Name: Alex's review of What the Hell Did I Just Read by David Wong
Item: What the Hell Did I Just Read
Rating: 4
Author: Alex

David Wong

It's the story "They" don't want you to read. Though, to be fair, "They" are probably right about this one. To quote the Bible, "Learning the truth can be like loosening a necktie, only to realize it was the only thing keeping your head attached." No, don't put the book back on the shelf -- it is now your duty to purchase it to prevent others from reading it. Yes, it works with e-books, too, I don't have time to explain how. While investigating a fairly straightforward case of a shape-shifting interdimensional child predator, Dave, John and Amy realized there might actually be something weird going on. Together, they navigate a diabolically convoluted maze of illusions, lies, and their own incompetence in an attempt to uncover a terrible truth they -- like you -- would be better off not knowing. Your first impulse will be to think that a story this gruesome -- and, to be frank, stupid -- cannot possibly be true. That is precisely the reaction "They" are hoping for. John Dies at the End's "smart take on fear manages to tap into readers' existential dread on one page, then have them laughing the next" (Publishers Weekly) and This Book is Full of Spiders was "unlike any other book of the genre" (Washington Post). Now, New York Times bestselling author David Wong is back with What the Hell Did I Just Read, the third installment of this black-humored thriller series.

A Novel of Cosmic Horror

What the Hell Did I Just Read

Nikhil Pradhan

Dave, John and Amy recount what seems like a fairly straightforward tale of a shape-shifting creature from another dimension that is stealing children and brainwashing their parents, but it eventually becomes clear that someone is lying, and that someone is the narrators. The novel you're reading is a cover-up, and the "true" story reveals itself in the cracks of their hilariously convoluted, and sometimes contradictory, narrative.

Alex

very much a wtf did I read. The book is all over the place but in a good way, it keeps you on your toes.
Characters are very funny and relatable

Ewan

"I've seen things you wouldn't believe" Sure did, sure did.

Possibly the best of the series, a series that improves with every iteration. Yeah there are moments that have always annoyed me . The whole "this is my craaaaazy mate John" has always felt a little off. But balls to it, in this cosmic page turner it all sort of clicked, or did it, I'm not 100% sure anymore.

What did I just read?

Yeah i just really enjoyed this book for fun. Didnt notice it was the finale of a trilogy till id finished it. Love how deeper themes of morality and existence creep through the silicone butts and fuckroaches. 

Matilda grace

From the writer of the cult sensation John Dies at the End comes another terrifying and hilarious tale of almost Armageddon at the hands of two hopeless heroes. It’s the story “They” don’t want you to read. Though, to be fair, “They” are probably right about this one. No, don’t put the book back on the shelf – it is now your duty to purchase it to prevent others from reading it. Yes, it works with ebooks, too; I don’t have time to explain how. While investigating a fairly straightforward case of a shape-shifting interdimensional child predator, Dave, John, and Amy realized there might actually be something weird going on. Together, they navigate a diabolically convoluted maze of illusions, lies, and their own incompetence in an attempt to uncover a terrible truth that they - like you - would be better off not knowing. Your first impulse will be to think that a story this gruesome – and, to be frank, stupid – cannot possibly be true. That is precisely the reaction “They” are hoping for.

Third in the John Dies at the End series, this one is exceptional.  The first, John Dies at the End, was a bit inconsistent, perhaps reflecting the process of David’s/Jason’s becoming a novelist.  The second, This Book is Full of Spiders (Seriously Dude, Don’t Touch It), showed tremendous growth without skimping on the fart jokes and other comedic tools that might take one back to middle school for a while.  The topic was prescient when published, and anyone who read it in the early days of the pandemic may have found it particularly horrifying.  I find that it hits a level of claustrophobic intensity that I am ambivalent about, preferring a greater proportion of ridiculous humor.  What the Hell Did I Just Read? Is perhaps the most effective blend of his work at 

 and that of his emergent identity as a novelist.  Those familiar with Cracked will find topics in his novels that originated with his editorial efforts for the website; this is the novel that truly incorporates some of his Cracked favorites in a naturally fluid manner, relying far less on injected insights via Marconi and others.  The result is a truly amazing plot, punctuated by humor (David’s “interview” with the NON agent is, to me, packed with solid gold one-liners deserving of a medal, probably of solid gold), socio-economic commentary, philosophical issues, and horror (the chapter in which a larva is allowed to hatch in… well, elsewhere… is masterful speculative terror that always gives me chills).   This third entry seems under-appreciated (I wouldn’t really know, though) for such a unique narrative, with a plot and corresponding series of events unlike any other written work, but it’s certainly my favorite in the series so far, and one of my favorites in general.  Can’t wait for the fourth book, coming in October!

Theodore Kaplan

Third in the John Dies at the End series, this one is exceptional.  The first, John Dies at the End, was a bit inconsistent, perhaps reflecting the process of David’s/Jason’s becoming a novelist.  The second, This Book is Full of Spiders (Seriously Dude, Don’t Touch It), showed tremendous growth without skimping on the fart jokes and other comedic tools that might take one back to middle school for a while.  The topic was prescient when published, and anyone who read it in the early days of the pandemic may have found it particularly horrifying.  I find that it hits a level of claustrophobic intensity that I am ambivalent about, preferring a greater proportion of ridiculous humor.  What the Hell Did I Just Read? Is perhaps the most effective blend of his work at Cracked.com and that of his emergent identity as a novelist.  Those familiar with Cracked will find topics in his novels that originated with his editorial efforts for the website; this is the novel that truly incorporates some of his Cracked favorites in a naturally fluid manner, relying far less on injected insights via Marconi and others.  The result is a truly amazing plot, punctuated by humor (David’s “interview” with the NON agent is, to me, packed with solid gold one-liners deserving of a medal, probably of solid gold), socio-economic commentary, philosophical issues, and horror (the chapter in which a larva is allowed to hatch in… well, elsewhere… is masterful speculative terror that always gives me chills).   This third entry seems under-appreciated (I wouldn’t really know, though) for such a unique narrative, with a plot and corresponding series of events unlike any other written work, but it’s certainly my favorite in the series so far, and one of my favorites in general.  Can’t wait for the fourth book, coming in October!

Kerri McDonald

Disclaimer: I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I'm going to admit upfront that I was unaware that this book was the third in a series when I requested it from Netgalley. I have heard of John Dies at the End and have been debating on whether or not to add it to my ever-growing TBR pile for a long time.

After reading this book, John Dies at the End is not only getting added to the pile, but getting bumped near the top, as well.

This story follows David, John, and Amy on (apparently) yet another adventure in the thoroughly creepy town of Undisclosed. It starts with the disappearance of a small child and just gets weirder from there. I went into this book knowing nothing about the John Dies at the End universe and, at first, that gave me a little hesitation. I was afraid I would be completely confused by obscure references and inside jokes from the other two books in the series that I haven't yet read. I'm sure there were a lot of things that I did, in fact, miss, but that certainly didn't take away my ability to thoroughly enjoy this book. It grabbed me in the first few pages and did not let go. It was frightening, it was thrilling, and it was freakin' hilarious! I loved the characters, I loved the story, and I just loved the overall feel of the book. 

I think my least favorite part of the book was the end. Though believable (I mean... in a supernatural context, of course) and probably the best outcome that could be hoped for, it left me feeling unsatisfied. I like resolution!! Still, it totally fit with the rest of the book. The author mentioned in the Afterword that there's always the possibility of another story featuring Dave, Amy, and John. I certainly hope so!

In the meantime, I should probably get to reading the first two books!

Jack Baty

As funny and fun as "John Dies at the End". Books like this are made for me. Someone described them as "Nonchalant Absurdism" and that just about nails it. I smiled and/or laughed the entire time.

Nikhil Pradhan &
What the Hell Did I Just Read by David Wong

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