The Atrocity Archives

by Charles Stross
The Atrocity Archives cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical:
  • ID: 542
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780748124138
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-11-04
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Bob Howard is a low-level techie working for the Laundry, a super-secret British government agency tasked with protecting the world from occult threats rooted in advanced mathematics and forbidden knowledge. Initially stuck restoring lost data under a desk, Bob's life changes when he is promoted to field agent and thrown into a chaotic world of spycraft, monstrous elder gods, and apocalyptic conspiracies. The novel combines elements of bureaucratic satire and supernatural horror, portraying the Laundry as a blend of a government office and a paranormal defense force. Bob's adventures involve dimension-hopping terrorists, Nazi cultists, and eldritch evils, all while navigating the absurdities of office politics and paperwork. This first book in the Laundry Files series is praised for its clever mix of geek culture, chilling horror, and sly humor, making it a unique entry in urban fantasy and spy fiction.

Reviews
Kara.Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2024-11-17
fantastic 4.00

This book is praised for its effortless blend of bureaucratic humor and horror, making it one of the reviewer's favorite Charles Stross books. The reviewer finds the mix of genres particularly appealing.

Kara Babcock highlights the book's ability to blend humor and horror seamlessly, making it a standout in Charles Stross's bibliography. They particularly enjoy the bureaucratic humor, which adds a unique twist to the Lovecraftian horror elements. The reviewer finds the pacing and character development to be well-executed, making it a highly enjoyable read. They appreciate the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    This might be one of my favourite Charles Stross books.

    I think it's the effortless blend of bureaucratic humour and horror.

    The slight edge of insanity makes it all the more compelling.

Grimdark Magazine · 2023-12-12
intriguing 3.50

The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of bureaucratic tedium, Lovecraftian horror, and magical elements. They find the narrative surprisingly coherent despite its diverse components.

This reviewer is impressed by how the book manages to weave together seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive story. The mundane aspects of bureaucracy are juxtaposed with the terrifying and the supernatural, creating a unique atmosphere. They highlight the author's skill in balancing these different tones, making the book an engaging read. However, they also note that the bureaucratic elements might not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy a mix of humor and horror, it's a standout.

Quick quotes

    It manages to combine dull tedious bureaucracy, Lovecraft's abomination, magic, SIS, and pure insanity into one coherent whole.

    The narrative's strength lies in its ability to balance these diverse elements.

    The book is a unique blend of the mundane and the terrifying.

Kam Martinez's Blog · Kam Martinez · 2014-12-08
good 3.50

The reviewer finds the book to be a fine light read with a plot that moves at a good pace. However, they note that some readers might find the information overload challenging.

Kam Martinez appreciates the book's ability to maintain a steady pace and keep the reader engaged. They find the blend of genres to be entertaining, with a mix of bureaucratic humor and Lovecraftian horror. However, they also mention that the book can be rough around the edges, particularly with the information dumping, which might be overwhelming for some readers. Despite this, they find the book to be a enjoyable read overall.

Quick quotes

    Overall, The Atrocity Archives is a fine light read: the plot chugs along at a relatively fine pace.

    Though some readers might trip over info overload.

    The book is a breezy read with a good mix of humor and horror.

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