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Atomic Underworld #1
Atomic Underworld, Part One
Alternate cover edition can be found here
Keep your eyes on the shadows ...
Categories: steampunk books, H. P. Lovecraft, cyberpunk science fiction, Lovecraftian horror, steampunk kindle books, cyberpunk detective, cyberpunk noir, steampunk fantasy, hp lovecraft
Keep your eyes on the shadows ...
Washed-up professional gambler Tavlin Metzler is done working with the shadowy criminal network that lurks beneath the city streets, but when a brutal and mysterious set of murders occurs in the very bedroom of his old mob boss, Tavlin gets drawn back into the mix. In the world of the Atomic Sea, mutants thrive--fish-people, lobster-people, turtle-people--the list goes on. But in the country of Ghenisa, many of them are disenfranchised and relegated to life in the vast, alien sewers beneath the capital city of Hissig.
There Tavlin is taken by Boss Vassas's goons and given an edict by the Boss himself: find out who (or what) committed the crimes . . . or else. In no time, Tavlin is hip-deep in danger, dodging spies, cultists, mobsters, monsters and more sewer mutants than he can shake a foul-smelling stick at. But things get really complicated when Sophia, his old flame, shows up.
Atomic Underworld: Part One is the first installment in a two-part set of steampunk, horror and fantasy adventure novels by internationally bestselling author Jack Conner. If you like action-packed storytelling, Lovecraftian horrors, and unique twists and turns you won’t see coming, then you’ll love Jack Conner’s incredible mix of fantasy, adventure, mystery and espionage.
Buy Atomic Underworld: Part One to plunge into the unique, endlessly entertaining tale today!Categories: steampunk books, H. P. Lovecraft, cyberpunk science fiction, Lovecraftian horror, steampunk kindle books, cyberpunk detective, cyberpunk noir, steampunk fantasy, hp lovecraft
- GenresFantasy
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2016
17 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Jack Conner
84 books91 followersRaised in Austin, Texas, Jack Conner is the bestselling author of the Black Tower Trilogy. He's an ardent fan of fantasy, horror and weird fiction, and writes them all. He's lived all over the United States and has traveled across the world, but recently he's moved back to his beloved Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 10, 2016
The book is billed as Lovecraftian steampunk fantasy, which is to say that it takes inspiration from the otherworldly horror stories of H.P. Lovecraft and the speculative alternative history of steampunk sci-fi. In its execution I would also add ‘noir’ or ‘mystery’ to the genre. It’s a good mix, and the various pieces work well together.
The story’s protagonist is Tavlin ‘Two-Bit’ Metzler, a professional gambler and general rouge living in the subterranean city of Muscud, on the banks of the Atomic Sea. This city is one of several underground cities primarily inhabited by mutated humans, but also inhabited by ordinary uninfected humans, mutated animals, and members of various sentient pre-human species (some rather slug-like, some blob-like, and some arthropod-like). These cities are in the sewers of the larger metropolises above ground, and their primary authorities are multiple religious cults and various rival gangs. When Tavlin’s old friend and full-time mob boss Vassas has several members of his gang die under strange circumstances, Tavlin is asked to investigate. His investigations put him in the middle of a dangerous adventure centering on a strange weapon which the cults and sentient pre-humans are all desperate to get their hands (or tentacles) on.
The best thing about this book was its incredible level of description and texture. Muscud and the cities near it are disgusting places. They’re slimy, they stink, everything is damp and crawling and infected, and the descriptions are writing with skin-crawling vividness. All of the mutant creatures, all of the alien-like underworld denizens, were described excellently. The quality of the writing was also very good, with few errors. I did feel like the characters drew heavily from crime-drama clichés, but that’s not so terrible. These kinds of characters are used because they’re effective. Maybe we’ve all seen movies with some fedora-wearing cigar-chomping pistol-waving mob boss shouting profanities before, but that doesn’t diminish the character’s entertainment value.
The book was heavy on action, with chases and gunfights familiar to anyone who’s read or watched any kind of mystery or crime dramas. The difference of course is that these fights are here taking place in a slimy underground city, which allows for some different approaches. The fights were well-written as well, however due to the way the story uses them, I would dispute the book’s Lovecraftian label. In a Lovecraft story, there is always a sort of creeping dread pervading the narrative. The characters in a Lovecraft story are victims of hellish otherworldly forces gradually driving them into unspeakable terror and insanity through the influence of eldritch alien gods. In Atomic Underworld, there are (or at least seem to be) eldritch alien gods , and there is dread, but the dread doesn’t pervade the narrative. The book doesn’t feel like a horror story. With a cocky rogue for a protagonist and with mobsters out of a 1940s noir film chasing each other through an urban jungle, the book feels more like action/adventure than it does horror. This isn’t a bad thing, but it is worth noting. It’s also worth noting that this book ends on a complete cliffhanger, which may annoy some readers.
On the whole, I enjoyed it. The detail was impressive and the story was engaging, and the odds are good that I’ll buy and read the second part of it.
The story’s protagonist is Tavlin ‘Two-Bit’ Metzler, a professional gambler and general rouge living in the subterranean city of Muscud, on the banks of the Atomic Sea. This city is one of several underground cities primarily inhabited by mutated humans, but also inhabited by ordinary uninfected humans, mutated animals, and members of various sentient pre-human species (some rather slug-like, some blob-like, and some arthropod-like). These cities are in the sewers of the larger metropolises above ground, and their primary authorities are multiple religious cults and various rival gangs. When Tavlin’s old friend and full-time mob boss Vassas has several members of his gang die under strange circumstances, Tavlin is asked to investigate. His investigations put him in the middle of a dangerous adventure centering on a strange weapon which the cults and sentient pre-humans are all desperate to get their hands (or tentacles) on.
The best thing about this book was its incredible level of description and texture. Muscud and the cities near it are disgusting places. They’re slimy, they stink, everything is damp and crawling and infected, and the descriptions are writing with skin-crawling vividness. All of the mutant creatures, all of the alien-like underworld denizens, were described excellently. The quality of the writing was also very good, with few errors. I did feel like the characters drew heavily from crime-drama clichés, but that’s not so terrible. These kinds of characters are used because they’re effective. Maybe we’ve all seen movies with some fedora-wearing cigar-chomping pistol-waving mob boss shouting profanities before, but that doesn’t diminish the character’s entertainment value.
The book was heavy on action, with chases and gunfights familiar to anyone who’s read or watched any kind of mystery or crime dramas. The difference of course is that these fights are here taking place in a slimy underground city, which allows for some different approaches. The fights were well-written as well, however due to the way the story uses them, I would dispute the book’s Lovecraftian label. In a Lovecraft story, there is always a sort of creeping dread pervading the narrative. The characters in a Lovecraft story are victims of hellish otherworldly forces gradually driving them into unspeakable terror and insanity through the influence of eldritch alien gods. In Atomic Underworld, there are (or at least seem to be) eldritch alien gods , and there is dread, but the dread doesn’t pervade the narrative. The book doesn’t feel like a horror story. With a cocky rogue for a protagonist and with mobsters out of a 1940s noir film chasing each other through an urban jungle, the book feels more like action/adventure than it does horror. This isn’t a bad thing, but it is worth noting. It’s also worth noting that this book ends on a complete cliffhanger, which may annoy some readers.
On the whole, I enjoyed it. The detail was impressive and the story was engaging, and the odds are good that I’ll buy and read the second part of it.
October 31, 2016
I enjoyed Jack Connor's The Atomic World Volume 2 more than I did the first one. The reader finds out exactly who the mystery woman is and what her intentions are. That's all I'm going to say in order to not spoil it for other readers. The characters become more developed in this volume and the descriptions of the underworld is so well done, that I felt like I was on the adventure with them. There are no boring parts to the storyline, just one action scene after another. The fight scenes were quite graphic and I only had an issue with some of the graphic descriptions (sexual in nature), but it was still worth the read. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the story. Once you start reading this series, you won't be able to stop. The author leaves you wondering what is coming next.
July 24, 2017
Great, but Dark Fantasy Novella
Conner has created a very dark world, just about to drop into the abyss, where mutant humans, different nations of unusual humans, several alien races and beings (who may, or may not be ancient gods and goddesses) teeter towards war and final destruction. Highly imaginative, this dark world is almost unique. The lower cities are created from garbage, the fishermen are being sought by their fish, strange beings appear, seemingly riding the fog...and someone wants to kill the protagonist before he can figure out what the heck is going on! This has been a very enjoyable, if too short read. I look forward to reading more about this strange world in the next chapter!
Conner has created a very dark world, just about to drop into the abyss, where mutant humans, different nations of unusual humans, several alien races and beings (who may, or may not be ancient gods and goddesses) teeter towards war and final destruction. Highly imaginative, this dark world is almost unique. The lower cities are created from garbage, the fishermen are being sought by their fish, strange beings appear, seemingly riding the fog...and someone wants to kill the protagonist before he can figure out what the heck is going on! This has been a very enjoyable, if too short read. I look forward to reading more about this strange world in the next chapter!
July 21, 2017
Unusually Compellingly!!!!!!
Great novel! Really a unique world. Interesting characters that are unveiled at just the right pace. Haven't read anything like it before.
Great novel! Really a unique world. Interesting characters that are unveiled at just the right pace. Haven't read anything like it before.
May 13, 2016
Amazing worldbuilding, but leaves you wanting more!
Conner returns to the world of the Atomic Sea and shows his skill at worldbuilding in this latest installment: a prequel to that epic journey across a war-torn world.
Here, we make the acquaintance of Tevlin Two-Bit, gambler and hustler trying to make his way in the treacherous city of Hissig, but his old underworld connections reach out and catch him in their coils once again, when he’s tasked by the local crime boss the solve a mysterious murder. His investigations lead him into a conspiracy involving a foreign power and the denizens of the mutated ruins and relics of the underworld, and it’s into that underworld he must once more venture on the very eve of the military advance of the conquering Octung Empire.
Among the most striking things is the combination of realistic and the fantastic. This is a portrayal of city life, with the mix of people and technology that entails, along with modernity built on layers of history and antiquity, and that history and that technology is also fully fantastic. All the while, these characters behave realistically. Lovecraftian temples to dark gods are found under the streets, and the invading army employs high-tech alien weaponry that manipulates time, space and life itself.
The story also has a deeply personal twist that ties into Tevlin’s past, and his tragic history with an old flame…
My only gripe is that the story ends on a hell of a cliffhanger. Now I’ve got to wait for the next installment.
Conner returns to the world of the Atomic Sea and shows his skill at worldbuilding in this latest installment: a prequel to that epic journey across a war-torn world.
Here, we make the acquaintance of Tevlin Two-Bit, gambler and hustler trying to make his way in the treacherous city of Hissig, but his old underworld connections reach out and catch him in their coils once again, when he’s tasked by the local crime boss the solve a mysterious murder. His investigations lead him into a conspiracy involving a foreign power and the denizens of the mutated ruins and relics of the underworld, and it’s into that underworld he must once more venture on the very eve of the military advance of the conquering Octung Empire.
Among the most striking things is the combination of realistic and the fantastic. This is a portrayal of city life, with the mix of people and technology that entails, along with modernity built on layers of history and antiquity, and that history and that technology is also fully fantastic. All the while, these characters behave realistically. Lovecraftian temples to dark gods are found under the streets, and the invading army employs high-tech alien weaponry that manipulates time, space and life itself.
The story also has a deeply personal twist that ties into Tevlin’s past, and his tragic history with an old flame…
My only gripe is that the story ends on a hell of a cliffhanger. Now I’ve got to wait for the next installment.
May 1, 2016
"Fried rat, squid, egg wraps, grilled slugmine, bagels..."
This review is from: Atomic Underworld: Part One (Kindle Edition)
If you have read any of The Atomic Sea, series, you will already be aware of the fantastical imagining of Jack Conner. This book, Atomic Underworld, is the first of a new and separate series but set in the same world with all of the wild scenic cities and mutations so vividly brought to life by this author. The setting is, this time, underground where many of the mutated humans dwell: towns and lakes within the sewers. It is not a law abiding place but, even so, the unexplained horrendous killings which occur there bring an extra layer of fear to the inhabitants. Tavlin, an unmutated ex citizen, is recalled from above to look into the murders and the simultaneous theft of ancient jewels. What he finds is far beyond what anyone, himself included, expects and it threatens them all.
This is a bizarre story set in a viscerally fantastical world with lots of action and interesting characters. A definitely different, well written read. But beware, if you start this book, the Atomic Underworld will claim you for itself and you will want to carry on to the end - and the next book to come.
This review is from: Atomic Underworld: Part One (Kindle Edition)
If you have read any of The Atomic Sea, series, you will already be aware of the fantastical imagining of Jack Conner. This book, Atomic Underworld, is the first of a new and separate series but set in the same world with all of the wild scenic cities and mutations so vividly brought to life by this author. The setting is, this time, underground where many of the mutated humans dwell: towns and lakes within the sewers. It is not a law abiding place but, even so, the unexplained horrendous killings which occur there bring an extra layer of fear to the inhabitants. Tavlin, an unmutated ex citizen, is recalled from above to look into the murders and the simultaneous theft of ancient jewels. What he finds is far beyond what anyone, himself included, expects and it threatens them all.
This is a bizarre story set in a viscerally fantastical world with lots of action and interesting characters. A definitely different, well written read. But beware, if you start this book, the Atomic Underworld will claim you for itself and you will want to carry on to the end - and the next book to come.
January 19, 2017
Atomic Underworld is a roller-coaster of action from the beginning but Conner doesn't skim on world-building and character development for the sake of plot movement. I absolutely loved the descriptions of the mutants! The author treads the line with dark fantasy, weaving in the horrific and grimy bits with the ethereal and mystical beauties. Even when there isn't a fight going down, there is a consistent pulse to the prose that spurs the reader on with the protagonist. The gradual reveal of Tavlin's relationships and history with those around him (and the cities he finds himself in) was expertly done.
I'll be honest. I don't know anything about Lovecraftian literature. I think I've read maybe one steampunk book in my life. But my lack of knowledge did not inhibit my experience reading this book. It was great the whole way through and I couldn't bring myself to put it down. I'm looking forward to reading Part Two.
(I actually read Part One of Atomic Underworld in Apocalyptic Fears III. Don't bother with that. Just get this and you'll be happy.)
I'll be honest. I don't know anything about Lovecraftian literature. I think I've read maybe one steampunk book in my life. But my lack of knowledge did not inhibit my experience reading this book. It was great the whole way through and I couldn't bring myself to put it down. I'm looking forward to reading Part Two.
(I actually read Part One of Atomic Underworld in Apocalyptic Fears III. Don't bother with that. Just get this and you'll be happy.)
May 28, 2016
Set below the city Hissig, capital of Ghenisa before the start of the war with the Octunggen
We join Tavlin Ex Thief & Junkie now a Gambler as he is drawn back to the underground city of Muscud
At the bequest of Boss Vassas to investigate a murder.
Like the Atomic Sea series this story has mutants strange creatures and pre-human races all mixed together.
Tavlin’s investigations bring him into conflict with Octung agents and the worshippers of an Ancient God Magoth who’s religion is sweeping through the Underworld
There a mysterious ghost girl who also has Tavlin in her sights
Fast paced with plenty of action and surprises this is a great addition to the Atomic world that Jack Conner has built
We join Tavlin Ex Thief & Junkie now a Gambler as he is drawn back to the underground city of Muscud
At the bequest of Boss Vassas to investigate a murder.
Like the Atomic Sea series this story has mutants strange creatures and pre-human races all mixed together.
Tavlin’s investigations bring him into conflict with Octung agents and the worshippers of an Ancient God Magoth who’s religion is sweeping through the Underworld
There a mysterious ghost girl who also has Tavlin in her sights
Fast paced with plenty of action and surprises this is a great addition to the Atomic world that Jack Conner has built
June 3, 2016
The Atomic Underworld is filled with mutants living in cities and towns, like Muscud and Taluush. Like other cities the are shops, businesses and crime. Tavlin, an unifected man, had been part of this crime world but left to return to the land above. Now, Tavlin is back in the Underworld, at the "request" of his former employer, Boss Vassas. Upon Tavlin's arrival he's shocked not only by the death and mayhem he finds there, but Boss Vassas expects him to solve the mysteries!
Exciting, action-packed sci-fi suspense mystery! Colorful characters, scenes and dialog! And romance is just within reach...
Exciting, action-packed sci-fi suspense mystery! Colorful characters, scenes and dialog! And romance is just within reach...
May 20, 2016
Jack Connor has written an imaginative st0ry that drew me in right away. The story is very descriptive which enabled me to feel as though I were there with the characters. Speacking of characters, they were interesting and a little quirky which made them believable. This is the first book by Mr. Connor that I have read and it won't be my last. I'm looking forward to the second part of this story.
I received a copy o fhis manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy o fhis manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2016
Loved it. If you are into Steampunk, you have to read the Atomic series by Jack Conner. It's great.
July 14, 2016
Glad I bought volume 2!
Jack Connor ending of volume 1 is a cliffhanger that makes me happy I bought volume 2! A thankful fan.
Jack Connor ending of volume 1 is a cliffhanger that makes me happy I bought volume 2! A thankful fan.
July 8, 2016
Made me want to read the sequel.
July 24, 2016
I enjoyed it. Quirky and entertaining.
October 1, 2016
A fun weird-fiction romp, a bit noir, with engaging characters. I'll probably pick up part 2.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews