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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A civil war era zombie apocalypse novel sounds really stupid but this book was so good. It just felt like if something like that were to happen it would honestly turn out the way it did in this book. What made it even more interesting was the fact that the author tackled the topic of slavery and abolition within this book too. I loved all the characters and the plot was extremely interesting.
I liked the first part, but that left part two falling flat. I'm probably not going to continue onward because I was honestly hoping for a standalone.
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't know I needed an alternate history YA where zombies take over the Battle of Gettysburg and change the course of the Civil War, but here we are. Jane is a determined fighter with a rogue-ish streak, both grim and very funny. Also, the combat schools are based on Native boarding schools! Because, as Ireland points out, "If well-meaning Americans could do this to an already subjugated population in a time of peace, what would they do in a time of desperation?" Haha! Isn't history fun!
In all seriousness, Ireland captures the political climate of the time and weaves it masterfully into her story. Every character, even secondary ones who we spend five minutes with, feels fully fleshed out, their affiliations and opinions adding to a complex, dangerous world. Also the presence of the undead really underscores how pernicious and cruel racism is, making a mockery of those in the book (and in present day life) who claim that they are color-blind.
Yes I could write a paper on this book why do you ask
In all seriousness, Ireland captures the political climate of the time and weaves it masterfully into her story. Every character, even secondary ones who we spend five minutes with, feels fully fleshed out, their affiliations and opinions adding to a complex, dangerous world. Also the presence of the undead really underscores how pernicious and cruel racism is, making a mockery of those in the book (and in present day life) who claim that they are color-blind.
Yes I could write a paper on this book why do you ask
I'm not usually one for Zombie stories, but this one is an exception. The story and characters are incredibly compelling.
I loved that Jane wasn't a perfect hero or person. She felt more realistic in the way she was portrayed.
I will admit, I had to set the book down a few times because of the views of the antagonists in the book. I'm aware that those are views that were held by a significant portion of the population, if not the majority, not too long ago. I also recognize that the views are portrayed negatively (as they should be), but it got a bit overwhelming at times.
Also, I love that Katherine is Ace, and Jane is either bi or pan. We love queer heros!
I loved that Jane wasn't a perfect hero or person. She felt more realistic in the way she was portrayed.
I will admit, I had to set the book down a few times because of the views of the antagonists in the book. I'm aware that those are views that were held by a significant portion of the population, if not the majority, not too long ago. I also recognize that the views are portrayed negatively (as they should be), but it got a bit overwhelming at times.
Anyone who knows me is probably familiar with the fact I have 2 irrational fears: aliens, and zombies. I had been waiting to pick up this book specifically because I was hoping it wouldn't terrify me to read, and I was not only pleasantly surprised regarding my fears, the book itself is lovely!!
I really appreciated that while this is the story of an 'alternate' Civil War, the gore and horror of war isn't really the focus. The focus is our level-headed woman-with-a-plan Jane McKeene, a young mixed race woman who is determined to take down as many zombies (known here as shamblers) as she can while attending a preparatory school specifically for young woman of color in a Reconstruction Era setting.
Jane's voice in this book is really strong and I loved that we learned more about her upbringing sort of as we went along. She and Katherine, her enemy-but-sometimes-friend bickered like sisters, and I was so fascinated by the way the story found ways to re-emphasize the problems of the Civil War while also framing them in an entirely new light.
I didn't know there was a SEQUEL to this book until literally two days ago so I look forward to picking it up!!!!
I really appreciated that while this is the story of an 'alternate' Civil War, the gore and horror of war isn't really the focus. The focus is our level-headed woman-with-a-plan Jane McKeene, a young mixed race woman who is determined to take down as many zombies (known here as shamblers) as she can while attending a preparatory school specifically for young woman of color in a Reconstruction Era setting.
Jane's voice in this book is really strong and I loved that we learned more about her upbringing sort of as we went along. She and Katherine, her enemy-but-sometimes-friend bickered like sisters, and I was so fascinated by the way the story found ways to re-emphasize the problems of the Civil War while also framing them in an entirely new light.
I didn't know there was a SEQUEL to this book until literally two days ago so I look forward to picking it up!!!!
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What a great novel! Zombie fiction is not for everyone, I know, but the premise of this book allowed the author to explore the themes of slavery, racial passing, re-education, and more in a completely fresh context. In the final stretch of the Civil War, the dead rise against the living, forcing a temporary ceasefire between North and South. Black citizens are recruited to fight in the war against the dead, forced to battle on the front lines because of the color of the skin, but finding strength and freedom in their new roles, too. I'm excited to see that this is the first of a series. I'll definitely line up to read the next book!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Really well-written novel. It was such an invigorating experience reading a story where the protagonist looks at the world from a similar POV as my own: that of a black girl's. It's so rare to read fantasy/supernatural novels where the main character is black, that I've become accustomed to reading YA fiction in a white voice and perspective that's not my own. It's sad, really, to have read so many books in my favorite genre and to have not once come across a single fictional character who sees the world through eyes the same as mine. Any black characters that I have encountered while reading a massive amount of YA literature have always been cardboard side characters or the best friend, but never the main character with a personality and a strong will that beckoned for them to have a story of their own.
When I first started reading "Dread Nation", it kind of reminded me of those other popular supernatural historical spinoff novels like "Pride, Prejudice, & Zombies" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter". Towards the end, though, the book took on a decidedly western feel akin to the films Django Unchained (2012) and Gang of Roses (2003) - but with zombies. I definitely did not expect the story to turn into a revenge tale halfway through. But really, that only made me like Jane's character all the more; she's got grit in her craw and isn't afraid to show it. Jane's a bisexual badass with a dark past, a pair of sharp sickles, and a fiery temper to match. For majority of the novel, Jane is trapped at an oppressive Kansas settlement called Summerland. Summerland is a horrible place in the middle of nowhere that's run by racist, power-hungry white men dead set on clinging to the institution of plantation life in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. Despite the Post-Civil War era setting, Jane along with other free black men and women that attended combat schools are captured and forced to kill shamblers (the undead) at Summerland where they are still treated like slaves.
Despite knowing that the year is 1880 and blatant racism was a common everyday occurrence, I still cringed a lot at the racial slurs that were said and felt angry whenever Jane was unjustly punished. But mostly I admired Jane for her courage and fighting spirit to live through her circumstances. Besides hating Summerland and its oppressors, I disliked the unclear direction of the romantic relationships. Granted, the novel doesn't need any romance to stand on its own; it has so much going for it - what with the gory fighting scenes and the protagonist's sarcastic inner monologue - that romance isn't necessary to keep the story rolling. But I absolutely hate it when an author teases or hints at the prospect of romance between characters only to let the readers down. In the case of "Dread Nation", there were many prospective love interests for Jane that the author failed to follow through with. So, *semi-spoilers* from here on out.
From the beginning, the red-haired and light-skinned Jackson a.k.a Red Jack is portrayed as a womanizer and old flame that left Jane a bit jaded. Although she makes it clear to him that things are over between the two of them, there are still moments throughout the story where it seems like old feelings might ignite. And Jackson still treats her special by giving her gifts and smooth-talking her whenever he needs help. Jane tries to act like she just wants a somewhat friendly relationship with him, but ultimately has moments of weakness and her fondness for Jackson shows. It seems like she's attracted to him for his looks, but also admires Jackson's loyalty and love for his baby sister Lily... which makes me wonder if things are really over between them.
On the other hand, there's the fellow Indian Attendant Daniel Redfern who's always frowning at Jane. When Mr. Redfern was introduced, the author described him to look like most love interests: tall, dark, & handsome. He even enters Jane's life with a bang; he kills an undead that's attacking Jane with one shot from his rifle, saving her. His taciturn attitude and constant frowning whenever he looked at Jane had me thinking he was going to be the Mr. Darcy to her Elizabeth Bennett... but, nah. What I thought was going to be the beginning of a hate to love relationship similar to the romance of "Pride & Prejudice", just didn't happen. And when it seemed that he was actually a bad guy - by aiding her captors in shipping her, Jackson, & Katherine to the hell that is Summerland - I saw that ship I wanted so badly to set sail pretty much crash into a rock and sink into a watery grave. However, Daniel does redeem himself later on in the story when it's revealed he left behind Jane's sickles for her and aided Jackson in escaping death. Since Mr. Redfern and Jane don't get many scenes together for them to become anything more than acquaintances, it's pretty clear - much to my dismay - that they're not gonna be my next OTP zombie-slaying duo. It seemed like Jane and Redfern had the most in common, which makes it sad that they didn't become an item - at least not yet. I have small hopes for them in the books to come, but hopes none the less.
Lastly, there's the white Professor Gideon Carr a.k.a the tinkerer who's all brains and no brawn. An unlikely love interest for Jane, he makes an impression on her with his scientific intellect, fake limp, and compassion for creating a world where all races are treated equally. Compared to Jackson and Mr. Redfern - both of whom she was initially attracted to for their good looks - Gideon is kind of homely. It seems like Jane finds Gideon's inventor's mind most appealing and although she tries her best not to catch feelings for him, she's not altogether successful. If I had to guess which guy - if any of them - Justina Ireland is going to pick to be the lucky beau of Jane, my guess is that it'll be Gideon. But honestly, it's pretty ambiguous at this point who has Jane's heart. Hell, even Jane's fellow Attendant and former rival - now best friend - Katherine is a potential love interest; Jane often remarks on Kate's beauty with either jealousy or admiration throughout the book. Personally, I really like the idea of Jane remaining solo and just having a partnership with Kate. In any case, I think the story would still be plenty interesting with just the wholesome content of friendship. The only thing that's certain is that I'll definitely be reading the sequel.
Really well-written novel. It was such an invigorating experience reading a story where the protagonist looks at the world from a similar POV as my own: that of a black girl's. It's so rare to read fantasy/supernatural novels where the main character is black, that I've become accustomed to reading YA fiction in a white voice and perspective that's not my own. It's sad, really, to have read so many books in my favorite genre and to have not once come across a single fictional character who sees the world through eyes the same as mine. Any black characters that I have encountered while reading a massive amount of YA literature have always been cardboard side characters or the best friend, but never the main character with a personality and a strong will that beckoned for them to have a story of their own.
When I first started reading "Dread Nation", it kind of reminded me of those other popular supernatural historical spinoff novels like "Pride, Prejudice, & Zombies" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter". Towards the end, though, the book took on a decidedly western feel akin to the films Django Unchained (2012) and Gang of Roses (2003) - but with zombies. I definitely did not expect the story to turn into a revenge tale halfway through. But really, that only made me like Jane's character all the more; she's got grit in her craw and isn't afraid to show it. Jane's a bisexual badass with a dark past, a pair of sharp sickles, and a fiery temper to match. For majority of the novel, Jane is trapped at an oppressive Kansas settlement called Summerland. Summerland is a horrible place in the middle of nowhere that's run by racist, power-hungry white men dead set on clinging to the institution of plantation life in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. Despite the Post-Civil War era setting, Jane along with other free black men and women that attended combat schools are captured and forced to kill shamblers (the undead) at Summerland where they are still treated like slaves.
Despite knowing that the year is 1880 and blatant racism was a common everyday occurrence, I still cringed a lot at the racial slurs that were said and felt angry whenever Jane was unjustly punished. But mostly I admired Jane for her courage and fighting spirit to live through her circumstances. Besides hating Summerland and its oppressors, I disliked the unclear direction of the romantic relationships. Granted, the novel doesn't need any romance to stand on its own; it has so much going for it - what with the gory fighting scenes and the protagonist's sarcastic inner monologue - that romance isn't necessary to keep the story rolling. But I absolutely hate it when an author teases or hints at the prospect of romance between characters only to let the readers down. In the case of "Dread Nation", there were many prospective love interests for Jane that the author failed to follow through with. So, *semi-spoilers* from here on out.
From the beginning, the red-haired and light-skinned Jackson a.k.a Red Jack is portrayed as a womanizer and old flame that left Jane a bit jaded. Although she makes it clear to him that things are over between the two of them, there are still moments throughout the story where it seems like old feelings might ignite. And Jackson still treats her special by giving her gifts and smooth-talking her whenever he needs help. Jane tries to act like she just wants a somewhat friendly relationship with him, but ultimately has moments of weakness and her fondness for Jackson shows. It seems like she's attracted to him for his looks, but also admires Jackson's loyalty and love for his baby sister Lily... which makes me wonder if things are really over between them.
On the other hand, there's the fellow Indian Attendant Daniel Redfern who's always frowning at Jane. When Mr. Redfern was introduced, the author described him to look like most love interests: tall, dark, & handsome. He even enters Jane's life with a bang; he kills an undead that's attacking Jane with one shot from his rifle, saving her. His taciturn attitude and constant frowning whenever he looked at Jane had me thinking he was going to be the Mr. Darcy to her Elizabeth Bennett... but, nah. What I thought was going to be the beginning of a hate to love relationship similar to the romance of "Pride & Prejudice", just didn't happen. And when it seemed that he was actually a bad guy - by aiding her captors in shipping her, Jackson, & Katherine to the hell that is Summerland - I saw that ship I wanted so badly to set sail pretty much crash into a rock and sink into a watery grave. However, Daniel does redeem himself later on in the story when it's revealed he left behind Jane's sickles for her and aided Jackson in escaping death. Since Mr. Redfern and Jane don't get many scenes together for them to become anything more than acquaintances, it's pretty clear - much to my dismay - that they're not gonna be my next OTP zombie-slaying duo. It seemed like Jane and Redfern had the most in common, which makes it sad that they didn't become an item - at least not yet. I have small hopes for them in the books to come, but hopes none the less.
Lastly, there's the white Professor Gideon Carr a.k.a the tinkerer who's all brains and no brawn. An unlikely love interest for Jane, he makes an impression on her with his scientific intellect, fake limp, and compassion for creating a world where all races are treated equally. Compared to Jackson and Mr. Redfern - both of whom she was initially attracted to for their good looks - Gideon is kind of homely. It seems like Jane finds Gideon's inventor's mind most appealing and although she tries her best not to catch feelings for him, she's not altogether successful. If I had to guess which guy - if any of them - Justina Ireland is going to pick to be the lucky beau of Jane, my guess is that it'll be Gideon. But honestly, it's pretty ambiguous at this point who has Jane's heart. Hell, even Jane's fellow Attendant and former rival - now best friend - Katherine is a potential love interest; Jane often remarks on Kate's beauty with either jealousy or admiration throughout the book. Personally, I really like the idea of Jane remaining solo and just having a partnership with Kate. In any case, I think the story would still be plenty interesting with just the wholesome content of friendship. The only thing that's certain is that I'll definitely be reading the sequel.