Helpful Score: 4
Very interesting twist on the whole zombie idea. This book is similar and different than movies like Dawn of the Dead or Night of the Living Dead. The zombies aren't just mindless killing machines, it makes for a good read. There is a lot of gore in it as well, if that's your thing:)
Helpful Score: 4
Brian Keene is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. His writing style is very fast-paced. He doesn't let the plot drag with drawn out descriptions and conversations (I'm looking at you Tolkien and King). This makes the story very streamlined and action-packed. The characters, for the most part, are fleshed out (bad pun, sorry) and believable. I did wish he would give a bit more background on the beginning of "The Rising" as it's referred to in the book. And you will be angry at the ending until you read the sequel, City of the Dead. Overall, one of the best zombie books I've read.
P.S. Does the Reverend Thomas Martin remind anyone else of Shepherd Book from Joss Whedon's "Firefly" TV series or the movie "Serenity"? Think about it: same ethnic background, man of the faith with a hazy background other than some time in the military?
P.S. Does the Reverend Thomas Martin remind anyone else of Shepherd Book from Joss Whedon's "Firefly" TV series or the movie "Serenity"? Think about it: same ethnic background, man of the faith with a hazy background other than some time in the military?
Helpful Score: 1
Author Brian Keene writes better than most other writers of this genre. The book is like "Night of the Living Dead" meets "The Blob" or books of that ilk. Combination of horror and sci-fi. Follows the journey of Frank who lives in the south but is desperately trying to get to his son in New Jersey. Problem is, the country is overrun by these aliens who, though slow moving, are much smarter than your regular zombie. They can drive and even shoot a gun. Along his journey, Frank meets various other humans who are trying to survive. The pace of "The Rising" is pretty fast. It has lots of violence, has a rape scene and is quite gory throughout. Too much for me but what kept me reading it were the characters. Keene makes his characters believable; enough so that you really care about what happens to them. The ending, for me, was a dissappointment. Brian Keene is a winner of the Bram Stoker Award.
Helpful Score: 1
quite possibly the best book i have read.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first Brian Keene book I have ever read and now I am hooked. If you like this type of book ( zombies) you'll love this one. I literally could not put this down once I started to read it. Just be warned as soon as you're done with this one you will want to read the follow up book City of the Dead right away!
