Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I don't normally write reviews but this book was SO good. The best book I've read this year. The characters were incredible, the worldbuilding well-crafted, and the tension! The tension was almost too much at times, I was so attached to these characters and hoping they'd make it through!
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It is really easy for me (a white person) to ignore the racism that bipoc have experienced and continue to experience in America. But this book shows how a young black woman was treated many years ago and it hurts that so many people of color are still discriminated against today. This is an important book. The zombies aren’t my cup of tea.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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 have no idea where I would even start. The setting is post Civil war. The dead started rising during the Battle of Gettysburg. The protagonist is a young, strong, smart (yet impulsive) Black teenage girl named Jane. At the books opening, Jane is being trained to be a zombie (Shambler) killer at a Negro School For Girls. This will lead to a better life.
She is being trained in Baltimore. But thinks of getting back home to Kentucky and her mother.
There is so much good in this book (characters, Shambler scenes and the premise-along with a slight surprise at the end) my review would probably be as long as allowed.
Who knew this was exactly what I needed?
At the end of the book, Justina Ireland left a list of books (which I will be checking out) about the industrial or boarding schools Native children would be forced away to as a way to decimate their culture and face them to conform.
Dread Nation is not just a horror novel. Its not just a coming of age tale, it's both and so much more. It has action, history, and thrills. I loved that the author seamlessly incorporated slang like "Yo" and phrases like"side eye" without it seeming out of place.
I will be patiently awaiting the sequel.
She is being trained in Baltimore. But thinks of getting back home to Kentucky and her mother.
There is so much good in this book (characters, Shambler scenes and the premise-along with a slight surprise at the end) my review would probably be as long as allowed.
Who knew this was exactly what I needed?
At the end of the book, Justina Ireland left a list of books (which I will be checking out) about the industrial or boarding schools Native children would be forced away to as a way to decimate their culture and face them to conform.
Dread Nation is not just a horror novel. Its not just a coming of age tale, it's both and so much more. It has action, history, and thrills. I loved that the author seamlessly incorporated slang like "Yo" and phrases like"side eye" without it seeming out of place.
I will be patiently awaiting the sequel.
Favorite YA of the year. Strong female protagonist seriously taking care of business after the dead start walking at the Battle of Gettysburg. Solid characters, realized settings, descriptive action. There are two camps- the Survivalists, who believe that, despite the apocalyptic circumstances, the U.S. must return to its historic social structure (i.e. slavery), and the Egalitarians, who do not. I found myself drawing a lot of comparisons to other periods of history in addition to present day (yes, despite the zombies). No matter the battle, I would absolutely want Jan McKeene on my side. "Stopping the Survivalists. It's a lofty goal, but I ain't ever been one for half measures."
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
No
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