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burntout_bookworm's review
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
I loved this!! The cheesy, non-serious vampire vibes this gave off was great. I especially loved all of the pop culture referenced scattered throughout the novel, which made it a really enjoyable fast paced novel. I also really enjoyed the plot line and the characters. The only thing that meant that this was not a 5 star was that there was a few things that I think we glossed over to wrap up the novel that could of used a few more pages. However, I will definitely continue in the series and do believe that it might be one of those series that the books get better throughout.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Blood, Violence, and Murder
renettereads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
We meet Mina as she first arrives from England to visit her sister Libby in New Orleans. Working a Haunted Mansion type job, Libby gets Mina a gig there too and it’s on her first night that she uncovers something that sets off a whole string of unfortunate events.
I adored this book for the nostalgic hit it gave me. Even though I only came into my teens in the late 90s, growing up with an older brother who was into Nirvana and No Doubt gave me plenty of memories to relate to this book in such a wonderful way. I loved the pop culture references throughout, especially when it came to The Lost Boys and Buffy.
I also enjoyed that the book actually felt like a 90s/early 2000s slasher movie where you could hardly take a breath before the next terrible thing befell this group of friends. There were plenty of twists and turns (some that I saw coming, others that I definitely didn’t) and I liked the pacing of it. However, towards the end of the book, things did seem a little rushed and left-field and I think it could’ve been a little more thoughtful.
In saying that, I would still really recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed R.L. Stein (I feel like this is a more grown-up version of a Goosebumps book) and definitely to everyone who wants a fun time and a huge hit of nostalgia.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
kellysrambles's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
I properly enjoyed this fast paced, murder mystery laced with classic horror, blood and gore. I immediately liked Mina as our main character and was intrigued as to what would unfold during her time in New Orleans. The writing was easy to fall in love with and I felt transported to the fascinating, yet dark, world of New Orleans in the 90s. Knowing only a little about New Orleans, I was absolutely enamoured with all of the mythology shared in this novel and how these horrors unfolded to touch Mina’s own life. It made me want to visit New Orleans whilst also simultaneously making me wary.
I wouldn’t say I am hugely into vampires or books about them but I loved the way they were interlaced into this book and the different classic references that appeared. Mina and Libby’s fascination with all things horror was fun. I would definitely be pants taking part in any kind of horror tour but reading along in the safety of my home made it thoroughly enjoyable! I really loved how clearly I could imagine everything whilst reading.
I really loved the characters in this book, especially the complex relationship between Mina and her estranged sister Libby. The way in which their feelings towards each other change and develop throughout the nook was really well done. Not to mention my love for Jared, Lucas and Della too. Another favourite of mine was definitely Thandie who I grew to love for a number of different reasons!
Mina and the Undead is packed full of punches. Full to the brim with adventure, mystery, gore and horror – definitely a favourite read of 2021 so far!
Thanks to NetGalley, UCLAN Publishing and Amy McCaw for my free digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Gore
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