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constant_reader_19's review
5.0
What do you get when you mix wit and zombies? You get a fantastic story! Interesting concept and well written. I loved the references to movies, books, and Stephen King that were scattered throughout the story, very clever...my favorite character was definitely Jasmine. I will be impatiently awaiting the next book! :)
ctorretta's review
3.0
I wasn't grabbed with the beginning of this one. I loved that it had zombies in it but the story actually starts two years prior with a zompocalypse but the plot to the book starts after the zombies are all taken care of and people are trying to move on with their lives. The problem for me was that I really enjoy the scariness behind all the zombie books that are out there and my favorites are the most horrible, with all the gore and craziness. This book did have some of that but not a lot, it is definitely based around young adult.
Also, the relationships at the beginning sort of drove me crazy. Two best friends fought so much that I was surprised that these two, Amber and Jazz, could even remain friends. It was hard for me to really get to know them with all the arguing and bickering and back and forth between them. Then we have Amber's flighty mom, which is explained later in the plot what exactly is going on with her, but she is so flighty that she almost seems like she doesn't care about Amber, and that really frustrated me as well.
The plot itself was interesting after I got past the idea that this wasn't going to be about blood and guts and what not, which honestly is fine, and the different take on zombies was interesting. I really like how they called them the Living Imparied because you KNOW that is exactly what would happen if zombies were to have a way to live with us in the world.
All in all I enjoyed the plot and how the characters come together and Amber's resilience. There are so many things working against her but she is stubborn and decides early on that this is going to work out no matter how many people do not believe in her and Zach. Interesting read, just not my fav. Curious about the second book though.
Also, the relationships at the beginning sort of drove me crazy. Two best friends fought so much that I was surprised that these two, Amber and Jazz, could even remain friends. It was hard for me to really get to know them with all the arguing and bickering and back and forth between them. Then we have Amber's flighty mom, which is explained later in the plot what exactly is going on with her, but she is so flighty that she almost seems like she doesn't care about Amber, and that really frustrated me as well.
The plot itself was interesting after I got past the idea that this wasn't going to be about blood and guts and what not, which honestly is fine, and the different take on zombies was interesting. I really like how they called them the Living Imparied because you KNOW that is exactly what would happen if zombies were to have a way to live with us in the world.
All in all I enjoyed the plot and how the characters come together and Amber's resilience. There are so many things working against her but she is stubborn and decides early on that this is going to work out no matter how many people do not believe in her and Zach. Interesting read, just not my fav. Curious about the second book though.
booksuperpower's review
4.0
Return of the Loving Dead by Araminta Star Matthews and Stan Swanson is Curiosity Quills publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So, I have said this every time I have done a YA book review. I am not in touch with at all with this genre. So, I'm going to guess this one will appeal to the 14-17 year old crowd more so than the older teen, but could still reach that older age, but I don't think I would suggest it for younger than 14. ( I'm not the best judge, since my kids are grown)
Amber is dealing with her dad's death and putting up with her ever changing friend Jasmine or Jazz for short. She is pretty sure she has found the guy she is meant to be with in Zach. But, their plans for a future get derailed after Zach has an encounter with a Zombie.
Despite Zach's being a zombie, Amber soldiers on and sticks by him. If I had to hazard a guess I would say that part of what the author is trying to impress upon the reader is that life is not always smooth. Someone could be left with a handicap or disfigurement and high school kids and even adults will suddenly shy away from them. Prejudices and fear are usually at the root of the issue, but Amber doesn't let the pressure get to her.
This book is laced with humor and snappy dialogue and captures the age range and the way they see things. Lots of magic and suspense mixed in keeps the reader engaged . Zombies are so popular in TV and movies right now so this book should draw some attention. Young Adult novels such as thing one is really hard for me to rate especially since we are dealing with the high school age range. I
feel conflicted about the rating, but following my instincts I'm going to go with a 3.5 rounded to 4.
So, I have said this every time I have done a YA book review. I am not in touch with at all with this genre. So, I'm going to guess this one will appeal to the 14-17 year old crowd more so than the older teen, but could still reach that older age, but I don't think I would suggest it for younger than 14. ( I'm not the best judge, since my kids are grown)
Amber is dealing with her dad's death and putting up with her ever changing friend Jasmine or Jazz for short. She is pretty sure she has found the guy she is meant to be with in Zach. But, their plans for a future get derailed after Zach has an encounter with a Zombie.
Despite Zach's being a zombie, Amber soldiers on and sticks by him. If I had to hazard a guess I would say that part of what the author is trying to impress upon the reader is that life is not always smooth. Someone could be left with a handicap or disfigurement and high school kids and even adults will suddenly shy away from them. Prejudices and fear are usually at the root of the issue, but Amber doesn't let the pressure get to her.
This book is laced with humor and snappy dialogue and captures the age range and the way they see things. Lots of magic and suspense mixed in keeps the reader engaged . Zombies are so popular in TV and movies right now so this book should draw some attention. Young Adult novels such as thing one is really hard for me to rate especially since we are dealing with the high school age range. I
feel conflicted about the rating, but following my instincts I'm going to go with a 3.5 rounded to 4.
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