Reviews

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

kaysahcol's review against another edition

5.0

Such a famous and well loved topic taken on in a new way. This book is about the zombie apocalypse but it ingeniously covers it from the most uncommon view, the zombie's perspective. This tale, cleverly similar to Romeo and Juliet, makes the reader really review and contemplate the zombie apocalypse and usual perception of what it would be like. Hearing the story through a Zombie and his thoughts draws out so many similarities between the real world and a fictional apocalypse. Not only does this book make the reader analyze the current world, but its also just a very interesting read. Couldn't put it down! Will definitely pick up the other books in the series.

eesh25's review against another edition

4.0

I had two reasons to be very excited about reading this book. One, it's narrated by a zombie (so cool!), and two, it's a romance. How often do you get to read about a world infested with zombies but have the main focus be the romance? Between a human and a zombie, no less? And it's so short that you can read it in a day, easy.

The zombie protagonist is R (that's all he remembers of his name) is living his normal Dead life, eating people, roaming around pointlessly, and grunting and groaning. Then one day, on another of his food rounds, he saves a living girl. That's the beginning of the romance, which is awesome because it's a meet-cute that's basically person A deciding not to eat person B.

But I was in love before that even happened. The book takes you in immediately with the narrative, which is so fucking cool and different. I mean, it's a guy who doesn't remember his past life, speaks very little, has little emotional range, and eats people for a living. And he's so casual about it all. I guess anybody would be if they were a zombie but that's the point; Isaac Marion nails the zombie voice and I was extremely happy with that.

Then there's the fact that R is very likable. Eating people aside, he's a good, Dead guy, and more romantic that most, if not all, living guys I know (living guys are lame).

The romance between Julie and R is gradual. But it's also adorable. They connect on a deep level. They help each other out, get to know one another, share thoughts, stories, philosophies. And they fall in love. You wouldn't think such a thing would be believable, but it is.

The situation with the humans and other zombies and the zombie apocalypse is... complicated. The world is ending and no one know where the virus, or whatever it is, even came from, much less how to cure it. They've got no clue how to fix shit so they're just killing each other. Meanwhile, R is trying to figure out a lot of stuff out.

The ending is kinda corny. You know, the revelations of why and how and what to do. But it's not corny in a bad way and it makes a surprising amount of sense. I liked it.

Overall, this book was just as good as I hoped it would be. It's funny, sweet, fast paced, engaging and just very enjoyable, but also has a lot of depth. It's not gruesome or gritty, because R doesn't see things in that way, so if you're looking for that, there are other options. It's a zombie romance and it's beautiful. Also (almost forgot), it gave me another quote to add to my list of favourites:

"I long for exclamation marks, but I'm drowning in ellipses."

amanda1793's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. Although it's about zombies, I found this book had a strangely realistic depiction of love and life. I was surprised by the realism of the relationships that are formed between the zombies and uninfected humans, the fact that Julie, R, and eventually Nora worked out a way to protect each other despite everything going on around them and the pit falls of both the Living and the Dead.

I have recently learned that this is part of a series (two novellas and an actual novel sequel), I hope that is story can continue in a way to show the reader what happens after the plague has been lifted and life comes back to every one.

gabyelle_97's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

yodamom's review against another edition

5.0

Imagine you are in the head of a zombie. You hunger, you moan, you go about routines, and you search for something. Wow, this book takes you there and it's not at all what you would expect. Yes, they is the eating of flesh/brains and the rotting, but there is also desire for more. they can't remember how they became, nor their old lives. The living are few and killing them at every chance. Everyone is in survivor mode, there has been no time for discovering what this new existence is. Till "R" eats a brain that takes him down a road of revelations that change everything. His friend "M" is a favorite character and steals several scenes.
I loved, loved, loved this book. I found myself cheering for the zombies, I really liked them.

annashiv's review against another edition

5.0

Beautiful, in a strange way. Wish it didn't swear so much or refer to sex and the like so often. But still, it was great. Good writing, though maybe a little more flowery that I usually like, it wasn't too much and instead actually added to the story. It was a little confusing at times with dreams and the like, but very readable. I just loved it in a weird way. I'm not usually one to like zombie/apocalypse books, but this one charmed me. Possibly because it's romeo and juliet, but better.

wafaasher's review against another edition

4.0

Warm Bodies is the first zombie-related book I've ever read and I wasn't expecting much from it. But it blew me away!
The writing style of the author was so beautiful and unique; I loved it. A lot of the stuff was very deep and poetic. I didn't think it was possible to incorporate such well written and thought provoking stuff into a story about zombie apocalypse, but Isaac Marion proved me wrong.
I grew more in love with R with every page- it was hard not to like him.
I was a tad bit disappointed with the ending.. I thought it was slightly rushed. Or maybe I just wanted to read more of it? I don't know. I think it wasn't explained much so everything about the cure and the progress can be described in the later books in the series. Very excited for the sequel!
The story over all was very riveting and engrossing- I'm glad I got to read it before the movies comes out. :D
Speaking of which, I absolutely adore the actors they have cast, and the trailer looks awesome!

ladybaela's review against another edition

2.0

Probably 2 and a half stars.

bewitchedandbewildered's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book so much. R was the sweetest zombie ever and I loved how Julie's character was so independent and strong. I actually saw the movie before I finished the book but it was amazing but very different in my opinion. I recommend it to everyone. Its funny but still gruesome and romantic.

magnolia4039's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing 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? Yes

3.75