A rather random book that I never quite got properly into. I've picked it up and put it down several times but it's still never floated my boat.

Shelby Albert Goddard has saved the world using thingamajigs, thingamabobs and doohickeys. This comedic farce is meant to be a satirical examination on reality and truth, which seems especially apropos in this era of proliferating misinformation in the news and on social media. For this reader the first half of the book seemed to meander, and just when it started to hit its mark, it fizzled out. Although an amusing read, it never seemed to be as funny or biting as it was intended to be. However, if you like colorful, quirky characters, magical realism, and snappy dialogue, and don’t mind a meandering reading journey, then perhaps you may want to while away a few hours with this book.

In Armageddon Two-step, Shelby saved the world and was given a bunch of money to keep quietly vague about it. Though, of course, he was the most famous man in the world...which was a big step-up from his last gig flipping burgers at Mickey-Ds. But in modern society, fame is fleeting and Shelby is feeling lonely. What does the world’s savior do for an encore?

I was hoping for more magical realism and less philosophy in Armageddon Two-step. In a world where entire families are rich and famous for being rich and famous, I don’t think the plot was absurd enough. However, literary fiction readers may like it. 3 stars.

Thanks to Redbat Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a great read! The author really captured the connections between celebrity and corporations and the impact they have on our society.

Shelby Albert Goddard recently saved the world. He has been rewarded handsomely with money, tax-free status for life, and 10-cent tacos from Taco Bell whenever he wants. In return, the US government has asked him to be vague about how, exactly, he saved the world. That's not a problem, because Shelby barely remembers himself. It's something to do with thingamabobs, thingamajigs, and doohickeys; he knows that much.

Saving the world is a hard act to follow, and with the money Shelby's acquired, he isn't in a hurry to do something new. He decides to explore the country. He just has to check in with Roger Valkyrie, the eccentric and somewhat bumbling federal agent who's been assigned to keep track of him. But offers keep coming to Shelby, whether he wants them or not. And a man can only eat so many tacos.

The Armageddon Two-Step is a cynical, darkly humorous little novel about truth, hero worship, celebrity, and separating the worthwhile things from an ever-flowing stream of bull, um, waste. It won't be for everyone, but if you enjoyed Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams' works, Michael Loyd Gray has written a nice gift for you.

This is quite good. The author is obviously talented. He writes a clever plot with smarts and humor, and very good use of language. This includes a nice cast of well-written characters and entertaining situations. Recommended.

I really appreciate the NetGalley and Redbat Books advanced copy for review!!