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A review by 5aru
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I thought this was an excellent premise to start a book from, and certainly something that was never done before. The worldbuilding is definitely the book's strongest point: it skillfully entwines the racial issues inherent to the American South setting while retaining the interest of zombie apocalypse stories. It's cool.
My biggest gripe was really the characterization. The protagonist is kind of unlikeable to me - Mary-Sue-ish, at times, and the love interests were very poorly handed, so much so that I'd rather they be removed altogether. I do thinkk I am a little too old for this book's intended audience, which might definitely have influenced this... But it was kind of disappointing for a book with such promise.
My biggest gripe was really the characterization. The protagonist is kind of unlikeable to me - Mary-Sue-ish, at times, and the love interests were very poorly handed, so much so that I'd rather they be removed altogether. I do thinkk I am a little too old for this book's intended audience, which might definitely have influenced this... But it was kind of disappointing for a book with such promise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Slavery