The Alehouse at the End of the World


This week I finished reading The Alehouse at the End of the World by Stevan Allred.  I was provided a copy of the book for review purposes but, as always, this in no way influenced my reading and all opinions in this review are my own. 

I thought this was an interesting take on the Shakespearean comedy. Readers who are unfamiliar with the difference between a Shakespearean comedy and a modern comedy should know that this book is not going to be funny in the way you’re looking for. Shakespearean comedies pertain more to struggling lovers, love triangles, deception, and reunification. They are light hearted but not necessarily funny.  This book has all of the above in spades and I found it highly entertaining.

I also enjoyed the way the author portrayed the afterlife. I’m not going to discuss details so as not to spoil anything but I haven’t seen life after death quite like this before. I’m always interested in new takes on old tropes, there are so many books and movies out there today that are just remakes of an older work or ideas that have already been done to death it’s refreshing to read something that feels new and different.

I will say that it took me a little while to get into the book. I picked it up and put it down a couple of times. The beginning sort of dragged on a little for me. Once you get to the second book things get much more interesting and I found it to be an enjoyable read from there. I will say that there are some sexually explicit scenes so be forewarned if that makes you uncomfortable this may not be the book for you.

The Alehouse at the End of the World will be available for purchase tomorrow, November 6th and if you’re looking for something that doesn’t feel like you’ve read it before, something fresh and different, then I recommend giving it a try.

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