What do you think?
Rate this book
The Armageddon Crazy
paperbound
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
1 person is currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Mick Farren
67 books80 followersFarren was the singer with the proto-punk English band The Deviants between 1967 and 1969, releasing three albums. In 1970 he released the solo album Mona – The Carnivorous Circus which also featured Steve Peregrin Took, John Gustafson and Paul Buckmaster, before leaving the music business to concentrate on his writing.
In the mid-1970s, he briefly returned to music releasing the EP Screwed Up, album Vampires Stole My Lunch Money and single "Broken Statue". The album featured fellow NME journalist Chrissie Hynde and Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson.
He has sporadically returned to music, collaborating with Wayne Kramer on Who Shot You Dutch? and Death Tongue, Jack Lancaster on The Deathray Tapes and Andy Colquhoun on The Deviants albums Eating Jello With a Heated Fork and Dr. Crow.
Aside from his own work, he has provided lyrics for various musician friends over the years. He has collaborated with Lemmy, co-writing "Lost Johnny" for Hawkwind, and "Keep Us on the Road" and "Damage Case" for Motörhead. With Larry Wallis, he co-wrote "When's the Fun Begin?" for the Pink Fairies and several tracks on Wallis' solo album Death in a Guitar Afternoon. He provided lyrics for the Wayne Kramer single "Get Some" in the mid-1970s, and continued to work with and for him during the 1990s.
In the early 1970s he contributed to the UK Underground press such as the International Times, also establishing Nasty Tales which he successfully defended from an obscenity charge. He went on to write for the main stream New Musical Express, where he wrote the article The Titanic Sails At Dawn, an analysis of what he saw as the malaise afflicting then-contemporary rock music which described the conditions that subsequently gave rise to punk.
To date he has written 23 novels, including the Victor Renquist novels and the DNA Cowboys sequence. His prophetic 1989 novel The Armageddon Crazy deals with a post-2000 United States which is dominated by fundamentalists who dismantle the Constitution.
Farren has written 11 works of non-fiction, a number of biographical (including four on Elvis Presley), autobiographical and culture books (such as The Black Leather Jacket) and a plethora of poetry.
Since 2003, he has been a columnist for the weekly Los Angeles CityBeat.
Farren died at the age of 69 in 2013, after collapsing onstage while performing with the Deviants at the Borderline Club in London.
In the mid-1970s, he briefly returned to music releasing the EP Screwed Up, album Vampires Stole My Lunch Money and single "Broken Statue". The album featured fellow NME journalist Chrissie Hynde and Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson.
He has sporadically returned to music, collaborating with Wayne Kramer on Who Shot You Dutch? and Death Tongue, Jack Lancaster on The Deathray Tapes and Andy Colquhoun on The Deviants albums Eating Jello With a Heated Fork and Dr. Crow.
Aside from his own work, he has provided lyrics for various musician friends over the years. He has collaborated with Lemmy, co-writing "Lost Johnny" for Hawkwind, and "Keep Us on the Road" and "Damage Case" for Motörhead. With Larry Wallis, he co-wrote "When's the Fun Begin?" for the Pink Fairies and several tracks on Wallis' solo album Death in a Guitar Afternoon. He provided lyrics for the Wayne Kramer single "Get Some" in the mid-1970s, and continued to work with and for him during the 1990s.
In the early 1970s he contributed to the UK Underground press such as the International Times, also establishing Nasty Tales which he successfully defended from an obscenity charge. He went on to write for the main stream New Musical Express, where he wrote the article The Titanic Sails At Dawn, an analysis of what he saw as the malaise afflicting then-contemporary rock music which described the conditions that subsequently gave rise to punk.
To date he has written 23 novels, including the Victor Renquist novels and the DNA Cowboys sequence. His prophetic 1989 novel The Armageddon Crazy deals with a post-2000 United States which is dominated by fundamentalists who dismantle the Constitution.
Farren has written 11 works of non-fiction, a number of biographical (including four on Elvis Presley), autobiographical and culture books (such as The Black Leather Jacket) and a plethora of poetry.
Since 2003, he has been a columnist for the weekly Los Angeles CityBeat.
Farren died at the age of 69 in 2013, after collapsing onstage while performing with the Deviants at the Borderline Club in London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 15, 2023
Mick Farren's science fiction always hits a sweat spot for me and The Armageddon Crazy is no exception. This is set in a near future USA where the evangelical Christians have seized power, tossed the constitution and converted the US into a theocracy that would make Iran blush. Needless to say, woman's rights and those of marginalized groups in general (e.g., non-white good Christians) have suffered dramatically. In fact, the theocracy runs a number of 're-education camps' that few leave alive for the various heretics and 'enemies' of the regime.
Largely set in NYC, The Armageddon Crazy unfolds from several POVs, the three main characters are: a NYCPD cop Harry Carlisle; Cynthia Kline, a covert agent of the 'Leftward Path' from Canada working in the Deacon's NYC headquarters (the Deacons are basically the secret police); and Charlie Mansad, a special effects wizard who works for various evangelists giving them amazing stage shows. I will not go very deep in the plot here, but basically, the subversive Lefthand Path has staged some spectacular assassinations and Harry is the lead cop to root them out, but it is just about impossible. Farren takes us on a grizzly, but all so believable tour of the US theocracy in practice with wit and dark humor. For example, since restarting prohibition might induce a revolution, booze is still legal, but the bars all are plastered with religious propaganda. The Deacons have their own bordellos as 'boys will be boys' even as they toss 'harlots' and Johns into the camps.
First published in 1989, The Armageddon Crazy contains many 80's references for sure, usually introduced in Farren's wry humorous way (one character smuggles a pristine Motorhead album for sale on the black market for example (brief aside, Farren wrote some the lyrics for Lemmy!)). It also exists as something of a lampoon of evangelicals in general, with many 'good Christian folk' sitting at home with their 'Jesus waves' (some sort of mildly hypnotic deal) so they can commune with God, and TV turned into programs to sell you religious stuff or just asking for your money. Good stuff, but perhaps not for everyone. 4 evangelical stars!!
Largely set in NYC, The Armageddon Crazy unfolds from several POVs, the three main characters are: a NYCPD cop Harry Carlisle; Cynthia Kline, a covert agent of the 'Leftward Path' from Canada working in the Deacon's NYC headquarters (the Deacons are basically the secret police); and Charlie Mansad, a special effects wizard who works for various evangelists giving them amazing stage shows. I will not go very deep in the plot here, but basically, the subversive Lefthand Path has staged some spectacular assassinations and Harry is the lead cop to root them out, but it is just about impossible. Farren takes us on a grizzly, but all so believable tour of the US theocracy in practice with wit and dark humor. For example, since restarting prohibition might induce a revolution, booze is still legal, but the bars all are plastered with religious propaganda. The Deacons have their own bordellos as 'boys will be boys' even as they toss 'harlots' and Johns into the camps.
First published in 1989, The Armageddon Crazy contains many 80's references for sure, usually introduced in Farren's wry humorous way (one character smuggles a pristine Motorhead album for sale on the black market for example (brief aside, Farren wrote some the lyrics for Lemmy!)). It also exists as something of a lampoon of evangelicals in general, with many 'good Christian folk' sitting at home with their 'Jesus waves' (some sort of mildly hypnotic deal) so they can commune with God, and TV turned into programs to sell you religious stuff or just asking for your money. Good stuff, but perhaps not for everyone. 4 evangelical stars!!
July 21, 2016
I read this book many years ago when I was but a lad, and was recently reminded of it while considering the US presidential election cycle. Originally I would have described "The Armageddon Crazy" as competent and entertaining 80's cyberpunk with some novel tropes (American Christian Theocracy... I would compare to Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale" but I have yet to read that one.)
However, years later, I've come to realize that there were points of merit that I missed as a youth.
First, the story anticipates the dangerous collusion of politics and showmanship - and in particular, theocratic showmanship. The central event of the book is a stadium-sized Christian Revival that triggers apocalyptic mass hysteria through giant holographic projections of figures from the Book of Revelations. I've never personally attended an arena rock event, or a revival, so this novel was my introduction to the similarities between those phenomena. The whole story is an exploration of that theme, without heavy-handed exposition.
Also, the story is salted with interludes of alternate PoV characters. I recall an old lady with nothing but her faith and her cat, and an abused prison inmate named "Stone". These people were witness to the public side of events in the story and representative of swaths of the future America. While the revolution succeeds and the protagonists "win", it's made clear through alternate eyes that victories in revolution are partial, at best.
Finally, though we wouldn't have guessed it at the time, "Armageddon Crazy" is still totally relevant in this election year of 2016, when religion, politics, and election cycles are all tied up with the kind of showmanship that we used to only see in arena rock (and maybe pro wrestling). Perhaps Mr. Farren wants us to understand that all political power used to be a soup of church, state, and theater; that it still is, in many parts of the world; and if we're not careful, it will return to America, with uneven (but universally frightening) implications for our citizens.
Either way, a damn good job. 5/5.
However, years later, I've come to realize that there were points of merit that I missed as a youth.
First, the story anticipates the dangerous collusion of politics and showmanship - and in particular, theocratic showmanship. The central event of the book is a stadium-sized Christian Revival that triggers apocalyptic mass hysteria through giant holographic projections of figures from the Book of Revelations. I've never personally attended an arena rock event, or a revival, so this novel was my introduction to the similarities between those phenomena. The whole story is an exploration of that theme, without heavy-handed exposition.
Also, the story is salted with interludes of alternate PoV characters. I recall an old lady with nothing but her faith and her cat, and an abused prison inmate named "Stone". These people were witness to the public side of events in the story and representative of swaths of the future America. While the revolution succeeds and the protagonists "win", it's made clear through alternate eyes that victories in revolution are partial, at best.
Finally, though we wouldn't have guessed it at the time, "Armageddon Crazy" is still totally relevant in this election year of 2016, when religion, politics, and election cycles are all tied up with the kind of showmanship that we used to only see in arena rock (and maybe pro wrestling). Perhaps Mr. Farren wants us to understand that all political power used to be a soup of church, state, and theater; that it still is, in many parts of the world; and if we're not careful, it will return to America, with uneven (but universally frightening) implications for our citizens.
Either way, a damn good job. 5/5.
August 20, 2012
A real gem in the $1.00 recycle book bin at the grocery store.
Written in 1989, this is the story of a religious take over of the USA. The USA economy collapsed the end of the 1990's and one man has the solution to the country's woes- it's time to turn back to God. Well, at least the God as seen by Rev. Faithful (didn't like that name).
The characters were very well developed. The author, Mick Farren, did a masterful job of creating a NYC under the reign of a religious dictatorship. I especially like the way he provided details of how this all came about through the recollections of the characters.
To me, the final chapters of the book were rushed. But I still would recommend it.
I am now searching for Farren's other books.
Written in 1989, this is the story of a religious take over of the USA. The USA economy collapsed the end of the 1990's and one man has the solution to the country's woes- it's time to turn back to God. Well, at least the God as seen by Rev. Faithful (didn't like that name).
The characters were very well developed. The author, Mick Farren, did a masterful job of creating a NYC under the reign of a religious dictatorship. I especially like the way he provided details of how this all came about through the recollections of the characters.
To me, the final chapters of the book were rushed. But I still would recommend it.
I am now searching for Farren's other books.
January 5, 2016
After months of Donald Trump's increasingly manic ravings this seemed like a timely re-read. This is pulp science fiction about an America that devolves into a fascist theocratic state where logic and intelligence have been replaced by dogma and a loathing of outsiders. Mick Farren was no literary genius but this is fun and the tech content has aged quite well.
December 3, 2015
Never a dull moment. The story switches between a half dozen different main characters and their points of view, and how they all fit together isn't obvious at the beginning. It picks up speed as it goes. I didn't want to put it down.
April 21, 2020
Surprisingly good dystopian vision of the US under evangelical rule.
Written in 1989, could have written today, with our present situation.
Get ready for some Armageddon crazy!
Written in 1989, could have written today, with our present situation.
Get ready for some Armageddon crazy!
July 27, 2021
Interesting fun, punky read. Lots of echos of the future that the author could only have guessed at.
September 16, 2022
A cyberpunk gem!
On par with The Handmaid's Tale, yet far more... well, crazy! Yet, through the craziness is a lot of satirical truth that time has ultimately revealed to us. Written in the time of the Moral Majority, Christian Coalition, the Reagan Admin., and TV preachers, Mick Farren pulls no punches in showing the future they would ultimately create. Again, it should be noted that while it isn't entirely realistic, it does feel very authentic.
And despite its age, some of the lunacy in this book can be seen today within groups like the alt-right. While the 80s and 90s are technically decades ago, the ripples of the actions and ideologies of those times are still rocking the boat even today.
About the book's details, Farren knocks it out of the park again. There are about six point of views offered in the book, with three of them carrying most of the plot, one serving as technical and exposition advancement, and two offering a "layperson" POV--a guy trying to flee to Canada and a devout Christian woman. The way the POVs are written offers a unique look into the world at large, and they don't distract too much to the overall narrative because, normally, each character is either feeling the effects of another character's action or they are all at the same event but in different locations.
The prose is easy to read, and the descriptions and pacing give the proper amount of sarcastic humor, grit, and craziness needed for a book like this.
It is a fun read. While it may seem like another crazy shoot'em up, it actually offers a fair bit to think about once the book is done. If you enjoy cyberpunk, you'll love this. If you enjoy social satire, you'll also likely enjoy this. If you like thrillers, you'll also love this!
On par with The Handmaid's Tale, yet far more... well, crazy! Yet, through the craziness is a lot of satirical truth that time has ultimately revealed to us. Written in the time of the Moral Majority, Christian Coalition, the Reagan Admin., and TV preachers, Mick Farren pulls no punches in showing the future they would ultimately create. Again, it should be noted that while it isn't entirely realistic, it does feel very authentic.
And despite its age, some of the lunacy in this book can be seen today within groups like the alt-right. While the 80s and 90s are technically decades ago, the ripples of the actions and ideologies of those times are still rocking the boat even today.
About the book's details, Farren knocks it out of the park again. There are about six point of views offered in the book, with three of them carrying most of the plot, one serving as technical and exposition advancement, and two offering a "layperson" POV--a guy trying to flee to Canada and a devout Christian woman. The way the POVs are written offers a unique look into the world at large, and they don't distract too much to the overall narrative because, normally, each character is either feeling the effects of another character's action or they are all at the same event but in different locations.
The prose is easy to read, and the descriptions and pacing give the proper amount of sarcastic humor, grit, and craziness needed for a book like this.
It is a fun read. While it may seem like another crazy shoot'em up, it actually offers a fair bit to think about once the book is done. If you enjoy cyberpunk, you'll love this. If you enjoy social satire, you'll also likely enjoy this. If you like thrillers, you'll also love this!
February 18, 2016
I bought this book when it came out, based on the cover art, and was more than pleasantly surprised; To this day it remains one of my all-time favorite novels. In addition to a great story with well crafted characters, the premise is not at all an impossible one, which becomes more evident as time goes on. Given the growing trend of ignoring the separation of church and state in the United States of America, this book should become required reading. Truly an epic story with a horrifying, and very possible, future. Highly, highly recommended.
January 27, 2025
Insanity!! This book was absolutely nuts and yet….a lot of believability especially when you look at where our political world seems to be heading (looking at you Project 2025 and Mike Johnson). The story is set in a future USA where the economy has completely collapsed allowing a fundamentalist Christian theocracy to take over the country with all that comes with that-think Taliban style but with sci-fi toys. Yeah-freakin’ scary! It is largely set in NYC and is mainly told from three main character POVs: an NYCPD cop Harry Carlisle; an undercover agent for the ‘Leftward Path’ Cynthia Kline who works in the Deacon’s NYC headquarters (the Deacons are the theocracy’s secret police and they are brutal); and Charlie Mansad a top special effects guru who works for the various evangelists creating their stage shows for the faithful. You also hear from one of the Deacons who is a horrible racist and misogynist and generally hate-filled man; an inmate of one of the “re-education camps” which is everything you imagine and worse; a poverty stricken old woman (and her cat) who is a faithful believer; and a few others who all represent the populations of America.
Fantastic story, fast-paced, terror & humor, deep sadness & yet hopeful, and a bonkers of an ending! Definitely a top book and one of my favorites so far for the year! Even though it was written in 1989, the tech and the story really feel modern. It is an absolute shame that Mick Farren died so young-he was such a creative author with so much to offer. The one thing about this book that strikes me so strongly is how much it reflects the direction America and the world seem to be heading.
Fantastic story, fast-paced, terror & humor, deep sadness & yet hopeful, and a bonkers of an ending! Definitely a top book and one of my favorites so far for the year! Even though it was written in 1989, the tech and the story really feel modern. It is an absolute shame that Mick Farren died so young-he was such a creative author with so much to offer. The one thing about this book that strikes me so strongly is how much it reflects the direction America and the world seem to be heading.
March 27, 2024
Again, Farren describes a gruesomely crapsack world - oppressive, brutal, and deeply ugly, and one where any character of worth expresses a well-justified cynicism.
(Noting of course that the setting of this type of story always justifies the cynicism by slathering hypocrisy between every brick. And noting that cynicism is a major flavoring of anything leaning toward cyberpunk, where 'progress' should always be met with doubt. And noting that a jaded attitude mixes well with the concepts of a tiered society where status is driven by connections.)
You can read all kinds of messages and parallels, if you wish. I'm not convinced that the ideas here are entirely original, other than the notion that a police state is inherently isolating and must result in a society behind that of the rest of the world. Can a Soviet-style state happen in America? Probably, and this is probably how.
(Noting of course that the setting of this type of story always justifies the cynicism by slathering hypocrisy between every brick. And noting that cynicism is a major flavoring of anything leaning toward cyberpunk, where 'progress' should always be met with doubt. And noting that a jaded attitude mixes well with the concepts of a tiered society where status is driven by connections.)
You can read all kinds of messages and parallels, if you wish. I'm not convinced that the ideas here are entirely original, other than the notion that a police state is inherently isolating and must result in a society behind that of the rest of the world. Can a Soviet-style state happen in America? Probably, and this is probably how.
October 19, 2025
Published in 1989 and clearly inspired by Ronald Reagan's alliance with the evangelical right-wing, it's mostly aged well and the vision of a dystopia run by Bible-thumping hypocrites with an incel sturmabteilung is even more timely in 2025.
October 12, 2019
Prophetic
January 6, 2025
Quite a page-turning romp and a rather pointed “prediction” of 21st century USA
September 26, 2013
And yet another Farren, this one also a fun read. This novel concerns a near future where the USA has become a fundamentalist paradise, with a dictator and a religious police force. The novel concerns a group of people, who are, in various ways, involved in a conspiracy against this regime. A quirk, separating this from Heinlein, is that the result of the revolt is not a return to the earlier democratic form of government, but rather to another inept dictatorship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2008
A very possible future if America keeps letting the religious right have such a heavy influence on law and policy. Some elements were dated (as this book was written a few years back) but overall a fantastic read. I liked the format--each character having a say and the slow build to a burn. I think all readers would like this not just dystopia fans!
December 24, 2008
A great what if science ficton premise: What if America was overtaken by a fundamentalist right wing dictatorship?
December 4, 2024
Holds up frighteningly well, considering this theocratic dystopian cyberpunk novel came out in 1989.
August 5, 2019
When fascism comes to Amerika it will come wrapped in the flag and carrying the Bible. Well, here it comes. A frighteningly prophetic novel.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews