Sadly this book just was not for me. This sat on my kindle for quite some time - twice I have attempted to read and twice I did not finish.

Thankyou for the opportunity but I will not be providing feedback on any commercial sites for this book.

A pretty good read. Gimlet-eyed as many of Niven's books are, it's quirky and interesting and help my attention throughout. Not my favourite of his novels, but still very good.

Well I didn’t know what to expect from
This book but it was a wild,, crazy and thoroughly enjoyable ride. If you fancy something that’s a bit out there definitely give this a go. Lots of Trumps included.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cornerstone and Random House UK for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

All I have to say about this book is what the HELL is this book? It lives in it's very own genre and it lives there in perfection. This book will live rent free in my head for the rest of my life. I went into this book with absolutely no idea what it was about, or absolutely anything about the premise. But it turns out that this is exactly the book I both wanted and needed right now. The concept is so incredible and I'm so glad I read this book it's literally exactly what I've always wanted to read, but never knew existed. I can't thank John Niven enough for making this book exist, and something I'll never say again. Thanks Trump.

This was an extremely well written book and a really enjoyed reading it. The author is fantastic and never fails to disappoint.
An easy and very interesting read

Set six-years from now, in America where Trump had won a second term presidency, and where Ivanka is now the president, things aren’t looking too good. Well, at least for the minorities, liberals, Democrats and as always women. It’s a dystopian horror set, all the more terrifying by its close parallels to today’s political scene and attitudes.

The protagonist is Frank Brill, a sixty-something retired editor who by life’s cruel sense of humour after already experiencing enough loss to last a lifetime, is diagnosed with bowel cancer and given only a few months to live. Instead of coming up with a Bucket List, he concocts a ‘F*ck it List’ on which, in a true Arya Stark fashion, he puts down the names of those who have done him wrong. He takes out a sum of money, a bag of clothes and sets out, travelling across states to come face to face with the selected few. On his trail is Bob ‘Chops’ Birner, a cop who you will probably come to hate for his skewed morality and awful character, with his own personal vendetta against Frank.

Niven created a dark political satire in which the flawed narrator steals your sympathy and in twisted turn of logic, you somehow end up hoping he gets to complete his quest. It’s everything you might want in a novel; funny, heartbreaking and engaging. His portrayal of political figures felt eerily spot-on and I had to remind myself that it was, luckily, just a work of fiction. The depiction of what the society has the potential to turn into, in the immediate future is shocking but somehow also scary in it’s realism, so much so you will sit back in your chair and wonder how good Niven might be in political-forecasting. In other words, you’ll almost certainly enjoy this one.

I've been a fan of John Niven's since his first book, and loved his hugely controversial follow up to Kill Your Friends too, but must admit when reading the synopsis of this title was a bit sceptical.

Set in the not-too-distant future (although initially I admit 2026 did sound much farther ahead than it actually is!), and based with some heavily US-centric political themes, I thought that this would be a touch too out of this realm. Knowing that Niven likes to take things to the extreme, I almost didn't read this book.

That would've been a great mistake - because this story isn't only compelling, and as per Niven's other titles makes you a fan of a protagonist you really shouldn't be a fan of, it is almost believable. If only I hadn't read this during the Covid-19 crisis, there's a part of me that wouldn't be surprised if this was telling the future as it will happen in a Trump-riddled America.

This is hard-hitting, it's pretty traumatic in places, and its funny in places too. All-in, it's a fantastic story, well-written and contains what I have to say is one of the best pieces of fictional mimicry in his replication of Trump's style of speech.

A must read for me. Loved it.

Nive is a great storyteller that can use Jesus Christ as a character as well as everyday people. In this one he takes no prisoners again, taking shots at the NRA and the 45th President. Definitely recommend it.

It's the near future. Ivanka is president, Roe vs Wade has been overturned, and millions of people are being detained and deported by an emboldened ICE. Yes, this is the bad place.

But when Frank Brill, a former newspaper editor, is diagnosed with cancer, he begins a bloody revenge fantasy against those he holds responsible for wrongs both personal and political. You can't help but cheer him along. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

This was a surreal book set in a world which could actually come true. I think that is what makes it so scary for me! Ivanka is now President of the United States and the whole of America seems to be Trump and gun crazy. It’s not that much of a stretch really is it?!

This is just the background noise though. The real story is that Frank is dying but wants to enact revenge on those he feels deserves it. Im not going to go into the reasons why as that would spoil the story. Niven manages to create a character with humanity despite the fact Frank is going round killing people. Frank is technically the bad guy! However, even as a pacifist myself and totally against the gun culture which permeates American society I can see why Frank would go on this journey. I can even empathise with him. If an author can that do that then wow!

The reasons behind Franks mission can be probably classed as two of the most emotive subjects in America and probably used as a narrative trick because of this. The book is only going to appeal to liberals, but then this is a take down of Trump MAGA / Republican culture. OMG this review is so hard to write without spoilers!

Basically, if you are of the liberal persuasion you will enjoy this book, I certainly did! It’s heartbreaking, surrealism at its best, a warning of what’s to come if no checks are placed on Trump, scarily accurate portrayal of American culture, at time’s darkly funny, and a book you should definitely read!

Set in a near-future America where Ivanka Trump is President, The F*ck-It List is a well written, dark and thrilling revenge novel with plenty of satire.

I really enjoyed Frank's character and the flashbacks throughout the book perfectly illustrated the choices he makes and made him more relatable.

The political aspects may detract some people, however I would recommend, particularly to people who enjoy their crime/thriller novels with an undercurrent of dark humour.

Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is going to be a difficult one to review without spoiling so I will keep it fairly brief.

I would describe The Fuck It List as Satirical revenge story. Set in the Near future, with the Trumps still in the White House. Immigration laws have become awful and gun laws relaxed to the extreme, our main character Frank is living in a rather unsavoury society.

Frank seems to have been unlucky throughout his life and has just received a terminal diagnosis which leaves him with a fuck it kinda attitude. Rather than making a list of things he would love to see and do before he dies, he decides to make of list of those who have devastated his life in one way or another, who he would like to pay a final visit to. The most dangerous people are the ones that have nothing left to loose after all.

Frank and his story reminded me of a cross between Walter White and Arya Stark.

The Fuck It List was well written with really nice dark humour running all the way through. The story is told from Franks inner monologue and flashbacks to various times in his life. This gave a really good insight and understanding of his choices. Having said that I really struggled to connect with him as a character which made me feel a little less invested, I’m not sure why, I felt that I really should have been more invested in Frank, I guess sometimes things just don’t click.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, a dark and disturbing tale of revenge, it is my first John Niven read and I am very interested to read more from him. Would definitely be one to recommend for those who enjoy crime thrillers with dark wit throughout.

An extremely frightening look at the future of America from the eyes of a man who has nothing to lose.

Frank Brill. Dying of cancer. A man with a plan out to avenge his family. Five targets on his f*ck-it list are people he believes are responsible for the deaths of his wife and son in a school shooting, for the death of his daughter during an illegal abortion, and for his best buddy’s suicide. A bloody road trip in America filled with memories, computations of what-ifs, and revenge at its most bizarre.

Detective Bob ‘Chops’ Birner is a foul and corrupt cop with incredibly questionable morals who is avenging his equally foul best friend’s death. When he discovers what Frank Brill is up to, he vows to track him down to save America from a man who represents everything he abhors.

Set in the near future of 2026 America, politics and laws passed are beyond terrifying, but believable. It’s very likely this book will anger many and some people may not finish it, but it is worth reading for the countdown to Frank’s final target.

Overall, this is a shocking look at an America that has gone rogue. Where important laws have been overturned, state and local law enforcement have been gutted, and citizens’ rights have been taken away. The most frightening part of it is that it could happen.

Thank you to Mr. Niven for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I was drawn to this one by the title. Felt a bit too politically based for my liking. Persevered to be able to give an honest review but wasn’t for me unfortunately

Firstly, thanks to NetGalley and Random House for granting me this ARC of The F*ck it List. Sadly, my expectations were not met on this one. Found this in the Mystery & Thrillers section which I feel has mislead me in to thinking that it would keep me on the edge of my seat. Perhaps moving it to the Political section might share better results? The end result was me skimming through the political pages at a rapid pace, to get to the even remotely entertaining parts. Although I could be partly to blame thinking the book would be more on the thrilling side rather than the political after reading the plot "Rather than compile a bucket list of all the things he’s ever wanted to do in his life, he instead has at the ready his ‘fuck-it list’."

Frank Brill is an ordinary man in his 60's - who has been given the news that he has terminal cancer with months to live. Processing such news he comes to the conclusion he must right those who have wronged him in the past. With the death of his children and ex-wives he begins a list of names of those who are responsible. This for me was the part of the book I enjoyed - Frank's humour and thoughts were quite enjoyable and how he progressed through the book. However, the political satire perhaps should be aimed at the US market rather than UK/Ireland - as it felt it just droned on and on without any purpose to the story.

Nothing quite like The F*ck-It List says welcome to a disenchanted America. I mean welcome in the most sarcastic and seeped in satire way possible. In many ways this book is a window into the future if things don’t change. Its nightmarish and I can’t think of anything that would resemble hell on earth. A life where the most basic of human rights have been extradited. This book plays on our fears and hopes pulls them taut and suffocates us with the implications. I had so many feelings whilst reading this book and I did see the parallels between The F*ck-It List and Breaking Bad.

Frank Brill is both a hilarious and tough as old boots protagonist. He’s been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. He decides against treatment. It’s the last bit of control he has left, and he grasps it with both hands. He has about 3-6 months left, just enough time to complete his F*ck-It List. He’s going to die anyway so why not go out with a bang, literally. So far, so good. He’s going to be taking name and settling some wrongs. The premise of the storyline was so relatable that I could feel the earth shake under me, John Niven has created a deathbed revenge thriller and it was everything I had hoped it would be.

The book is set a few years in the future. It is both uncannily realistic for a piece of fiction. I can see the events of the book happening quite easily. The catalyst for yet more violence and censorship. Trump has served two terms and has enabled his daughter to take over as President by screwing over someone else over, that person being Pence. He is the ultimate fall guy. If you think that things cannot possibly get worse from here, boy are you wrong.

Detention centres are the norm, recording equipment of both government buildings and of the military/police carrying out their duties is illegal. You will lose your phone and or arrested, details taken for your social media and you won’t get it back for between 4-6 weeks. All due to the lovely Extreme Patriots Act. It’s a future that should only be the context of a dystopian novel but unfortunately seems more than plausible. John Niven throws punch after punch and leaves your head battling a severe concussion.

I can’t really express how much I loved this book. John Niven has accurately depicted the road that Trump has been more than happy to take America down. I’d love to say that he’s predicted something that couldn’t possibly happen but ya know I fear that its more than possible. Frank Brill is a character that has many flaws and I think that’s why he is as loveable as he is. He’s had three wife’s and two children and in one way or another he has treated them badly. The F*ck-It List is Frank’s redemption arc but with a claustrophic edge. He has a small-town sheriff on his tail in the visage of Chops. He is a stringent Trump supporter and has disturbing proclivities and is struck by a healthy dose of karma.

The F*ck-It List is scandalous, shocking but utterly convincing. A bird’s eye view of a potential future for America. The writing was engaging and utterly unputdownable.

Today I give you........
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The F**k it List by John Niven. Published by @wmheinemann 😉
Firstly I’ve got to say that I’m really surprised that this is the first time that I have heard of this author John Niven. (Clearly I’ve been living under a rock!!!!)
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A book that is jam packed with laughs. Set in 2026 America.
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You have Frank who is seriously unwell- so like most people he decides that he needs to start grabbing life by the horns. Only this is where it’s different than anyone else. He is get his revenge of people who he blames for anything and everything that has gone wrong in his life.
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It does have some political connotations within it- and yes there is still a Trump residing at the White House.
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The build up , atmosphere have been written brilliantly.
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A book that’s full of surprises. Loved it.
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Out Now

I’ve been a fan of Niven ever since reading ‘Kill Your Friends’ and this latest offering throws the same elements into the mix but Niven has matured as a writer and the madness of his earlier books has tempered somewhat.

The story revolves around a bad Santa version of the bucket list. Frank Brill is our, for want of a better word, hero and the story opens in Breaking Bad style with Frank being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

He has suspected for some time that something fatal has been brewing and he has prepared for his final act by writing up his eponymous list. So far so Niven-by-the-numbers. Where this story differs is that Frank has suffered great loss through his life, two dead children and one dead wife.

As the story develops Frank begins working his way through the list, taking revenge on all of those responsible, both directly and indirectly, for causing so much of the woes he has suffered. Frank also battles with the realisation that much of the misery has been caused by himself, through his drinking and infidelity.

Niven handles the threads of the story with maturity and great empathy, the madcap Niven of old sometimes slips into the light but its a more controlled, nuanced version of his former self.

This is the kind of book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go, I know that’s a cliche but it really does.

The last couple of pages are simply fantastically well written and could bring a tear to a glass eye.

This book is brilliant, has a bit of pathos, humour, zaniness and a frightening view of near-future America.

Recommend.

Set in 2026, America and Frank’s Doctor tells him he has cancer, but he knew this already….it’s time to get out the list,

This is a tale of politics and hatred, the consequences of these on lives in the real world and a man with nothing left to lose.

The F*ck It List tells of a dystopian America ruled by the Trump family! It’s terrifying in that the US seems to be only one very small step away from the events in this story.

It’s a dark, road trip that’s racing toward a tragic end. Frank is a man who has messed up his personal life more than once, but just when it’s settled and he is actually sober and happy the rug is pulled out from under him, over and over. He’s flawed but likeable and you have every sympathy for him….

This cautionary tale is full of dark humour, it’s tragic, fierce and disturbing and I loved every minute.

Thank you to The author, publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest, unbiased review.

What would you do if you had a terminal illness? Make a bucket list. See the great wall of China etc. Not the protagonist in this book. He makes a fuck it list. Setting out to get revenge on all who have wronged him. Simple eh? Not really. A romp of a book!