IF YOU THINK LIFE IS A GAME, WAIT UNTIL YOU PLAY DEATH!Chris and Steve were quite happy sitting in their rooms playing online games until events in a kabab shop changed everything and reset all of the rules.A deal with the Grim Reaper could give them both a second chance at life if they can play the game of their lives inside some of the games they have only ever seen through a screen, until now.Luckily they are not alone, friends they had not met, or maybe they had, help the new guys, the Noobs!
Simon carr is, well he is me, hello. I write comedy Sci-fi and horror books. I started writing in 2018. I am severely dyslexic, on the very high end of the scale. So, writing a book was just me being defiant really, doing something I ought never to have been capable of doing.
I really enjoyed writing my first book, Space And Stuff, so I carried on writing. That makes it sound a lot simpler than it was, but after a lot of learning and editing; so much editing! And going through proofreaders at a rate of knotts, I got my books to a standard that only made a few grammar Nazis heads explode; so it will have to do.
I am from Blackburn in the UK, born in the summer of 1976. I have actually won three awards for my books, I know! I was as surprised as you are. If perfect grammar is your thing then you might want to give them a miss, but if you like satire and goofy scenarios I might be what you have been looking for.
I received this as an ARC and was given the opportunity to review what I hope was an early version of this book.
I really wanted to like this. I liked the premise of it and there were some parts of it that were amusing.
But it was a hot mess, in MANY other respects. Understanding that I may have read a beta version of this, it seemed more like an alpha version to me. The editing was haphazard, at best. Punctuation, incorrect word use, capitalization errors, were littered throughout the entire book.
I understand that large parts of this are intended to be read as an in game chat between video game players. And there have been times I have heard my son talk like this, on occasion. But it really became grating, pretty quickly. It almost seemed like the author was promised a stipend for every time he used the word "bro" in the text, often multiple times in the same sentence.
There were some redeeming qualities and the attempt to incorporate multiple different video games into the story was fun. Kind of like a poor person's "Ready, Player One." Sadly, this is not nearly as much fun as that was.
This author has popped up on a number of sites that I frequent and his books have often caught my attention as something I might be interested in reading. I am hoping this book was an anomaly and that his other ones are far better.
P.S. Since posting this review, I learned that the author may be dyslexic. THAT would explain a TON of the editing issues in this book. I understand that he has hired a professional editor and I have high hopes that the kind of errors found in this book will be taken care of in future books. I wish him nothing but the best and look forward to checking them out.
Chris and Steve are two friends in their early twenties who each still live at home and spend most of their time playing video games online. Taking a break from a game one night, they decide to meet up at the local kebab shop for some food. When they get there, the shop is overrun by a large group of kids who have just won their regional competition and are celebrating. While they wait on their turn to order, Chris turns around and sees a fiery ball of something heading straight for the kebab shop. Before he and Steve even realize what's happening, the meteor has crashed into the kebab shop, killing everyone there.
Not ready to die just yet, and certainly not ready to see all those kids die, Steve and Chris make a deal with the Grim Reaper that if they pass through his trials, he will send them back so they can save the dancing kids. Or maybe it's dancing donkeys. There may be some confusion there. Anyway, in order to pass the trials, Chris and Steve have to make it through each of the various game levels without dying.
While they aren't the best at playing the games, they pick up some squadmates along the way who help them out. But, are those squadmates good enough to help the two friends make it through all the trials? And what about the last trial that is supposedly unbeatable?
This book was a lot of fun to read, and I found myself laughing out loud in several places. I also thoroughly enjoyed the author's attempts to describe the various video games without using the actual game names, as well as the antics that Steve, Chris, and Three get up to while trying to beat the various trials. There isn't much depth to the characters, and they certainly don't have any great epiphanies while going through the trials, but they do show some growth and understanding about what they want to do with their lives should they make it through the trials.
The story could definitely do with having an editorial pass, as there are still quite a few errors in the text. In addition, the text formatting for the chapters needs a bit of work. However, neither the typos nor the formatting issues are so egregious that they interfere with the reading of the story all that much, hence the deduction of just one star.
Editing to add: I just finished listening to the audiobook version of this book, narrated by Matthew Fearnley, and it was awesome! He did such a good job narrating the book that all the good parts were made even better and the not-so-good parts were elevated. In addition, because you're listening to someone else read it, you don't notice the typos. I enjoyed the book when I read it; I loved it when I listened to it! I will definitely be listening to Noobs again!
I loved this book! Villager Number Three definitely my favourite, having 3 teens who are always gaming, Minecraft being one of those games I recognised him straight away (and his fondness for wood!) Pacman was a great addition, I was addicted to it in the 80's and spent many hours on a handheld console much to my parents disgust lol!
Mr Carr is a genius!! Wish I could give more stars. Heart warming with a sense of humour. And to me the best part was the stroll down memory lane with some of old time favorite video games. Thank you so much for that it made my entire work week worth it.
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, that was...something different. As a fan of Terry Pratcthett's works, I like to think that, had he been alive with the advent of GameLit, this is the sort of book we'd have seen from him given his love for PC gaming.
As you can likely assume, I enjoyed this book and I really did get a Pratchett feel from it. Is it on the same level, no, but given my lifelong love for his work I doubt anything ever will but this is possibly the closest I've come to his works. While lacking the world-building and wonderfully deep cast of characters that Discworld has, the sense of British humour is present, the characters likeable and funny and their exploits entertaining and did a great job of rubbing my retro-gaming bone.
Special mention has to go to Matthew Fearnley and his fantastic narration which not only includes a vast variety of voices, but has both perfect comedy timing and perfectly paced delivery which matched the rapid writing style perfectly.
My one addition would be to reiterate that the comedy is Very British and so, while all could find it funny, I think some facets may be lost on our colleagues overseas but I for one found it thoroughly entertaining and funny to boot.
Sometime ago, i received a preview Audible copy of Noobs. When requesting the preview, i mentioned to Mr. Carr that Audible wasnt my kind of thing, but i was willing to give it another shot, figuring if anything could change my opinion , it would be a Simon Carr humor extravaganza . Alas, while i wasnt totally put off - i actually finished it_ but i found myself unable to really appreciate the humor, so immediately afterward i read the plain ole ebook. Booyah, . If you read reviews for books, you know some folks have "standards" which influence their opinions . Grammar , punctuation , basic spelling and editing, its a recurring theme for Simon's book reviewers but imo, it is this rather raw form of absurd, nonsensical storytelling - it is what it is- that draws me in and accentuates the absurd nonsensical beliefs that drive human behavior. Without pointing fingers and placing blame Simon shows us how truly flawed we are as people in general and gives us the opportunity to laugh at our shortcomings. So, Noobs, the book, 5 stars. Audible narrative however doesnt pick up the true nuances of the dialog. Thanks Simon and Story Origin for letting me read and listen to this book for free.
I really enjoyed Noobs. And where does Mr. Carr come up with these names?! The whole premise of this book was so surreal. Taking two young adults who spend their waking hours playing games on their computers. Know any young folks that are attached to their cell 24/7? So here we go – a meteorite hits the world somewhere near where these two young hooligans are attached to their video games – out pops Noobs, the Grim Reaper who offers them a deal. Come play the game of Death with me and if you win you can double your life – well if you lose this is the game of Death. Of course, they jumped at the chance – who wouldn’t (well not me) another whole life sitting in front of the computer playing games? They went for it and got some help along the way from some weird creature. This read will be the laugh of your life. Well written. Great Strong story line. World building to die for. Yep, I highly recommend this novel. I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Noobs. The author has truly reached a high point with this story. Apparently aimed at the YA reader it’s a readable treat for all readers. This book is hilarious with a capital “H”. I even broke out laughing at times even though that rarely occurs when I read. My dog was even looking at me when I hit a particularly funny section, probably wondering if he should alert the authorities. It has some great world building derived from the video gaming world involving the video limitations of earl gaming. The main characters are developed to the point that I connected them with my own acquaintances. This book in it’s own way leaps across genres in a way that should make it accessible to all readers. I cannot recommend this book enough the author has hit a home run with this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A story about two young guys who fill their lives with playing video games. When they go out to a kebab store they get hit by a meteor. Shit happens, so to speak.
Now what? Dead for the rest of the story? The Grim Reaper gives the boys an option to play ten games to get back to life again. Will they succeed?
The idea is really funny. The boys think it will be easy because they are well trained. But playing against death is a whole different thing than sitting on your couch and stare at a screen.
The story is funny, but the characters stay a bit flat. If you are a fan of video games you can certainly relate to the story. And don't we all want a second chance to life?
When Chris & Steve are unexpectedly killed in an explosion at a kebab shop they strike a deal with the Grim Reaper to get the chance to return to their lives playing video games online
The deal pitches them into a series of ‘real-life’ retro video games where they must retrieve the keys to unlock their reward.
As someone who spent their formative years in the 80’s playing video games like Space Invaders, Frogger, Pac-Man, Golden Axe and more, this was a fun, nostalgic ride back to my teens. Coupled with the author’s mad story and the enthusiastic narration this was great fun to listen to.
Once again Steve Carr has done it. I read this in one sitting. If you’re a fan of gaming you’ll love it, if you’re not you’ll still love it. Steve has a talent for seeing the absurd in the mundane and turning on its head. I don’t advise reading this in bed whilst someone is sleeping next to you as startling them awake with random guffaws of laughter several times will not be appreciated.
Simon carr’s humour is brilliant. He’s got a brilliant way of creating incredible storylines with crazy characters in ways that you’d never think of. With this in mind though his stories are incredible. The characters are well rounded and likeable, the situation is brilliantly crafted and planned and his skill with language to bring humour to any situation is on a genius level. I loved this book along with all of his others
It is not often a book makes me laugh out loud but this one did in spades. Gamers Colin and Steve are killed, sent to the Grim reaper and have to compete in old video games to win their lives back. Wonderfully inventive, aching funny, and gloriously daft it is a super read. The writing is great, the characters are light, the humour crude at times but the story is the thing with this book. Highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy from Storyorigin but then bought the book anyway.
Great book for gamers both modern and old-school. I admit it takes a while to get used to Simon Carr's anarchic approach to spelling and grammar,. So, this is a good starting point, he gets much weirder in some of his other books. But he tells his stories very well. This keeps you amused and engrossed as the two heroes try to make it through a series of vastly different video games to save the dancing donkeys. (Read the story. You will get this joke later.)
I enjoyed this wacky, zany, and amusing story that featured two guys who became players in some of the old technological games in order to attain a second chance at life. The story was outlandish. The characters were quirky and fun. It was creative and entertaining. I really enjoyed the author's sense of humor. Matthew Fearnley's narration was great, and his portrayal was entertaining in its own way. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Simon carr’s humour is brilliant. He’s got a brilliant way of creating incredible storylines with crazy characters Oh my god, what a great ending !!! This is the best book he has written so far. Stop reading this review and go read this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They play online games and they enjoy it until they are offered a new life. It will mean playing the game for real in the game world. Will they get help? How will they get on? Will they get a new life? Follow them through the game
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great book. It reminds me of a Bill and Ted adventure with two idiots who do not do anything with their lives except play video games. When they are killed by a meteor, they make a deal with the Grim Reaper to get their lives back and they prove they are much more than idiots! Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was funny from the beginning... The characters, the adventures, and the games they went through kept you reading to see what hijinks would happen next.
Recommended for anyone that likes a fun read and knows some of the classic games.
The storyline is entertaining and fast-paced but the grammatical errors drove me (yes, I’m a grammar freak, but it is uncontrollable) even more nuts. If you’re not a gamer there will be a very good chance you won’t be able to totally understand the many references.
I enjoyed the book there were lots of fun adventures, it was exciting finding out what happened next. the book had a good ending I received an ARC copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This as a crazy old style Gamer type Story. I am Not a Gamer so I could not fully appreciate this book as many others will. It was amusing to say the least. Narration was good for the storyline.
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What happens when the dead come face to face with Death aka the Grim Reaper? Simon Carr sheds light on the consequences of poor decisions and squandered opportunities in Noobs. A humorous look at how we should value what we have and make more of our everyday life. Chris and Steve, two jobless gamers, are taken by surprise whilst queuing for a kebab. Taken by surprise is maybe an understatement, as a meteor crashes to Earth and obliterates them and their surroundings. How could it get any worse, they wonder, until the Grim Reaper appears and tries to smooth things over and alleviate the pair's confusion about, well, being dead.
As expected, Chris and Steve don’t acknowledge the news well. Who would? In response to their insistence to return to their lives, Death provides them with the opportunity to begin The Trials. A series of games to pass through in order to “ retract from death “. What happens when Chris and Steve are thrust into an all too real video game? Can they beat the ultimate level to gain all necessary keys and eventually find their way back to life? Read this book to find out. In this novel, Simon Carr exhibits his writing prowess. The language used is simple and helps to enhance the relatability within the course of the story. The author also weaves an excellent plot by creating the right suspense needed to sustain the reader’s interest. After the initial introduction to set the scene, the story develops at a fast pace, crammed full of Simon Carr’s amusing wit.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Matthew Fearnley, whilst simultaneously reading the book. Matthew Fearnley gives the impression of enjoying the narration, vocally creating scenery and giving life to the characters. The only negative comment I have is I found some slight inconsistencies in certain words read by him and the text, and in parts, I felt he rushed. Therefore, I rate Noobs four out of five stars. My favorite character in the book is probably Villager Number Three due to his obsessive need to collect wood. Also, the patience Chris and Steve display towards him, accepting one another, needing to work through each scenario to the benefit of one another. In conclusion, I recommend Noobs by Simon Carr to lovers of comedy and humour. The book, full of trials and tribulations, is perfect to kick back and relax. In a world that is full of crazy at the moment, a book such as Noobs is essential to let off steam and smile. Although it may not be suitable for conscious readers or listeners who are offended by the use of bad language.
Chris and Steve are two young adults with no life outside of gaming. And would you know it, when they do step outside, they end up… dead? The Grim Reaper is kind enough to offer them a way back; by playing his game and winning, they can go back and save the dancing children (or dancing donkeys, no one is sure anymore).
After seeing it featured in a group, I took a chance on this book. It is targeted at people who game or at least know what video games are about. It was hilarious, though you will be lost if you don’t know the games. I loved Villager Number Three! And the Grim Reaper, who complains that no one ever wants to see him (I can’t think why not…). The only complaint I have is the word “bro”… Perhaps the author can mention somewhere how many times that word was used in the book… But overall a fun book to read.
I’m off to help Villager Number Three collect some wood.
Two twenty somethings addicted to video games find their ultimate challenge in death. The grim reaper offers them a chance at life again with winning at 10 retro video games. If they die, they stay dead.With a little help from three others along the way, they fumble their way to the next game. But what about that video game that is unbeatable? This book is so clever and so funny. Where does this author come up with this stuff?
Matthew Fernley does an excellent job performing these characters. Altho, I have to admit, he presents this story so fast my brain couldn't keep up. I missed too many of the punch lines (and there is alot). I want to go back and read it for myself so I can dwell on the goofiness.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Story Origin.
I was a bit disappointed with this book. I gave it a three because it was an average read. I was expecting all of the video game nerdiness and it did deliver that, but also did not. I enjoyed death and how he manipulated the game worlds. I enjoyed that each world was a video game, I know names can not be used, but some worlds I was not sure what game it was supposed to be, a few more hints would have helped. I was a little annoyed with villager number three by the end. I hoped he would grow, even though he was a programmed AI. This definitely was an intriguing video game story about getting a second chance at life. The plot was only okay and not as engaging as this video game nerd hopped. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As with so many of the Apocalypse Blocker books, this one is an absolute hoot! If you're a gamer, you'll appreciate it all the more, and if you can remember (or were alive for) the arcade days, you'll find it even more amusing. If you're a fan of Carr's, who has the greatest sense of humor a reader could ask for, then you know what you're getting, and you just have to sit back and watch it all unfold. And unfold it does, right to the very end! With some minor grammar issues the reader can easily bypass, this one is my favorite so far. I've read them way out of order, but it hasn't affected my experience overall. This one is a blast! (No pun intended!!)
Fun read for gamers!...and non gamers too! This book should have a genre all to itself! It's quite a fascinating read! Chris and Steve, aided by NPC Villager Number Three, must pass ten levels presented by The Grim Reaper in order to return from the afterlife. On each level they don a different avatar with hilarious results. I love reading different representations of the Reaper and this one describes himself as ~"...an enigma of suspense and intrigue, that is both eccentric and whimsical in my traits." How's the ending? Ah....you'll need to read it‼️😃 but without giving a spoiler ~ it's fantastic‼️
Simon Carr's writing is hilarious and I absolutely loved this book. As a child of the 80s and 90s this one really spoke to me and made me laugh out loud plenty of times. Overall well developed characters and a fun romp through the world of the Grim Reaper. Audio Version: Matthew Fearnley has a great voice for this book and these characters. Well done!