Wow. Just wow. I'm not a big fan of zombie books. I think
people's fascination with human-destroying diseases is pretty freaky.
Then, I'm not a big fan of a horror.
But Isaac Marion may change my mind.
Let me introduce you to
R. He's a zombie who doesn't remember his name, how old he is, what he used to
do before the world collapsed, how the world collapsed, how to read, or
anything that might actually help him be human. What he does know: he has to eat humans to stay alive, and it makes
him feel undeniably guilty. (Trust me, he moans
about it.)
R is different; his brain surges with eloquent words, with a
need to feel, with a longing to regain the life he lost. Yes, he's still a
zombie—there's brain-eating, loss of limbs, shotguns to the head—but he's the
sweetest zombie you'll ever meet.
Then R discovers Julie, a human who he now feels the need to
protect. "Keep . . . you safe."
Julie makes him feel. She reminds him what it's like to be a
human. She gives him hope, because Julie has it. A lot. There's a fantastic
message to be found in this book, a message to enjoy what you have, live life
to the fullest, never give up.
It's a message I truly believe in.
But there are bigger forces at play here. In this sci-fi
future, the humans are dwindling and will shoot anything that walks the wrong
way, and the Boneys (these are the skeletal versions of zombies, the ones who
have been this way for quite a while—and even seem to like it—who make me think
of aliens) don't like threats to their survival.
As R and Julie grow closer, everyone around them changes.
R's best friend M wants to help "Keep. Her. Safe." and he even
gathers an army of "changing" zombies to help.
An epic battle between Boneys, humans, and R-like zombies
rages, and when R and Julie think they're going to die, true love proves them
wrong.
Seriously. You have to read this book. True love. Epic
battles. A lesson in appreciation and hope. A little comedy. Zombie
brain-eating. A happy ending!
Oh, and it's a short read. I devoured this in a few hours.
5 stars and THANK YOU to Isaac Marion for sharing his words
with us.
