Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith

Apr 09, 2010 Elizabeth rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Elizabeth by: first reads, which is otherwise an awesome program! I'm sorry.

Shelves: 2010, in-by-of-england, reviewed, fantasy-sci-fi

Oh no, I won the First Reads contest!

I don't think that's the reaction I was supposed to have. Because as sickly fascinated as I am by the mad desire to insert zombies into Pride and Prejudice, I knew that reading any adaption was going to be a problem for me. How can I be a fair to an author who was going to create Elizabeth Bennet's childhood for me, and introduce zombies into it?

I mean, let's face it, I am an admitted Janeite. I am a card carrying member of JASNA. I've read the collected let...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Carolyn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The fact that Quirk Books is the publisher of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls gives a major clue as to what lies ahead. As the prequel to the very successful Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, it delves into the circumstances that changed the Bennett girls into lean, mean, zombie fighting machines.

When a recently deceased corpse reanimates into a zombie during its own funeral, it heralds the return of the Unmentionables. It is then that the girls learn that their father fou...more The fact that Quirk Books is the publisher of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls gives a major clue as to what lies ahead. As the prequel to the very successful Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, it delves into the circumstances that changed the Bennett girls into lean, mean, zombie fighting machines.

When a recently deceased corpse reanimates into a zombie during its own funeral, it heralds the return of the Unmentionables. It is then that the girls learn that their father fought nobly during The Troubles of years ago, and even trained in China. Reclaiming Mrs. Bennett’s potting shed for his dojo, he begins to teach his daughters the Asian fighting techniques that had proven effective before. Soon, an extraordinarily handsome young man, Master Hawksworth, arrives to take charge of their training.

The War Office dispatches a company of soldiers led by Captain Cannon, a limbless veteran of The Troubles. The company includes Dr. Keckilpenny who has some rather unorthodox ideas on the way to handle the zombie problem. As more and more unmentionables begin to appear around the countryside and must be dealt with, the news of the Bennett girls’ fighting prowess spreads, and their reputations as proper Englishwomen diminish.

When the invitation to the spring ball, scheduled to be Elizabeth’s entrance into society, is withdrawn, can the girls now ever hope to find proper husbands? Will Elizabeth favor Master Hawksworth or Dr.Keckilpenny? Can Lord Lumpley successfully seduce Jane, trapped in his home as his personal bodyguard? Will zombies overrun the countryside and make all the previous questions irrevelate?

Set four years before the original story, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn if the Dreadfuls manages to somewhat keep the flavor of Austen’s writing style, but is a completely original story of its own. The basic character of the principals remains intact, and the new characters are imaginative additions. Liberally dosed with humor throughout, and a fair amount of gore, the fast paced book is an enjoyable quick read for those who favor parody novels, or can take their classics with a twist.
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May 02, 2013 Alexis rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

No, I didn't finish it. Maybe I didn't give it a fair chance; I'm not into zombies, but it was given to me as a gift and I felt obliged to read it.

Eurgh. The time frame this book is set in used to be so beautiful. I'm not a huge fan of Jane Austen, but I can appreciate her works for what they are, and I can still love the era. I didn't love anything about this.

I can forgive the gore, although I would personally not put this book on the teen shelves. It's a zombie book, okay. Whatever. What I cou...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Lisa Ard rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my 2nd Hockensmith mash-up book and I had great expectations after reading Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter (ALVH). It didn't quite live up to them, but it is an enjoyable, easy read.

Zombies have returned to England and the Bennett family rises to the occasion. Mr. Bennett enlists help from a Japanese-style master warrior, to teach his girls the ways of fighting zombies. Elizabeth is her practical self, rising to the occasion. Jane, the pretty one, is surprisingly good with a sword. The y...more

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Mar 30, 2012 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the back cover:
Readers will witness the birth of a heroine in Dawn of the Dreadfuls – a thrilling prequel set four years before the horrific events of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. As our story opens the Bennet sisters are enjoying a peaceful life in the English countryside. The idle away the days reading, gardening, and daydreaming about future husbands – until a funeral at the local parish goes strangely and horribly awry.

Suddenly corpses are springing from the soft earth – and only on...more From the back cover:
Readers will witness the birth of a heroine in Dawn of the Dreadfuls – a thrilling prequel set four years before the horrific events of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. As our story opens the Bennet sisters are enjoying a peaceful life in the English countryside. The idle away the days reading, gardening, and daydreaming about future husbands – until a funeral at the local parish goes strangely and horribly awry.

Suddenly corpses are springing from the soft earth – and only one family can stop them. As the bodies pile up we watch Elizabeth Benet evolve from a naive young teenager into a savage slayer of the undead. Along the way two men vie for her affections: Master Hawksworth is the powerful warrior who trains her to kill , while the thoughtful Dr. Kickilpenny seeks to conquer the walking dead using science instead of strength. Will either man win the prize of Elizabeth’s heart? Or will their hearts be feasted upon by hoards of marauding zombies? Complete with romance, action, comedy, and an army of shambling corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls will have Jane Austen rolling in her grave – and just might inspire her to crawl out of it!

Unlike Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, there was no prior novel into which Mr Hockensmith could insert scenes. The words in this book are 100% his own. And wonderful words they are. I was hooked from the beginning!

I loved this story. I found several parts to be quite funny and often laughed out loud. Imagine a decorated military commander being carted in a wheelbarrow by four men whom he calls “Limbs” due to his lack of arms and legs. They perform all actions he requires including holding the hand of a former love. Scandalous!

I loved the contradiction of the modesty of the era and the will to survive by any means necessary.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good monster slaying romance novel!

Reviewed by OBS Staffer Angie.

http://openbooksociety.com/article/ob...(less)

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Mar 14, 2012 Robert Delikat rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, fantasy

What can I say. I'm in love with Katherine Kellgren's voice. Who knows, maybe I'm in love with the whole package. There's a lot you can tell from only a person's voice. Though I never have, I believe that I could listen to a crappy book and love it if only it were narrated by Katherine Kellgren. Actually, Ms. Kellgren does not narrate a book as much as she performs it. Every character is individually acted and, without being told, at any given time, we know who the speaker in the story is by the...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Mayday Maddie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was handed of to me on HALLOW'S EVE, and given that I'd read "Pride & Prejudice" (& Zombies), I opted for it. After skimming the back, I was sorely disappointed to find that Mr Darcy was *not* in the story whatsoever. Actually READING the back 50 pages later, I found that two other "love interests" were supposedly involved and even though I knew Elizabeth wouldn't go for it, I nearly put the book down for good.

In spite of missing one of the best literary characters of all time, Dawn...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Ebster Davis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

O;
I've always wanted to try one of these books! This one did not disappoint.

The storyline is like an alternate universe-prequel to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" In which England is routinely plagued by a zombies.

The Bennet sisters quite lives are interupted by the advent of an "unspeakable" plague.
They discover that their father is a member of an order of Englishmen/women who have taken up the deadly arts in order to defend their homeland.

And so the Bennet sisters begin their training...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I could just imagine Jane Austen rolling in her grave when Pride and Prejudice and Zombies hit shelves and remastered the art of the public domain. When Quirk released Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls, the prequel to PPZ, Austen was probably so angry over the irreverent use of her work that she may just rise from the dead herself. This would, most likely, lead to sightings of a zombified Jane Austen shuffling through the streets, her arms outstreched, a low moan coming from...more I could just imagine Jane Austen rolling in her grave when Pride and Prejudice and Zombies hit shelves and remastered the art of the public domain. When Quirk released Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls, the prequel to PPZ, Austen was probably so angry over the irreverent use of her work that she may just rise from the dead herself. This would, most likely, lead to sightings of a zombified Jane Austen shuffling through the streets, her arms outstreched, a low moan coming from her mouth (along with a few pieces of skin here and there). She would search the earth to find the people at Quirk Classics who further defiled her work by writing Dawn of the Dreafuls, and, well, eat their brains. If Austen didn't make an appearance, one of her dedicated fans may make the trip on her behalf to protest the novel's completely irreverent treatment of the source material.

While I'm a huge fan of Austen's original novel, I was won over by the original Pride and Prejudice and Zombies thanks to its quirky, absurd and just downright fun premise. I was a little uncertain when Quirk announced the prequel, primarily because there was no Austen novel to build the plot from. Instead, the entire thing would just be, essentially, a fan fiction prequel of PPZ. But when given an opportunity to read the book, I thought I'd give it a try. I found that if I could let all my inhibitions go and just enjoy the book for what it is, it's incredibly fun, original, bizarre and fabulous.

Set four years prior to the events of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, the Bennett family is attending a funeral, when the corpse suddenly starts moving. Mr. Bennett finds that his worse fears are coming true: the dreadful are returning. He decides to thoroughly train his daughters in the warrior ways so they can be prepared to fight off the dreadfuls and keep them from overrunning the land.

Fans of the parody/monster mash-up will eat up PPZ: Dawn of the Dreadfuls. While haters of the original PPZ won't be converted, skeptics of this prequel really should just give it a chance. This is horror/comedy/parody at its best.

Can't wait for the PPZ graphic novel next month and Android Karenina this summer. (less)

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Aug 01, 2011 Kurt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I first learned of this book, I thought it was an exercise in completely missing the point. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (PPZ) was a brilliant book not because it had fascinating characters but because it was a rebellion against the popular idea that Jane Austen novels are so good as to be above criticism. They were the literary equivalent of a small boy smearing mud all over something he doesn't like, as the proper atmosphere of an Austen novel was invaded by hideous zombies. At no poin...more

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Jun 09, 2011 Dustin Reade rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I know these "mash-up" books are stupid. THey are junk food for the brain. HOwever, I give this one credit for at least ATTEMPTING some originality. See, unlike the other "and zombies" books, this one does not simply insert zombies in the spaces where the source material lacked...uh...zombies. This book simply borrows the characters from Pride and Prejudice and threw them in a zombie-infested world.
It is basically just a Zombie novel set in Victorian England.
Had the Author called the Character...more

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May 28, 2011 NebraskaIcebergs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jane Austen be gone! Astute readers will notice the absence of Jane Austen's name from the byline of second book in the Pride and Prejudices and Zombies trilogy. With good reason, for Austen never wrote a prequel. Yet if she were around today, she might have written Dawn of the Dreadfuls. Minus the zombies, of course.

In the movies, zombies are often nameless until one of the heroes is bitten. Then we experience the horror of seeing beloved characters turn into monsters. This plays havoc with our...more Jane Austen be gone! Astute readers will notice the absence of Jane Austen's name from the byline of second book in the Pride and Prejudices and Zombies trilogy. With good reason, for Austen never wrote a prequel. Yet if she were around today, she might have written Dawn of the Dreadfuls. Minus the zombies, of course.

In the movies, zombies are often nameless until one of the heroes is bitten. Then we experience the horror of seeing beloved characters turn into monsters. This plays havoc with our emotions, as a kitten toys with a ball of yarn. We want the newly infected to live; yet we know their salvation will mean the community's damnation. In contrast to the movies, the first two zombies to appear in Dawn of the Dreadful are known to our heroes, the Bennets, and so everyone is thrown immediately into emotional chaos. To my chagrin, these random zombie awakenings develop into throngs of rampaging cannibalistic dead. I preferred reading about the smaller encounters, such as the captured zombie whom one of Elizabeth's suitors tries to humanize. Whereas the attack of Lord Lumpley's home resembles epic CGI scenes, diminishing some of the humanity that attracted me to a book about zombies.

Yet like its predecessor, the zombie scenes are among the best parts of the book: "Two dreadfuls looked her way. They were on the other side of the clearing, turned toward each other, as if they had been chatting away like two friendly neighbors...." The rest of the scene goes onto vividly depict the clothes, skin, hair, and even facial expressions of the zombies. Hockensmith could have broadly painted every zombie scene; instead for the most part he portrays zombies as vividly as the humans: "A moan from the front of the church broke up the tussle. It started low, almost literally so, as if bubbling up from the depths of the earth, a distant wail from Hell itself. Then it built to a high, piercing howl.... It was a cry that hadn't been heard in Hertfordshire for years, yet everyone there knew what it was. The zombie wail.' Eerie!

Hockensmith is equally careful with the love scenes. While her five daughters put away their fine clothing and forego formal balls to become zombie hunters, Mrs. Bennet remains her feminine self. Yet even she is effected by the war. When her husband converts her greenhouse into a "dojo" and retreats there to teach their daughters to fight, Mrs. Bennet becomes lonely and susceptible to the wooing of an old flame. Despite being uninvited from a ball due to their warrior ways, the girls also dabble with romance: The oldest daughter Jane wins the eyes of many suitors who consider her the nicest creature God ever created, Elizabeth garners attention from a ninja master and from a scientist, and even Mary has infatuations. Through these entanglements, familiar motifs in Austen's novel of a woman's place in society, along with the notion of what true love is, are explored and make Dawn of the Dreadfuls timeless and universal. At some point, all of us face societal expectations, "monsters," and love.

I faulted Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for its dark tone. There are still occasional violent lines in its prequel: "dip me in honey and stake me to an anthill". Yet for the most part, Hockensmith injects a lighter tone into Dawn of the Dreadfuls. I believe his dedication: "To Jane, we kid because we love." Although sometimes the tongue-in-cheek humor is overdone, it saves the book from slipping into the dark side. So does his betrayal of the Bennet girls. They are innocent children and I grew fond of the less frivilous-gossipy older siblings. True, as their tale progresses, I glimpsed signs of the hardening process. I understand to a certain extent why Elizabeth becomes almost as heartless when an adult as the zombies she tries to kill. Yet in her youth, I see her mostly as heartbroken and sympathetic.

Hockenmith's failings are minor. In the first few chapters, no valid reason is given for why one Bennet girl is picked over another for battle. Although Dawn of the Dreadfuls is mostly told from an omniscient viewpoint focused on the Bennets, some chapters take us into the head of Lord Lumpley. Again, this seems like a random choice. And sorry, but the ninjas and Eastern references still don't seem to fit.

Otherwise, Dawn of the Dreadfuls is a remarkable achievement. Hockensmith has written in the spirit of Austen, yet without her words. I can't wait to read the final installment!(less)

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Dec 30, 2010 Karissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay guys this is my first Giveaway on my blog and it is being offered through Quirk Books!

I read and enjoyed both "Pride and Prejudice" and "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" (PPZ). So when I heard that a prequel to PPZ was being released I was excited. I mean, finally, we get to learn all about how Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters got their awesome fighting skills. I got a copy of Dawn of the Dreadfuls through Quirk Books. I actually enjoyed this book more than PPZ; Hockensmith has created some...more Okay guys this is my first Giveaway on my blog and it is being offered through Quirk Books!

I read and enjoyed both "Pride and Prejudice" and "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" (PPZ). So when I heard that a prequel to PPZ was being released I was excited. I mean, finally, we get to learn all about how Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters got their awesome fighting skills. I got a copy of Dawn of the Dreadfuls through Quirk Books. I actually enjoyed this book more than PPZ; Hockensmith has created some great tongue-in-cheek characters and the book was very well done!

This book follows the Bennet family as they discover the first dreadful rising (out of a coffin at a funeral), through training the Bennet girls receive, to the inevitable massive zombie attack.

Hockensmith did a great job in keeping the tone of the story similar to PPZ. Mrs. Bennet was definitely the Mrs. Bennet from PPZ and Jane and Elizabeth also maintained their character very well. I thought the story actually flowed much better than PPZ; probably because Hockensmith got to control the storyline this time and could match it to the characters better. Hockensmith has created some fabulous character additions. Master Hawksworh (the Bennet's instructor in the deadly arts) and Dr. Keckilpenny (a doctor who seeks to cure the dreadful affliction) are a lot of fun.

The fighting scenes are well done and more inclusive than in PPZ, again I think that being able to incorporate the action scenes fully into his own story helped Hockingsmith out on this one. The plot takes some interesting twists and turns towards the end of the story which I really enjoyed.

My only complaint would be at times the characters are a little bit over the top. This is a small complaint. I know these over-the-top characters are there for humor, and many times, they are very funny. At times though it goes a bit over-board and feels forced. The dialogue is witty and entertaining enough all on its own; it didn't need any more than that to be funny.

Overall I liked this book even better than PPZ. It was entertaining, engaging, and had me chuckling a number of times. Hockensmith did a good job staying true to the main characters nature, even if the additional characters sometimes went a bit over-the-top with their actions.(less)

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Sep 27, 2010 Bookworm rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What can I say about Dawn of the Dreadfuls? This was a fun, creepy and strange book and I enjoyed it. This book is a prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies which I read back in January.

Author Steve Hockensmith does not take the storyline directly from Pride and Prejudice, he does however use Austen's characters and adds a few of his own, then mixes that with zombies. The zombies a.k.a. The Dreadfuls, long since thought to have all been slayed, have now returned to Longbourne. Mr. Bennet, wh...more What can I say about Dawn of the Dreadfuls? This was a fun, creepy and strange book and I enjoyed it. This book is a prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies which I read back in January.

Author Steve Hockensmith does not take the storyline directly from Pride and Prejudice, he does however use Austen's characters and adds a few of his own, then mixes that with zombies. The zombies a.k.a. The Dreadfuls, long since thought to have all been slayed, have now returned to Longbourne. Mr. Bennet, who was once part of a secret order and a warrior himself, takes it upon himself to train his 5 daughters on how to slay the undead. It's either learn to fight or be disowned and eventually, most likely, eaten by zombies.

'It was a cry that hadn't been heard in Hertfordshire for years, yet nearly everyone there knew what it was.
The zombie wail.'

In the midst of all this, an annoying baron named Lord Lumpley pays a visit to the Bennet household and of course, sets his eye on the eldest sister, Jane. Soon after Mr. Bennet begins training his daughters, tall, dark and handsome, Geoffrey Hawksworth, arrives on the scene. He has been sent to train the girls himself. Not before long, Geoffrey, Master as he insists they call him, takes a special notice of Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth meets Dr. Bertram Keckilpenny, she is really interested in his unique ways of dealing with the undead. The two hit it off right away and before you know it, there's a minor love triangle involved in the story.

As if the zombies and would be suitors aren't enough, Elizabeth still has to prepare for her coming out ball. It doesn't help that most of the town is against the Bennet sisters' warrior training, they consider it unladylike behavior. The sisters soon become social pariahs and are avoided by most of the town.

I'm a sucker for these kinds of books. I know some die hard Austen fans don't care much for these types of spin-offs. Pride & Prejudice is my favorite Austen, so while reading this one, I knew that Elizabeth and Jane were not going to pick any suitors, but I still enjoyed seeing some new characters vie for their affections.

All in all, a fun book, I recommend it if you enjoy zombies and Austen spin offs. The last part of the book actually reminded me a bit of Night of the Living Dead. I also liked the ending alot, it had a little unexpected twist that I enjoyed.

read my full review here
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/201...

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May 30, 2010 Marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

DAWN OF THE DREADFULS is the prequel to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES and takes place when Elizabeth is sixteen. After a zombie arises during its funeral, all the Bennett children learn, that their father fought zombies during the previous zombie infestation. Now, the Bennett children must learn quickly and take up arms against the enemy. To aid the girls in this endeavor a ninja master, Master Hawksworth, is sent and the fun begins.

As a rabid Jane Austen fan, I enjoy reading most anything...more

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Apr 26, 2010 Ceridwen rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: someone who doesn't care about austen or zombies

Recommended to Ceridwen by: my own stupidity

Shelves: alternate-history, janeites, shit-show, pulp, rule-britannia, zombies

I heard this story once from a friend of mine – I make no claims to its veracity – about a guy who ghost-wrote an autobiography for some minor Playboy bunny/starlet. It was a good gig for a struggling writer: he spent some weeks organizing the depressingly non-sordid details of a woman's life that culminated in being publicly nekkid, banged out a manuscript (sorry, is this a pun?), and then was paid for the time and bother. The real bummer was that at roughly the same time, the book that he'd wr...more

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Mar 26, 2010 Peggy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review originally appeared at RevolutionSF.com:

“And if you preserve genteel English womanhood while
serving up genteel English women as so much steak
tartare, I would say that you have most definitely lost."

Dawn of the Dreadfuls is technically a prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, giving us the story of how the Bennett family came to be the people we met therein. It gives us the first return of the unmentionables to Meryton, and the beginnings of the ly martial arts training of t...more This review originally appeared at RevolutionSF.com:

“And if you preserve genteel English womanhood while
serving up genteel English women as so much steak
tartare, I would say that you have most definitely lost."

Dawn of the Dreadfuls is technically a prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, giving us the story of how the Bennett family came to be the people we met therein. It gives us the first return of the unmentionables to Meryton, and the beginnings of the ly martial arts training of the Bennett s. We also get hints of romance, with two suitors each for Jane and Elizabeth.

Hockensmith does an excellent job creating younger, more versions of the Bennett s and he does equally well in showing their growth. We meet a young Elizabeth Bennett who's still smart and feisty, but who is much more open to romance than she would later become. And we see the hopes and disappointments that lead to her mistrust in love. We learn more of Mr. Bennett and the first invasion of the unmentionables, and we even get to see a new side of the impossible Mrs. Bennett. But Hockensmith is especially adept at creating the foppish, stupid, arrogant, and downright evil people who look down on the Bennett's, especially Elizabeth.

Who knew just how satisfying it would be to see all of those stuck-up, classist, horrible, horrible people eaten by zombies? I know my high school English classes would have been a lot more fun (and more people would have paid attention) with a judicious application of zombies. If Hockensmith can figure out a way to off Heathcliff and Catherine in this same delightfully gross way, I might just ask him to marry me.

The writing style is just as -on as in the first book, so if it gave you troubles there, it's likely to do so again. But the rewards of the story itself are worth the effort.

If you liked Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by all means give this one a look. But even if you didn't read it, even if you never read Jane Austen in your life, if you like your stories full of action, romance and a dark sense of humor, you'll still enjoy this tale of love and zombies.
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Mar 05, 2010 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I just finished Quirk Classics' newest future classic Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls. DotD is the prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Jane Austin's classic with Zombies and mayhem thrown in for good measure. This book begins four years before P&P&Z as Elizabeth is ready to come out into society, but low and behold even those long dead can't resist a good party!

Reading Steve Hockensmith's prose almost made me wonder if Jane Austin herself hasn't risen from...more

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Mar 03, 2010 Sensitivemuse rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can tell you, that I LOVED this book as much as P & P & Z. It had the wonderful moments of humor and wit that I experienced before and enjoyed. You will see the original characters except for a few (no Darcy or Bingley here, sorry. This does take place before they met Lizzy and Jane). You read more about Mr Bennet who seems to take a more active role in the story (he helps trains his daughters to become warrior women). However the book also introduces new memorable ones which will pro...more I can tell you, that I LOVED this book as much as P & P & Z. It had the wonderful moments of humor and wit that I experienced before and enjoyed. You will see the original characters except for a few (no Darcy or Bingley here, sorry. This does take place before they met Lizzy and Jane). You read more about Mr Bennet who seems to take a more active role in the story (he helps trains his daughters to become warrior women). However the book also introduces new memorable ones which will prove unforgettable and absolutely hilarious to read. What I thought was interesting was the nice reference made with the mysterious “soldier” the left and broke Mrs Bennet’s heart when she was a girl. If you’re well versed in P & P then you’d know what I’m taking about. It’s these little references to the main novel that make the prequel do justice to P & P & Z. Readers also be advised, this book is meant to be a parody, and a funny one at that. If you treat it with a sense of humor, enjoyment is increased tenfold.

Of the new characters, I enjoyed Dr Keckilpenny (really, with a name like that, what’s not to enjoy?) the most. First, because no one seems to get his name right (except for Lizzy), and second because he just seemed to be so friendly and so likable. Lord Lumpley played your average greaseball with a secret – I especially enjoyed how he tried his advances on Jane, but to no avail. Then you get one of the most interesting characters I have ever seen, and that is Captain Cannon who uses four of his soldiers as arms and limbs (you have just to read it to get a good laugh). The moment I started reading about his arms and limbs made me laugh, but it made the book much more enjoyable with these kinds of new, strange yet quirky characters.

The book was very well written, the plot flowed well and did not stop. The humor was in the right places at the right times so reading this book was enjoyable and fun. There is gore. Lots of it. I think moreso than P & P & Z. So, if you are not into that sort of theme. Perhaps this book may not be for you. However this would be great for zombie fans and will satisfy P & P & Z readers, it’s a well done prequel and will be listed as one of my favorites for 2010.

Overall, I love this book. What I would like to see next, is another zombie novel but with Darcy and Bingley before they met the Bennet sisters. That would be interesting, I think. Who knows where the Dreadfuls will strike next?(less)

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Mar 03, 2010 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dawn of the Dreadfuls is a prequel to one of my favorite reads of last year, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. As Jane Austen obviously didn’t write a sequel, Dawn of the Dreadfuls is an entirely new work.

Dawn of the Dreadfuls tells the tale of how the “dreadfuls” first make an appearance in the Bennet girls’ lives. This is only slightly before Pride and Prejudice. Jane is eighteen and Elizabeth is just coming out. After a funeral goes awry and the dreadfuls have made an appearance back in Meryto...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Bill rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Maybe I'm just burned out on Quirk books, maybe I'm just feeling particularly cynical, but for whatever reason, this book just didn't get it done for me at all. What made PPZ great was the manner in which they almost effortlessly slipped moments of zombie violence and gore into a timeless literary classic. This felt more like they tried to slip elements a classic novel into a so-so zombie book. I understand wanting to capitalize on the PPZ craze of a few years back, but if you're going to do int...more

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May 08, 2012 Marsha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror, literature-fiction, humor, romance, supernatural, young-adult, action-adventure

The dreadfuls (i.e., zombies) have returned, although in this prequel Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters are meeting them for the first time. Remaining true to Austen’s literary style, the manners and mores of the period and the characters of the beloved Bennet sisters, their long-suffering father and their ever-agitated mother, Mr. Hockensmith has crafted a worthy prequel to the popular “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”.

The conceit of zombies running rampant is not as broadly slathered here as i...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Heather Boustead rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dtb, horror, humour, offbeat-or-quirky, romance, thriller, clean-romance

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com
Some of you may know that Dawn of the Dreadfuls is the prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Considering this, I decided I would read this first and try not to compare it to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The story opens during a funeral where, suddenly, the guest of honor, or the dearly departed, sits up straight up in his casket. We really have no idea why the dead do not remain that way nor why this epidemic arose roughly 20 years ago shortly foll...more http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com
Some of you may know that Dawn of the Dreadfuls is the prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Considering this, I decided I would read this first and try not to compare it to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The story opens during a funeral where, suddenly, the guest of honor, or the dearly departed, sits up straight up in his casket. We really have no idea why the dead do not remain that way nor why this epidemic arose roughly 20 years ago shortly followed by "the troubles;" a war fought against the zombie hordes.

In this book we watch as the five Bennet daughters are schooled in the "Shaolin style." This story predominantly centers on Elizabeth Bennet, the second oldest daughter, and her transformation from a teenager to warrior, two men vying for her affections, her master, Hawksworth, who instructing her in the deadly arts, and an eccentric scientist Dr. Keckilpenny, who is preoccupied with the study of zombies in his personal quest to better understand how to best handle them.

“Complete with romance, action, comedy, and an army of shambling corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls will have Jane Austen rolling in her grave-and just might inspire her to crawl out of it!" -from the Goodreads.com description.

I usually don't quote other synopsis. Normally I draw upon my own opinion and skills to phrase everything into my own words and thoughts. Although I do read other reviews prior to undertaking the experience, I attempt not be swayed or influenced. However, when I read this line I just had to include it. It was too enjoyable and I felt the need to share it. This book is definitely unlike anything I have read to date. Firstly, this is only my second zombie novel, if you happen to count "The Stupidest Angel" by Christopher Moore. Secondly, I've never attempted a "quirk classic" before. This is by no stretch of the imagination to be considered one of the most action packed books. There are times were the story seems to really slow for me and my opinion is the entire thing is just a build up for "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." It can be funny and I especially enjoyed the cartoon style pictures and scenes that captivate you so much that you and cannot fathom what happens next. I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of the zombie horror genre. My husband loves anything about them, and I tolerate it for the most part. (and accept his poor taste. - added by my husband during edit process) But I've discovered that reading of them is more my style versus the myriad of movies and games available. To me, my
mind and imagination are far more inventive and the fear factor of this classic movie monster is significantly magnified.

I am conflicted in my review of this novel. I think one may need to read "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" first to thoroughly enjoy the way this book is laid out for us. As I stated earlier, it just seems like one long build up to the next book. It is a fun and easy read though, but sometimes tends to drag on. If, somehow, you persevere the ending is a fairly good cliff hanger.(less)

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Aug 04, 2010 Lulu rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I started off anticipating this book as a comic relief, much like "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," and it definitely was for most of it. But I never expected the book to have such a somber ending! The novel took a sudden turn for the dark and serious near the last 50 or so pages. Boy, did I NOT see that one coming!

But I think the shocking events of the novel's climax are what redeemed the story in my eyes, because, while I enjoyed the humor, the book did a grand job of destroying some of Jane...more I started off anticipating this book as a comic relief, much like "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," and it definitely was for most of it. But I never expected the book to have such a somber ending! The novel took a sudden turn for the dark and serious near the last 50 or so pages. Boy, did I NOT see that one coming!

But I think the shocking events of the novel's climax are what redeemed the story in my eyes, because, while I enjoyed the humor, the book did a grand job of destroying some of Jane Austen's characters. Especially Mr. Bennet...the Mr. Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" would never try to sacrifice his daughter to a man like Lumpley, even with the greater good in mind. At least, that was the impression Mr. Bennet made on me in the original novel, and so I was sorely disappointed to see his character rather twisted in this rendition of the great classic.

But like I said, the book had an unpredictably dark ending, coupled with the seriousness of the characters as their true natures were revealed, and that was when I actually started liking the novel a little bit (rather than simply being amused by it, as was the case up until that point). With the uncharacteristically somber mood of the ending that is in such stark contrast with the rest of the novel, I decided to think of this whole novel as an entirely different story, not a prequel nor a retelling of "Pride and Prejudice," but an altogether separate storyline with similarly-named characters.

I really liked the men that were introduced in this novel, Dr.Keckilpenny, Master Hawksworth, and Lieutenant Tindall (omg, Tindall!); each had their faults, but in these faults their HUMANness shone through. If it weren't for the way the author decided to conclude these characters, I wouldn't have liked the novel as much. I thought that the fate of each man was well plotted, although some might call it predictable.

Overall, it was an enjoyable and fast-read. If you read "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" and enjoyed it, you might as well pick this one up, too. The humor in parts will have you smiling, at least, and the ending will most likely catch you off guard, as it did me. But then, you've had ample warning, if you read this far into my review. (less)

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Mar 03, 2010 Jennifer Jensen (Literally Jen) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: luxuryreading

Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith, the eagerly anticipated prequel to Seth Grahame-Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, is even more gory and comedic than Quirk Classics' debut novel. Hockensmith's advantage over Grahame-Smith was getting to create a somewhat unique story from scratch. All of Jane Austen's original characters are brought to life in Dawn of the Dreadfuls, along with a few new characters to sweeten the plot.

Dawn of the Dreadfuls takes place four years before the event...more Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith, the eagerly anticipated prequel to Seth Grahame-Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, is even more gory and comedic than Quirk Classics' debut novel. Hockensmith's advantage over Grahame-Smith was getting to create a somewhat unique story from scratch. All of Jane Austen's original characters are brought to life in Dawn of the Dreadfuls, along with a few new characters to sweeten the plot.

Dawn of the Dreadfuls takes place four years before the events in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. All has been quiet in the town of Hertfordshire for several years since the end of the last zombie outbreak. A man who "wakes up" in the middle of his own funeral is just the beginning of a new uprising of zombies who will set out to consume the brains of the living. Mr. Bennet sacrifices his daughters' upbringing as fine society ladies when he forces them to train in the deadly arts of zombie slaying under the tutelage of Master Hawksworth. The Bennet sisters have their work cut out for them as they attempt to balance their training and their "coming out" into society.

No novel using Jane Austen's beloved characters (yes, even Mrs. Bennet) would be complete without a little romance. Before there was Mr. Darcy, there was Master Geoffrey Hawksworth and Dr. Keckilpenny. Both have an invested interest in the unmentionables; Hawksworth is the master who trains the Bennet sisters, and Dr. Keckilpenny is one who believes that zombies can revert back to a human existence. The more time Elizabeth spends with each one, the more confused her feelings for each young suitor becomes. I found the end result of their flirtations to be one of the best parts of this book. But Elizabeth is not the only one with suitors at her heels: Jane finds herself pursued by a baron with a darksinister purpose, and Mrs. Bennet reconnects with a handsome militia man from her past.

Since I've read the original Pride and Prejudice at least half a dozen times in the last 10 years, I know the story and the characters extremely well. Surprisingly, Hockensmith did a remarkable job at making his Austen characters as true to themselves as he could. At times, I felt Elizabeth to be a bit more outspoken than normal, and in one instance Jane to be entirely out of character. But adding these small adjustments to the characters made the conclusion of this novel entirely unpredictable and more fun than I imagined.(less)

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Nov 28, 2011 Bookwyrmgyrl added it · review of another edition

Shelves: austen-esque, fantasy

I was slightly annoyed, at first, at the idea of zombies being at all connected with Jane Austen's work. I figured it was either an insult to her fabulous abilities, or a gross attempt to simply make a buck off the association with her name.

However, a friend enjoyed this one, and loaned it to me. Taking it for what it is - a spoof, I read the first page, and was hooked. Why? Because compared to "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Seth Grahame-Smith, this book, "Dawn of the Dreadfuls" by Steve H...more

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May 23, 2011 Victoria rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I found it a little difficult to review these books individually, so I have decided to do it as a whole. This review will be short, as I am stepped WAY out of my comfort reading zone by agreeing to review these books for Quirk Books. I've been told by friends that have read this series that you need to have read the orginal Pride and Prejudice before attempting these. I have not. Nor do I have any desire to. I don't like zombie books and I haven't found a classic book that I have liked yet
so it...more

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Dec 01, 2010 Brendan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, adventure-thriller, fantasy, fiction, horror, humor, scifi, zombies

I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, as you would expect. But I considered it a one-hit wonder, an idea that was of its moment but from which it was a mistake to try and pull more material. I’m happy to say I was wrong. Steve Hockensmith had a real challenge before him to take Seth Graham-Smith’s innovations to Austen’s original and to expand the story. He did very well.

Dawn of the Dreadfuls tells of the earlier days of the Bennett family, the return of the unmentionables to England, and t...more I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, as you would expect. But I considered it a one-hit wonder, an idea that was of its moment but from which it was a mistake to try and pull more material. I’m happy to say I was wrong. Steve Hockensmith had a real challenge before him to take Seth Graham-Smith’s innovations to Austen’s original and to expand the story. He did very well.

Dawn of the Dreadfuls tells of the earlier days of the Bennett family, the return of the unmentionables to England, and the story of the men who taught Elizabeth and her sisters to fight so well. We follow Elizabeth as she struggles with two suitors — a taciturn young martial arts instructor and a nearly-mad scientist — and with the undead crawling out of the ground throughout England. A few thoughts:

* As I suggest above, I expected this to be a quick knockoff with no value beyond squeezing a few more dollars from the original PP&Z hit. I was quite mistaken — Hockensmith develops his own narrative that balances nicely the needs of the original narrative, the needs of the Zed narrative layered on top, and the needs of its own story. He develops the mythology skillfully, creating a back story that helps soldifiy the chilly relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, and he makes the emergence of the zombies work very well. Perhaps most impressively, the book lays out several key points that make for interesting foreshadowing of the later story.
* The scientist makes an interesting addition to the story, representing quite clearly the Victorian version of the nearly-mad scientist in Day of the Dead, even going so far as to name the zombie chained to the wall and to take delight in its minor (and disputable) progress.
* Hockensmith crafts an excellent villain in the Lecherous Baron who spends the whole book scheming to defile the lovely and demure Jane.
* The layout, style, tone, and art of the book makes it a clear prequel to PP&Z, and presumably the later book, Dreadfully Ever After, concludes in a similar style. I could easily see this book and the latter two being satisfying in the plot order — even to someone with no interest in Austen’s original.
* Perhaps my favorite part of this book is its skillful introduction of the “deadly arts” into British high society, the suggestion that the rituals of fighting would have undermined social standing for the Bennetts, and the resolution of those issues in such a way that the stage is set for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies‘ ubiquitous acceptance of the problem.

Overall, quite enjoyable.(less)

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May 29, 2010 Jay rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, historical-distant, redrum, tampon-theatre, zombie-savagery, fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 11, 2012 Aira rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What is a great recipe for a typical Jane Austen novel? Intrigue, love of all sorts-unrequitted, demanding, etc etc, meddling outsiders, a lot of somethinggoodsocloselikethistohappenonlytobetakenaway, you know the works. This one has ZOMBIES. Let me rephrase that, this novel has dreadfuls: the zombies that yearn for your braaaaaaaaaaaiiiinss. It's a male author writing a classic with a twist. Therefore, don't compare it to any of the original works. Embrace it on its own. I hat 50% fancy shmancy...more

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