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A review by keiraonyxraven
Before and After by Andrew Shanahan
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
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
5.0
I purchased Before and After expecting a typical zombie apocalypse story but what I got was so much more. This book is humorous, suspenseful, heartfelt, upsetting, inspiring and a little bit gross all at the same time, in the best possible ways.
The story itself was entertaining, meaningful, well developed and kept me engrossed from cover to cover. I will admit, for the most part, it doesn’t have the constant fast paced, zombie slashing, heart pounding chase scenes I am used to, but Ben’s story in between was so compelling that it didn’t matter.
I can’t recall another book that has made me adore a main character so much. Ben is such a kind soul, he is raw, emotional and flawed in many ways which makes him so relatable and lovable as a character. Brown, of course is the goodest girl and by default, as the dog of the story, is the best. Even the Wraths (zombies) have a likeable quality to them, the humour they impart to the story is fantastic and I applaud the author for the ability to make such foul and spiteful creatures likeable.
Before and After is a truly amazing read and I would recommend this book to absolutely anybody, provided they can stomach some pretty detailed gore and upsetting themes.
Book 2 here I come!
The story itself was entertaining, meaningful, well developed and kept me engrossed from cover to cover. I will admit, for the most part, it doesn’t have the constant fast paced, zombie slashing, heart pounding chase scenes I am used to, but Ben’s story in between was so compelling that it didn’t matter.
I can’t recall another book that has made me adore a main character so much. Ben is such a kind soul, he is raw, emotional and flawed in many ways which makes him so relatable and lovable as a character. Brown, of course is the goodest girl and by default, as the dog of the story, is the best. Even the Wraths (zombies) have a likeable quality to them, the humour they impart to the story is fantastic and I applaud the author for the ability to make such foul and spiteful creatures likeable.
Before and After is a truly amazing read and I would recommend this book to absolutely anybody, provided they can stomach some pretty detailed gore and upsetting themes.
Book 2 here I come!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Blood, Body shaming, Cancer, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Addiction, Body horror, Bullying, Excrement, Gore, Death, and Medical content
Minor: Alcohol