I just finished reading a library copy of this book. I didn't start out a fan of the zombie sub genre of apocalyptic fiction, but I am one now. Fantastic array of stories; some are thought-provoking, others are maddening, others are your basic end-of-the-world scenarios. There were very few that disappointed me. There are some stand outs, but those would be different for everyone.
An excellent and diverse anthology; definitely not for the squeamish. The short stories packed into this book (there are 34 of them) cover everything you ever wanted to know about zombies, and then some. Most of the stories have been published previously, but a good range of authors and mythos are represented--even the most hardcore and well-read zombie enthusiast is sure to find something they haven't seen before. As much as there's something here for everyone, there's also something here to offend everyone--from the violent, to the vivid, to the just plain gratuitous, you will find plenty of gore, sex, and general human badness. As should be expected, the recurring theme is not so much about the monsters that threaten to end the world as we know it, but about the people, decisions, and events that could allow it happen.
This is a varied sampling of authors I had (mostly) never read before in the horror genre I love. (I was looking for new reading buddies.) I like the short story format, as each one is less of a commitment but really, I think, a fuller demonstration of the author's imagination, tone and skill.
As an anthology, of course, it's a mixed bag; some stories I didn't care for, others impressed me enough to seek other books by those authors.
As an anthology, of course, it's a mixed bag; some stories I didn't care for, others impressed me enough to seek other books by those authors.
