Review by Sam O'beirn
When was the last time you honestly were scared? Was it caused by something here on the website? Was it caused by an event in your life? Or did someone take you to places that your mind just wasn’t ready to see? Maybe it was the last time you were asleep. Maybe it was due to that Jamaican guy at the concert, offering mind-expanding sights, at only an injection away. Maybe it’s the baby made of venison that lives in your basement, and just won’t stop whispering about the eye…
If that’s what’s bothering you, maybe you’d better give John and Dave a call.
John Dies at the End started out as an online serial, written by David Wong. Written from the point of view of Dave, the story is about a series of terrifying events that happened to him and his buddy John in their small town near the Kentucky border. After meeting a supposedly psychic drug dealer at a “rave” in the woods, Dave’s life is turned upside down in ways not even Lovecraft would have expected. The drug being sold was called ‘Soy Sauce”. It offered mind opening experiences, but at a horrible price. When the demons come to invade the world, and the police fail us, only John and Dave, two college drop-outs can save it. So basically, we’re fucked.
David Wong has written a devilishly clever book. Reading like one part Hunter S. Thompson, one part H.P. Lovecraft, the book very quickly draws you in and refuses to let go. At times nihilistic, at times touching, the story draws you in despite itself. If you actually knew Dave, or John, you wouldn’t like them. Though they seem mean spirited and petty, David Wong has written surprisingly complex characters. You actually start to care about what’s going on, and Start rooting for them like the underdogs they are.
A book was released two years ago by Permutated Press, and production has been started on a film, directed by Don Coscarelli. The book began selling like hotcakes, and even amazon has troubles keeping it in stock. It’s an amazing read, however, and if you can find a copy, well worth picking up. (Permutated Press) 9/10