Static Mayhem

Mayhem Wave #2

by Edward Aubry

A year has passed since the Mayhem Wave reshaped the world, erasing most of its population and replacing civilization with random artifacts of advanced technology and magic. Harrison Cody now works as a special agent for the government of New Chicago, taking advantage of his newfound ability to open any lock. When an expedition is launched to determine the origin of the Mayhem Wave, Harrison joins them. In their travels, they learn of other nations that have arisen in the ashes of the old world, not all of them friendly. They find the ruins of a one great city, and the possible source of the wave, the work of a man acting alone, with uncertain motives. The truth of their quest lies in an enemy of unfathomable power, whose plans for the Earth and its people are not yet complete. Harrison may have the answer to preventing the carnage to come, but the solution will come with a sacrifice too great for him to withstand.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fiction, Adventure, Post Apocalyptic

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2010

About the author

Edward Aubry is a graduate of Wesleyan University, with a degree in music composition. Improbably, this preceded a career as a teacher of high school mathematics and creative writing. He now lives in rural Pennsylvania with his wife and three spectacular daughters, where he fills his non-teaching hours spinning tales of time-travel, wise-cracking pixies, and an assortment of other impossible things.

Reviews

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride. This may well be one of the best books I read this year.

Static mayhem is a post-apocalyptic story with lots of fun, tears and suspense. I enjoyed every bit of it!

I constantly caught myself thinking "Ha, Aubry, gotcha, now you made a mistake and forgot to explain something!" only to be surprised a hundred pages later by an explanation. This was textbook storytelling! Wonderful and delightful, I had so much fun finding out that the author thought of every possible question the reader could have. Thank you very much!

Two or three times during the book I had the feeling of bad editing where the flow of the story was concerned, but nothing major.

So this was it. I had a great time reading this book and enjoyed it to the very last page.



Also, Blackadder reference! Muahaha. According to the guy on the tube sitting next to me while I read this passage, I giggle adorably :)

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through a dystopia world riff with fae creatures and future tech Harrison Cody made his way to the city of Chicago. There he joins a secret expedition whose mission is to search out the cause of the magical chaos and... reverse it. With his pixie Glimmer in tow, Harrison and his team uncovers a plot set in motion by a great evil. Will he be able to make the sacrifice needed to stop it?

I was super excited to learn about this sequel and to get my hands on a copy!! I was a mega-fan of the fusion world and the world-building that was so expertly developed and shown in the first book Prelude to Mayhem, which I gave 5 stars!

Right off I was disappointed by a couple things...

NO Dorothy! What?! She is what made this series young adult to me and without her POV in the story this became a decidedly adult book... It isn't what I expected having seriously enjoyed the way her POV contrasted so well to Harrison's POV in the first book! I NEVER stopped missing her and no love interest could take her place. It took me a while to adjust to Dorothy not being in the story and so the setup was quite ho-hum to me.

I didn't expect ANOTHER journey story. This is framed as a mission but again it is a travelouge going from point A to B to C. Once I got to the city I expected the story to change into being once concentrated around the city and the people there. Basically this book 2 made book 1 moot. This is SERIOUSLY IRRITATING!! I HATE when the next book in the series reveals that all the events in the previous book were for nothing... Once I adjusted to the mission nature of the story, the lack of Dorothy and the re-travel I settled down to enjoy the book...

And enjoy the book I did! It's terrible when two books don't flow together properly and there is a big disconnect. But now YOU know it will happen it won't be so jarring to you and I believe this series is well worth the read!

The same twisty world but with more explanations. I loved how the present world was merged with a fae world and future tech-filled one. And this book takes that merging to an even greater height... We get to meet major players in the fae world and experience a little of what Glimmer is missing. I loved getting to see a glimpse into her world and what is being hidden behind her perky Barbie facade. There were more monsters than ever before and they did not disappoint! And the future tech was integral to the plot and story in a really intriguing way! Plus Harrison has the ability that he learned about at the end of book 1 but that is not his only strength he also is great at working things out and he uses these skills expertly if imperfectly.

The mystery of the world was compelling. Have you ever had the mystery of a fantasy or dystopian world draw you in but then the story leaves it shrouded in mystery until the very end of the series only for you to be disappointed in the lame explanation?! THIS DID NOT HAPPEN IN THIS BOOK! Harrison's team has been gathering information on the changed world and they have a plan to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Refreshing. The build up of events revealed a little here and a little there in a way that really worked to me. You have to go with Harrison and trust that he'll figure it out but we learned to trust him that way in the first book!

I always liked Harrison and you come to like him even more in this book as he is forced to deal with a slew of characters all of whom I loved! I particularly enjoyed his conversations with Glimmer about being a couple, Alex about Bess and Apryl about being a jerk. There is a hilarious part about a unicorn and a lesbian president where Harrison is quite humiliated. The story totally showcased Harrison yet the other characters didn't feel like aimless companions either. An effort was made to develop friendships or at least intriguing relationships between the entire group.

I didn't enjoy every plot event but they worked together well to give us (and Harrison) all the pieces we needed to work out what needed doing. The journey while another travelouge was always suspenseful and non-linear. You truly didn't know where he was going with it or how it would turn out. I totally want to see where Harrison is going to take the story next!!

The main problem with sequels is expectations not being met... this book wasn't what I expected at all but it still managed to wow me with an adventurous tale. The entire story was on Harrison's shoulders and he did really well handling that load but while I love Claudia she did not fill Dorothy's shoes (you can't just change teenagers on me - they are NOT the same!)

The end saved the entire series. It explains the redundancy of book 1 in a way that is satisfying. It ratchets up the tension for book 3! And it was a great cap to the mystery of the world that we explored through this book. It really was everything a sequel should be... If you are fans of dystopian worlds, the fae or fantasy set in our world then you are in for a wild ride!!

BOTTOM LINE: A great sequel in an intriguing world!

Thanks to Curiosity Quills Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...

[Diana]

I LOVED the first book. All the clash between magic and some humans with powers, the "end of the world" line changed to a reboot of the world... I was awaiting for the reedition of the second one... more Mayhem! But at +60% I decided to stop reading.
The book goes on the same route of the previous one ending: Harry is now with a "family" of sorts made of survivors and they wanna fix the world. They make interesting discoveries of how it come to be this way. They met new people, even Titania! But all drags. And drags. And keeps on dragging. There were moments in which I didn't know why they were still flying. More things for the bomb? Following someone? Running from someone? More camp and talk? I got tired of following them around as the story kept stalling.
In my honest opinion, maybe the book would have inmensely benefited of having a quarter or half of it cut off. As it is, I just lost the sense of continuity of the story, and consequently, interest on how it was gonna be. Sorry.

[Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review to come!

[Roberta R. (Offbeat YA) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.

Pros: As in Book 1, quirky and audacious blend of post-apocalypse, technology and magic. Characters who are easy to empathise with.
Cons: The blend I mentioned might not work for everyone - and it's even more audacious here than in the first installment. Some of the many twists may sound confusing. A relationship from Book 1 threatens to take a strange and unsettling turn.
WARNING! There's talk of sex and a few F-bombs.
Will appeal to: Those who are looking for a fresh approach to post-apocalypse.

First off...DISCLAIMER: I have been talking to the author on a few occasions since reviewing his previous titles, Unhappenings and Prelude to Mayhem - which I also rated 4 stars. Moreover, I am a semi-regular reviewer of Curiosity Quills titles (like this one), but if you look back at my ratings, this never prevented me from being unbiased.
Note: an earlier version of Static Mayhem was released back in 2010. If you are curious about the whole story (which is also inspiring for every struggling writer out there who despairs of ever being published), you can read my interview with the author.

RAISING THE STAKES

The first installment in this series, Prelude to Mayhem, was a quirky post-apocalyptic novel full of unknown, often ghastly dangers lurking around, but I can see now that the title was indeed appropriate - that was only the start of a nightmare. In your typical post-catastrophe scenario, the main focus (often the only one) is survival and the rebuilding of a new world, while trying to make sense of the shift and adjusting (or not) to its rules (or lack thereof). In Static Mayhem, our characters not only explore a broken and upside-down world, but try to find a way to save what's left of it AND even to bring back what they can (if the can) of the old reality. All in an environment where magic and technology are mutually exclusive, except for a single instance. It's imaginative, though it probably requires more suspension of disbelief than your average fantasy or sci-fi novel, precisely because the two worlds are coexistent - if opposite - here. I'm usually not a great fan of fantasy creatures, but for some reason, Glimmer - the last pixie - and even a couple of famous mythical creatures whose names I won't spoil seem at home in this series. I think it's seeing them through Harrison's eyes that makes all the difference - he's sympathetic, warm-hearted and open-minded...among other good things ;). [...]

Whole review here.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was on my "To Read" list for a couple of years, waiting for me to be in the right mood for it. I finally grabbed it and got sucked into the story right away. Harrison is alone since the thing, whatever it was, happened and everything changed. Imagine being in your car in traffic and the cars around you poof out of existence, your car goes too. All of the people cease to exist, buildings are gone, trees appear where they never were before and there is nobody else left. I read to find out what happened because I was intrigued and, because I was in the right mood, I kept reading. Harrison's adventures in this newly formed world are unexpected and downright weird. There were a few times that I suspected he had been zapped into a video game like Zelda (Pixie friend, magical compass, lightweight bag that carries everything he picks up along the way....) The voice of a woman named Claudia on the radio gives him hope that he is not the last human left and causes him to venture to Chicago. That's when the storyline kicks into another gear. This book is fantasy for those of us who don't want to learn entire new worlds, conventions, and hard to pronounce names. There's a bit of science fiction here too, but not so much that you need a degree to get the point. Harrison is an underdog hero type who bungles his way around trying to figure out what's going on and who he is in this new world. Overall an interesting and unique reading experience that makes the story somehow familiar and yet completely new at the same time. Highly recommended for adults and older young adults.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Static Mayhem is a post-apocalyptic novel that breaks from the genre in a fresh way. The story starts out in a world almost totally devoid of people. Some strange event on May 25th caused almost everyone in the world to disappear, buildings to crumble, and the landscape to reorder itself. Harrison Cody was driving home from work when this happened and for some bizarre reason he survived and spends his days cruising the highways of New England, looking for other survivors.

Even though society is wrecked, electricity works and Harrison finds a scattering of futuristic devices. He also find dead dinosaurs and sentient sunflowers.

Finally, one day he hears a broadcast on the radio calling all survivors to gather in Chicago. Packing his gear, he begins a quest that rivals LOTR or The Stand, or the Dark Tower. Along the way he picks up a small group, including a Pixie displaced form her own world, who winds up stealing the show.

What happened to the world, where the advanced technology and magic came from, and a looming darker threat comprise the second 2/3 of the book. It's good.

Static Mayhem adeptly blends science fiction and fantasy to create a book that is entertaining and original.

The book is over 450 pages and I found that once I settled in and immersed myself in the world, it was over all to soon.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surreal, bizarre journey full of heart and beauty. Much of this story took me back to my childhood when all my favorite books were full of future machines, faeries, dragons, special powers, good vs. evil, ultimate sacrifice, and crazy turn of events. This had it all, complete with magic food trees, but written for adults instead of children. I enjoyed every minute of this well thought-out book. My only sadness was when it ended before I was ready and I turned the page to find no epilogue to keep me going. A truly wonderful read that nobody seems to know about and I hope to introduce to many.

[Geoff Strayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Prelude To Mayhem, and while some things in the world have changed, my mental block that insists that 'mayhem' is spelled 'meyham' persists. I blame the [spoiler] that broke the world. Neener.

Really, though, this is a good follow-up to 'Prelude'. It expands the world without making things complicated, adds layers without going too far overboard, and generally is a good addition to the canon. Characters develop nicely, and we get a lot more background on what happened and why.

Despite all that, however, I found I was just not as into the book as the first. I suspect is is because the protagonist was portrayed as much more of an insensitive jerk than originally. In 'Prelude', Harrison came off as a well-meaning, if terminally clueless, introvert thrust into a world even less understandable than the real one. Here, we get him portrayed as less clueless and more cruel - not a bully, just so amazingly unaware that ir crosses from cute to insensitive to outright mean in the course of the first half of the book. And that bugged me a lot. It seemed fairly out of character for the Harrison in my memory, and a needless addition to his personality. In short, it didn't have a cause, wasn't a setup for redemption (although he is redeemed), it just seemed like the author was told to make the guy a jerk - readers like jerks.

We don't, by the way.

Otherwise, there was a lot to like. We got a ton of background on the world and not only what happened, but why and even how. And who caused it. That was interesting, if a bit drawn out. Several sections were like that - interesting, but too long. Oddly, this doesn't have the feel of an author bulking up the page count. It feels a lot more like there is something I am missing in the extended passages. These could be connected to future books, important to the author personally, or just me ascribing motive where the is none. However it works, the pacing suffers from these bits.

Now, one thing I did like had to do with the characters with powers. If you recall, Harrison can open locks. It seems our voice on the radio () is using a power as well (being heard over distances), and we meet several others. Without going into spoiler territory, there is a really interesting use of the concept of magical sympathy here. That was impressive, and a good way to bring a old idea into a new format, and possibly introduce it to a new readership. What really makes this work is the touch of non-static reality that enables the sympathy. To those who remember Mage: The Ascension, this is the idea that perception creates reality. So, if enough of us believe in X, X becomes possible. See also Neil Gaiman's 'A Dream Of A Thousand Cats' from the Sandman series. Very cool stuff.

So, while I found this to be far less fun than Prelude, there is no reason to not check it out. The world building is pretty amazing, and there is a lot of hooks to get caught on. 

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this book, I was giving it a solid 3 stars, by the time I was finished, I had bumped it up to 4. What bumped it up, was the fact that I wanted the next book right away. Static Mayhem ended with questions up in the air. As annoying as some people find it, I like having lingering questions when it comes to a series. I now have the chance to see if I can come up with an answer in my head, before I read what happens. It lets a reader's imagination run wild.

Harrison joins a group from New Chicago to see what is left of New York, the city where everything started. As they journey, they find new friends, new enemies, and an understanding of what is at stake if they fail or succeed.

I had a lot of emotions while reading. Shock new enemies appear, horror during fights, sadness after the fighting is over, joy when major changes happen in New Chicago, stress as they try to find alternative solutions to the problem, and possible emotion in between. What I really appreciate about Edward Aubry's writing, is that he brings in unexpected elements. I was questioning everything I thought I knew. The enemy I thought I knew, became the enemy I didn't know at all. The characters I felt I understood, did things I would have never imagined. If movies actually did books justice, I would say that so far, this series would make a great movie franchise. As it is, I hope this always stays as just a book. It can stand on its own.

My one problem, was that some of the characters I was attached to had very small roles. It's understandable, not everyone can go on these secret missions, but that doesn't mean that I didn't want them to be more involved. This is one of the reasons I can't wait for the next book. I want to know what has happened in New Chicago while Harrison and the others have been having their adventures.

I received a copy of this book from Curiosity Quills Press for an honest review.
Author: Edward Aubry
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication Date: 25 July 2017

[Shh I am Reading Leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading “Prelude to Mayhem”, I couldn’t wait to delve back into New Chicago, to see where Dorothy, Mitchell, Harrison and especially Glimmer are in their adventure of finding each other, and settling into their new roles.

However, this story had less of Dorothy’s point of view and it focused more on Harrison and Glimmer, and this new adventure that they take with the New Chicago team.

Harrison, while kind-hearted and well-meaning, he is a little bit clueless. Although he tends to be really aware of how people perceive him and Glimmer, which is adorable watching them defend their relationship.
I did notice that Harrison had some oblivious insensitivities going on. But many of the characters, especially Apryl, had no problem pointing out he was being a giant jerk to people.

I love Glimmer. Seriously. Because she is so full of snark, insane intelligence and she gives her whole heart to everything and everyone.

But ugh, this book gave me so many feels! Bring some tissues, you might need them.

*I received this eBook from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
**Visit me at Shh, I am Reading for reviews & more!

[Mary Bernsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I loved Prelude to Mayhem, I was super excited to read Static Mayhem. The same exciting entanglement of time grabbed at my attention, only this time Aubry dug into the magic aspect a lot more, which was a perfect angle to tackle this story-line with. Harrison's character developed quite a bit in this book, as did his relationship with Glimmer. Their dynamic is incredibly perplexing and fun - and Glimmer's spunky personality is exactly what I would imagine from a pixie. There were parts in the middle that tended to drag on a bit, and other sections that left me scratching my head. All in all, another great chapter in the Mayhem Wave!


**I received a complimentary advance reader's copy from the author and voluntarily offered a honest review**

[Polly Krize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As the 2nd installment in the Mayhem Wave series, book 2 follows the 1st book well. This apocalyptic tale, with more character development, especially in the case of our hero, Harrison Cody, accompanied by his pixie, Glimmer, works to find out the cause of the magical chaos enveloping the world. Waiting for the 3rd installment.....

[Billycongo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the book I enjoyed the most in 2021. It may not have great literary aspirations, but it was fun. There's a certain amount of wish fulfillment involved here in terms of the romance, but it gets subverted which I preferred to 'Unhappenings'.

[Sean · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn't sure how I felt about the first book. Kind of enjoyed it. Sat with that feeling for more than a year before trying this one.
This one gets too silly and woke. Won't read the next one.

[Hope Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy Successor

Book 2 focuses on Harrison’s point of view and introduces new allies and foes for our band of survivors.
When the fate of the world is at stake, what will be sacrificed?

[Amy Bearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Prelude to Mayhem and am happy to report that I also very much enjoyed Static Mayhem. In this updated version (2017), readers follow Harrison as he and the new country struggles to find its way in a post- apocalyptic world. The kinds of problems they face are believable, which I appreciated. This may be science fiction/fantasy/dystopian, but the humans are still very much human, making the same kind of awful choices humans sometimes do. Of course, there aren’t just humans in this world, and I adored the pixies and fairies and other non-humans in the story, too, to include a totally awesome sword. The relationships overall ring true, and I like that Harrison is an imperfect hero. Some big things happen to him in this book. I missed Dorothy’s POV, but I understand that future books return to her POV as well, so I’m happy about that. I read this book in just a couple of days—definitely a page turner, with lots of humor and touching moments sprinkled throughout. I definitely look forward to the next books in this series. (Note: I did not read the original edition of Static Mayhem. I’ve only read the editions of Prelude to Mayhem and Static Mayhem published by Curiosity Quills.)

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

To see my full review of this title, visit my book blog, So Few Books, at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2017/...!

...After reading the first volume in the Mayhem Wave series (Prelude to Mayhem), and thoroughly enjoying it, I had serious doubts as to whether the sequel could live up to the benchmark that was set previously. But it did so and then some!

...this [book] pretty much just follows the exploits of Harrison and those in his immediate vicinity... at least Glimmer was once again along for the ride, and in rare form... as well as several newly introduced characters, some of whom prove more important than others...

This tome provides an even more exacting look into the thoughts and feelings of Harrison. He often gives the impression to others as being something of a jerk, but he truly does have the finest of intentions, and just wants the best for everyone. As things progress, he gets more and more of a chance to prove himself, first as a worthy person in general, and later as a fine leader.

There is so much (good stuff) that I could say about this book, but also so much that is better if read and not just given away, so I’ll just leave it at that!... Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement [for the next volume]!

I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author, Curiosity Quills Press, and NetGalley and have willingly provided an honest review.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Static Mayhem is a post-apocalyptic novel that breaks from the genre in a fresh way. The story starts out in a world almost totally devoid of people. Some strange event on May 25th caused almost everyone in the world to disappear, buildings to crumble, and the landscape to reorder itself. Harrison Cody was driving home from work when this happened and for some bizarre reason he survived and spends his days cruising the highways of New England, looking for other survivors.

Even though society is wrecked, electricity works and Harrison finds a scattering of futuristic devices. He also find dead dinosaurs and sentient sunflowers.

Finally, one day he hears a broadcast on the radio calling all survivors to gather in Chicago. Packing his gear, he begins a quest that rivals LOTR or The Stand, or the Dark Tower. Along the way he picks up a small group, including a Pixie displaced form her own world, who winds up stealing the show.

What happened to the world, where the advanced technology and magic came from, and a looming darker threat comprise the second 2/3 of the book. It's good.

Static Mayhem adeptly blends science fiction and fantasy to create a book that is entertaining and original.

The book is over 450 pages and I found that once I settled in and immersed myself in the world, it was over all to soon.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not that I don't think this is a good book, I think it is. But I found it too long to hold my interest in the plot, so I stopped reading about halfway through. I don't even know what exactly it was that made me stop reading, maybe just because I have so many books I want to read that I am impatient about reading anything that doesn't keep me riveted or something. Or it could be that the combination of sci fi and fantasy magic that sometimes got downright silly doesn't work well for me. I'm very good at suspending belief, and I like humor in stories no matter the genre, but some of the minor magical elements were just too silly even for me. Maybe I'll go back and finish it sometime, but for now I'll let it sit on the Kindle at 50% read.

[Darian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the book so far.It is cool for me to read this book because I know the author. His daughters went to the same school as I did. I can't wait until the second book comes out and then the third and the fourth if there even will be a third and fourth!!!!

[Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the premise of humor in a post-apocalyptic setting. This is on my wish list of Christmas presents!

27 May 2015 update:

I have to agree with the other commenters, the ending was quite satisfying

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This kind of fantasy/science fiction appeals to me on lots of levels. Loved the characters and the journey across the country as we get introduced to them. Didn't know what to expect when they arrived at their destination. The action picked up even more and satisfying ending.

[Robert Fallows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable book by one of my new favorite authors. This was such an amazing read, I can only hope for some kind of continuation but even the way it wrapped up was perfect. Absolutely fantastic book!

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother in law got this as a birthday present for me. "It's a post-apocalyptic thing with fairies." Very well chosen :)

[Lisa Toppin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Static Mayhem was a unique, but uneven vision of a distopian future. I'll read more by this author.

[Yttermayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it, this authors first book is a solid read with characters you can really sympathize with. Post apocalyptic in a completely non-clichéd way.

[Renae · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. Couldn't even finish it.

[Fabio Hasseck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, it is written beautifully and everything in it felt completaly real.
But I did felt sorry for Glimmer at the end.

[Aura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. More, please.