Order of the Golden Sprout The New Robert Rankin Fan Club

Not like his others 2010-08-10

Reviewer: HK Phooey

I have to admit that I've only read a couple of chapters of this book, but I'm done with it. I've liked Rankins other books that I've read but I don't like the voice of this one, it's just too forced and annoying.

It's almost like he's narrating a Reeves and Mortimer absurdist sketch, the words are farcical and the pacing is slow. The story might be worth reading, but the narrative's not.

The Heinous Homunculus 2010-03-21

Reviewer: Paul Tapner

Another novel from Robert Rankin, writer of what they call 'far fetched fiction.' If you've never encountered his work before then that basically means rather tall tales with modern settings that can throw in all sorts of wild elements.

And if you're new to his work then you're probably better off starting with The Antipope (Brentford Trilogy) although this one, despite containing - as is common in his novels - recurring themes and characters and references - might be something you could get into anyhow.

This is the tale of Tyler. And how he almost saved mankind. In a long novel running 392 pages and 75 chapters we follow him through a variety of situations from would be rock star to private eye, all the time there being plot strands which hint he has a greater destiny.

And things get wilder as they go on. As ever comic footnotes, some very interesting trivia, and the occasional bit of damage to the fourth wall can also be found.

This is a long book but it never quite feels stretched out. But it's never quite as laugh out loud funny as it could be. Although there are the occasional moments which do spark that reaction, not least a fair amount of the finale.

Not the writer's best work but a solid enough piece of writing from him all in all, just not nearly his funniest. But it's pretty entertaining anyhow so I rate a little above average.

Mad Humour 2009-12-24

Reviewer: Tracey Shellito

Robert Rankin continues to supply crazy fiction for the Python generation.

Only buy if you already like his work as this book references earlier tomes - otherwise you'd be better advised to select an earlier book to break yourself in gently.

If you're a fan this will be an immediately welcome and familar ride through Rankin's skewed perceptions and musings on life, the 1960's and music. Laught out loud funny. But not as good as the Da, da, de, de, da Code.

Is this the End? 2009-10-14

Reviewer: Sam

Robert Rankin has for a long time been one of my favourite authors with his eccentric style tickling my funny bone. Over the years he has had moments of genius, but also moments that have fallen flat. Unfortunately, it seems that Rankin is currently in a rut as book after book is below par or average at best. It is with a heavy heart that I add `Necrophenia' to this list. Once again Rankin follows the seemingly same storyline as in countless books. No longer is this charming, but samey and a little patronising. Although the book clocks in at over 400 pages it needn't do as there is little in terms of actual story and it reads like more unchecked flow from Rankin's brain to the page.

There are moments of greatness in the book; a trip to Woodstock and the discovery of a golden city stand out. However, there is no central hook that grabs you like with the best of his work such as `Apocalypso', or `Snuff Fiction'. The reuse of old jokes and similar storylines is no longer acceptable to me and I am a fan of the author. The `Toy Town' books prove that he still has it when he tries. I urge him to write more varied styles of book away from Brentford and hopefully receive a new lease of life.

i c dead people 2009-07-30

Reviewer: Alex DeLarge

This is the first Rankin book I've read, and I've got a funny feeling it won't be the last. The story is a bit too hatstand to précis here, suffice to say that it takes in quite a lot, from the birth of The Rolling Stones' career, to Aleister Crowley being employed by the government during WWII.

"Necrophenia" comes off a bit like Pratchett, or the wilder moments of Iain Banks, but is at the same time totally original. Some writers go to great lengths to create microworlds and parallel universes, while Rankin just seems to do so effortlessly - the effect is truly magical. Humourwise "Necrophenia" is the funniest thing I've read in years: the gags are often dark, often self-depracating, and sometimes ridiculous. The novel uses a lot of in-jokery, some of which I assume works across his entire oeuvre.

"Necrophenia" - a pop-cultural lucky bag, and, despite negative reviews above, a very good read.