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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Justina Ireland’s writing style sucks you in from the very first page and doesn’t let you go until very the end. This was definitely one of my most favorite reads of the year!
Really good book and I can't wait to read the next one.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Fantastic world-building in this alternative history/fantasy book, but the plot stalls in the middle. The world allows for some interesting examinations of all the issues that the conclusion of the Civil War appeared to put to rest, but really put underground. It appears that this book is the start of a series, and I'll be tuning in for the rest with the hopes that Jane shows some character development as we move forward. Oh, and the audio version is fantastic. Excellent job by Bahni Turpin!
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, Colonisation
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Medical content, Death of parent, War, Classism
I like how this author was able to mix in Zombies, the Civil War and how society would react. My favorite part was her going over the clothing and that would let you know how old the zombie was. I still feel like we are missing something regarding what is going on in the books.
4.5 Stars
Dread Nation is an alternate history telling of US history after rising of the undead fallen on the field of Gettysburg results in the largely uncontrolled spread of zombieism throughout the eastern United States. Set about 20 years after The Rising, we follow the story of Jane McKeene, a mixed-race young woman who has been in training at Miss Preston's School of Combat for Negro Girls, learning to become an Attendant to some fine white lady who couldn't possibly kill any attacking zombies (here called shamblers) herself! (Heavens, no. She might soil her pretty dress) That's what trained up black girls are for! This book has a lot to say about race relations, labor disparity, food insecurity, and the problem of being an individual of mixed race (twists to the very end on that point). It firmly demonstrates that race is, in fact, a rather idiotic construct that prevents societal progress. Dread Nation achieves this with no small amount of humor, though there is still dread.
Jane is a bit of a Mary Sue, with mad weapons skills (except for guns... so hapless at guns) and plenty of pluck. Trust me, she's going to need those. People have been trying to kill Jane literally since her birth. In the events of Dread Nation, Jane gets stranded with her most annoying classmate Kate and her ex-beau Jackson as they stumble on dark doings while trying to locate Jackson's missing little sister Lily. The narrative was a bit muddy in places but this is basically a book for young adults with food for thought about race, freedom, how limited choices impact actual freedom, and the obvious failings of a segregated utopia built upon a platform of injustice and false faith. Sharp-eyed readers may note some interesting handling of sexuality and asexuality.
While some reviewers might carp over anachronisms, it's an alternate history, following a hugely disruptive ongoing event that has altered society in myriad ways. As someone usually bothered by anachronisms I can honestly say I wasn't here... I was transported enough by Jane's story not to care. This is a very enjoyable read that can spur discussions about race relations then (1800's) and now. Frankly, my only quibble was what I felt was a somewhat glossed over depiction of Jane
Readers should note that this is part 1 of a duology, with part two releasing next year. I've heard several complaints about the end of the book but it isn't a cliffhanger. The story simply isn't finished.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book on Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Dread Nation is an alternate history telling of US history after rising of the undead fallen on the field of Gettysburg results in the largely uncontrolled spread of zombieism throughout the eastern United States. Set about 20 years after The Rising, we follow the story of Jane McKeene, a mixed-race young woman who has been in training at Miss Preston's School of Combat for Negro Girls, learning to become an Attendant to some fine white lady who couldn't possibly kill any attacking zombies (here called shamblers) herself! (Heavens, no. She might soil her pretty dress) That's what trained up black girls are for! This book has a lot to say about race relations, labor disparity, food insecurity, and the problem of being an individual of mixed race (twists to the very end on that point). It firmly demonstrates that race is, in fact, a rather idiotic construct that prevents societal progress. Dread Nation achieves this with no small amount of humor, though there is still dread.
Jane is a bit of a Mary Sue, with mad weapons skills (except for guns... so hapless at guns) and plenty of pluck. Trust me, she's going to need those. People have been trying to kill Jane literally since her birth. In the events of Dread Nation, Jane gets stranded with her most annoying classmate Kate and her ex-beau Jackson as they stumble on dark doings while trying to locate Jackson's missing little sister Lily. The narrative was a bit muddy in places but this is basically a book for young adults with food for thought about race, freedom, how limited choices impact actual freedom, and the obvious failings of a segregated utopia built upon a platform of injustice and false faith. Sharp-eyed readers may note some interesting handling of sexuality and asexuality.
While some reviewers might carp over anachronisms, it's an alternate history, following a hugely disruptive ongoing event that has altered society in myriad ways. As someone usually bothered by anachronisms I can honestly say I wasn't here... I was transported enough by Jane's story not to care. This is a very enjoyable read that can spur discussions about race relations then (1800's) and now. Frankly, my only quibble was what I felt was a somewhat glossed over depiction of Jane
Spoiler
being whipped in that her recovery, both physical and emotional felt too swift.Readers should note that this is part 1 of a duology, with part two releasing next year. I've heard several complaints about the end of the book but it isn't a cliffhanger. The story simply isn't finished.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book on Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great! I'm generally not a fan of zombies; I tend to think that they're waaaay overdone, but this book was so fun! I think the setting it what made it different enough for me to enjoy it. I can't wait to read the next book and see Jane get her revenge and harvest more shamblers!
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced