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Chronicles of the Monkey God #1
Me And The Monkey
"A Wild Ride into Chaos, Magic, and Mischief"
Are you tired of mainstream stories that play it safe? Do you embrace your unique quirks and proudly stand out from the crowd? If so, then "Me and The Monkey: Chronicles of the Monkey God" is the book for you!
Prepare yourself for a mind-bending, alcohol-fueled thrill ride through a world where the absurd meets the extraordinary. This is not your typical tale. It's the love-child of Hunter S. Thompson and Terry Pratchett, blending explosive action, dark humour, and a touch of madness that will leave you literally begging for more.
Follow the incredible journey of The Monkey, a talking monkey with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a knack for getting into trouble. From waking up to find his teddy bear in a questionable state to his misadventures with the occult, firearms, and unexpected eBay bids, The Monkey's life is anything but ordinary.
But that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for encounters with ghouls, guns, black holes, and even the enigmatic Illuminati. With a team of nerds investigating a mysterious black hole in his spare bedroom and a global conspiracy hot on his tail, The Monkey and his loyal companion embark on a quest that will take them from Cornwall to Cambodia in search of ancient secrets.
With past life flashbacks, partially deceased girlfriends who have a taste for the macabre, and a penchant for cigars and Jack Daniels-soaked nights, The Monkey's world is an intoxicating blend of chaos and magic that will keep you hooked until the very last monkey page.
"Me and The Monkey: Chronicles of the Monkey God" is not your typical book. It's a rollercoaster of absurdity, a fusion of genres that defies expectations and challenges conventions. Join us on this exhilarating journey and discover a world where the unexpected is the norm, where laughter and danger go hand in hand. If you're ready for an unforgettable experience, dive into the madness today.
Prepare to be perplexed, intrigued, and thoroughly entertained. "Me and The Monkey: Chronicles of the Monkey God" awaits your curious mind.
Don't miss out on the chaos—grab your copy now!
Are you tired of mainstream stories that play it safe? Do you embrace your unique quirks and proudly stand out from the crowd? If so, then "Me and The Monkey: Chronicles of the Monkey God" is the book for you!
Prepare yourself for a mind-bending, alcohol-fueled thrill ride through a world where the absurd meets the extraordinary. This is not your typical tale. It's the love-child of Hunter S. Thompson and Terry Pratchett, blending explosive action, dark humour, and a touch of madness that will leave you literally begging for more.
Follow the incredible journey of The Monkey, a talking monkey with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a knack for getting into trouble. From waking up to find his teddy bear in a questionable state to his misadventures with the occult, firearms, and unexpected eBay bids, The Monkey's life is anything but ordinary.
But that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for encounters with ghouls, guns, black holes, and even the enigmatic Illuminati. With a team of nerds investigating a mysterious black hole in his spare bedroom and a global conspiracy hot on his tail, The Monkey and his loyal companion embark on a quest that will take them from Cornwall to Cambodia in search of ancient secrets.
With past life flashbacks, partially deceased girlfriends who have a taste for the macabre, and a penchant for cigars and Jack Daniels-soaked nights, The Monkey's world is an intoxicating blend of chaos and magic that will keep you hooked until the very last monkey page.
"Me and The Monkey: Chronicles of the Monkey God" is not your typical book. It's a rollercoaster of absurdity, a fusion of genres that defies expectations and challenges conventions. Join us on this exhilarating journey and discover a world where the unexpected is the norm, where laughter and danger go hand in hand. If you're ready for an unforgettable experience, dive into the madness today.
Prepare to be perplexed, intrigued, and thoroughly entertained. "Me and The Monkey: Chronicles of the Monkey God" awaits your curious mind.
Don't miss out on the chaos—grab your copy now!
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2021
103 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Andy Darby
4 books39 followersAndy is a self-confessed lover of cats, cake and heavy metal - not necessarily in that order. A dreamer of sword & sorcery, grimdark and weird tales.
He is currently working on the sequel to The Blade in the Angel's Shadow and short stories for an anthology.
Andy lives on the north coast of Cornwall in the UK
He is currently working on the sequel to The Blade in the Angel's Shadow and short stories for an anthology.
Andy lives on the north coast of Cornwall in the UK
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 20, 2021
While reading this book I don't think I've ever had my mind bending so much ! There isn't part of this book that is predictable, it just is so bizarre but an absolutely brilliant read , I honestly didn't want to stop reading !
Oh how I wish I had a monkey like that , it would guarantee no boring days with him around ! Monkey God is so far from a normal monkey it is perfect to escape into the world with him. I don't want to say much about the storyline (well I guess you can call it that) as I don't want to ruin any part for someone .
It is brilliantly written, so funny throughout the book, and it is the perfect book if you want to escape the mundane of every day life! And who doesn't want to read about a cigar smoking , Jack Daniel drinking monkey ?!
Oh how I wish I had a monkey like that , it would guarantee no boring days with him around ! Monkey God is so far from a normal monkey it is perfect to escape into the world with him. I don't want to say much about the storyline (well I guess you can call it that) as I don't want to ruin any part for someone .
It is brilliantly written, so funny throughout the book, and it is the perfect book if you want to escape the mundane of every day life! And who doesn't want to read about a cigar smoking , Jack Daniel drinking monkey ?!
September 20, 2021
I was granted complimentary access to Me and the Monkey as part of my participation in a blog tour for this title with Rachel's Random Resources. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
The Monkey God who will eventually be responsible for the downfall of the world as we know it has reincarnated and awakened, but for now he's rooming with some poor sap in England who won him in a back alley pub game of Go. Between spare room blackholes and an eager ghost hunting team sticking around to study it, a pair of very attractive ghouls, and randomly surfacing past life memories of life as a Vietnam War soldier, this monkey brings a whole lot of "interesting" into his companion's life, and it's all documented in a zoologist's observation journal style collection of blog posts.
I am both very glad I was not the poor soul who won that game of Go and very glad that the one who did decided to start a blog about it. What a ride this book is! If you like absurdist low fantasy, this one needs to be on your to-be-read list. This is for fans of authors like Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett, but only the ones who also love cult media like The Men Who Stare at Goats. This one's weird and absurd in a bit more of a vulgar way than Pratchett, and those who have a soft spot for the culture of the 70s will surely appreciate this monkey's point of view on the world.
My only complaint is the sheer number of times this monkey throws feces (not the word used in the book, just trying not to get flagged for foul language!) Sure, monkeys do that, and sure, this one's not very nice, but that particular gag got old in the first 10 pages.
Thanks for a good long laugh!
The Monkey God who will eventually be responsible for the downfall of the world as we know it has reincarnated and awakened, but for now he's rooming with some poor sap in England who won him in a back alley pub game of Go. Between spare room blackholes and an eager ghost hunting team sticking around to study it, a pair of very attractive ghouls, and randomly surfacing past life memories of life as a Vietnam War soldier, this monkey brings a whole lot of "interesting" into his companion's life, and it's all documented in a zoologist's observation journal style collection of blog posts.
I am both very glad I was not the poor soul who won that game of Go and very glad that the one who did decided to start a blog about it. What a ride this book is! If you like absurdist low fantasy, this one needs to be on your to-be-read list. This is for fans of authors like Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett, but only the ones who also love cult media like The Men Who Stare at Goats. This one's weird and absurd in a bit more of a vulgar way than Pratchett, and those who have a soft spot for the culture of the 70s will surely appreciate this monkey's point of view on the world.
My only complaint is the sheer number of times this monkey throws feces (not the word used in the book, just trying not to get flagged for foul language!) Sure, monkeys do that, and sure, this one's not very nice, but that particular gag got old in the first 10 pages.
Thanks for a good long laugh!
September 21, 2021
Me and The Monkey by Andy Darby is one of the most mind-bending stories I’ve ever read. It’s bizarre in the best way. An unpredictable journey that I am so glad I picked up!
I absolutely love Andy Darby‘s writing. The dark humor is written so well, it fits right in and never feels forced. The characters… particularly the monkey, make this story so unique.
Odd, funny, entertaining…I couldn’t get enough of Me and The Monkey. I am so excited to read the next book. This is not my usual genre and I love when I step justice of my comfort zone, and get gems like this. Highly recommended!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources For allowing me to join this blog tour. I recieved a free copy of this book to review honestly. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
I absolutely love Andy Darby‘s writing. The dark humor is written so well, it fits right in and never feels forced. The characters… particularly the monkey, make this story so unique.
Odd, funny, entertaining…I couldn’t get enough of Me and The Monkey. I am so excited to read the next book. This is not my usual genre and I love when I step justice of my comfort zone, and get gems like this. Highly recommended!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources For allowing me to join this blog tour. I recieved a free copy of this book to review honestly. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
September 10, 2022
Andy Darby's diary-styled unfolding of the anarchic and catastrophic adventures of a demigod monkey foisted upon a (relatively) normal English lad is both hilarious and unpredictable, with events escalating wildly throughout the book.
As a bonfide highlight, Dave Howarth's cartoon illustrations really bring the story to life.
Feature film soon, gents?
As a bonfide highlight, Dave Howarth's cartoon illustrations really bring the story to life.
Feature film soon, gents?
September 19, 2022
Me and the Monkey is a high-octane fantasy thriller.
It's written as a blog with short daily updates as the author tries to keep track of the changes happening to his friend and housemate The Monkey. This style gives the narrative a furious pace, although initially it does leave the reader slightly bewildered. But soon enough you've accepted a cigar smoking, Jack Daniels quaffing talking monkey that no-one so much as bats an eyelid at. And as the action rattles along, there are much stranger things to accept.
As the story unfolds, no legend, myth or conspiracy theory is left unturned. There are Tibetan monks, Nazis, the Illuminati, magical weapons, Area 51, the undead and a black hole that mysteriously appears in the spare bedroom of a house in Cornwall. It's utterly bonkers and enormous (violent and sweary) fun.
Sign up to the Monkey God Chronicles and you will receive a copy of the prequel The Paddington Incident - I did that the second I finished reading, and can't wait for the next instalment (due out in November 2022).
Gloriously irreverent, totally crazy and with the added bonus of some great artwork.
It's written as a blog with short daily updates as the author tries to keep track of the changes happening to his friend and housemate The Monkey. This style gives the narrative a furious pace, although initially it does leave the reader slightly bewildered. But soon enough you've accepted a cigar smoking, Jack Daniels quaffing talking monkey that no-one so much as bats an eyelid at. And as the action rattles along, there are much stranger things to accept.
As the story unfolds, no legend, myth or conspiracy theory is left unturned. There are Tibetan monks, Nazis, the Illuminati, magical weapons, Area 51, the undead and a black hole that mysteriously appears in the spare bedroom of a house in Cornwall. It's utterly bonkers and enormous (violent and sweary) fun.
Sign up to the Monkey God Chronicles and you will receive a copy of the prequel The Paddington Incident - I did that the second I finished reading, and can't wait for the next instalment (due out in November 2022).
Gloriously irreverent, totally crazy and with the added bonus of some great artwork.
September 29, 2022
That was one, mad, incredulous, ride and I’m straight onto book two now.
October 2, 2021
Not at all my usual genre; I'm not a huge fan of books written in the format of diary/blog entries and that I was advised by the Tour Organiser that this came with a potential trigger warning for 'drugs, alcohol, supernatural horror, war, violence' ... well, lets just say that anyone who knows me well will be wondering just what I was thinking when I agreed to a review copy of Me And The Monkey.
Huh, who'd have though it! As it turns out just what the doctor ordered {as the saying goes}, it isn't often that I find myself actually laughing out loud whilst reading a book but given The Monkey and the hilarious situations he finds himself in creates how could I do anything but?
Quite unlike anything I've read before {but then what did I expect from a former frontman of several metal bands, would-be Viking author?} Cleverly written, each 'chapter' a blog post entry no more than a page long and often less, whilst not a picture book per se, supported by some wonderful header illustrations and the occasional half page of vibrant illustration, there is some impressive artwork ... and, then of course, oh my goodness, there's The Monkey.
A cigar smoking, Jack Daniels drinking, crude, destructive, hell bent on causing chaos, pooh flinging, out of control character. Rather surprisingly {yes, even to me, heck, especially to me} I couldn't get enough of The Monkey and his hilarious antics; that I actually at times found myself just that teeny weeny bit envious of his lack of societal niceties {let alone norms} an even bigger surprise.
Add in pop culture and film references, conspiracy theories galore, partly deceased Goth chicks, a nerdish ghost hunting team investigating a black hole in the carpet {created by, but of course, The Monkey} through which some kind of lifeform is trying to make its way, the resurfacing of previous life experiences, action that would put India Jones to shame, warrior monks, the Illuminati and what do you have?
I'll tell you what you have, you have an absurd, surreal, bizarre, hilarious {there's that word again} read that despite its dark, often crude humour, way up there as one of my favourite reads so far this year, kept me entertained in a way that I simply hadn't anticipated. Who knows it may well do the same for you.
The author's first novel, I'm already looking forward to the continuing adventures of The Monkey and the hapless human who won him in a game of Othello in a coffee shop in Amsterdam {or was it the other way around, was it The Monkey who won him?} in part two of what I'm pretty certain will be an equally great read.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in this Book Tour, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
Huh, who'd have though it! As it turns out just what the doctor ordered {as the saying goes}, it isn't often that I find myself actually laughing out loud whilst reading a book but given The Monkey and the hilarious situations he finds himself in creates how could I do anything but?
Quite unlike anything I've read before {but then what did I expect from a former frontman of several metal bands, would-be Viking author?} Cleverly written, each 'chapter' a blog post entry no more than a page long and often less, whilst not a picture book per se, supported by some wonderful header illustrations and the occasional half page of vibrant illustration, there is some impressive artwork ... and, then of course, oh my goodness, there's The Monkey.
A cigar smoking, Jack Daniels drinking, crude, destructive, hell bent on causing chaos, pooh flinging, out of control character. Rather surprisingly {yes, even to me, heck, especially to me} I couldn't get enough of The Monkey and his hilarious antics; that I actually at times found myself just that teeny weeny bit envious of his lack of societal niceties {let alone norms} an even bigger surprise.
Add in pop culture and film references, conspiracy theories galore, partly deceased Goth chicks, a nerdish ghost hunting team investigating a black hole in the carpet {created by, but of course, The Monkey} through which some kind of lifeform is trying to make its way, the resurfacing of previous life experiences, action that would put India Jones to shame, warrior monks, the Illuminati and what do you have?
I'll tell you what you have, you have an absurd, surreal, bizarre, hilarious {there's that word again} read that despite its dark, often crude humour, way up there as one of my favourite reads so far this year, kept me entertained in a way that I simply hadn't anticipated. Who knows it may well do the same for you.
The author's first novel, I'm already looking forward to the continuing adventures of The Monkey and the hapless human who won him in a game of Othello in a coffee shop in Amsterdam {or was it the other way around, was it The Monkey who won him?} in part two of what I'm pretty certain will be an equally great read.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in this Book Tour, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
January 1, 2022
What is the Monkey god though? Are we talking more on the lines of devil on the shoulder, subconscious, or a really detailed delusion? Or is this really a being with ancient power and very bad habits, who thinks nothing of diving in at the deep-end, whilst swigging whiskey and other vices.
Monkey also seems to be the voice that lacks any kind of empathy or thoughts for humankind. His go-to choice is always destructive, mischievous and seemingly intent on destruction. Bit by Bit of course. All in the name of a good time of course. Hmm let's flip the switch on that and assume he is representing the worst of our base instincts.
Conspiracy theories run galore and cause a wide ledge the sane can stand on to watch the insanity as it happens. It's a it like a frat party on hairy legs. The juxtaposition to that is the way the author relays the information in a calm way in diary or blog like entries.
To put this book into perspective, although whilst writing that I am aware that Monkey and Darby would have a scathing commentary about the fact it doesn't need any such thing, and the whole point is that it is anti-perspective and anti-fits in a particular genre. It is niche, alternative and a cult in the making, which is what Bad Ink stands for.
Personally I like the idea of a core essence or guilt manifesting itself in monkey god form, but perhaps that is too easy. Is it actually just us reacting without impulse control aka societal rules and purely on gut - instant gratification.
I just have to mention what a quality hardcover book it is. Very much a book you can leave on your coffee table or in your bookcase - it will certainly generate some interesting conversations.
Monkey also seems to be the voice that lacks any kind of empathy or thoughts for humankind. His go-to choice is always destructive, mischievous and seemingly intent on destruction. Bit by Bit of course. All in the name of a good time of course. Hmm let's flip the switch on that and assume he is representing the worst of our base instincts.
Conspiracy theories run galore and cause a wide ledge the sane can stand on to watch the insanity as it happens. It's a it like a frat party on hairy legs. The juxtaposition to that is the way the author relays the information in a calm way in diary or blog like entries.
To put this book into perspective, although whilst writing that I am aware that Monkey and Darby would have a scathing commentary about the fact it doesn't need any such thing, and the whole point is that it is anti-perspective and anti-fits in a particular genre. It is niche, alternative and a cult in the making, which is what Bad Ink stands for.
Personally I like the idea of a core essence or guilt manifesting itself in monkey god form, but perhaps that is too easy. Is it actually just us reacting without impulse control aka societal rules and purely on gut - instant gratification.
I just have to mention what a quality hardcover book it is. Very much a book you can leave on your coffee table or in your bookcase - it will certainly generate some interesting conversations.
September 30, 2021
To quote The Grateful Dead (which seems thoroughly appropriate), “What a long strange trip it’s been”.
Me and The Monkey is written in blog post/diary form, covering the adventures of the Narrator and The Monkey over (almost) a year. It’s a crazy, drunken, drug-fuelled, rip-snorter of a year!
Take a magical Monkey God, some (very attractive) zombie girls, a caravan, a magic portal (and accompanying ‘nerds’ to investigate it), conspiracy theories, AI, and random bursts into Monkey’s Vietnam war experiences, then add a lot of Jack Daniels and cigars, loads of dark humour, and a plethora of pop culture references – and you’ve got a book that just doesn’t quit. Explosions, cannibalism, conspiracy theories, battles, cabals, exotic locations – it’s all here.
Honestly, the best way to describe it? Imagine if you were the lovechild of Hunter S. Thompson and Terry Pratchett, and grew up obsessed with alcohol and conspiracy theories, then discovered you were magic. That’s Me and the Monkey in a nutshell.
And, to add to its uniqueness, it’s not the usual format, either. It’s a hardcover, pretty much square, and full of graphics and illustrations of The Monkey’s antics. Beautifully presented, actually, and a joy to read.
You’ll be giggling, possibly a little perturbed (but still giggling), and totally in awe of where Andy Darby’s imagination will take you.
Don’t worry if Me and The Monkey not your usual reading matter. I can guarantee you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Me and The Monkey is written in blog post/diary form, covering the adventures of the Narrator and The Monkey over (almost) a year. It’s a crazy, drunken, drug-fuelled, rip-snorter of a year!
Take a magical Monkey God, some (very attractive) zombie girls, a caravan, a magic portal (and accompanying ‘nerds’ to investigate it), conspiracy theories, AI, and random bursts into Monkey’s Vietnam war experiences, then add a lot of Jack Daniels and cigars, loads of dark humour, and a plethora of pop culture references – and you’ve got a book that just doesn’t quit. Explosions, cannibalism, conspiracy theories, battles, cabals, exotic locations – it’s all here.
Honestly, the best way to describe it? Imagine if you were the lovechild of Hunter S. Thompson and Terry Pratchett, and grew up obsessed with alcohol and conspiracy theories, then discovered you were magic. That’s Me and the Monkey in a nutshell.
And, to add to its uniqueness, it’s not the usual format, either. It’s a hardcover, pretty much square, and full of graphics and illustrations of The Monkey’s antics. Beautifully presented, actually, and a joy to read.
You’ll be giggling, possibly a little perturbed (but still giggling), and totally in awe of where Andy Darby’s imagination will take you.
Don’t worry if Me and The Monkey not your usual reading matter. I can guarantee you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
August 1, 2021
What a bizarre, mind bending and totally unpredictable adventure! Definitely not my usual read, but I have to say completely enthralling. The dark humour made me chuckle. A very sweary, Jack Daniels drinking, cigar smoking monkey with a penchant for drugs and zombie girls has ancient powers and a past life as a Vietnam vet and takes us on explosive missions from Cambodia to Iceland and even Chernoble. Mix in some conspiracy theories, Nazi occultism, the Illuminati threatening to blow them apart and you still don't even touch the sides of this adrenaline filled story. It takes every historical obsession of my teenage son and mixes it together into this fantastical story! Of course I immediately saved the link to the webpage www.meandthemonkey.co.uk to read the prequel and get news of the upcoming sequel. Against all logical reason, I need to know where the adventure will go next! Thanks to Andy Darby and ThePigeomholeHq for this crazy read 🤪
March 27, 2022
Creative approach
This approach to storytelling, as a daily blog struck me as a creative update to the diary and letters approaches that have been used similarly. The story itself could be a video game—for adults only, or perhaps adult bodies, since the mentality is somewhere between twisted teen boy and drink drenched college dude. Lots of action (of all kinds), a video game-esque level of violence and frequent black-out drink binges thread heavily through the plot. While I enjoyed the story, there were bothersome inconsistencies (where DID their endless supply of money come from?) and I quickly became tired of the celebration of blotto drunkenness and drug consumption , especially considering the heightened state of danger they almost continually were in. This book won’t be for everyone but should be a fun read for those who like off-beat fantasy and military-type action and can suspend disbelief enough to get into the story.
This approach to storytelling, as a daily blog struck me as a creative update to the diary and letters approaches that have been used similarly. The story itself could be a video game—for adults only, or perhaps adult bodies, since the mentality is somewhere between twisted teen boy and drink drenched college dude. Lots of action (of all kinds), a video game-esque level of violence and frequent black-out drink binges thread heavily through the plot. While I enjoyed the story, there were bothersome inconsistencies (where DID their endless supply of money come from?) and I quickly became tired of the celebration of blotto drunkenness and drug consumption , especially considering the heightened state of danger they almost continually were in. This book won’t be for everyone but should be a fun read for those who like off-beat fantasy and military-type action and can suspend disbelief enough to get into the story.
August 2, 2021
Where do I even start?! This book is written in the form of blog posts from the point of view of a man who wins a monkey during a game of Othello in Amsterdam - or did the monkey win him?! After the monkey somehow creates a portal in the spare bedroom they go on to have Indiana Jones-style madcap adventures around the world involving a group of nerds, the Illuminati, warrior monks, sexy ghouls, undead soldiers and more, all while drinking copious amounts of Jack Daniels and indulging in sarcastic swearing - and that's just the monkey!
I really liked the humour in this book - dark at times, crude at times, but always funny, and I particularly enjoyed the nods to cult films like Gremlins. Apparently there's a sequel coming out later this year - it'll definitely be on my to-read pile!
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and Andy Darby for introducing me to the Monkey God in all his glory!
I really liked the humour in this book - dark at times, crude at times, but always funny, and I particularly enjoyed the nods to cult films like Gremlins. Apparently there's a sequel coming out later this year - it'll definitely be on my to-read pile!
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and Andy Darby for introducing me to the Monkey God in all his glory!
August 7, 2021
3.5*
I almost cannot believe I've used the little spare time I've had to read this. It's so far from what I usually read that it's been a shock I've enjoyed it as much as I did!
The start was a bit off for me(something along the line of: "what's this crazy shit"), but then Monkey God won be over and didn't let me miss his crazy adventures, I blame the JD ;) !!
I'd say Me and The Monkey is very niche and in fact I've missed quite a few cultural references due to it being so far from my normal interests(but joyful fun, nonetheless). But if you like action packed books, are into a bit of mysticism, cultural alternatives, conspiracies and love dark, even crude humour, this novel is definitely for you.
But no matter what you do, please don't dare defy The Monkey God, you just don't know what is going to happen!!
*Book from ThePigeonhole with many thanks for the opportunity.
I almost cannot believe I've used the little spare time I've had to read this. It's so far from what I usually read that it's been a shock I've enjoyed it as much as I did!
The start was a bit off for me(something along the line of: "what's this crazy shit"), but then Monkey God won be over and didn't let me miss his crazy adventures, I blame the JD ;) !!
I'd say Me and The Monkey is very niche and in fact I've missed quite a few cultural references due to it being so far from my normal interests(but joyful fun, nonetheless). But if you like action packed books, are into a bit of mysticism, cultural alternatives, conspiracies and love dark, even crude humour, this novel is definitely for you.
But no matter what you do, please don't dare defy The Monkey God, you just don't know what is going to happen!!
*Book from ThePigeonhole with many thanks for the opportunity.
March 14, 2023
What the heck did I just read?
This is the story of The Monkey God, a Jack Daniels abusing, cigar smoking, life of the party at the pub monkey. He talks to Russians, Tibetan monks, and various ex-military/current mercenary types. He reads and knows how fight with weapons or hand to hand. The narrator won him in a game of Othello at a bar in Amsterdam. Throw in some nerds and some sexy sort of dead ghouls that seem like someone from the Monster High stories. Add lots of death and destruction, magic and "black hole" mystical portals, explosions and gunfire.
Yeah, you try to predict anything in this story and you will probably be wrong. It's an interesting ride but definitely not for the faint of heart.
This is the story of The Monkey God, a Jack Daniels abusing, cigar smoking, life of the party at the pub monkey. He talks to Russians, Tibetan monks, and various ex-military/current mercenary types. He reads and knows how fight with weapons or hand to hand. The narrator won him in a game of Othello at a bar in Amsterdam. Throw in some nerds and some sexy sort of dead ghouls that seem like someone from the Monster High stories. Add lots of death and destruction, magic and "black hole" mystical portals, explosions and gunfire.
Yeah, you try to predict anything in this story and you will probably be wrong. It's an interesting ride but definitely not for the faint of heart.
April 16, 2022
Insane and infectious
Me and the Monkey is a wild, zany, violent, absurd cross between Curious George and John Wick. Andy Darby's debut novel is as colorful and splashy as a graphic novel but as much of a real book as a 250 page manuscript without pictures. No, it's not Saramago, but who cares? Darby never aspires to literary greatness, and he sure weaves a fun, unpredictable story with a crass, crazy, and psychotic talking monkey as the wonderfully bizarre protagonist. And surprisingly, Darby pulls it off without graphic sex or offensive stereotyping. Pass the Jack and bring us a sequel!
Me and the Monkey is a wild, zany, violent, absurd cross between Curious George and John Wick. Andy Darby's debut novel is as colorful and splashy as a graphic novel but as much of a real book as a 250 page manuscript without pictures. No, it's not Saramago, but who cares? Darby never aspires to literary greatness, and he sure weaves a fun, unpredictable story with a crass, crazy, and psychotic talking monkey as the wonderfully bizarre protagonist. And surprisingly, Darby pulls it off without graphic sex or offensive stereotyping. Pass the Jack and bring us a sequel!
August 4, 2021
This wasn't what I was expecting at all. I read this on The Pigeonhole and it made me laugh from the outset and then it became a completely bonkers adventure story mixed with conspiracy, ancient mythology, and full-on action. The combat scenes are short and to the point and totally complement the madcap storyline which drags you in and becomes oddly believable.
One of the most enjoyable books I have read for quite some time and if you are after some escapism then you won’t go far wrong with this. Waiting now for the sequel!
PS. This could easily be a TV series!
One of the most enjoyable books I have read for quite some time and if you are after some escapism then you won’t go far wrong with this. Waiting now for the sequel!
PS. This could easily be a TV series!
September 23, 2021
OK first, if you are easily offended by bad language, do not read this book. I am not one of those people and I did find this book to be pretty funny. A monkey that smokes cigars, drinks Jack and flings poop… I must say this author has the craziest imagination ever! Lol!!! How on earth does someone think of these things??? Maybe that is why I am the reader and not the author! 🤔 I promise this book is totally unpredictable and it will make you laugh out loud. It wasn't my normal kind of read but I did enjoy it.
May 10, 2022
I loved this book. It was a fresh approach to telling a story. The weirdness factor kept me hooked. It has everything - a talking monkey with mad survival skills, bombs, black holes, magic fingers, Russians, a bunch of nerds, and the relationship between the species- alive and dead. I will read this book again!
It reminded me a little bit of Christopher Moore and Tim Dorsey- a little weird, a little sarcastic, with a bunch of humor, a great fun read. Can't wait to find more from this author.
It reminded me a little bit of Christopher Moore and Tim Dorsey- a little weird, a little sarcastic, with a bunch of humor, a great fun read. Can't wait to find more from this author.
August 2, 2021
Well, what can I say? I had no idea what to expect from this book, but I was very pleasantly surprised! A very entertaining story with many funny (and a few sad) parts, with a storyline that keeps you hooked. Great illustrations too.
I'm looking forward to more chronicles in the future 🤞🏼
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I'm looking forward to more chronicles in the future 🤞🏼
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
August 22, 2023
5 stars just for the craic!
Very vivid, crazy story, loved the cultural references and the dark humour. A great story for a bit of escapism.
Looking forward to the sequel, read and enjoyed (very much) on the Pigeonhole, with thanks to them and the author for the opportunity
Very vivid, crazy story, loved the cultural references and the dark humour. A great story for a bit of escapism.
Looking forward to the sequel, read and enjoyed (very much) on the Pigeonhole, with thanks to them and the author for the opportunity
August 7, 2021
A man and his monkey?! What can exactly go wrong? Well pretty much everything 😂
This is a crazy, bonkers and perfect piece of escapism. A 5 star read and worth reading even if not your normal genre.
This is a crazy, bonkers and perfect piece of escapism. A 5 star read and worth reading even if not your normal genre.
March 27, 2022
wow. just wow
That was a crazy schizophrenic shit storm of a book. I freaking loved it. Kudos Mr. Darby. Can’t wait to read the next installment.
That was a crazy schizophrenic shit storm of a book. I freaking loved it. Kudos Mr. Darby. Can’t wait to read the next installment.
July 12, 2022
Really funny book and definitely will read more
April 17, 2022
DNF @ 8%. This book started out good but reading the troubles The Monkey was getting into and how the narrator was tolerating it wasn’t exciting for me. It’s evident that The Monkey is the dgaf personality out of the two but with all the days that passed, I still managed to be at 8%. In that sense, the book is dragging out for me and I lost interest.
August 14, 2022
I would give it a zero if I could. This has languished on my todo list for months, and now it is time to let it go. It is so silly I can't bring myself to finish it. That makes it only the third book in my life that I have had to set aside and not been able to finish. Sorry to do that, but this just held nothing for me.
June 15, 2022
4.5/5☆
March 1, 2022
Imagine you are one day given a monkey that talks, walks around with a cigar hanging out of his mouth and is most of the time drinking too...welcome to the weird world inside the head of author Andy Darby.
This book is written in a daily entry style so reads like a diary or blog but this does not make for your ordinary diary you'd find in your the drawer of that one you had your eye on...The Monkey is that antagonist that is very much the beast many have inside of them that they wish they could unleash and this diary/daily blog post tells of his issues with the dog next door, his trying to purchase a JCB, his love of films, a bit too much of a love of his bear and much more.
I went into this book completely blind to what to expect and at first it took some getting used to as daily entry style writing is so unusual and wide of what "main stream" expects but after getting my head around that I settled in to a story that drew me in and then spat me out. Full of twists, turns, full loops and more this is a book which is absolutely crazy but thankfully it still works perfectly.
Should you read it? If you go to the Amazon page and simply read a little bit of the book information you'll realise what is meant -
20 November
Went in to wake up The Monkey this morning and found his teddy bear tied to the bed with black electrical tape and looking very much the worse for wear. The Monkey was still fast asleep with a very satisfied smile on his face. I knew it was a bad idea to let him download 50 Shades of Grey onto his iPad. Cultural references he said… Just wanted to see what all of the fuss was about he said… My arse!
Me and The Monkey went to see Skyfall, the local cinema is running a load of Bond films over the next week. Nearly kicked off when the girl offered him Chunky Monkey ice cream – he doesn’t like stereotypes (when it suits him…). Rescued it with Phish Food and a large box of butter popcorn but he kept giving the girl evils all the way to the screen…
23 November
There seems to be bad blood between The Monkey and next door’s dog. I asked The Monkey what the problem was and he muttered something about being double crossed on a coke deal, and then told me to, ‘Mind my own business, bitch.’ Well at least he’s not flinging shit about…
24 November
The Monkey has been on my eBay account and bid for a JCB. I really hope the bid doesn’t win…
I’m sure The Monkey has been watching Geordie Shore… I heard drunken shouts of whey-aye coming from the living room but when I opened the door, he was watching Family Guy. Although he did have a guilty look on his face and the remote control was covered in monkey spit…
25 November
So, got to the bottom of the Geordie Shore thing. Apparently, The Monkey thought someone had shaved a bunch of Bonobo chimps and made a documentary about them. He couldn’t watch it with me in the room because it embarrassed him so much (I think this may be a first for him). Since discovering that they are human he says he has gained new levels of contempt for our species…
Overall, this is a book I highly recommend and think is something which stands proudly as being different from others books out there but genuinely doesn't care as it doesn't see itself as a book...it is simply an alternate truth.
This book is written in a daily entry style so reads like a diary or blog but this does not make for your ordinary diary you'd find in your the drawer of that one you had your eye on...The Monkey is that antagonist that is very much the beast many have inside of them that they wish they could unleash and this diary/daily blog post tells of his issues with the dog next door, his trying to purchase a JCB, his love of films, a bit too much of a love of his bear and much more.
I went into this book completely blind to what to expect and at first it took some getting used to as daily entry style writing is so unusual and wide of what "main stream" expects but after getting my head around that I settled in to a story that drew me in and then spat me out. Full of twists, turns, full loops and more this is a book which is absolutely crazy but thankfully it still works perfectly.
Should you read it? If you go to the Amazon page and simply read a little bit of the book information you'll realise what is meant -
20 November
Went in to wake up The Monkey this morning and found his teddy bear tied to the bed with black electrical tape and looking very much the worse for wear. The Monkey was still fast asleep with a very satisfied smile on his face. I knew it was a bad idea to let him download 50 Shades of Grey onto his iPad. Cultural references he said… Just wanted to see what all of the fuss was about he said… My arse!
Me and The Monkey went to see Skyfall, the local cinema is running a load of Bond films over the next week. Nearly kicked off when the girl offered him Chunky Monkey ice cream – he doesn’t like stereotypes (when it suits him…). Rescued it with Phish Food and a large box of butter popcorn but he kept giving the girl evils all the way to the screen…
23 November
There seems to be bad blood between The Monkey and next door’s dog. I asked The Monkey what the problem was and he muttered something about being double crossed on a coke deal, and then told me to, ‘Mind my own business, bitch.’ Well at least he’s not flinging shit about…
24 November
The Monkey has been on my eBay account and bid for a JCB. I really hope the bid doesn’t win…
I’m sure The Monkey has been watching Geordie Shore… I heard drunken shouts of whey-aye coming from the living room but when I opened the door, he was watching Family Guy. Although he did have a guilty look on his face and the remote control was covered in monkey spit…
25 November
So, got to the bottom of the Geordie Shore thing. Apparently, The Monkey thought someone had shaved a bunch of Bonobo chimps and made a documentary about them. He couldn’t watch it with me in the room because it embarrassed him so much (I think this may be a first for him). Since discovering that they are human he says he has gained new levels of contempt for our species…
Overall, this is a book I highly recommend and think is something which stands proudly as being different from others books out there but genuinely doesn't care as it doesn't see itself as a book...it is simply an alternate truth.
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