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Internet Apocalypse #3
Reports on the Internet Apocalypse
A sharp-tongued social satire of a dystopian world without the Web from Cracked.com writer Wayne Gladstone.
In this third and final installment of the Internet Apocalypse Trilogy, Gladstone, the would-be Internet Messiah, finds himself in exile from America, falsely accused of murder. Meanwhile, a government Special Agent is hot on his trail and has joined forces with a would-be Hollywood producer who is bent on finding Gladstone to option his story for film.
When the World Wide Web returns in a highly compromised and commercialized state under the new regime of a billionaire-turned-President, Gladstone and his pursuers must collaborate in an attempt to reclaim a free and open Internet.
Reports on the Internet Apocalypse brings to an end the dystopian trilogy perfect for fans of Ernest Cline and David Wong.
In this third and final installment of the Internet Apocalypse Trilogy, Gladstone, the would-be Internet Messiah, finds himself in exile from America, falsely accused of murder. Meanwhile, a government Special Agent is hot on his trail and has joined forces with a would-be Hollywood producer who is bent on finding Gladstone to option his story for film.
When the World Wide Web returns in a highly compromised and commercialized state under the new regime of a billionaire-turned-President, Gladstone and his pursuers must collaborate in an attempt to reclaim a free and open Internet.
Reports on the Internet Apocalypse brings to an end the dystopian trilogy perfect for fans of Ernest Cline and David Wong.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 11, 2016
With the Internet Apocalypse series, Wayne Gladstone has consistently reflected a deep understanding of contemporary American zeitgeist in a way that nobody else has, and this conclusion does so even more.
I've described Book 1 of this series as cleverly muffled and internalised, and Book 2 as much louder and clearer, like having cotton wool taken out of your ears. Reports on the Internet Apocalypse takes that clarity and broadens it - this is a much bigger and more important story than I would have believed when I got to know and love the brilliant mess of a protagonist at the beginning of the series. It's a call to arms of a different kind, somehow showcasing the power of love and the power of people without ignoring or simplifying the realities that make such optimism so difficult. This isn't some Facebook gif of hopeful, simplified words written over a picture of an inspiring sunset, nor is it limited to a biting, cynical social and political commentary with no further value.
Rowsdower's narrative stint, and the introduction of aspiring producer and Gladstone ally Margo Zmena, allows for a perfect blend of hard-boiled detective fiction, thoughtful reflection, quixotic irreverence, an organic love story, and an intricate mystery with a beautifully explored message: The Internet is People, and We're Still Here.
Now that the series is complete, I can confidently say that, as far as I'm concerned, it's the most relevant and accurate contemporary story of my time. I cannot recommend these books highly enough.
I've described Book 1 of this series as cleverly muffled and internalised, and Book 2 as much louder and clearer, like having cotton wool taken out of your ears. Reports on the Internet Apocalypse takes that clarity and broadens it - this is a much bigger and more important story than I would have believed when I got to know and love the brilliant mess of a protagonist at the beginning of the series. It's a call to arms of a different kind, somehow showcasing the power of love and the power of people without ignoring or simplifying the realities that make such optimism so difficult. This isn't some Facebook gif of hopeful, simplified words written over a picture of an inspiring sunset, nor is it limited to a biting, cynical social and political commentary with no further value.
Rowsdower's narrative stint, and the introduction of aspiring producer and Gladstone ally Margo Zmena, allows for a perfect blend of hard-boiled detective fiction, thoughtful reflection, quixotic irreverence, an organic love story, and an intricate mystery with a beautifully explored message: The Internet is People, and We're Still Here.
Now that the series is complete, I can confidently say that, as far as I'm concerned, it's the most relevant and accurate contemporary story of my time. I cannot recommend these books highly enough.
November 15, 2016
The story of the Internet Apocalypse has grown and evolved to a satisfying conclusion. Gladstone has been focused by the events of the previous two novels and given a target to set his sights on.
January 26, 2023
A lackluster ending to the Internet Apocalypse trilogy, it appeared that both the writer and editor gave up on crafting a fulfilling final installment. Despite having a different narrator for much of the book, the tone felt almost exactly the same as previous books. The protagonist has had three major love interests in as many books, all of whom are poorly written. The last fifty pages or so were riddled with typos, including “addescent” instead of “adolescent”. It felt like Gladstone gave up on the character he named after himself. A painful end to a mediocre series.
I’d recommend this to folks that read the previous two books in the series — specifically fans of Cracked.com.
I’d recommend this to folks that read the previous two books in the series — specifically fans of Cracked.com.
December 27, 2018
Awesome ending to the trilogy!!
I just flew through these all in one day. They're wonderful, and im going to go see what else Gladstone has written and buy it all, because an epic author like this deserves my money!!
I just flew through these all in one day. They're wonderful, and im going to go see what else Gladstone has written and buy it all, because an epic author like this deserves my money!!
November 7, 2016
This is the third and final book in the "Internet Apocalypse" trilogy. The first two books were narrated by our eponymous protagonist, Gladstone, and followed his search for the internet which has mysteriously gone away. Reports on the Internet Apocalypse starts with a new narrator, former special agent Rowsdower. While the internet is still mostly gone, Rowsdower is searching for something else-- Gladstone himself, who has disappeared. In this international noir novel, Rowsdower joins up with a new dame, a film producer who, in a nicely meta turn, has optioned Gladstone's journal for a film. They traverse the globe meeting new characters, following the clues of the missing internet, dodging explosive terrorist acts, stumbling into profound human truths and of course, hunting down Gladstone.
The reason I love this trilogy is that they are not only three unique, gripping stories, but also tremendous critiques and explorations on the digital world most of us inhabit. Reports continues this, giving the reader exquisite moments of sagacity to pause and ponder. In following Gladstone through the books, from drunken wreck, to Internet Messiah to a man finding himself, his strength again in Reports, we're given an exceptional character study of addiction, loneliness, loss and ultimately, love. The conclusion to the epic tale of the missing internet was extremely satisfying, reminding us that these books, like the whole of the internet itself, are ultimately about the people who comprise it.
The reason I love this trilogy is that they are not only three unique, gripping stories, but also tremendous critiques and explorations on the digital world most of us inhabit. Reports continues this, giving the reader exquisite moments of sagacity to pause and ponder. In following Gladstone through the books, from drunken wreck, to Internet Messiah to a man finding himself, his strength again in Reports, we're given an exceptional character study of addiction, loneliness, loss and ultimately, love. The conclusion to the epic tale of the missing internet was extremely satisfying, reminding us that these books, like the whole of the internet itself, are ultimately about the people who comprise it.
January 5, 2020
A satisfying conclusion
He really stuck the landing in this closing installment. After some soft final acts in the previous two books, he had a far better focus and handle on the story he was trying to tell here. Overall, the internet apocalypse Trilogy can easily be recommended. Perhaps now more than ever.
He really stuck the landing in this closing installment. After some soft final acts in the previous two books, he had a far better focus and handle on the story he was trying to tell here. Overall, the internet apocalypse Trilogy can easily be recommended. Perhaps now more than ever.
January 15, 2017
"(...) everything must be tied to the right words before it can be released. And when that happens we sit and stare at it outside of ourselves. We categorize it and put it on a brightly lit shelf, where it can never surprise or control us again."
It's been almost three years since I've read Notes from the Internet Apocalypse. And I still would buy one of those battered-appearance editions of it that this one mentions being sold at chains like Starbucks in a heartbeat. It was a glorious, messy, punchy read with way too much feeling and emotion. It remains one of my favorite reads ever.
The second one, Agents of the Internet Apocalypse: A Novel, didn't wow me as much. At least until the end, where the unexpected literary punch landed right on the literary gut. It wasn't a cheap punch, mind you; but one that enriched that read almost as much as it destroyed our kind-of-hero Gladstone.
And then we've come a long way, baby. To 2017, the year after that awful one-six that no one wants to remember too much (except some of its consequences will still be trumpeted for a long, long time to come).
But enough about that. And let's talk about introducing a secondary-character as your main character for much of the last volume of a trilogy.
It works beautifully.
Rowsdower -Aaron, to his few friends- is the perfect fit for this final, globe-trotting, conspiracy-unmasking entry. Even as he
In short, this one felt like much more of a cohesive read, out of the bunch. Which may be the reason why I still feel that the first one is the best, and the second one is... well... the second one. Not as cohesive as this third one, not as pure as the first one.
(A quick verification shows me that the general consensus is that each consecutive entry is even better than the last. To each their own, and to Gladstone his much-deserved royalties.)
The only true, objective thing to say is that this journey is, alas, over.
Until I decide to pick those "Notes..." back up and see if, after inflicting the greatest distance of all on it -this distance being of the fourth-dimensional kind- it still looks like a miracle or, instead, a disaster. And I look forward to that imaginary day, which is something I do not usually do with any of my finished reads.
Koala Fuckers all around!
It's been almost three years since I've read Notes from the Internet Apocalypse. And I still would buy one of those battered-appearance editions of it that this one mentions being sold at chains like Starbucks in a heartbeat. It was a glorious, messy, punchy read with way too much feeling and emotion. It remains one of my favorite reads ever.
The second one, Agents of the Internet Apocalypse: A Novel, didn't wow me as much. At least until the end, where the unexpected literary punch landed right on the literary gut. It wasn't a cheap punch, mind you; but one that enriched that read almost as much as it destroyed our kind-of-hero Gladstone.
And then we've come a long way, baby. To 2017, the year after that awful one-six that no one wants to remember too much (except some of its consequences will still be trumpeted for a long, long time to come).
But enough about that. And let's talk about introducing a secondary-character as your main character for much of the last volume of a trilogy.
It works beautifully.
Rowsdower -Aaron, to his few friends- is the perfect fit for this final, globe-trotting, conspiracy-unmasking entry. Even as he
In short, this one felt like much more of a cohesive read, out of the bunch. Which may be the reason why I still feel that the first one is the best, and the second one is... well... the second one. Not as cohesive as this third one, not as pure as the first one.
(A quick verification shows me that the general consensus is that each consecutive entry is even better than the last. To each their own, and to Gladstone his much-deserved royalties.)
The only true, objective thing to say is that this journey is, alas, over.
Until I decide to pick those "Notes..." back up and see if, after inflicting the greatest distance of all on it -this distance being of the fourth-dimensional kind- it still looks like a miracle or, instead, a disaster. And I look forward to that imaginary day, which is something I do not usually do with any of my finished reads.
Koala Fuckers all around!
July 30, 2017
Easily the best of a very good trilogy. Smart, funny writing propels a narrative that is action driven and yet never loses sight of its humanity. Highly recommended.
February 2, 2017
Last part of a trilogy. Very thought provoking & fast moving, especially for our last days of Obama & the onset of Trump.
July 9, 2025
The Internet Apocalypse trilogy had a compelling concept—what would happen if the internet suddenly disappeared? Unfortunately, the execution never lives up to the premise. Across all three books, the narrative feels bogged down by characters who spend far too much time drinking, moping, and finding analog ways to consume porn—often at the expense of real plot momentum or meaningful development.
Agents of the Internet Apocalypse does pick up a bit with some bursts of action and a dual POV structure that shifts between Rosdower and Gladstone, which adds some variety. But even with that, the first half drags considerably, and the overall story remains thin and predictable. There are moments of enjoyment, but they’re buried under layers of repetition and shallow satire.
In the end, while the trilogy had potential, it consistently fell short. I had to power through most of it, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others.
Agents of the Internet Apocalypse does pick up a bit with some bursts of action and a dual POV structure that shifts between Rosdower and Gladstone, which adds some variety. But even with that, the first half drags considerably, and the overall story remains thin and predictable. There are moments of enjoyment, but they’re buried under layers of repetition and shallow satire.
In the end, while the trilogy had potential, it consistently fell short. I had to power through most of it, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others.
March 24, 2017
I immensely enjoyed the happiness in this book. The resilience of the human spirit, and the triumph over adversity. It is real and possible and gives me hope.
It is a very fitting ending to Gladstone's journey. I love books where there is hope in the ending.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of pain during times when things are going well. It is part of life and can be overcome with tenacity, love, hope and friends.
The trilogy is very well written, the literary devices are used well, the foreshadowing is subtle but effective. I loved every book. Thank you Mr. Gladstone (both of you).
It is a very fitting ending to Gladstone's journey. I love books where there is hope in the ending.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of pain during times when things are going well. It is part of life and can be overcome with tenacity, love, hope and friends.
The trilogy is very well written, the literary devices are used well, the foreshadowing is subtle but effective. I loved every book. Thank you Mr. Gladstone (both of you).
December 10, 2016
Reports is a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to the Internet Apocalypse trilogy. Spoilers ahead: Having Rowsdower's first person account of the action gave urgency and life to his quest to help Gladstone and made his death poignant. Gladstone's completed arc is touching. I enjoyed the whole trilogy and would highly recommend. I'm anxious to see more from Gladstone. The author and character both.
September 22, 2017
A good ending to the trilogy. It wasn't quite as good as the first two, but I enjoyed reading it and I do like the way everything wrapped up. I look forward to more from the author, but hope it's in a new setting with new characters. Maybe a book following Agent Rosdower's next case might be worthwhile, but the other characters have been played out. Played out well, mind you, but played out.
January 11, 2018
Honestly I wish these 3 books were longer...but I think their brevity aided in my enjoyment. These books were short and fun. If you know anything about internet culture, and are also fascinated with some current events of a political nature, check out this series. I don't want to spoil anything, but these books were a fun quick read.
November 16, 2016
With a name like Rowsdower, how could he not become a much bigger part in this trilogy? By the way, fantastic reference Mister Gladstone, the first time I read that name I damn near did a spit take.
The third and final installment of Gladstones story takes a vastly different approach to telling it. He's not even in a good sized chunk of the book. Most of the main cast isn't actually, we pick up with (Former) Special Agent Rowsdower conducting his own investigation and looking for Gladstone who (and rightfully so!) has gone into deep deep hiding. I already knew Rowsdower wasn't such a bad guy (and that his teeth weren't so bad) but it was really nice to get to know him better. And the actual Bad Guy? There are PLENTY of people like that, in the real world right now, that can and probably would do something like this. That in particular did strike a chord with me. As much of a comedy as these books are, that is kinda scary when you think about it. Once again, my heart broke for characters. I cried out for one in particular, I cried out reading that bit and it startled my husband. I haven't really done that since Dumbledore I think. Also, a very nice tribute to David Bowie, that was wonderful.
Overall, this book (and the trilogy as a whole) was fantastic. You'll hit just about every emotion on the spectrum, you'll probably pull a muscle laughing and (for those of us who don't do much on the internet) learn a lot too.
Thank you Wayne Gladstone, for sharing this with us. I loved every single word of it and I cannot wait for your next book.
The third and final installment of Gladstones story takes a vastly different approach to telling it. He's not even in a good sized chunk of the book. Most of the main cast isn't actually, we pick up with (Former) Special Agent Rowsdower conducting his own investigation and looking for Gladstone who (and rightfully so!) has gone into deep deep hiding. I already knew Rowsdower wasn't such a bad guy (and that his teeth weren't so bad) but it was really nice to get to know him better. And the actual Bad Guy? There are PLENTY of people like that, in the real world right now, that can and probably would do something like this. That in particular did strike a chord with me. As much of a comedy as these books are, that is kinda scary when you think about it. Once again, my heart broke for characters. I cried out for one in particular, I cried out reading that bit and it startled my husband. I haven't really done that since Dumbledore I think. Also, a very nice tribute to David Bowie, that was wonderful.
Overall, this book (and the trilogy as a whole) was fantastic. You'll hit just about every emotion on the spectrum, you'll probably pull a muscle laughing and (for those of us who don't do much on the internet) learn a lot too.
Thank you Wayne Gladstone, for sharing this with us. I loved every single word of it and I cannot wait for your next book.
July 25, 2016
This was very hard to rate. For some reason when I picked it up I didn't realize that it was the final book in a trilogy. It was obvious I was not getting everything out of the story I should have since I had not read the previous books but I still did enjoy it. I gave it 3 stars because of Goodreads system that means I liked it which I did. I would think people who have read the previous books will probably rate it higher.
March 2, 2018
Saved the best for last!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews