The Gone-Away World

The Gone-Away World

Nick Harkaway

2009 • 576 pages

Ratings6

Average rating3.5

A hilarious, action-packed look at the apocalypse that combines a touching tale of friendship, a thrilling war story, and an all out kung-fu infused mission to save the world.

Gonzo Lubitch and his best friend have been inseparable since birth. They grew up together, they studied kung-fu together, they rebelled in college together, and they fought in the Go Away War together. Now, with the world in shambles and dark, nightmarish clouds billowing over the wastelands, they have been tapped for an incredibly perilous mission. But they quickly realize that this assignment is more complex than it seems, and before it is over they will have encountered everything from mimes, ninjas, and pirates to one ultra-sinister mastermind, whose only goal is world domination.

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Bronwyn Knox

The Gone Way World was such a delight. It had everything I could ask for: action and character building, friendship and romance, mentors and villains. There were both surprises and things I saw coming, but which still happened in a compelling way. There was lots of humor but also emotionally moving bits.

There was something about it that was larger than life and not always fully believable but the story was so good and I was so invested that it didn't take away my enjoyment.

The promotion quote on the cover quote mentions Pratchett and Pynchon, Vonnegut and Heller.
I can see the Pratchett and Vonnegut comparison, but I admit I'm not knowledgeable enough on Pynchon and Heller. I'd throw a little Philip K. Dick in there myself. It's also got dystopian vibes similar to [b:Oryx and Crake|46756|Oryx and Crake (MaddAddam, #1)|Margaret Atwood|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1494109986l/46756.SY75.jpg|3143431] and Weird fiction elements like [b:Annihilation|17934530|Annihilation|Jeff VanderMeer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403941587l/17934530.SX50.jpg|24946895].