The Black Dog Eats The City is a dark & gritty set of short stories with an overarching narrative, set in a post-apocalyptic-style world, centring on Wire City. The story jumps around a couple of different characters, all with their own harrowing set of lives to follow as some try to survive in searching for the mysterious 'cure', while others seemingly eke out their days, trying to avoid the trappings of the black dog. Whilst a difficult read there are elements to enjoy if you're a fan of Sci-fi, spotting a lot of references to the likes of The Matrix, Ready Player One and Asimov's Robots. It certainly won't be for everyone, with many difficult sections to read and themes which might put some people off, so I would go forward with checking out some other reviews as well. Personally, I thought it was an enjoyable short read, and potentially if the narrative itself was over a longer period then some of the shocks of the writing might be able to have more impact, but there is something to be said for that feeling of being like those living in Wire City, the book is relentless and you can either succumb, or you can keep reading and support the characters in the hunt for the cure!
The 14th Ward of Wire City has become a mecca of sin and excess ever since a depression virus tore its way through the denizens of the slumsphere. Only one man, Lester Proctor--having buried his family who succumbed to the disease--is determined to find the mythic ‘Cure’ and restore some semblance of order to his city. On the way, he’ll encounter androids in search of forbidden love, stalkers, pimps, teeth salesmen, evil dwarves, slumlords, knife-gangs, and the few lucky escapologists who uploaded their minds to the Hollow Earth simulation. Chris Kelso’s cult tale of nihilism and anarchy is back in print. There is no escape in the pursuit of hope.
