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The Chronicles of Ludwich #2
Ludluda
Concluding the epic two-book series from the highly celebrated and award-winning authors Jeff Noon and Steve Beard. Ludluda, the sequel to Gogmagog, takes us on a haunting and delightfully witty adventure in a fantasy world which defies genre.
Luluda tells the story of a journey through a strange modern city whose power is sourced from the ghost of a dragon. Ludwich may no longer be at war with its great political rival overseas, but veteran sailor Cady Meade, survivor of many battles, suspects that the hard-won peace is about to break. She promises to deliver a preternatural ten-year old girl to a coming-of-age festival in the heart of Ludwich. But she has been warned by the prophets that dangers lie ahead.
Cady suspects that the young girl’s fate is entwined with that of the city. When the girl disappears, the old sailor must hunt her down, accompanied by a know-it-all mechanical man whose circuits are slowly grinding to dust. But Cady’s mission has always been to guard Ludwich from enemies both known and occult, and she will never give up.
Following the course of the River Nysis through the city, and beyond, Cady must uncover the final mysteries of the great dragon Haakenur’s life and death and afterlife. Her greatest battle is about to begin.
Luluda tells the story of a journey through a strange modern city whose power is sourced from the ghost of a dragon. Ludwich may no longer be at war with its great political rival overseas, but veteran sailor Cady Meade, survivor of many battles, suspects that the hard-won peace is about to break. She promises to deliver a preternatural ten-year old girl to a coming-of-age festival in the heart of Ludwich. But she has been warned by the prophets that dangers lie ahead.
Cady suspects that the young girl’s fate is entwined with that of the city. When the girl disappears, the old sailor must hunt her down, accompanied by a know-it-all mechanical man whose circuits are slowly grinding to dust. But Cady’s mission has always been to guard Ludwich from enemies both known and occult, and she will never give up.
Following the course of the River Nysis through the city, and beyond, Cady must uncover the final mysteries of the great dragon Haakenur’s life and death and afterlife. Her greatest battle is about to begin.
Unknown Binding
First published December 3, 2024
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283 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Noon
55books843followersJeff Noon is a novelist, short story writer and playwright whose works make extensive use of wordplay and fantasy.
He studied fine art and drama at Manchester University and was subsequently appointed writer in residence at the city's Royal Exchange theatre. But Noon did not stay too long in the theatrical world, possibly because the realism associated with the theatre was not conducive to the fantastical worlds he was itching to invent. While working behind the counter at the local Waterstone's bookshop, a colleague suggested he write a novel. The result of that suggestion,
Vurt, was the hippest sci-fi novel to be published in Britain since the days of Michael Moorcock in the late sixties.
Like Moorcock, Noon is not preoccupied with technology per se, but incorporates technological developments into a world of magic and fantasy.
As a teenager, Noon was addicted to American comic heroes, and still turns to them for inspiration. He has said that music is more of an influence on his writing than novelists: he 'usually writes to music', and his record collection ranges from classical to drum'n'bass.
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November 27, 2024
I received this review copy from Angry Robot in exchange for a fair review!
An absolutely wild and amazing ride, Ludluda is a weird fantasy that leans heavily into the weird but without becoming incomprehensible.
This a duology with Gogmagog, so READ THAT FIRST!
This book picks up right where the last one ended.
Cady Meade is probably my favourite character of all the books I’ve read in 2024. She’s the same cantankerous old plant-lady as she was in Gogmagog and she is my idol. She’s so gross and crass and hilarious. I love her. She doesn’t lose any of that in this book, but she also grows a bit more loveable as she takes on a more heroic role.
The other characters and how they reacted to Cady were what I loved about Gogmagog, and we get less of than in this one, as a lot of the novel is Cady following clues and having short moments with new characters here and here, but we still have Lek in a good deal of it (whom I love) .
The story in this one is tighter in that there’s a real goal. The “quest down the river� aspect of Gogmagog was fun in that you didn’t know what was going to pop up next, but in this one, Cady is trying to stop Gogmagog from coming back into the world, as well as trying to pollinate her seedlings sprouting all over her, so there’s more urgency and tension than the first book.
The world-building somehow gets even richer. There was one aspect I’ll admit I wasn’t super into . If reading Gogmamg was like being thrown into a cold lake, in Ludwich you’re already fully immersed, so stuff starts to make more sense because you’ve adapted to the setting. In this way, the intricacies of world-building can be imparted, so we learn more about Gogmagog the book as we read Ludluda. For example, how they take Faynr’s excess (ectoplasm I guess) and use that to generate power. That was such a cool idea.
It’s also so funny with both some descriptions but also Cady’s acerbic dialogue which never fails to elicit a laugh from me.
While I went into it planning to flag stuff and make notes to provide a more detailed review, I was so immersed in the story I totally forgot. I guess that shows how engaging it is!
I must say, the ending was bittersweet but a good way to end the book. This is definitely a duology I’ll be rereading.
An absolutely wild and amazing ride, Ludluda is a weird fantasy that leans heavily into the weird but without becoming incomprehensible.
This a duology with Gogmagog, so READ THAT FIRST!
This book picks up right where the last one ended.
Cady Meade is probably my favourite character of all the books I’ve read in 2024. She’s the same cantankerous old plant-lady as she was in Gogmagog and she is my idol. She’s so gross and crass and hilarious. I love her. She doesn’t lose any of that in this book, but she also grows a bit more loveable as she takes on a more heroic role.
The other characters and how they reacted to Cady were what I loved about Gogmagog, and we get less of than in this one, as a lot of the novel is Cady following clues and having short moments with new characters here and here, but we still have Lek in a good deal of it (whom I love) .
The story in this one is tighter in that there’s a real goal. The “quest down the river� aspect of Gogmagog was fun in that you didn’t know what was going to pop up next, but in this one, Cady is trying to stop Gogmagog from coming back into the world, as well as trying to pollinate her seedlings sprouting all over her, so there’s more urgency and tension than the first book.
The world-building somehow gets even richer. There was one aspect I’ll admit I wasn’t super into . If reading Gogmamg was like being thrown into a cold lake, in Ludwich you’re already fully immersed, so stuff starts to make more sense because you’ve adapted to the setting. In this way, the intricacies of world-building can be imparted, so we learn more about Gogmagog the book as we read Ludluda. For example, how they take Faynr’s excess (ectoplasm I guess) and use that to generate power. That was such a cool idea.
It’s also so funny with both some descriptions but also Cady’s acerbic dialogue which never fails to elicit a laugh from me.
While I went into it planning to flag stuff and make notes to provide a more detailed review, I was so immersed in the story I totally forgot. I guess that shows how engaging it is!
I must say, the ending was bittersweet but a good way to end the book. This is definitely a duology I’ll be rereading.
December 5, 2024
Picking up right after the end of book one, we find Cady Meade, protector and cantankerous half-plant, half-human person, wondering has she been precipitous in bringing Brin to Ludwich? Is Brin intending to do harm or good, and what is her connection to Gogmagog?
Cady decides she's going to find out, and stop Gogmagog from reentering this world. Cady also needs, with some urgency, to pollinate the few new blossoms on her, so she begins moving towards this new goal as quickly as possible. She encounters several beings, and SPOILER, even makes a slight detour into an alternate version of Ludwich, and meets a woman much like her, protecting this world. END SPOILER
There is more tension in this second book in this duology, as Cady has a personal deadline approaching. The worldbuilding is again lush and detailed, with the authors showing how old the world is through Cady's knowledge of people, places, and technologies. The humour continues to be scatological, at times, but there is clever phrasing throughout describing Cady encounters as she's trying to determine whether she can trust Brin, and keep Gogmagog from triumphing.
Cady's acerbic inner monologue, and dialogue with others, is one of the highlights of this incredibly weird and wonderful and dangerous world. I thought the authors could not top book one for its sheer inventiveness and humour, but they do, and it's fun, dark, amusing and unusual, with Ludwich and Cady's knowledge of the world proving to be incredibly fascinating.
I was not expecting that odd detour into the alternate world, but at the same time it was interesting contrasting the familiarity of this city with Ludwich's sheer oddball strangeness and appeal. One thing I was particularly happy about, both here and in book one, is that the worldbuilding is delivered organically as the plot moves forward, and I never felt overwhelmed by exposition.
Cady's the hero here, and the authors keep their focus on her, rather than Brin, which is an interesting choice, considering Brin is implied to be a Chosen One in book one. Cady's journey here takes her all over the place, and she shines, and when we finally arrived at the conclusion, I was genuinely surprised and satisfied, even though I was left feeling a wee bit melancholy, too.
The narration of the audiobook was again stellar. I moved back and forth between the text and the audio, and voice actor Matthew Lloyd Davies does a fantastic job with Cady; she shines, and her kindness, wit and resolve really rise to the fore, despite the amazing and sometimes horrifying things happening around her.
The Chronicles of Ludwich is something that I can see myself returning to again, if only to be wowed all over again by the inventiveness of the narrative. It's bizarre, really weird, and damn, I enjoyed it so much!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Angry Robot and to Dreamscape Media for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
Cady decides she's going to find out, and stop Gogmagog from reentering this world. Cady also needs, with some urgency, to pollinate the few new blossoms on her, so she begins moving towards this new goal as quickly as possible. She encounters several beings, and SPOILER, even makes a slight detour into an alternate version of Ludwich, and meets a woman much like her, protecting this world. END SPOILER
There is more tension in this second book in this duology, as Cady has a personal deadline approaching. The worldbuilding is again lush and detailed, with the authors showing how old the world is through Cady's knowledge of people, places, and technologies. The humour continues to be scatological, at times, but there is clever phrasing throughout describing Cady encounters as she's trying to determine whether she can trust Brin, and keep Gogmagog from triumphing.
Cady's acerbic inner monologue, and dialogue with others, is one of the highlights of this incredibly weird and wonderful and dangerous world. I thought the authors could not top book one for its sheer inventiveness and humour, but they do, and it's fun, dark, amusing and unusual, with Ludwich and Cady's knowledge of the world proving to be incredibly fascinating.
I was not expecting that odd detour into the alternate world, but at the same time it was interesting contrasting the familiarity of this city with Ludwich's sheer oddball strangeness and appeal. One thing I was particularly happy about, both here and in book one, is that the worldbuilding is delivered organically as the plot moves forward, and I never felt overwhelmed by exposition.
Cady's the hero here, and the authors keep their focus on her, rather than Brin, which is an interesting choice, considering Brin is implied to be a Chosen One in book one. Cady's journey here takes her all over the place, and she shines, and when we finally arrived at the conclusion, I was genuinely surprised and satisfied, even though I was left feeling a wee bit melancholy, too.
The narration of the audiobook was again stellar. I moved back and forth between the text and the audio, and voice actor Matthew Lloyd Davies does a fantastic job with Cady; she shines, and her kindness, wit and resolve really rise to the fore, despite the amazing and sometimes horrifying things happening around her.
The Chronicles of Ludwich is something that I can see myself returning to again, if only to be wowed all over again by the inventiveness of the narrative. It's bizarre, really weird, and damn, I enjoyed it so much!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Angry Robot and to Dreamscape Media for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
December 15, 2024
Thank you to Angry Robot and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
Gogmagog, the series start and previous installment to Ludluda, was a big surprise to me earlier this year. With an older and somewhat crude protagonist it was a bit of a fresh of breath air compared to fantasy with younger characters.
We start Ludluda the morning after the ending of Gogmagog. The warning that Cady got about the young girl at the end of Gogmagog still haunts her. Yet nobody takes it seriously, not even Cady wants to. Who thinks a 10 year old could be evil?
And here in lies the problem. The switch from the young girl we had in Gogmagog to what we got in Ludluda was instant. It wasn't just the quickening she had to go through. It was already before that, that wasn't quite there in Gogmagog. Not that I can remember. I just wish this portion was better set-up.
Adding on to that is that this becomes a portal fantasy in the second half of this book. We actually come to our world. It just felt very seperate from what we had been following for so long. One could argue it was kind of there with the usage of the name of one man from our history. That wasn't enough however to feel like it was an actual part of the story. I also don't think the story needed to include our world to be able to make a point about pollution.
Having said that, I did still enjoy reading this book for what it was. The world and its characters are so interesting.
I still have a soft spot for Cady. She's just doing whatever is in her power. I would love to get a story of a slightly younger Cady (but still old) with those of her own kind. Or other stories that explore more of this world. There is so much more that could be explored.
Gogmagog, the series start and previous installment to Ludluda, was a big surprise to me earlier this year. With an older and somewhat crude protagonist it was a bit of a fresh of breath air compared to fantasy with younger characters.
We start Ludluda the morning after the ending of Gogmagog. The warning that Cady got about the young girl at the end of Gogmagog still haunts her. Yet nobody takes it seriously, not even Cady wants to. Who thinks a 10 year old could be evil?
And here in lies the problem. The switch from the young girl we had in Gogmagog to what we got in Ludluda was instant. It wasn't just the quickening she had to go through. It was already before that, that wasn't quite there in Gogmagog. Not that I can remember. I just wish this portion was better set-up.
Adding on to that is that this becomes a portal fantasy in the second half of this book. We actually come to our world. It just felt very seperate from what we had been following for so long. One could argue it was kind of there with the usage of the name of one man from our history. That wasn't enough however to feel like it was an actual part of the story. I also don't think the story needed to include our world to be able to make a point about pollution.
Having said that, I did still enjoy reading this book for what it was. The world and its characters are so interesting.
I still have a soft spot for Cady. She's just doing whatever is in her power. I would love to get a story of a slightly younger Cady (but still old) with those of her own kind. Or other stories that explore more of this world. There is so much more that could be explored.
November 29, 2024
Ludluda is the second novel in the Chronicles of Ludwich series, the dark and weird fantasy proposal written by Jeff Noon and Steve Beard, published by Angry Robot Books. After the events of Gogmagog, Cady embarks on a new journey in the Nysis river, a new quest that will take us through this weird world as they are tracking Brin, who has disappeared; but not only Brin matter, as Cady will become the center of the whole story as more about her nature is revealed.
In this second part of the duology, the quest will put the emphasis on the identity of Cady and how she's related with the origins of Ludwig, while also tying it with the blood of Brin, who represents the last generation; a quest that will also take the opportunity to take us to new places in this weird British inspired world while exploring the story, all without info dumpings, using that narrative style that allows the own reader to put together the puzzle pieces.
Ludluda embraces the weirdness and the genre-blending, taking us to what we could define as a step further over Gogmagog; and Cady's arc is simply amazing, a bit confusing at moments, but I promise that all makes sense at the end. She becomes more loveable, and she takes a more heroic role, subverting a bit the chosen one trope. In comparison, it is true that the rest of the characters lose importance, being substituted by more secondary ones that are necessary to advance the plot.
What I loved more about Ludluda is the worldbuilding, and how organically everything is tied together. We can see those glimpses of British inspiration (and certainly there's a chapter that decides to scream that in your phase), but there's much space for the weird and the imagination; the authors don't hold your hand, giving space for interpretation. It is medium paced, alternating between action sections and more introspective ones, woven around Cady.
Ludluda is the cherry on the top of the Chronicles of Ludwig. This series will take you into an intense and weird journey, and it's perfect if you like genre blending proposals; even if it's a duology, I can see myself returning to this world.
November 29, 2024
3.75/5 stars, rounded up
After the surprising, original and gritty-yet-endearing delight of , I was eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this duology. I didn’t have to wait too long as the sequel was on its way within the same year. (Thank you Angry Robot, other publishers: take note!)
Ludlula is an easy recommendation for fans of the first book; it continues the story of our ragtag cast of not-quite-human characters, traversing a steampunk-esque city on the banks of a river that happens to be the ghost of a long dead dragon. Trust me, if you’ve read book 1, you’ll know this insanity actually works!
Ludlula pulls you in with the same charm, (slightly crude) humor and fantastic worldbuilding that book 1 did. It also expands the world in a satisfying way that, too be fair, I didn’t see coming. Many readers wondered if the city of Ludwich from was set somewhere in our world (perhaps a far future or past) or some parallel world of the authors imagining: Ludlula actually sheds light on that question!
Where Gogmagog and Ludlula differed a little, is in their tone and stakes. As you’d expect for a sequel: stakes rise and Cady’s mission is lifted from a personal one, to a quest for the future of Ludwich. Despite that, the pacing feels a little slower than in Gogmagog. Admittedly, my critique of Gogmagog was that it moved too fast for its own good, but still: this felt counterintuitive.
With its raised stakes also comes a more serious tone. This is no longer just a strange river-cruise; it’s a world-hopping, city-saving adventure that ends with a proper dragon-battle in the sky (although very much in the tone of this novel, so clearly not quite the way you’re used to in your typical fantasy-novel). Strangely enough, it took me a while to decide how I felt about that tonal switch, since the characters and writing style so perfectly matched the more low-stakes-river-galivanting of the first.
Overall, despite their opposites, like dual-dragonspirits Faynr and Gogmagog; these books complement each other and make for a fantastic duology. With stunning worldbuilding, a memorable cast and a plot that delivers without outstaying its welcome; Ludlula cemented my liking for this duology. Perfect for fans of Jeff VanderMeer, Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman, or fantasy-readers in the mood for an urban fantasy that is just a little different.
I went between the audiobook and the physical text for my reading of both these novels and have to say I really recommend the audiobook. The narrator gives a lot of character to each voice, without overdoing it, and his performance really adds to the atmosphere of the story.
Many thanks to Angry Robot for providing me with an e-ARC ánd and audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
After the surprising, original and gritty-yet-endearing delight of , I was eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this duology. I didn’t have to wait too long as the sequel was on its way within the same year. (Thank you Angry Robot, other publishers: take note!)
Ludlula is an easy recommendation for fans of the first book; it continues the story of our ragtag cast of not-quite-human characters, traversing a steampunk-esque city on the banks of a river that happens to be the ghost of a long dead dragon. Trust me, if you’ve read book 1, you’ll know this insanity actually works!
Ludlula pulls you in with the same charm, (slightly crude) humor and fantastic worldbuilding that book 1 did. It also expands the world in a satisfying way that, too be fair, I didn’t see coming. Many readers wondered if the city of Ludwich from was set somewhere in our world (perhaps a far future or past) or some parallel world of the authors imagining: Ludlula actually sheds light on that question!
Where Gogmagog and Ludlula differed a little, is in their tone and stakes. As you’d expect for a sequel: stakes rise and Cady’s mission is lifted from a personal one, to a quest for the future of Ludwich. Despite that, the pacing feels a little slower than in Gogmagog. Admittedly, my critique of Gogmagog was that it moved too fast for its own good, but still: this felt counterintuitive.
With its raised stakes also comes a more serious tone. This is no longer just a strange river-cruise; it’s a world-hopping, city-saving adventure that ends with a proper dragon-battle in the sky (although very much in the tone of this novel, so clearly not quite the way you’re used to in your typical fantasy-novel). Strangely enough, it took me a while to decide how I felt about that tonal switch, since the characters and writing style so perfectly matched the more low-stakes-river-galivanting of the first.
Overall, despite their opposites, like dual-dragonspirits Faynr and Gogmagog; these books complement each other and make for a fantastic duology. With stunning worldbuilding, a memorable cast and a plot that delivers without outstaying its welcome; Ludlula cemented my liking for this duology. Perfect for fans of Jeff VanderMeer, Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman, or fantasy-readers in the mood for an urban fantasy that is just a little different.
I went between the audiobook and the physical text for my reading of both these novels and have to say I really recommend the audiobook. The narrator gives a lot of character to each voice, without overdoing it, and his performance really adds to the atmosphere of the story.
Many thanks to Angry Robot for providing me with an e-ARC ánd and audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 17, 2024
Review: Back to the land of Ludwich, er I think? Lots of place names and instances to get your head around but the main characters remain to lessen the blow. There is a very determined effort to revel in descriptive prose based around Fanyr and the Nysis. It is all stench and ecto-goo in variety.
Cady leads the charge through a meandering story line that embraces the weird. A finely tuned read that is slightly diminished in song from the first novel.
I received this ARC for an honest review
4.1/5
Cady leads the charge through a meandering story line that embraces the weird. A finely tuned read that is slightly diminished in song from the first novel.
I received this ARC for an honest review
4.1/5
December 13, 2024
If you enjoy books that challenge conventional storytelling, this will captivate you with its poetic, almost musical prose. It’s not a straightforward read—it demands attention and a willingness to let go of rigid expectations. Fans of experimental fiction and gothic mystery will likely find this a rewarding experience. Though dense at times, its imaginative brilliance makes it well worth the effort.
September 15, 2024
Ludluda was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024 following the superb first installment of this duology, Gogmagog by Jeff Noon and Steve Beard.
Events pick up immediately from the conclusion of Gogmagog and once again our unlikely crew are journeying up river and having some interesting stops along the way as the various pieces of the mystery are revealed. I really appreciated the 'show, don't tell' approach to the writing in the first book and this left me craving for answers in this concluding part, but equally I was hoping that the sense of bewilderment and gradual discovery would continue without hand holding exposition - thankfully for my tastes, not everything was fully explained, leaving room for interpretation and additional discovery on a reread. I spent much of my read of Gogmagog trying to figure out where this story was being told as in whether it was a secondary fantasy world or actually our own Earth but in a different time. With Ludluda, this question is answered but I will not spoil what this was here.
The Chronicles of Ludwich offers a truly unique reading experience which defies the boundaries of genre, pulling in elements of fantasy, fairytale, science fiction and beyond. The prose throughout has a dreamlike quality and at times can carry you along like the eddies and currents of the rivers depicted in this story whilst also having the ability in parallel to be crude and direct. As an avid Fantasy and Science Fiction reader, I can often get the sense when starting a new book of having previously read the story already as tried and tested tropes are repackaged again and again but with this Duology I was struggling to compare this with anything else or figure out precisely the literary influences that may have inspired it so I guess that is my way of praising the amount of originality that went into this work.
Many thanks to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review. Ludluda is due to be published on 3rd December 2024
Events pick up immediately from the conclusion of Gogmagog and once again our unlikely crew are journeying up river and having some interesting stops along the way as the various pieces of the mystery are revealed. I really appreciated the 'show, don't tell' approach to the writing in the first book and this left me craving for answers in this concluding part, but equally I was hoping that the sense of bewilderment and gradual discovery would continue without hand holding exposition - thankfully for my tastes, not everything was fully explained, leaving room for interpretation and additional discovery on a reread. I spent much of my read of Gogmagog trying to figure out where this story was being told as in whether it was a secondary fantasy world or actually our own Earth but in a different time. With Ludluda, this question is answered but I will not spoil what this was here.
The Chronicles of Ludwich offers a truly unique reading experience which defies the boundaries of genre, pulling in elements of fantasy, fairytale, science fiction and beyond. The prose throughout has a dreamlike quality and at times can carry you along like the eddies and currents of the rivers depicted in this story whilst also having the ability in parallel to be crude and direct. As an avid Fantasy and Science Fiction reader, I can often get the sense when starting a new book of having previously read the story already as tried and tested tropes are repackaged again and again but with this Duology I was struggling to compare this with anything else or figure out precisely the literary influences that may have inspired it so I guess that is my way of praising the amount of originality that went into this work.
Many thanks to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review. Ludluda is due to be published on 3rd December 2024
December 20, 2024
4.5 planty stars.
The 🎧 audiobook 🎧 is delightfully read - great characterizations and perfect tone.
Note: second book of two, so go read Gogmagog first, if you haven't already.
I absolutely adore the freakishly weird genre of fantasy and of sci.fi, but even more so when the weirdness doesn't hinder the reader from understanding (at least, generally) what is going on! According to my year-end stats, 25% of the books that I read were mysterious... I just don't like when they are SO mysterious that following the general direction of the story is impossible.
Pair the weird and mysterious, with some of the greatest characters ever developed and world-building that shines with ghostly glee, and I am completely smitten! I am so very glad (and grateful) that I was chosen to review the first book in this series (which I chose purely by the book's cover art). Neither the authors or narrator, nor the original book, were anywhere on my radar. I reread that joyously madcap adventure again before starting Ludluda, and loved it just the same as I did the first time around.
This story starts exactly where the last ended, and descended pretty quickly into all kinds of disastrous madness. Cadie (Arcadia) Meade is definitely both ludicrously and delightfully disgusting. She is also perfect as her part-plant, part-human, 1000+ year old self! Honestly, she is probably one of my favourite new characters encountered in a long, long time. I loved that this second audiobook centred more on her own story, beginning through end. I really wanted to see what would happen with her, and she deserved a book all of her own. And while it was sad to leave our dear young deckhand behind, that is the way of boating life.
One thing that I didn't like as much is that, while the first book was marketed as a duology, the second left more than necessary mysteriously unattended to, and is no longer being hailed as a duology. I fear that capitalism has gotten ahold of this series and decided to string it out based on popularity (which, in my opinion, is VERY rarely ever a good thing). I mean, I can see side stories in the same world, but I doubt that is why the end felt so ambiguous. Yes, authors and publishers need to eat, but not from the same characters forever.
Huge gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for an Audio-ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
The 🎧 audiobook 🎧 is delightfully read - great characterizations and perfect tone.
Note: second book of two, so go read Gogmagog first, if you haven't already.
I absolutely adore the freakishly weird genre of fantasy and of sci.fi, but even more so when the weirdness doesn't hinder the reader from understanding (at least, generally) what is going on! According to my year-end stats, 25% of the books that I read were mysterious... I just don't like when they are SO mysterious that following the general direction of the story is impossible.
Pair the weird and mysterious, with some of the greatest characters ever developed and world-building that shines with ghostly glee, and I am completely smitten! I am so very glad (and grateful) that I was chosen to review the first book in this series (which I chose purely by the book's cover art). Neither the authors or narrator, nor the original book, were anywhere on my radar. I reread that joyously madcap adventure again before starting Ludluda, and loved it just the same as I did the first time around.
This story starts exactly where the last ended, and descended pretty quickly into all kinds of disastrous madness. Cadie (Arcadia) Meade is definitely both ludicrously and delightfully disgusting. She is also perfect as her part-plant, part-human, 1000+ year old self! Honestly, she is probably one of my favourite new characters encountered in a long, long time. I loved that this second audiobook centred more on her own story, beginning through end. I really wanted to see what would happen with her, and she deserved a book all of her own. And while it was sad to leave our dear young deckhand behind, that is the way of boating life.
One thing that I didn't like as much is that, while the first book was marketed as a duology, the second left more than necessary mysteriously unattended to, and is no longer being hailed as a duology. I fear that capitalism has gotten ahold of this series and decided to string it out based on popularity (which, in my opinion, is VERY rarely ever a good thing). I mean, I can see side stories in the same world, but I doubt that is why the end felt so ambiguous. Yes, authors and publishers need to eat, but not from the same characters forever.
Huge gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for an Audio-ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
January 8, 2025
Ludluda begins exactly where Gogmagog left off with Cady being entirely her unapologetic, disgusting and budding self. This was certainly no tamer than gogmagog and had many vile moments that had me cringing.. so much poop! Cady and her buds continue on their adventure with Brin and Lek filled with the same banter, comraderie and absolute nonsense. When it turns out that Gogmagog the evil spirit may have had a twin created Cady strives to find Brin and flower herself.. and yep it is as crazy as it sounds!
I thought Gogmagog was a fever dream and this was no different. This reminded me of the Gideon the Ninth series only because for the majority of it I had no idea what was going on and I was also not sure what the purpose of Brin's task and outcome.
I thought Gogmagog was a fever dream and this was no different. This reminded me of the Gideon the Ninth series only because for the majority of it I had no idea what was going on and I was also not sure what the purpose of Brin's task and outcome.
January 25, 2025
Loved these two books - great characters and storyline
So glad I found these two books. Such a great story with well constructed characters, a really interesting parallel world to ours and a little bit of an ambiguous ending.
So glad I found these two books. Such a great story with well constructed characters, a really interesting parallel world to ours and a little bit of an ambiguous ending.
February 2, 2025
3.75⭐️
It was a little hard to follow what was going on in this book but I enjoyed the journey.
It was a little hard to follow what was going on in this book but I enjoyed the journey.
April 3, 2025
worse than book one, personally not interested in the portal fantasy situation here, nevertheless, got style
March 24, 2025
great weird London gothic fiction
December 3, 2024
Ludluda, the concluding book in The Chronicles of Ludwich duology by Jeff Noon and Steve Beard, is a surreal journey set in the atmospheric city of Ludwich. Cady Meade, a seasoned survivor, must deliver a ten-year-old girl to a coming-of-age festival, warned by prophets of looming dangers. When the girl mysteriously disappears, Cady, accompanied by a quirky, outdated mechanical man, embarks on a quest to find her.
As Cady tracks the girl along the River Nysis, she confronts both known enemies, seeking to unravel the mysteries surrounding the dragon Haakenur.
While Ludluda may not fully match the first book's highs, it remains an immersive experience with rich world-building that blends steampunk and dark fantasy. Cady’s tough, sarcastic persona adds humour, making for unpredictable twists through surreal and vivid prose.
Overall, Ludluda is a memorable, inventive novel that offers a fitting conclusion to the series, ideal for fans of unconventional fantasy seeking something original.
Many thanks to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review. Ludluda is due to be published on 3rd December 2024.
As Cady tracks the girl along the River Nysis, she confronts both known enemies, seeking to unravel the mysteries surrounding the dragon Haakenur.
While Ludluda may not fully match the first book's highs, it remains an immersive experience with rich world-building that blends steampunk and dark fantasy. Cady’s tough, sarcastic persona adds humour, making for unpredictable twists through surreal and vivid prose.
Overall, Ludluda is a memorable, inventive novel that offers a fitting conclusion to the series, ideal for fans of unconventional fantasy seeking something original.
Many thanks to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review. Ludluda is due to be published on 3rd December 2024.
December 10, 2024
3.5
This is the conclusion to the duology The Chronicles of Ludwich in which we join the story directly where book 1 leaves us. This story is both inventive and unique in premise. We get to explore more of the river that is haunted by the ghost of a dragon throughout Cady's continued journey to the city of Ludwich, where events occur that change the direction of the story as well as the importance of Cady's mission.
I enjoyed Cady's character and the dire straits she must go to in orderto achieve her goal in the end. Unfortunately, I do feel that the story took some unusual turns that prevented the full development of why things were happening as well as missing some opportunities to connect back to previous events in the story.
I love the world in this story, and I am slightly saddened that we don't get more information about each city/location visited by Cady and her rag tag gang of individuals. In reading other reviews of this story, it seems that most people have enjoyed the world building, so please take this with a grain of salt. I felt like the world building was rushed. This series covers so much, as we are traveling down the river, but due to the movement of the story we never get to really soak in the characters and locations we visit.
I also think that the reveal that happens around 75% was an interesting choice. It threw me for a loop. The time taken in the last 25% to really develop this turn of events prevents the story from really connecting the dots at the end. This led to the ending feeling rather choppy with, what I viewed as really important scenes, being cut off before their importance had time to take hold.
I do applaud the authors for the high stakes of the story. The characters were always fair game in my mind for nefarious things to happen, which I think adds to the tension of the story. Along with that was the fact that I started to care for Cady, Lek, and even Jeb, which makes their endangerment even more suspenseful.
Overall, I think that this is one of the most unique fantasy stories I have read and am interested in seeing if my thoughts change upon reread. I know that after finishing the first book in the series I couldn't stop thinking about the story, so I imagine I will take the journey to Ludwich again sometime in the future.
Thank you to Angry Robot Books and Net Galley for giving me access to an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
This is the conclusion to the duology The Chronicles of Ludwich in which we join the story directly where book 1 leaves us. This story is both inventive and unique in premise. We get to explore more of the river that is haunted by the ghost of a dragon throughout Cady's continued journey to the city of Ludwich, where events occur that change the direction of the story as well as the importance of Cady's mission.
I enjoyed Cady's character and the dire straits she must go to in orderto achieve her goal in the end. Unfortunately, I do feel that the story took some unusual turns that prevented the full development of why things were happening as well as missing some opportunities to connect back to previous events in the story.
I love the world in this story, and I am slightly saddened that we don't get more information about each city/location visited by Cady and her rag tag gang of individuals. In reading other reviews of this story, it seems that most people have enjoyed the world building, so please take this with a grain of salt. I felt like the world building was rushed. This series covers so much, as we are traveling down the river, but due to the movement of the story we never get to really soak in the characters and locations we visit.
I also think that the reveal that happens around 75% was an interesting choice. It threw me for a loop. The time taken in the last 25% to really develop this turn of events prevents the story from really connecting the dots at the end. This led to the ending feeling rather choppy with, what I viewed as really important scenes, being cut off before their importance had time to take hold.
I do applaud the authors for the high stakes of the story. The characters were always fair game in my mind for nefarious things to happen, which I think adds to the tension of the story. Along with that was the fact that I started to care for Cady, Lek, and even Jeb, which makes their endangerment even more suspenseful.
Overall, I think that this is one of the most unique fantasy stories I have read and am interested in seeing if my thoughts change upon reread. I know that after finishing the first book in the series I couldn't stop thinking about the story, so I imagine I will take the journey to Ludwich again sometime in the future.
Thank you to Angry Robot Books and Net Galley for giving me access to an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
December 21, 2024
Ludluda continues straight on from Gogmagog; read them in order otherwise you won't have a clue what's going on. We're back with grumpy old Cady Meade, about to complete her commission from Book 1, delivering young Brin and her robot butler, Lek, to Brin's coming-of-age ceremony in the city of Ludwich. Of course, things don't go to plan. Brin disappears, and Lek goes to track her down, leaving Cady to deal with a more personal quest of her own. This involves further travels along the dragon-haunted River Nysis, colourful characters, plenty of adventure, the truth about Brin and Cady's destiny.
Cady is as no-nonsense, uncouth and full of it as she was in Gogmagog but probably smelling much worse. I was delighted to find her spending the first page struggling with an almighty dump - we've all been there, right? We don't see so much of Brin this time round (although she's still key to the story), but this is balanced up by Cady being joined by young Artful-Dodger-type Jeb. Throughout the continuing journey, a host of other characters pop up, and with Ludwich having always felt like a strange London parallel, we also get a taste of our London too.
As with Gogmagog, the writing style's not perfect. The pacing is pretty frantic, with an awful lot going on. Every so often, Cady reminds us that both books in total are charting days, rather than weeks. I still had questions by the end, but it finishes neatly while keeping enough of a tease for potentially further instalments? It felt progressively like a mad fever dream, but one I was content to be carried away on, not thinking too hard about how things worked but accepting that's how things are in this strange world. It's awash with weird invention - I particularly liked the rather biological version of the Tube - and I think the mix of tech and fantasy works. I still think an animation studio could do something spectacular with these books. Despite the faults, Cady and her world are vivid, original, always lively, and a bit bonkers. She makes these books - she's old and rude and looks a right state but it doesn't matter to her. Having seen pretty much everything, she'll just keep going, and I'd be happy to keep travelling with her.
Cady is as no-nonsense, uncouth and full of it as she was in Gogmagog but probably smelling much worse. I was delighted to find her spending the first page struggling with an almighty dump - we've all been there, right? We don't see so much of Brin this time round (although she's still key to the story), but this is balanced up by Cady being joined by young Artful-Dodger-type Jeb. Throughout the continuing journey, a host of other characters pop up, and with Ludwich having always felt like a strange London parallel, we also get a taste of our London too.
As with Gogmagog, the writing style's not perfect. The pacing is pretty frantic, with an awful lot going on. Every so often, Cady reminds us that both books in total are charting days, rather than weeks. I still had questions by the end, but it finishes neatly while keeping enough of a tease for potentially further instalments? It felt progressively like a mad fever dream, but one I was content to be carried away on, not thinking too hard about how things worked but accepting that's how things are in this strange world. It's awash with weird invention - I particularly liked the rather biological version of the Tube - and I think the mix of tech and fantasy works. I still think an animation studio could do something spectacular with these books. Despite the faults, Cady and her world are vivid, original, always lively, and a bit bonkers. She makes these books - she's old and rude and looks a right state but it doesn't matter to her. Having seen pretty much everything, she'll just keep going, and I'd be happy to keep travelling with her.
December 12, 2024
Ludlula is the follow up and finale to the spectacularly strange story begun in Jeff Noon and Steve Beard’s collaboration Gogmagog. Gogmagog was ostensibly a fantasy book but packed full of other genre elements including steampunk, horror and science fiction. It told the tale of a journey up a river that is also the ghost of a long dead dragon with a ragtag crew captained by the ancient plant-woman and sailor Cady Meade.
Ludlula picks up where Gogmagog finishes. Meade has arrived in the city of Ludwich where her passenger, ten year old Brin will undergo a transformation known as the Hesting. Despite being warned not to let this ceremony happen, Meade facilitates it and sets in a train a possibly destructive train of events. But before she can get to that Meade, has to work out how to germinate the six buds growing out of her body. On the way she will navigate further up the river and discover that her city of Ludwich is connected to another city in another universe called London.
If all of this sounds too weird, suffice to say the actual book is a whole lot weirder. But readers who have been on this journey from book one will be keyed in enough to follow. And Cady Meade is such a rich and fascinating protagonist that it is easy to follow where she goes. And that is more so in Ludlula which is more focused on Meade and her quests than Gogmagog which had a slightly bigger cast.
Ludlula is dark, redolent often visceral new weird fantasy. Like bower birds, Noon and Beard have taken bits of and pieces of other genres and combined them into a glittering and heady mix of character, action and philosophy. While not quite as successful as Gogmagog, Ludlula does round out and complete the story and is a must for fans of the first book. And for those who want to explore more of this strange world, Noon and Beard provide a sting that hints that there could well be more to come.
Ludlula picks up where Gogmagog finishes. Meade has arrived in the city of Ludwich where her passenger, ten year old Brin will undergo a transformation known as the Hesting. Despite being warned not to let this ceremony happen, Meade facilitates it and sets in a train a possibly destructive train of events. But before she can get to that Meade, has to work out how to germinate the six buds growing out of her body. On the way she will navigate further up the river and discover that her city of Ludwich is connected to another city in another universe called London.
If all of this sounds too weird, suffice to say the actual book is a whole lot weirder. But readers who have been on this journey from book one will be keyed in enough to follow. And Cady Meade is such a rich and fascinating protagonist that it is easy to follow where she goes. And that is more so in Ludlula which is more focused on Meade and her quests than Gogmagog which had a slightly bigger cast.
Ludlula is dark, redolent often visceral new weird fantasy. Like bower birds, Noon and Beard have taken bits of and pieces of other genres and combined them into a glittering and heady mix of character, action and philosophy. While not quite as successful as Gogmagog, Ludlula does round out and complete the story and is a must for fans of the first book. And for those who want to explore more of this strange world, Noon and Beard provide a sting that hints that there could well be more to come.
December 4, 2024
I read Gogmagog very recently and felt confused here and there, I think because it was my first real dive into weird fantasy. Well, now that I’ve read this book, the second in the duology, I feel like the first gave me the training and experience I needed to understand this subgenre. Ludluda wasn’t written any differently, but I had a much easier time with it and it gave me an even greater appreciation for Gogmagog.
Ludluda started up just where Gogmagog left off and I love when that happens. As it’s a sequel, I don’t want to touch too much on plot, but I was pleasantly surprised with the direction it took. Though Cady is the main character, I expected most of the focus to be on Brin because Gogmagog ended with a Brin-centered event. Instead, we got full focus on Cady, and the book was more about her quest(s), which did ultimately include Brin and others, but not as I thought. I don’t know if that even makes sense, but the important thing to understand is that I really loved the way it was done and I’m glad the duology was actually about Cady’s experiences instead being a story about Brin witnessed by Cady. And not only that, but Cady’s story went places I would never have guessed. I think this duology has caused me to think “how did they think of this?� more than any other book I’ve read.
Speaking of Cady: once again, her curmudgeonly personality shines bright, and her interactions with everyone around her had me either laughing or loving that she’s actually a bit of a softie when it’s deserved. Now that I’m finished with these books, I’m really going to miss the old girl.
The story’s conclusion was satisfying mostly because I had no idea where it was going and had no expectations whatsoever, and I loved the very end.
Thanks very much to Angry Robot Books for the ARC of this book.
Ludluda started up just where Gogmagog left off and I love when that happens. As it’s a sequel, I don’t want to touch too much on plot, but I was pleasantly surprised with the direction it took. Though Cady is the main character, I expected most of the focus to be on Brin because Gogmagog ended with a Brin-centered event. Instead, we got full focus on Cady, and the book was more about her quest(s), which did ultimately include Brin and others, but not as I thought. I don’t know if that even makes sense, but the important thing to understand is that I really loved the way it was done and I’m glad the duology was actually about Cady’s experiences instead being a story about Brin witnessed by Cady. And not only that, but Cady’s story went places I would never have guessed. I think this duology has caused me to think “how did they think of this?� more than any other book I’ve read.
Speaking of Cady: once again, her curmudgeonly personality shines bright, and her interactions with everyone around her had me either laughing or loving that she’s actually a bit of a softie when it’s deserved. Now that I’m finished with these books, I’m really going to miss the old girl.
The story’s conclusion was satisfying mostly because I had no idea where it was going and had no expectations whatsoever, and I loved the very end.
Thanks very much to Angry Robot Books for the ARC of this book.
November 24, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Ludluda by Jeff Noon and Steve Beard is the third person-POV fantasy continuation of Gogmagog. Cady, Brin, and the others continue on their way when the myridi flies living in Brin are ready to mature and there is no stopping Gogmagog from coming back and wreaking havoc on the world. Meanwhile, Cady is sprouting blossoms and needs to find the Lud flower.
What I really liked about this was how deep the worldbuilding feels, ancient and incredibly well-established, as Cady, who is more than a thousand years old, and Brin, the latest generation in a very long line, are bringing a lot of things to a head. In many ways, I would say this story is more world-driven rather than plot or character-driven. Between sections, we also get the Monocle Cigarette Cards, which add more worldbuilding information to help enhance what is already happening on the page.
Of the three intersecting storylines, the one I found the most interesting was the blossoms sprouting on Cady’s body. We get an explanation for why this is happening to Cady and how she came to be and I would read a prequel book surrounding how that all came about. Humans mixed with plants is one of my favorite tropes in fiction that isn’t explored very much, so seeing it here made me like the story even more. When paired with how her voice and personality are very reminiscent of an older woman who has stopped caring about what society thinks of her, it makes Cady a very interesting POV character.
I would recommend this to fans of the original Gogmagog book and those that love books that are worldbuilding-forward but have a very clear story to tell
Ludluda by Jeff Noon and Steve Beard is the third person-POV fantasy continuation of Gogmagog. Cady, Brin, and the others continue on their way when the myridi flies living in Brin are ready to mature and there is no stopping Gogmagog from coming back and wreaking havoc on the world. Meanwhile, Cady is sprouting blossoms and needs to find the Lud flower.
What I really liked about this was how deep the worldbuilding feels, ancient and incredibly well-established, as Cady, who is more than a thousand years old, and Brin, the latest generation in a very long line, are bringing a lot of things to a head. In many ways, I would say this story is more world-driven rather than plot or character-driven. Between sections, we also get the Monocle Cigarette Cards, which add more worldbuilding information to help enhance what is already happening on the page.
Of the three intersecting storylines, the one I found the most interesting was the blossoms sprouting on Cady’s body. We get an explanation for why this is happening to Cady and how she came to be and I would read a prequel book surrounding how that all came about. Humans mixed with plants is one of my favorite tropes in fiction that isn’t explored very much, so seeing it here made me like the story even more. When paired with how her voice and personality are very reminiscent of an older woman who has stopped caring about what society thinks of her, it makes Cady a very interesting POV character.
I would recommend this to fans of the original Gogmagog book and those that love books that are worldbuilding-forward but have a very clear story to tell
December 28, 2024
5 / 10 �
Please beware spoilers for Gogmagog, Book #1 of the Chronicles of Ludwich, and/or check out my review of it here!
The course of the River Nysis spells the destiny of a great many souls, none of the older nor more renowned than one Acadia Meade. After centuries spent in waiting, she’s finally due to bloom, and little will get in the way of her rebirth.
Unfortunately, Brin IS little. At only 10, the girl reminds Cady quite a lot of herself at that age. Except that, instead of being promised to King Lud, she’s the chosen vessel of the Dragon Gogmagog, whose coming has been foretold for longer than Cady’s been alive. But when all the signs click into place at the girl’s hesting, Brin herself disappears, forcing Cady and a distraught Lek to search for her.
And search they must, for a 10 year old girl alone in the world is a worry, but a 10 year old vessel of an ancient and chaotic dragon is something much, much more.
�
The hard turn of this novel left me reeling. Not that Brin was the chosen vessel of Gogmagog—the signs were all there—but that she was the very willing servant of the evil dragon, a vessel quite willing to return the lord of chaos to the world, so that he might destroy it. It was quite the thing to swallow, especially when we’d spent the entirety of Gogmagog believing otherwise.
It’s this hard—and quite unbelievable—turn that made all the chaos that followed so hard to swallow. The search for meaning became the search for Brin, and while the ending was decent (in that it gave fulfillment to both her and Cady’s stories) (well, kinda) it certainly didn’t make up for an entire story spent trying to retell the entire first Chronicle of Ludwich. The chaos just became chaos. And as it got increasingly difficult to parse, so did the resulting plot interwoven with it.
I mean, such is the Tao of Noon. Chaos, weirdness are his forte, and Ludluda is no different. But such was the departure from Gogmagog—in Brin, Lek, and even Cady—that I had trouble following it, and my mind started to wander well before the final outcome. Which, when it did finally arrive, was too late, unfulfilling, and a bit uninspired.
TL;DR
It’s an okay conclusion to the Chronicles of Ludwich, provided the reader throw out most of what they learned in Book #1. Otherwise, it’s a hard truth to swallow, interwoven by chaos that simply seemed chaotic, not the (semi) structured plot-device from Gogmagog. Ultimately, I find my mind wandering well before the end which, when it did come, failed to provide a meaningful or fulfilling ending to the series. After all this, what you’ll remember most about the book in a week’s time is� nothing. That it was weird, little else.
Please beware spoilers for Gogmagog, Book #1 of the Chronicles of Ludwich, and/or check out my review of it here!
The course of the River Nysis spells the destiny of a great many souls, none of the older nor more renowned than one Acadia Meade. After centuries spent in waiting, she’s finally due to bloom, and little will get in the way of her rebirth.
Unfortunately, Brin IS little. At only 10, the girl reminds Cady quite a lot of herself at that age. Except that, instead of being promised to King Lud, she’s the chosen vessel of the Dragon Gogmagog, whose coming has been foretold for longer than Cady’s been alive. But when all the signs click into place at the girl’s hesting, Brin herself disappears, forcing Cady and a distraught Lek to search for her.
And search they must, for a 10 year old girl alone in the world is a worry, but a 10 year old vessel of an ancient and chaotic dragon is something much, much more.
�
The hard turn of this novel left me reeling. Not that Brin was the chosen vessel of Gogmagog—the signs were all there—but that she was the very willing servant of the evil dragon, a vessel quite willing to return the lord of chaos to the world, so that he might destroy it. It was quite the thing to swallow, especially when we’d spent the entirety of Gogmagog believing otherwise.
It’s this hard—and quite unbelievable—turn that made all the chaos that followed so hard to swallow. The search for meaning became the search for Brin, and while the ending was decent (in that it gave fulfillment to both her and Cady’s stories) (well, kinda) it certainly didn’t make up for an entire story spent trying to retell the entire first Chronicle of Ludwich. The chaos just became chaos. And as it got increasingly difficult to parse, so did the resulting plot interwoven with it.
I mean, such is the Tao of Noon. Chaos, weirdness are his forte, and Ludluda is no different. But such was the departure from Gogmagog—in Brin, Lek, and even Cady—that I had trouble following it, and my mind started to wander well before the final outcome. Which, when it did finally arrive, was too late, unfulfilling, and a bit uninspired.
TL;DR
It’s an okay conclusion to the Chronicles of Ludwich, provided the reader throw out most of what they learned in Book #1. Otherwise, it’s a hard truth to swallow, interwoven by chaos that simply seemed chaotic, not the (semi) structured plot-device from Gogmagog. Ultimately, I find my mind wandering well before the end which, when it did come, failed to provide a meaningful or fulfilling ending to the series. After all this, what you’ll remember most about the book in a week’s time is� nothing. That it was weird, little else.
December 1, 2024
Ludluda is the second book in the two-part historical fantasy The Chronicles of Ludwich duology and follows up Gogmagog from earlier this year set in an otherworldly London along the River Nysis (the Thames) upon which the corrupted ghost of a dead dragon lies. Cady has successfully ferried the automaton Thrawl Lek and his young ward Brin to the capital, but dark portents suggest that Brin may be a pawn to the evil twin dragon spirit Gogmagog. When Brin disappears, she must hunt her down and fulfill her ancient charge from the good twin spirit Fenyr of protecting Ludwich.
This book lives up to the weird in the weird fantasy that was Gogmagog. It starts with a person having a shit and ends with a dragon licking up vomit and slightly choking on it. It continues to go for strange choices in line with the previous book if a bit tamer. While Gogmagog had a more straightforward story, Ludluda meanders a bit, interweaving several divergent storythreads while at the same time chasing after Brin (who happens to hit the exact places Cady needed to close those threads).
Cady continues to be a funny and abrasive grandmotherly protagonist. And Lek is just so easy to root for with his single-mindedness and purpose. I really liked the addition of a new character in the young man Jeb. He just rounded out the cast rather well now that Brin is gone, but I did find it strange how he just seemed to just show up and latches himself onto the story. The book gives Cady a satisfying conclusion, culminating in the fulfillment of her very purpose. However, I felt like it lacked closure for most of the characters (especially Lek). Also, I never actually got the point. Like what was Brin’s ultimate goal? Did she know what was going to happen? And why?
Ludluda is the natural sequel you would expect for Gogmagog, delivering a satisfying conclusion to Cady’s story if not exactly for everyone else.
*Thank you Angry Robot Books for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book lives up to the weird in the weird fantasy that was Gogmagog. It starts with a person having a shit and ends with a dragon licking up vomit and slightly choking on it. It continues to go for strange choices in line with the previous book if a bit tamer. While Gogmagog had a more straightforward story, Ludluda meanders a bit, interweaving several divergent storythreads while at the same time chasing after Brin (who happens to hit the exact places Cady needed to close those threads).
Cady continues to be a funny and abrasive grandmotherly protagonist. And Lek is just so easy to root for with his single-mindedness and purpose. I really liked the addition of a new character in the young man Jeb. He just rounded out the cast rather well now that Brin is gone, but I did find it strange how he just seemed to just show up and latches himself onto the story. The book gives Cady a satisfying conclusion, culminating in the fulfillment of her very purpose. However, I felt like it lacked closure for most of the characters (especially Lek). Also, I never actually got the point. Like what was Brin’s ultimate goal? Did she know what was going to happen? And why?
Ludluda is the natural sequel you would expect for Gogmagog, delivering a satisfying conclusion to Cady’s story if not exactly for everyone else.
*Thank you Angry Robot Books for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2024
Many thanks to Angry Robot Books for the review copy of Ludluda. I read and loved Gogmagog earlier this year, so this chance to be a part of the online tour for the second book of the duology is very much appreciated.
Jeff Noon and Steve Beard have got together to create something very special with these two books, and it’s vital that you read Gogmagog before you plunge into the murky waters of Ludluda.
Having got that out of the way, what of Ludluda? It’s a rich, physical, story that takes our protagonist, Cady Meade, on a quest to the source of a great river, whilst travelling upstream through its avatar, the ghost of a great dragon. The ghost itself is sick, and the journey through its diseased bowels is not one for the fainthearted.
Cady began this journey as the captain of a river boat taking a young girl and her mechanical guardian to a coming of age ceremony, but the waters have become muddied along the way, and in Ludluda, she finds herself flailing to find out if she is doing the right thing. Meanwhile, rumours of an old friend take her on an unexpected journey into another reality. Cady is a hero for the ages, a wise, profane, ancient creature with a love for life in its entirety, from its delicate green shoots to the stink of decay.
I loved this beautiful book, it made me smile and laugh, and at one point it nearly made me vomit. Read Gogmagog, then read Ludluda.
Jeff Noon and Steve Beard have got together to create something very special with these two books, and it’s vital that you read Gogmagog before you plunge into the murky waters of Ludluda.
Having got that out of the way, what of Ludluda? It’s a rich, physical, story that takes our protagonist, Cady Meade, on a quest to the source of a great river, whilst travelling upstream through its avatar, the ghost of a great dragon. The ghost itself is sick, and the journey through its diseased bowels is not one for the fainthearted.
Cady began this journey as the captain of a river boat taking a young girl and her mechanical guardian to a coming of age ceremony, but the waters have become muddied along the way, and in Ludluda, she finds herself flailing to find out if she is doing the right thing. Meanwhile, rumours of an old friend take her on an unexpected journey into another reality. Cady is a hero for the ages, a wise, profane, ancient creature with a love for life in its entirety, from its delicate green shoots to the stink of decay.
I loved this beautiful book, it made me smile and laugh, and at one point it nearly made me vomit. Read Gogmagog, then read Ludluda.
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December 3, 2024Ludluda picks up right where the first left off. Cady is still her weird, kind of gross, planty self. We also have the mechanical Lek and of course the young girl Brin. Cady takes more of a pivotal almost 'hero' role in this part with her two quests. She needs to be 'pollinated' and she also wants to save Ludwich from the evil Gogmagog.
The plot is more solid in this book. In Gogmagog, we travelled down the river without knowing what was around each bend, whereas in Ludluda, there is a concrete plan that Cady lays out. That does not mean that the book is any less weird and wonderful though, if anything some of the things Cady gets up to are even more strange than in book 1!
The overall feel of the book is more serious than that of Gogmagog, as the stakes are higher and the whole of Ludwich is at risk. I also appreciated the undertone of ecological messaging, with polluted environments causing problems for those who live nearby.
I loved the delightful weirdness of this duology, the worldbuilding is so grounded and interesting, and I also enjoyed not having my hand held.
I highly recommend this genre-blending, weird, adventurous and downright fun duology to anyone in the mood for something a little different.
Many thanks to Angry Robot for providing me with a copy of the book for the tour!
The plot is more solid in this book. In Gogmagog, we travelled down the river without knowing what was around each bend, whereas in Ludluda, there is a concrete plan that Cady lays out. That does not mean that the book is any less weird and wonderful though, if anything some of the things Cady gets up to are even more strange than in book 1!
The overall feel of the book is more serious than that of Gogmagog, as the stakes are higher and the whole of Ludwich is at risk. I also appreciated the undertone of ecological messaging, with polluted environments causing problems for those who live nearby.
I loved the delightful weirdness of this duology, the worldbuilding is so grounded and interesting, and I also enjoyed not having my hand held.
I highly recommend this genre-blending, weird, adventurous and downright fun duology to anyone in the mood for something a little different.
Many thanks to Angry Robot for providing me with a copy of the book for the tour!
November 30, 2024
Tour stop for "Ludluda" by Jeff Noon and Steve Beard to wrap The Chronicles of Ludwich duology. Thanks for including me on this wild and weird ride.
Remember this all takes place along the ghost river of a dragon. Cady has to decide if she is going to off this kid. Some signs point to her letting the night serpent Gogmagog back into the world. Other times, the child is just a frightened girl in a bad situation. Of course the choice is taken out of her hands when she disappears in a flash of light. Leaving her with the mechanical man who is falling apart, the tag along, and several partially helpful people. Not too challenging for Cady, who is also falling apart and needs to germinate or else. Swearing occurs.
Reasons to read:
-The strangest series I've read in ages
-Lots of plant based sex jokes
-OK things make way more sense if you knew who that was in the first book
-Again, it's on the ghost river of a dragon
Cons:
-One or two missed details might derail your experience
Remember this all takes place along the ghost river of a dragon. Cady has to decide if she is going to off this kid. Some signs point to her letting the night serpent Gogmagog back into the world. Other times, the child is just a frightened girl in a bad situation. Of course the choice is taken out of her hands when she disappears in a flash of light. Leaving her with the mechanical man who is falling apart, the tag along, and several partially helpful people. Not too challenging for Cady, who is also falling apart and needs to germinate or else. Swearing occurs.
Reasons to read:
-The strangest series I've read in ages
-Lots of plant based sex jokes
-OK things make way more sense if you knew who that was in the first book
-Again, it's on the ghost river of a dragon
Cons:
-One or two missed details might derail your experience
March 26, 2025
Ludluda is the sequel to Gogmagog. It basically continues were the first book left off, as Cady Meade and her companions travel to find missing girl Brin, who may or may not be harbouring the spirit of a dead dragon.
Like the first book, this was wildly inventive and imaginative, with great worldbuilding - a city whose power is sourced from the ghost of a dragon, mechanical men powered by special crystals, beings that are half plant half human - it's full of fantastical stuff. It also has a great main character in the brash and funny Cady, and some interesting sidekicks too.
I actually enjoyed this more than the first book; I think plot lines came together better to make it a more interesting story. Great weird fiction.
Also on a side note, I always remember in early high school English the teacher saying a good book will grab you from the first line. The first line of Ludluda reads: "Cady Meade was squatting on a tin bucket, trying her best to squeeze out a s**t".
Not sure if it's for the right reasons but it gets your attention!
Like the first book, this was wildly inventive and imaginative, with great worldbuilding - a city whose power is sourced from the ghost of a dragon, mechanical men powered by special crystals, beings that are half plant half human - it's full of fantastical stuff. It also has a great main character in the brash and funny Cady, and some interesting sidekicks too.
I actually enjoyed this more than the first book; I think plot lines came together better to make it a more interesting story. Great weird fiction.
Also on a side note, I always remember in early high school English the teacher saying a good book will grab you from the first line. The first line of Ludluda reads: "Cady Meade was squatting on a tin bucket, trying her best to squeeze out a s**t".
Not sure if it's for the right reasons but it gets your attention!
November 24, 2024
What a fantastic second book in this duology! I read an eARC of this book on Net Galley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
I often find duologies are great in the first book but fall flat in the second. Not at all the case here, both books were fantastic and unlike many duologies which feel like they should have been one book, this one definitely felt like two books that deserved to exist separately though they continue the same story. They both had clear and decisive endings that felt satisfying. I do thoroughly recommend reading both books in order though so you can get the benefit of Cady’s journey.
I was delighted to rejoin Cady for the next stage of her adventure! She is such a rich and fascinating character. I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers but she’s such a unique figure in literature. A great blend of bawdy boat captain and some other discoveries that were just absolutely brilliant.
This is an odd book genre wise as it walks a line between fantasy and sci-fi that I love. We have dragons and magic in some aspects and then robots and technology in others. It makes for such an interesting and unusual world!
Thoroughly enjoyed this! A brilliant duology!
I often find duologies are great in the first book but fall flat in the second. Not at all the case here, both books were fantastic and unlike many duologies which feel like they should have been one book, this one definitely felt like two books that deserved to exist separately though they continue the same story. They both had clear and decisive endings that felt satisfying. I do thoroughly recommend reading both books in order though so you can get the benefit of Cady’s journey.
I was delighted to rejoin Cady for the next stage of her adventure! She is such a rich and fascinating character. I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers but she’s such a unique figure in literature. A great blend of bawdy boat captain and some other discoveries that were just absolutely brilliant.
This is an odd book genre wise as it walks a line between fantasy and sci-fi that I love. We have dragons and magic in some aspects and then robots and technology in others. It makes for such an interesting and unusual world!
Thoroughly enjoyed this! A brilliant duology!
October 21, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher of providing me with an e-arc of this book. My opinions are my own.
This was my most anticipated read for the year after having my mind blown in January by Gogmagog.
Once again the author duo deliver bat shit crazy in spades. And this may have been the conclusion to the duology, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I dont think were done with Cady, Brin and Ludwich just yet.
Speculation aside.
Back to our favourite thousands of year old geriatric plant lady protagonist.
This picks up where we left off in Gogmagog. Cady was onto to something, but she just had no idea what tail she was chasing. And let me tell you, it led us places (or rather a city) I could never have expected. The writers show and not tell approach results in many scenes feeling like a trip, and I fear if say anymore I will ruin this mind feast. But let me just say, Im so glad I have hyperfantasia.
I did feel that some parts where very much the issue I have with quest novels, people trying to get to places, sometimes that creates a lull or slow pacing, and in this already confusing book, it did add to the confusion. And for that I dropped a star from my 5 star Gogmagog rating.
Id love to see more hype for these books as they live in my mind rent free.
This was my most anticipated read for the year after having my mind blown in January by Gogmagog.
Once again the author duo deliver bat shit crazy in spades. And this may have been the conclusion to the duology, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I dont think were done with Cady, Brin and Ludwich just yet.
Speculation aside.
Back to our favourite thousands of year old geriatric plant lady protagonist.
This picks up where we left off in Gogmagog. Cady was onto to something, but she just had no idea what tail she was chasing. And let me tell you, it led us places (or rather a city) I could never have expected. The writers show and not tell approach results in many scenes feeling like a trip, and I fear if say anymore I will ruin this mind feast. But let me just say, Im so glad I have hyperfantasia.
I did feel that some parts where very much the issue I have with quest novels, people trying to get to places, sometimes that creates a lull or slow pacing, and in this already confusing book, it did add to the confusion. And for that I dropped a star from my 5 star Gogmagog rating.
Id love to see more hype for these books as they live in my mind rent free.
January 24, 2025
Ludluda stars directly after Gogmagog, actually if I am not wrong the whole story happens in 3 days (or something like that). The hesting occurs and things that were just hinted in book one are proved true, so our protagonist Cady Meade has to go after an solution and, at the same time, try to be pollinated. Other characters are present here, like Brin, Lord Pettifer, Lek and Pok Pok, and new ones appear (Jeb). The world of the novel became even more complex, and some kind of dimension travel happens. In the end a big dragon fight. Anyway, I loved it. it Gogmagog and Ludluda as a whole are such a different series, the tone, the prose, the mythology, everything sets it apart from the majority of fantasy being released this days and everyone should try to read it.
Thank you Netgalley and Angry Robots for this eARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Angry Robots for this eARC.
November 1, 2024
A thrilling and utterly bonkers finale to the story that began in Gogmagog. I loved every raucous, rowdy bit of this story as we follow Cady into the heart of darkness and beyond. As in the first book, there is something so joyously weird and boisterous about the characters and even the world here where trees and robots mingle and where we actually get to see a glimpse of our own world, too. My only slight complaint would be that Yanish, who was a big part of book 1, is mysteriously missing from the story except for a brief mention at the end. I'm guessing some kind of editing slip-up in the advance reading copy I read? On the whole though, this duology is one of my favourite things that I've read this year.
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