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ethancf's review against another edition
5.0
We’ve all read this kind of review – the one that hyperbolizes, fanboys, laments how there are no words for how the book made them feel or to accurately describe its quality.
But those books, as fantastic as they may be, feel utterly common when placed next to Empire Decayed. To witness this achievement, began in book 1, is nothing short of miraculous. Even the word sublime does little to convey its effectiveness. Is there a word that means the same, but indicates a darker connotation, a heartwrenching, emotionally draining work? All of our best words are clichés, now: masterpiece, flawless, tour-de-force, and even without being clichés they are not enough for this.
Know this:
• It’s very different from book one. Things move by quicker, but with good reason, and this fits the shift in historical focus. I may have liked the setting of book one more, but both are equally good for different reasons.
• This is powerful. This is relevant. This feels important now more than ever. Zebulon’s character progression is truly complete here, and at its climax is one of the most emotionally involving pieces of literature that I’ve ever read.
• Kraus’ prose, as always, is magnificent. You should really read all of his books, but to better appreciate this one, at least read Scowler first.
• To further appreciate Empire Decayed, follow these instructions from the author himself:
o Make sure you have over an hour of uninterrupted reading time to finish the last two chapters.
o Cue up the track “dlp 1.1” from the album The Disintegration Loops by William Basinski. The song is one hour and three minutes long.
o Start the track when you begin Section 12, Chapter 12. When you finish that chapter, continue to the epilogue.
o Read the epilogue slowly. Understand what you can.
o When you finish, the music will still be playing. Close your eyes until it is finished.
It’s a huge commitment to read both of these novels: they’re difficult and lengthy. But it is absolutely worth it, their quality is beyond description, their power beyond what we’ve come to expect from books with the YA label.
But those books, as fantastic as they may be, feel utterly common when placed next to Empire Decayed. To witness this achievement, began in book 1, is nothing short of miraculous. Even the word sublime does little to convey its effectiveness. Is there a word that means the same, but indicates a darker connotation, a heartwrenching, emotionally draining work? All of our best words are clichés, now: masterpiece, flawless, tour-de-force, and even without being clichés they are not enough for this.
Know this:
• It’s very different from book one. Things move by quicker, but with good reason, and this fits the shift in historical focus. I may have liked the setting of book one more, but both are equally good for different reasons.
• This is powerful. This is relevant. This feels important now more than ever. Zebulon’s character progression is truly complete here, and at its climax is one of the most emotionally involving pieces of literature that I’ve ever read.
• Kraus’ prose, as always, is magnificent. You should really read all of his books, but to better appreciate this one, at least read Scowler first.
• To further appreciate Empire Decayed, follow these instructions from the author himself:
o Make sure you have over an hour of uninterrupted reading time to finish the last two chapters.
o Cue up the track “dlp 1.1” from the album The Disintegration Loops by William Basinski. The song is one hour and three minutes long.
o Start the track when you begin Section 12, Chapter 12. When you finish that chapter, continue to the epilogue.
o Read the epilogue slowly. Understand what you can.
o When you finish, the music will still be playing. Close your eyes until it is finished.
It’s a huge commitment to read both of these novels: they’re difficult and lengthy. But it is absolutely worth it, their quality is beyond description, their power beyond what we’ve come to expect from books with the YA label.
sometimes_samantha_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I had been reading this book for nearly a year and I don't regret one second of it! Volume II is as dense and full of detail as the first one. I held my breath, laughed out loud, gasped, and felt a whole range of emotions while reading. The ending was unpredictable, cryptic, and intriguing. A fitting end to such a long, suspenseful story. I only wish there was more to learn!
mayhappily's review against another edition
4.0
Overall it was a very good book, but I could've done without the final chapter (especially as I listened to this as an audiobook, which did this chapter no favors, despite being narrated by the wonderful Kirby Heyborne).
As for the rating, I'm a little torn but decided to "round up", because it was, by and large, a very good story, even though it didn't quite live up to its predecessor, The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 1: At the Edge of Empire.
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 2: Empire Decayed picks up where volume one left off; Zebulon has recently left the glamour of eccentric actress Bridie Valentine's company after tragedy finally managed to catch up with him there too.
Alone, and determined to stay that way, he begins to wander, heading for the least populated place he can find. And for a good while he manages to stay alone, hiding away in the mountains, until his wandering path crosses with another.
Thus begins the second part of Zebulon Aaron Finch's life after the death.
In this second volume he finds his way through WWII's Germany via a secret governmental agency, a post-Korea-Pleasantville, into space, becomes a martyr for hire, starts a cult, ends up in an asylum and finally... Well, that'd be a spoiler if I told you.
While I thought that most, if not actually all, of Zebulon Aaron Finch's death and subsequent life volume one was truly brilliant, volume two's story was more of an ebb and flow situation; there were some really incredible highlights... but also some potentially too-far-out far out moments.
As for the rating, I'm a little torn but decided to "round up", because it was, by and large, a very good story, even though it didn't quite live up to its predecessor, The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 1: At the Edge of Empire.
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 2: Empire Decayed picks up where volume one left off; Zebulon has recently left the glamour of eccentric actress Bridie Valentine's company after tragedy finally managed to catch up with him there too.
Alone, and determined to stay that way, he begins to wander, heading for the least populated place he can find. And for a good while he manages to stay alone, hiding away in the mountains, until his wandering path crosses with another.
Thus begins the second part of Zebulon Aaron Finch's life after the death.
In this second volume he finds his way through WWII's Germany via a secret governmental agency, a post-Korea-Pleasantville, into space, becomes a martyr for hire, starts a cult, ends up in an asylum and finally... Well, that'd be a spoiler if I told you.
While I thought that most, if not actually all, of Zebulon Aaron Finch's death and subsequent life volume one was truly brilliant, volume two's story was more of an ebb and flow situation; there were some really incredible highlights... but also some potentially too-far-out far out moments.
alliecbower's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
raven02's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was great just like the previous one, but I found it to be a lot more darker and thus more difficult to get through.
annarocks's review against another edition
1.0
One of The worst books I've read in a very long time. I should've known better with the sequel since I hated the first book so much but, what can I say I'm a sucker for a sequel. It was long and dragged on he talks too much and never gets anywhere, he's a terrible protagonist. You would think for living over 100 years, Zebulon would've learned something would've helped somebody or something.Alas, no nothing, not at all. Every person he encounters, yeah that makes the situation worse or if not, he somebody abandoned them.And, can we talk about being the living dead for over 100 years? One would think he would take much much better care of his body that is not going to repair itself. I was disappointed in the storyline, disappointed in the character. I didn't get anything out of this, at all. I'm sure that there probably is some kind of message here, but I wasn't getting it.
marydrover's review against another edition
5.0
IT IS FINALLY TIME TO RETURN TO MY FAVORITE LIVING DEAD BOY. My review for the first truly amazing book in this duology can be found here. And oh, this lived up to every single one of my hopes and dreams. This picks up where the first volume left off in the 50s, and follows Zebulon through to the late 90s with a little epilogue in the 21st century.
This was darker and, if possible, weirder than the first one. There were actually times were I felt like it’d gone just a smidge too far, and if I was wary about recommending the first one to the general public, this one I definitely wouldn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it was still fantastically written, and this was everything I was hoping for out of the sequel, but wow was it disturbing.
As before, a list of things that you can find in this Very Bizarre, Very Uncomfortable, Very Gory epic: Woodstock in all its muddy, fiery, inspiring glory, a long, rambling description of the 60s and what it was like to be a martyr for the hippies, cannibalism and cults all in the same chapter, a quiet interlude of something sweet and sad with America’s widowed housewives post WWII, the inevitable discovery of Zebulon during 9/11, Mercury 7 astronauts with an alternate conspiracy theory history, and plot twists that will leave you going NOW JUST YOU WAIT A MINUTE. Seriously, it was one heck of a wild ride.
Again, I didn’t like this book–I was wholly consumed by it. I loved every second of it, even the moments where I was a little bit revolted by it. They will have a place of honor on my bookshelves, and I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.
This was darker and, if possible, weirder than the first one. There were actually times were I felt like it’d gone just a smidge too far, and if I was wary about recommending the first one to the general public, this one I definitely wouldn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it was still fantastically written, and this was everything I was hoping for out of the sequel, but wow was it disturbing.
As before, a list of things that you can find in this Very Bizarre, Very Uncomfortable, Very Gory epic: Woodstock in all its muddy, fiery, inspiring glory, a long, rambling description of the 60s and what it was like to be a martyr for the hippies, cannibalism and cults all in the same chapter, a quiet interlude of something sweet and sad with America’s widowed housewives post WWII, the inevitable discovery of Zebulon during 9/11, Mercury 7 astronauts with an alternate conspiracy theory history, and plot twists that will leave you going NOW JUST YOU WAIT A MINUTE. Seriously, it was one heck of a wild ride.
Again, I didn’t like this book–I was wholly consumed by it. I loved every second of it, even the moments where I was a little bit revolted by it. They will have a place of honor on my bookshelves, and I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.
thisbooklife's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, this is my first Goodreads review, and I don't really know what I'm doing, but I need to write about this book. This book (and the duo as a whole) is beautiful and horrifying and gruesome and sweet. In other words, a literary masterpiece. Having just finished it five minutes ago, I'm still reeling. My thoughts may be a bit scattered.
This book was not my favorite book, but it struck something within me. I have never come off from reading a book feeling the same way I do now. I can't quite express it in words - it feels although I have been enlightened, but I don't know what of. If I had to pick a book to say changed me as a person, I would pick this one.
At first, I was nervous about reading The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol 1 due to the reviews I read about it being gory and gruesome. However, the premise was fascinating enough that I picked it up anyway. Let me add a disclaimer: I am 15 years old, and this series did have several graphic scenes, but they were bearable and added a needed layer to the story. Also, the language is advanced (quite frankly this book should be shelved as Adult), but not too bad. Don't let the macabre scenes drive you away from this series. It's worth it.
Now onto the real review. This is sort of a combination of the first and second book. This series follows the life - or death, rather - of Zebulon Finch. Zebulon is a flamboyant rich-kid turned mobster with an affinity towards violence. He immediately hooks the reader with his tone and sarcastic language. On one fateful day in 1896, he is killed at age 17, but wakes up 17 minutes later. His heart doesn't beat, he does not feel pain, he does not eat. He is dead in every aspect, save for the fact that he can still walk and talk. Zebulon is a very flawed character, and it is one of the reasons I love this series so much. He does villainous things, gets himself into trouble with his mouth, and wreaks all around havoc, but this just makes it a greater joy to watch him develop as the series goes on. And let me say, the character development is spot on.
The second novel picks up where the first left off - with Zebulon plunging into WWII. Rather than follow a similar storyline as the first book, where Zebulon fought in the trenches during WWI, Kraus shakes it up a bit, putting Zebulon in a secret mission to assassinate Hitler. I'm going to keep this review relatively spoiler free, so I won't go into much more detail.
The one part of this book that I didn't love was the chapters spanning 1962-1969, which just didn't live up the mastery of the previous 1957-1962 (which were probably my favorite chapters in the series. The ending was heart wrenching and beautifully written). However, the excitement picks back up with the next section, spanning the years 1970-1984. These chapters are the most morbid and gruesome of the book, and there were a few times when I had to put the book down to collect myself. Despite this, the horrific scenes Kraus depicts adds to Zebulon's character, showing how, despite trying to reform himself, he is easily mislead. A major reveal at the end of this section leaves both Zebulon and the reader reeling and emotionally spent.
Now to the ending. What a magnificent thing. It is emotional and heartbreaking. At this point, Zebulon has gone from a bloodthirsty member of the maleficent Black Hand to a man who wants to redeem himself for his sins, and to not inflict harm on others. He throws his everything into saving another character from a dark fate, and the reader sees the full 180 his character has achieved. I absolutely loved the last pages of Zebulon's written memoir, where he addresses his relationship with the reader directly, making it feel like he is really talking to you.
And then the very end. Confusing at first, but as you read on, the pieces fall into place. The book keeps you on the edge of your chair until the end.
As for the very last page of the novel, I had it spoiled for me, unfortunately, but that didn't make it any less powerful. A perfect way to end a near perfect series.
I would recommend this series to anyone willing to forge through the loooong books (filled with slightly difficult language). You have to have dedication for these to be enjoyable. If you love history, like myself, then this is definitely a good read. It spans about a century of history, going into detail for each decade. The history was just as fascinating to me as the actual plot. Lastly, I wouldn't read this if you're really young, just because of the style in which it is written, and some of the more graphic scenes. This book touched me like no other has, and it should be read by everyone. I highly recommend it.
Okay, well, there's my first review. I hope it's helpful to anyone reading it. :)
This book was not my favorite book, but it struck something within me. I have never come off from reading a book feeling the same way I do now. I can't quite express it in words - it feels although I have been enlightened, but I don't know what of. If I had to pick a book to say changed me as a person, I would pick this one.
At first, I was nervous about reading The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol 1 due to the reviews I read about it being gory and gruesome. However, the premise was fascinating enough that I picked it up anyway. Let me add a disclaimer: I am 15 years old, and this series did have several graphic scenes, but they were bearable and added a needed layer to the story. Also, the language is advanced (quite frankly this book should be shelved as Adult), but not too bad. Don't let the macabre scenes drive you away from this series. It's worth it.
Now onto the real review. This is sort of a combination of the first and second book. This series follows the life - or death, rather - of Zebulon Finch. Zebulon is a flamboyant rich-kid turned mobster with an affinity towards violence. He immediately hooks the reader with his tone and sarcastic language. On one fateful day in 1896, he is killed at age 17, but wakes up 17 minutes later. His heart doesn't beat, he does not feel pain, he does not eat. He is dead in every aspect, save for the fact that he can still walk and talk. Zebulon is a very flawed character, and it is one of the reasons I love this series so much. He does villainous things, gets himself into trouble with his mouth, and wreaks all around havoc, but this just makes it a greater joy to watch him develop as the series goes on. And let me say, the character development is spot on.
The second novel picks up where the first left off - with Zebulon plunging into WWII. Rather than follow a similar storyline as the first book, where Zebulon fought in the trenches during WWI, Kraus shakes it up a bit, putting Zebulon in a secret mission to assassinate Hitler. I'm going to keep this review relatively spoiler free, so I won't go into much more detail.
The one part of this book that I didn't love was the chapters spanning 1962-1969, which just didn't live up the mastery of the previous 1957-1962 (which were probably my favorite chapters in the series. The ending was heart wrenching and beautifully written). However, the excitement picks back up with the next section, spanning the years 1970-1984. These chapters are the most morbid and gruesome of the book, and there were a few times when I had to put the book down to collect myself. Despite this, the horrific scenes Kraus depicts adds to Zebulon's character, showing how, despite trying to reform himself, he is easily mislead. A major reveal at the end of this section leaves both Zebulon and the reader reeling and emotionally spent.
Now to the ending. What a magnificent thing. It is emotional and heartbreaking. At this point, Zebulon has gone from a bloodthirsty member of the maleficent Black Hand to a man who wants to redeem himself for his sins, and to not inflict harm on others. He throws his everything into saving another character from a dark fate, and the reader sees the full 180 his character has achieved. I absolutely loved the last pages of Zebulon's written memoir, where he addresses his relationship with the reader directly, making it feel like he is really talking to you.
And then the very end. Confusing at first, but as you read on, the pieces fall into place. The book keeps you on the edge of your chair until the end.
As for the very last page of the novel, I had it spoiled for me, unfortunately, but that didn't make it any less powerful. A perfect way to end a near perfect series.
I would recommend this series to anyone willing to forge through the loooong books (filled with slightly difficult language). You have to have dedication for these to be enjoyable. If you love history, like myself, then this is definitely a good read. It spans about a century of history, going into detail for each decade. The history was just as fascinating to me as the actual plot. Lastly, I wouldn't read this if you're really young, just because of the style in which it is written, and some of the more graphic scenes. This book touched me like no other has, and it should be read by everyone. I highly recommend it.
Okay, well, there's my first review. I hope it's helpful to anyone reading it. :)
243woip's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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