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Claus #4
Humbug: The Unwinding of Ebenezer Scrooge
Jacob Marley is dead. His business partner, Eb Scrooge, is left to run Avocado, Inc., an innovative technology business, all alone. An introverted shut-in locked away in a Colorado mansion, he changes the company’s mission statement. Only his servant droids keep him company.
Until the gifts arrive.
Each Christmas, a messenger forces Eb to look at his life in hopes he will change. But change does not happen in a single night. And only Eb can make it happen.
But who is sending the messengers?
Until the gifts arrive.
Each Christmas, a messenger forces Eb to look at his life in hopes he will change. But change does not happen in a single night. And only Eb can make it happen.
But who is sending the messengers?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
163 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Tony Bertauski
72 books764 followersGet my books FREE. Tell me where to send them at http://bertauski.com
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 24, 2022
Scrooge!
I struggled to give this a rating. The last 80 pages saved the story for me. I came close to a DNF a few times. The story itself was ok. The problem was that until the last 50 pages there were no characters that I cared about. I didn't even care if Ebenezer turned his life around until we saw glimpses of his past. The last 80 pages were 4 star worthy which gives it an overall 3.25 for me. I will continue this series next year, and hope the next book is more like the first three!
Series
Claus: 4 stars
Jack: 4.5 stars (rounded to 5)
Flury: solid 5+ stars!!!
Humbug: 3.25 stars (rounded to 3)
I struggled to give this a rating. The last 80 pages saved the story for me. I came close to a DNF a few times. The story itself was ok. The problem was that until the last 50 pages there were no characters that I cared about. I didn't even care if Ebenezer turned his life around until we saw glimpses of his past. The last 80 pages were 4 star worthy which gives it an overall 3.25 for me. I will continue this series next year, and hope the next book is more like the first three!
Series
Claus: 4 stars
Jack: 4.5 stars (rounded to 5)
Flury: solid 5+ stars!!!
Humbug: 3.25 stars (rounded to 3)
November 15, 2016
Fantastic twist on a familiar tale.
Tony Bertauski has come away with another winner in Humbug. This is one of those books that is hard to review without giving away all the goodies inside.
You may think you know the story, but when Tony Bertauski spins a tale, he creates a world of his own, original, unique and highly creative.
I immediately thought steampunk because of all the technology involved, but cyberpunk will do just fine.
Ebenezer is constantly riding around his castle on a Segway. He is overweight and a bit lazy. He wants what he wants when he wants it and expects his androids to deliver. He doesn’t leave his castle and doesn’t want any human contact. No one knows what he looks like because he projects a created image when he talks ‘face to face’.
At times I felt like Ebenezer got what he deserved and other times I felt sorry for him. After all, we don’t always know what happens to shape a person into who they have become.
We do travel to the future, visit the present and go back to the past to find out his story.
The twists and turns kept me entertained and I surely never saw the end coming. I loved it.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Humbug by Tony Bertauski.
To see more visit fundinmental
Tony Bertauski has come away with another winner in Humbug. This is one of those books that is hard to review without giving away all the goodies inside.
You may think you know the story, but when Tony Bertauski spins a tale, he creates a world of his own, original, unique and highly creative.
I immediately thought steampunk because of all the technology involved, but cyberpunk will do just fine.
Ebenezer is constantly riding around his castle on a Segway. He is overweight and a bit lazy. He wants what he wants when he wants it and expects his androids to deliver. He doesn’t leave his castle and doesn’t want any human contact. No one knows what he looks like because he projects a created image when he talks ‘face to face’.
At times I felt like Ebenezer got what he deserved and other times I felt sorry for him. After all, we don’t always know what happens to shape a person into who they have become.
We do travel to the future, visit the present and go back to the past to find out his story.
The twists and turns kept me entertained and I surely never saw the end coming. I loved it.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Humbug by Tony Bertauski.
To see more visit fundinmental
November 2, 2016
This had the potential to be a great retelling of the original Christmas story. The modernized, technology mogul was a cool spin, and I think the use of Eb's technology in his unwinding was brilliant. Real horror novel material.
What made this novel fall short was the repetition. We were always with Eb in the castle. Yes, we saw outside the castle through the projection room, and I loved the use of the social media feeds. However, that's only entertaining to a point. I think this novel would have been much more effective as a novella, or as a shorter novel in which the three "ghosts" visit on the same night (like the original story) rather than spaced out over the years. I understand that the time is used to show Eb's descent, but he's just such an unlikeable character, and getting to know him doesn't make him more sympathetic until the very end.
The idea was great, and as such I will definitely give Bertauski another go. I'm betting this one just wasn't his best.
What made this novel fall short was the repetition. We were always with Eb in the castle. Yes, we saw outside the castle through the projection room, and I loved the use of the social media feeds. However, that's only entertaining to a point. I think this novel would have been much more effective as a novella, or as a shorter novel in which the three "ghosts" visit on the same night (like the original story) rather than spaced out over the years. I understand that the time is used to show Eb's descent, but he's just such an unlikeable character, and getting to know him doesn't make him more sympathetic until the very end.
The idea was great, and as such I will definitely give Bertauski another go. I'm betting this one just wasn't his best.
November 20, 2016
As a huge Dickens fan and a massive Scrooge fan, I wasn't sure what to expect. With that said, I was simply blown away by the sheer energy and detail of this book. I loved the way that Bertauski presented Avacado and made it modern. It was a wonderful retelling with unique polishing that truly brought it into the present and future. I am so appreciative that I was able to read it and give this complimentary review.
The writing was really creative and I loved reading this new favorite Christmas story.
The writing was really creative and I loved reading this new favorite Christmas story.
September 9, 2024
Unwinding, sure enough.
Quite an interesting twist to the original version of the story. Took me a minute to get into it. Probably because I love the original story so much. However, this one did not disappoint. Was happy to learn the back story of this Scrooge. It explains a lot. The ending was somewhat surprising, but also a little confusing at the final chapter. Still, I enjoyed reading this one and will eventually continue on to the next.
Kudos to Mr. Bertauski for his charitable contributions.
Quite an interesting twist to the original version of the story. Took me a minute to get into it. Probably because I love the original story so much. However, this one did not disappoint. Was happy to learn the back story of this Scrooge. It explains a lot. The ending was somewhat surprising, but also a little confusing at the final chapter. Still, I enjoyed reading this one and will eventually continue on to the next.
Kudos to Mr. Bertauski for his charitable contributions.
December 8, 2016
We have put up Christmas decorations at home. In the Philippines, as early as September, people start hanging Christmas decorations and playing Christmas songs. We take down the decors right after the celebration of the Three Kings (January 6). Others wait for the Chinese New Year (end of January to the first week of February) to remove the decors. Yes, the Christmas season is the longest celebration we have. People tend to be kinder, more understanding and patient during this period. The best thing I love about Christmas is to go shopping for presents for the people I love. My gifts are always personalized. I wrapped them creatively. Last year, I used manila envelopes with red ribbons. Other times, I used Japanese paper. Layering them in different colors. As much as possible, I try not to use the usual holiday store-bought wrappers.
This review is so timely. Humbug is a re-telling of the all-time favorite Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. In this book, Ebenezer Lennox Scrooge and Jacob Marley are co-founders of Avocado. An electronics and technology company. Yes, I know like Apple but it has business ventures into stem cell, droids, and other high-end technological advances. When Jacob Marley died, Scrooge took over the company. He changed a lot of things that the people did not like and he worked his people to the bone. Then, on Christmas Eve, Jacob's ghost appeared to him. And then the next Christmas Eve's after that, the ghosts of the present and the past continued to haunt.
I think the way Scrooge was portrayed in this novel is very apt. A modern business man whose concern is to earn more money for his company. To hell with what his employees feel or think. He pays them enough so he should be getting what he paid for. He doesn't care what time of day it is, he calls his managers whenever he likes. There is no sacred hour, not even Christmas. I think, there are a lot of bosses who are like this. They only care about the metrics, the SLAs (service-level agreements), and the profits. It's all about the numbers and statistics. They don't even try to get to know their subordinates personally.
And since his business is technology. He makes use of them each way he can. He lives alone and he has an entourage of droids to assist him in his mansion. Unlike most CEO's, he attends meetings and interviews proxied by a projection. A projection that is too far from his real self. He often projects himself as a ripped up and good-looking guy, like Captain America. No one in the world knows how he really looked like. Even his VP hasn't seen him for years. He never leaves his mansion.
I enjoyed this modern representation of Scrooge. Very very fitting and real. I also liked that his change was brought about by something else. Of course, he is a modern man so he looks for a logical explanation for the haunting. Like most of us making sense of the unbelievable, he sought to find a tangible and possible source of those ghastly apparitions that made sense to him. He was in denial and he refused to turn over a new leaf until something big and beyond unstoppable happened. Not even his advanced technological innovations could even stop it.
The best part of the book is that it explored the past of Scrooge and there lies the explanation of how he is. His present is a product of generations long past and converged into his being. He was as powerless as any of his ancestors. Thinking, this is how it has done. This is the way I know. There is no other way.
I give Humbug 5/5 rag dolls. I liked the ending. How he changed and made up for all the mistakes and abuse he has done to his employees. How he found the happiness that had long eluded him in spite of all the glossy and expensive trappings he can afford. Very impressive. I think Dickens would have approved of this version of his famous story. Absolutely entertaining! I love that the droids have a sense of humor. I found it a delight every time the droids and Scrooge converse, which happened a lot of times in this story. The droid's answers were so blunt and right on the mark that often made Scrooge appear like a fool, which I thought he fairly deserved.
Bitterness and loneliness is not a youth serum for the body.
- Tony Bertauski, Humbug: The Unwinding of Ebenezer Scrooge -
Thank you again, Tony Bertauski for the ARC.
This review is so timely. Humbug is a re-telling of the all-time favorite Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. In this book, Ebenezer Lennox Scrooge and Jacob Marley are co-founders of Avocado. An electronics and technology company. Yes, I know like Apple but it has business ventures into stem cell, droids, and other high-end technological advances. When Jacob Marley died, Scrooge took over the company. He changed a lot of things that the people did not like and he worked his people to the bone. Then, on Christmas Eve, Jacob's ghost appeared to him. And then the next Christmas Eve's after that, the ghosts of the present and the past continued to haunt.
I think the way Scrooge was portrayed in this novel is very apt. A modern business man whose concern is to earn more money for his company. To hell with what his employees feel or think. He pays them enough so he should be getting what he paid for. He doesn't care what time of day it is, he calls his managers whenever he likes. There is no sacred hour, not even Christmas. I think, there are a lot of bosses who are like this. They only care about the metrics, the SLAs (service-level agreements), and the profits. It's all about the numbers and statistics. They don't even try to get to know their subordinates personally.
And since his business is technology. He makes use of them each way he can. He lives alone and he has an entourage of droids to assist him in his mansion. Unlike most CEO's, he attends meetings and interviews proxied by a projection. A projection that is too far from his real self. He often projects himself as a ripped up and good-looking guy, like Captain America. No one in the world knows how he really looked like. Even his VP hasn't seen him for years. He never leaves his mansion.
I enjoyed this modern representation of Scrooge. Very very fitting and real. I also liked that his change was brought about by something else. Of course, he is a modern man so he looks for a logical explanation for the haunting. Like most of us making sense of the unbelievable, he sought to find a tangible and possible source of those ghastly apparitions that made sense to him. He was in denial and he refused to turn over a new leaf until something big and beyond unstoppable happened. Not even his advanced technological innovations could even stop it.
The best part of the book is that it explored the past of Scrooge and there lies the explanation of how he is. His present is a product of generations long past and converged into his being. He was as powerless as any of his ancestors. Thinking, this is how it has done. This is the way I know. There is no other way.
I give Humbug 5/5 rag dolls. I liked the ending. How he changed and made up for all the mistakes and abuse he has done to his employees. How he found the happiness that had long eluded him in spite of all the glossy and expensive trappings he can afford. Very impressive. I think Dickens would have approved of this version of his famous story. Absolutely entertaining! I love that the droids have a sense of humor. I found it a delight every time the droids and Scrooge converse, which happened a lot of times in this story. The droid's answers were so blunt and right on the mark that often made Scrooge appear like a fool, which I thought he fairly deserved.
Bitterness and loneliness is not a youth serum for the body.
- Tony Bertauski, Humbug: The Unwinding of Ebenezer Scrooge -
Thank you again, Tony Bertauski for the ARC.
October 9, 2016
Being a fan of Tony Bertauski's work, I immediately jumped on board when he offered this as an ARC.
I can honestly say, Tony hit it out of the park with this one! If you've followed my reviews, you know I'm a sucker for two genres - Horror and Christmas. That being said, it shouldn't be a surprise to know that Dickens novel - A Christmas Carol - is at the top of my most favorite of all times. So, when I saw that Tony was going to reimagine the story of Scrooge, I was intrigued - and more than a little trepidatious.
My fears were unfounded. Tony took the story of Scrooge and gave it a very modern day makeover. He uses modern day conveniences, with a little bit of science-fiction to tell the reclamation of Eb Scrooge. On top of that, I really liked the way Tony had Scrooge's "visits" happen in reverse - future, present, and then past - as a way of "reverse engineering" his life.
One has to only read the first few pages to see a huge parallel between Eb Scrooge and Steve Jobs. Eb is a high-demanding owner of a technology company called Avocado. He belittles his employees, pushing them beyond their limits, and lets nothing stand in the way of progress. Jobs was a high-demanding owner of the technology company called Apple, etc. And the parallels don't stop there. While I am 100% positive this was intentional, I'm not sure if it was done as a homage to Jobs, or as a statement against his means. Either way, the fact that Eb was indeed a changed man shows that there may have been hope.
I can foresee this book being a yearly read for me - just like A Christmas Carol - and eagerly await it's official release. If it's released as a physical book, it will definitely be a welcome edition to my shelves.
I can honestly say, Tony hit it out of the park with this one! If you've followed my reviews, you know I'm a sucker for two genres - Horror and Christmas. That being said, it shouldn't be a surprise to know that Dickens novel - A Christmas Carol - is at the top of my most favorite of all times. So, when I saw that Tony was going to reimagine the story of Scrooge, I was intrigued - and more than a little trepidatious.
My fears were unfounded. Tony took the story of Scrooge and gave it a very modern day makeover. He uses modern day conveniences, with a little bit of science-fiction to tell the reclamation of Eb Scrooge. On top of that, I really liked the way Tony had Scrooge's "visits" happen in reverse - future, present, and then past - as a way of "reverse engineering" his life.
One has to only read the first few pages to see a huge parallel between Eb Scrooge and Steve Jobs. Eb is a high-demanding owner of a technology company called Avocado. He belittles his employees, pushing them beyond their limits, and lets nothing stand in the way of progress. Jobs was a high-demanding owner of the technology company called Apple, etc. And the parallels don't stop there. While I am 100% positive this was intentional, I'm not sure if it was done as a homage to Jobs, or as a statement against his means. Either way, the fact that Eb was indeed a changed man shows that there may have been hope.
I can foresee this book being a yearly read for me - just like A Christmas Carol - and eagerly await it's official release. If it's released as a physical book, it will definitely be a welcome edition to my shelves.
November 1, 2016
Tony does it again. I loved his Claus series but this book is a stand alone novel and a retelling of the classic Christmas Carol in high tech splendor. Think Christmas Carol meets a future Steven Jobs.
Bob Marley and Scrooge are business partners in a billion dollar technology company. Marley is the heart of the company and when he dies Scrooge becomes more...reclusive egocentric and paranoid. With gentle but firm persuasion Marley attempts to show him what's important in life.
This is another must read of Tony's. though which books of his are not.
I did receive a free advance book for an honest review though I have preordered my own book when it is released.
Bob Marley and Scrooge are business partners in a billion dollar technology company. Marley is the heart of the company and when he dies Scrooge becomes more...reclusive egocentric and paranoid. With gentle but firm persuasion Marley attempts to show him what's important in life.
This is another must read of Tony's. though which books of his are not.
I did receive a free advance book for an honest review though I have preordered my own book when it is released.
November 18, 2016
Mr Bertauski has given us a strange twist on A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is a nice guy trying to do the right thing.
I loved the modern setting and the inversion of the characters, which made it exciting to read. I never knew what was coming next, sometimes something naughty, other times something nice but always fascinating. The ending left me with a smile as all Christmas stories should and I found it very fitting.
I read the book in one go, it was too good to leave.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
I loved the modern setting and the inversion of the characters, which made it exciting to read. I never knew what was coming next, sometimes something naughty, other times something nice but always fascinating. The ending left me with a smile as all Christmas stories should and I found it very fitting.
I read the book in one go, it was too good to leave.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
October 13, 2016
Tony always hits out of the park with his books. So I jumped at the opportunity for the ARC. The Claus series is probably one of my all time favorites ever, they bring my childhood stories to life but with a twist. This brought Mr. Scrooge to life in the modern day high tech world we live in. Another home run for Tony and the Claus Series. If you haven't already, read the other books and when this officially releases snag it up, you won't regret it.
January 1, 2018
Humbug was the fourth book in the Claus series and the eighth overall that I’ve read by Bertauski. While I loved the other books, this one is not among my favorites. It had great potential but just fell into a repetitive rhythm that didn’t grab my attention fully. Normally I devour his books in a day or so but this one took me much longer. I’m hoping the fifth in the series returns to his usual fantastic storytelling.
November 15, 2016
From the dark, dreary London streets of the 1800s this book brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge into the future with all the gizmos and gadgetry of the technological age. I enjoyed the portrayal of not only a miser, but a serious recluse as well. A modern twist to an age old story. I seriously recommend this book.
November 5, 2017
Bah.
So not nearly as good as Claus. Unfortunately this could have had so much potential but the first two ghosts really didn't make much of an impact on the story so a little wasteful. This writing didn't seem to be as good either. Trouble following the story a little and gaps in thoughts.
So not nearly as good as Claus. Unfortunately this could have had so much potential but the first two ghosts really didn't make much of an impact on the story so a little wasteful. This writing didn't seem to be as good either. Trouble following the story a little and gaps in thoughts.
December 26, 2022
I discovered the book Claus 3-4 weeks ago now and since that one I have been reading this series in order, with a different book between each one from another series. I have really enjoyed all the books so far and an now reading , Claus The Rise Of The Miser.
I thought Humbug was an absolutely brilliant take on the classic Scrooge. Being a Dickins fan since I was young I wasn't sure what I would make of someone messing with the classic Christmas story, but I was blown away.
Tony Bertauski took the original story, chopped it up, put it in a bag, shook it up and from that produced a stonking story which I found hard to put down.
All the basic characters are in there, Scrooge is Eb, Jacob Marley who was his partner in business and the kinder of the two, The four ghosts that visit are also there but in different name and form and his journey/lesson with them is different.
I can't go into the story too much because most people will know the original and if I give away too much information here you won't want to read it, or it may confuse you enough too think you should pass on it, however, if you do you are really losing out. This is a must read.
It is well written, they new characters for example the drones that have been created by Jacob and Eb are a great addition.
Tony Bertauski has come up trumps yet again, I don't know how he does it but I am glad he does. I would love to live for a day inside his head, I am sure it would be so interesting
I thought Humbug was an absolutely brilliant take on the classic Scrooge. Being a Dickins fan since I was young I wasn't sure what I would make of someone messing with the classic Christmas story, but I was blown away.
Tony Bertauski took the original story, chopped it up, put it in a bag, shook it up and from that produced a stonking story which I found hard to put down.
All the basic characters are in there, Scrooge is Eb, Jacob Marley who was his partner in business and the kinder of the two, The four ghosts that visit are also there but in different name and form and his journey/lesson with them is different.
I can't go into the story too much because most people will know the original and if I give away too much information here you won't want to read it, or it may confuse you enough too think you should pass on it, however, if you do you are really losing out. This is a must read.
It is well written, they new characters for example the drones that have been created by Jacob and Eb are a great addition.
Tony Bertauski has come up trumps yet again, I don't know how he does it but I am glad he does. I would love to live for a day inside his head, I am sure it would be so interesting
September 24, 2017
I love Tony Bertauski's writing. I devoured the last three Claus books and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. That said, while it was still an excellent rendition of a classic Christmas tale, there were a few issues. Mainly, his characterization of Ebenezer bothers me. Scrooge is, for all intents and purposes, a megalomaniac genius owner of the greatest, most advance tech company of all time. One would think a man like that would be an intellectual. Evidently, Mister Bertauski wasn't thinking that way; Scrooge spends the whole tale acting like a spoiled child. Sure, to some extent he is, but never once does he show the cunning and educated mind that he must have to have achieved such a company. In all honesty, the whole way through I kept thinking of one of Mister Bertauski's other characters: Jack Frost. For those who have read the other books you'll know what I mean immediately. Both characters are absolutely childish in all manner of acting. It was as if Mister Bertauski simply transferred the character to a different body.
Okay, enough ranting about Scrooge. Aside from all of that, the story was still pretty neat. It stayed well within the realm of the original story while still giving it a very modern and stylish feel. I enjoyed the book overall, though not nearly as much as the other Claus books, and would still recommend it to fans of Mister Bertauski.
Okay, enough ranting about Scrooge. Aside from all of that, the story was still pretty neat. It stayed well within the realm of the original story while still giving it a very modern and stylish feel. I enjoyed the book overall, though not nearly as much as the other Claus books, and would still recommend it to fans of Mister Bertauski.
January 3, 2020
I am a big fan of A Christmas Carol. I fell in love with it when I was a child and Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol was first on TV. It is my one tradition at the Christmas season. I have seen many versions and read the original many times.
If you are a purist, this is not the version you want to read. While Scrooge is the usual humbug and Marley is dead, and we have ghost of Christmas's past, present and future, that is where the similarities end. Scrooge and Marley founded a software startup called Avocado Industries, yes, you can sub Apple in there if you want to. Marley passes on Christmas Eve and Scrooge's problems start.
As I listened to the audio version, mostly while I was driving, there was a little bit of time lag between the listening that cause a bit of confusion but that is my problem, not the author.
I did feel the story dragged on a little too much at times, that might be because of the listening and not reading. I is hard to say.
Give it a listen (or read). No sex, violence (well a doll gets ripped apart), or anything of an 'adult' nature. Clean for all to read.
If you are a purist, this is not the version you want to read. While Scrooge is the usual humbug and Marley is dead, and we have ghost of Christmas's past, present and future, that is where the similarities end. Scrooge and Marley founded a software startup called Avocado Industries, yes, you can sub Apple in there if you want to. Marley passes on Christmas Eve and Scrooge's problems start.
As I listened to the audio version, mostly while I was driving, there was a little bit of time lag between the listening that cause a bit of confusion but that is my problem, not the author.
I did feel the story dragged on a little too much at times, that might be because of the listening and not reading. I is hard to say.
Give it a listen (or read). No sex, violence (well a doll gets ripped apart), or anything of an 'adult' nature. Clean for all to read.
May 20, 2020
With each story in his Claus series Tony Bertauski reimagines famous tales we all know and love and gives them a new spin. Humbug is, as the name would suggest, a retelling of the tale of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge. The author updates the setting to a modern tech mogul complete with futuristic droids that do Eb’s bidding. This is a fun entertaining take of the classic Dickens story that, for me at least, maintained the heart of the original but managed to be new and separate, never relying on the more famous story. It’s cleverly written and wonderfully thought through with holograms, malicious programs and projected imagery all combining to undermine Scrooge's fragile mental state. Yes, he’s the crotchety old man that hates Christmas but he's also happy that way. So, why would he change? That’s what the author brings to this story, the heart behind it all. It is seasonal, sci-fi, mind bending stuff that all mixes together to give us something new and unique. I read this in April/May time and thoroughly enjoyed it so don’t miss out if you think it's just a Christmas story. The series and this book are all great fun and I’m eager for the next one.
February 17, 2017
Humbug (The Unwinding of Ebenezer Scrooge): A Science Fiction Adventure (Claus Book 4) Kindle Edition by Tony Bertauski and you will want to remember that name. This for me was an advance reader copy/ARC, and tend not to want to do those because have pc kindle and loads of books already plus kindle unlimited subscription, and really like free and early, but it still has to grab me or at least poke really hard. No payment etc for review, free will and all that, but advance free copies to read are cool js.
Thought at the very beginning it was interesting premise; not remaking of the actual original story, not a modern day remaking of the actual story {think 'Scrooged' for that js} but rather a futuristic type retelling. No princesses were saved or dragons slayed, well not in the usual sense, so everything was pretty much a backdrop to the actual story, which is as it should be. Definitely no my usual choice of genre, but well worth the time.
Date wrong, forgot to review some of his on goodreads when did amazon.
Thought at the very beginning it was interesting premise; not remaking of the actual original story, not a modern day remaking of the actual story {think 'Scrooged' for that js} but rather a futuristic type retelling. No princesses were saved or dragons slayed, well not in the usual sense, so everything was pretty much a backdrop to the actual story, which is as it should be. Definitely no my usual choice of genre, but well worth the time.
Date wrong, forgot to review some of his on goodreads when did amazon.
November 14, 2016
This review which I submit voluntarily is from advanced copy of this digital book.
I don't believe there is a person in the English speaking world, who hasn't read or seen a version of Ebenezer Scrooge, and a Christmas Carol.
This story is set in the same context as the original story, but with a modern day IT backdrop.
The partners of the IT firm Avocado, Jacob Marley and Ebenezer Scrooge, we're doing well. They could do better Ebenezer believed if they didn't split the research from the entertainment sector into medical research.
Then Jacob dies suddenly, and Ebenezer ensures that the will left him the full shares in the company. Ebenezer had become a recluse, settled in a mountain retreat with android servants two little girls that had been part of Jacobs will, that Ebenezer become their guardian. And there were the yearly visits, or dreams, each Christmas eve.
I don't believe this story was as spooky as the original, but it is thought provoking.
I don't believe there is a person in the English speaking world, who hasn't read or seen a version of Ebenezer Scrooge, and a Christmas Carol.
This story is set in the same context as the original story, but with a modern day IT backdrop.
The partners of the IT firm Avocado, Jacob Marley and Ebenezer Scrooge, we're doing well. They could do better Ebenezer believed if they didn't split the research from the entertainment sector into medical research.
Then Jacob dies suddenly, and Ebenezer ensures that the will left him the full shares in the company. Ebenezer had become a recluse, settled in a mountain retreat with android servants two little girls that had been part of Jacobs will, that Ebenezer become their guardian. And there were the yearly visits, or dreams, each Christmas eve.
I don't believe this story was as spooky as the original, but it is thought provoking.
Read
January 27, 2025This is the fourth volume in "The Claus Universe" collection of 12 fabled rewrites that totally re:vision classic stories. Each entry is unique in the manner in which the author casts the story with a fresh but comprehensive revision. At times the revision is so vast you hardly recognize the original story; case in point: "Humbug: The Unwinding of Ebenezer Scrooge". I was amazed how vastly different this story was yet how rich in multilayered detail of a vastly different setting. I admit I read the ending 20% twice because my head was spinning when I first finished the book and was like "what was that?!" I won't give any spoilers, but ... AMAZING!!!
Author Tony Bertauski is truly a Master Storyteller of our time with a genius amount of creativity!! If you're reading this review and haven't yet started reading in Bertauski's "The Claus Universe" what is wrong with you?! Go read it NOW!!
Author Tony Bertauski is truly a Master Storyteller of our time with a genius amount of creativity!! If you're reading this review and haven't yet started reading in Bertauski's "The Claus Universe" what is wrong with you?! Go read it NOW!!
September 20, 2017
A very modern-day version of A Christmas Carol, with Scrooge a co-founder (with Marley, of course) of a massive tech company, remarkably resembling Apple. Scrooge is not Steve Jobs, though perhaps Marley is an idealized version. It's interesting reading, although it didn't entirely engage me, possibly because so much of the tech stuff seemed unlikely and essentially just...magic. And, yes, I am aware of Clarke's Third Law, but what I mean here is that the technology that features, very prominently, in the story seems to me to exist primarily to advance the story; it's convenient. And just as in many stories featuring magic, the narrative loses steam because none of the dramatic events really has to make sense.
June 25, 2022
A weird modern-day dark story about Scrooge, production efficiency in the electronics industry, helpful androids and isolated paranoia.
I’m glad I know how the story supposed to go otherwise I’d a little confused. The three ‘Christmases’ are reversed. This has it as the ‘Yet to come, Present, Past’ instead the reverse as in the original. This was on top of an already confusing plot and sometimes I wasn’t sure what was going on and had to reread the passages. The end is odd.
This Ebenezer is a real piece of work and is the perfect modern version of him. The ghosts are strange, but I like the other characters and I love the little girls.
Fave scenes: Jacob is data, the two presents from the girls, talking to Dr. Chase and Jerri holding her granddaughter.
I’m glad I know how the story supposed to go otherwise I’d a little confused. The three ‘Christmases’ are reversed. This has it as the ‘Yet to come, Present, Past’ instead the reverse as in the original. This was on top of an already confusing plot and sometimes I wasn’t sure what was going on and had to reread the passages. The end is odd.
This Ebenezer is a real piece of work and is the perfect modern version of him. The ghosts are strange, but I like the other characters and I love the little girls.
Fave scenes: Jacob is data, the two presents from the girls, talking to Dr. Chase and Jerri holding her granddaughter.
February 1, 2023
A futuristic spin on a timeless classic
A good read, based off of Dickens’ timeless classic. The theme of unbridled greed and avarice eventually tempered by introspection is given a modern, not-too-distant future treatment. AI, droids, social media, and a high tech, innovative IT company all come into play. You know the basic story, you know the ending, but the character development and modern treatment make this a very interesting story. Eb’s spiraling toward the end seemed a bit much, but was justifiably depressing. The ending literally brought a tear to my eye, a testament to the excellent character development. I highly recommend this book, as well as the first three books in this series. Onto Clause Universe Book 5.
A good read, based off of Dickens’ timeless classic. The theme of unbridled greed and avarice eventually tempered by introspection is given a modern, not-too-distant future treatment. AI, droids, social media, and a high tech, innovative IT company all come into play. You know the basic story, you know the ending, but the character development and modern treatment make this a very interesting story. Eb’s spiraling toward the end seemed a bit much, but was justifiably depressing. The ending literally brought a tear to my eye, a testament to the excellent character development. I highly recommend this book, as well as the first three books in this series. Onto Clause Universe Book 5.
January 31, 2019
Tony Bertauski continues his Claus series with the retelling (sort of) of A Christmas Carol. Set in the not-to-far-away future, the book tells of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, owner and head of a large IT firm and whose partner and boyhood friend, Jacob Marley, recently died.
Like all Bertauski stories that I have read, Humbug is quite odd, rather creepy at times, and thoroughly enjoyable. If you haven't read the first three books in this series, shame on you! But you can jump into this one now, as it doesn't directly tie into the first three (at least as far as I can tell). However, I highly recommend the first three in the series too.
Like all Bertauski stories that I have read, Humbug is quite odd, rather creepy at times, and thoroughly enjoyable. If you haven't read the first three books in this series, shame on you! But you can jump into this one now, as it doesn't directly tie into the first three (at least as far as I can tell). However, I highly recommend the first three in the series too.
June 17, 2020
No thanks.
Why bother to rewrite Dickens' "A Christmas Carol?" Sure, the details are very different and the story has been updated to 21st Century standards but I just found it to be annoying. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserable man, his partner, Jacob Marley, dies and leaves Scrooge as the sole owner of their high tech company, Avocado, Inc. The story progresses, complete with Christmas Eve hauntings although they're spread over several years instead of one night. But so what? Then there's the Epilogue - it made no sense at all. I've had it with this series. Some may think these stories are clever or cute, but not me.
Why bother to rewrite Dickens' "A Christmas Carol?" Sure, the details are very different and the story has been updated to 21st Century standards but I just found it to be annoying. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserable man, his partner, Jacob Marley, dies and leaves Scrooge as the sole owner of their high tech company, Avocado, Inc. The story progresses, complete with Christmas Eve hauntings although they're spread over several years instead of one night. But so what? Then there's the Epilogue - it made no sense at all. I've had it with this series. Some may think these stories are clever or cute, but not me.
July 14, 2017
Definitely recommend checking this one out!
Unusual, but thoroughly enjoyable and quite unforgettable rendition of the Scrooge story.
I'm not sure quite what I was expecting from this story, but it was hauntingly good and quite poignant at times.
Characters are interesting, well developed and Scrooge in particular has many unexpected layers. Intriguing tech, some thought-provoking twists and tense action.
Great twist on an old classic, the psychological mystery really ramped up the intrigue.
All in all, a super read.
Unusual, but thoroughly enjoyable and quite unforgettable rendition of the Scrooge story.
I'm not sure quite what I was expecting from this story, but it was hauntingly good and quite poignant at times.
Characters are interesting, well developed and Scrooge in particular has many unexpected layers. Intriguing tech, some thought-provoking twists and tense action.
Great twist on an old classic, the psychological mystery really ramped up the intrigue.
All in all, a super read.
December 25, 2017
2016 ARC + •Audiobook•
"I’ve been Scrooged! "
Tony is THE master author in retellings of Christmas. Following on the heels of Santa, Jack Frost, and Flury, Humbug was written last year and recently released to audio.
Eb ubers when he isn’t hiding out in his Castle, Video conferencing because he CBA with the rest of the world. He has droids as slaves. The man servant, who he calls DumDum, seems to have more of a heart and sentimentality than Eb.
The ghosts visit yearly, which is how the book progresses. The annual visits prove how cold Eb is; as his change, rather “unwinding” is so minuscule, it’s realistic it doesn’t happen overnight!
The cast of characters’ disgust with Eb and his cruel treatment is a painful, relatable reminder for most readers how “money talks” and how some people will stay with an employer because the salary is “that good”.
I had read the book last year, but I enjoyed this narrator so much from the Claus Boxed set, I couldn’t resist picking it up for a refresher!
An exceptional new, modern twist of Ebenezer Scrooge - just in time for the holidays!
"I’ve been Scrooged! "
Tony is THE master author in retellings of Christmas. Following on the heels of Santa, Jack Frost, and Flury, Humbug was written last year and recently released to audio.
Eb ubers when he isn’t hiding out in his Castle, Video conferencing because he CBA with the rest of the world. He has droids as slaves. The man servant, who he calls DumDum, seems to have more of a heart and sentimentality than Eb.
The ghosts visit yearly, which is how the book progresses. The annual visits prove how cold Eb is; as his change, rather “unwinding” is so minuscule, it’s realistic it doesn’t happen overnight!
The cast of characters’ disgust with Eb and his cruel treatment is a painful, relatable reminder for most readers how “money talks” and how some people will stay with an employer because the salary is “that good”.
I had read the book last year, but I enjoyed this narrator so much from the Claus Boxed set, I couldn’t resist picking it up for a refresher!
An exceptional new, modern twist of Ebenezer Scrooge - just in time for the holidays!
November 22, 2024
I am a HUGE fan of A Christmas Carol. It was the very first horror story I ever read, after all. And because I love that story so much, I tend to be partial to the many variations people have come up with over the years. This one is One of my favorites.
While it follows a basic outline of the story it's based on, it has enough twists and differences to make it interesting and new, and keep readers engaged.
Whether you like Christmas or not, I recommend this book, and the other books in this series.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws and get ready to dive into book five of the Claus Universe.
While it follows a basic outline of the story it's based on, it has enough twists and differences to make it interesting and new, and keep readers engaged.
Whether you like Christmas or not, I recommend this book, and the other books in this series.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws and get ready to dive into book five of the Claus Universe.
January 13, 2025
This is easily one of the best offerings in the Claus universe. In truth, I may be biased as I love Dickens's A Christmas Carol. Those feelings notwithstanding, I stand by my opinion.
This version takes place in the not too distant future. Where technology and social media have expanded in a believable direction. All of these factors helped make for a highly convincing Scrooge. In this he is a technological genius who is also a shut in. He also doesn't change immediately. It takes him 3 years before he feels any sort of change.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Treat yourself.
This version takes place in the not too distant future. Where technology and social media have expanded in a believable direction. All of these factors helped make for a highly convincing Scrooge. In this he is a technological genius who is also a shut in. He also doesn't change immediately. It takes him 3 years before he feels any sort of change.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Treat yourself.
January 31, 2025
Another great read!
Just like the first 3 books, this one did not disappoint! A lot of life's lessons learned, heartfelt moments and plenty of enjoyment in Humbug: The unwinding of Ebenezer Scrooge. The ending was a little confusing to me (maybe it's just me) as to whether Jerri thinks Ebenezer has lost his mind or if she actually realizes that he has finally figured out what all has been happening (don't want to give away any spoilers). I especially love the unexpected twist at the end!! Overall, it's a great read!
Just like the first 3 books, this one did not disappoint! A lot of life's lessons learned, heartfelt moments and plenty of enjoyment in Humbug: The unwinding of Ebenezer Scrooge. The ending was a little confusing to me (maybe it's just me) as to whether Jerri thinks Ebenezer has lost his mind or if she actually realizes that he has finally figured out what all has been happening (don't want to give away any spoilers). I especially love the unexpected twist at the end!! Overall, it's a great read!
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