John Dies at the End: Volume 1

Jason Pargin · David Wong

Sept 2009 · John Dies at the End Book 1 · Sold by Macmillan

About this eBook

John Dies at the End is a genre-bending, humorous account of two college drop-outs inadvertently charged with saving their small town--and the world--from a host of supernatural and paranormal invasions.

Now a Major Motion Picture.

"[Pargin] is like a mash-up of Douglas Adams and Stephen King... 'page-turner' is an understatement."
—Don Coscarelli, director, Phantasm I-V, Bubba Ho-tep

STOP.

You should not have touched this flyer with your bare hands. NO, don't put it down. It's too late. They're watching you.

My name is David. My best friend is John. Those names are fake. You might want to change yours.

You may not want to know about the things you'll read on these pages, about the sauce, about Korrok, about the invasion, and the future. But it's too late. You touched the book. You're in the game. You're under the eye.

The only defense is knowledge. You need to read this book, to the end. Even the part with the bratwurst. Why? You just have to trust me.

The important thing is this:

The sauce is a drug, and it gives users a window into another dimension.

John and I never had the chance to say no.

You still do.

I'm sorry to have involved you in this, I really am. But as you read about these terrible events and the very dark epoch the world is about to enter as a result, it is crucial you keep one thing in mind:

None of this was my fault.

Ratings and reviews

Spoiler warning for all those who didn't finish it. John doesn't die. That sucks, but oh well. Basically Wong has done exactly what he. intended, making lovecraft inspired horror boring. Wong goes on and on about stupid stuff that no one cares. Huge sections of this book could be removed and nothing would be lost. The book shines occasionally, with an awesome first act and solid third act. But the middle is kind of slow, despite some awesome scenes. And overall, not scary.

Thoroughly not for me. Everytime I became remotely interested in the plot it turned itself on its head and punished me with something stupid or vaguely offensive. A bit like reading Kafka if Gregor was actually a methed out Peter Parker. Almost every major character is hatable and the few that arent are more plot devices than characters. I would not recommend but I also wouldnt fault someone for having different taste than me. To note good parts the writer has a nice turn of phrase and is decent at imagery even if I would prefer less celebrity comparisons. thats all I got

that certainly was.....something. I can honestly say I have never read anything like this before,take that as a regular or backhanded compliment if you wish as I am still deciding if I mean it one way or the other. Worth the price and I may very well read the series through. Here is to hoping the next one doesn't meander around intrigue,boredom,understanding,and complete nonsense(or atleast if it does I can make up my mind on whether I like it or not.)

About the author

DAVID WONG is the pseudonym of Jason Pargin, New York Times bestselling author of the John Dies at the End series as well as the award-winning Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits. His essays at Cracked.com have been read by tens of millions of people around the world. ZOEY PUNCHES THE FUTURE IN THE DICK: A Novel.