It's the Apocalypse, Dave: Try to Have Fun

Dave #1

by A.R. Wise

Dave's a bit of a loser. Even he'd admit that was true. He's no good at relationships, he's a terrible employee, and he's got no clue what to do with his life. Quite frankly, the world doesn't seem to have a place for him. But that's okay, because the world's just about to end. An experiment thousands of miles away is about to initiate a world-wide apocalypse that's going to change everything. The world as Dave knew it is over, and he's going to find that the apocalypse has it in for him. While people all around him become infected by nightmarish creatures, Dave discovers he's got some friends left alive who need his help. Together, they're going to have to do battle with parasitic squid creatures out for blood, and find a way to survive an apocalypse designed to eliminate all human life.

Genres: Horror, Zombies, Fantasy, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2015

Reviews

[Nemo ☠️ (pagesandprozac) · Rating 2 out of 5]

(1.5 stars)

i was... weirdly bored throughout this?? how could i possibly be bored when there were exploding space squids attacking from everywhere, i hear you say? well, it just seemed... repetitive, and the writing style was... eh.

y'all know i don't give a shit about profanity, sex references and all that nonsense; i was just offended about how simplistic it was. just, "that looks like a vagina," "that looks like a penis," "this tentacle monster is called Cum Dumpster." i mean, yeah, it's funny, but if that's limit of your humour then nah. it's just toilet humour for adults and it's boring to me.

i think i was expecting this to have Shaun of the Dead/The World's End vibes, and it absolutely did not. it had Scary Movie vibes.

i did not like Scary Movie. but if you did, you might like this, i suppose. it's a similar brand of humour, and mashing up of comedy and horror.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within a couple of minutes in on this book I knew I was going to love laid back don't give a damn Dave and I did. A typical one of the lads bloke he has a wonderful dry humour that I just couldn't help but laugh at, not just giggle but proper laugh. I have read all of A.R. Wise previous books, which I thought were brilliant but in this new series he has gone a giant step forward to incorporate humour and it works a dream.
The world is coming to an end, as we know it and the invaders just want us dead. Dave with friends in tow, and some not so friendly, are faced with some pretty tricky and pungent times as they do battle against the enemy. There is still plenty of blood and gore along with the laughs. Another outstanding character for me has to be Mimi, Tony's grandma. Some of the humour is crude but acceptable banter between friends and the character of Dave. I am so looking forward to reading the second book in the series already.
Great stuff Mr Wise.

[Sarah Brousseau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 34/55: It's the Apocalypse, Dave: Try to Have Fun by A.R. Wise. A wild ride from start to finish. Unrealistic, of course, but it was characterized as a humoristic read about the apocalypse and who wouldn't want to read a gory hilarious take on a loser trying to survive a jellyfish-like monster invasion. What more could you ask for in a wacky story. I bought this with no expectations, just for sheer enjoyment of a quick read. And I got it. 

[Kenya Starflight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of books about the apocalypse have a tendency to take themselves dead seriously. It's as if, after the world-changing or world-destroying event in question, everyone loses the ability to laugh... and though a zombie invasion, World War III, or however the world as we know it is coming to an end is certainly serious business, there has to be room for SOME humor. Which is why, though definitely no masterpiece, "It's the Apocalypse Dave: Try to Have Fun" is still, well, a lot of fun, utterly hilarious and not afraid to make fun of itself and its characters along the way.

Dave is in a bad spot -- broke, single, and just now fired from his dead-end job -- so of COURSE the apocalypse would come along in the form of an invasion of hideous tentacled monsters. Said apocalypse also ushers Dave into a role he never thought he'd assume... that of a hero. After haphazardly rescuing a couple of his co-workers from the break room, he heads off to an apartment complex to find his ex-girlfriend, her grandmother, and her autistic brother and save them from being messily devoured. Just what is going on? Where did these monsters come from? And how much bodily humor can a group of not-so-bright but determined survivors squeeze out of one cataclysmic event anyhow?

There really isn't much more to the story of this book than "monsters attack, humans try to survive." A shred of a theory is offered for just how the monsters got to Earth, and the characters put together a vague plan of action to survive the apocalypse, but not much more is built up than that. Any answers to our characters' questions, or if and how they manage to survive, will probably be answered in the next book... which, for those hoping for a stand-alone instead of a series, will probably be frustrating.

The plot takes a backseat to developing the characters and letting their personalities bounce off one another... and that's where the book actually shines nicely. Dave is an everyman thrust into an incredible situation and just trying to survive, and the other characters -- co-workers Otis and Toby, ex-girlfriend Gabby, feisty old lady Mimi, etc. -- are hilarious to get to know, and their banter and wisecracks help liven up an otherwise gory and freaky plot. And Dave's own observations, while occasionally forced, are usually quite entertaining as well. Wise has given us an eclectic cast of characters, all with their own strengths and flaws that play nicely off each other, and seeing them interact mostly makes up for the glaring lack of much of a coherent plot.

I don't know if I'm going to continue this series, but it was nice to get an apocalyptic novel that was actually funny and didn't take itself dead serious for once. If you like your apocalypse with a nice dose of humor, give this book a shot.

[Charliene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely unrealistic, but really funny. An incredible feat of the author who takes you on a journey I an apocalypse where vicious squids pop out of humans, in a (semi) believable way. Also with a main character that you would think has no reason to be in such role but is easily relatable to. Ow, and it completely funny to follow his thoughts and actions.
Yes it is poppycock but worth your time if you like these things!

[Lakea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely disgusting and (at times) revolting.

I loved every word of it! This is the second book of Mr. Wise’s that I’ve read and I really enjoy his writing style. His sense of humor is wicked and balances the more serious/dramatic moments nicely.

Thank you, Mr.Wise, for making my gag end with a howl of laughter instead of a retch.

[CDWB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Dave

This is a first time reading of this author, but it won't be the last. I found this to be a fantastic satire on the whole apocalypse genre. I thoroughly enjoyed the hell out of the humor and the hearty laughs it evoked. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Zombies with a humorous twist.

[Tricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I suppose someone had to write about giant parasitic cephalopods that exude worm filled fire retardant goo from exploding pus filled sacks... mercifully they did not feel the need to emulate the length of War and Peace.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in a long time that made me laugh out loud. Maybe it’s because I know (more than) a few guys like Dave. Maybe it’s because I have the sense of humor of a 14 year old. I read it in one sitting.

[Heather M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising

This was supposed to be terrifying, horrific and or was. But the writer had me laughing so hard I had tears many times over. It was a fantastic read and I look forward to more. This little teaser has definitely left me excited to see what else A. R. Wise can crank out.

[Jill Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

This book was very different from the usual apocalypse books I've read. There was alot of humor and the characters themselves were funny but also very well written. They seemed like guys I grew up being friends with. I cant wait to read the next installment. Loved it!!

[Maddie Stufflebean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read! The humor was great. I loved the characters and twisted to most of them. I thought Dave was the best! It's not my favorite book by this author, 314 will always hold that spot! But this is a closer runner up

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

To be honest, I never read science fiction or anything close to it. It's just not to my liking. Somehow I thought I'd like this book based on a blurb I read somewhere, but I was wrong. It's not a badly written book, just not my preferred type.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and quirky I really enjoyed this read. If anything it was a bit too short. Definitely left me wanting more.

[Adrian Bloxham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly and throwaway and highly enjoyable

[Andrew Atkinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing. Formulaic. Won't be reading any more by this author.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, quite amusing, but it did get a bit repetitive at times. I was entertained for an hour or two but can't say I'll be rushing to buy the next instalment.

[maria harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and fun adventure

I enjoyed the story. Dave is a likeable character. I would be interested in his next adventure during the apocalypse.

[Tom · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is another in the Christopher Moore 'wanna be' line of authors. Too much reaching for humor, not enough story telling. DNF

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me full out laughing. I really needed this today. It a good humorous mindless fun read.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had Fun

Gross apocalyptic creatures. Diverse group of survivors. I laughed a lot. Can’t wait to find out what happens next. 👍🏿

[S F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading but feel the author could have finished the book with a bit more effort rather than thinking I could get a series out of this.

[Denise Keef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the creative and imaginative mind of AR Wise, comes a new book and start of a new series…so out of the ordinary for this author, you have to read it to understand what I mean! I am a big fan of Mr. Wise’s and have read all of his books which up until now, have all been more on the serious side. “It's the Apocalypse, Dave: Try to Have Fun” though being a story about the apocalypse and the end of the world as we all know it, is more on the light side of things, with humor and great characters that band together to “try” and survive through many deadly and at times funny situations! As in true Wise form, there is a lot of gore, blood and gross situations (I recommend not eating while reading this one!) but they lend so much to this story making the reader squeamish, say “Yuck”, “Blech” and a whole lot of more while reading. I definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a great and entertaining story! Run…don’t walk to your nearest bookstore or computer to buy this awesome story. Yes, AR Wise DOES NOT let the reader down as with all of his other stories!!! What are you waiting for??? Go and buy it!!!

[Kirsty Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real easy read with characters I wasn't keen on but actually liked!! What would it really be like if the apocalypse happened in a run down area and you were stuck with a bunch of people that weren't your cup of tea? Does not take itself too seriously and would probably offend some people, what doesn't though?! All in all worth the read and we'll see what happens.... (On the author I would urge you to read his Deadlocked series. The best read I have experienced in a while.)

[April Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! Really funny, to the point of not caring that the rest of the bus were giving me funny looks for laughing out loud. Can't wait for the next one.

It's even funnier on the second read, even funnier on the third!

[PJ Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coarse and funny.

A different kind of Apocalypse stars in this coarse and funny book. Humorous characters and a bloody fast paced story. Great fun to read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed the whole way through.

[Camille]

I got about a third of the way complete and quit. It's not great and not terrible.

[Allan Ashinoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crude at times but definitely humorous. Fun reading.