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Book Review of Play Dead

Play Dead
donkeycheese avatar reviewed on + 1255 more book reviews


Cole Logan is the star quarterback of the Killington Jackrabbits, the high school football team. And for the first time in their history, they have a real shot at taking the district championship. But right before the big game, Cole is attacked behind his trailer and two of his are fingers hacked off.

Not to let that stop him, he gets the town behind him in a pep rally to beat the rival Elmwood team on the field. But the Elmwood team has their own thoughts. They've been juicing up all season for the big game, and are not about to let the Jackrabbits win. They come up with a way to get rid of the team for good.

With the team at the bottom of a raging river, the outlook doesn't look so hot. But Cole has a chat with his neighbor, an elderly woman named Mona, who practices in the dark arts. They plan to bring the team back to life to win that game. With the coaches daughter, Savannah, along to help, Cole figures it's their best shot at revenge. But when the team comes back wrong, he realizes he's on a deadline. If the Jackrabbits don't win the big game, the team will lose their souls.

Ryan Brown has written a terrific debut novel! Zombies and football, what a great concept! The characters all interact well together, the stories of both teams being told in a way that is easy to follow and understand. A bit of gore, humor, romance, and small town theatrics blends well together into a quick, page turning read for some great entertainment. I look forward to more of Mr. Brown's work in the future. A great young adult read that adults will also enjoy.