Don’t ask me what this book is about... but it is funny. We got a time traveling Elvis, a completely evil but all powerful Dalai Lama, multiple layers of interplanetary reality TV, a send-up of media-controlled dumb masses, plant-based tehnology... it is all a mad dash, confusing, but readable, and fun.

Rankin is often compared to Pratchett, and there are similarities in the humor, the crazy plots tgat bend in on itself, and casual playing with scientific concepts. But while Pratchett’s characters are drawn with compassion and great understanding and love for hunan failings, Rankin’s characters are often mean, shallow or incompetent, although always very self-referencing, which makes it not mean spirited overall.

It is a fun light romp, great for vacation. ( )

This is the first novel in the Armageddon Series by “far-fetched fiction” writer Robert Rankin.

Rankin is the author of one of my favorite books, The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse. I find his writing style to be similar to Terry Pratchett, another author I really enjoy. I thought I’d have a good chance of enjoying this novel when I chose it at random but it didn’t live up to my expectations.

The overall plot seemed to ramble. Having several worlds, dimensions and time-planes involved likely added to the confusion. The characters included human-like, plant-based TV executives, a post-apocalyptic Earth that survives by watching TV, religious leader Dalai Lama Dan that controls his TV viewing population through narcotic Buddhabeer, and Elvis Presley with a time traveling brussel sprout embedded in his brain.

The book does provide for some interesting social commentary about our relationship with religion and the media. It’s also full of British humor with puns and wordplay. At least it was a quick read. Like the book says, “Every mushroom cloud has a silver lining.” ( )

I picked up my first Robert Rankin book for 8 years and I confess that I had forgotten how funny his works are. I found the plot of this book somewhat confusing, but the Pratchett-meets-smut text got me through. ( )

Inventive ideas, biting satire, earthy British humour - all very good things - but I still found it no more than mildly funny. Too much "nudge nudge wink wink" and not enough real humanity to tickle my funnybone, I think. ( )

'And what about me?' Gloria asked.
'Buggered if I know dear.' Ms Vrillium admired herself in the mirror. 'I expect we'll find out in the sequel. All this is really far too good to be true.'
And it was.

I think I read one of the sequels a long time ago, as Rex Mundi, his sister Gloria and the Time Sprout seemed familiar but the plot line didn't.

Earth's history has been moulded by a television company on another planet at the behest of a mystery backer. But now ratings for 'The Earthers' are falling, and the television executives are wondering whether it's time to go for broke with a spectacular ending to the series. ( )