Cthulhu Armageddon

By: C. T. Phipps

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's Summary

Cthulhu Armageddon is the story of a world 100 years past the rise of the Old Ones which has been reduced to a giant monster-filled desert and pockets of human survivors (along with Deep Ones, ghouls, and other "talking" monsters).

John Henry Booth is a ranger of one of the largest remaining city-states when he's exiled for his group's massacre and the suspicion that he's "tainted". Escaping with a doctor who killed her husband, John travels across the Earth's blasted alien ruins to seek the life of the man who killed his friends.

It's the one thing he has left.

©2016 Charles Phipps (P)2016 David N. Wilson

Awesome.

This is a massive departure from this author's other works but it was just as good. It's a blend of different genres, which can be hit or miss, but it works here. It's kind of like Mad max with a western feel, mixed with a little Stephen King and Lovecraft thrown in. Sounds odd, but I really enjoyed it.

This tells the story of John Henry Booth, a soldier who protects the remnants of humanity from the hellish creatures that have taken over the world. During a mission, things take a turn for the worst and his team are killed, he is the only survivour but is blamed for their deaths. Declared dead himself, he sets out with some questionable characters to get revenge and find out the truth of what happened. It's actually a really really hard book to summarise in my own words because there is so much to this book that can't be explained, it needs to be experienced to enjoy it fully. It is an immensely complex world but one that will grab you and suck you in.

The characters were all well written and developed. The MC was badass but he was also kind, thoughtful and reliable. He really shines with his attitude to different people, like the little girl and the Ghoul. Plus his dedication to his team members was admirable. I also have to give the author props for his imaginative and crazy imagination!!! The creatures and monsters in this were equal parts crazy as they were scary. You seriously have to read it to see what I'm on about.

I have read a lot of this author's books and really loved them, but this one shows much more of his abilities than the other ones. The writing and world building was amazing and really complex. It's the type of book that you will need to concentrate on but also one that takes no effort to enjoy. You will find yourself immersed in a magical, desperate, desolate world yet it will captivate you and bring you on an unforgettable journey. It definitely defies categorisation, genre wise, so should appeal to a wide variety of people.

In all, this was a fast paced, action packed and addicting read. I finished it last week yet still find myself remembering details of the world daily. It may not have been as funny and witty as his other works, but this was an amazing read and I devoured it.

Jeffrey Kafer absolutely nailed this book. He brought the characters and the world to life. He definitely knows how to tell a story the right way and is a narrator that never fails to deliver!

I received this for free via Audiobook Boom. This in no way affected or influenced my thoughts.

Ia! Ia! Phipps fhtagn!

Would you consider the audio edition of Cthulhu Armageddon to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What other book might you compare Cthulhu Armageddon to and why?

Despite drawing from a number of influences, both obvious and subtle, CTHULHU ARMAGEDDON is wholly unique.

Have you listened to any of Jeffrey Kafer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The battle with the Byakhee matriarch was particularly thrilling.

Any additional comments?

Buy this book or die in a raging tire fire. Those are your only two options.

Like a lost Lovecraft book

Any additional comments?

Have you ever read anything by H.P. Lovecraft? how about listened to one of the radio plays by The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society? No? Well why the hell not? Go and read them!! It’s ok I’ll wait…

Ok that’s better. Now remember how the “Things” came and everyone dies? Well not everyone did die. A few small pockets of humanity survived for around one hundred years, and one of these Pockets is called United States Remnants.

The story is told in first person through the eyes of John Henry Booth a Remnant Recon squadron leader. He is kind of unlikable the first peep we get in his head. Then his rage at seeing a child harmed made him instantly relate-able to me. He goes out of his way to help kids and slaves. For the latter its more so he can kill the slavers, but that is still a good thing right?.
If you took some Lovecraft tossed in a bit of Fallout 3 and a pinch of Clint Eastwood you would get those three things mixed together (lol I need Sleep) Actually It felt like I was reading a lost Lovecraft book. Which I suppose could be high praise or condemnation depending. But I say it in praise. The disturbing parts where DISTURBInG.
But what I really loved about this book was the unexpected humor. Many times I laughed so much I had to rewind because I missed something. I call it unexpected humor because the funniest moments in the book are when they talk about a dead Private, when people are trying to shoot John, and when he tells Jessica how f___ed up the situation is.
Cthulhu Armageddon is average lenght Audio book Around 8 hours. Jeffrey Kafer did an excellent job Narrating and C.T. Phips did a great job writing. I really did enjoy it more then I thought I would I give Cthulhu Armageddon by C.T. Phipps 4.5 out of 5 stars.

A fun adaptation of the Cthulhu mythos

If you're looking for something that captures the deep existential horror of H.P. Lovecraft's sories and poems you won't find it here. The author has however honored old H.P. in a different way. The terrors that lurk in the shadows of dreams have been yanked out into the light and instead of hiding behind the scenes and preying on the few they now prey upon humanity as a whole.

The book is one part adventure, one part military sci-fi but really succeeds where it very artfully and respectfully injects Lovecraftian lore into he world giving it a thrilling and ominous feel.

It is a slightly campy revenge romp chalk with combat, gunplay and adventure. I enjoyed it through and through.

as an aside: If this concept wasn't spawned from the campaign setting of the author's tabletop sessions then I think we would all be remis if we didn't use it in our own. It would make a wonderful campaign world.

Acceptably "Weird West"

I will preface all by saying I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to sci-fi/horror(ish) fans with a clean conscience. I really cannot have any sort of grievance with this book from a sheer story aspect save for the fact that I feel as though it took the Cthulhu Mythos in a very odd direction (but then again, Cosmic Horror is meant to keep us forever ignorant and scared of the future, right?).

The Characters were likeable but likewise seemingly expendable, the latter aspect of which if I think about it is the most Lovecraftian thing Mr Phipps could have done (because let's face it, a lot of Lovecraft's original characters when viewed not only through the lens of the present but even his specific past were utterly detestable); while it initially felt somewhat distracting, I feel retrospectively that it worked well for the story. Heck, it may well have been intended.

I cannot decide if this is what I would call Lovecraftian Horror simply because of the whole smoky-voiced Western stylization despite the authors agreeable knowledge of the immediate and expanded Lovecraftian Universe. The story itself calls to memory the more adventurous moments in Lovecraft's bibliography ("Dream-Quest" or "...Sarnath" or what have you).

It suffices to say that this particular story seems to attempt to "have it's cake and eat it too" when it comes to the paradox of consciousness in the cosmos; Mr Phipps does what Lovecraft was never able to do and successfully (and entertainingly) argue for humanity's significant insignificance.

Just not my daddies lovecraft.

When I went into this book i was hoping for someth kinda like monster Hunter international and I got it. This whole book is a bullet storm of greatness you should read it. "This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

grim western set in a magical realm

In a genre of Cthulhu monsters and elder gods, this was expectedly strange and unique. The weird western setting was a cool start, with the hook of a soldier trying to find out how his team was killed on a mission. The many twists and clues about who was responsible and how our hero would respond led to a fast paced journey through the strange and magical blend of realities. The middle of the book lost me at times, and had portions where I lost interest in the plot, but I rode out the last three hours and thought it had a great ending. Part of my problem was the compounding grimness of the feel and succeeding stages in the plot. The ending offered a piece of hope that helped enhance my empathy for the characters going forward, and as a kind of relief from the mostly depressing tone of the rest of the book. The narrator, Jeffrey Kafer does a great job as always, and certainly fits the bleak feel. This one landed a little outside my preference for dystopia/post-apocalyptic in this sense, but the creativity in world building and plot twists could make this a great read for someone with a bit different preferences on tone.
3.5/5 stars

Interesting Modern Spin on the HPL Apocalypse

Any additional comments?

There are zombies in the Lovecraft Apocalypse along with all the other creepy crawlies out of time and space. All the old friends from Shoggoths to the Colour out of Space wander through the story.
The main character isn't all that likable, but he's trying to survive in a world that has some pretty fluid laws and realities. Ultimately he tries to do the right thing to the right things, but isn't always successful.
All in all a pretty nice addition to the growing HPL world and worth a listen. The story is performed well by Jeffrey Kafer.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

I saw it more as a military type post-apocalypse

The world (earth) is different now that the Old Ones have resurfaced and reduced cities, nations and humans to near extinction.  Life is different and 100 years later, things are only worse as the monstrous Old Ones have risen and turned loose giant monsters that roam freely the now expansive desert like world and where magic is the only way to survive.

John Henry Booth is in the military – a ranger charged with the destruction of the monsters and aliens along with saving humans.  Then he encounters an old friend/mentor – Ward who has become a deadly and magical foe seeking to collect children for his latest experiments.

His team comes under deadly fire; lives are lost and suddenly Booth is persona non-gratis.  Along with another criminal ex-government sanctioned torturer, Booth sets about discovering answers and making Ward pay for his crimes.

Booth discovers more than he bargained for and loses much more!

Action packed post-apocalyptic horror book that keeps one on the edge of their chair!  The twists and surprise ending will keep your head spinning!

The dialog is realistic and well done; the character development is solid as well.  C.T. Phipps does an excellent job of creating imagery to describe what is going on keeping it realistic – such as the relationships and issues are real life but fit easily into the plot.  Phipps does a good job of crafting his story beginning to end.

My only issue lies with how the story is described as a post-apocalypse western; I saw it more as a military type post-apocalypse story.

This is my first time listening to one of Phipps books and I know it will NOT be my last!

Jeffrey Kafer, narrator does an excellent job of telling the story and putting life into the characters via his skillful reading.  He was John Henry Booth – or at least what I think he would sound like.  His voice was gravelly and deep, just as it should be for the type of book and characters involved.

There were no issues with production; everything was clear and well done.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]

This book scratched my Lovecraft adventure itch.

A straight forward Lovecraft adventure in a post apocalypse future. Well written and voice acted. Looking for more titles like this one and will definitely see what else this author has written.

Top rate, original Apocalyptic thrill ride.

Great twist on the familiar 'End of the World' scenario to incorporate the Cthulhu Mythos. There are many of the familiar elements of post-apocalyptic fiction and clever nods towards some of the classics of the genre (A Boy and His Dog, the original Wasteland computer game etc.) The setting alone was satisfying in the way the author subverted those familiar tropes or played off them in a new way. Ultimately, the strength of the story comes down to the characters. All of them are multi-faceted, convincing without being too predictable. Tight plot that allows plenty of exploration of the characters and the aftermath of the rising of The Great Old Ones. In the end, the greatest evil on display is that of the human survivors of one group or another and the deals that they're willing to strike with dark forces for their survival and/or personal power.

It took me about half a chapter to acclimatise to the narrator but that's a common issue for me when listening to American narrators. After that, his performance faded into the background so I was hearing the characters and seeing the story. As far as I'm concerned, that's great narration.

Thoroughly recommended!

Decent story well told

I wasn't captivated by the story nor was I bored or disinterested. Kafer does a great job. I like his narration even though he has limited voice range.

“Save who I can, avenge the rest”

Everything Charles pens is great!
Everything Jeffrey narrates is great!
Charles AND Jeffrey together, well, it’s great!!
Really enjoyable story full of action and Charles’ usual dusting of wit and sarcasm and really well narrated by Jeffrey as usual!
Such a well-suited pairing!
This is my honest opinion of a free review.

Different but good

A post apocalyptic, Lovecraftian western.
Loved it

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

A slightly flawed masterpiece

Got totally sucked into the story and characters. The writing trips up now and again but its hardly an issue. An excellent blend of dystopian Mad Mad and HPL mythos.