J.I. Greco

This short novel follows the exploits of Trip and Rudy as they roam a post-apocalyptic America in their armored, nuclear-powered, antique Dodge.

The main characters aren’t likeable. They’re thieves and conmen. They’re sexist, sex-obsessed, buffoons who are perpetually high, or drunk, or both. Their only redeeming quality is that they are not worse. They don’t kick puppies, well, not that we know, although one did kick a cat.

They are funny, though, but in a vulgar, base kind of way. They are clowns to be laughed at rather than identified with, and the humor relies on sex, drugs, guns, zombies, and lots of beer. The banter between the characters as they interact with these things can be quite entertaining in a juvenile sort of way.

The setting is imaginative, and there are clever, satirical bits, like the self-expanding mega store used as a weapon that creates zombie associates and shoppers, and the Sisters of No Mercy, nuns who seem to regard sex as a sacrament.

I’m a bit torn about this book. It’s quite good for what it is—crude, juvenile humor. It’s just that this particular type of comedy has limited appeal to me, personally. I tired of it quickly, but I can recommend it for those who like this kind of thing.
… (altro)

b>My full Take the AllMart audiobook review can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

I don’t exactly know what I was seeking when I grabbed this title for review: unique and funny is always a start, many reviewers say it is diabolically clever. And perhaps in the written form, it truly is. The story was unique and clever, although laden with specific weaponry and other technical references that were not familiar, but presented in such a way as to feel important to the story and fit the action. Unlike other zombie stories I have read, the author is most certainly a fan of various pop-culture hits, as moments in this story approach other more well-known films and stories, from Red Dwarf to Sean of the Dead, with touches of Hitchhiker’s Guide and a bit of Dumb and Dumber humor, the story proceeds quickly, taking full responsibility for the tongue-in-cheek moments and juvenile humor.

Trip and Rudy are sexist, not so intelligent, and wholly out for the adventure: as long as there is a reward. While never quite cute and fuzzy likable, they also do not make apologies for who they are, or how they see the world. And their interplay and the adventures are really just a fun romp – not meant to be more, and it is perfectly enjoyable: I was curious about just what mishap would or could occur, and the inclusion of the sidekick characters often added much to the story’s enjoyment, if not always filling a solid purpose for the plot. However, I would read, rather than listen, to this and any further installments in the series.

For me, the narration provided by Michael A. Smith was uneven and often uninspired. A decent voice with nice timbre, although a few hesitations that were not edited out, and a rather flat affect in the majority of the narration. It sounded exactly as what it is: someone ‘reading’ a book. The lack of emotional affect varied: some character voices and active moments were better than others. And, when citing an obviously bad and fake accent, it would be beneficial to actually ‘attempt’ the accent, not just change tone.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.

Please find this complete review and many others at audiobookreviewer dot com

[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]… (altro)

What a hoot! I hope to read more from this author! His website is a hilarious read too. He is caustic in a good way, kind of like Trip!

All-Mart throws a bunch of different genres into our face within the characters themselves. Including, but not limited to a Sean of the Dead style zombie run, for karma's sake of course, some Gibson style jacking in that is the cause of this, patent leather clad nuns, THC implants and let's not forget the defamation of William Shatner and Vishnu on a continuous basis.

This is a fast paced read, full of the an interesting take on an alternate future perhaps? Or perhaps one man's very creative way of throwing a WHAT if I did this with Trip and Rudy? PLUS their fashion sense is to DIE for!… (altro)

Whether it is all about needing brains or eating brains, this novella has it all! J.I. Greco has again rolled out a great tale that will have you laughing uncontrollably! Should come with a warning, DO not read this in the break room, unless you want to be sent home for a mental break day! Broont & Van Helsing are not just a couple of zombie makers, they are the Machiavellian versions of Stan and Ollie! So grab a beer, a double latte or whatever will add a bit of zing to your day and get reading! It may change where you send your kids to camp, but then again, it may not!… (altro)