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Afterworlds #2
The Book of Doom
The second hilarious book in Barry’s AFTERWORLDS sequence – comic fantasy perfect for fans of Pratchett and Douglas Adams.
There’s panic up in Heaven. They have mislaid the BOOK OF DOOM – the most important object in existence. Oopsy.
They think Satan might have stolen it, the sneaky little devil, so to save the world – plus, you know, quite a lot of embarrassment, fifteen year old Zac and his angelic guide Angelo are sent to retrieve it.
Sadly directions aren’t Angelo’s strong point and they soon find themselves just as lost as the book, wandering through Afterworlds such as Valhalla and Hades and encountering some colourful characters along the way…
Can the hapless pair make it to Hell and back?
There’s panic up in Heaven. They have mislaid the BOOK OF DOOM – the most important object in existence. Oopsy.
They think Satan might have stolen it, the sneaky little devil, so to save the world – plus, you know, quite a lot of embarrassment, fifteen year old Zac and his angelic guide Angelo are sent to retrieve it.
Sadly directions aren’t Angelo’s strong point and they soon find themselves just as lost as the book, wandering through Afterworlds such as Valhalla and Hades and encountering some colourful characters along the way…
Can the hapless pair make it to Hell and back?
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 27, 2014
This was going to get four stars right up until the last fifty pages when it easily earned that last one.
Not exactly a follow-on from the first in the series, more just set in the same universe (with a couple of cameos) means that it can be read out of sequence without too much in the way of spoilers.
The subject matter is a little more mature than "The Thirteenth Horseman" and nods its heads towards several religious theologies while managing to really not offend any of them (well, unless people *want* to be offended, but that's their problem frankly).
I didn't find myself snarfing with laughter the way I did with the previous novel, but the story was much better. Credit indeed as I enjoyed TTH so much.
Put it this way. I've not read much in the way of novels in the last six months as I discovered the graphic novel section of the library. I ploughed through this in about 3 days once I got into it. For me, at the moment with little spare time, this is impressive.
Very much looking forward to book three.
Not exactly a follow-on from the first in the series, more just set in the same universe (with a couple of cameos) means that it can be read out of sequence without too much in the way of spoilers.
The subject matter is a little more mature than "The Thirteenth Horseman" and nods its heads towards several religious theologies while managing to really not offend any of them (well, unless people *want* to be offended, but that's their problem frankly).
I didn't find myself snarfing with laughter the way I did with the previous novel, but the story was much better. Credit indeed as I enjoyed TTH so much.
Put it this way. I've not read much in the way of novels in the last six months as I discovered the graphic novel section of the library. I ploughed through this in about 3 days once I got into it. For me, at the moment with little spare time, this is impressive.
Very much looking forward to book three.
March 4, 2013
I was eagerly anticipating this one and became quite excited when I got the email to say it was available for download. Having thoroughly enjoyed The 13th Horseman I was hoping I was in for a treat and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I started reading it on a train journey and was overcome with fits of the giggles in a crowded tube train (keep an eye out for Odin) which got me some rather funny looks but never mind. Loved every minute of reading it, great to meet the 4 horsemen again however briefly and just didn't want to put the book down, but it was over too quickly!
January 9, 2015
The best book ever! At mere site 13 I already knew that this indeed would be the book best for me. The adventure of Zac was outstanding on his way with Angelo the half-blodded. Many funny moments occured to me and I got out so many laughs. The outcome of the last sides was funny as well when there met Gabriel, Michael, Satan, Angelo, Zac and Philip with themselves. Epilogue was the thing I wanted to read less than everything. That was before I read the epilogue of the book of doom it was all but bad not. I really hope there will be another afterworld book just as funny as this one.
March 11, 2013
So much fun!
January 13, 2015
the book is one of a kind. It funny and completely very unexpected story line... over all the book bring a laughter and new point of view about God.....
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was silly overall while still revealing some honestly heavy topics. I can really relate to angelo with his whole unknowingly whole heartedly following religion and being confused abt what lies outside of it. I think his reveal of heredity was also crazy. The craziest part was definitely zac's grandfather being god. I think the build up to it and the actually realization made the book really special. Overall I would read this again maybe even purchase a copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2024
Loved this book. Heaven turns out to be as scary as Hell, the adventure is fast paced, and the characters, even the evil ones are intriguing. The last chapter before the epilogue was wonderful! I wish it had ended there. The epilogue fell flat. Look forward to another Afterworld's book or more of Barry Hutchison.
March 21, 2013
The Book of Doom is absolutely fantastic and it’s the funniest book I’ve read for older readers since Barry’s The 13th Horseman. There’s something in this book for everyone, including an assassin monk, archangels involved in dodgy dealings, a boy who’s half-human/half angel, a demon with a statue made from the skin of his enemy’s children, singing and dancing Vikings, and a demon wearing roller skates and hot pants. There are also four familiar gentlemen who pop up at one part (I really can’t get enough of these guys and I hope we see them again). There are plenty of pop culture references in the story that you’ll be able to spot too, from super heroes to Star Wars. I loved how disappointed Angelo would get when someone didn’t get his reference to a comic or a movie.
Barry’s characters are wonderful as always. Zac is very cool and I’m honoured to be his namesake. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a thief who gets sent to Hell to retrieve a very important book. He’s not fazed by much, even when faced with a demon who has eyes for nipples. Angelo is one of Barry’s funniest characters and he gets all the best lines. I cracked up laughing when he says ‘Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.’ He’s awkward, and a little bit clueless, but quite lovable too.
The banter between Barry’s characters was the highlight of Book of Doom for me. The banter between Angelo and Zac made me laugh out loud so many times and my favourite part is when they finally reach the gates of Hell. It’s the sort of book that you really want to read aloud because it would be even funnier to hear someone reading it.
The last few chapters of the book are especially hilarious and I loved the twist (which totally made sense when I looked back on the story). The Book of Doom will keep you laughing long after you’ve turned the last page.
Barry’s characters are wonderful as always. Zac is very cool and I’m honoured to be his namesake. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a thief who gets sent to Hell to retrieve a very important book. He’s not fazed by much, even when faced with a demon who has eyes for nipples. Angelo is one of Barry’s funniest characters and he gets all the best lines. I cracked up laughing when he says ‘Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.’ He’s awkward, and a little bit clueless, but quite lovable too.
The banter between Barry’s characters was the highlight of Book of Doom for me. The banter between Angelo and Zac made me laugh out loud so many times and my favourite part is when they finally reach the gates of Hell. It’s the sort of book that you really want to read aloud because it would be even funnier to hear someone reading it.
The last few chapters of the book are especially hilarious and I loved the twist (which totally made sense when I looked back on the story). The Book of Doom will keep you laughing long after you’ve turned the last page.
April 2, 2013
Originally published on www.serendipityreviews.co.uk.
I can’t get enough of the Afterworlds series. Barry Hutchison writes in such a way, I end up all puffy faced by the end of the book where I have laughter so much, the tears have flowed. I really enjoyed his Invisible Fiends series, but I really think the Afterworlds books are his best yet.
Barry brings to life a hilarious version of Heaven and Hell. At the beginning we witness the banter that rolls between angels Gabriel and Michael, which had me continually snorting. Zac has been summoned by Gabriel to retrieve the Book of Doom from Hell, in return for not having to spend eternity in Hell. His companion on the journey is Angelo, who has moments of adorability, weaved in with moments of evilness. He is the most entertaining sidekick I have ever come across, with his constant need for hugs and obsession with comics and superheroes. The quick witted conversations that fly between Zac and Angelo really keep the book alive with humour, hiding the developing friendship that is growing. Every secondary character within this book is quirky, colourful and absolutely entertaining.
The journey into Hell was fast paced and yet extremely entertaining. I loved all the different places described within the story. The story has a few surprises within it that really added to the brilliance already oozing out of the book.
Some familiar characters from The 13th Horsemen appear in this book and it was lovely to spend time with them again. They add some interesting twists to the story.
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait for the next instalment. If you have any reluctant readers in your house, Barry Hutchison’s books would be ideal to draw them into the world of reading.
I can’t get enough of the Afterworlds series. Barry Hutchison writes in such a way, I end up all puffy faced by the end of the book where I have laughter so much, the tears have flowed. I really enjoyed his Invisible Fiends series, but I really think the Afterworlds books are his best yet.
Barry brings to life a hilarious version of Heaven and Hell. At the beginning we witness the banter that rolls between angels Gabriel and Michael, which had me continually snorting. Zac has been summoned by Gabriel to retrieve the Book of Doom from Hell, in return for not having to spend eternity in Hell. His companion on the journey is Angelo, who has moments of adorability, weaved in with moments of evilness. He is the most entertaining sidekick I have ever come across, with his constant need for hugs and obsession with comics and superheroes. The quick witted conversations that fly between Zac and Angelo really keep the book alive with humour, hiding the developing friendship that is growing. Every secondary character within this book is quirky, colourful and absolutely entertaining.
The journey into Hell was fast paced and yet extremely entertaining. I loved all the different places described within the story. The story has a few surprises within it that really added to the brilliance already oozing out of the book.
Some familiar characters from The 13th Horsemen appear in this book and it was lovely to spend time with them again. They add some interesting twists to the story.
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait for the next instalment. If you have any reluctant readers in your house, Barry Hutchison’s books would be ideal to draw them into the world of reading.
September 6, 2013
Read for Scottish Children's Book Awards 2013
Very entertaining but I couldn't help making comparisons withEric and Good Omens - that's me reading it with adult eyes, though. There were also a couple of jokes that didn't quite sit right with me (e.g. the cyclops character) but I think kids will love it.
Very entertaining but I couldn't help making comparisons withEric and Good Omens - that's me reading it with adult eyes, though. There were also a couple of jokes that didn't quite sit right with me (e.g. the cyclops character) but I think kids will love it.
June 14, 2015
while reading this book I kept thinking: nice book, funny at times, I'd give it 3,5 stars if that was possible. But since it isn't, I'll have to choose between 3 and 4 stars. I was leaning toward 3 for a long time, but then the last chapters came and they were so good I just have to give the whole book 4 stars. What a great ending!
May 25, 2013
Enjoyed this a lot, just the right balance of humour and action with a bit of mythology and Hulk references thrown in for good measure. I'm starting to wonder about Mr Hutchisons obsession with goldfish though!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2013
I loved this book just as much as The 13th Horseman. Great comedy and adventures befall Zac, Angelo and Herya on journies through a selection of "underworlds" and Zac and Angelo make startling discoveries about each other and about their beliefs. A great read for able readers aged 11 to 111!
April 17, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It is different from the first one in this series, but a quick enjoyable story.
May 22, 2013
Monty Python meets Terry Pratchett in this clever and original adventure. Well-worth the read!
November 8, 2013
Haven't read the first in the series. Had high hopes for this book. It had lots of good bits but somehow it just didn't quite gel together for me.
March 10, 2014
Another dose of the superb mind of Barry Hutchison. I loved this book and (though it sounds a cliche) I genuinely couldn't put it down. Absolutely cracking read.
October 6, 2015
This is an intelligent and funny read, recommended to readers of all ages. I'm 26 and enjoyed every page of the story!
May 16, 2014
Very clever and very funny, not too many books manage this combination.
August 10, 2016
Entertaining and story, I had a pleasant time reading the hilarious adventures of Zac and his friends
August 31, 2014
A fun read.
July 5, 2013
A very different sort of adventure through the 10 levels of the underworld. Loved it. :)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews