An all new novel in Romero’s zombie-infested universe, THE LIVING DEAD tackles the apocalypse in modern day America taking readers on a journey that’s part zombie apocalypse, part study in human nature. The storytelling between Romero and Kraus was so incredibly seamless and if there hadn’t been two names on the cover, I’d never have any idea that part of it was written before Kraus took the reins. Of which I’m super glad he did because the end result is a fantastic entry into the world of zombie fiction, still managing to throw in quite a few twists and turns that help set it apart from the rest of the pack.
Kraus and Romero’s THE LIVING DEAD isn’t *just* a zombie tale. Instead, it’s a character-driven novel with a side of zombie apocalypse. With its central set of characters, all are in various parts of the nation watching the apocalypse unfold, and it’s an interesting look at what times of crisis can ultimately do to people — some prevail while some succumb to darker tendencies, and the zombie apocalypse is just the machine that separates the heroes from the monsters. I always appreciate books that showcase the various sides of humanity, but I’m even more appreciative when zombies are involved because let’s face it — zombie apocalypses make everything that much better.
Aside from the phenomenal characterization, I absolutely LOVED the aircraft carrier. Zombie infestations are creepy enough, imagine having hordes of undead on a floating city with nowhere to run and only so many places to hide. That particular gem definitely upped the creep factor and it was certainly my favorite part.
Bottom line — THE LIVING DEAD is a fantastic entry in the world of zombie fiction, and certainly one that’s going to stick with me for quite a while. Some of the characters’ stories were ones that pull at the old heartstrings a little and there are definitely plenty of parts that’ll really make you want to believe in the good of people. But in the end, zombies don’t care who you are and what you believe in — you’re just a walking sack of meat. A walking sack of meat that should definitely read this book.
*ARC received courtesy of BookishFirst and Tor Books.
Kraus and Romero’s THE LIVING DEAD isn’t *just* a zombie tale. Instead, it’s a character-driven novel with a side of zombie apocalypse. With its central set of characters, all are in various parts of the nation watching the apocalypse unfold, and it’s an interesting look at what times of crisis can ultimately do to people — some prevail while some succumb to darker tendencies, and the zombie apocalypse is just the machine that separates the heroes from the monsters. I always appreciate books that showcase the various sides of humanity, but I’m even more appreciative when zombies are involved because let’s face it — zombie apocalypses make everything that much better.
Aside from the phenomenal characterization, I absolutely LOVED the aircraft carrier. Zombie infestations are creepy enough, imagine having hordes of undead on a floating city with nowhere to run and only so many places to hide. That particular gem definitely upped the creep factor and it was certainly my favorite part.
Bottom line — THE LIVING DEAD is a fantastic entry in the world of zombie fiction, and certainly one that’s going to stick with me for quite a while. Some of the characters’ stories were ones that pull at the old heartstrings a little and there are definitely plenty of parts that’ll really make you want to believe in the good of people. But in the end, zombies don’t care who you are and what you believe in — you’re just a walking sack of meat. A walking sack of meat that should definitely read this book.
*ARC received courtesy of BookishFirst and Tor Books.