Clickers III: Dagon Rising

I love that the Clickers series is continuing. It's a fun, nostalgic trip while also being a modern story so it doesn't feel old. I also love that Keene is making the story part of his mythos, guaranteeing that we will see some of the same characters again.

When last we left the clickers, the United States had overthrown the President in order to have the armed forces come together and push back the Dark Ones' attack. Subsequently we find out that raids were made and many clickers and Dark Ones were killed afterwards. And while we also find out that a military-centric government doesn't seem to work as well with no clickers attacking, it is almost immaterial to the heart of this book. The action focuses on Tony Genova and the attempt by show more the Dark Ones to release Dagon from his watery world. The clicker attacks are limited to a single island which has a gateway to their god's world. Once released, Dagon will flood the Earth and destroy mankind. Trying to stop that is the ultimate in conspiracy theory and Men in Black agencies, the Black Lodge. They need to recruit Tony Genova to come to the island and stop disaster. Fortunately, Tony's love connection Dr. Jennifer Wasco is on the island and in need of being rescued.

The theme of this book has changed from the previous two Clicker novels in that it is more than simply survive and stop a violent attack from the clickers and Dark Ones. But in reality, the style had to change. Repeating the same violence again and again, even while escalating it, runs the risk of being formulaic and boring. Now the story has ultra-secret government agencies, psychic powers, old gods and ancient prophecies thrown into the mix. While taking things to the next level, I thought it fit. But I could also understand if someone wanted a bit more reality to their story. Which is kind of funny when talking about giant lobster-scorpions with poisonous stingers but I digress. I thought the story worked and found it extremely enjoyable. New fans should go back to CLICKERS and start there but current fans should enjoy it immediately. show less

Really enjoyed this, maybe best of the series I cannot decide. I am a sucker for references and characters from other books in books. Stephen King is the master of this…actually he probably does it to much. This book has some nice homage’s and characters from the Brian Keene world & and great nod to the amazing Jeff Strand and a book of his.
As for the story itself, fast paced action packed. Love Tony Genova hope he is in Clickers vs. Zombies! Just like those references I am also a sucker for Cthulhu mythos which makes its way into book 3 of the series. 4.5 Stars (yeah I round up instead of down…..like Tony Genova would say just shoot me!)

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. If you enjoy giant monsters tearing up the scenery, violent, gory, over the top stories in which no character is safe, and have a special place in your heart for the stories of H.P. Lovecraft, then this series is for you. I suspect that Brian Keene (he co-wrote the second and third installment) and J.F. Gonzales had as much fun writing this series as I did in reading it.