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The Man from U.N.D.E.A.D. #1
The Man From U.N.D.E.A.D. - The Curious Case Of The Kidnapped Chemist
The United Nations Department for the Enforcement and Apprehension of Demons is the first, last and only line of defence against the supernatural threats trying to break into a world where magic and technology are uneasy bedfellows. Agent Ward is an agent of U.N.D.E.A.D. and he has just been given the case of a lifetime. Not only is he working with a fabulously gorgeous woman, but he is going up against sirens, strippers, sphinxes and giant snake demons in search of an apparently unimportant chemistry researcher. Still, it could be worse - he might have to use the teleportation system and end up in Egypt again.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2011
26 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Darren Humphries
48 books65 followersI am English and recently bade a fond farewell to my forties. I have been writing stories since school when I won a parker pen for being shortlisted in a national schools writing competition.
My particular genre of choice wanders around all over the place, but has mainly settled into humorous fantasy and science fiction (or at least I think they're humorous and some people who have kindly left reviews seem to agree).
During any spare time (of which there isn't much since I'm recently widowed and dealing with two children) I edit a website focussed on science fiction television at www.scififreaksite.com and a similar blog on the side.
I then try to cram in a few books on my kindle to read.
My particular genre of choice wanders around all over the place, but has mainly settled into humorous fantasy and science fiction (or at least I think they're humorous and some people who have kindly left reviews seem to agree).
During any spare time (of which there isn't much since I'm recently widowed and dealing with two children) I edit a website focussed on science fiction television at www.scififreaksite.com and a similar blog on the side.
I then try to cram in a few books on my kindle to read.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 9, 2013
This is going to be 3 book reviews in one as I liked the first book: the Curious Case of the Kidnapped Chemist so well, that I bought the following 2 and read them immediately.
Book 1:
This series is about U.N.D.E.A.D. which is an agency for the paranormal and supernatural as well as magic control. It's HQ is in Oxford. U - United; N - Nations; D - Department; E- Enforcement; A - Apprehension; D - Demons.
This particular book introduces us to the Loch Ness monster and her two children; the fact that Sphinxes are very small and furious cat-like creatures with wings and are very vicious indeed - killers in fact.
We also have cryptology, teleportation and a good mix of fantastical elements. The author is having fun with changes to reality, but odd serious points thrown in eg Magic Circle ensuring that any religious fanatics/terrorists attempting to attack anything, will be sent to their religion's version of hell.
Overall very good fun to read with lots of plot twists and turns - which I like!
Book 2:
Zombie Apocalypse Now
Zombies are all over this book as evident by the title. But with difference. This UK author chose Hull for the big Zombie attack.. not the most important city you might think for such a happening..
I loved the Zombie stuffed animals trailing their stuffing behind them, and the way that traditional zombie/voodoo is gently mocked. Basically, I love the sense of absurdity and gentle twisting of reality to make a humorous statement about life and expectations. There is a dry sense of humour and comedy and comments.
The UK author has written not only these books but also a number of sci-fi books and also a very personal one about losing his wife. He is a GoodReads author so you can find out more about him easily. I suspect that his politics lean more to the left due to the way the book ends.
I have now also bought the 4th book in this series but am saving it up for later.
Book 3:
Do Dinosaurs Dream of Burning Sheep?
Now this is High Wycombe and the Hell Fire Caves - my old stamping grounds...I have certainly visited the caves a couple of times but was really more interested in what they stood for - naughty revelries and a pretence of raising the devil - than for themselves. As far as I can recollect the caves were not very remarkable at all.
Now the idea a Wyrm is also interesting as we see echoes of Dune and the science fiction novel by Orson Scott Card but also Wyrm was an old name for a dragon.
"People don't usually try to kill me unless they're trying to hide something .. or I've forgotten to put the toilet seat down again"
is a typical quote from this book -
One criticism though is that the women are a tad stereotypical. the stern head-mistress; the sexy mistress; Miss Money Penny from James Bond and so on...
Anyway saving myself for book 4...
Book 1:
This series is about U.N.D.E.A.D. which is an agency for the paranormal and supernatural as well as magic control. It's HQ is in Oxford. U - United; N - Nations; D - Department; E- Enforcement; A - Apprehension; D - Demons.
This particular book introduces us to the Loch Ness monster and her two children; the fact that Sphinxes are very small and furious cat-like creatures with wings and are very vicious indeed - killers in fact.
We also have cryptology, teleportation and a good mix of fantastical elements. The author is having fun with changes to reality, but odd serious points thrown in eg Magic Circle ensuring that any religious fanatics/terrorists attempting to attack anything, will be sent to their religion's version of hell.
Overall very good fun to read with lots of plot twists and turns - which I like!
Book 2:
Zombie Apocalypse Now
Zombies are all over this book as evident by the title. But with difference. This UK author chose Hull for the big Zombie attack.. not the most important city you might think for such a happening..
I loved the Zombie stuffed animals trailing their stuffing behind them, and the way that traditional zombie/voodoo is gently mocked. Basically, I love the sense of absurdity and gentle twisting of reality to make a humorous statement about life and expectations. There is a dry sense of humour and comedy and comments.
The UK author has written not only these books but also a number of sci-fi books and also a very personal one about losing his wife. He is a GoodReads author so you can find out more about him easily. I suspect that his politics lean more to the left due to the way the book ends.
I have now also bought the 4th book in this series but am saving it up for later.
Book 3:
Do Dinosaurs Dream of Burning Sheep?
Now this is High Wycombe and the Hell Fire Caves - my old stamping grounds...I have certainly visited the caves a couple of times but was really more interested in what they stood for - naughty revelries and a pretence of raising the devil - than for themselves. As far as I can recollect the caves were not very remarkable at all.
Now the idea a Wyrm is also interesting as we see echoes of Dune and the science fiction novel by Orson Scott Card but also Wyrm was an old name for a dragon.
"People don't usually try to kill me unless they're trying to hide something .. or I've forgotten to put the toilet seat down again"
is a typical quote from this book -
One criticism though is that the women are a tad stereotypical. the stern head-mistress; the sexy mistress; Miss Money Penny from James Bond and so on...
Anyway saving myself for book 4...
February 4, 2012
I absolutely loved this read. I was engrossed from the moment I started reading it and had to find a day where I could sit and just read so as to find out what happens!
I loved Ward's character and his humour. There was, for me, a lot of laugh out loud moments entwined with action and suspense, which kept me guessing as to who was behind all of the goings on!
I am looking forward to the next in the series and for reading more offerings from Darren Humphries.
I loved Ward's character and his humour. There was, for me, a lot of laugh out loud moments entwined with action and suspense, which kept me guessing as to who was behind all of the goings on!
I am looking forward to the next in the series and for reading more offerings from Darren Humphries.
April 13, 2013
Yeah, it was ok.....quite quirky with the whole agency thing, amusing in parts, and a decent enough plot line when you get past the obviousness of who the bad guy is, and how every make is going to find Miranda stunning.
Looks the main character, who looks like he is going to leave a real of chaos in his wake in all the sequels.....Will read more, but not rushing to buy.
Looks the main character, who looks like he is going to leave a real of chaos in his wake in all the sequels.....Will read more, but not rushing to buy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2019
Sphinges, demons and a power grab
Another great one in the series. Although I must admit that i didn't like the fact that the mastermind got off scott free - just rankled a little. His latest assignment is over, the demon is safely back in his own dimension although the acolytes that called him forth couldn't agree to that, and he's looking forward to some decompression time. It's not to be. Another unofficial assignment, a missing brother and an order from the Magic Circle to deal with this. Armed with a credit card, the missing brother's sister, dead bodies, missing evidence, trips to various places, a code, a Siren, the Loch Ness monsters, a demon snake, an assortment of sphinges, a couple of traitors and more deaths.
Will he find out what has really been going on and why? Will he find the missing brother?
Another great one in the series. Although I must admit that i didn't like the fact that the mastermind got off scott free - just rankled a little. His latest assignment is over, the demon is safely back in his own dimension although the acolytes that called him forth couldn't agree to that, and he's looking forward to some decompression time. It's not to be. Another unofficial assignment, a missing brother and an order from the Magic Circle to deal with this. Armed with a credit card, the missing brother's sister, dead bodies, missing evidence, trips to various places, a code, a Siren, the Loch Ness monsters, a demon snake, an assortment of sphinges, a couple of traitors and more deaths.
Will he find out what has really been going on and why? Will he find the missing brother?
May 29, 2021
A Diverting Read
If wasn’t for the fact that they were published in the same year I would suggest that Mr Humphries was influenced by “The Rivers of London” series, which by the way if you haven’t read I would thoroughly recommend. Anyway to the book, I enjoyed this as a diverting read to while away a few hours. The world Mr Humphries created is interesting, well described and the action fast paced. I would have liked the characters fleshed out some more, particularly the narrator Agent Ward, as they stood they were a bit 2 dimensional. The plot however, while initially intriguing, ultimately made little sense. Why Agent Ward and his boss totally missed that Miranda was a baddie amazed me, especially as he had been given a whopping great clue at the beginning. But, caveats aside, I enjoyed myself and may give book 2 a go, if only to see if the characters are developed.
If wasn’t for the fact that they were published in the same year I would suggest that Mr Humphries was influenced by “The Rivers of London” series, which by the way if you haven’t read I would thoroughly recommend. Anyway to the book, I enjoyed this as a diverting read to while away a few hours. The world Mr Humphries created is interesting, well described and the action fast paced. I would have liked the characters fleshed out some more, particularly the narrator Agent Ward, as they stood they were a bit 2 dimensional. The plot however, while initially intriguing, ultimately made little sense. Why Agent Ward and his boss totally missed that Miranda was a baddie amazed me, especially as he had been given a whopping great clue at the beginning. But, caveats aside, I enjoyed myself and may give book 2 a go, if only to see if the characters are developed.
April 12, 2018
Paced , believable, eminently enjoyable read entertained.
A little predictable but it was that which matched the uncovering tale, well structured whilst maintaining a semi light hearted approach to a series growing on me like a 20 limbed arthropod .
A little predictable but it was that which matched the uncovering tale, well structured whilst maintaining a semi light hearted approach to a series growing on me like a 20 limbed arthropod .
April 22, 2019
Ingenious
My first thought was Man from UNCLE, Man from UNDEAD is a very clever play on words. Even the opening brings back memories from both books and TV. A truly ingenious idea and brilliantly written. Books two and three are on my reading list. Can't wait.
My first thought was Man from UNCLE, Man from UNDEAD is a very clever play on words. Even the opening brings back memories from both books and TV. A truly ingenious idea and brilliantly written. Books two and three are on my reading list. Can't wait.
July 15, 2017
Great fun! Definitely not the last book in this series that I am going to read. Recommend.
October 11, 2017
A fun read.
A light and fun read as expected, but didn't really make me want to read more Agent Ward adventures. Sorry!
A light and fun read as expected, but didn't really make me want to read more Agent Ward adventures. Sorry!
March 18, 2019
Fun read
Interesting characters and plot, A funny and engaging romp I read it in the blink of a thousand squid god eyes
Interesting characters and plot, A funny and engaging romp I read it in the blink of a thousand squid god eyes
April 3, 2021
I rarely write a review. But This series is so good 😍
Cant wait to read the next one.
(Those who loved this, should try Laundry Files series too)
Cant wait to read the next one.
(Those who loved this, should try Laundry Files series too)
July 6, 2012
This is the first book I've read by Darren Humphries, and I was very impressed. The Man From UNDEAD series takes place in a solidly realised alternate Earth, where the trains run on time. Magic is real, and a UN Agency (because no one wants to say they work for a Department) protects humanity from terrifying squid Gods from parallel dimensions.
Agent Ward is the protagonist, a competent agent with an aversion to teleportation and Egypt. Investigating the eponymous Kidnapped Chemist with the chemist's beautiful sister Miranda Harcourt, both teleports and Egyptian myth start to loom in the proceedings.
Humphries manages the balance between action and comedy well, and takes Ward and Harcourt on a giddy trip around this alternate UK with confidence. If there was a single criticism to make, it would be that the magical elements of it all disappear for most of the middle section of the book in favour of action and the supernatural. This is a bit of a shame, as the dialogue about science and magic being different ways of looking at the same world is very effective - it would have been nice to see more of it. Still there are two more books for me to read in the Man From UNDEAD series, and I look forward to getting to them.
Agent Ward is the protagonist, a competent agent with an aversion to teleportation and Egypt. Investigating the eponymous Kidnapped Chemist with the chemist's beautiful sister Miranda Harcourt, both teleports and Egyptian myth start to loom in the proceedings.
Humphries manages the balance between action and comedy well, and takes Ward and Harcourt on a giddy trip around this alternate UK with confidence. If there was a single criticism to make, it would be that the magical elements of it all disappear for most of the middle section of the book in favour of action and the supernatural. This is a bit of a shame, as the dialogue about science and magic being different ways of looking at the same world is very effective - it would have been nice to see more of it. Still there are two more books for me to read in the Man From UNDEAD series, and I look forward to getting to them.
September 20, 2012
This is my fourth foray into the realm of Urban fantasy of late, and I have to say I'm rather enjoying it. Set predominantly in and around the English Home Counties in a not-too-distant alternate future (It makes a nice change to read genre fiction set in my local area rather than some far flung place!), Agent Ward works for U.N.D.E.A.D. - the United Nations Department for the Enforcement and Apprehension of Demons (although they call it the Agency, after all, who wants to work for a Department?) He's been assigned to find a missing scientist, and there's a good collection of demons, monsters, magical creatures and bad guys intent on stopping him.
Humphries has woven a world in which airships sit next to helicopter gunships (but obviously not too close), and ultrafast railways compete with teleport systems. His characters are vivid and well drawn, and his writing style has a hint of Douglas Adams about it. An absolutely cracking read, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Humphries has woven a world in which airships sit next to helicopter gunships (but obviously not too close), and ultrafast railways compete with teleport systems. His characters are vivid and well drawn, and his writing style has a hint of Douglas Adams about it. An absolutely cracking read, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
December 6, 2011
This is an action packed adventure in a world which is shot through with magic, alien creatures and mythological beings from which we are protected by an agency - U.N.D.E.A.D. The story is narrated by Ward, a likeable and self-deprecating agent and the plot is full of twists and turns. It's an exciting and fast moving story and full of humour. It's not the belly laugh, slapstick type but is clever and subtle, using word-play and wonderful, memorable phrases, the sort of humour I much prefer. I am relatively new to Darren Humphries' work and he grows on me with each book. I was delighted to find, at the end of this, that there's a sequel. I now understand there is a whole series planned - Bring it on!
March 18, 2012
Meet Agent Ward, a cross between James Bond, Agent K from Men In Black, maybe a bit of Fox Mulder, and a bit of Captain Kirk. And that's only the ones I can think of, me not really being a sci-fi fan, no doubt Agent Ward is even more complex than that !
And the whole book is following the same mixed pattern. A bit of supernatural here, a bit of weirdness there, some sci-fi stuff in the middle, and a good dose of action, even though the general feel is that the story is related in a very laid-back kind of way (giving you the impression that it's all in a normal day's work!) , all are great ingredients to make one very entertaining novel.
Couldn't wait to read the next one in the series, so I tagged it right behind !
December 30, 2012
Again I have to start a review with the spiel that I don't usually read this genre but the Kindle allowing me to read outside my usual comfort zone has, once again, opened up my eyes to a whole new world...
And what a world - this book is a "funtastic" romp through time and fantasy, mixing ancient and modern with futuristic, all acted out by a wonderful cast of characters - all with their own quirks - some more than others, but all rather special in their own ways!
Oh and all this is punctuated with some wonderful descriptive phrases and some extremely funny one-liners.
Mr Humphries is well and truly cemented onto my "watch list" :)
And what a world - this book is a "funtastic" romp through time and fantasy, mixing ancient and modern with futuristic, all acted out by a wonderful cast of characters - all with their own quirks - some more than others, but all rather special in their own ways!
Oh and all this is punctuated with some wonderful descriptive phrases and some extremely funny one-liners.
Mr Humphries is well and truly cemented onto my "watch list" :)
January 31, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much so that I couldn't wait to read the next one. Set in a world very like ours in some ways but very different in others, Agent Ward fights against the demons and evil that riddle his world.
Brilliantly written and subtly funny, this book kept me reading to the end and rooting for the good guys. The main characters are well rounded and I found myself really liking them, especially Agent Ward himself who seems a bit of an alternate James Bond, but, despite his best efforts, not quite as suave.
Brilliantly written and subtly funny, this book kept me reading to the end and rooting for the good guys. The main characters are well rounded and I found myself really liking them, especially Agent Ward himself who seems a bit of an alternate James Bond, but, despite his best efforts, not quite as suave.
April 1, 2012
Take a very well-written, imaginative trip through a world that has everything from new technology to ancient magic. Darren Humphries's use of the first person perspective is flawless and gives the reader a wonderful insight into the mind of Agent Ward. I particularly enjoyed his inner honesty about his relationship with his boss.
March 21, 2012
If you enjoy well written,fast paced,amusing,tongue-in-cheek urban fantasy you are in for a real treat.This was a book i enjoyed so much i didn't want it to end-and this is an author who is becoming a must read for me.Hopefully only the first in a long-running series,from an author who just keeps getting better!
July 28, 2012
I wish this novel had been a little more serious or poignant at times. It felt like a cross between Men In Black and Austin Powers. Which works as a film, but as a novel you are left with the feeling that it is a bit lightweight. I had fun reading it but it did not stroke my soul. I may read the others in the series, we will just have to see.
August 13, 2016
Started strong, but didn't end well. Unfortunately the lead male character is not a likeable guy and the lead female is quite formulaic, so I found it hard to care about them, even with the twist ending. All the interesting characters were minor characters.
February 4, 2017
I think this author wants to be Charles Stross when he grows up - there are definite similarities to The Laundry Files here. Humphries isn't quite as good a writer as Stross, but this is a decent, entertaining read.
February 25, 2012
Quite mad, quite fab :)
March 7, 2012
Take yourself on a trip that is so far out of this world that it's in another dimension. This is silly, sci-fi/fantasy crime fighting at it's best.
Very funny, very random and very enjoyable.
Very funny, very random and very enjoyable.
May 17, 2012
This took me some time to get into, was a great Sci-fi storyline and I don't do Sci-fi lol.
Darren Humphries is a great story teller and I throughly enjoyed his book.
Darren Humphries is a great story teller and I throughly enjoyed his book.
August 10, 2012
Good start but poor ending.
April 12, 2014
Loved it. HILARIOUS
May 29, 2016
Great fun, witty and action-packed as usual.
December 30, 2016
Good fun.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews