Existentially Challenged is the sequel to last month’s book review, Differently Morphous by Yahtzee Croshaw. Once again, Croshaw has a refreshing take on urban fantasy by showing the impact of magic being revealed to the world.

 This book’s focus in on religion. Magic in this universe comes from bargains or possession by one of the Ancients, Cthulhu-esque entities that live outside of space and time. Like gods. And if you can prove that there are gods that are real and grant power, how does that affect people’s beliefs?  Crowshaw’s tackles this theme with his subversive sense of humour.

 A year after the events of Differently Morpheus, the Extradimensional Appropriation Act is passed that makes it illegal for people to claim to have magic. (Cue a nice gag scene where a group of stage magicians have to admit that they are cold reading people to stay ‘legal’ during performances). 

 The Department of Extradmensional Affairs (or DEDA) is empowered to investigate claims of magic. Their current case is where a young girl, Miracle Meg, can heal people through her connection with her Ancient, El-Yetch. Genuine faith healing! However, a few suspicious corpses of people horribly aged to death are found in the area, which suggests that this healing isn’t as genuine as it appears. 

Alison Arkin and her over-the-top partner Doctor Diablerie (think of a dramatic 1930s villain in top hat and tails) investigate what’s really happening with Miracle Meg, and her family, Miracle Dad and Miracle Mum. The role of the internet is a big part in the Miracle Meg case, with her followers big on the forums, her father desperate for fame and television appearances, and a group of Youtubers in a van (with a dog) following the case and making things more complicated for Alison.

 Several subplots weave in the background for the other DEDA agents. Pyrokinetic Victor Casin tangles with a woman possessed by the same entity that empowers him. Is she his girlfriend or his archnemesis? Or is that one and the same? And Adam Hesketh struggles with his first proper investigation that isn’t a seek and destroy mission. And he’s terrible at it. Alison tries to piece together Diablerie’s real backstory and agenda; what’s he actually planning?

 Despite their powers, the DEDA agents aren’t the world’s sharpest lot. They blunder their way through events, making disastrous decisions, but get there in the end. The story’s told through a mix of regular third person narrative, internet forum chats and other extracts. The book skewers the religion and the media, particularly in a great scene where the Christian Church is accused of breaking the Extradimensional Appropriation Act, culminating in a late-night television debate between followers of El-Yetch and hardline pastors.

 I enjoyed the first book more (the mystery was tighter) but this is still an entertaining read. I liked how the characterisations of the DEDA were dug into a bit more. And I’m looking forward to the next one, and discovering Doctor Diablerie’s secret agenda…