Helpful Score: 7
This book blew my mind. I'm picky with my stars, and this is my first five-star book of 2010 (out of 40). It's a book about zombies, sure, but the zombies are almost overshadowed at times by political intrigue and newsroom-esque drama.
I love the future Grant has created: The zombie apocalypse came, and the world neither ended nor was saved. The world has had to learn to live with the "infected," and blog culture has come to dominate society--bloggers report the news, create the news, and serve as the world's primary source of entertainment.
I enjoyed the novel from start to finish, but what really blew my mind was a certain event that happens about 3/4 of the way through the book, which made me sit up and take notice of this author--she's not afraid to take risks with her fiction, and I really admire her for that.
I'm supremely excited about the prospect of a sequel.
I love the future Grant has created: The zombie apocalypse came, and the world neither ended nor was saved. The world has had to learn to live with the "infected," and blog culture has come to dominate society--bloggers report the news, create the news, and serve as the world's primary source of entertainment.
I enjoyed the novel from start to finish, but what really blew my mind was a certain event that happens about 3/4 of the way through the book, which made me sit up and take notice of this author--she's not afraid to take risks with her fiction, and I really admire her for that.
I'm supremely excited about the prospect of a sequel.
Helpful Score: 6
I'm not very good at writing reviews. Why? Because I don't like big words, suck at grammar, and frankly, I just want everyone to trust me when I say "read the book" without explanation. Nevertheless, I know that I must put forth more effort than begging you to read this book.
Mira Grant aka Seanan McGuire created a world that sucked me in every minute I was reading it. I thought the beginning of the book was long, and boring. But without it, the last 400 pages would have not been what it was, a truly magnificant book!
I can't stop thinking about this book. Everything that happened, George and Shuan, and their relationship, the ending (you'll either love it or hate it), the politics, the action, oh yeah, and the Zombies.
Will I read the next book ?
I, without a shadow of doubt, will hit the pre-order button as soon as the second book becomes available!
Mira Grant aka Seanan McGuire created a world that sucked me in every minute I was reading it. I thought the beginning of the book was long, and boring. But without it, the last 400 pages would have not been what it was, a truly magnificant book!
I can't stop thinking about this book. Everything that happened, George and Shuan, and their relationship, the ending (you'll either love it or hate it), the politics, the action, oh yeah, and the Zombies.
Will I read the next book ?
I, without a shadow of doubt, will hit the pre-order button as soon as the second book becomes available!
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. I'm not a zombie-book fan, so I was even more doubtful. But the author did a great job of making the zombie aspect fit so well into the story. Very believable.
Overall, I would say this is a story about love and loyalty. And how people define themselves in the face of impossible choices.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a mystery/thriller with strong characters and some twists and turns along the way.
Overall, I would say this is a story about love and loyalty. And how people define themselves in the face of impossible choices.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a mystery/thriller with strong characters and some twists and turns along the way.
Helpful Score: 2
I did not expect to love this book, but I did. It is a fast paced thriller set in a future where the world is quite different. This follows a young news team on the campaign trail with the republican candidate for president in 2040. I loved the characters, the twists, and all the issues they had to deal with. This book is on the NPRs list of top 100 killer thrillers, as well it should be.
Helpful Score: 1
571 pages. I lost some sleep over this one. Loved it. Cried in a couple of places. Disturbing, realistic...zombies! Blogging in the zombie post-apocalypse.
This book is set in the near-future, decades after the series of events that caused the dead to rise and attack the living. Many of the characters in the story are young enough that they don't remember what life was like before zombies. This is their world.
I put it up there with _World War Z_ by Max Brooks.
This book is set in the near-future, decades after the series of events that caused the dead to rise and attack the living. Many of the characters in the story are young enough that they don't remember what life was like before zombies. This is their world.
I put it up there with _World War Z_ by Max Brooks.
Helpful Score: 1
For years I had been pulled along by the neverending tides of high praises for FEED before I could finally read it. And while FEED, in my opinion, didnt quite live up to all that praise, it is still one of the better zombie books out there, albeit gratingly slow-moving at times.
The best thing about FEED is unarguably the world-building. This is what world-building should be like: everything with a reason to be, the science behind the Kellis-Amberlee virus that turns people into zombies explained, the far-reaching consequences of the existence of the virus into every facet of peoples lives, from where they live to how the media has involved since the present day. I was impressed by how well Grant thought everything through in her world.
Unfortunately, the very thing that makes FEED so great is also what primarily contributed to its lowered rating for me. Perhaps in excitement over the amazingly detailed world she created, Grant overindulges in the world-building detailsI know, right?! Me, complaining about overindulgence in world-building? How strange. The narration, however, doesnt leave the world-building well enough alone once the world has already been thoroughly established. Instead, even on page 400 or so, readers still encounter As you know, reader sentences everywhere. The repetition is unnecessary and thoroughly grating, at least on me. It made me feel like Grant didnt trust the reader to have a complete picture of her Newsflesh world, and thus had to keep on emphasizing the same points, over and over: Shauns suicidal Irwin tendencies, Georgias antisocial nature, the blood tests (and their annoyance over how often they have to do itif theyre annoyed, can you imagine how readers might feel, having to read about their blood tests and their irritation over it in every chapter?), and so on.
FEEDs strengthand weakness, at least for melay in its world-building, but the characters are good enough as well. Nothing to call home about, but Georgias cool and collected narration was admirable, and Shaun and Buffys exuberance provided a welcome contrast to her personality. I saw the shocking thing at the ending coming early, so wasnt that affected one way or another by it.
Overall, FEED should impress those who enjoy postapocalyptic or zombie stories with an emphasis on thorough and believable world-building. It didnt blow me away emotionally, and the Inner Editor That Could insists that the book wouldve been much better had 200 pages been cut from it, but I still more or less enjoyed the time I spent with it.
The best thing about FEED is unarguably the world-building. This is what world-building should be like: everything with a reason to be, the science behind the Kellis-Amberlee virus that turns people into zombies explained, the far-reaching consequences of the existence of the virus into every facet of peoples lives, from where they live to how the media has involved since the present day. I was impressed by how well Grant thought everything through in her world.
Unfortunately, the very thing that makes FEED so great is also what primarily contributed to its lowered rating for me. Perhaps in excitement over the amazingly detailed world she created, Grant overindulges in the world-building detailsI know, right?! Me, complaining about overindulgence in world-building? How strange. The narration, however, doesnt leave the world-building well enough alone once the world has already been thoroughly established. Instead, even on page 400 or so, readers still encounter As you know, reader sentences everywhere. The repetition is unnecessary and thoroughly grating, at least on me. It made me feel like Grant didnt trust the reader to have a complete picture of her Newsflesh world, and thus had to keep on emphasizing the same points, over and over: Shauns suicidal Irwin tendencies, Georgias antisocial nature, the blood tests (and their annoyance over how often they have to do itif theyre annoyed, can you imagine how readers might feel, having to read about their blood tests and their irritation over it in every chapter?), and so on.
FEEDs strengthand weakness, at least for melay in its world-building, but the characters are good enough as well. Nothing to call home about, but Georgias cool and collected narration was admirable, and Shaun and Buffys exuberance provided a welcome contrast to her personality. I saw the shocking thing at the ending coming early, so wasnt that affected one way or another by it.
Overall, FEED should impress those who enjoy postapocalyptic or zombie stories with an emphasis on thorough and believable world-building. It didnt blow me away emotionally, and the Inner Editor That Could insists that the book wouldve been much better had 200 pages been cut from it, but I still more or less enjoyed the time I spent with it.
Helpful Score: 1
When I first saw Feed I was interested in reading it. When I found out the Mira Grant is a pen name for Seanan McGuire who writes the October Daye series I love...well then I was dying to read this book. It is an excellent, excellent book. It is the first book in the Newsflesh trilogy. The second book is going to be released in June of 2011 and will be called Deadline and the third book has a 2012 planned release and will be titled Blackout.
George and her brother Shaun are part of the vast community of bloggers who provide news and entertainment to the public. When the Outbreak first happened the media tried to cover it up, the people who ended up providing the public with life-saving and accurate information were the bloggers. Now in a society where the Infected and humans live together (if not really in harmony) it is the bloggers who provide a nation contained to their houses in seclusion with information and entertainment. George (a Newsie), Shaun (an Irwin - thrill-seeker), and Buffy (a Fictional and techno geek) are good bloggers and have a good following. When they win a job to follow a presedential candidate on his campaign trail they hit big time. When random outbreaks (or maybe not so random) of infection start happening near the potential president to be George smells trouble. Little do the trio know how deep the trouble goes and how much it will cost them to reveal.
This was just an absolutely awesome book. I like the October Daye series by Seanan Mcguire; but I loved this book even more. This book has a lot more substance and is more of a horror/mystery/political thriller. You are faced with many social and psychological issues in this book. The plot is complex, surprising, and non-stop. This was an extremely hard book to put down. I read the whole 600 pages in under two days.
You can tell a lot of research went into this book (this is backed up by the long list of people at the back of the book who helped Grant with info). Grant presents us with a complex politcal system and society; as well as detailed info on technology, viruses, and weapons. I was impressed with the detail, accuracy, and complexity of it all. In addition to this the characters are easy to relate to, likable, admirable, and real. There is humor woven throughout, mystery, excellent action scenes, and wonderful characterization. Basically this book has it all. For those of you who aren't into being scared to death, no worries, this book isn't that scary...but it is graphic and gory during some of the fight scenes.
This is one of those books that is intense. It will make you laugh and then have you grabbing the edge of your seat in anxiety; it will make you angry and it will make you cry. It is absolutely engrossing and it takes a good author to make all of these elements come together to evoke that sort of emotion.
I am not usually into political motivated books, but this one was just so well done and combined elements of zombies, action, etc into serious issues so well that I loved it. The writing is very well done and easy to read. The plot is presented in such a way that it is complex, but easy enough to keep track of the plot elements.
The ending broke my heart, but everything was tied up nicely and left us at a good point for the next book. Just a warning; do not read the extras at the end of the book unless you want some major spoilers exposed to you. Seriously read the extras after the book.
Overall, just an absolutely excellent zombie book with elements of mystery, action, and political thriller. This book should appeal to a large audience; everyone should give this book a read it is absolutely engaging and you won't be disappointed. The violence does get extremely graphic so I would recommend for older young adults and adult readers only.
George and her brother Shaun are part of the vast community of bloggers who provide news and entertainment to the public. When the Outbreak first happened the media tried to cover it up, the people who ended up providing the public with life-saving and accurate information were the bloggers. Now in a society where the Infected and humans live together (if not really in harmony) it is the bloggers who provide a nation contained to their houses in seclusion with information and entertainment. George (a Newsie), Shaun (an Irwin - thrill-seeker), and Buffy (a Fictional and techno geek) are good bloggers and have a good following. When they win a job to follow a presedential candidate on his campaign trail they hit big time. When random outbreaks (or maybe not so random) of infection start happening near the potential president to be George smells trouble. Little do the trio know how deep the trouble goes and how much it will cost them to reveal.
This was just an absolutely awesome book. I like the October Daye series by Seanan Mcguire; but I loved this book even more. This book has a lot more substance and is more of a horror/mystery/political thriller. You are faced with many social and psychological issues in this book. The plot is complex, surprising, and non-stop. This was an extremely hard book to put down. I read the whole 600 pages in under two days.
You can tell a lot of research went into this book (this is backed up by the long list of people at the back of the book who helped Grant with info). Grant presents us with a complex politcal system and society; as well as detailed info on technology, viruses, and weapons. I was impressed with the detail, accuracy, and complexity of it all. In addition to this the characters are easy to relate to, likable, admirable, and real. There is humor woven throughout, mystery, excellent action scenes, and wonderful characterization. Basically this book has it all. For those of you who aren't into being scared to death, no worries, this book isn't that scary...but it is graphic and gory during some of the fight scenes.
This is one of those books that is intense. It will make you laugh and then have you grabbing the edge of your seat in anxiety; it will make you angry and it will make you cry. It is absolutely engrossing and it takes a good author to make all of these elements come together to evoke that sort of emotion.
I am not usually into political motivated books, but this one was just so well done and combined elements of zombies, action, etc into serious issues so well that I loved it. The writing is very well done and easy to read. The plot is presented in such a way that it is complex, but easy enough to keep track of the plot elements.
The ending broke my heart, but everything was tied up nicely and left us at a good point for the next book. Just a warning; do not read the extras at the end of the book unless you want some major spoilers exposed to you. Seriously read the extras after the book.
Overall, just an absolutely excellent zombie book with elements of mystery, action, and political thriller. This book should appeal to a large audience; everyone should give this book a read it is absolutely engaging and you won't be disappointed. The violence does get extremely graphic so I would recommend for older young adults and adult readers only.
Helpful Score: 1
It took me forever to get though this book because it was so slow. This is not an action pact zombie book like I expected rather it is a book about reporting the news in the post apocalyptic zombie world. I don't know why I kept reading but I did and it finally got interesting in the last 75 pages or so but the previous 500 were not worth it. I will not be continuing with this series.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was amazing! The story was great and even with all the tech in the story I never felt lost. The author did an amazing job at creating the world in which the story takes place. I couldn't put this one down, and cannot wait to get my hands on the other two books in the series!! I highly suggest reading this book. There's a little something for everyone: politics, zombies(don't let that turn you away), mystery, ect. Go read it!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is divided into parts. The first part depicts a horrifying post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. Entire towns are quarantined and the potential for contamination is huge even if you don't go anywhere near these towns. The zombies were infected by a couple of brainiac doctors - one of them trying to find a cure for cancer (which he did) and the other trying to find a cure for the common cold. Unfortunately when both of these "cures" enter the same person, they are instantly zombiefied. This sounds like a great premise but the book doesn't focus on the zombies, it focuses on bloggers. Bloggers are huge in 2040 and Georgia and Shawn Mason are some of the best. Unfortunately, the first 150 pages focus on blogging, journalism, papparazzi, reporters and the political campaign for the presidency of the United States. This is beyond boring and I almost gave up right here but decided to give it another 100 pages or so (one more Part) before dumping it completely.
I'm happy to say that the pace picked up and the journalism stuff has mostly passed. Though we are following Georgia and Shawn on the campaign trail which isn't as bad as it sounds because you only have to endure one or two speeches from the candidates. A few zombie attacks also added some color and action. Still not a page-turner but at least it's caught my attention. The fun really starts with the murder attempt on the Senator's family. Finally it's interesting enough to warrant turning pages. The book redeemed itself but I'm not interested in reading the sequel.
I'm happy to say that the pace picked up and the journalism stuff has mostly passed. Though we are following Georgia and Shawn on the campaign trail which isn't as bad as it sounds because you only have to endure one or two speeches from the candidates. A few zombie attacks also added some color and action. Still not a page-turner but at least it's caught my attention. The fun really starts with the murder attempt on the Senator's family. Finally it's interesting enough to warrant turning pages. The book redeemed itself but I'm not interested in reading the sequel.
I found "Feed" to be an excellent book for several reasons:
1.) The reaction factors. I'm always interested in how people think various groups - individuals, big business, the government, etc. - will react to various things. In this case, the reactions are to zombies, though the reactions tend to lack shock or surprise, due to zombies already being a fact of life in the world of "Feed."
2.) The "what-if" factor, which is a big influence in "Feed." In this case, the question is: What if zombies were a fact of life? "Feed" explores how the world would change after learn how to survive - survive, not wipe out - zombies. It examines the potential effects/changes zombies would have on many aspects of our life, from how emergency responses would change to how houses would be built.
3.) The zombies themselves. They are not cute, sexy, or sparkly. They are the walking dead. They are a threat and are treated as such. Granted, occasionally a character will poke one with a stick, but usually theyve dealt with zombies before and more or less know what theyre doing. If they dont, they get chewed on.
4.) The mechanics of zombies. Usually the origin of zombies is accredited to some anonymous virus and left at that. "Feed" takes a closer look at the possible mechanics of a zombie-virus, such as how it would start, how it would spread, and more.
5.) The lead character is a strong female. By this I mean that she is capable kicking undead ass and doesnt put up with BS. She doesnt get all flustered or turn into a lovesick twit the moment a hot guy appears. Shes not perfect and shes not a total bitch either. To me, shes a pretty well-rounded character.
6.) The story. There are plenty enough zombies to satisfy their presence is felt throughout the book, even when they're not actually there but theyre not what drives the story. The story itself is about politics and conspiracy, and its not always a happy tale. Its sad and disturbing at times, but then again, it should be. In a world where people regularly rise from the dead and try to munch on their loved ones, you cant have a story where everything is smooth sailing.
In short, I loved Feed. It was a page-turner that actually had substance and filled in one of my favorite niches.
1.) The reaction factors. I'm always interested in how people think various groups - individuals, big business, the government, etc. - will react to various things. In this case, the reactions are to zombies, though the reactions tend to lack shock or surprise, due to zombies already being a fact of life in the world of "Feed."
2.) The "what-if" factor, which is a big influence in "Feed." In this case, the question is: What if zombies were a fact of life? "Feed" explores how the world would change after learn how to survive - survive, not wipe out - zombies. It examines the potential effects/changes zombies would have on many aspects of our life, from how emergency responses would change to how houses would be built.
3.) The zombies themselves. They are not cute, sexy, or sparkly. They are the walking dead. They are a threat and are treated as such. Granted, occasionally a character will poke one with a stick, but usually theyve dealt with zombies before and more or less know what theyre doing. If they dont, they get chewed on.
4.) The mechanics of zombies. Usually the origin of zombies is accredited to some anonymous virus and left at that. "Feed" takes a closer look at the possible mechanics of a zombie-virus, such as how it would start, how it would spread, and more.
5.) The lead character is a strong female. By this I mean that she is capable kicking undead ass and doesnt put up with BS. She doesnt get all flustered or turn into a lovesick twit the moment a hot guy appears. Shes not perfect and shes not a total bitch either. To me, shes a pretty well-rounded character.
6.) The story. There are plenty enough zombies to satisfy their presence is felt throughout the book, even when they're not actually there but theyre not what drives the story. The story itself is about politics and conspiracy, and its not always a happy tale. Its sad and disturbing at times, but then again, it should be. In a world where people regularly rise from the dead and try to munch on their loved ones, you cant have a story where everything is smooth sailing.
In short, I loved Feed. It was a page-turner that actually had substance and filled in one of my favorite niches.
Awesome book! Grant blew me away with the ending, but I give her props for doing something I never expected.
The only thing I can criticize is the almost-but-not-quite incestuous relationship between Georgia and Shaun (they were not blood related, but still). The fact that Grant added some of these elements, but never properly addressed them grated on my nerves. It was like the pink elephant in the room.
Other than that, I loved this novel! Getting Deadline asap!
The only thing I can criticize is the almost-but-not-quite incestuous relationship between Georgia and Shaun (they were not blood related, but still). The fact that Grant added some of these elements, but never properly addressed them grated on my nerves. It was like the pink elephant in the room.
Other than that, I loved this novel! Getting Deadline asap!
I love zombie stories, movies, graphic novels; you name it! And "Feed" is no exception. This book is wonderful; likable characters, plenty of action and dramatic tension and a really cool overall zombie concept.
This book is a few decades after the original outbreak, everyone in the world is host to a dormant infection of the zombie plague which only waits for the right trigger to start the amplification process. Armed guards and constant blood screenings are par for the course absolutely everywhere one might go. The story centers on a couple of bloggers, a brother and sister team; she a "Newsie" and he an "Irwin." Newsies are concerned with the truth, with being factual and getting information to people. Irwins are concerned with putting on an exciting show. Irwins like to poke zombies with sticks and film the resultant action. These two win the right to follow along the campaign trail with a potential future president of the USA and they are in for a very bumpy ride. I don't want to spoil any of the surprises in store so I leave you with this:
Well written and entertaining you will not regret sinking a few hours into reading this book. I'm off to read book 2; "Deadline."
This book is a few decades after the original outbreak, everyone in the world is host to a dormant infection of the zombie plague which only waits for the right trigger to start the amplification process. Armed guards and constant blood screenings are par for the course absolutely everywhere one might go. The story centers on a couple of bloggers, a brother and sister team; she a "Newsie" and he an "Irwin." Newsies are concerned with the truth, with being factual and getting information to people. Irwins are concerned with putting on an exciting show. Irwins like to poke zombies with sticks and film the resultant action. These two win the right to follow along the campaign trail with a potential future president of the USA and they are in for a very bumpy ride. I don't want to spoil any of the surprises in store so I leave you with this:
Well written and entertaining you will not regret sinking a few hours into reading this book. I'm off to read book 2; "Deadline."
Well I did like this book BUT the endless techie jargon about online blogging and how it operates was almost what caused me to stop reading but the other plot lines kept me going. I liked a book about zombies that is more about how it effects the country as a whole than zombie attacks over and over. So I do recommend it and will probably read the follow up book in the trilogy
This was interesting. It was a lot to unpack and once I got into it this was interesting. Set in the future after a major virus outbreak. I thought the concept is interesting- everyone has the Kellis-Amberlee virus and it becomes activated when one dies, gets bitten, or spontaneously converts. The virus is helpful in that it kills the cancer cells and other things. The problem is, once activated, people become zombies and require a head shot to die a 2nd time. Animals over 40# also are infected and the same things apply. I can't imagine a future where most don't have pets.
In this future, news is disseminated through bloggers. George (Georgia) is a Newsie (news and truth), her brother Shaun is an Irwin (likes danger), Buffy is a Fictional (stories). There are also Stewarts, Aunties). Together they run a blog/news site that gets chosen to follow the presidential campaign of Peter Ryman whose formative years were shaped by the outbreak.
I liked the writing, the characters, and the general story-line. There's a betrayal by someone close, trusted, and considered a friend. There's a conspiracy, murder. A major character dies in this. I do think this has a good solid end and was on the fence about reading the next. I did read some reviews regarding book 2 and certain things happen that I'm not crazy about, so the train stops at this one. I do recommend for those that like zombie stories.
In this future, news is disseminated through bloggers. George (Georgia) is a Newsie (news and truth), her brother Shaun is an Irwin (likes danger), Buffy is a Fictional (stories). There are also Stewarts, Aunties). Together they run a blog/news site that gets chosen to follow the presidential campaign of Peter Ryman whose formative years were shaped by the outbreak.
I liked the writing, the characters, and the general story-line. There's a betrayal by someone close, trusted, and considered a friend. There's a conspiracy, murder. A major character dies in this. I do think this has a good solid end and was on the fence about reading the next. I did read some reviews regarding book 2 and certain things happen that I'm not crazy about, so the train stops at this one. I do recommend for those that like zombie stories.
Wow. I really loved reading this one. This is the story of a trio of young bloggers following a presidential candidate in the mid-21st century, in a world that has been unevenly overrun by zombies. That world has made for some serious changes in the way people live. Liberties have been curtailed in drastic fashion, crowds become extremely frightening, and network connectedness is crucial.
There was an abundance of literary action, along with a stab at how informal reportage and politics mix, and the increasing relevance of instant reporting of the blog crowd. The characters seemed deep to me, and they undergo significant change throughout the novel.
But one of the things that really struck me was how spot-on the envisioning of the mid-21st century was. Ive read a number of novels set a few decades in the future, and none of them feels as right as this one does. Maybe thats simply because Feed was written quite recently, and trends seem to have solidified a bit more than was obvious in the 90s, but still. Disregarding the whole zombie apocalypse issue, this really felt like the world that sits in our future and which Ill get to inhabit as an octogenarian. (Uploading my mind into the iCloud never appealed to me anyway.)
Im really looking forward to the next books in this trilogy!
5 of 5 stars.
There was an abundance of literary action, along with a stab at how informal reportage and politics mix, and the increasing relevance of instant reporting of the blog crowd. The characters seemed deep to me, and they undergo significant change throughout the novel.
But one of the things that really struck me was how spot-on the envisioning of the mid-21st century was. Ive read a number of novels set a few decades in the future, and none of them feels as right as this one does. Maybe thats simply because Feed was written quite recently, and trends seem to have solidified a bit more than was obvious in the 90s, but still. Disregarding the whole zombie apocalypse issue, this really felt like the world that sits in our future and which Ill get to inhabit as an octogenarian. (Uploading my mind into the iCloud never appealed to me anyway.)
Im really looking forward to the next books in this trilogy!
5 of 5 stars.
This book seems to have taken the fun out of zombies. I found the character George completely unlikable. Her narrative is pretentious and repetitive. I felt like she was lecturing on the ethics of journalism more than actually telling her story. I have absolutely no interest in continuing this series.
The post-apocalyptic zombie world Grant creates is rich, detailed, and varied. I particularly enjoy that the zombies are the result of curing cancer and the common cold and also the frequent blood tests everyone must partake in. Unfortunately, Shaun and Georgia really rubbed me the wrong way with their constant aura of incest. That wouldn't have bothered me if grant had properly addressed it, but all she ever says is that people living in constant fear come to depend on those they know best. There's depending on your brother. Then there's sleeping in the same bed with him when you're both in your underwear and grown-ass adults. It says a lot when the creepiest part of a zombie book isn't the zombies.
Check out my full review.
Check out my full review.
I went into this book mostly blind. I was honestly a bit surprised when I kept seeing Feed in my Goodreads updates and Blogger feed. The only Feed I knew about was a 2005 atrocity of a film about a force feeding fetish and I wrongly assumed this was the novelization. How the hell had a book like that become so popular? But since everyone seemed to be reading it I stuck on my Ipod like the lemming I am. And, yes I know there is something terribly wrong with me.
By the time I got around to listening to the audio I had figured out it was about zombies and that made so much more sense! The world wasn't going weird on me after all. Im going to try my best to be brief about the plot and avoid spoilers because there is so much that can be spoiled here and everyone's read it by now anyway. Its the year 2039. Back in 2013 scientists managed to cure cancer and the common cold but something went terribly wrong and mutations happened that caused a zombie outbreak that killed off a third of the population. Now any living creature over 40 pounds can potentially turn into a brain-dead walking corpse that only lives to spread the disease. The world is dangerous and very different. But its still corrupt and not-so-shockingly zombies aren't always the biggest danger.
Feed follows bloggers George (Georgia) and her brother Shaun along with their expert team as they report on the news and various goings-on in their blogs and live feeds. George lives for the news while Shaun is more of a reckless, zombie taunting type. Their parents are mostly non-existent in their lives and they pretty much can only depend on each other and have a tight brother-sister bond.
Ouch and damn. How could I not keep reading and not root for them even when boring politics threatened to overtake the entire story?
After an exciting beginning thats pretty much what happened for a good chunk of the story. George and her team are offered the chance to follow around a presidential hopeful and dont turn it down. It means ratings people! And ratings are what count. What follows is often unexpected and sometimes a wee bit tedious if youre not a fan of the ins and outs of blogging, politics and corruption BUT the characters truly made it worth reading. The world and character building is very, very good and there is enough snark and sarcasm to make up for the slower bits. This isnt a hardcore zombie novel with a lot of zombie action but I fear many of the scenes will haunt me for quite some time. Its rough and its heartbreaking and thats all Im going to say.
This audio version was read by Paula Christensen and Jesse Bernstein. Paula Christensen narrates the majority of the book and does a terrific job with all of the characters, including the males. Parts of the story is direct blog readings and Jesse Bernstein voices the shorter snippets, mostly from Shauns direct point of view. His voice gives Shaun the perfect devil may care attitude that worked really well. Both narrators sound youthful but never too young and their reading always sounds natural. They both enhanced the story and added emotion just where it was needed, never over-doing it.
Feed is not sexy, romantic or even a typical zombie book but it tore me up and made me feel a myriad of emotions when most books leave me cold. Yeah, it was complicated and over-long but Ill be reading the sequel because somewhere along the way I grew to truly care about these characters.
By the time I got around to listening to the audio I had figured out it was about zombies and that made so much more sense! The world wasn't going weird on me after all. Im going to try my best to be brief about the plot and avoid spoilers because there is so much that can be spoiled here and everyone's read it by now anyway. Its the year 2039. Back in 2013 scientists managed to cure cancer and the common cold but something went terribly wrong and mutations happened that caused a zombie outbreak that killed off a third of the population. Now any living creature over 40 pounds can potentially turn into a brain-dead walking corpse that only lives to spread the disease. The world is dangerous and very different. But its still corrupt and not-so-shockingly zombies aren't always the biggest danger.
Feed follows bloggers George (Georgia) and her brother Shaun along with their expert team as they report on the news and various goings-on in their blogs and live feeds. George lives for the news while Shaun is more of a reckless, zombie taunting type. Their parents are mostly non-existent in their lives and they pretty much can only depend on each other and have a tight brother-sister bond.
Maybe its geeky for a girl my age to admit she still loves her brother. I dont care. I love him and one day Ill bury him and until then Im going to be grateful that Im allowed to watch him talk.
Ouch and damn. How could I not keep reading and not root for them even when boring politics threatened to overtake the entire story?
After an exciting beginning thats pretty much what happened for a good chunk of the story. George and her team are offered the chance to follow around a presidential hopeful and dont turn it down. It means ratings people! And ratings are what count. What follows is often unexpected and sometimes a wee bit tedious if youre not a fan of the ins and outs of blogging, politics and corruption BUT the characters truly made it worth reading. The world and character building is very, very good and there is enough snark and sarcasm to make up for the slower bits. This isnt a hardcore zombie novel with a lot of zombie action but I fear many of the scenes will haunt me for quite some time. Its rough and its heartbreaking and thats all Im going to say.
This audio version was read by Paula Christensen and Jesse Bernstein. Paula Christensen narrates the majority of the book and does a terrific job with all of the characters, including the males. Parts of the story is direct blog readings and Jesse Bernstein voices the shorter snippets, mostly from Shauns direct point of view. His voice gives Shaun the perfect devil may care attitude that worked really well. Both narrators sound youthful but never too young and their reading always sounds natural. They both enhanced the story and added emotion just where it was needed, never over-doing it.
Feed is not sexy, romantic or even a typical zombie book but it tore me up and made me feel a myriad of emotions when most books leave me cold. Yeah, it was complicated and over-long but Ill be reading the sequel because somewhere along the way I grew to truly care about these characters.
