3.75k reviews for:

Dread Nation

Justina Ireland

4.15 AVERAGE

adventurous dark emotional 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
adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was fun and I enjoyed the use of the zombie trope to explore an alternative historical timeline.

We need more books like this....strong black female protagonists, zombies, action, love, alternative histories, etc. I strongly urge you to pick this book up! I finished it one sitting. It is great on audiobook!

A fantastic twist on social construction with zombies. I loved this. It has been on my to-read list for a very long time and I'm thrilled it was worth the wait.
Wonderfully written and not filled with gore as you would think.
It has a satisfying ending and I'm excited to learn there is a sequel.
I HIGHLY recommend.

I honestly loved this so much! I definitely need to get my hands on the next book STAT!

Dread Nation just gave me joy. Ever since I met Jane I was hooked. Especially when it comes to zombies plaguing the United States. Back to Jane, she is pretty much a bad ass when it comes to zombies. Unfortunately for her, she is at school training to one day protect some rich white family.

Long story short, she gets banished and ends up a prisoner on a train. Things kind of got a bit awkward when she reunites with some people from her past. Yet, I had high hopes that she was going to find a way to become even more of a bad ass. Oh, she did.

The zombies, friendships, and all the historical elements kept me highly engaged. I honestly couldn't put this book down or on pause. No idea why I waited so long to dive into this wonderful book but I hope to never make that mistake for the rest of the series. I'm so freaking giddy to dive into the next book - especially after the ending of this one.
adventurous mysterious 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: Yes

This is a fast-paced, fun read. Jane is a strong-willed and independent character. Most of the women are, but Jane really displays these qualities. Jane faces so much throughout this story. There is action (fighting zombies), enemies to friends, sexism, racism, abuse of power, and overcoming the impossible. There is rarely a dull moment in the story. There is fighting, plotting, or finding out new information. This is a young adult book, and that is my main reason for 4 stars. I am out growing the genre. It comes off as childish and repetitive in the language at times. However, it’s still a fun read, and I would recommend it to most people. 

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3.5 stars!


This is a must read. Ireland immerses the reader into another world.

The book explores racism, colorism, sexism, classism, and misogyny in late 1800s Reconstruction era, all while the undead begin to walk and form hordes.

You will find yourself laughing, gasping, and crying while reading.

FMC Jane McKeene might be one of my favorite characters ever. She’s stubborn but clever and quick.

As a BIPOC, I find Ireland’s author note is quite touching. Ireland takes the time to cite some of her inspiration for the book while spotlighting Indigenous authors.

This book is on my re-read list.

Thank you Justina Ireland.

I like the spirit of the book much more than the execution. Everything was just a little too on the nose for me.

If I could give this book 10 stars I would. This was a thrill from start to finish and the tale of shamblers interwoven with the dark, cruel, and upsetting part of American history makes the world feel that much more grounded. Looking forward to reading the next book!