Completely barmy, but in a good way!

Okay! Someone please tell me what the hell is going on this book. Please!

I have to say that this was something completely different. It was like William Gibson, Douglas Adams and William Burroughs had a midnight threesome whilst off their heads on a shed load of acid and dope whilst playing Warhammer and spawned Complete Darkness.

Right, I am going to try and explain the plot of this book – well as far as I understand it!

London 2.0 or L2 is the hub of the world, and it is run by a multinational corporation that may or may not be run by the devil. One day, some information comes to light on dark matter from a money crunching experiment that has been tasked by someone that is really important. This leads to a bunch of MP’s and leaders been massacred in a penthouse.

At the other side of this, there is Cleric 20, a substancely challenged individual who has some dodgy predilections who may or may not be the hero of the piece.

Amidst a cast of humans, robots, artificial intelligence and a soundtrack that includes Carter USM, PWEI and The Pixies (all bands close to my blackened heart).

I have to say that this book is completely all over the place. However, this is in a good way, although it may not be to everyone’s taste. The book skips from scene to scene, flips from past to present tense and then changes perspective at the drop of a hat. It’s like the author has tried to do a comic book that mixes frenetic set pieces and ultra violence.

Throughout the story there are various footnotes that explain the world and the various organisations that are mentioned in the book.

Did I enjoy the book?

Well actually! Yeah I did! I might have to go back and give it a listen again coz I am sure that there is loads of stuff that I have missed on first listen, and in addition to that, I am sure that I missed loads of references to geek culture that I really want to capture.

If you like mad books that are insanely paced and lots of violence then this may be the book for you.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

My favourite book now in audio form!

I’ve loved this book and I’m so pleased it’s now available on audiobook. It’s superbly narrated throughout and they’ve integrated the footnotes effortlessly. Listening this way has opened up the story for me in whole new ways. Go get it and listen!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Not for me - but brilliantly written

Hmm!! Where do I start with this one!?
Well, first of all I'll tell you that this is one heck of a wild ride!

This has got to be so far from my usual genre - and you know that I love to stretch my reading beyond the norms, but I have to admit total defeat here.
Oh, I followed the storyline ok, but as for the deeper nuances of the text, I honestly have no clue what just happened!

This (I think) was a mix of dystopian, sci-fi, theology and fantasy all rolled into one and as much as these are all the things I shy away from normally, I can still appreciate how really well written this book was!

This was quirky and action packed and it raced along at such a pace that I really did struggle to keep up with the topics and narratives that were so alien to me - but the writing provided such a clear and vivid image that I'm sure that seasoned sci-fi readers would relish it all.

This totally reminded me of something like Hitchhiker's Guide or maybe an Asimov novel - now don't quote me on this as I have neither fully watched nor read either - but having friends and family who have, when they heard my description of this, that's where their thoughts went.

There were a fair few characters in this with a diverse mix of personality and species even - but I was able to follow the progression and development of at least Cleric-20, our 'hero' - which was well planned and presented.

This was definitely not my kind of book - but absolutely would recommend it to all fans of these genres.
I loved some of the humour that was threaded throughout and just know that so many will enjoy this crazy journey into the future.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fantastic

I adored Complete Darkness. It is equal parts Science Fiction, Dystopian, Cyberpunk, Noir thrill and neo thriller. Basically everything I enjoy. It was mixed well together. I really enjoyed the narration as well by Nick Cracknell.

The story is fun, inventive and keeps you hooked. I loved the writing and how it interviews a bit of humour with more theological and technological questions. I ended up finishing this book in one day and I know I will definitely reread it and recommend it to those who enjoy this genre.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Audible version of this awesome book does not disappoint!

The original grit and charm of the novel are captured in this excellent audio production.
Narration is clear and concise with Nick also distinguishing voices of the different characters which helps to follow the storyline.
I also love how the footnotes are presented. Inline with the overall vibe of the book and also help the listener to easily identify when they are listening to a footnote rather than main storyline.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

A great book brilliantly brought to life

This is not a straightforward ‘person reading the book’ audiobook - it’s full of creativity, varied voice acting and specialised footnote asides. it’s a joy to hear this story brought to life this way

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

A Dark, existential humourous cyberpunk novel full of quirky hijinx.

if you like scifi, a little dash of fantasy, dark humour akin to Pratchett & Adams, this book might be right up your neon drenched street. You can tell the author enjoyed writing this deeply, each character has their own funny introduction which instantly paints a image in your mind.

Read it! or you are going straight to hell (maybe, I dunno, but best to play it safe).

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A freaky and funny descent into hell

There aren’t many books that go so far over the top in terms of carnage, action and vigorously entertaining lampooning of the sexist potential future we can’t let happen!
This is bold and somewhat brilliant stuff.
Not for the faint of heart!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

definitely recommend.

Complete Darkness by Matt Adcock.
Narrator Nick Cracknell.
5 hours and 34 minutes.
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I loved the narrator voice. I loved the cover. It did take me a while to get into it. But when I did I really enjoyed it. It was definitely different. Which I loved. I loved the who's who chapter. I do hope there is more to come. Definitely recommend.


For centuries many have pondered the prospect of an afterlife and feared what came to be known as ‘hell’.

In the near future, we map the elusive ‘dark matter’ around us, only to find out that it is hell itself, and it is very real…As the satanic President Razour attempts to bring forward Armageddon to prevent humanity repenting, the fate of us all rests in the hands of Cleric20, a hedonistic loner with a checkered past, and his robot sidekick, GiX.

An action-packed literary shock to the senses that mixes flights of comic fantasy with bouts of brutal violence. Mankind’s only hope seems to be having a very bad day.

Can Cleric20 halt Razor’s devilish plans after an experimental bioweapon deployed to kill him accidentally gives him superpowers? Has the Devil inadvertently created a hero who could actually stop him?

Little can prepare you for this spiritually-charged, cyber-noir thrill ride.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Enjoyable Listen.

This was a nice little quick audio book which flew by and had me fully immersed whilst doing the housework.

It did take me a little while to get right into it and get used to the world building and settings. The book was very futuristic and really quite worrying to think of how the future could look. A very imaginative books and explores so many different topics such as science fiction, artificial intelligence and religion. It was actually quite trippy at times! I enjoyed the added footnotes throughout the book which helped to better my understanding of some of the madness going on.

If you love cyber punk, action packed stories set in futuristic environments… then this is one for you!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!