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Meat cover art

Meat

By: Joseph D'Lacey
Narrated by: Chris Coxon
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Publisher's Summary

Eleven years after its original publication, this is the third edition of D’Lacey’s cult hit, containing an introduction by Michael Wilson and a brand-new foreword by the author.  

In Abyrne, a strange town surrounded by a wasteland, the eating of meat is a sacred obligation. The town’s strict laws are brutally enforced by a ruthless Baron and a merciless Bishop.  

Adored by the townsfolk is Richard Shanti, Abyrne’s famous bolt-gunner - the most efficient slaughterhouse worker in living memory. In private, however, Shanti is a gentle man; a husband, and father to twin girls. The growing guilt about his murderous job weighs him down. Beguiled by a rebellious heretic, Shanti uncovers the harrowing truth behind Abyrne’s history. When the town’s corporate and religious factions come into conflict, he must choose a side. By fighting for what he knows is right, Shanti will risk everything and everyone he loves. Meanwhile, the townsfolk are hungry. The townsfolk must be fed.... 

©2019 Joseph D'Lacey (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Critic Reviews

“Joseph D’Lacey rocks!” (Stephen King) 

“Without reservation, MEAT is one of the most literate, astonishing, and intriguing books I’ve read in years.” (David Niall Wilson)

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Not for the squeamish!

This will be a difficult review to write, because I loved the start, and then the story seemed to lose something in the second half. Also I had an issue with the narrator.

I absolutely LOVED the first half of this book. The set up, the parts in the slaughterhouse... It was so well written, thought provoking and intense. There were some incredibly disturbing things in it. The world building was excellent.

I felt the second half, especially parts with Collins vs Magnus dragged a bit and I didn’t find it as interesting as the initial set up.
The plot thread with Parson Mary investigating Shanti was good, although I felt it was almost forgotten as the resolution was just sort of slipped in at the very end.

I didn’t really get the whole “breathing in sunlight and living off air only” thing. The whole idea that not eating gives you superpowers was pretty ridiculous.

The section with Grenville Snipe was one of my favourites.

A note on the narrator though... it was so frustrating having a narrator with a strong regional English accent.
He didn’t say his ‘T’s half the time... it was very distracting hearing things like “Shan’i” instead of Shanti and countless other instances of missed Ts throughout the book.
I understand that the author is English, but why not get an English narrator who speaks with a more neutral accent.

Overall, even though it wasn’t perfect, it was definitely worth reading, and I may find on a second listen that I like the ending more.

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Joseph D'Lacey

It was very thought provoking. Couldn't put it down, and fell asleep for three nights in a row at around 03.00 - 04.00hh, kindle tablet in hands and glasses on. I recently heard some one say that, The only thing that keeps bad humans in check are rules and the Law. If people were given permission to do bad things to each other, many would take advantage. This book shows that exactly.

Great read, but also very disturbing when we know that there is cannibalism in some parts of the world. Plus much cruelty to our livestock before slaughter in some industries.

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