You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
This was an excellent Reconstruction era zombie adventure. Fast-paced, action-packed, and a fun and dynamic cast of characters, including a truly awesome, quick-witted, and badass heroine. Nothing went quite as I expected, though not necessarily in a bad way. I was left with a lot of questions and concerns and a not-quite-satiated thirst for vengeance, which presumably the sequel will address. The MC made a lot of clever plans on the fly which didn't actually end up bearing any fruit, which was a little disappointing. Most of the plot hinged on her talking or fighting her way out of or having to simply put up with the immediate high-stress situation. But there were some retroactive plot twists that I thought were executed really well and very interested to see what happens next.
I also highly recommend this for non-Black readers in particular, both because for white readers I think it is super important to absorb a marginalized perspective for those are used to privilege and also because the Reconstruction Era set the groundwork for the racial politics and inequalities we see today. Even though this is set up as an alternate history, there are lot of historical truths woven throughout that resonate with current events and rhetoric. It was a good reminder to think beyond yourself and consider other experiences and perspectives.
I also highly recommend this for non-Black readers in particular, both because for white readers I think it is super important to absorb a marginalized perspective for those are used to privilege and also because the Reconstruction Era set the groundwork for the racial politics and inequalities we see today. Even though this is set up as an alternate history, there are lot of historical truths woven throughout that resonate with current events and rhetoric. It was a good reminder to think beyond yourself and consider other experiences and perspectives.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
This book has mystery, suspense, action, wit and humor, not to mention the underlying historical references to social issues (with a fictional zombie twist of course). It just got better the more I read and was often hard to put down! I can’t wait to read the sequel!!
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-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:
No
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Violence
Whew CHILE (lol), this book was good but dammit if it didn't have me clenching my teeth. I think, or more so know, that I got so mad because I know the hateful hurtful things said in this book towards POC are real. These were things really said and thought and I know some people still think this way now. The ignorance of racists and their justification of horrible actions makes me sad. This isn't the only emotion you will feel reading the book. I really enjoyed the book and I am excited to read the next book in the series.
I don't know how much zombies added to this story.
A different kind of zombie novel. I really liked the change of setting from the other zombie stories I have read. And the change in US history. At first I was REALLY put off by some of the "Southern words" that seemed to be sprinkled in at random and didn't fit the dialogue. But as the story went on those disappeared, or at least blended in more and didn't jolt me out of the story like at the beginning. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
Very good read, nice revalation at the end. I didn't see that coming, maybe I am dumb though.
See, the problem in this world ain’t sinners, or even the dead. It is men who will step on anyone who stands in the way of their pursuit of power.
This book was so. much. better. than anticipated.
And truthfully, I didn't know what to expect. Zombies in the Civil War era. I do love a good historical fiction, and my ladies in the Read, Rate, Review book club picked this, so. I tend to listen to my ladies.
And I am so effing glad I did HOLY CRAP this book.
Jane is a young lady being properly trained in Miss Preston's Combat School. It's like finishing school, but for learning proper beheading techniques and sharp shooting skills. Why would a young lady need combat training in Civil War-era America? Well, for the zombies, of course. The Woa-wa Between tha States has ended, and slavery along with it. Now that "these culahds" have been freed, they've been "gifted" with the training to kill zombies, and keep their "betters" protected against the shambling dead.
Jane is not the Best Student, but she is a bad ass in her own right. Smart, sharp, sassy, and incredibly head strong. It's almost impossible not to like her right from the beginning.
Unfortunately, seeing as how this is Civil War era life, having their lives saved doesn't make the awful people in this book any kinder to their protectors. And when Jane stumbles across the truth about the Shamblers, and her lot in life, it sets her on a path that will either get her killed, or make her a hero.
Not only is Jane a fantastic character, but the supporting crew is just as easy to root for. From Katherine, her fellow Miss Preston girl who can easily pass, to Jackson, her former paramour and current partner in crime, to Gideon the doctor(ish) and Duchess, the madam with the strength of a thousand lawmen. Every character is flush with life and spills out of the page and all you want is for them to LIVE.
I mean, you also want some other people to die badly, but that's neither here nor there.
Some parts were harder to read than others, but this was really and truly one of the best historical fictions/alternate histories I've read in a long time, and I adored it.
This book was so. much. better. than anticipated.
And truthfully, I didn't know what to expect. Zombies in the Civil War era. I do love a good historical fiction, and my ladies in the Read, Rate, Review book club picked this, so. I tend to listen to my ladies.
And I am so effing glad I did HOLY CRAP this book.
Jane is a young lady being properly trained in Miss Preston's Combat School. It's like finishing school, but for learning proper beheading techniques and sharp shooting skills. Why would a young lady need combat training in Civil War-era America? Well, for the zombies, of course. The Woa-wa Between tha States has ended, and slavery along with it. Now that "these culahds" have been freed, they've been "gifted" with the training to kill zombies, and keep their "betters" protected against the shambling dead.
Jane is not the Best Student, but she is a bad ass in her own right. Smart, sharp, sassy, and incredibly head strong. It's almost impossible not to like her right from the beginning.
Unfortunately, seeing as how this is Civil War era life, having their lives saved doesn't make the awful people in this book any kinder to their protectors. And when Jane stumbles across the truth about the Shamblers, and her lot in life, it sets her on a path that will either get her killed, or make her a hero.
Not only is Jane a fantastic character, but the supporting crew is just as easy to root for. From Katherine, her fellow Miss Preston girl who can easily pass, to Jackson, her former paramour and current partner in crime, to Gideon the doctor(ish) and Duchess, the madam with the strength of a thousand lawmen. Every character is flush with life and spills out of the page and all you want is for them to LIVE.
I mean, you also want some other people to die badly, but that's neither here nor there.
Some parts were harder to read than others, but this was really and truly one of the best historical fictions/alternate histories I've read in a long time, and I adored it.