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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
ok, so imagine this: the Civil War gets interrupted when the dead start walking around during the battle of gettysburg. black and indigenous youth are sent to battle schools to be trained on how to kill the “shamblers” (zombies), and our heroine is one of those black girls, fighting zombies and racists in 1880s America.
sounds crazy AF, but i loved it! it was the book i had no idea i needed until i found out it existed. just
sounds crazy AF, but i loved it! it was the book i had no idea i needed until i found out it existed. just
Zombies, awesome characters, social commentary, history. What more do you need? Check out my full review over at Forever Young Adult.
Reread for March 2019 book club: Still love it.
Reread for March 2019 book club: Still love it.
Wow. Excellent.
I am not usually one for zombies, they creep me out but I LOVED this book.
The alternative universe was a fantastic way to portray the real issues and cruelty of ‘post slavery’ America. Of course slavery still existed, it just had a different face. In this book it’s combat schools.
Ireland adds a fantastic note at the end of this book about real schools that stole Native American children away from their families and forced them into hard labour and ‘re-education’.
This was so much more than an incredible story (which omg it was. Katherine? I love her), and I recommend everyone read it.
I am not usually one for zombies, they creep me out but I LOVED this book.
The alternative universe was a fantastic way to portray the real issues and cruelty of ‘post slavery’ America. Of course slavery still existed, it just had a different face. In this book it’s combat schools.
Ireland adds a fantastic note at the end of this book about real schools that stole Native American children away from their families and forced them into hard labour and ‘re-education’.
This was so much more than an incredible story (which omg it was. Katherine? I love her), and I recommend everyone read it.
adventurous
dark
tense
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: Gore, Racial slurs, Racism
An interesting take on an alternate history that seems much like the reality. Thankful my book club selected it as it is something I likely would not have ever pick myself. Very enjoyable.
I bought this series on a whim, since I don't typically seek out post-Civil War America or Western books, but the premise and cover intrigued me. Now it has officially one of my favorite zombie books ever. The story is not only fun and filled with great characters, but it explores important themes that will stick with the reader long after they finish the book.
Jane is fantastic. There's no other way to say it. She's funny, strong, smart, takes no BS from anyone, and is ferocious in combat. She is definitely no saint and is a little judgmental about some of her fellow combatants, yet over time she grows and discovers more about herself, as well as those she keeps company with.
I also really grew to love Kate. Her entire character arc is both an emotional challenge and makes her both unique and in some aspects, tragic. So it's all the more inspiring when she uses different skills and her own wit to overcome circumstances.
The plot is kept relatively simple and straightforward--survive in a town full of cruel, incompetent men--though there are enough added mysteries and twists to keep it exciting. The action scenes can get really intense, though the last one seemed to move a little too quickly for me.
I had a great time reading this book. Ireland has incredible talent, completely falling into the perspective of Jane and making her characters seem like real people in terrible situations. This book hadn't really been on my radar before, but I absolutely recommend it to lovers of fantasy, the Old West, strong female characters, complex themes and friendships, and exceptional writing. This is a must have!
Jane is fantastic. There's no other way to say it. She's funny, strong, smart, takes no BS from anyone, and is ferocious in combat. She is definitely no saint and is a little judgmental about some of her fellow combatants, yet over time she grows and discovers more about herself, as well as those she keeps company with.
I also really grew to love Kate. Her entire character arc is both an emotional challenge and makes her both unique and in some aspects, tragic. So it's all the more inspiring when she uses different skills and her own wit to overcome circumstances.
The plot is kept relatively simple and straightforward--survive in a town full of cruel, incompetent men--though there are enough added mysteries and twists to keep it exciting. The action scenes can get really intense, though the last one seemed to move a little too quickly for me.
I had a great time reading this book. Ireland has incredible talent, completely falling into the perspective of Jane and making her characters seem like real people in terrible situations. This book hadn't really been on my radar before, but I absolutely recommend it to lovers of fantasy, the Old West, strong female characters, complex themes and friendships, and exceptional writing. This is a must have!
Honestly I was so looking forward to reading this book but at the same time I was worried that alternative history zombie story might just not work for me. Fortunately I had nothing to worry about. This was brilliant. The book finds such a surprising balance between the more difficult themes of the book and the humour mostly thanks to its sarcastic main character. If I ever made a list of my favourite characters Jane might be on the top of it. She's such a fascinating character and it's a breeze to read this story from her POV, and her friendship with Katherine is just delightful to read.
If you like zombie stories this book is a must read!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Sexual harassment
adventurous
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes