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John Dies at the End #4
If This Book Exists, You're in the Wrong Universe
New York Times bestselling author Jason Pargin’s hilarious and horrifying John Dies at the End series continues with If This Book Exists, You’re in the Wrong Universe.
If the broken neon signs, shuttered storefronts, and sub-standard housing didn’t tip you off, you’ve just wandered into the city of “Undisclosed”. You don’t want to be caught dead here, because odds are you just might find yourself rising from the grave. That hasn’t stopped tourists from visiting to check out the unusual phenomena that hangs around our town like radioactive fallout. Interdimensional parasites feeding on human hosts, paranormal cults worshipping demonic entities, vengeful teenage sorcerers, we’ve got it all.
Did I mention the possessed toy? It’s a plastic football-sized egg that’s supposed to hatch an adorable, colorful stuffed bird when a child “feeds” it through a synchronized smartphone app. What’s actually inside is an otherworldly monstrosity that’s enticing impressionable wayward youth into murdering folks and depositing their body parts inside the egg as if it’s a hungry piggy bank to trigger the end of the world.
That’s where Dave, John, and Amy come in. They face supernatural threats so the rest of us don’t have to—and sometimes even earn a couple of bucks to so do. But between the bloody ritual sacrifices and soul-crushing nightmares, our trio realizes this apocalypse is way above their pay grade.
If the broken neon signs, shuttered storefronts, and sub-standard housing didn’t tip you off, you’ve just wandered into the city of “Undisclosed”. You don’t want to be caught dead here, because odds are you just might find yourself rising from the grave. That hasn’t stopped tourists from visiting to check out the unusual phenomena that hangs around our town like radioactive fallout. Interdimensional parasites feeding on human hosts, paranormal cults worshipping demonic entities, vengeful teenage sorcerers, we’ve got it all.
Did I mention the possessed toy? It’s a plastic football-sized egg that’s supposed to hatch an adorable, colorful stuffed bird when a child “feeds” it through a synchronized smartphone app. What’s actually inside is an otherworldly monstrosity that’s enticing impressionable wayward youth into murdering folks and depositing their body parts inside the egg as if it’s a hungry piggy bank to trigger the end of the world.
That’s where Dave, John, and Amy come in. They face supernatural threats so the rest of us don’t have to—and sometimes even earn a couple of bucks to so do. But between the bloody ritual sacrifices and soul-crushing nightmares, our trio realizes this apocalypse is way above their pay grade.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2022
885 people are currently reading
17223 people want to read
About the author
Jason Pargin
18 books3,311 followersJason Pargin is a New York Times bestselling author who used to write under the pseudonym David Wong. His first novel, John Dies at the End, became a feature film in 2012. He is also the author of the Zoey Ashe series, currently in development for TV.
Jason was also the Executive Editor at Cracked.com from 2007 until 2020, when he left to become a full time novelist. He has a dog.
Jason was also the Executive Editor at Cracked.com from 2007 until 2020, when he left to become a full time novelist. He has a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 962 reviews
October 9, 2023
My thanks to St. Martin's Press, Jason Pargin and Netgalley.
Yay!😜 I discovered I was in the wrong universe as soon as I started reading, and I've never been happier!
David, John, Amy and Joy came together and kicked ass!
Oops! I mean they died. Then they kept dying. Repeatedly dying..and I loved every heart skipping moment.
I do love these people and their "undisclosed" town.
This book gets all the stars. To infinity and beyond!
Yay!😜 I discovered I was in the wrong universe as soon as I started reading, and I've never been happier!
David, John, Amy and Joy came together and kicked ass!
Oops! I mean they died. Then they kept dying. Repeatedly dying..and I loved every heart skipping moment.
I do love these people and their "undisclosed" town.
This book gets all the stars. To infinity and beyond!
August 21, 2022
It feels like it's been an awfully long time since I could jump into the timey-wimey, cthulhu-esq, darkly funny and immensely sarcastic world of David and John (and Amy!) as they scramble through poverty while fighting the good fight.
They're not Sam and Dean. They don't have that kind of plot armor. But for all that, they are still fighting the fight as shadow people deal deals that only increase suffering, as future cult leaders become Earthly Gods through prophecies spanning backward through time, when phone apps tell your children to feed it human teeth...
Oh yeah, the stakes are always high or at least deeply strange and I LOVE it.
It feels like fourth-wall breaking, especially the first three books that were written under the PoV CHARACTER's name, only to mix things up as the actual author brings out his real name now. Jason Pargin is the ACTUAL writer, post-timey-wimey real continuity, and that's kinda the point.
If you like reality like you like your spaghetti, all tangled up and bloody-red, then I'm sure you'll love this return. :)
They're not Sam and Dean. They don't have that kind of plot armor. But for all that, they are still fighting the fight as shadow people deal deals that only increase suffering, as future cult leaders become Earthly Gods through prophecies spanning backward through time, when phone apps tell your children to feed it human teeth...
Oh yeah, the stakes are always high or at least deeply strange and I LOVE it.
It feels like fourth-wall breaking, especially the first three books that were written under the PoV CHARACTER's name, only to mix things up as the actual author brings out his real name now. Jason Pargin is the ACTUAL writer, post-timey-wimey real continuity, and that's kinda the point.
If you like reality like you like your spaghetti, all tangled up and bloody-red, then I'm sure you'll love this return. :)
November 19, 2022
I don’t write reviews.
I will freely admit that I’m obsessed with the adventures of David and John. In the truest sense of the word “literally,” I literally cannot get enough. I’m excited to learn that Pargin will continue the series. If you enjoy paranormal detective with a splash of the absurd, try it out.
I must make two notes. 1) Pargin said in his notes after the story that he thinks all encounters with what people believe to be supernatural can be explained by psychology and neurology. Yet for a guy who is open about his lack of imagination, he spins terrific yarns of the weird and wild. I guess that’s like how Lovecraft was a dedicated materialist, but had the most insane dreams ever and wrote accordingly.
2) Pargin calls guns “assault rifles.” Why does this bother me? I’ve never even touched a gun, and even I know no such-named thing exists. It takes ten seconds of research in this age of information over-saturation to find that out, so what’s his excuse? Maybe it bothers me since it’s a political term and that takes me out of the fantasy.
I will freely admit that I’m obsessed with the adventures of David and John. In the truest sense of the word “literally,” I literally cannot get enough. I’m excited to learn that Pargin will continue the series. If you enjoy paranormal detective with a splash of the absurd, try it out.
I must make two notes. 1) Pargin said in his notes after the story that he thinks all encounters with what people believe to be supernatural can be explained by psychology and neurology. Yet for a guy who is open about his lack of imagination, he spins terrific yarns of the weird and wild. I guess that’s like how Lovecraft was a dedicated materialist, but had the most insane dreams ever and wrote accordingly.
2) Pargin calls guns “assault rifles.” Why does this bother me? I’ve never even touched a gun, and even I know no such-named thing exists. It takes ten seconds of research in this age of information over-saturation to find that out, so what’s his excuse? Maybe it bothers me since it’s a political term and that takes me out of the fantasy.
October 26, 2022
I really tried to like this one but it was just not for me. I couldn’t wrap my head around what I was reading and DNF it at 53%.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2022
Easily one of the most entertaining series out there. Four books in and the characters feel like my brothers and sisters and everything remains as fun and fresh as book one. This is a great combination of horror science fiction absurd comedy and genuine real emotion type stuff. These are awesome books and well worth whatever you pay for them.
March 30, 2023
Hilarious, engaging, at times scary, at times a little WTF but always interesting and hard to put down. I feel like the authors writing gets better book to book in this series and there are so many great moments in this (humorous and horrible) that I basically loved it cover to cover.
May 27, 2024
There's no way to release a useful spoiler-free review so here's a useless one ^^
Each new book in the series gets better than the previous one.
David, John and Amy are once again in a race to save the world. This time with a much more intricated life-threatening problem to solve. The egg is about to hatch...
And as a bonus the bad guy is a Sebastian 🤭
Each new book in the series gets better than the previous one.
David, John and Amy are once again in a race to save the world. This time with a much more intricated life-threatening problem to solve. The egg is about to hatch...
And as a bonus the bad guy is a Sebastian 🤭
October 21, 2022
So much fun. Not aaaas good as the previous books thus far, but I have laughed loudly more than once. I kinda wish I'd relistened to the previous book, I had forgotten all about Joy.
"Are you sure you aren't just an old man scared of technology?" 😂
Same great narration.
"Are you sure you aren't just an old man scared of technology?" 😂
Same great narration.
March 21, 2022
Fun. I'll need to reread it a second time to properly review it. 5/5 gumballs.
(Advanced copy via Edelweiss)
(Advanced copy via Edelweiss)
May 4, 2022
Jason Pargin does it again! Honestly, if I could give this book 6/5 stars I would.
In the fourth installment of the John Dies at the End series, your favorite hapless trio is back, and still pretty much as clueless as ever. I won't bother reiterating any plot details because a) the summary is just a scroll away and b) I couldn't do so without spoiling anything, but I will say this book was outstanding. As usual with Pargin's books, I flew through it in a day or two, sneaking in bits here and there between work and sleep, eager to keep reading because this book is brimming with suspense and action. Of the other books in the series, it reminds me the most of This Book is Full of Spiders (aka probably my favorite book ever).
[Undisclosed] is front and center in this story, acting as the messed up beating heart of this wild tale, and the toll the years of monster-fighting has taken on Dave, John, and Amy is more apparent than ever as they struggle to figure out what the f*ck is going on this time. But, they've also grown over the years. They know what works and what doesn't when it comes to the trials of living in [Undisclosed], so every action they take feels like the real reaction of someone who's been trying their best to actually help people, but just keeps kinda sucking at it. It would have been easy for Pargin to make the characters dumb so they can keep doing dumb things, but he didn't take the easy route. These characters are smart and capable, they just always find themselves a few steps behind the villains. And uggggh it makes for such a great read!
The best thing about this book, though, (and Pargin's writing as a whole, I think) is that beyond all the humor and horror, there's a deeply impactful story being told. In this case, a story about how we shape our futures—and our pasts. Dave, John, and Amy are such wonderful characters and they play off each other in amazing and surprising ways. It's their relationships to one another that ground this wild, pitch-perfect John Dies story. I mean, it's gory and will have you in stitches from laughing every other page, but it's also heart-warming in the same way being hugged by three toddler-sized tarantulas stacked on top of each other wearing a trench coat might be.
If you liked his previous books, even a little, you're going to love this one. And if you haven't read any of his other books yet, you can certainly jump into this one without doing so (but you should read all his books anyway, because if you like horror comedies, the JDATE series is top freaking tier).
Also you should preorder it so that Jason Pargin can keep writing forever because, honestly, this book series is like 60% of my personality at this point and I can't lose that. Who would I be then??? A really annoying book-recommending ghost??? Eugh.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the advanced copy!
In the fourth installment of the John Dies at the End series, your favorite hapless trio is back, and still pretty much as clueless as ever. I won't bother reiterating any plot details because a) the summary is just a scroll away and b) I couldn't do so without spoiling anything, but I will say this book was outstanding. As usual with Pargin's books, I flew through it in a day or two, sneaking in bits here and there between work and sleep, eager to keep reading because this book is brimming with suspense and action. Of the other books in the series, it reminds me the most of This Book is Full of Spiders (aka probably my favorite book ever).
[Undisclosed] is front and center in this story, acting as the messed up beating heart of this wild tale, and the toll the years of monster-fighting has taken on Dave, John, and Amy is more apparent than ever as they struggle to figure out what the f*ck is going on this time. But, they've also grown over the years. They know what works and what doesn't when it comes to the trials of living in [Undisclosed], so every action they take feels like the real reaction of someone who's been trying their best to actually help people, but just keeps kinda sucking at it. It would have been easy for Pargin to make the characters dumb so they can keep doing dumb things, but he didn't take the easy route. These characters are smart and capable, they just always find themselves a few steps behind the villains. And uggggh it makes for such a great read!
The best thing about this book, though, (and Pargin's writing as a whole, I think) is that beyond all the humor and horror, there's a deeply impactful story being told. In this case, a story about how we shape our futures—and our pasts. Dave, John, and Amy are such wonderful characters and they play off each other in amazing and surprising ways. It's their relationships to one another that ground this wild, pitch-perfect John Dies story. I mean, it's gory and will have you in stitches from laughing every other page, but it's also heart-warming in the same way being hugged by three toddler-sized tarantulas stacked on top of each other wearing a trench coat might be.
If you liked his previous books, even a little, you're going to love this one. And if you haven't read any of his other books yet, you can certainly jump into this one without doing so (but you should read all his books anyway, because if you like horror comedies, the JDATE series is top freaking tier).
Also you should preorder it so that Jason Pargin can keep writing forever because, honestly, this book series is like 60% of my personality at this point and I can't lose that. Who would I be then??? A really annoying book-recommending ghost??? Eugh.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the advanced copy!
August 25, 2024
Well, I got Wonged (or Pargined). This is the fourth book in the series, and I enjoyed it very much. Jason Pargin nailed my style perfectly—space horror with comedic elements. There are still weak points that I don’t like; the whole existentialist rant about the importance of insurance is very annoying. I understand why it’s there—it’s part of the comedy to highlight everyday problems in a space horror book—but come on. I would expect the main heroes to have more insight by now and not be crying over broken glasses. In general, I would also like to see a bit more character growth. John, David, and Amy are growing and changing, but it’s happening very slowly.
But overall, it was great. I think Jason is also improving in catching inconsistencies and thinking the whole story through. More or less, everything fits very well into the ending, and it was much less a series of crazy events and more of a complete story. I also liked John’s final action sequence—this is how you beat space horror with human madness. I’m looking forward to the next episodes, and in the meantime, I’ll explore his Zoe series.
But overall, it was great. I think Jason is also improving in catching inconsistencies and thinking the whole story through. More or less, everything fits very well into the ending, and it was much less a series of crazy events and more of a complete story. I also liked John’s final action sequence—this is how you beat space horror with human madness. I’m looking forward to the next episodes, and in the meantime, I’ll explore his Zoe series.
June 12, 2024
A hilarious tale of Armageddon and the three hopelessly inept friends who must act as functional humans, investigators, and heroes.
Dave, John, and Amy live in a town sitting on a hole in a fabric of reality from which interdimensional entities repeatedly attempt to break through.
Dave and John are frequently called upon by both police and local inhabitants, to solve bizarre issues even though a surprisingly large percentage of such calls end up being mundane nonsense.
This time, it’s a possessed toy that actually houses an otherworldly monstrosity that’s enticing impressionable wayward youth into murdering folks and feeding it to trigger the end of the world.
3. Never Forget That You Are Meat The one thing we know for sure about our possibly simulated world is that we are experiencing it via meat. All your thoughts are running through meat, and therefore, a lot of what you’re perceiving about the universe is just meat stuff. Feel like the world is doomed? There’s a good chance that’s only because your meat isn’t getting enough sleep. Mad at everyone? It might just be that your meat is hungry. In a state of panic? Take deep breaths—you might just not have enough oxygen in your blood. If the world feels off to you, always check your meat first.
I did not realise this was book four of a series until I went back to read other reviews. Oops.
That tells you how good the author is at immersing yourself in this world.
Also, I thought my utter cluelessness to start with added to the utter wackiness of the premise and story.
However, the author does state that this series has been designed to each book can be read as a standalone.
The audiobook format worked so well!
Dave is the main narrator of the story, relating events to the reader in first-person, while John and Amy buoy the narrative with their third-person accounts.
The most effective manipulation always comes with the illusion of choice; it feels less like a whip and more like quenching a thirst
This was fun, until the whole timey-whimey stuff came into play. I normally dislike time travel or flexible rules. This book reminded me why.
It just made it unnecessarily confusing and frustrating and made it feel like nothing really mattered.
This started as a strong three stars but then the latter half turned into two stars.
However, I also have to admit my review might be slanted as this is a book four even if it can technically be read by itself!
Bookstagram
Dave, John, and Amy live in a town sitting on a hole in a fabric of reality from which interdimensional entities repeatedly attempt to break through.
Dave and John are frequently called upon by both police and local inhabitants, to solve bizarre issues even though a surprisingly large percentage of such calls end up being mundane nonsense.
This time, it’s a possessed toy that actually houses an otherworldly monstrosity that’s enticing impressionable wayward youth into murdering folks and feeding it to trigger the end of the world.
3. Never Forget That You Are Meat The one thing we know for sure about our possibly simulated world is that we are experiencing it via meat. All your thoughts are running through meat, and therefore, a lot of what you’re perceiving about the universe is just meat stuff. Feel like the world is doomed? There’s a good chance that’s only because your meat isn’t getting enough sleep. Mad at everyone? It might just be that your meat is hungry. In a state of panic? Take deep breaths—you might just not have enough oxygen in your blood. If the world feels off to you, always check your meat first.
I did not realise this was book four of a series until I went back to read other reviews. Oops.
That tells you how good the author is at immersing yourself in this world.
Also, I thought my utter cluelessness to start with added to the utter wackiness of the premise and story.
However, the author does state that this series has been designed to each book can be read as a standalone.
The audiobook format worked so well!
Dave is the main narrator of the story, relating events to the reader in first-person, while John and Amy buoy the narrative with their third-person accounts.
The most effective manipulation always comes with the illusion of choice; it feels less like a whip and more like quenching a thirst
This was fun, until the whole timey-whimey stuff came into play. I normally dislike time travel or flexible rules. This book reminded me why.
It just made it unnecessarily confusing and frustrating and made it feel like nothing really mattered.
This started as a strong three stars but then the latter half turned into two stars.
However, I also have to admit my review might be slanted as this is a book four even if it can technically be read by itself!
Bookstagram
November 15, 2022
3.5/5
While not as good as some of the other books this was still a fun, fast paced read. This did become overly preachy towards the end which kind of dimmed my enjoyment somewhat. I would be up for another volume in this series if it ever comes out.
While not as good as some of the other books this was still a fun, fast paced read. This did become overly preachy towards the end which kind of dimmed my enjoyment somewhat. I would be up for another volume in this series if it ever comes out.
October 26, 2022
These books are so ridiculous and hilarious that I can’t recommend them enough. The fourth installment was insane, there were children’s toys birthing horrific monsters, time travel, and alternate realties. There’s also gore and dick jokes, which is basically everything you can expect from this.
I love the way that the gang has developed in these books, and this was probably my favorite of their dynamics. They were somehow more self aware that they’re dumbasses (except for Amy) so that’s always fun to read. And their friendship, while odd, works really well in the context of the story. These books are just so incredible and every time a new one is released it’s like Christmas.
I love the way that the gang has developed in these books, and this was probably my favorite of their dynamics. They were somehow more self aware that they’re dumbasses (except for Amy) so that’s always fun to read. And their friendship, while odd, works really well in the context of the story. These books are just so incredible and every time a new one is released it’s like Christmas.
May 2, 2023
When I first started If This Book Exists,, You’re in the Wrong Universe by Jason Pargin aka David Wong I had no idea what to expect but all I can say after finishing it is...whoa, what a ride! Or to quote the title of another book in the series What Did I Just Read! This is the fourth book in the series but the first I’ve read and I’m wondering now why it took me so long to discover this series because I loved every weird and creepy word of it.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
October 29, 2022
Pargin has done it again.
The JDATE books scratch a certain itch for me. The inherent need for a Douglas Adams style romp through a lovecraftian nightmare. I can't say why I have this inherent need, but hot damn!
Very early in my life I realized that a smart joke, well told, could stop and make you think. Douglas Adams showed me that a profound novel presented in a silly way could make little edits to the way I perceive the world around me. Pargin, to me, is his successor. I can say that without books like this, I would be a different person. Worse? Probably. Better? We may never know, but I feel like I think a little more about why other people act like tools sometimes and maybe I can be a little less of a tool myself. These books are full of horrors that represent the systems that humanity builds to subjugate itself, but just like those monsters, people are just caught in their jaws of those monsters and the gears of those machines. Sometimes we have to be reminded not to become servants of those monsters or cogs in those machines, that we can save ourselves, and just maybe bring someone else in danger along with us. How Pargin can tell a story so full of stupidity and chaos, and so profoundly touch my heart is a bit of a miracle in itself.
ITBEYITWU is excellent. It surprised me several times. It subverted my expectations and once again connected on an emotional level. Although John, David, and Amy (and now Joy I guess), live in the worst town in America, there is a part of me that wishes I could be there too. Of course, if I ever show up in a JDATE novel, I'll almost certainly be a redshirt.
I personally don't like to run down the plot in reviews unless it's really bad and I just can't help myself, but I will summarize by simply saying;
This book is da filthy.
The JDATE books scratch a certain itch for me. The inherent need for a Douglas Adams style romp through a lovecraftian nightmare. I can't say why I have this inherent need, but hot damn!
Very early in my life I realized that a smart joke, well told, could stop and make you think. Douglas Adams showed me that a profound novel presented in a silly way could make little edits to the way I perceive the world around me. Pargin, to me, is his successor. I can say that without books like this, I would be a different person. Worse? Probably. Better? We may never know, but I feel like I think a little more about why other people act like tools sometimes and maybe I can be a little less of a tool myself. These books are full of horrors that represent the systems that humanity builds to subjugate itself, but just like those monsters, people are just caught in their jaws of those monsters and the gears of those machines. Sometimes we have to be reminded not to become servants of those monsters or cogs in those machines, that we can save ourselves, and just maybe bring someone else in danger along with us. How Pargin can tell a story so full of stupidity and chaos, and so profoundly touch my heart is a bit of a miracle in itself.
ITBEYITWU is excellent. It surprised me several times. It subverted my expectations and once again connected on an emotional level. Although John, David, and Amy (and now Joy I guess), live in the worst town in America, there is a part of me that wishes I could be there too. Of course, if I ever show up in a JDATE novel, I'll almost certainly be a redshirt.
I personally don't like to run down the plot in reviews unless it's really bad and I just can't help myself, but I will summarize by simply saying;
This book is da filthy.
September 19, 2022
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Dave and John are back again (Yay!) this time dealing with a children's toy that is the centerpiece of a nefarious cult, a cult run by an angsty teenager who has mastered magical abilities and a desire to end our reality. The JDATE series is one of my absolute favorites because they are the most hilarious books with imaginative plots and wonderful blend of comedy, horror, sci-fi and weird fiction. And this one was no exception. It took me forever to get through the opening parts of the book because I found myself stopping to laugh out loud so many times. As the plot becomes more series in the latter parts, the humor does taper off and tone down a bunch, but pithy comments still find their way into the narrative. If I have one minor complaint it's that, though I want to read more and more of Dave's and John's adventures, but not all in one book. One or two fewer twists and 0 fewer pages would make it feel like a tighter read. But overall, this was as hilarious and well written as any of Pargin's series. It was definitely da filthy!
Dave and John are back again (Yay!) this time dealing with a children's toy that is the centerpiece of a nefarious cult, a cult run by an angsty teenager who has mastered magical abilities and a desire to end our reality. The JDATE series is one of my absolute favorites because they are the most hilarious books with imaginative plots and wonderful blend of comedy, horror, sci-fi and weird fiction. And this one was no exception. It took me forever to get through the opening parts of the book because I found myself stopping to laugh out loud so many times. As the plot becomes more series in the latter parts, the humor does taper off and tone down a bunch, but pithy comments still find their way into the narrative. If I have one minor complaint it's that, though I want to read more and more of Dave's and John's adventures, but not all in one book. One or two fewer twists and 0 fewer pages would make it feel like a tighter read. But overall, this was as hilarious and well written as any of Pargin's series. It was definitely da filthy!
February 9, 2023
I'm not sure how Jason Pargin can write something that is so thought-provoking, yet emotion-rendering, and then throw in some dick and fart jokes without missing a beat. I literally laughed out loud while reading this book on practically every page. I've read all of the John Dies series and his Zoey Ashe series and can truly say that I've never been disappointed. If you like Douglas Adams and Neil Gaiman and Rick and Morty, then this author is for you. This book is da filthy!
October 29, 2022
Best JDATE book yet! Worth the wait.
February 8, 2023
no villain
time travel
simulation theory
none of the characters seem to care about anything but how to quip about it
surface level social commentary
climax was fun
had a big bird with a gun
cute in the right kinda way
comes up well short
and very YA feel
from how brutal and imaginative some of the scenarios have been in the past 3 books
and how thought out the world view was
reading this just felt like i was waiting to get to the end
i hope in the next book there's a sense of urgency again and the story doesn't just loop back to the beginning to void all consequences
time travel
simulation theory
none of the characters seem to care about anything but how to quip about it
surface level social commentary
climax was fun
had a big bird with a gun
cute in the right kinda way
comes up well short
and very YA feel
from how brutal and imaginative some of the scenarios have been in the past 3 books
and how thought out the world view was
reading this just felt like i was waiting to get to the end
i hope in the next book there's a sense of urgency again and the story doesn't just loop back to the beginning to void all consequences
December 5, 2022
HAHAHA WHAT THE FUCK I LOVED THIS SO MUCH
September 15, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for this honest review!
In ITBEYITWU, we return to the city of Undisclosed which is basically ground zero for everything supernatural, demonic, or otherwise weird and bizarre, and catch up with our favorite trio of professional paranormal investigators. David has depression, Amy has anxiety, and John is just having a good (?) time. Oh, and Joy is a hive of interdimensional insects. The gang find themselves stuck in a seemingly doomed-to-fail time loop trying to stop a cult of nerds (who really need to stop for a minute and touch some grass) from bringing about the apocalypse in the form of one of those hatchable toy egg things with a stuffed furby-esque bird inside, which is REALLY hungry for human body parts (eat a snickers, Magpie, you’re not you when you’re hungry).
Maybe I’m biased because John Dies At the End is my favorite book, but this series never disappoints me. Confuse me? Oh, absolutely. Gross me out? Naturally. Make me read 400+ pages without a single clue as to what is going on? I mean, what else would you expect from a JDATE book. But disappoint me? Banish the thought.
I have no complaints, so let’s roll out the praises:
-Joy was an absolute joy the entire time!! She fit in with the trio perfectly with her sassiness and flippant attitude about weird shit happening. I loved her attitude with Dave specifically—-“What can Joy do?” “What can you do? Juggle?”
-Such a good balance between heavy and philosophical and ridiculous and funny. You can definitely sense that the characters have grown up a lot since the first book, even if a lot of it is reflected internally, and I’ll forever love how Dave is so loyal to John and Amy. He doesn’t have much in life but he has them, and they bring out the best in him.
-The end successfully tied everything together for me. Sure, there are always going to be parts where you’re like “I have no idea what just happened and I’m never going to know” and you just have to barrel right on ahead, but personally I think it’s all worth it in the end.
-The idea of John and Dave smoking weed with the boy who’s been trying to bring about the apocalypse and kill them was hilarious to me, but it actually really fleshed out Bas as a character. You know it’s a good “villain” when their monologue starts making a bit too much sense
I started rereading John Dies at the End for the millionth time recently, and comparing the stories back to back really highlights how far they’ve come maturity-wise, with Marconi going from a super powerful untouchable figure to a sort of long-suffering rich uncle, and them hardly even caring about soy sauce (“I am not in the mood for this.”) But at the same time, everything I’ve loved about the trio from the beginning is still there—the humor, the stupidity, their “professional” method of dealing with the paranormal by saying fuck it and poking it with a stick.
Look, as much as I sing the praises of this series, I am very aware that it’s not for everyone—it is VERY much a love it or despise it type deal. But if you’re here for a good time not a long time and you like your cosmic horror served up slapstick style, then I couldn’t recommend this series enough.
In ITBEYITWU, we return to the city of Undisclosed which is basically ground zero for everything supernatural, demonic, or otherwise weird and bizarre, and catch up with our favorite trio of professional paranormal investigators. David has depression, Amy has anxiety, and John is just having a good (?) time. Oh, and Joy is a hive of interdimensional insects. The gang find themselves stuck in a seemingly doomed-to-fail time loop trying to stop a cult of nerds (who really need to stop for a minute and touch some grass) from bringing about the apocalypse in the form of one of those hatchable toy egg things with a stuffed furby-esque bird inside, which is REALLY hungry for human body parts (eat a snickers, Magpie, you’re not you when you’re hungry).
Maybe I’m biased because John Dies At the End is my favorite book, but this series never disappoints me. Confuse me? Oh, absolutely. Gross me out? Naturally. Make me read 400+ pages without a single clue as to what is going on? I mean, what else would you expect from a JDATE book. But disappoint me? Banish the thought.
I have no complaints, so let’s roll out the praises:
-Joy was an absolute joy the entire time!! She fit in with the trio perfectly with her sassiness and flippant attitude about weird shit happening. I loved her attitude with Dave specifically—-“What can Joy do?” “What can you do? Juggle?”
-Such a good balance between heavy and philosophical and ridiculous and funny. You can definitely sense that the characters have grown up a lot since the first book, even if a lot of it is reflected internally, and I’ll forever love how Dave is so loyal to John and Amy. He doesn’t have much in life but he has them, and they bring out the best in him.
-The end successfully tied everything together for me. Sure, there are always going to be parts where you’re like “I have no idea what just happened and I’m never going to know” and you just have to barrel right on ahead, but personally I think it’s all worth it in the end.
-The idea of John and Dave smoking weed with the boy who’s been trying to bring about the apocalypse and kill them was hilarious to me, but it actually really fleshed out Bas as a character. You know it’s a good “villain” when their monologue starts making a bit too much sense
I started rereading John Dies at the End for the millionth time recently, and comparing the stories back to back really highlights how far they’ve come maturity-wise, with Marconi going from a super powerful untouchable figure to a sort of long-suffering rich uncle, and them hardly even caring about soy sauce (“I am not in the mood for this.”) But at the same time, everything I’ve loved about the trio from the beginning is still there—the humor, the stupidity, their “professional” method of dealing with the paranormal by saying fuck it and poking it with a stick.
Look, as much as I sing the praises of this series, I am very aware that it’s not for everyone—it is VERY much a love it or despise it type deal. But if you’re here for a good time not a long time and you like your cosmic horror served up slapstick style, then I couldn’t recommend this series enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2022
I had so much fun reading this book. I highlighted a ton of awesome sentences, some silly , some profound, many both. I would love to share them here, but I don't think this book is out yet and I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone.
I will be reading this whole series again soon, but note that you don't have to have read the entire series to enjoy the book. It doesn't make any sense, but if you just go with it, and you have a weirdly dark sense of humor you'll have a blast.
NSFW. All of the trigger warnings. Read at your own risk. You have been warned.
I will be reading this whole series again soon, but note that you don't have to have read the entire series to enjoy the book. It doesn't make any sense, but if you just go with it, and you have a weirdly dark sense of humor you'll have a blast.
NSFW. All of the trigger warnings. Read at your own risk. You have been warned.
August 9, 2022
I've progressively liked the books in this series less and less. This one had some elements I liked. The blurring of reality that made me question if I just read what I think I did was fun. But I had more problems then plusses.
First, the characters of John & Dave are a little stale here. I feel like the anti-hero element is toned down which just makes them a bore. The book also repeats itself. Some of that is intentionally done based ok the plot, but after the fourth "he shows up and steals the thing" scene I just wanted this to be over.
First, the characters of John & Dave are a little stale here. I feel like the anti-hero element is toned down which just makes them a bore. The book also repeats itself. Some of that is intentionally done based ok the plot, but after the fourth "he shows up and steals the thing" scene I just wanted this to be over.
July 10, 2023
I was a bit hesitant to pick this one up. I’m a big fan of the novels, but was worried that after David Wong’s accidental death (I heard it was autoerotic asphyxiation) that Jason Pargin wouldn’t be up to the task of taking over the series.
The Jason guy actually did a good job and it’s a great cosmic horror/satire of modern American culture.
The Jason guy actually did a good job and it’s a great cosmic horror/satire of modern American culture.
December 2, 2022
Wow wow wow. After a lackluster 3rd book, this 4th installment completely makes up for it. This book did not let up for 1 page, it was intense from the first sentence, with a layered and complex storyline.
If this book exists, you’re in the wrong universe was also surprisingly emotional and added more depth to the characters. 10/10, just as good as JDATE and TBIFOSSDDTI.
If this book exists, you’re in the wrong universe was also surprisingly emotional and added more depth to the characters. 10/10, just as good as JDATE and TBIFOSSDDTI.
October 3, 2023
Started of rather confusing, just like any other book in the series, but enjoyed it all the way through to the end. If a fifth part ever finds its way into this world, I would pick it up in a heartbeat.
August 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
so different from what I usually read, but so fun! this was slashy, funny, and poignant all wrapped together! not the horror novel that I expected, but the horror novel that I found out I love!
so different from what I usually read, but so fun! this was slashy, funny, and poignant all wrapped together! not the horror novel that I expected, but the horror novel that I found out I love!
November 16, 2022
So good! Just as enjoyable as the first book in the series. The story is exciting and creative, with solid humor maintained throughout. I don't know how many books I've read where the author tried to be funny and the whole thing was just awkward or cringe, but this series is legit hilarious. The sense of humor reminds me of "Shaun of the Dead," to sort of give you an idea of the comedic timing, but Jason Pargin pulls it off on paper. It's quite impressive as this is not as easy to do as one might think. Four books in and these characters def have their flaws, but that's what makes them real, and they've come a long way. (He even made Amy likable again!) My favorite thing about these books is that beneath the insanity and the childishness there's heart, and a surprising amount of morality. (But just a warning: If you can't put up with boob and dick jokes, you might not like it here.) John is still by far my favorite character, because I'm convinced that Pargin somehow based him on my real-life friend who acts exactly like him. (Their names even rhyme.) Joy is a close second because she was awesome. In the afterword it was directly stated that another book will be written at some point and I'm really looking forward to it! This was a delight. You might even say that this book was da filthy.
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