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The World is at War, Again
The World is at War, again. New technology has been abandoned, a period of Great Regression is under way.
In suburbia, low level Agent Assassins Maria and Marco Fandanelli are given a surprise promotion as “Things Aren’t Going Too Well With The War”. Leaving their son Peter behind, they set sail on the luxury cruise-liner Water Lily City, hoping an important mission might save their careers and their marriage.
Dilapidated and derelict, Panbury Hall is not what Peter expected from boarding school. Together, with his celebrity dorm buddy, he adjusts to a new life that involves double dates, ginger vodka, Fine Art face painting and kidnapping, as they attempt to uncover the mystery of Panbury Hall.
Despite being a member of the Misorov Agent Assassin dynasty, Chewti is a reluctant AA. She only joined the Family Business to track down her cousin Nadia, the rogue AA who killed her mother. Really, she wanted to be a school teacher. So when Nadia is spotted loitering in the grounds of Panbury Hall, the opportunity to avenge her mother’s death and have her dream job is too tempting to turn down.
In suburbia, low level Agent Assassins Maria and Marco Fandanelli are given a surprise promotion as “Things Aren’t Going Too Well With The War”. Leaving their son Peter behind, they set sail on the luxury cruise-liner Water Lily City, hoping an important mission might save their careers and their marriage.
Dilapidated and derelict, Panbury Hall is not what Peter expected from boarding school. Together, with his celebrity dorm buddy, he adjusts to a new life that involves double dates, ginger vodka, Fine Art face painting and kidnapping, as they attempt to uncover the mystery of Panbury Hall.
Despite being a member of the Misorov Agent Assassin dynasty, Chewti is a reluctant AA. She only joined the Family Business to track down her cousin Nadia, the rogue AA who killed her mother. Really, she wanted to be a school teacher. So when Nadia is spotted loitering in the grounds of Panbury Hall, the opportunity to avenge her mother’s death and have her dream job is too tempting to turn down.
296 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 7, 2021
Oh my Lordship, this was hilarious, Things Not Going Too Well With The War and all. Another reviewer summarized this perfectly by saying this is Monty Python with spies, and I think I'd go ahead and say it's Monty Python meets Spy Kids. I loved it.
There were VERY fun parts (there's a bit where 'can of large' is mentioned and I literally shed tears as I laughed. I don't even know what got into me, but kudos to Lowe); and I was incredibly fond of the characters (Doughie and Marco, specially).
Here's a few clips of my reactions every time Doughie said he would do something:
*Book received for free from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. Thanks for the laughs.
There were VERY fun parts (there's a bit where 'can of large' is mentioned and I literally shed tears as I laughed. I don't even know what got into me, but kudos to Lowe); and I was incredibly fond of the characters (Doughie and Marco, specially).
Here's a few clips of my reactions every time Doughie said he would do something:
*Book received for free from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. Thanks for the laughs.
April 17, 2021
Imagine if the Monty Python boys wrote a novel about spies and assassins and World War Whatever. Go on. Imagine it. And don't worry if you are struggling. You don't have to imagine too hard - Simon Lowe has created a tale with all the wacky, quirky zaniness of the Flying Circus for you...
This was a fun, wild read full of snarky marvelous one-liners, dry wry wit, and hijinks and shenanigans of the first order. There are families of assassins. Whacked out boarding school experiences. Useless adults. Marvelous witty and unsuspectingly brilliant kids. In short - everything you need for a romp through the possible of civilization and back again
It's a trip and a half, packaged into paperback form. It's not going to be for everyone - anymore than the Circus was for everyone. But for those who appreciate this particular form of humor and satire, there's a fabulous tale here that will make you roll your eyes, giggle, and snort in the best of ways!
Thank you to the wonderful folks at Elsewhen Press for my obligation-free review copy.
This was a fun, wild read full of snarky marvelous one-liners, dry wry wit, and hijinks and shenanigans of the first order. There are families of assassins. Whacked out boarding school experiences. Useless adults. Marvelous witty and unsuspectingly brilliant kids. In short - everything you need for a romp through the possible of civilization and back again
It's a trip and a half, packaged into paperback form. It's not going to be for everyone - anymore than the Circus was for everyone. But for those who appreciate this particular form of humor and satire, there's a fabulous tale here that will make you roll your eyes, giggle, and snort in the best of ways!
Thank you to the wonderful folks at Elsewhen Press for my obligation-free review copy.
June 10, 2021
The first thing that came to my mind while reading this book was that it gives off major 1984 vibes, let me explain: The Unified Nations is at war, but no one knows who is fighting whom; what is the cause of the war does not find mention anywhere. We just know that all is not good as " The World Is At War, Again " and that " Things aren't going too well with the War. " These two lines are repeated over and over again to justify actions which would otherwise be questionable.
The Fandanellis are undoubtedly my favourite character duo. Marco single-handedly brought in the humor element to the story. Peter, their son, is left behind at Panbury hall, after his parents have to go on a pretty unplanned mission, but Peter doesn't know the actual reason. He is again told about how the War needs his parents, but never explained in what capacity. Panbury Hall turns out to be much more than a school and a majority of the plot develops here. However, truth be told, I enjoyed the happenings aboard the Water Lily City much more.
The story behind the relationship dynamics between Nadia and Chewti Misorov seemed a bit rushed to me. We get an insight into where Chewti is coming from, but I was much more interested in the workings of Nadia's mind.
Coming to the plot and the writing, in-spite of having multiple characters and more than one setting where the story unfolds, the author did a good job in handling them. I did not find myself disconnecting with the characters, nor was it a problem following the parallel scenarios.
The various themes addressed in this book would include : Friendship, as seen between Peter and his fellow mates at Panbury hall; parental pressure that Nadia had to go through, which made her the person she is; living up to high expectations, which Nadia's mother, Iva was subjected to and this definitely played a role in what she did with Nadia; and following what your heart wants, which is explored through the character of Marco Fandanelli.
I look forward to seeing how the story progresses with Peter as the main character, if and when there is a sequel.
I want to thank Elsewhen Press, Literally PR, and the author Simon Lowe for giving me this opportunity and sending the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Fandanellis are undoubtedly my favourite character duo. Marco single-handedly brought in the humor element to the story. Peter, their son, is left behind at Panbury hall, after his parents have to go on a pretty unplanned mission, but Peter doesn't know the actual reason. He is again told about how the War needs his parents, but never explained in what capacity. Panbury Hall turns out to be much more than a school and a majority of the plot develops here. However, truth be told, I enjoyed the happenings aboard the Water Lily City much more.
The story behind the relationship dynamics between Nadia and Chewti Misorov seemed a bit rushed to me. We get an insight into where Chewti is coming from, but I was much more interested in the workings of Nadia's mind.
Coming to the plot and the writing, in-spite of having multiple characters and more than one setting where the story unfolds, the author did a good job in handling them. I did not find myself disconnecting with the characters, nor was it a problem following the parallel scenarios.
The various themes addressed in this book would include : Friendship, as seen between Peter and his fellow mates at Panbury hall; parental pressure that Nadia had to go through, which made her the person she is; living up to high expectations, which Nadia's mother, Iva was subjected to and this definitely played a role in what she did with Nadia; and following what your heart wants, which is explored through the character of Marco Fandanelli.
I look forward to seeing how the story progresses with Peter as the main character, if and when there is a sequel.
I want to thank Elsewhen Press, Literally PR, and the author Simon Lowe for giving me this opportunity and sending the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2021
A madcap comedy of spies, assassins, boarding school and a useless government that thinks it's still at War. Good fun. Read my full review on my blog https://annabookbel.net/the-world-is-...
June 30, 2021
I realise that this book is not for everyone. The synopsis entrigued me and although this isn't my go to read, I wanted to see what it was all about. Imagine spies, spy assassins, spy plots, a mysterious boarding school, a plot involving advanced technology which has been abandoned due to the great regression. The world is at War again, and things aren't going too well. All this is delivered in a quirky, humourous way which enables the storyline to flow nicely, albeit a bit in the slow side for me. It's told in the present tense, with chapters dedicated to different characters. We follow Marco and Maria Fandenelli, promoted to full time Agent Spy Assassins, their son Peter, who they dump unceremoniously at boarding school to get on with life while they undertake a mission. Chewti who is a very reluctant Agent Assassin and Leslie Mutak, Peter's friend at Panbury Hall, throughout the book, and the situations they find themselves in.
We never really learn who is at war with who in the book, just that it isn't going well. This fact definitely adds to everything this book throws at you
A very different read for me, but one I enjoyed being on the the ride.
We never really learn who is at war with who in the book, just that it isn't going well. This fact definitely adds to everything this book throws at you
A very different read for me, but one I enjoyed being on the the ride.
May 25, 2021
The World Is At War, Again is a unique and fascinating read that follows several characters as they navigate their way through a period of war and recession.
I found it interesting how part of the plot revolved around advanced technology. While we hail it as game-changing, in this world it is something to be feared, which has caused the world to return to a less developed state. Advanced technology was created and then swiftly banned due to data privacy and cybertheft fears. While we’re never actually told exactly why the world is at war, just that it is, or which countries are involved in the war, my thoughts are that advanced technology played a part. Agent Assassins were also born out of the war and given important missions, and we get a taste of this and what it entails through Maria and Marco Fandanelli.
This story is very character-driven and follows three separate stories, but they are all linked due to the war. We follow Mario and Marco; their son, Peter; and Chewti, who has the most interesting background in my opinion.
Maria and Marco are low level Agent Assassins who have been promoted from part-time to full-time. They pack their bags and send Peter off to Panbury Hall before whisking off to a luxury cruise-liner Water Lily City to take care of an important mission, which could make or break their careers and their marriage. I didn’t particularly care for Maria, but I was quickly won over by Marco. Maria’s quite a serious character and always stayed focused on the mission. She’s dreamed of being a full time Agent Assassin and now the moment is finally here, she’s determined to prove herself. Marco, on the other hand, is more goofy and a fun character to spend time with. I loved his sense of humour, but also liked that when a situation became serious, he knew how to buckle down and do his job.
I wasn’t sure what Peter’s chapters would be like, but I found that I thoroughly enjoyed them and I loved seeing all the mischief he gets up to with his friend Stacks. I felt like he’d completely transformed by the end of the book compared to when we’re first introduced to him. He’s much more self-assured and is keen to find out more about what his parents do. Despite feeling shocked that his parents left him there at the start, I felt it really helped him build his character and I enjoyed seeing his transformation. I also loved how there was more to Panbury Hall than meets the eye. It was definitely more than a boarding school and I was eager to find out what secrets were to be unearthed, and whether it was tied into the agents more than they realised.
Chewti definitely had the most interesting background and I couldn’t wait to jump back into her chapters. She has never wanted to be an Agent Assassin, but was forced into it in order to hunt down her cousin, Nadia, who is a rogue Agent Assassin. Nadia killed Chewti’s mother before going into hiding and Chewti wants nothing more than to avenge her mother’s death. So when Nadia is spotted in the grounds of Panbury Hall, Chewti sees it as the perfect opportunity to take her down. I loved learning more about Chewti and Nadia, they are such fascinating characters. I loved finding out how Nadia became such a deadly agent and also why she went rogue. It was interesting reading about Chewti’s struggle to avenge her mother. She details how she’s spent years searching for Nadia and how her death has been the only thing keeping Chewti going. While she was technically undercover at Panbury Hall as a P.E. teacher, Chewti finally gets to do a normal job and I liked how much she got into it. Lowe did a fantastic job fleshing out her character in such short chapters. I loved spending time with her and it was nice to see that Panbury Hall offered her a chance to be normal, which is what she’s always wanted.
While the war is never fully explained, I still enjoyed this story and would recommend it if you like spy novels. It has an interesting cast of characters and they each bring something different to the story. Lowe easily transitions between their perspectives, which means there’s never a dull moment. It’s a refreshing, exciting and entertaining read.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I found it interesting how part of the plot revolved around advanced technology. While we hail it as game-changing, in this world it is something to be feared, which has caused the world to return to a less developed state. Advanced technology was created and then swiftly banned due to data privacy and cybertheft fears. While we’re never actually told exactly why the world is at war, just that it is, or which countries are involved in the war, my thoughts are that advanced technology played a part. Agent Assassins were also born out of the war and given important missions, and we get a taste of this and what it entails through Maria and Marco Fandanelli.
This story is very character-driven and follows three separate stories, but they are all linked due to the war. We follow Mario and Marco; their son, Peter; and Chewti, who has the most interesting background in my opinion.
Maria and Marco are low level Agent Assassins who have been promoted from part-time to full-time. They pack their bags and send Peter off to Panbury Hall before whisking off to a luxury cruise-liner Water Lily City to take care of an important mission, which could make or break their careers and their marriage. I didn’t particularly care for Maria, but I was quickly won over by Marco. Maria’s quite a serious character and always stayed focused on the mission. She’s dreamed of being a full time Agent Assassin and now the moment is finally here, she’s determined to prove herself. Marco, on the other hand, is more goofy and a fun character to spend time with. I loved his sense of humour, but also liked that when a situation became serious, he knew how to buckle down and do his job.
I wasn’t sure what Peter’s chapters would be like, but I found that I thoroughly enjoyed them and I loved seeing all the mischief he gets up to with his friend Stacks. I felt like he’d completely transformed by the end of the book compared to when we’re first introduced to him. He’s much more self-assured and is keen to find out more about what his parents do. Despite feeling shocked that his parents left him there at the start, I felt it really helped him build his character and I enjoyed seeing his transformation. I also loved how there was more to Panbury Hall than meets the eye. It was definitely more than a boarding school and I was eager to find out what secrets were to be unearthed, and whether it was tied into the agents more than they realised.
Chewti definitely had the most interesting background and I couldn’t wait to jump back into her chapters. She has never wanted to be an Agent Assassin, but was forced into it in order to hunt down her cousin, Nadia, who is a rogue Agent Assassin. Nadia killed Chewti’s mother before going into hiding and Chewti wants nothing more than to avenge her mother’s death. So when Nadia is spotted in the grounds of Panbury Hall, Chewti sees it as the perfect opportunity to take her down. I loved learning more about Chewti and Nadia, they are such fascinating characters. I loved finding out how Nadia became such a deadly agent and also why she went rogue. It was interesting reading about Chewti’s struggle to avenge her mother. She details how she’s spent years searching for Nadia and how her death has been the only thing keeping Chewti going. While she was technically undercover at Panbury Hall as a P.E. teacher, Chewti finally gets to do a normal job and I liked how much she got into it. Lowe did a fantastic job fleshing out her character in such short chapters. I loved spending time with her and it was nice to see that Panbury Hall offered her a chance to be normal, which is what she’s always wanted.
While the war is never fully explained, I still enjoyed this story and would recommend it if you like spy novels. It has an interesting cast of characters and they each bring something different to the story. Lowe easily transitions between their perspectives, which means there’s never a dull moment. It’s a refreshing, exciting and entertaining read.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 5, 2021
So, I got excited seeing the synopsis for this novel and, when I looked on Goodreads, it mentioned for fans of Monty Python! Surreal comedy abounds I thought. Well. I was wrong about that one. The novel is set in a world that is at war, however, all we know of this war is that is isn’t going so well. Which is mentioned a lot and in capitals throughout - I felt like this was an attempt at that surreal humour but, for me, it fell a little flat. The characters are fleshed out well and I enjoyed some perspectives a lot more than others, however, the ending left a lot to be desired. All in all, an okay novel. It ain’t no flying circus surreal that’s for sure.
May 5, 2021
So, I got excited seeing the synopsis for this novel and, when I looked on Goodreads, it mentioned for fans of Monty Python! Surreal comedy abounds I thought. Well. I was wrong about that one. The novel is set in a world that is at war, however, all we know of this war is that is isn’t going so well. Which is mentioned a lot and in capitals throughout - I felt like this was an attempt at that surreal humour but, for me, it fell a little flat. The characters are fleshed out well and I enjoyed some perspectives a lot more than others, however, the ending left a lot to be desired. All in all, an okay novel. It ain’t no flying circus surreal that’s for sure.
May 16, 2021
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley**
3.5/5
The World is at War, Again is a comedic take on a spy v. spy novel. The ending felt a bit rushed, but the ride to get there was fun.
3.5/5
The World is at War, Again is a comedic take on a spy v. spy novel. The ending felt a bit rushed, but the ride to get there was fun.
June 15, 2021
Every now and again you come across a book that baffles you a little, one you can’t pigeonhole into a genre but nevertheless you still very much enjoyed that book. Thats where I am with the excellent ‘The World is at War, Again.
A completely wild ride, set in a world probably more advanced than we are, being dragged back into past. A world of spies and assassins. A World at War.
Simon Lowe writes this intriguing and really very quirky spy thriller with a fun and easily reading feel.
As the narrative jumps from family to family and person to person, this light hearted and genuinely funny read is really rather good.
The characters are a joy to behold, for me Marco steals the show, but you can’t help to like and smile at them all.
This is a satirical, humour filled take on many genres. It’s clever, Intelligent and very entertaining and at times it’s absolute chaos. I hope there is more to come from Simon Lowe as this zany madcap book is a bit of a 💎
🔥🔥🔥🔥
A completely wild ride, set in a world probably more advanced than we are, being dragged back into past. A world of spies and assassins. A World at War.
Simon Lowe writes this intriguing and really very quirky spy thriller with a fun and easily reading feel.
As the narrative jumps from family to family and person to person, this light hearted and genuinely funny read is really rather good.
The characters are a joy to behold, for me Marco steals the show, but you can’t help to like and smile at them all.
This is a satirical, humour filled take on many genres. It’s clever, Intelligent and very entertaining and at times it’s absolute chaos. I hope there is more to come from Simon Lowe as this zany madcap book is a bit of a 💎
🔥🔥🔥🔥
July 4, 2021
New technology has been abandoned, a period of Great Regression in under way. In suburbia, low level Agent Assassins Maria and Marco Fandanelli are given a surprise promotion as “Things Aren’t Going Too Well With The War”. Leaving their son Peter behind, they set sail on the luxury cruise liner Water Lily City, hoping an important mission might save their careers and their marriage.
These ideas are not the main focus of the book- its characters are. Peter is adjusting to a new boarding school whilst his parents are secretly a team of assassins assisting the war effort. His teacher is also an assassin out for revenge against her evil cousin.
The plot is pretty compelling, if at times a little long winded. The characters are fleshed out well and I enjoyed some perspectives a lot more than others. All of the characters seem to talk in the same way and this got repetitive as we got further through the book and this also takes away from the word building that YA readers will expect.
This book has been likened to Monty Python vs Spies and the author has tried with the surreal comedy feeling throughout the book, although at times not succeeding very well. The author reminds us several times that “not everything is what it seems”, which, at times is how I felt about the writing.
Even though the ending felt rushed, I can’t help admitting that I hope for another, better thought-out book, to see where their lives lead.
Thank you to Helen Lewis at Literally PR, Elsewhen Press and Simon Lowe for a gifted copy in return for an honest review.
These ideas are not the main focus of the book- its characters are. Peter is adjusting to a new boarding school whilst his parents are secretly a team of assassins assisting the war effort. His teacher is also an assassin out for revenge against her evil cousin.
The plot is pretty compelling, if at times a little long winded. The characters are fleshed out well and I enjoyed some perspectives a lot more than others. All of the characters seem to talk in the same way and this got repetitive as we got further through the book and this also takes away from the word building that YA readers will expect.
This book has been likened to Monty Python vs Spies and the author has tried with the surreal comedy feeling throughout the book, although at times not succeeding very well. The author reminds us several times that “not everything is what it seems”, which, at times is how I felt about the writing.
Even though the ending felt rushed, I can’t help admitting that I hope for another, better thought-out book, to see where their lives lead.
Thank you to Helen Lewis at Literally PR, Elsewhen Press and Simon Lowe for a gifted copy in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews