What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dark Lakes #1
Magic Eater
Joseph Lake doesn’t know who he is or where he came from... and the answer might just be the death of him.
By day, Joseph scrubs toilets and fixes broken light fittings. By night he looks into weird stuff: local hauntings, unexplained disappearances, satanic cabals dancing naked around ancient stone circles.
The usual.
The Uncanny calls to him like a beacon, and he follows its signal wherever it leads, hoping that one day it will shine a light on who he really is.
So far the clues haven't added up to much, but now a mad woman is stalking him, he’s tripping over dead bodies in the street, and he keeps having terrifying apocalyptic visions.
Can Joseph put the pieces together and figure out his identity? And if he does, will he be able to live with who he really is?
216 pages, ebook
First published June 15, 2017
100 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 7, 2017
Holey bunchmonkeys, this book takes the Uncanny Kingdom in a whole new direction!
Joseph Lake is a socially inadequate amnesiac whose life is about to be turned upside down (or put on a spin cycle in a washing machine!).
Very British humour and characters with severe potty mouths, though under the circumstances I'd swear too. The plot is intricate, so much going on, yet easy to follow and enjoy.
You don't need to have read the other UK books as this is a different series in the same world, but:
You're missing out if you haven't.
There are things/people that link them, though reading this first and then the others would work too.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from the publisher, my opinions are my own*
Joseph Lake is a socially inadequate amnesiac whose life is about to be turned upside down (or put on a spin cycle in a washing machine!).
Very British humour and characters with severe potty mouths, though under the circumstances I'd swear too. The plot is intricate, so much going on, yet easy to follow and enjoy.
You don't need to have read the other UK books as this is a different series in the same world, but:
You're missing out if you haven't.
There are things/people that link them, though reading this first and then the others would work too.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from the publisher, my opinions are my own*
August 1, 2017
2.5 stars
I picked up this one because the blurb reminded me of one of my favorite UF series, Hellequin Chronicle, by Steve McHugh. Unfortunately, it wasn't as charming as I would've liked it to be. At first, yes, Joe was funny ... but then I thought he was trying to hard. It was exhausting to read. Also his crush towards Chloe? It was cute at first; it was aggravating as it went on.
Plus the plot was pretty repetitive, Joe met those octopus-like-creature, he found dead body, there was talking fox with Red Head Woman, and of course the homeless woman appeared everywhere Joe went.
I guess when a main character lost his memory like Joe did, I sort of expected clues or at least people who knew Joe to help him gain his memory and power back. But nope, nothing like that happened here. Only the fox talking "All hail the saviour' which again, after a while, annoyed me so much.
So this didn't meet my expectation. I'm bailing on the sequel *shrugs*
I picked up this one because the blurb reminded me of one of my favorite UF series, Hellequin Chronicle, by Steve McHugh. Unfortunately, it wasn't as charming as I would've liked it to be. At first, yes, Joe was funny ... but then I thought he was trying to hard. It was exhausting to read. Also his crush towards Chloe? It was cute at first; it was aggravating as it went on.
Plus the plot was pretty repetitive, Joe met those octopus-like-creature, he found dead body, there was talking fox with Red Head Woman, and of course the homeless woman appeared everywhere Joe went.
I guess when a main character lost his memory like Joe did, I sort of expected clues or at least people who knew Joe to help him gain his memory and power back. But nope, nothing like that happened here. Only the fox talking "All hail the saviour' which again, after a while, annoyed me so much.
So this didn't meet my expectation. I'm bailing on the sequel *shrugs*
January 12, 2021
This one didn't work for me. I found the main character to be irritating. I think I should have found him endearing with his nattering on awkwardly. I kept putting the book down, each time it was harder to come back to read. in the end this one wasn't for me.
July 1, 2017
This is a fantastically written book. It made me laugh out loud (much to husband’s bemusement) many times. The characters are so well written, they’re deep, realistic, characters that you can see yourself bumping into down the pub. The author does a wonderful job of playing with the tropes and really making them fresh and often hilarious, while keeping things familiar enough that this will definitely appeal to urban fantasy readers.
The voice is incredibly British. I’m a Brit myself, so I loved that, I think Americans will love it, but it could be a bit of a culture shock.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It’s quirky, fun, it has a rich and interesting world, and fabulous humour. I mean really, what more could you possibly want in a book?
The voice is incredibly British. I’m a Brit myself, so I loved that, I think Americans will love it, but it could be a bit of a culture shock.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It’s quirky, fun, it has a rich and interesting world, and fabulous humour. I mean really, what more could you possibly want in a book?
May 9, 2018
Genuinely funny, in a bumbling British loser-who-knows-he's-a-loser kind of way. Content warning for plenty of contextual swearing.
Scruffy around the edges as far as editing is concerned; the commas, hyphens, and especially apostrophes need a good tune-up, but I only spotted one homonym error (birth/berth).
This is urban fantasy with a strong British flavour, a high body count (to which the protagonist is not indifferent), and an action-packed plot. It uses the old amnesia trope, but does a decent job with it.
Part of a series which in turn is part of a larger world; I would read another if I was in the right mood.
Scruffy around the edges as far as editing is concerned; the commas, hyphens, and especially apostrophes need a good tune-up, but I only spotted one homonym error (birth/berth).
This is urban fantasy with a strong British flavour, a high body count (to which the protagonist is not indifferent), and an action-packed plot. It uses the old amnesia trope, but does a decent job with it.
Part of a series which in turn is part of a larger world; I would read another if I was in the right mood.
June 15, 2017
Wowza! What a wild ride.
Another thrilling installment from the Uncanny Kingdom universe. I think I really like this "Joe" fella. Hilarious and clumsy, I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens next in his adventure and discovery of self.
Another thrilling installment from the Uncanny Kingdom universe. I think I really like this "Joe" fella. Hilarious and clumsy, I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens next in his adventure and discovery of self.
March 16, 2020
This was a fun read. Reminiscent of the glorious Jim Butcher... but maybe a little more naïve and at the oddest times, swaggery :) A fun paranormal investigative, self-deprecating, an "is this guy ever going to find out who he is?" ride. Immediately picked up the second in the series. Nope, it isn't deep, but it is all the fun, with all the critters, and I do like the main character a lot.
September 7, 2021
The perfect combo – action, magic, monsters and snark!
Magic Eater is the first book in The Dark Lake series from Uncanny Kingdom and it certainly set a high bar in terms of storyline (which is outrageously fun) and characters (using the term colorful is beyond inadequate). It is set in the town of Keswick in the Lake District (northwest England) which is the proud home of The Cumberland Pencil Museum (for those who wish to know the complete history of the venerable pencil). While that sounds like a picturesque and charming English countryside setting, unfortunately for the main character, Joseph Lake, there are also some monstrous new denizens making their presence felt by leaving a trail of bloody corpses in their wake. Joe is a hospital janitor/handyman who is still grappling with the fact that something happened to him ten years ago which left him with no memories of his life prior to being found face down, naked except for a single sock, near a lake. Joe, much to his dismay, discovers he harbors some mystifying magical powers. This discovery sets him on the path to becoming a reluctant and somewhat unlikely hero in this fast-paced, action-filled, frequently hilarious quest to expose the horrifying plans of the newly arrived death-dealing monsters while, hopefully, discovering some portion of his lost past.
The audiobook version of this story was superbly narrated by Dave Jones who brought this delightful urban fantasy to life. The pace, the tone, the various characters, and the humor were brilliantly represented in his reading.
Bottom line: this is an awesome urban fantasy filled with snark, sarcasm and wit that made me laugh out loud, kept me entertained, and kindled a fervent desire to tag along on more adventures with Joe and his new posse of paranormal peacekeepers.
While I did purchase a copy of this book, I was given a copy of the audiobook by the author and I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
Magic Eater is the first book in The Dark Lake series from Uncanny Kingdom and it certainly set a high bar in terms of storyline (which is outrageously fun) and characters (using the term colorful is beyond inadequate). It is set in the town of Keswick in the Lake District (northwest England) which is the proud home of The Cumberland Pencil Museum (for those who wish to know the complete history of the venerable pencil). While that sounds like a picturesque and charming English countryside setting, unfortunately for the main character, Joseph Lake, there are also some monstrous new denizens making their presence felt by leaving a trail of bloody corpses in their wake. Joe is a hospital janitor/handyman who is still grappling with the fact that something happened to him ten years ago which left him with no memories of his life prior to being found face down, naked except for a single sock, near a lake. Joe, much to his dismay, discovers he harbors some mystifying magical powers. This discovery sets him on the path to becoming a reluctant and somewhat unlikely hero in this fast-paced, action-filled, frequently hilarious quest to expose the horrifying plans of the newly arrived death-dealing monsters while, hopefully, discovering some portion of his lost past.
The audiobook version of this story was superbly narrated by Dave Jones who brought this delightful urban fantasy to life. The pace, the tone, the various characters, and the humor were brilliantly represented in his reading.
Bottom line: this is an awesome urban fantasy filled with snark, sarcasm and wit that made me laugh out loud, kept me entertained, and kindled a fervent desire to tag along on more adventures with Joe and his new posse of paranormal peacekeepers.
While I did purchase a copy of this book, I was given a copy of the audiobook by the author and I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
January 27, 2021
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This is my second foray into the Uncanny Kingdom and the second time I've been blown away by the adventure I've just been on.
Joseph Lake has no idea who he is as, 10 years ago, he awoke naked next to a lake in the lake district. Since then he has sought to find out who he is but thus far he hasn't had any success and so spends his time working as a janitor for a local hospital. From out of this simple beginning comes a tale of monsters, death, horror and an anthropomorphism fox (!?) as Joshua strives to remember who he is while trying to protect those around him from.
What begins as a search for missing cats soon balloons into a story chocked full of love, plot twists, car chases, horrific monsters and great hair.
Beautifully paced with a great balance of horror and mystery, interspersed with hilarious comedy and perfectly narrated by the wonderful Dave Jones this book was an absolute joy and I spent every free moment striving to hear what was going to happen just around the corner.
With regards to the humour, as with the last Uncanny Kingdom I read (Necessary Evil) the comedy is so natural and organic in how it's included it never breaks the drama, which is something that rarely works outside of books such as Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.
Again I can't sing the praises of this book any higher and to do so would result in me spoiling so many of the fantastic moments that occur so I will close in saying that you need to hop right in and experience this for yourself.
This is my second foray into the Uncanny Kingdom and the second time I've been blown away by the adventure I've just been on.
Joseph Lake has no idea who he is as, 10 years ago, he awoke naked next to a lake in the lake district. Since then he has sought to find out who he is but thus far he hasn't had any success and so spends his time working as a janitor for a local hospital. From out of this simple beginning comes a tale of monsters, death, horror and an anthropomorphism fox (!?) as Joshua strives to remember who he is while trying to protect those around him from.
What begins as a search for missing cats soon balloons into a story chocked full of love, plot twists, car chases, horrific monsters and great hair.
Beautifully paced with a great balance of horror and mystery, interspersed with hilarious comedy and perfectly narrated by the wonderful Dave Jones this book was an absolute joy and I spent every free moment striving to hear what was going to happen just around the corner.
With regards to the humour, as with the last Uncanny Kingdom I read (Necessary Evil) the comedy is so natural and organic in how it's included it never breaks the drama, which is something that rarely works outside of books such as Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.
Again I can't sing the praises of this book any higher and to do so would result in me spoiling so many of the fantastic moments that occur so I will close in saying that you need to hop right in and experience this for yourself.
November 13, 2020
All hail the saviour!
This sentence might not be the funniest thing that you have ever read, but you are guaranteed to laugh once you have read this book.
What an absolute joy to read. Right from the start you know that things are different in this series. The humour is bang on. Infantile, crude and sweary may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it works flawlessly in this book. The characters are incredible, interacting with each other so well, with insults, quips and laughs by the bucket load. The main character Joseph comes to by a large lake, with no memory of who he is, where he is, or what he is doing there. Here begins the first in a long line of amazing discoveries that will make him question his sanity at every turn. There is magick, murder and deception aplenty.
The absolute most fun book that I have ever read. Laugh out loud humour, really strange support characters who surpass the main one, whilst keeping him a really relevant part of the story. Who would have thought a fox would be such a focus point!
I loved this so much. I really hope that the next two books in this series match up to this. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. The sort of book that you think up whilst in the pub and think 'I know what would make a good story'!
This sentence might not be the funniest thing that you have ever read, but you are guaranteed to laugh once you have read this book.
What an absolute joy to read. Right from the start you know that things are different in this series. The humour is bang on. Infantile, crude and sweary may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it works flawlessly in this book. The characters are incredible, interacting with each other so well, with insults, quips and laughs by the bucket load. The main character Joseph comes to by a large lake, with no memory of who he is, where he is, or what he is doing there. Here begins the first in a long line of amazing discoveries that will make him question his sanity at every turn. There is magick, murder and deception aplenty.
The absolute most fun book that I have ever read. Laugh out loud humour, really strange support characters who surpass the main one, whilst keeping him a really relevant part of the story. Who would have thought a fox would be such a focus point!
I loved this so much. I really hope that the next two books in this series match up to this. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. The sort of book that you think up whilst in the pub and think 'I know what would make a good story'!
June 18, 2017
I've been waiting on this book for a bit now, and was excited to receive my ARC copy (which I somehow misplaced...but then found, so I'm a day late with this...bleh) so I could see what Joseph Lake was all about.
I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book. There were multiple times I found myself laughing out loud. ((Matthew Stott: you somehow "get" my sense of humour perfectly...my husband thinks I'm a bit of an oddball, but he's happy I enjoy your books.))
Joseph Lake is a bit of a weirdo which makes him all too easy for me to relate to. His sense of humour, his tendencies to act a fool when nervous, the way his mind works while narrating the story was all very fun for me. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but I was also super stoked about his "reacquaintance" with another character I loved in another of the Uncanny Kingdoms series.
I really can't express how much fun this was for me to read. It was awesome and I hope many, many more people give this series a chance and enjoy it as much as I do! Magic, humour, action, love...it has it all. And the ending? Gah! I am looking forward to the next!
I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book. There were multiple times I found myself laughing out loud. ((Matthew Stott: you somehow "get" my sense of humour perfectly...my husband thinks I'm a bit of an oddball, but he's happy I enjoy your books.))
Joseph Lake is a bit of a weirdo which makes him all too easy for me to relate to. His sense of humour, his tendencies to act a fool when nervous, the way his mind works while narrating the story was all very fun for me. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but I was also super stoked about his "reacquaintance" with another character I loved in another of the Uncanny Kingdoms series.
I really can't express how much fun this was for me to read. It was awesome and I hope many, many more people give this series a chance and enjoy it as much as I do! Magic, humour, action, love...it has it all. And the ending? Gah! I am looking forward to the next!
June 15, 2017
This is a great first novel in a new series set in the Uncanny Kingdom universe. If you haven't read the London Coven novels and the Ghosted novels (also set in the Uncanny Kingdom) then you are missing out. This can be read without having read the others but it will make a bit more sense and add to your enjoyment if you have. These books are very English in language, tone, setting, references and humour and I love them for it. They appeal to my warped sense of humour and my liking for all things unusual. This book is set in the Lake District while the other are set in London but it is just as good and the characters are fully formed with their own very distinct personalities (especially the bag lady!). Joseph Lake is a mystery, even to himself, and I look forward to finding out more of his history in the next book.
I received an Advance Reader's Copy but this review is my own opinion and is not influenced by the author.
I received an Advance Reader's Copy but this review is my own opinion and is not influenced by the author.
November 18, 2021
Magic Eater by M.V. Stott is Book 1 in the Dark Lakes series. Joseph (Joe) Lake, MC, works as a janitor at Carlisle Hospital. For the past 10 years he has been trying to find out who he is because when he awoke on the shore of the lake wearing only one sock he had no memory and some unusual magic abilities he doesn't know how to use. For some unknown reason, Joe likes to chase monsters so takes small jobs. This is a well written, fast paced, action filled, page turning, snarky, and at times funny thrill ride adventure -- a new entry in the Uncanny Kingdom. Joe and his cast of colorful characters (Eva/homeless woman, the fox, soul vampires are interesting and wonderful. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 25, 2021
Another hit in the Uncanny Kingdom. Magic Eater has more humor than darkness, but the mystery is still there and this time we meet Joseph Lake, he is kinda stupid, but in a good fun way. And Eva made me laugh out loud so many times. I must say I adore this character and his story is wonderfully written. The pace is fast and the twist at the end broke my heart, I did not see it coming. There isn't a lot going on, but the authors have a way to tell the story that never let you bored. Mr. Dave Jones has a variety of voices, his skills as a voice actor is incredible.
October 1, 2021
Glad I read this story
If you liked the London Coven stories as much as I did then you should read this one. It expands and depth to the Uncanny Kingdom. It answers a few questions about Eva and leaves you wanting to know more. The main character, Joe, is a set of walking contradictions. In general I don't like loveable buffoon characters like Joe but with patience he will grow on you in several ways. This is a well crafted book and, fair warning, it will leave wanting the next book in the series.
If you liked the London Coven stories as much as I did then you should read this one. It expands and depth to the Uncanny Kingdom. It answers a few questions about Eva and leaves you wanting to know more. The main character, Joe, is a set of walking contradictions. In general I don't like loveable buffoon characters like Joe but with patience he will grow on you in several ways. This is a well crafted book and, fair warning, it will leave wanting the next book in the series.
September 9, 2017
Please give my review a helpful vote - https://www.amazon.com/review/R3H7UPB...
British Urban Fantasy Genre - Rogue Magic User Sub-genre.
British Urban Fantasy ("BUF") deserves to be categorized as its own genre these days because of the consistency of its tropes and cliches. For example, in BUF we will always find a lower caste character proud of his lack of social skills, education, courage or other virtues who has a more upscale and virtuous girlfriend for no discernible reason but who has some innate supernatural gift and demonstrates courage and a host of other virtues while fighting off the Big Bad.
This book nails all the cliches. The main character is "Joe Lakes." The scare quotes follow from the fact that "Joe" was discovered naked - except for socks - washed up on the shores of a lake in England's Lake District. Since that time he has been a janitor at a local hospital where he has an uncommonly low class job, even for a BUF hero. He has a flirting relationship with Dr. Chloe and nothing special is happening to him, except he indulges in the oddjob investigation of supernatural happenings.
His life changes when he notices that he is being stalked by a homeless woman. Returning the favor, he gets involved in strange murders, talking foxes, octopus-like "soul vampires," and a potential Armageddon. The story moves like a well-edited lightning bolt.
The best part of the book is Stott's fast-talking ne'er do well character, Joe Lakes. His asides and double-talk, which I assume depict the patois of the Lake District, were ranged from fairly entertaining to very entertaining.
I am not sure that I understand some of the logic of the mystery aspect of the story, but I really didn't care because I was entertained, which is how I measure these books.
This is obviously the origin story of Joe's cycle of stories in the "Uncanny Kingdom" world that Stott appears to have mapped out with various characters. At the end of this book, we have a vague idea of what the Uncanny Kingdom is - more speculation actually - and we are drawing a bead on who Joe is, but that answer is obviously for the next book. We also have a couple of necessary stock supporting characters in place for further developments.
As I said, I was entertained. Although I have pointed out cliches, cliches make for dependability, and Stott played with the cliches in some new ways. I liked Stott taking the action out of London and into the Lake Country for a change of scenery, although the setting really didn't factor into the book all that much. I am sure that I will follow up with the next book in the series.
December 1, 2018
If you're a fan of the Uncanny Kingdom, this book is for you.
Joe Lakes has had amnesia for 10 years. He can't remember who he was or what he did or if he has a family. Except for that, he's pretty content with his humdrum life. Then he starts remembering, and just wishes things would go back to humdrum. Uncanny things start to happen, and like it or not (mostly not) he gets sucked into the Uncanny Kingdom. Joseph's story is told first-person in a way that reminds me of Bertie Wooster as played by Hugh Laurie: confused, helpless, caught up in events without comprehending what is going on, and totally out of control of his life. There are many completely unexpected twists to the plot; there is the humorous dialog with colloquial London slang and grammar (not the Queen's English!), outlandish characters, descriptions and similes; monsters out of H.P. Lovecraft - all the characteristics I've come to enjoy in M.V. Stott's writing. Although categorized as Horror, and indeed it has all the elements of a good horror story, it didn't leave me looking under the bed for monsters. For me, it's a detective story written with lots of humor, featuring horrible soul-sucking monsters, life-and-soul threatening situations, a reluctant protagonist, a scary detective, a burned-out Eve Familiar, a budding romance, and more.
Joe Lakes has had amnesia for 10 years. He can't remember who he was or what he did or if he has a family. Except for that, he's pretty content with his humdrum life. Then he starts remembering, and just wishes things would go back to humdrum. Uncanny things start to happen, and like it or not (mostly not) he gets sucked into the Uncanny Kingdom. Joseph's story is told first-person in a way that reminds me of Bertie Wooster as played by Hugh Laurie: confused, helpless, caught up in events without comprehending what is going on, and totally out of control of his life. There are many completely unexpected twists to the plot; there is the humorous dialog with colloquial London slang and grammar (not the Queen's English!), outlandish characters, descriptions and similes; monsters out of H.P. Lovecraft - all the characteristics I've come to enjoy in M.V. Stott's writing. Although categorized as Horror, and indeed it has all the elements of a good horror story, it didn't leave me looking under the bed for monsters. For me, it's a detective story written with lots of humor, featuring horrible soul-sucking monsters, life-and-soul threatening situations, a reluctant protagonist, a scary detective, a burned-out Eve Familiar, a budding romance, and more.
December 8, 2018
(MILD SPOILERS)
Sometimes you read a book where the author clearly emotionally bled for it. Other times, you read a book which simply must have been so much fun to write. This is one of the latter, and the exuberance with which this was written also made it really entertaining.
The main character, amnesiac janitor Joseph Lake, is a bit of an idiot. He's so incompetent, even his powers won't manifest themselves unless he's distracted from them. Nonetheless, he's pretty endearing as he blunders his way from one supernatural encounter to the other, trying to piece together a string of murders and how they affect him and tie into his past.
While the story follows some familiar beats, it's the quirkiness which carries it. The dialogue is funny. Characters sometimes have unexpected reactions. There are some great chuckle-worthy moments throughout and some truly peculiar characters (like an axe-wielding fox who longs for death.) The whole thing is permeated with a general feeling of good fun.
On the kindle edition about 15% of this book is previews of other books - which is something I don't like, particularly since by the time the words "THE END" popped up, I'd assumed that the book had a chapter or two remaining to answer some questions which never wound up being answered in this volume. Despite this, I really enjoyed myself. Recommended.
Sometimes you read a book where the author clearly emotionally bled for it. Other times, you read a book which simply must have been so much fun to write. This is one of the latter, and the exuberance with which this was written also made it really entertaining.
The main character, amnesiac janitor Joseph Lake, is a bit of an idiot. He's so incompetent, even his powers won't manifest themselves unless he's distracted from them. Nonetheless, he's pretty endearing as he blunders his way from one supernatural encounter to the other, trying to piece together a string of murders and how they affect him and tie into his past.
While the story follows some familiar beats, it's the quirkiness which carries it. The dialogue is funny. Characters sometimes have unexpected reactions. There are some great chuckle-worthy moments throughout and some truly peculiar characters (like an axe-wielding fox who longs for death.) The whole thing is permeated with a general feeling of good fun.
On the kindle edition about 15% of this book is previews of other books - which is something I don't like, particularly since by the time the words "THE END" popped up, I'd assumed that the book had a chapter or two remaining to answer some questions which never wound up being answered in this volume. Despite this, I really enjoyed myself. Recommended.
August 29, 2017
Warning: magic eating may cause amnesia
Holy smokes, this kick off to a new Uncanny Kingdom series is brilliantly imaginative and takes off at a quick clip!
Joe Lake is an amnesiac with a menial job and a leaning towards the unexplainable in life. For ten years he tries unsuccessfully to find out who he is and what his past could be before literally tripping into some answers. Things kinda spiraled out of control for poor Joe, but he had a cast of colourful characters to aide him on his journey.
He uncovers some of his past while dealing with mass-murdering monsters bent on sucking down the souls of Cumbria. The question is, though, can he remember enough to be of actual help, or will the ever amusing Eva be forced to punch him out? Again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new series with all new, yet largely lovable, characters. The sass and humour one expects in an Uncanny book is present and in fine form. The twists and turns are fun but kind of predictable. That doesnt really detract from the interest of the story though. I still adored it and cant wait to read the next one.
Holy smokes, this kick off to a new Uncanny Kingdom series is brilliantly imaginative and takes off at a quick clip!
Joe Lake is an amnesiac with a menial job and a leaning towards the unexplainable in life. For ten years he tries unsuccessfully to find out who he is and what his past could be before literally tripping into some answers. Things kinda spiraled out of control for poor Joe, but he had a cast of colourful characters to aide him on his journey.
He uncovers some of his past while dealing with mass-murdering monsters bent on sucking down the souls of Cumbria. The question is, though, can he remember enough to be of actual help, or will the ever amusing Eva be forced to punch him out? Again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new series with all new, yet largely lovable, characters. The sass and humour one expects in an Uncanny book is present and in fine form. The twists and turns are fun but kind of predictable. That doesnt really detract from the interest of the story though. I still adored it and cant wait to read the next one.
August 29, 2017
This started off well, Joe Lake was a kind of amusing character, with a likeable POV. The set up likewise intrigued me - Joe waking up ten years ago, with no memory of who he is. His interest in the supernatural was a good hook, taking little cases & investigating them.
But then as the story progressed all these weird/unexplained elements were thrown at the reader - the deaths, Eva/homeless woman, the fox, the soul vampires, Joe's interactions with the Red Woman (WTH?) - and the funny, likeable Joe - about the 50% mark, just became an idiot. He's running around dealing with all this bizarre stuff - that constantly keeps happening to him - he has accidental use after accidental use of magic - but still does'n't know what he is doing. I became exhausted at how this happened again and again... then I got bored, and began to skim... then I began to REALLY skim... and then I just gave up at the 65% mark.
The author had a great character and a great story (if it had just been kept small - to Joe's investigating little weird cases - his history/background could have slowly been teased out over future books). I see potential here for the author - but not in this series.
But then as the story progressed all these weird/unexplained elements were thrown at the reader - the deaths, Eva/homeless woman, the fox, the soul vampires, Joe's interactions with the Red Woman (WTH?) - and the funny, likeable Joe - about the 50% mark, just became an idiot. He's running around dealing with all this bizarre stuff - that constantly keeps happening to him - he has accidental use after accidental use of magic - but still does'n't know what he is doing. I became exhausted at how this happened again and again... then I got bored, and began to skim... then I began to REALLY skim... and then I just gave up at the 65% mark.
The author had a great character and a great story (if it had just been kept small - to Joe's investigating little weird cases - his history/background could have slowly been teased out over future books). I see potential here for the author - but not in this series.
June 18, 2017
Another hysterical Uncanny Kingdom series. It was full of horrible one liners and mind numbing tangents. I thought Joe was a great character. The book is told from his perspective and we get to listen to what he says out loud and his internal ramblings. I thought book was a great read and liked twisted ending. I did not see who the bad guy was coming. Great job! Well written, I laughed though most of it. The writing was very British when compared to the other Uncanny books, but as an American I got the gist of the jokes and sayings. My honest review is - if you like wacky stories and laughing out loud while reading, the Uncanny Kingdom books are worth picking up and reading. And Magic Eater the latest set in this world is a riot.
October 1, 2017
Joseph Lake is a man without a past. After waking up next to a lake, nearly naked and covered with blood almost ten years ago, he still has no memories. Now, he works as a hospital janitor and has non-platonic feelings for Dr. Chloe Palmer--while investigating paranormal phenomena in his spare time.
Who is Joseph Lake and why is he being followed by a mysterious bag lady? Is he crazy or are there really murderous octopuses and sword wielding, talking foxes?
Okay--I can understand why all these women want to strangle or take advantage of Joseph. He is a clueless imbecile. Hopefully, once he gets a clue, this series will start to get more interesting.
Recommend reading this after the London Coven series, where Eva is first introduced.
Who is Joseph Lake and why is he being followed by a mysterious bag lady? Is he crazy or are there really murderous octopuses and sword wielding, talking foxes?
Okay--I can understand why all these women want to strangle or take advantage of Joseph. He is a clueless imbecile. Hopefully, once he gets a clue, this series will start to get more interesting.
Recommend reading this after the London Coven series, where Eva is first introduced.
February 27, 2018
At first I didn't like the main character Joe Lake but he kind of grows on you. And the very British terms threw me off just a bit but the meanings were mostly decipherable. Joe is a hospital janitor with no memory. He woke up on the shore of a lake wearing only a sock. Didn't know his name or anything else and has been hunting for his past ever since. And now enter the monsters! It gets pretty interesting from there.
August 1, 2017
A quirky and humorous urban fantasy with a strong voice and interesting premise. This book is not like any urban fantasy you've read before. Loved that the book was set in the Lake District (I visited a few years ago & had a wonderful time there). Highly recommended read. Book 2 was just released and I'm off to start it now :)
September 24, 2017
Fun
A good, fun urban fantasy good told from the first person view point of the main character Joseph Lake; a slightly ditzy, very dorky hospital janitor and man with a mysterious last due to total amnesia surrounding his life prior to being found naked (bar one sock) on the shores of Derwentwater 10 years ago.
Worth a try.
A good, fun urban fantasy good told from the first person view point of the main character Joseph Lake; a slightly ditzy, very dorky hospital janitor and man with a mysterious last due to total amnesia surrounding his life prior to being found naked (bar one sock) on the shores of Derwentwater 10 years ago.
Worth a try.
November 29, 2017
Big Zero
Couldn't get past the first few chapters. One of the most boring books i have read. No substance to the plot. Insufferable and slow paced. A true stinker. And that's the good news.
Couldn't get past the first few chapters. One of the most boring books i have read. No substance to the plot. Insufferable and slow paced. A true stinker. And that's the good news.
March 1, 2020
Well, this is the first audiobook I have ever listened to. So I don’t know wether it was the book, the narrator or what. But I did not go for this like the other Uncanny books. Firstly like some of the other reviewers I thought it was a bit silly and being honest I didn’t think the narrator was the right choice. Still wouldn’t mind mind trying another audiobook to see the difference. Recommended.
June 15, 2017
An extremely satirical and fasitious urban fantasy, easy to read, well written and keeps you amused till the very end. A great addition to the Uncanny Kingdom collection.
August 1, 2017
Odd. But interesting.
August 15, 2017
That was unusual. I loved it! I felt I was scrambling just to keep up with the main character. This book is a wild, crazy ride!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews