Reviews

Feed by Mira Grant

hirvimaki's review against another edition

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4.0

Not what I was expecting. This is not a typical zombie story, but more of a story set within a very rich and well thought out zombie world. If you are looking for a landscape populated with the shambling undead who menace and attack the protagonists you should look elsewhere. But if you appreciate world-building, horror set within believable, realistic limits, and intrigue then this might be your thing. More mystery and suspense than a typical horror story, this puts you firm in the world of alternative news reporters - namely bloggers.

caitief's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

nightwillowfox's review against another edition

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1.0

I am not one for Zombies but the way this one person talked about the book made me want to read it. As I was reading it had another topic I don't care much for and that is Politics but I will give the author credit in weaving politics and zombies into a story.
I found the story slow and in some ways wanted a little more Zombie action in the book. Maybe the other books in the series will have it but this one didn't. It has some action in some parts but I found the book over all dry.
Plus I found the 2 main character's even though adopted and raised as brother and sister, since it sounds like they were not brother and sister by blood(I could be wrong). The book made them sound like lovers and it just kind of creep me out.
I am hoping the other books are more interesting since I am one of those people that once I start a series I have to finish it. But it will take me a long time to finish it.

alabouverie's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

anzz26's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

ninebookishlives's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny tense

5.0

kay_slayerofbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I really enjoyed this. I originally was unsure if I would continue the series . . . But I should have known better. Mira Grant does not typically let me down.

kathydavie's review against another edition

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5.0

It really should be a 7!

First in the Newsflesh Trilogy, a horror suspense series about a small group of bloggers determined to push the truth, the boundaries of sense, and plumb its emotional depths.


My Take
I got sucked right in. Two pages and I could not put this story down. It was exciting, horrible, suspenseful, and populated with the most decent people---well, except for the bad guys, of course.

If the down-and-dirty of politics fascinates you. If you wonder about conspiracies. If you can appreciate brave, bold, and decent...read this.

It's grim. A grim picture of a world encased in fear of the Kellis-Amberlee virus that, once activated, turns recently deceased people into shambling zombies. Grant does an amazing job of painting this picture in a natural way allowing us to draw the comparisons between life as we know it now and what it could be. Like I said, grim. But not without its joys.

While following the political campaign is interesting, the behind-the-scenes work in putting out a blog is much more fascinating. Each has their strength and it supports the whole. They talk of ratings and what's required to make it happen. The situations they get into will make you, certainly them, extremely pleased to be tricked out with Buffy's multitude of toys---it makes hiding anything damned difficult!!

You can't help but be so very proud of George's stance and so many of her teammates backing her up. They will find the truth about these attacks and put it out there for their readers. No matter what. Thank god for all those cameras...

Grant makes a good point in the Extras at the back of the book about the difference between fear and terror:
Fear says, "Do not actually put your hand in the alligator", while terror says, "Avoid Florida entirely because alligators exist".


In the end, it's also a scathing indictment of journalism and politics.


The Story
A story about a presidential hopeful inviting bloggers to join his campaign and blog about everything that occurs. Only, it doesn't occur to anyone that there's a target painted on his campaign.

Kellis-Amberlee virus evolved from a terrorist dispersal. Men who thought they were doing the world a favor in bypassing testing protocols for new medications.


The Characters
Georgia "Georgie" Carolyn Mason is slightly older than Shaun. So joined at the hip, they might as well be twins. George swings to the Newsie end of blogging while her brother Shaun Phillip Mason is much more intrepid, an Irwin. He likes to go out into the field and poke the zombies to get a reaction. Create excitement, tension, fear to crank up those ratings. It's a good thing they have Georgette "Buffy" Meissonier as their computer tech...the CIA should have someone so good! Buffy, a Fictional, keeps their equipment running and more than up-to-date as well as ensuring that each team member and any vehicles they use are festooned with cameras and listening devices sending live. Together the three make an incredible team for the After the End Times reporting the news from all its angles.

Their parents adopted them shortly after their biological son Phillip died from the virus. Not from a desire to provide a home or a loving family...instead, it's a good photo op, good for ratings.

Senator Peter Ryman, WI, wants bloggers as part of his press team because it was bloggers who stood up in 2014 and shouted the truth from the start about the virus. Emily is his retiring wife with Rebecca, Jeanne, and Amber their children. Robert Channing is his chief aide. Chuck Wong and Carlos are part of his tech team while his security team includes Steve, Tyrone, Andres, Tracy, Heidi, and Mike.

Governor David Tate and Kirsten Wagman are his opponents for the Republican nomination. Richard "Rick" Cousins is a Newsie who joins their team after the nominations. Doctors Joe Wynne and Kelly Connolly of the CDC.

Mahir is a London-based Newsie blogger who works for them as does Luis; Magdalene is another Fictional along with Andrea; and, of the Irwins, there's Becks, Dave, and Alaric.


The Cover
The cover is horrendous with its patchy cement walls, a bloody RSS feed icon, and the book's title also written in blood. It certainly suits the story.

Just as the title Feed suits the story addressing the news feed being sent out to the world as well as the zombies' own feeding frenzy. In a macabre way, it also suits the groups who believe that only their way is right as they feed their particular frenzy.

whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition

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5.0

ETA: Upgrading this to a five. It was even better the second time though.


I just cried through the last 10% of this book and I can’t wait for the next one. You think it’s just going to be a zombie book but then it turns out to be a political thriller and the politics are excellent. What’s not to love? I do miss the sirens though.

klblackwell83's review against another edition

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4.0

A political story with a zombie story underneath it. I wasn't entirely impressed with the buildup of the plot. It was halfway through the book before there was anything that held my attention. However, once it got going, I was hooked until the last page. If you can hold out for the action to begin, it's a great read.