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The Oblivion Society
What would you do if you slept through the apocalypse? What if everything you knew about disaster survival came from old B-movies? What would you do if society as you know it suddenly became The Oblivion Society? Vivian Gray is too young and too smart to be wasting her life in the geriatric retirement haven of Stillwater, Florida. But as each day of the long, hot summer of 1999 blurs into the next, she just can't find the motivation to break out of her miserable routine. After an accidental nuclear war reduces civilization to a smoldering ruin, apathy is a luxury Vivian can no longer afford. She quickly joins a comically inept bunch of twentysomething survivors, and together they try to ride out Armageddon on little more than scavenged junk food and half-remembered pop culture. When the contaminated atmosphere unleashes a menagerie of deadly atomic mutants, Vivian and her friends take to the interstate for a madcap cross-country road trip toward a distant sanctuary that may not, in the strictest sense of the word, exist. But can they get to safety before the toxins get to them?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2006
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307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 23, 2013
I went into this book really wanting to love it. Honestly, I did. A snarky, witty heroine and her strange bunch of friends on a post-apocalyptic road trip? Awesome. Sign me up. When I actually read it, I found there was just too much that fell short in the story to make it something I could properly enjoy. It does have some redeeming parts, for example I did quite like Sherri's character and there were some genuinely funny moments, but overall the whole thing seems contrived.
The characters were alright and had their moments, but didn't really shine. I can't remember anything about Bobby and Erik except their nerdiness, which isn't a good sign. The constant pop culture references which are touted as a point of individuality are, to put it bluntly, annoying and self-satisfied. The most offensive of the characters was Trent, who was so infuriating to read about I had to stop a couple of times. I understand his obnoxious personality was to communicate to the audience that he was the guy not to be sympathised with, but his constant ridiculous behaviour and the others continually putting up with it became too grating to bear, and rather than wishing that he'd get his comeuppance I just wished he'd disappear from the story altogether.
The prose was fine for the most part, aside from a few slightly confusing fight scenes, but a jarring detail I came across was the disregard for the show-don't-tell rule; there are large sections of dialogue where the characters discuss what effect the world around them is having on them, which reads essentially like an information dump. It's good the author made an effort to avoid plot holes and unexplained details, but I can't help but feel there must be a better way to do it.
I don't hate this book by any measure of the word. The plot's solid, there's some clever writing and a few nice displays of humour, but the whole thing becomes repetitive and jarring after a while.
The characters were alright and had their moments, but didn't really shine. I can't remember anything about Bobby and Erik except their nerdiness, which isn't a good sign. The constant pop culture references which are touted as a point of individuality are, to put it bluntly, annoying and self-satisfied. The most offensive of the characters was Trent, who was so infuriating to read about I had to stop a couple of times. I understand his obnoxious personality was to communicate to the audience that he was the guy not to be sympathised with, but his constant ridiculous behaviour and the others continually putting up with it became too grating to bear, and rather than wishing that he'd get his comeuppance I just wished he'd disappear from the story altogether.
The prose was fine for the most part, aside from a few slightly confusing fight scenes, but a jarring detail I came across was the disregard for the show-don't-tell rule; there are large sections of dialogue where the characters discuss what effect the world around them is having on them, which reads essentially like an information dump. It's good the author made an effort to avoid plot holes and unexplained details, but I can't help but feel there must be a better way to do it.
I don't hate this book by any measure of the word. The plot's solid, there's some clever writing and a few nice displays of humour, but the whole thing becomes repetitive and jarring after a while.
September 11, 2013
I didn't enjoy this very much, but that's not to say it isn't any good, or that it doesn't have any redeeming factors whatsoever. It's not terrible, but it's not brilliant either. I found some of it offensive (another reviewer refers to the rape scene at the end as being "almost played for laughs"; and I've got to say, I agree with this view. Indeed, in my opinion there was a bit too much emphasis on sex throughout the book, and a bit too much gratuitous, schoolboy innuendo, which doesn't add to the story.) Another fault, I found, is that it's overlong. The introductory section is far too long - it could do with a good edit and a bit of paring down to make it a more punchy story. In fact, it could do with a lot more polish being put into the work - there isn't much of the craft of writing in this. It lumbers from violent action scene to violent action scene; and these aren't told particularly well. At its most frenzied, I nearly gave up on it altogether, because the action was coming so fast, I just couldn't keep pace with it. As a reader, I was unable to visualise what was supposed to be unfolding before my eyes.
There ARE some good one-liners in this. I loved the character of Erik, and Scary Sherri was quite good too. Trent was two-dimensional, Bobby was a parody of the fat boy geek, and Vivian was overworked. I liked Erik's geeky explanations of what was occurring by comparing nearly everything to a film from the 80s. I also liked how everyone fell into two apocalpytic camps - zombies or mutants. In fact, I felt that this was the best bit about the book. If you like your action frenzied and comic-book style, this might be the thing for you. If you like your books a little more thoughtful and crafted, avoid this one like the zombie apocalpyse. Enough said.
There ARE some good one-liners in this. I loved the character of Erik, and Scary Sherri was quite good too. Trent was two-dimensional, Bobby was a parody of the fat boy geek, and Vivian was overworked. I liked Erik's geeky explanations of what was occurring by comparing nearly everything to a film from the 80s. I also liked how everyone fell into two apocalpytic camps - zombies or mutants. In fact, I felt that this was the best bit about the book. If you like your action frenzied and comic-book style, this might be the thing for you. If you like your books a little more thoughtful and crafted, avoid this one like the zombie apocalpyse. Enough said.
March 18, 2008
What do Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski have to do with the apocalypse? Not much, outside of inspiring the tryst that brings it on. And, as in this review, you won't see them again after the introduction. "The Oblivion Society" is a hilarious post-dot-com, energy-drink-fueled apocalyptic romp with some fun science (somewhat abused) and clever characterizations.
The book is populated by a group of late teen/early twenties geeks, goths, and jocks. They form a ragged party trying to survive in the newly-barren urban wilderness, all the while, of course, either trying to find themselves, or finding themselves despite their best efforts not to. And strange creatures are starting to come out of the woodwork...
The story's about the characters, and that's where the conflicts and arcs shine, and where the one-liners string together page after page. A lot of the jokes were targeted for the comic- and sci-fi-geek audience, and I did find one or two fell flat when I didn't get the reference, but I got most of the references without being exceptionally well-versed, and I was laughing uproariously through most of the book. And I don't mean laughing uproariously "on the inside".
If it lacked for anything, it might have been in the somewhat lack-luster plot--but really, when your city's been nuked and the only sign of civilization is a children's show being broadcast on a loop, all you can do is wander and hope. They were off to see the wizard, but had no idea where to find him--and by the end of the book, after many personal and physical conflicts, they realized they didn't really need to find anyone else, anyway.
Both a video trailer and the first 82 pages of the book are available on http://www.oblivionsociety.com--I came across it myself from a Project Wonderful ad on GUD Magazine's website, read the first few pages and immediately asked them for a review copy. It was everything the teaser made me hope for, and more.
The book is populated by a group of late teen/early twenties geeks, goths, and jocks. They form a ragged party trying to survive in the newly-barren urban wilderness, all the while, of course, either trying to find themselves, or finding themselves despite their best efforts not to. And strange creatures are starting to come out of the woodwork...
The story's about the characters, and that's where the conflicts and arcs shine, and where the one-liners string together page after page. A lot of the jokes were targeted for the comic- and sci-fi-geek audience, and I did find one or two fell flat when I didn't get the reference, but I got most of the references without being exceptionally well-versed, and I was laughing uproariously through most of the book. And I don't mean laughing uproariously "on the inside".
If it lacked for anything, it might have been in the somewhat lack-luster plot--but really, when your city's been nuked and the only sign of civilization is a children's show being broadcast on a loop, all you can do is wander and hope. They were off to see the wizard, but had no idea where to find him--and by the end of the book, after many personal and physical conflicts, they realized they didn't really need to find anyone else, anyway.
Both a video trailer and the first 82 pages of the book are available on http://www.oblivionsociety.com--I came across it myself from a Project Wonderful ad on GUD Magazine's website, read the first few pages and immediately asked them for a review copy. It was everything the teaser made me hope for, and more.
August 9, 2010
The book had its moments with some clever writing, but I eventually gave up on it as it was too much of the same thing over and over. The characters were stereotypes and became too unbelievable as they stuck to those stereotypes in spite of the stupidity of doing so in their situation. I suppose it was done for humor, but it became the same joke over and over, as did the silly "mutation" plot device.
July 27, 2007
The Oblivion Society is a novel filled with sharp wit, entertaining characters, and scenarios that can only be described as "delightfully absurd." This fast-paced novel combines one part sci-fi B-movie adventure, one part foul-mouthed slacker comedy, one part post-apocalyptic road movie, with just a pinch of chick-flick to create an explosive read.
November 15, 2019
This book was hilarious. I can't explain it but might be one of my favorite non- serious PA.
September 29, 2014
I bought this book for two reasons: 1) It is published by Permutated Press, which is a great Indie Publisher, although they are hit and miss (more hit in my opinion); and 2) Because David Wong wrote the Introduction, and this was not long after he had written John Dies at the End, which I thought was great. So, I was expecting some good humor and some good characters, and some post apocalyptic antics...and, for the most part, I got exactly that.
The story follows a group of survivors after a Nuclear Apocalypse who, unlike the back leads you to believe, did not just sleep through the bombs. Although each is meant to be a cliche character in some way, they do have their own personalities that are not limited by the comedy archetype and they grow and evolve as the story progresses. In addition, even though the story is massively dated - seeing as we live in a post Y2K world - anyone who lived through the 90's will love the jokes, and the references don't detract from the story. Plus, the first chapter reminds one vaguely of things such as Dr. Strangelove, War Games and other Cold War/Post Cold-War films and books dealing with the insanity surrounding Nuclear weapons, as well as poking fun at the political landscape circa 1997. Consequently, I found myself giggling and laughing throughout the first few chapters at the set-up, and the character's interactions with each other.
Unfortunately, the book moves into the Post-Apocalypse and takes a turn for the bizarre, but also, as often as not, leaves the humor behind. As the survivors leave their small town in Florida to search for other people outside of what is obviously a nuclear strike, they are attacked by mutant creatures and are transformed themselves into strange beings. At first, this makes for some good comedy juxtaposed with drama, but as the book continues the fun is replaced by more dark exposition as they individuals come to accept that their may be no place left in the world. However, this in itself does not bring down the novel, it is rather the loss of a character in a un-funny though heroic manner, the circumstances immediately preceding and following it, and the 2nd to last chapter where one of the protagonists (and I use that term lightly) finally loses it and the novel becomes very, very dark.
*SPOILER*
The reason that I have a complaint about this sequence in the story stems from the character himself, Trent. Trent is an ass. His cliche is that he's constantly trying to get laid, and since their are only 2 women left he uses terrible lines to try and hook up (as well as combining ridiculous Bible Thumper and Inner City Thug into silliness). When we are introduced to him, it's to juxtapose his stupidity and failure with the cool calm demeanor of one of the other characters, Bobby - who is more interested in making Trent look stupid than anything else. As the novel progresses Trent alone does not change and grow, so when we are introduced to a 3rd female character, who eventually mutates and kills Bobby, he shifts his attention to her. Unfortunately, at the time she is in shock with diminished capacity, and Trent takes advantage of this; and, although, the other characters ridicule him and it turns out that part of this is a plot point, this, essentially rape, is handled in a very blase manner. Then, when Trent himself mutates and loses his humanity because he is always trying have sex, he becomes obsessed and attempts to rape the main character Vivian - and yes, he does get killed and the threat passes, but there is no real way to make this subject humorous and it is not in keeping with the more light-hearted, but dark humor the exists throughout the rest of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel. I loved the beginning and thought that the bar sequence, and the character of Sherri were great. However, I found the last 3rd of the book to be a bit tasteless in the handling of the Trent character's fall was too much. I did not dislike the novel enough to not recommend it, but I don't think that I would read it again; and I would want to know more about the next book that I was going to read by Mr. Hart. If you like Post-Apocalyptic novels or that David Wong style humor (and pop-references), I recommend this book, but keep in mind the above issues that I had.
The story follows a group of survivors after a Nuclear Apocalypse who, unlike the back leads you to believe, did not just sleep through the bombs. Although each is meant to be a cliche character in some way, they do have their own personalities that are not limited by the comedy archetype and they grow and evolve as the story progresses. In addition, even though the story is massively dated - seeing as we live in a post Y2K world - anyone who lived through the 90's will love the jokes, and the references don't detract from the story. Plus, the first chapter reminds one vaguely of things such as Dr. Strangelove, War Games and other Cold War/Post Cold-War films and books dealing with the insanity surrounding Nuclear weapons, as well as poking fun at the political landscape circa 1997. Consequently, I found myself giggling and laughing throughout the first few chapters at the set-up, and the character's interactions with each other.
Unfortunately, the book moves into the Post-Apocalypse and takes a turn for the bizarre, but also, as often as not, leaves the humor behind. As the survivors leave their small town in Florida to search for other people outside of what is obviously a nuclear strike, they are attacked by mutant creatures and are transformed themselves into strange beings. At first, this makes for some good comedy juxtaposed with drama, but as the book continues the fun is replaced by more dark exposition as they individuals come to accept that their may be no place left in the world. However, this in itself does not bring down the novel, it is rather the loss of a character in a un-funny though heroic manner, the circumstances immediately preceding and following it, and the 2nd to last chapter where one of the protagonists (and I use that term lightly) finally loses it and the novel becomes very, very dark.
*SPOILER*
The reason that I have a complaint about this sequence in the story stems from the character himself, Trent. Trent is an ass. His cliche is that he's constantly trying to get laid, and since their are only 2 women left he uses terrible lines to try and hook up (as well as combining ridiculous Bible Thumper and Inner City Thug into silliness). When we are introduced to him, it's to juxtapose his stupidity and failure with the cool calm demeanor of one of the other characters, Bobby - who is more interested in making Trent look stupid than anything else. As the novel progresses Trent alone does not change and grow, so when we are introduced to a 3rd female character, who eventually mutates and kills Bobby, he shifts his attention to her. Unfortunately, at the time she is in shock with diminished capacity, and Trent takes advantage of this; and, although, the other characters ridicule him and it turns out that part of this is a plot point, this, essentially rape, is handled in a very blase manner. Then, when Trent himself mutates and loses his humanity because he is always trying have sex, he becomes obsessed and attempts to rape the main character Vivian - and yes, he does get killed and the threat passes, but there is no real way to make this subject humorous and it is not in keeping with the more light-hearted, but dark humor the exists throughout the rest of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel. I loved the beginning and thought that the bar sequence, and the character of Sherri were great. However, I found the last 3rd of the book to be a bit tasteless in the handling of the Trent character's fall was too much. I did not dislike the novel enough to not recommend it, but I don't think that I would read it again; and I would want to know more about the next book that I was going to read by Mr. Hart. If you like Post-Apocalyptic novels or that David Wong style humor (and pop-references), I recommend this book, but keep in mind the above issues that I had.
April 20, 2019
The world is all but destroyed due to a rounding error in the computer controlling a Russian radar installation.
This is a very light book, it's basically a comic book without the pictures.
There are lots of stereotypes and cliches making it a very easy read.
Although not erotic it is very sexually charged: hips sway, boobs jiggle, panties flash and trousers bulge.
It is quite anarchic and has lots of pop culture references, being a non-American a few sailed over my head.
I wanted to enjoy this book an awful lot more than I did.
Despite its post apocalyptic theme and its "Animal House" antics the story is very, very dull and plagued by repetition.
The lecherous guy tries to cop a feel and gets kicked in the nuts for his efforts... again.
The goth chick is forced to be superficially cute...again
The heroine rolls her eyes at her friends idiocy...again
Despite the crazy set-dressing and its light nature this was a bit of a struggle to get through.
This is a very light book, it's basically a comic book without the pictures.
There are lots of stereotypes and cliches making it a very easy read.
Although not erotic it is very sexually charged: hips sway, boobs jiggle, panties flash and trousers bulge.
It is quite anarchic and has lots of pop culture references, being a non-American a few sailed over my head.
I wanted to enjoy this book an awful lot more than I did.
Despite its post apocalyptic theme and its "Animal House" antics the story is very, very dull and plagued by repetition.
The lecherous guy tries to cop a feel and gets kicked in the nuts for his efforts... again.
The goth chick is forced to be superficially cute...again
The heroine rolls her eyes at her friends idiocy...again
Despite the crazy set-dressing and its light nature this was a bit of a struggle to get through.
June 18, 2011
Metaphors, and similes, and flowery prose, oh my! Just get to the frackin' point already!
Here an excerpt:
Adjacent to the front entrance was a display that had not been there the day before, composed of a pile of soggy wooden crates filled with ice. She stepped up to the crate and looked inside, and a foul smell seared through her sinuses. The beds of ice were populated with the corpses of the most pathetic selection of fish that she had ever seen. There was not a matching set of species-mates to be found among the ranks of intact bodies, and the remainder of the lot was little more than hastily butchered chunks of pale, sickly meat oozing a pink, briny gravy that reeked of rotting cabbage. Vivian covered her nose and looked at the chalkboard sign that hung over the massacre.
And another:
Vivian grimaced as she cast her eyes skyward. From the ceiling, a pair of motorized security cameras shook their heads at her disapprovingly. She looked past them and into the dark windows of the enclosed loft that loomed over the store like an Alcatraz watchtower. The management office of Boltzmann's Market didn't seem designed for clerical work as much as total, unblinking surveillance.
She dragged herself up the narrow stairway to the office and pushed open its heavy steel door, which in turn banged into a large wooden desk, settling into the gouge that it had formed from years of inadequate opening space. The boxcar-sized piece of furniture was covered in a thick, tattered layer of multicolored carbon copy forms and free promotional mugs, full of free promotional pens and tchotchkes. To its side sat a bank of mismatched black and white security monitors, each snitching on some tiny corner of the store below. The air of the claustrophobic office hung heavy with the stench of body odor and failure.
Here an excerpt:
Adjacent to the front entrance was a display that had not been there the day before, composed of a pile of soggy wooden crates filled with ice. She stepped up to the crate and looked inside, and a foul smell seared through her sinuses. The beds of ice were populated with the corpses of the most pathetic selection of fish that she had ever seen. There was not a matching set of species-mates to be found among the ranks of intact bodies, and the remainder of the lot was little more than hastily butchered chunks of pale, sickly meat oozing a pink, briny gravy that reeked of rotting cabbage. Vivian covered her nose and looked at the chalkboard sign that hung over the massacre.
And another:
Vivian grimaced as she cast her eyes skyward. From the ceiling, a pair of motorized security cameras shook their heads at her disapprovingly. She looked past them and into the dark windows of the enclosed loft that loomed over the store like an Alcatraz watchtower. The management office of Boltzmann's Market didn't seem designed for clerical work as much as total, unblinking surveillance.
She dragged herself up the narrow stairway to the office and pushed open its heavy steel door, which in turn banged into a large wooden desk, settling into the gouge that it had formed from years of inadequate opening space. The boxcar-sized piece of furniture was covered in a thick, tattered layer of multicolored carbon copy forms and free promotional mugs, full of free promotional pens and tchotchkes. To its side sat a bank of mismatched black and white security monitors, each snitching on some tiny corner of the store below. The air of the claustrophobic office hung heavy with the stench of body odor and failure.
March 20, 2012
So... I wanted to like this book more than I did. Interesting story line, new author... but it had too many flaws that I could not overlook in the long run.
Spoilers ahead...
First of all - the character Trent was more than obnoxious. He was unforgivably obnoxious and yes, I get he was suppose to be this way but really? The women put up with him for that long with castrating him? I was *more* insulted by the fact that they put up with him than by his behavior by the end of the book. He alone could have ruined the story for me. He had NO redeeming qualities and for going through such a serious, life-threatening experience, he learned nothing and I find this way too unbelievable. His character brought nothing to the story except frustration.
Second of all - really, they drove halfway across the country and found only one other person alive? Um, yea. No. Four random people in one small town in Florida could survive but they found no other survivors on their way from Florida to DC? Sorry, could not suspend my disbelief that long. I understand the concept of nuclear annihilation but there are typically more survivors (ever read Cormac McCarthy's The Road?).
Those two issues really ruined it for me. And the way he wrapped up the story (yea, it involved Trent) was laughably ridiculous. I knew the book was meant to be humorous - and it was at times - but really? I was anxious for it to end just so I could move on and start a new book. It's a shame because I did like the other characters in the book.
Spoilers ahead...
First of all - the character Trent was more than obnoxious. He was unforgivably obnoxious and yes, I get he was suppose to be this way but really? The women put up with him for that long with castrating him? I was *more* insulted by the fact that they put up with him than by his behavior by the end of the book. He alone could have ruined the story for me. He had NO redeeming qualities and for going through such a serious, life-threatening experience, he learned nothing and I find this way too unbelievable. His character brought nothing to the story except frustration.
Second of all - really, they drove halfway across the country and found only one other person alive? Um, yea. No. Four random people in one small town in Florida could survive but they found no other survivors on their way from Florida to DC? Sorry, could not suspend my disbelief that long. I understand the concept of nuclear annihilation but there are typically more survivors (ever read Cormac McCarthy's The Road?).
Those two issues really ruined it for me. And the way he wrapped up the story (yea, it involved Trent) was laughably ridiculous. I knew the book was meant to be humorous - and it was at times - but really? I was anxious for it to end just so I could move on and start a new book. It's a shame because I did like the other characters in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2010
Spooktoberfest 2010 continues with ... the end of the world!
So funny enough this book opens with a foreword by David Wong, who wrote John Dies At The End, which is how I kicked off Spooktoberfest. There are a fair number of similarities between Wong's book and Hart's, but ultimately I think Hart's suffers by the comparison. Both books have a dark sense of humor, but Hart pushes deeply and frequently into wacky comedy including way too many pop culture references (and for ME to say that, just ... wow ...) and so many injuries to the groins of unlikable male characters that the occurrence loses any shock value whatsoever. I think John Dies At The End's smart-ass attitude works because the story is written in first person, narrated by the David character, whereas The Oblivion Society utilizes an omniscient third person narrator which makes every self-satisfied snarky metaphor in the descriptions feel even more forced and awkward. I will give The Oblivion Society credit for some cleverness in the plotting and the way certain ex machina developments feel a tiny bit less deus because the groundwork was previously laid in what seemed like throwaway gags. But overall this has been the low point of Spooktoberfest, unfortunately.
So funny enough this book opens with a foreword by David Wong, who wrote John Dies At The End, which is how I kicked off Spooktoberfest. There are a fair number of similarities between Wong's book and Hart's, but ultimately I think Hart's suffers by the comparison. Both books have a dark sense of humor, but Hart pushes deeply and frequently into wacky comedy including way too many pop culture references (and for ME to say that, just ... wow ...) and so many injuries to the groins of unlikable male characters that the occurrence loses any shock value whatsoever. I think John Dies At The End's smart-ass attitude works because the story is written in first person, narrated by the David character, whereas The Oblivion Society utilizes an omniscient third person narrator which makes every self-satisfied snarky metaphor in the descriptions feel even more forced and awkward. I will give The Oblivion Society credit for some cleverness in the plotting and the way certain ex machina developments feel a tiny bit less deus because the groundwork was previously laid in what seemed like throwaway gags. But overall this has been the low point of Spooktoberfest, unfortunately.
October 18, 2007
After reading a three-chapter excerpt of "The Oblivion Society," I decided to buy the book. I am very glad that I did -- I enjoyed this novel *very* much.
Hart's writing is witty and skillful. The element which impressed me the most was his ability to tie in seemingly-unimportant plot points from much earlier in the story to events which unfold hundreds of pages later. Very, very solid.
His characters are earnest and real. I wanted to kick Mr. Boltzmann in the groin, and I wanted to strangle Trent with my bare hands ... but, if anything, these are further compliments to Hart's writing -- if the story had been badly written, I would not have *cared* about these characters' antics. But I did.
For those who are really into Sci-Fi, there are numerous references to movies, books, TV shows, comic books, etc., that you will appreciate a lot more if you're into that sort of thing.
Of all the independently published books I have ever read, I believe that "The Oblivion Society" is by far the best. I strongly recommend it to all those who enjoy science-fiction with a comedic twist.
Hart's writing is witty and skillful. The element which impressed me the most was his ability to tie in seemingly-unimportant plot points from much earlier in the story to events which unfold hundreds of pages later. Very, very solid.
His characters are earnest and real. I wanted to kick Mr. Boltzmann in the groin, and I wanted to strangle Trent with my bare hands ... but, if anything, these are further compliments to Hart's writing -- if the story had been badly written, I would not have *cared* about these characters' antics. But I did.
For those who are really into Sci-Fi, there are numerous references to movies, books, TV shows, comic books, etc., that you will appreciate a lot more if you're into that sort of thing.
Of all the independently published books I have ever read, I believe that "The Oblivion Society" is by far the best. I strongly recommend it to all those who enjoy science-fiction with a comedic twist.
July 12, 2013
I had to go all out and commission an actual stamp of approval, just for this book. It's an outline of me riding an ancient Megatherium, whilst pulling off a wicked king pigeon pose and giving two thumbs up. At least that's what it's supposed to be; it's kinda hard to tell. I should have listened when the artist said it was too complicated (read: awesome) for a stamp. Anyway, this book totally deserves it! After I finished John Dies at the End, I was in one of those morose sort of states that happens at the end of a really good book, you know? Yeah, you know. In the intervening time since then, I've had my eye out for anything remotely similar, and this is the first thing that has been. Of course, I don't mean to imply this is just a void filler for that book. Whatever crazily addictive new category of fiction this book represents, it's either at or near the bleeding edge. This is serious quality right here, is what I'm saying.
November 30, 2011
This was a spectacular failure. The book promised so much. I liked the name, the post-apocalyptic setting, some good pop culture references at the start, etc. etc.
But suddenly, Hart dumbed down all the "bad" guys in his book. There is the boss of the departmental store where Vivian (female protagonist) works who couldn't count and then there is the main "villain" who is the most annoying bad guy you will ever read about.
The female lead (Vivian) was quiet interesting but other characters (especially the bad ones) were very very annoying.
This book deserved less than 1 star but twice it made me guffaw, so I would give it a generous 2 star rating. I wish whole book was like that.
But suddenly, Hart dumbed down all the "bad" guys in his book. There is the boss of the departmental store where Vivian (female protagonist) works who couldn't count and then there is the main "villain" who is the most annoying bad guy you will ever read about.
The female lead (Vivian) was quiet interesting but other characters (especially the bad ones) were very very annoying.
This book deserved less than 1 star but twice it made me guffaw, so I would give it a generous 2 star rating. I wish whole book was like that.
July 30, 2013
It started off really promisingly for me, but lost steam. I did find the events leading to the apocalypse to be quite humorous.
Main complaint: I had a really hard time with the Trent character from the get-go, and he progressively got worse until the final scene was difficult to get through. He was too creepy and aggressive and a lot of the time reading his scenes made me very uncomfortable. I think the author was trying to make him so over-the-top that it would be funny? But it was just hard for me to read. Fortunately (most of) the female characters were smart and quick enough that nothing too bad happened to them.
I felt the ending was a little abrupt too, but by that point I was kind of glad it was over.
Main complaint: I had a really hard time with the Trent character from the get-go, and he progressively got worse until the final scene was difficult to get through. He was too creepy and aggressive and a lot of the time reading his scenes made me very uncomfortable. I think the author was trying to make him so over-the-top that it would be funny? But it was just hard for me to read. Fortunately (most of) the female characters were smart and quick enough that nothing too bad happened to them.
I felt the ending was a little abrupt too, but by that point I was kind of glad it was over.
July 23, 2008
This was a very fun book to read. The conversations can get really heated and there is a lot of laughs all around. At the end, I was yearning for a follow up. However, I don't think it'll happen.
The world seems pretty messed up at the end.
The beginning was kind of slow and full of jokes. This book is more of a commentary on life than really about the "end times". The author was using it as a backdrop.
It is definitely not a true sci-fi, fantasy book. but one that uses it as a backdrop for commentaries on life.
The world seems pretty messed up at the end.
The beginning was kind of slow and full of jokes. This book is more of a commentary on life than really about the "end times". The author was using it as a backdrop.
It is definitely not a true sci-fi, fantasy book. but one that uses it as a backdrop for commentaries on life.
November 12, 2010
OMG BUG SQUICK WARNING!
If you are easily bugsquicked like I am, this book's last third is gonna give you the serious wiggins.
Other than that, though?
Vivian, our awesome lil redheaded heroine -- rocks.
Erik, the heart of the group, also rocks.
Even foulmouthed Sherri rocked in her horrifyingly vulgar way.
It was mostly unpredictable, though when Viv's wings show up you know she's gonna fly at some point.
And the pop culture geekery made me think it was all very Night of the Comet.
If you are easily bugsquicked like I am, this book's last third is gonna give you the serious wiggins.
Other than that, though?
Vivian, our awesome lil redheaded heroine -- rocks.
Erik, the heart of the group, also rocks.
Even foulmouthed Sherri rocked in her horrifyingly vulgar way.
It was mostly unpredictable, though when Viv's wings show up you know she's gonna fly at some point.
And the pop culture geekery made me think it was all very Night of the Comet.
September 10, 2010
Quirky. The book is a good read however I found the nonuse of breaks in the pages between perspective changes confusing. I'd be reading about character A and then the next paragraph nothing would make sense until a few sentences in I realized I was now reading from character B's perspective.
If you like postapocalytic stories and mutants and good characters that fit their molds like jello then this is worth a read.
If you like postapocalytic stories and mutants and good characters that fit their molds like jello then this is worth a read.
July 8, 2011
Mutant or zombie? That is the question Vivian Oblivion and her friends are trying to answer while wading through a radiation-drenched apocalypse. And that's about it...Not much happens in this tale...There's a lot of snarky one-liners and dialogue, but I found myself thinking from the beginning, "Oh, come on! Something happen already!!" A couple of things do, in fact, happen, but much too late to save the book from being dead-boring.
June 8, 2012
I was swayed to read this book due to the preface by David Wong, author of John Dies at the End. Sadly, I found the characters to be flat and the dialogue uninspired. There were a few moments that were entertaining, but in general it wasn't really worth reading.
November 4, 2014
And the geek shall inherit the earth. This was a great post-apocalyptic pop culture romp. The Gen-x slacker characters were great, there was a lot of humor, some violence and gore and a wee bit of social and political satire. What more could one want? This was a fun read.
June 15, 2010
The book started slowly, but I realized it was mostly a buildup for the characters, to make you start caring for them. Its a great book with sad points and exciting points and I know I couldnt put it down. I basically read the whole book in one night. Totally recommend it to everyone.
December 10, 2009
This was such a great book-absurd, funny, lots of adventure. I've always had a thing for post-apocolyptic stories and this is a different view-point on it. Reminds me of a comic book adventure without the pictures
June 16, 2010
Not the best book ever but a light and fun read.
June 19, 2008
Irreverent and sometimes shocking—but always entertaining—The Oblivion Society is a enjoyably offbeat adventure.
Read the full review at http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
Read the full review at http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
December 27, 2008
Fun, plus as a bonus, a totally different direction.
December 31, 2010
Original and very funny, burned through the pages over christmas. I really hope hart writes some more books!
February 2, 2011
Awesome and funny!
February 26, 2011
Entertaining enough, if a bit predictable.
September 23, 2012
A "realistic" post apocalyptic novel, in which a group of believable characters try to find a remnant of society. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
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