There's a magickal conspiracy of apocalyptic proportions brewing in Blackpool-and only the Hidden Masters can make it worse.
Dark forces are stirring in Blackpool, one of Britain's seaside towns, where something is planning to turn it into the Las Vegas of northern England. But in the back alleys and crumbling sheds, ancient rituals are being enacted... and that's the good guys.
By all appearances, Nigel, Wayne, and Clint are just three middle-aged blokes from Hemel Hempstead on a weekend getaway. But behind the pub banter and questionable intoxicants, lies something older, weirder, and only slightly more competent. They're the Three Hidden Masters-chaos magicians who occasionally save the world at the weekend.
If the Hidden Masters do have a plan-it mostly involves trying not to get arrested, reading the tarot, and arguments about using magick to start a broken-down car. They may be too wasted to make a sandwich, but when it comes to the occasional burst of actual sorcery... they're our only hope.
The Hidden Masters must save the world by Sunday night-because they have to be back at work on Monday morning.
The Hidden Masters and the Unspeakable Evil is a laugh-out-loud esoteric satire packed with British humour, heavy drinking, chaotic magick, and an apocalypse inconveniently scheduled for the weekend. Join three not-quite-heroes as they stumble through ancient rituals, consult pub-based oracles over pints, and unleash cosmic consequences that no one (least of all them) is prepared for. Perfect for readers who enjoy magical mayhem, occult absurdity, and the kind of secret societies that probably lost the manual. It's perfect for fans of Robert Rankin, Tom Holt and Charles Stross.
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Goodreads praise for The Hidden Masters and the Unspeakable Evil...
"Really, the only thing I can say about this book, is that it's the most HILARIOUSLY BONKERS THING I'VE EVER READ."
"...a dash mystical doings, all in a set-up reminiscent of a mad-cap 1960s comedy movie."
"I thought that the story-telling was first class and I found it to be a very visual read."
"...the book is also quite silly. In fact, at times it borders on the absurd."
"Mr Barrow has a self conscious narratorial style (Not unlike Robert Rankin) and plays with the nature of fiction and reality in a seriously effective way. It is a clever, clever book. I rarely find a book that both surprises me and holds together, but this one does."
"It's a totally bonkers riot of a read."
"...they often end up with questionable - and highly amusing - results for their efforts."
"Barrow has bravely gone all in with the absurdity, and dares the reader to come along for the gonzo ride."
"This book is full of chaotic magic that is all about the power of your will and imagination, not at all about having the right coloured candle. The insights are so on the money, and so funny... I laughed out loud a lot."
"Suspense disbelief, crack open a beer and read!"
