In no time we're picking up the pieces with Vivian Gray, and four others, who spend at least half their time engaged in reference heavy banter. This clearly works best for readers in the target group, who will have the best chance of spotting the cues. For everyone else there are still things to enjoy, and older/younger cultural references that will raise a titter. [...] [Best suited for those] who are intrigued by the idea of a bawdier, post-apocalyptic radioactive version of Friends.

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The story's about the characters, and that's where the conflicts and arcs shine, and where the one-liners string together page after page. A lot of the jokes were targeted for the comic- and sci-fi-geek audience, and I did find one or two fell flat when I didn't get the reference, but I got most of the references without being exceptionally well-versed, and I was laughing uproariously through most of the book. And I don't mean laughing uproariously "on the inside".

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Although not exactly a horror novel, The Oblivion Society will be of interest to anyone into the post-apocalyptic thing. This screwball dark comedy deals with a bunch of Floridian slackers who survive an accidental nuclear war by being in the right places at the right time. [...] Marcus Alexander Hart's novel is a very fun time full of some slick prose and genuinely hysterical moments. [...] Permuted Press continues to publish some of the best in post-apocalyptic tales.

At the heart of The Oblivion Society is a story about friendship amongst twenty-something-year-old outcasts told with verve, authority and no small amount of humor. [...] Readers intrigued by the notion of what a collaboration might play like between Kevin Smith and Christopher Moore on the subject of nuclear war (and what comes after) will enjoy Hart's entertaining novel.

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Many independently published books don't get much attention or reviewed very widely compared to mass market books published by huge corporations. They often publish very good books, though, that are deserving of a wider audience. The Oblivion Society is one such book.

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As the climax approached swiftly and aggressively (like the semi truck in Maximum Overdrive) I found myself eagerly tearing through the pages, something that has rarely happened since I was a teenager. I read the last four chapters in a single sitting, racing the clock to my bed time. [...] It's a testament to Hart's storytelling prowess, and the deft manner in which he collected all the plot elements at the very cusp of the dramatic climax, that I was willing to forgo my normally very rigid week day slumber deadline.

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The only negative things I can say about this book are: One, I hated to see it end. Two, once I started this book I was unable to put it down which meant I didn't get around to doing other things I should have done. But, it was more than worth it. If you are a fan of comedy and/or the post apocalyptic genre you absolutely have to add this to your collection, and let's all hope that this becomes a movie. It is that good.

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Hart is a true master of characterization and dialogue. He displays a real gift in that department; the characters come to life on the page. Dropping geek and pop culture references- with nods to everything from "99 Red Balloons" to Ghostbusters- throughout the book, The Oblivion Society is genuinely hilarious. The dialogue is witty and fast-paced, and it will sweep you along as the story progresses. Hart deftly combines elements of science fiction and horror, with a constant undertone of humor. [...] Hart here has managed to write a humorous, entertaining journey through the feel-good apocalypse. It should not be missed.

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Most typical apocalyptic stories feature a capable, good-looking manly man who pulls it together to save the rest of humanity. Not here! This is what happens when Van Wilder meets Mad Max, and they are way beyond the Thunderdome! [...] With shades of old-fashioned horror movies popping up here and there, you never know what to expect when you turn the pages of this book. The blend of pop culture and locker room humor somehow work, especially when placed on top of the fast-paced race to stay alive. Marcus Alexander Hart has found his niche in science fiction.

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This book is absolutely amazing in every conceivable way. The characters are believable (sadly enough in some situations... Trent, the sex crazed wannabe gangster for example). The dialogue is hilarious. And the situations are completely priceless (a gas station, a shot gun, and a blind girl... need I say more?) Not to mention mutants, and who doesn't want their nuclear post apocalypse filled with spider men, rat armed geeks, bat winged beauties and German shepherd sized killer kitty cats? [...] All in all there is no reason not to buy this book, read it, and cherish it for the rest of your life. I mean hell, why not laugh at the apocalypse right?

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Of all the independently published books I have ever read, I believe that The Oblivion Society is by far the best. I strongly recommend it to all those who enjoy science-fiction with a comedic twist.

There are a lot of comedy novels (and novelists) out there, but there seems to be a dearth of comedy novels that are also genre novels. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of high-profile authors with the wherewithal to venture into that territory without hesitation. The reason might have something to do with the fact that writing that kind of novel requires an in-depth knowledge and absolute love of the genre, as well as an ability not to flinch when poking fun at those same genre elements.

Marcus Alexander Hart has all of that, in spades. The Oblivion Society is not strictly a laugh-a-minute kind of novel, but it does demonstrate a sly understanding of geek culture, which is just as funny. Basically, if you like Christopher Moore, you will like this novel.

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Here at the offices we call him Mr. Hart, so we can pretend we're Professor Kingsfield from The Paper Chase. But you don't remember that TV show, so for your purposes he's Marcus Alexander Hart, the twisted mind behind our product-minded Random Reviews. If you'd like to get deeper inside his pop-culture-laden, nerdy head, check out his comic, apocalyptic novel at OblivionSociety.com.

Marcus Alexander Hart is a master of character and dialogue, as well as being deeply steeped in both pop culture and hard core geek lore. His world is populated by well conceived, believable people whose strengths and weaknesses make them both unique and real, and he gives a respectful nod to the great examples of the horror, disaster and science fiction genres.

The Oblivion Society is a smart, hip, fun, ride through our worst cold war nightmares. Read it today. You won't be able to put it down.

What hooked me was the quality of the writing and the ability of the author to tease me on from one page to the next. [...] Literature? That's a hard label to justify, but I think so. [...] I'm glad Marcus Alexander Hart wrote this story. I'm glad that someone still writes books that champion the finer qualities of being human, even if he spills a lot of blood and guts in doing so.

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The Oblivion Society is a novel filled with sharp wit, entertaining characters, and scenarios that can only be described as "delightfully absurd." This fast-paced novel combines one part sci-fi B-movie adventure, one part foul-mouthed slacker comedy, one part post-apocalyptic road movie, with just a pinch of chick-flick to create an explosive read.

Hart's prose is electric and probing, and his scenes stay with you long after you've put the book down. Sweet and brutal in equal measure, The Oblivion Society is by turns a bright and bouncy pop song, then as ruthlessly cruel as Celine Dion. Post-apocalyptic survival has never been so much fun!

[Check out The Oblivion Society] in preference to most of Tom Holt's later efforts, most of Terry Pratchett's later efforts and, despite the comparison, in preference to anything by Robert Rankin. He doesn't beat Douglas Adams but there's no shame in that.