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nothing60606's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
evebanu94's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jcaitie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
suzzeb22's review against another edition
3.0
Well to start off I don't really read zombie fiction or the like. But both my husband and son recommended it. I tried reading it and at first it was a quick read. It has a very interesting concept. Also, because it's told in interview format it reads quickly.
But, for example, when someone is interviewed is this really how they speak?
"Song had grown up in Shanghai. The broken horizon glowed a dull magenta against the pitch-black sky of nuclear winter. A rain of ash peppered the islands of debris that rose from lakes of melted glass. Snaking through the center of this apocalyptic backdrop was a river, a greenish-brown snake that rose up into the head of a thousand interconnected bodies, cracked skin, exposed brain, flesh dripping from bony arms that reached out from openmouthed faces with red, glowing eyes."
Sure, the prose is good. Descriptive and it paints a picture. But does the average person being interviewed describe a scene in this way? I don't think so. So that's when it broke down for me. He did this in more than a few spots and it came off as way too corny and maudlin for me.
Having said that I did finish it and I thought it was interesting and again, a quick read. But, definitely needed a better editor.
But, for example, when someone is interviewed is this really how they speak?
"Song had grown up in Shanghai. The broken horizon glowed a dull magenta against the pitch-black sky of nuclear winter. A rain of ash peppered the islands of debris that rose from lakes of melted glass. Snaking through the center of this apocalyptic backdrop was a river, a greenish-brown snake that rose up into the head of a thousand interconnected bodies, cracked skin, exposed brain, flesh dripping from bony arms that reached out from openmouthed faces with red, glowing eyes."
Sure, the prose is good. Descriptive and it paints a picture. But does the average person being interviewed describe a scene in this way? I don't think so. So that's when it broke down for me. He did this in more than a few spots and it came off as way too corny and maudlin for me.
Having said that I did finish it and I thought it was interesting and again, a quick read. But, definitely needed a better editor.
nicole_minerva's review against another edition
4.0
Update after re-read (2022):
Unabridged Book 4/5
Abridged Book 5/5
2020 review:
I listened to the original abridged version of the audiobook, so this rating might not accurately depict the entire book. I did just download the unabridged complete version of the audiobook so I can re-read it later this month. Hopefully I enjoy it just as much as the shortened version.
Unabridged Book 4/5
Abridged Book 5/5
2020 review:
I listened to the original abridged version of the audiobook, so this rating might not accurately depict the entire book. I did just download the unabridged complete version of the audiobook so I can re-read it later this month. Hopefully I enjoy it just as much as the shortened version.
proserpina6's review against another edition
3.0
I'd actually give it closer to 3.5 stars. A lot of people love this book but it seemed a little dry to me, probably because of the style of the book, which uses different narrators to tell the story. I ended up liking the book more as I went on though. Also, movie viewers be warned: the movie is nothing like the book, of course, but still an enjoyable summer blockbuster with good acting.
windupboy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0