The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: Basically Frightened by Vasily Pugh

31684725Author: Vasily Pugh
Release Date: September 9, 2016
Series: –
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian
Edition: e-book (kindle)
Pages: 219
Publisher: Midland Monkey

Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb:

Oh no, not another post-apocalyptic chronicle I hear you cry. But wait, where are the lumbering zombies, floppy mutants and crazy survivalists called Huck? No, this is not the glamorous Hollywood vision with exciting weapons and deceptively good teeth (though mine are adequate), this is the husk of a world left behind after one of those pesky pandemics (rather insensitively called ‘The Shakes’ on Social Media). Join my odyssey through looted pound shops and empty supermarkets as I encounter numerous people who range from 1 to 10 on the psychotic survivor scale. Expect intrigue, betrayal, warm fuzzy feelings and references to Pot Noodles.

Review

 Basically Frightened by Vasily Pugh is a brilliant book! I haven’t read a post-apocalyptic book this good since a long time.

What really impressed me the author’s voice and writing style. It was equal part funny and intense and I absolutely enjoyed reading it. The exceptional sense of humour and the ingenious sarcasm of the main character literally left me craving for more.

Unlike other apocalyptic books, this book is not about the Zombies. It actually focuses on how people panic and behave in an unlawful and an uncivilised world. This book creates a dreadful, yet an honest picture of how humanity crumbles under pressure and how people react differently to worst case scenarios.

I was so engrossed in this book that I had to finish it as soon as I could. I had to know how the hell this adventure of sorts ends. The intelligent commentary and the hilarious observations of the main character, Buck, were so frigging hilarious that I cracked up more than a million times while reading this amazing book.

The plot line is simple yet intelligent and shows the thorough research author did while writing this book. I’ve always been an apocalypse enthusiast, but if apocalypse will actually be anything like the one in this book then the world is better off without it.

I’d recommend this book to all the apocalyptic fiction readers and  enthusiasts. This book will literally blow your mind off.


Goodreads | Amazon

7 responses to “Book Review: Basically Frightened by Vasily Pugh”

  1. Lindsey Avatar

    I added this to my TBR pile as soon as I got to the bottom of your review! I’ve never really read apocalyptic stuff, but this looks like it could be a great introduction into it! Great review!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Heena Rathore P. Avatar

      If this will be your first apocalyptic book then you’re really in for a treat! Trust me!!
      And thanks, I’m glad you liked it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Christy B Avatar

    It sounds funny and compelling ~ Yup, I’ll have to read it too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Heena Rathore P. Avatar

      I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did. It’s a wonderful read 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Galit G. Balli Avatar

    Love the review 🙂 Added it to my Goodreads.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Book Review: Outside Looking Out: Still Basically Frightened by Vasily Pugh – The Reading Bud Avatar

    […] Looking Out: Still Basically Frightened by Vasily Pugh, the sequel to Basically Frightened, is a witty book about a guy doing his best to survive in a post-apocalyptic […]

    Like

I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
September 2016
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: Cold Sanctuary by Andrew Beardmore

    Book Details: Author: Andrew BeardmoreRelease Date: 18 March 2026Series: The Nessemiah (Book 2 of 4)Genre: Epic historical fantasyFormat: E-book Pages: 555 pagesPublisher: Ryelands Books (imprint of Halsgrove Publishing)Blurb:Book two of the gripping new historical fantasy series, The Nessemiah.Is…

  • Book Spotlight: Eyes of the Beholder by Swinn Daniels

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring Swinn Daniels for his latest release, Eyes of the Beholder. Book: Eyes of the BeholderAuthor: Swinn DanielsPublication Date: Oct 6, 2020Pages: 236 pagesPublisher: –Genre: Urban Fantasy, Dark RomanceAvailable in:…

  • Book Spotlight: Cold Sanctuary by Andrew Beardmore

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring Andrew Beardmore for his latest release, Cold Sanctuary. Book: Cold SanctuaryAuthor: Andrew BeardmorePublication Date: 18 March 2025Pages: 555 pagesPublisher: Ryelands Books (imprint of Halsgrove Publishing)Genre: Epic historical fantasyAvailable in:…

  • Author Spotlight: David Morabito

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author David Morabito for his latest release, The Lantern Man. About The Author David Morabito David Morabito is a freelance writer who lives in the mountains and deserts…

  • Book Spotlight: The Price of Breathing by Melanie Faith

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring Melanie Faith for her latest release, The Price of Breathing. Book: The Price of BreathingAuthor: Melanie FaithPublication Date: September 15, 2026Pages: 134 pagesPublisher: Vine Leaves PressGenre: Novel in Verse,…