets me to feel something, I call that a good book.
July 26, 2016
If you want to hold on to your warm and fuzzy feeling about our world’s future, don’t read this book, in which we find 10 deadly sins personified in 10 deadly end times corporations (each governing such key areas as medicine, energy, food). The worst part is that most if not all of the ensuing disasters could have been avoided. They are direct results of the sin nature of humankind. Even so, there is a heroic element within this stinky stew of greed and mismanagement, and that is our hero, Ozark, and his (at times hesitant, at times unrealistically optimistic) compatriots set on rebelling against the established order and setting things “right” again. Granted, as the ending proves, these “heroes” carry their own baggage of sins and failings (in the end, there are no true heroes in this story). The forces against them are powerful (both human and the natural results of human meddling in natural processes)—too powerful, as it turns out—but the reader hopefully roots for them all the same to undue the ruinous effects of perpetual human mismanagement of the earth’s resources.
The ending is as tragic as it is dramatic.
This is a multi-layered dystopian fantasy (with a good dose of satire) about a fictional future world that bears disturbing similarities to the one in which we are currently living. Underneath it all is the familiar strain of self-advancement of those endowed with power at the expense of all who are weaker, especially those who thwart the agenda in some way.
From a technical writing standpoint, the author’s descriptions are strong, and so are his characterizations. Some readers may have to wrestle a bit to visualize the fortunately (so far) imaginary world in which the story takes place, but it isn’t too difficult of a wrestle. I’ve read other novels in this genre that are much more opaque. Others may simply prefer a more straightforward narrative style to this satirical commentary wrapped in a story. The novel is educational, if you are interested in learning more about fracking processes and genetic engineering. Or want to garner some ideas on civil disobedience (before it’s too late, and this novel’s reality becomes ours!).
I’m giving it a high rating because although some readers will not be drawn to the socio-political parody thread in this novel, for those who are, the story will not disappoint. It is expertly crafted with just the right mix of dialogue, description, narrative.
For me, the takeaway from reading this novel was the tragedy of human mishandling of the perfectly complex and intertwined creation that I personally believe the Creator gave us to enjoy – along with the premiere role of caretaker. By perverting it to our own selfish ends, we are moving ever closer to simply ruining it.
As our next possible US president would say, “You’re fired!”
(The cover design, apparently created by the author himself, is one of the best I have seen from an author/illustrator.)
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The ending is as tragic as it is dramatic.
This is a multi-layered dystopian fantasy (with a good dose of satire) about a fictional future world that bears disturbing similarities to the one in which we are currently living. Underneath it all is the familiar strain of self-advancement of those endowed with power at the expense of all who are weaker, especially those who thwart the agenda in some way.
From a technical writing standpoint, the author’s descriptions are strong, and so are his characterizations. Some readers may have to wrestle a bit to visualize the fortunately (so far) imaginary world in which the story takes place, but it isn’t too difficult of a wrestle. I’ve read other novels in this genre that are much more opaque. Others may simply prefer a more straightforward narrative style to this satirical commentary wrapped in a story. The novel is educational, if you are interested in learning more about fracking processes and genetic engineering. Or want to garner some ideas on civil disobedience (before it’s too late, and this novel’s reality becomes ours!).
I’m giving it a high rating because although some readers will not be drawn to the socio-political parody thread in this novel, for those who are, the story will not disappoint. It is expertly crafted with just the right mix of dialogue, description, narrative.
For me, the takeaway from reading this novel was the tragedy of human mishandling of the perfectly complex and intertwined creation that I personally believe the Creator gave us to enjoy – along with the premiere role of caretaker. By perverting it to our own selfish ends, we are moving ever closer to simply ruining it.
As our next possible US president would say, “You’re fired!”
(The cover design, apparently created by the author himself, is one of the best I have seen from an author/illustrator.)
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2016
I was drawn to this book by Joe's artwork. See: https://twitter.com/joeturk182 The images are creepy, hideous at times, yet attractive; savvy. A wry sense of humor is ever-present. I was quite pleased to find Making Monsters a reasonable literary extrapolation of Joe's freaky paintings.
We have a doozy of a doomsday scenario here, folks. Planet Earth is speeding toward extinction in a dozen different ways. It is like Orwell on a high dose of prescription speed. Our cast of characters meet rushing doom with wide eyes and a rather bemused curiosity. They never quite manage to get over themselves even on the brink of the big lights out. So many human endgame scenarios converging at once might seem like piling on - if several of them weren't already set in efficient motion in the real world, here and now! (Ever heard of Monsanto, pal?)
Turk is a talented writer and Making Monsters is a page-turner. You will find yourself racing forward to find out what horrible plague will visit our heroes next. Good stuff. Turk makes a comment on the state of the human race that is not . . . optimistic, per se. But he maintains a sense of humor and a sense of fun throughout. Maybe there's hope in that.
We have a doozy of a doomsday scenario here, folks. Planet Earth is speeding toward extinction in a dozen different ways. It is like Orwell on a high dose of prescription speed. Our cast of characters meet rushing doom with wide eyes and a rather bemused curiosity. They never quite manage to get over themselves even on the brink of the big lights out. So many human endgame scenarios converging at once might seem like piling on - if several of them weren't already set in efficient motion in the real world, here and now! (Ever heard of Monsanto, pal?)
Turk is a talented writer and Making Monsters is a page-turner. You will find yourself racing forward to find out what horrible plague will visit our heroes next. Good stuff. Turk makes a comment on the state of the human race that is not . . . optimistic, per se. But he maintains a sense of humor and a sense of fun throughout. Maybe there's hope in that.
June 12, 2016
Joe Turk describes Making Monsters as "dystopian humor with an apocalyptic chaser." I'd say that hits the nail on the head. The humor can be fairly dark, but this is story about the end of things, so that goes without saying. We get to travel along with the characters as the world is being broken right before our eyes. It's like Doctor Strangelove meets the Cthulhu Mythos. I never once got bored reading Making Monsters and if it wasn't for this ridiculous thing called being an adult and having to work, I would have read it in one setting.
I absolutely enjoyed the hell out of this book. There's a cautionary tale going on here and I'm not quite sure if I should pass it off as fantasy or be scared to death that something like this might happen. Ya never know...
I absolutely enjoyed the hell out of this book. There's a cautionary tale going on here and I'm not quite sure if I should pass it off as fantasy or be scared to death that something like this might happen. Ya never know...
August 6, 2016
I ended up reading this book twice. Lying very unwell and under doctors’ orders to rest the second read simply convinced me that this book provided me with some of the best medicine possible and was indeed something special.
The characters got to me in a good way and the book was a real page turner and really not at all difficult to read, if anything the book could slow down just a tad simply because it is such an enjoyable read to allow the reader to soak up the story. The story is wonderfully frightening in that the fictional plot could so easily become reality, this added a certain edge to the book that often made me think “what if?”
The book was and is unique and there are very few books and authors that can compete and if you are looking for a Dystopian novel with something special then making Monsters is the read you need and like me you may end up reading it more than once. Making Monsters was not what I expected, the title had me thinking something very different and the awesome cover should have given me an indication of what to expect but ignored it. The book flows, there is plenty of fairly dark humour - humour that was the medicine I needed to get strong and well, and once you enter the world created you cannot and do not want to leave and even at the end of the book you really do feel like you have met some great people in a wonderful place, not a place you would perhaps go for a summer vacation but somewhere that would be on your bucket list if the place truly existed.
The book is worthy of a full 5 out of 5 and am a lucky enough to have been given a copy of “Breaking the Toy” and cannot wait to start reading.
Joe Turk has become and author I want more of!
I was provided a copy of Making Monsters in exchange for a review and it has to be one the best exchange books I have been given in a long time.
The characters got to me in a good way and the book was a real page turner and really not at all difficult to read, if anything the book could slow down just a tad simply because it is such an enjoyable read to allow the reader to soak up the story. The story is wonderfully frightening in that the fictional plot could so easily become reality, this added a certain edge to the book that often made me think “what if?”
The book was and is unique and there are very few books and authors that can compete and if you are looking for a Dystopian novel with something special then making Monsters is the read you need and like me you may end up reading it more than once. Making Monsters was not what I expected, the title had me thinking something very different and the awesome cover should have given me an indication of what to expect but ignored it. The book flows, there is plenty of fairly dark humour - humour that was the medicine I needed to get strong and well, and once you enter the world created you cannot and do not want to leave and even at the end of the book you really do feel like you have met some great people in a wonderful place, not a place you would perhaps go for a summer vacation but somewhere that would be on your bucket list if the place truly existed.
The book is worthy of a full 5 out of 5 and am a lucky enough to have been given a copy of “Breaking the Toy” and cannot wait to start reading.
Joe Turk has become and author I want more of!
I was provided a copy of Making Monsters in exchange for a review and it has to be one the best exchange books I have been given in a long time.
April 9, 2016
In its blurb, Making Monsters is described as an ‘apocalyptic horse race’ in which a variety of extinction-level threats compete to wipe humanity from the face of the Earth. This was a premise that appealed to my inner child, so I was sold. Set in a dystopian near future in which the United States has been restructured into 11 corporate states, the story begins when Ozark, an out-of-work architect, moves in to the house of Rick Prinz, a lobbyist turned revolutionary. While delivering a strong message about the dangers that corporate capitalism poses to the planet and society in general, the opening two thirds of the novel deal primarily with interactions between Ozark and his new housemates, as Rick attempts to recruit him to his cause. Unfortunately, beyond bumping off a few of those responsible for the restructuring, I’m still not entirely certain what that cause was. Some of these chapters seemed to lack a bit of drive and direction, with lengthy dialogue that did little to further the plot. That said, when the apocalyptic events did kick in towards the end, I was immediately sucked in. There are some memorable and varied characters thrown into the mix, such as Rick, Haley, Evander, Johan and (my personal favourite) a psychotic racoon. The book also touches on some interesting ideas, such as the arc, which I felt could have been further developed, possibly in earlier parts. It’s pretty well written and structured, and there are moments of humour along the way that made me smile. Had the opening and middle sections lived up to the ending, I would have scored this higher.
June 5, 2016
Making Monsters is, simply put, an extremely solid and well-written page-turner. Calling it an airplane book might come across as a backhanded compliment, but here’s what I mean: it’s suspenseful and witty, has well-developed characters who are immediately likable, and the plot bobs and weaves in unpredictable ways. Plus, as social commentary, it borders on disturbing when you pause to realize that some of the crazier plot devices might actually be closer to truth than fiction. What more do you want?
Although the world Turk creates is intriguing and he writes his way through an original plot with ease, his real strength is his characters. As a writer myself, I get really stressed out when I have more than three or four characters to flesh out. Here, Turk leads with his protagonist Ozark but then proceeds to throw a menagerie of others into the mix, deftly handling a baffling assortment of folks in a way that would make David Mitchell nod in stern, literary agreement.
Making Monsters manages to be both fast-paced and deliberate at once, no easy task. An early scene where Ozark is questioned by a group of men, including the eerily-rendered “gray man,” is a great example - there’s an awesome mix of dread, humor, and patient exploration on the part of both Ozark and the reader.
I won’t say much more except that bad endings to good books are awful, and Making Monsters avoids that pitfall in an awesome way. If you’re deciding whether or not to read it, think Orwell mixed with Repo Man and you’ll start to get the picture.
Although the world Turk creates is intriguing and he writes his way through an original plot with ease, his real strength is his characters. As a writer myself, I get really stressed out when I have more than three or four characters to flesh out. Here, Turk leads with his protagonist Ozark but then proceeds to throw a menagerie of others into the mix, deftly handling a baffling assortment of folks in a way that would make David Mitchell nod in stern, literary agreement.
Making Monsters manages to be both fast-paced and deliberate at once, no easy task. An early scene where Ozark is questioned by a group of men, including the eerily-rendered “gray man,” is a great example - there’s an awesome mix of dread, humor, and patient exploration on the part of both Ozark and the reader.
I won’t say much more except that bad endings to good books are awful, and Making Monsters avoids that pitfall in an awesome way. If you’re deciding whether or not to read it, think Orwell mixed with Repo Man and you’ll start to get the picture.
May 2, 2016
For a quick, easy read there is plenty of substance. It's easy to get transported into the scenes with the brilliant descriptions. The characters are well developed and relatable (even if I wouldn't want to hang out with them). The plot is witty and creepy. I can only hope there aren't some nasty creatures waiting to come up to the surface.
June 15, 2016
A wild story, but fun to read. Not to give away the ending, but I will say that unlike most end-of-the-world books, this one actually delivers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2016
I really enjoyed this read. Turk is able to take us through an entertaining and exciting dystopian tale, loaded with action (and plenty of laughter).
This was a fun story - there were several times throughout the book where I literally laughed out loud at something a character had said, or just the circumstances of a situation that had arisen at that point in the story. The plot was extremely well thought out, several very well written characters carry the reader through a tale that mimics what we are destined to see if things continue at their current pace. A definite page-turner, this story hooks you from the beginning and takes you through the twists and turns of the life of a man named Ozark. In a world run by corporations with success measured through employment and greed, our protagonist is thrown into a comical and intriguing plot to overthrow the corporate rulers of a country that has endangered all of humanity in their pursuit of wealth and power.
I won't go too in depth with the plot, I will leave it to you when you read it. Just make sure to look for the ad-libbed speech in the park. That was a brilliant scene. Technically speaking the work contains great characterization and story. The plot flows nicely, and will keep you turning the pages well past bedtime. Entertainment side of it - exciting and funny, in a clever story that will carry you through the ups and downs of a world beyond repair. This tale has great readability, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the world so well written in this book. Overall, I am very satisfied with the pace and outcome of the story, now to move on to his next work.
Pick this one up, you will be glad you did!
This was a fun story - there were several times throughout the book where I literally laughed out loud at something a character had said, or just the circumstances of a situation that had arisen at that point in the story. The plot was extremely well thought out, several very well written characters carry the reader through a tale that mimics what we are destined to see if things continue at their current pace. A definite page-turner, this story hooks you from the beginning and takes you through the twists and turns of the life of a man named Ozark. In a world run by corporations with success measured through employment and greed, our protagonist is thrown into a comical and intriguing plot to overthrow the corporate rulers of a country that has endangered all of humanity in their pursuit of wealth and power.
I won't go too in depth with the plot, I will leave it to you when you read it. Just make sure to look for the ad-libbed speech in the park. That was a brilliant scene. Technically speaking the work contains great characterization and story. The plot flows nicely, and will keep you turning the pages well past bedtime. Entertainment side of it - exciting and funny, in a clever story that will carry you through the ups and downs of a world beyond repair. This tale has great readability, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the world so well written in this book. Overall, I am very satisfied with the pace and outcome of the story, now to move on to his next work.
Pick this one up, you will be glad you did!
August 2, 2019
The ending (maybe spoilers?)
I really appreciate the exponentially increasing sense of impending doom. The way the chapters counted down instead of up was a really nice touch as well. The whole time I was partially expecting someone to come and fix everything, and tie it up into a happily ever after. However, I fully respect the way it actually played out. It was way more interesting and true to the story than any apocalyptic tropes would have been.
I really appreciate the exponentially increasing sense of impending doom. The way the chapters counted down instead of up was a really nice touch as well. The whole time I was partially expecting someone to come and fix everything, and tie it up into a happily ever after. However, I fully respect the way it actually played out. It was way more interesting and true to the story than any apocalyptic tropes would have been.
June 13, 2016
Joe Turk's Making Monsters is a well-paced apocalyptic novel that you're either gonna love or loathe.
I personally loved it. Probably for all of the wrong reasons. I like the fact that he starts off with a dystopian America that's artificially divided in a way that reminds one of the Divergent series. It is their very isolation into various industries without the input and balance that would be provided by the others that allows the books later pandemics and holocausts to emerge. That, in itself, makes his book instructive, especially where it concerns how polarized America has become over political and social issues as of late. The Melting Pot makes us strong; the current tribalism will see to our ruin.
And such ruin Joe Turk imagines for us!
It's as if the author thought about writing an apocalypse, but he couldn't really decide which one he wanted to write. I mean, there are so many great choices really: zombie epidemic, giant monsters, nuclear holocaust, genetically engineered extinction... And Turk smiled an impish smile and said to himself, Why choose? Why not let them all race to see who can be the first to put humanity [and dare I say the planet] firmly in the history books? My only regret is that he didn't include alien invasion and meteor impact as contenders. Maybe that would've been overkill...
In any case, it's quite a show there at the end! You find yourself really rooting for the characters he's presented to us, even if they are just a bunch of misfits trying to stage a belated revolution against their dystopian country. You find yourself equally hard-pressed to conceive of a way they could survive the perfect storm Turk dreams up for them. It is certainly dark at times (read: apocalyptic fiction, dude) and, as usual in these types of tales, human beings oftimes prove as deadly as the monsters. It could have used more Mongolian Death Worms.
In short, Making Monsters is a fast-paced summer read for anyone who appreciates a good fantasy adventure about the End of Days. Especially if you can't decide how you want it to end.
Tony Breeden
From the Bookwyrm's Lair
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I personally loved it. Probably for all of the wrong reasons. I like the fact that he starts off with a dystopian America that's artificially divided in a way that reminds one of the Divergent series. It is their very isolation into various industries without the input and balance that would be provided by the others that allows the books later pandemics and holocausts to emerge. That, in itself, makes his book instructive, especially where it concerns how polarized America has become over political and social issues as of late. The Melting Pot makes us strong; the current tribalism will see to our ruin.
And such ruin Joe Turk imagines for us!
It's as if the author thought about writing an apocalypse, but he couldn't really decide which one he wanted to write. I mean, there are so many great choices really: zombie epidemic, giant monsters, nuclear holocaust, genetically engineered extinction... And Turk smiled an impish smile and said to himself, Why choose? Why not let them all race to see who can be the first to put humanity [and dare I say the planet] firmly in the history books? My only regret is that he didn't include alien invasion and meteor impact as contenders. Maybe that would've been overkill...
In any case, it's quite a show there at the end! You find yourself really rooting for the characters he's presented to us, even if they are just a bunch of misfits trying to stage a belated revolution against their dystopian country. You find yourself equally hard-pressed to conceive of a way they could survive the perfect storm Turk dreams up for them. It is certainly dark at times (read: apocalyptic fiction, dude) and, as usual in these types of tales, human beings oftimes prove as deadly as the monsters. It could have used more Mongolian Death Worms.
In short, Making Monsters is a fast-paced summer read for anyone who appreciates a good fantasy adventure about the End of Days. Especially if you can't decide how you want it to end.
Tony Breeden
From the Bookwyrm's Lair
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 7, 2016
The world is ending and Joe Turk hits you with kitchen sink upside your head. Monsters, sickness, plague, earthquakes, nukes, and evil corporations all make an appearance. Making Monsters is an enjoyable read on how the world ends. Part dystopia, part apocalyptic, and part The Monkey Wrench Gang there is something here for everyone. Turk has an amazing ability with dialogue and makes it actually feel natural. He brings a reality to his characters with his dialogue that makes me feel they are real as compared to someone repeating lines. This is a real strength and does wonders for his story. This not new ground here, but it has a fresh feel to it and that is not easy. Good guys are good guys and bad guys are bad guys and that is a nice change of pace too.
My only criticism is I wish he would have fleshed out the apocalypse. He does a great job of giving the reader all sorts of conceivable miseries for the end, but does not fill the gaps in to give the back story, which would have been devastating. It is not deadly to the story, but would have made it a more complete read.
Making Monsters is a good read and I enjoyed it. This is a young author developing his craft and the book is fun with a nice perverse sense of humor. I cannot wait to see how he develops his talent.
My only criticism is I wish he would have fleshed out the apocalypse. He does a great job of giving the reader all sorts of conceivable miseries for the end, but does not fill the gaps in to give the back story, which would have been devastating. It is not deadly to the story, but would have made it a more complete read.
Making Monsters is a good read and I enjoyed it. This is a young author developing his craft and the book is fun with a nice perverse sense of humor. I cannot wait to see how he develops his talent.
March 18, 2016
Capital Towers, Bank City (Ghetto). What would happen between Rick Prinz (60 +, Ozark’s landlord, lobbyist) & Lord Evander?
What happens to Sal (25+) & Lord Evander?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written Dystopia/humor/apocalypse book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Dystopia/humor/apocalypse movie, animated cartoon, or a mini TV series. Not real sure I got this book at all. That said I will rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
What happens to Sal (25+) & Lord Evander?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written Dystopia/humor/apocalypse book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Dystopia/humor/apocalypse movie, animated cartoon, or a mini TV series. Not real sure I got this book at all. That said I will rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 31, 2020
Joe Turk's quirky dystopian novel was an interesting, unpredictable read. From the first scene to the last, the odd array of characters badger and manipulate each other within a world that has quite obviously gone south. The U.S. has been reorganized into corporate states which are neck-deep in corruption and hell-bent on depleting the earth's resources.
Hiding out in the middle of a slum, one strange little man collects a ragtag group of "experts" and presses them into a scheme to overthrow the hierarchy. The antics of the comical set of conspirators play out around Rick's cloak and dagger plans, but the absurdly horrific events around them spin wildly out of control before anything substantial can be accomplished. Human genetic mutations rampage, monstrous worms rise up out of deep fractures in the earth, and the country's highest military circle unleashes nuclear weapons against the backstabbing president and the population at large.
If you have a taste for the pathetically absurd, this twisted tale will be right up your alley. Well done, Joe!
Hiding out in the middle of a slum, one strange little man collects a ragtag group of "experts" and presses them into a scheme to overthrow the hierarchy. The antics of the comical set of conspirators play out around Rick's cloak and dagger plans, but the absurdly horrific events around them spin wildly out of control before anything substantial can be accomplished. Human genetic mutations rampage, monstrous worms rise up out of deep fractures in the earth, and the country's highest military circle unleashes nuclear weapons against the backstabbing president and the population at large.
If you have a taste for the pathetically absurd, this twisted tale will be right up your alley. Well done, Joe!
April 16, 2016
Early on, I wasn’t sure I liked this book. I felt the same way about Breaking Bad in the early episodes, when it was all about cancer and medical bills. I think the writers of that show had something to say about our overpriced medical system and that was a mildly interesting narrative, but I wouldn’t have binged watched entire seasons if the story hadn’t transformed into a wildly clever action show.
I’m not saying this book is Breaking Bad, but the slow burn at the start and eventual payoff reminded me of that show. There is commentary here on the dangers of unleashed capitalism, which is interesting. The characters struggle in vain to do stop it, but all of that is build up to the back half of the book when all hell breaks loose. Things get crazy and I found myself turning a lot of pages.
There is a lot of entertainment here, if you don’t mind a slow burn at the start.
I’m not saying this book is Breaking Bad, but the slow burn at the start and eventual payoff reminded me of that show. There is commentary here on the dangers of unleashed capitalism, which is interesting. The characters struggle in vain to do stop it, but all of that is build up to the back half of the book when all hell breaks loose. Things get crazy and I found myself turning a lot of pages.
There is a lot of entertainment here, if you don’t mind a slow burn at the start.
May 30, 2016
A dystopian future where the country is divided and governed by 10 corporations. Years of corporate mismanagement and disregard for the environment lead to the eventual destruction of the planet. A close comparison to what our future will be if the politicians of the world continue to ignore the already present warning signs.
The assortment of characters, from the elite politicians ready to sacrifice the masses for their own survival, to the revolutionary Rick and his small band of semi-willing employees, are well developed. I found it interestingly different, and probably more believable, that the apocalypse is multi-faceted. It’s not just zombies, or nuclear war that destroys the planet, but a combination of those plus the actual disintegration of the earth’s crust, an invasion of ancient creatures, and the poisoning of the food supply.
Reading Making Monsters was an engrossing, fast paced adventure that kept me anxiously turning pages.
The assortment of characters, from the elite politicians ready to sacrifice the masses for their own survival, to the revolutionary Rick and his small band of semi-willing employees, are well developed. I found it interestingly different, and probably more believable, that the apocalypse is multi-faceted. It’s not just zombies, or nuclear war that destroys the planet, but a combination of those plus the actual disintegration of the earth’s crust, an invasion of ancient creatures, and the poisoning of the food supply.
Reading Making Monsters was an engrossing, fast paced adventure that kept me anxiously turning pages.
May 15, 2016
This is a very clever book, very well paced and with a number of interesting characters. Turk's dystopian vision of the future has a short and darkly shadowed horizon. It also has, for me, several laugh-out-loud moments. The outstanding features are the plot and the vivid imagination driving it. Threads converge in a logical and satisfying way. I felt that the characters could have been drawn more strongly - they are good, some very good, but could have been better. For me, there were very few characters that I liked or related to, but that's a matter of preference, not quality. A well-written cautionary and satirical tale which I can positively recommend for anyone interested in the future of our planet.
I received a free copy for an honest and objective review through a non-recprocal review programme.
I received a free copy for an honest and objective review through a non-recprocal review programme.
June 19, 2016
The multitude of characters and the ever-shifting plot made it harder for me to enjoy this book. As well, the activities of the characters—ranging from playing war video games to orchestrating a fake rally in a local park of only two hundred people—didn’t seem to tie in well to the seriousness of the global environmental tragedies facing the planet. I get it’s supposed to be a work of satire, but I also didn’t get the satire, either.
Unfortunately, the story line was just too bizarre for me to offer any suggestions on how it could be better.
The prose itself was concise and arresting; it was just wasted on a plot that didn’t make sense and that relied on too many characters to deliver.
Unfortunately, the story line was just too bizarre for me to offer any suggestions on how it could be better.
The prose itself was concise and arresting; it was just wasted on a plot that didn’t make sense and that relied on too many characters to deliver.
May 12, 2016
You know when you find a song on youtube and you think it’s great and you can’t understand why the song doesn’t have more views…I think this book is like one of those songs. Maybe I’ll come back later and see that it’s blown up to some crazy number. I hope so. It's a very entertaining read. Would recommend.
April 20, 2016
This is a thrilling read. Joe Turk brilliantly weaves well-developed characters into a humorous, fast-paced story. At times, I laughed aloud.
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