3.5 stars.

This book was crazy. And yet.. oddly compelling, so much that I read it in one day. Its labeled a fantasy, but TLAMC won't conform to such labels. Its superhuman, twisted, end-of-the-world. Its animalistic, graphic, psychotic, and spiritual. You know when something is so disturbing, yet you can't tear your eyes away? Well if that appeals to you, read this book.

I give it 3.5 stars because the writing gets amateurish after 150 pages. Spoilers to follow.

Carolyn can just call the president and make demands? Too easy. The violent and just weird sex scenes didn't add much, I didn't think. David is so fast he can spear Carolyn without her seeing? Whoa. All the knowledge of the universe is contained in a pyramidal structure in 17 dimensions? Oh boy.

Yet I enjoyed the set-up, Carolyn's memories, Ervin's background, and the portraits of people who the Father perverted (those maggots, anyone? Or David's tutu and blood helmet???) The book raises some existential questions about the universe and God - not blatantly, but in the last chapters, after a final fight scene. And this is just silly, but I enjoyed Hawkins obvious love for animals, especially dogs.

Recommended if you're up for a weird, wild journey, some gory fight scenes (one with lions), some psychotic but sympathetic characters (poor Michael), and one possible explanation for the universe going crazy.

Quotes:
"Can you think of any reason I shouldn't grab one of those kitchen knives and stab you in the f****** neck?"

Carolyn pursed her lips, considering. "You might get blood on the cinnamon rolls." (Carolyn and Steve, page 130)

Something in the tableau - he never quite settled on exactly what - put him in mind of Dresden, turning to face the pack of dogs, how every muscle of the lion's anatomy stood out in taut relief, the mute vehicles of his titanic and furious will. (Steve, page 265)