A review by connorjdaley
Undead Samurai by Baptiste Pinson Wu

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A huge thanks to the author for the physical ARC. So glad to have this for my shelf. 

A mixture of historical Japan and the undead? From the very beginning, the cover reveal even, I knew this was for me. And right from the prologue I was hooked! I’ve been working my way back through TWD universe, so zombies are a hit for me at the moment. And U.S gives a unique and thrilling take on the bloody genre. 

I loved Wu’s obvious research and dedication to historical accuracy. Several of the characters even being real themselves. It gives this lush, believable, real backdrop to the craziness that follows. A last ditch effort to save Japan itself, a chance for several warriors to regain their honor, prove themselves for the first time, or prove they’ve still got it. The multiple kinds of fighters/warriors was just enough to make each action bit feel different and enjoyable. Of course they are incredibly fast, bloody, and nuts, too. 

I happened to be reading this at the same time as Josh Malerman’s Incidents Around the House. The juxtaposition of the slowed down, slithering, creepy-crawly horror, to the zombies, swords, and action, just really sold the experiences. And it really sold Wu’s ability to write a highly tense action adventure. 

My favorite bit, that has impressed me greatly (as this is a first read for me with this author) was his ability to convey so much emotion. This is not just a zombie novel, it is the story of an incredible journey between friends, partners, mentors. The author made me not only like, but care about, characters that started out as unlikable. Not only showcasing how dynamic they are, multilayered, but such incredible growth too. And in an action filled, only 320 page book too. Wow!