John Dies at the End by David Wong Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of John Dies at the End
Book Review: A 21st Century Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Once in a while, a work of fiction comes along that changes the way you look at fiction altogether. In our own time, that work is "John Dies at the End." David Wong has crafted, almost by accident, a story that impacts the reader on multiple levels in an incomparable way.
At its core, though it is labeled as a horror novel (if one can truly even apply a label to this book), JDatE is more of a comedy than anything else. Time and time again, jokes and one-liners fire off the page in rapid succession, barely allowing the reader to catch their breath from one hilarious scene to the next. The fact that the book is funny at all is a huge credit to Wong - Comedy is arguably the most difficult form of prose to pull off successfully, as anyone who has ever tried to write it can tell you. David Wong not only pulls it off, but crafts characters and situations that will literally make you laugh out loud many, many times. John alone has enough hilarious (yet strangely endearing) moments to carry the book on his own. Thankfully though, these comedic moments come from all directions on almost every page, and they create truly one of the most gut-bustingly uproarious novels you will ever read.
Having said that, make no mistake: this book is SCARY. Not in a "monster jumps out at you" kind of scary (though this does actually occur at times). No, the Horror in JDatE is the pervasive kind that stays with you and forces you to ponder its implications long after you have finished the book. Through all of the humor and insanity, there lies an overwhelming sense of dread lurking behind each page. In this sense, "John Dies at the End" achieves a level of fear that no Stephen King or Dean Koontze novel could ever hope for. For a comedy - or ANY book for that matter, but especially for a comedy - JDatE is one of the scariest books I have ever read, and I say that without even a hint of hyperbole.
All in all, it's safe to say that anyone who reads this novel will never look at comedy or horror the same way again. If I could give it 10 stars, I would not hesitate to do so. Trust me, it is THAT good.
Book Review: A Cornucopia of humor
Summary: 4 Stars
I picked up this book because it is my habit to pre-order Permuted Press' books as soon as they become available. Every one has been an excellent read, and John Dies at the End was no exception. I'm just sorry I didn't catch it earlier when it was online. Don't get me wrong, I would have still purchased it, but I would have had the opportunity to read it sooner. As some of the other reviewers have stated there is a touch of humor to each page, with some of the pages causing all out gaffaws! The horifying and humorous story reminds me of everything from Shaun of the Dead to the Ghost Busters to Dumb and Dumber. This is one unique and entertaining story that is loads of fun.Book Review: A Great Read
Summary: 5 Stars
Most everyone can identify with the narration of this book. It asks questions about the seemingly mundane and then provides you answers that delve into a creepy supernatural world. The situations are hilarious, the twists are unexpected, and the horror is perfect. All three combine to create a truly enjoyable tale about two unlikely heroes and their exploits in a supernatural infested hometown. Pick it up, read it, and love it. You will not regret it...and the velvet Jesus will love you for it.Book Review: A Mental Rollercoaster
Summary: 5 Stars
Reading JDATE is like riding a roller coaster, first you slowly climb the hill, then zoom you race to the bottom and around the curves, but on this ride, the wheels come off and you find yourself flying through the air, about to slam through the roof of the snow cone booth, then suddenly for no apparent reason, you are back on the tracks and climbing the next hill.
After reading Brian Keene's The Rising and Conqueror Worm, I though I might not enjoy a book so much, but hey, a door appeared out of nowhere and i stepped through it, and there I was in the middle of David Wongs imagination with white rod shaped insects invading my flesh.
If you want to sink your mental teeth into a story that you can "see" while reading it, this is one awesome book, and with the movie rights now in the hands of Don Coscarelli (Phantasm) , the movie should be a real mindblower! To tell a story like this on the screen will either have to be in 2 or 3 parts or an all nighter.
But that's OK, bring it on.
Book Review: A good short story
Summary: 2 Stars
The first section (about a third) of this book was awesome. It was incredably creative and entertaining. I kept thinking that JOHN DIES was an awesome, mind blowing book. I wondered where the author came up with his ideas and images. The book was fascinating and off the wall funny. If the author had stopped there, this would be a five star recommendation.Unfortunately, the book became contrived and ridiculous. It seemed as though the author ran out of unique ideas and just forced himself to to puke out the book. Too bad. It is a great short story but a lousy book.