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Cover of Out of the Black by Lee Doty

Out of the Black

A surprisingly funny book about the end of the world.

In 2072, progress has made the world nearly perfect. So when an ancient, hungry apocalypse slithers out of the shadows and onto the clean, brightly lit streets, no one notices. It is already too late. Too late for the authorities to organize. Too late for science to find a cure. Too late for the world’s warriors to gear up.

It’s humanity’s swan song and the fat lady’s already clearing her throat.

In the inhale before civilization’s final scream, five damaged strangers are on a collision course: a Chinese-Irish homicide detective, a lonely phlebotomist, a code prodigy turned history TA, his dazzling, dangerously Amped cop girlfriend, and a ruthless killer with the heart of a child.

The perfect world made them misfits. Now these misfits are its only hope.

Sometimes destiny falls into the most broken lives, like a careless brick out of the clear black sky.

A quirky, apocalyptic, highly visual action thriller for readers of Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash, Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, and Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas.

Newly revised 2026 edition.
“The dialog is delicious; I often found myself laughing out loud.” ★★★★☆ Amazon review “I don't generally read "sci-fi," but then again this book doesn't really seem to quite fit in any one genre.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “I also came to believe that I probably missed some of the story's finer points, so waited a day and re-read the book. I enjoyed it even more the second time.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “Imaginative, exciting and genuinely laugh out loud funny, this book mixes familiar elements with innovation and humor.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “Brilliant manipulation of time in a twisting plot-line that left me wanting a sequel before I even finished it.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “The novel is a thriller, but is also hilarious.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “There are a lot of funny moments and banter in the book, and the action sequences are amazing.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “Sci Fi, Fantasy, Suspense, Detective, Horror, all these genres woven together into an amazing read.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “While the action and suspense were intense throughout the book, I also found myself laughing out loud in more than one instance.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “A great adventure written with intelligence and humor.” ★★★★★ Amazon review “There is also a great deal of humorous banter that is very witty and quite entertaining.” ★★★★☆ Amazon review “The story is unique, engrossing (overall) and it's written in a funny, fun, charming way.” ★★★★☆ Amazon review “Definitely a fun experience, like others I was laughing out loud at parts (Good thing I don't still work at Arby's!), and it comes off with a satisfying ending.” ★★★★☆ Amazon review “this book blew my face off. i finished it in a few days.” ★★★★★ Goodreads “It was exciting, a little funny, and it had every ingredient necessary to make a big old ass kicking plate of awesome-cake.” ★★★★☆ Goodreads