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The Fall of the Governor: Part One
The third book in Robert Kirkman's New York Times bestselling series: The Walking Dead: The Fall of the Governor – Part One!
The Walking Dead original novel series, set in the universe of Robert Kirkman's iconic comic book, continues with The Fall of the Governor – Part One. From co-authors Kirkman, creator of the Eisner Award-winning comic as well as executive producer of AMC's blockbuster TV series, and Jay Bonansinga, Stoker Award-finalist and internationally acclaimed author, comes the gripping third novel in this richly woven, page-turning literary saga, which began with The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor.
In Rise of the Governor, uber-villain Philip Blake journeyed from his humble beginnings directly into the dark heart of the zombie apocalypse, and became the self-proclaimed leader of a small town called Woodbury. In The Road to Woodbury, an innocent traveler named Lilly Caul wound up in the terrifying thrall of Phillip Blake’s twisted, violent dictatorship within Woodbury’s ever tightening barricades.
And now, in The Fall of the Governor – Part One, the Governor’s descent into madness finally erupts in a tour de force of action and horror. Beloved characters from the comic book, including Rick, Michonne and Glenn, finally make their entrance onto this nightmarish stage, and fans of The Walking Dead will see these characters in a whole new light. Simmering grudges boil over into unthinkable confrontations, battle lines are drawn, and unexpected twists seal the fates of the innocent and guilty alike.
The Walking Dead original novel series, set in the universe of Robert Kirkman's iconic comic book, continues with The Fall of the Governor – Part One. From co-authors Kirkman, creator of the Eisner Award-winning comic as well as executive producer of AMC's blockbuster TV series, and Jay Bonansinga, Stoker Award-finalist and internationally acclaimed author, comes the gripping third novel in this richly woven, page-turning literary saga, which began with The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor.
In Rise of the Governor, uber-villain Philip Blake journeyed from his humble beginnings directly into the dark heart of the zombie apocalypse, and became the self-proclaimed leader of a small town called Woodbury. In The Road to Woodbury, an innocent traveler named Lilly Caul wound up in the terrifying thrall of Phillip Blake’s twisted, violent dictatorship within Woodbury’s ever tightening barricades.
And now, in The Fall of the Governor – Part One, the Governor’s descent into madness finally erupts in a tour de force of action and horror. Beloved characters from the comic book, including Rick, Michonne and Glenn, finally make their entrance onto this nightmarish stage, and fans of The Walking Dead will see these characters in a whole new light. Simmering grudges boil over into unthinkable confrontations, battle lines are drawn, and unexpected twists seal the fates of the innocent and guilty alike.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2013
146 people are currently reading
4473 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,937 books6,898 followersRobert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews
November 7, 2013
I like how "trilogy" has turned into "as many terrible books we can churn out and expect suckers to pay for." 230 pages, read like a TERRIBLE novella. The more that is written about the Governor, the more they neuter the terrifying character from the graphic novels. In their lame, money grubbing attempt to cash in on every angle, the Governor has been squandered. And I LOVE how Lilly drank the kool-aid just so the well known ending is even more "shocking" when it comes around. Plus I'm pretty sure that a couple of men know NOTHING about the way a woman's body works. And the tropes Bonansinga relies on in this book: "spoor," "neck cords," "overalls," and giant, fat male walkers dressed in overalls. Apparently there was a store of them somewhere. I also liked after my last complaining review there was no use of the word "zombie" in this book. Are they trolling forums looking for inspiration? If so, PLEASE release the last book so I can finally put this shameful, stupid part of my life behind me and forget this lesser cousin of the Walking Dead family!!
June 21, 2017
Actual rating is 2.5 stars.
This book is based from the comics. This tells the story of the first meeting between the Governor and our group from the comics. It is basically a different perspective of events that has already been covered in the comics.
This book is a hard one for me to review as there are aspects I really liked and some not so much. I am a fan of different perspective books and this one delivers on that aspect. I enjoy reading from the villain's perspective as he believes he is the hero of the story. This book is gory and graphic and this is a plus in my eyes. This whole series is that way and this book takes it up another notch. Like I said there are aspects I did not enjoy. First was the writing. It isn't the strongest. The descriptions of moments and settings felt like it was a debut novel and the author does not have experience in his writing. Since this is the third book of a series that should not be the case. Secondly, and this is a pet peeve of mine, the book just ends with no conclusions. I hate it when books do this. I understand the need of cliffhangers but a book should be able to stand on its own. This one cannot as there is no end.
This book could have been so much better but it was still enjoyable. Part of my enjoyment was nostalgic as it has been awhile since I read this particular story arc from the comics. I liked the different perspective as it gives a different insight to a situation that I have already read about.
This book is based from the comics. This tells the story of the first meeting between the Governor and our group from the comics. It is basically a different perspective of events that has already been covered in the comics.
This book is a hard one for me to review as there are aspects I really liked and some not so much. I am a fan of different perspective books and this one delivers on that aspect. I enjoy reading from the villain's perspective as he believes he is the hero of the story. This book is gory and graphic and this is a plus in my eyes. This whole series is that way and this book takes it up another notch. Like I said there are aspects I did not enjoy. First was the writing. It isn't the strongest. The descriptions of moments and settings felt like it was a debut novel and the author does not have experience in his writing. Since this is the third book of a series that should not be the case. Secondly, and this is a pet peeve of mine, the book just ends with no conclusions. I hate it when books do this. I understand the need of cliffhangers but a book should be able to stand on its own. This one cannot as there is no end.
This book could have been so much better but it was still enjoyable. Part of my enjoyment was nostalgic as it has been awhile since I read this particular story arc from the comics. I liked the different perspective as it gives a different insight to a situation that I have already read about.
October 2, 2015
i could have done whithout some of the details, i think i'm gonna have nightmares.
October 10, 2013
Was really expecting much more from this book especially as new season is about to start on TV and I was getting in the mood for it.
For the most time books are better then the movies or series that follow... not in this case apparently. If you're fan go for it otherwise don't bother.
For the most time books are better then the movies or series that follow... not in this case apparently. If you're fan go for it otherwise don't bother.
October 20, 2013
Let me begin by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As in the other "Governor" books, I am thrilled to find another side to a fascinating group of characters I have come to love. Be that as it may, I am so very disappointed in the glaring technical mistakes in these books and I can no longer hold it in. I am a total gun geek and pride myself in the knowledge that I have likely forgotten more about guns than most people will ever know. But the errors in this books are by far the worst I have ever read and it makes me wonder why in the world the publisher couldn't afford to pay someone to actually research some simple FACTS before the manuscript hits the presses. Two examples... a reference to a .762 Garand rifle. First of all there is no such weapon, second (and most appalling) a POINT 762 rifle? Really? By that logic, the bullet would be more than three quarters of an inch across!! Again, no such thing. Second mistake is the reference to a slide (by which I'm guessing Kirkman means bolt) locking back on the empty magazine of a AK-47. Not a big deal, but this does not, could not, would not ever happen! The AK-47 is a closed bolt firearm. Even if the terminology is going to be wrong, at least please get the technology correct! In all seriousness, if Kirkman wishes to write a book would good, sound tech... I'd be happy to provide my services.
May 31, 2025
Lily z beksy zmieniła się w bossa (z jakiegoś powodu i było to mega szybkie) ale czuję jakbym czytała o innej postaci.
Mało zombi, dużo gwałtu i Tortur (zaczynam widzieć jakiś schemat XD) i chciałabym nie oceniać po płci ale pisało to dwóch facetów i bardzo to widać,
Mało zombi, dużo gwałtu i Tortur (zaczynam widzieć jakiś schemat XD) i chciałabym nie oceniać po płci ale pisało to dwóch facetów i bardzo to widać,
November 27, 2013
If you’ve read the comics, you don’t need a recap. If you haven’t – Rick, Michonne and Glen visit Woodbury, seen from the Governor’s point of view – Lily wanders around doing stuff I’m supposed to care about. And, yes, I’m aware of how half-assed that recap was, I have good reason.
This book takes place at the same time and involving several of the same characters as in the Walking Dead comics. Effectively, it’s taking the same storyline and look at it from a different angle.
This is a difficult thing to pull off – if done well you can reveal excellent new viewpoints, expand the world, develop the characters further and truly explain what happened with extra nuance, depth and potential.
If done badly, you’ve just had your fans buy the same book a second time, leaving them feeling vaguely like it was a blatant money grab and wanting to throw angry armadillos at you.
This book? Well, I’m currently annoying armadillos until they are sufficiently agitated projectiles.
Did you know the Governor is a bad guy? Yes? Well so did we. This book spends an inordinate amount of time reminding us of the fact. Did you know he cared about his little zombie daughter/niece? Yup! We did too – the comics had already been clear. Did you know that some people cling to him from fear, some people from denial and some people because it’s an apocalyptic world and sometimes you need to make hard choices? Of course you do – the comics have not only spent some time analysing this theme but they positively bathe in it – and we’ve seen exactly the same themes and ideas develop in the books leading up to this one as well. Lily slowly being convinced that maybe it’s a good idea to have the Governor onside is nothing new and felt tacked on so that SOMEONE could be vaguely surprised by the Governor’s actions (the readers certainly won’t be).
In fact, Lily and Austin’s rather random relationship feels glued onto the story to try to add something original and something to tie it into the previous books. But it does nothing, it means nothing, Lily can’t even count as a protagonist. They’re irrelevant to the story – they’re only there because without them the book would be a complete copy of the comics.
In fact, it’s worse than the comics, even if I read this first I’d be annoyed. The comics rather masterfully imply a lot from nuance, they show, they don’t tell – we don’t need to see all of these atrocities from the Governor’s point of view to see what he was thinking and what happened to him – the comics already made it clear. We didn’t need to have exposition on Dr. Steven because the comics had already, elegantly, made his opinions and position clear, same with the fights, same with the people of Woodbury – this was all covered really well. Now it’s been drowned in repetitive exposition just in case we weren’t intelligent enough to get it the first time.
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This book takes place at the same time and involving several of the same characters as in the Walking Dead comics. Effectively, it’s taking the same storyline and look at it from a different angle.
This is a difficult thing to pull off – if done well you can reveal excellent new viewpoints, expand the world, develop the characters further and truly explain what happened with extra nuance, depth and potential.
If done badly, you’ve just had your fans buy the same book a second time, leaving them feeling vaguely like it was a blatant money grab and wanting to throw angry armadillos at you.
This book? Well, I’m currently annoying armadillos until they are sufficiently agitated projectiles.
Did you know the Governor is a bad guy? Yes? Well so did we. This book spends an inordinate amount of time reminding us of the fact. Did you know he cared about his little zombie daughter/niece? Yup! We did too – the comics had already been clear. Did you know that some people cling to him from fear, some people from denial and some people because it’s an apocalyptic world and sometimes you need to make hard choices? Of course you do – the comics have not only spent some time analysing this theme but they positively bathe in it – and we’ve seen exactly the same themes and ideas develop in the books leading up to this one as well. Lily slowly being convinced that maybe it’s a good idea to have the Governor onside is nothing new and felt tacked on so that SOMEONE could be vaguely surprised by the Governor’s actions (the readers certainly won’t be).
In fact, Lily and Austin’s rather random relationship feels glued onto the story to try to add something original and something to tie it into the previous books. But it does nothing, it means nothing, Lily can’t even count as a protagonist. They’re irrelevant to the story – they’re only there because without them the book would be a complete copy of the comics.
In fact, it’s worse than the comics, even if I read this first I’d be annoyed. The comics rather masterfully imply a lot from nuance, they show, they don’t tell – we don’t need to see all of these atrocities from the Governor’s point of view to see what he was thinking and what happened to him – the comics already made it clear. We didn’t need to have exposition on Dr. Steven because the comics had already, elegantly, made his opinions and position clear, same with the fights, same with the people of Woodbury – this was all covered really well. Now it’s been drowned in repetitive exposition just in case we weren’t intelligent enough to get it the first time.
read more
December 7, 2013
This is the third in the non-graphic-novel series of books. I do not read graphic novels so have not followed the story line of The Walking Dead in the “comics” but I do watch the television series and I am assuming that these books are a combination of the two? I could be wrong!
This book was a quick and easy read. Good thing because I bought it as a Christmas gift for my daughter and it’s getting pretty close to wrapping time. (Oh don’t shake your head at me … like you’ve never bought a book for a gift and read it first?)
Back to the review – The previous two books in the series seemed to contain a little more background on where the characters came from and how the Governor got to be “The Governor”. This one seemed to drag situations out a little more than necessary and often seemed repetitive as well. Much of it felt like “filler”. Although these books are not a “recap” of the television series this one did flesh out some of the characters a little for me. (Yes pun fully intended.) True to Mr. Kirkman’s style of sparing no one, there is a shockingly surprising death in this book too. Ending on a definite cliff-hanger it also necessitates readers to buy the next book (available in March 2014). My opinion – it would have been a more satisfactory read if it had been done in one book. As a fan of the television show and having enjoyed the previous two books, this one was a bit of a disappointment.
This book was a quick and easy read. Good thing because I bought it as a Christmas gift for my daughter and it’s getting pretty close to wrapping time. (Oh don’t shake your head at me … like you’ve never bought a book for a gift and read it first?)
Back to the review – The previous two books in the series seemed to contain a little more background on where the characters came from and how the Governor got to be “The Governor”. This one seemed to drag situations out a little more than necessary and often seemed repetitive as well. Much of it felt like “filler”. Although these books are not a “recap” of the television series this one did flesh out some of the characters a little for me. (Yes pun fully intended.) True to Mr. Kirkman’s style of sparing no one, there is a shockingly surprising death in this book too. Ending on a definite cliff-hanger it also necessitates readers to buy the next book (available in March 2014). My opinion – it would have been a more satisfactory read if it had been done in one book. As a fan of the television show and having enjoyed the previous two books, this one was a bit of a disappointment.
May 8, 2015
The first half of the novel is a bit slow; after reading that characters in the graphic novels and television show (Rick, Glenn, and Michonne) were going to be featured, I was a little underwhelmed at Lilly's reappearance. I only vaguely remember her story from the second novel, which was fairly lackluster with its flagrant use of ridiculous foreshadowing. However, despite a few eye roll moments between her and her new beau, Austin (I think that's his name), her story in this novel... was okay.
The second half of the novel was much better. I was literally on the edge of my seat. The scenes featuring The Governor and Michonne were electrifying -- possibly even the best moments in the series.
Don't get me wrong; literary masterpiece this is not. But fans of the franchise will likely be pleased. Although I'm sure they'd be more pleased if this was the end of the "trilogy" as planned. This is part 1 of 2 of the 3rd book in the "trilogy." Which equals a total of 4 books. Which, sadly, isn't a trilogy.
The second half of the novel was much better. I was literally on the edge of my seat. The scenes featuring The Governor and Michonne were electrifying -- possibly even the best moments in the series.
Don't get me wrong; literary masterpiece this is not. But fans of the franchise will likely be pleased. Although I'm sure they'd be more pleased if this was the end of the "trilogy" as planned. This is part 1 of 2 of the 3rd book in the "trilogy." Which equals a total of 4 books. Which, sadly, isn't a trilogy.
October 4, 2018
It took me about half of this to really get into it. I really liked to see the beloved characters from the show specifically Michonne, she is one kick ass chick. So I really was expecting this to be like the tv show but this kinda showed me how loosely it was based on the show. There were not a lot of similarities, other than the obvious like names of characters. I preferred the Governor on the actual show compared to in the book….I feel like in the book he was a little more deranged which is really saying something. I did actually enjoy reading this one I got to the characters I know and love. Will I reread this book, probably never in my life. It wasn’t that good. But it wasn’t horrible either.
August 11, 2018
So now this catches up to the comic series as we know the governor. Meeting Rick, what he does to Michonne, etc. I am not sure where they are going with the whole Lilly bit. I dind't get the point of her story. And honestly what happens does not make sense! After a week? I don't think so! I know that sounds vague if you haven't read it but I am biting my tongue to avoid stupid spoilers. Although I do like how everything ties together in this. I got a much better sense of Woodbury than I ever had. And the Governor just keeps getting more twisted! How is that possible! Very dark, and gritty with major torture scenes! You've been warned!
November 13, 2017
So, while The Rise of the Governor was a good book and The Road to Woodbury was decent, The Fall of the Governor just... didn't work for me. The previous two books had something new to contribute to the Governor's story, or that of the Woodbury survivors. While I wish The Road to Woodbury had more adequately shown the shift in Woodbury to something more akin to a dystopia than a pleasant little town, at least it offered something in the way of explanation. This book, however, didn't.
In fact, I'd go as far as to say that this book was wholly unnecessary as all it truly did was retell the story in the graphic novels.
The rushed feel of The Road to Woodbury is present here in force. Phrases that previously made me roll my eyes now produced cringes. "Neck cords" "inchoate" "cerebrospinal fluid" and overall wearing "walkers dominate the story. While I like the idea of Walking Dead tie in books, I just don't understand how far off the mark this and the previous one hit. All they needed to do was to continue to tell the story from the Governor's perspective, right?
I've only one more left before I dive back into the graphic novels, so I guess I'll continue but. Man. What a disappointment.
In fact, I'd go as far as to say that this book was wholly unnecessary as all it truly did was retell the story in the graphic novels.
The rushed feel of The Road to Woodbury is present here in force. Phrases that previously made me roll my eyes now produced cringes. "Neck cords" "inchoate" "cerebrospinal fluid" and overall wearing "walkers dominate the story. While I like the idea of Walking Dead tie in books, I just don't understand how far off the mark this and the previous one hit. All they needed to do was to continue to tell the story from the Governor's perspective, right?
I've only one more left before I dive back into the graphic novels, so I guess I'll continue but. Man. What a disappointment.
July 2, 2014
It was clear from the vast amount of negative reviews that people were pissed about the last book in this trilogy being split in two. Going in I tried not to let that effect my enjoyment, but I knew that book would have to be good to make up for this obvious money-grub. Sadly the book is too short and lacking the content needed to justify two books, though that isn't its biggest flaw. The worst thing about the book is the way it handles the events covered in the graphic novels. I have read all the graphic novels and have seen the show but the author shouldn't assume that every reader is like me. The book follows the events from the graphic novel but only tells part of the story, so if you haven't read the books, or have only seen the show (which changes the plot up in a couple big ways), then you will be at worst lost or at best missing parts of the story. Another strike against the book is the way it treats previously interesting characters Lily and Martinez, they flip-flop so much about whether to trust the Governor or not, that they become a joke. The one positive I can give the book is that it gives us more time with the Governor and Michonne. Their time together is horrific, but it does end up being quite satisfying. This installment was a major disappointment, but still I wont be able to help myself and not pick up the final book.
June 7, 2021
The Fall of the Governor picks up right after the second book in the series. As with the second one, I didn't really enjoy the storylines of Lily and the others. I listened to this book as an audio book. Even now remembering what exactly happened to them, is difficult. I found it hard to connect with them.
Though at the end when she ends up pregnant and suddenly sees the Governor as an protector. I am not sure if she actually believes that. Or if that she is losing hope in this world.
The first half of the book was a 3 star book for me.
And I am probably enormously biased, but after Rick, Glenn and Michonne got introduced I was hell yeah!!! I love the scenes with the Governor too. With him and Penny. But just having familiar characters which I so love in the comics and TV show, my heart just rejoiced. I hope there will be more of Rick in it, in the second part.
But the last scenes between the Governor and Michonne!! Damn, they were good! I love how Michonne truly took revenge after the Governor tortured her repeatedly. He deserved everything she did to him. Even though she felt... I don't know. I had the feeling she was there, but also was inable to really feel what she did?
I can't wait to read/listen to the 2nd part of this book! The last half of the book were 5 stars for me. So I settled on 4 overall.
Though at the end when she ends up pregnant and suddenly sees the Governor as an protector. I am not sure if she actually believes that. Or if that she is losing hope in this world.
The first half of the book was a 3 star book for me.
And I am probably enormously biased, but after Rick, Glenn and Michonne got introduced I was hell yeah!!! I love the scenes with the Governor too. With him and Penny. But just having familiar characters which I so love in the comics and TV show, my heart just rejoiced. I hope there will be more of Rick in it, in the second part.
But the last scenes between the Governor and Michonne!! Damn, they were good! I love how Michonne truly took revenge after the Governor tortured her repeatedly. He deserved everything she did to him. Even though she felt... I don't know. I had the feeling she was there, but also was inable to really feel what she did?
I can't wait to read/listen to the 2nd part of this book! The last half of the book were 5 stars for me. So I settled on 4 overall.
May 25, 2014
An utterly pointless third volume in what was meant to be a trilogy, but in what can only be interpreted as a blatant cash-grab, is now a four book series. The first two volumes at least gave us the interesting backstory of the Governor, and then fleshed out the comic's bit characters of Lilly and Bob Stookey. This volume, while offering a little more about Lilly, is effectively just the comics re-told from the perspective of the characters in Woodbury - Governor included. And it's every bit as boring as it sounds.
Barely adequately written, sluggishly paced, and with zombie attack scenes that have virtually no variation, The Fall of the Governor: Part One achieves nothing other than to mar THE WALKING DEAD brand. I'm actually angry that I pre-pruchased Part Two of this before opening the first page of this volume.
That'll learn me.
Read the comics; watch the TV show; even enjoy the first two volumes in this series. Just do yourself a favour and avoid this waste of time like it was a horde of Walkers headed in your direction.
1 Large Hillbilly Walker in Overalls for The Fall of the Governor: Part One.
Barely adequately written, sluggishly paced, and with zombie attack scenes that have virtually no variation, The Fall of the Governor: Part One achieves nothing other than to mar THE WALKING DEAD brand. I'm actually angry that I pre-pruchased Part Two of this before opening the first page of this volume.
That'll learn me.
Read the comics; watch the TV show; even enjoy the first two volumes in this series. Just do yourself a favour and avoid this waste of time like it was a horde of Walkers headed in your direction.
1 Large Hillbilly Walker in Overalls for The Fall of the Governor: Part One.
June 25, 2021
Wonderful third installment in the series and definitely a great companion to the comics. And this book is definitely where comics crash the novels and do it very well. What was omitted from specific scenes in the comics are full out described here and in very precise detail, sometimes making the skin crawl. Lily's character hasn't been likeable to me from the moment she was introduced in the series, however, she has gotten more of my sympathy than before in this novel. Seeing her character develop is interesting in its own way even if I'm not fond of her as part of the story. Good writing all around, easy read, enjoyed my time.
August 18, 2015
This is the best novel yet, bringing in characters we know from the show it definitely steps up a notch. This book is also incredibly gruesome, almost more than I could handle. I cannot wait until March 2014 for the final novel!
July 3, 2018
so gruesome.. I really didn't need such a descriptive description of all the torture happening in this book... yuck
November 1, 2015
REVIEW FROM SOMEONE WHO WATCHED THE TV SHOW FOR FIVE SEASONS AND THEN READ THE COMICS UP TO THE TIME FRAME IN THIS BOOK.
Out of the three Walking Dead novels, this one was the hardest to get through and the least shocking. I don't know if it's because I read the comics that coincide with this story right before reading the book or what, but I just wasn't interested. I literally felt like I was reading the comic book twice in a row, only it wasn't as good. The dialogue was IDENTICAL. There was nothing added from the author except scenery description and explaining what the characters were doing when they said the dialogue from the comic books, which is unnecessary because we can all see what they were doing when we read the comic book. OK, just had to get that rant off my chest first. That said, the entire book wasn't all bad.
Again the book focuses mostly on Lilly Caul, but she has shed her wimpy skin for a tough one. But she does a flip-flop out of nowhere in this novel that I just don't understand at all. In the beginning of the second book she's trying to kidnap and kill the Governor and his cronies because of how evil they are. In this book, she is defending him saying he is doing the right thing and Woodbury is the best place they can be. I don't know if it's a brain malfunction from a parasite (wink) but she is just not herself anymore and I don't like it.
The new love interest she has, Austin, is an OK enough guy. I don't know why she is judging him based on his lack of a job plan if the apocalypse ever ends. I don't think anyone in that situation would be like "if this ever ends I'm going to go back to school and finish my law degree or become an accountant." They're only worried about surviving the zombies and how they're going to do that. Even though he does not have the zombie killing experience the author says Lilly has (where exactly did she get this zombie killing experience because as long as I've known her Josh Hamilton did all the killing and then she was protected in Woodbury...) she is teaching Austin all she knows. Again I can relate to her by picking a younger guy to hook up with. My husband is only twenty-three too although I am two years shy of my thirties, unlike Lilly.
The Governor is just as evil in the book as in the comic book, which I'm glad to see they didn't change like in the TV Show. I understand why they couldn't display all he did to Michonne on AMC. It was downright disgusting and cruel and no one would want to watch that. But the evilness felt lackluster because I'd just read in for the firs time in the comic book so I knew what was going to happen.
Michonne, Rick, and Glenn made appearances in the town, as in the comic books. On the back cover I was promised a look into the characters I know and love and I would get to "see these characters in a whole new light". There was no new light. They were shown exactly as they were in the comic books. Maybe these novels are meant for people who do not like comic books so they only follow the TV show. In that case, yes it's a whole new light for those people. For people like me, it was redundant to read this book and I'm not as excited to read the next one, especially since my new book of twelve comics is in the mail and waiting to be read too. No matter which one I attempt first, it will spoil the other. That wasn't a great plan on Kirkman's part. I think if I lent it to my dad, he'd enjoy it a lot more than I did because he's never read the comic books.
The only thing that could have saved this book for me is if something truly surprising happened with Lilly and that group, since I haven't seen them in the comic books yet, but there wasn't. Her story line was extremely predictable.
Out of the three Walking Dead novels, this one was the hardest to get through and the least shocking. I don't know if it's because I read the comics that coincide with this story right before reading the book or what, but I just wasn't interested. I literally felt like I was reading the comic book twice in a row, only it wasn't as good. The dialogue was IDENTICAL. There was nothing added from the author except scenery description and explaining what the characters were doing when they said the dialogue from the comic books, which is unnecessary because we can all see what they were doing when we read the comic book. OK, just had to get that rant off my chest first. That said, the entire book wasn't all bad.
Again the book focuses mostly on Lilly Caul, but she has shed her wimpy skin for a tough one. But she does a flip-flop out of nowhere in this novel that I just don't understand at all. In the beginning of the second book she's trying to kidnap and kill the Governor and his cronies because of how evil they are. In this book, she is defending him saying he is doing the right thing and Woodbury is the best place they can be. I don't know if it's a brain malfunction from a parasite (wink) but she is just not herself anymore and I don't like it.
The new love interest she has, Austin, is an OK enough guy. I don't know why she is judging him based on his lack of a job plan if the apocalypse ever ends. I don't think anyone in that situation would be like "if this ever ends I'm going to go back to school and finish my law degree or become an accountant." They're only worried about surviving the zombies and how they're going to do that. Even though he does not have the zombie killing experience the author says Lilly has (where exactly did she get this zombie killing experience because as long as I've known her Josh Hamilton did all the killing and then she was protected in Woodbury...) she is teaching Austin all she knows. Again I can relate to her by picking a younger guy to hook up with. My husband is only twenty-three too although I am two years shy of my thirties, unlike Lilly.
The Governor is just as evil in the book as in the comic book, which I'm glad to see they didn't change like in the TV Show. I understand why they couldn't display all he did to Michonne on AMC. It was downright disgusting and cruel and no one would want to watch that. But the evilness felt lackluster because I'd just read in for the firs time in the comic book so I knew what was going to happen.
Michonne, Rick, and Glenn made appearances in the town, as in the comic books. On the back cover I was promised a look into the characters I know and love and I would get to "see these characters in a whole new light". There was no new light. They were shown exactly as they were in the comic books. Maybe these novels are meant for people who do not like comic books so they only follow the TV show. In that case, yes it's a whole new light for those people. For people like me, it was redundant to read this book and I'm not as excited to read the next one, especially since my new book of twelve comics is in the mail and waiting to be read too. No matter which one I attempt first, it will spoil the other. That wasn't a great plan on Kirkman's part. I think if I lent it to my dad, he'd enjoy it a lot more than I did because he's never read the comic books.
The only thing that could have saved this book for me is if something truly surprising happened with Lilly and that group, since I haven't seen them in the comic books yet, but there wasn't. Her story line was extremely predictable.
March 30, 2014
The writing is simplistic and the book is quick to read, but it is entertaining nonetheless. I preferred the first two books which brought new insight into the man who came to be known as the Governor. We see his life as he slowly morphs from a gentle yet frightened man, living in the shadow of his much more intimidating older brother, into the ruthless leader of Woodbury. We also meet new characters, such as Lilly, and see Woodbury through their eyes and experiences.
Midway through part one of The Fall of the Governor, Rick, Glenn, and Michonne are taken prisoner as they arrive in town. Events from this point on are straight out of the comic version of the story and there is very little in the way of new material.
A few things troubled me with this story and one is the quick turn around Lilly and her boyfriend Austin make by the end of the book. Once terrified of the Governor, they now see him and the town as a safe haven and a place to plant their roots.
Also, with regards to the writing, there were several times where the author quite literally breaks everything down to seconds in annoying detail:
"The battle that ensues in the Governor's foul-smelling, dimly lit living room that night encompass all three styles, and spans a grand total of eighty-seven seconds --the first five of which involve very little fighting at all."
"....non-verbal information is exchanged during those first five seconds."
"Then, right around second number three, the Governor..."
"In the space of that single second - the third in a series of eighty-seven..."
"Second number four finds the Governor snapping his gaze..."
And the most annoying of all:
"Over the duration of the next one and a half seconds - number four and a portion of number five - the two enemies read each other's look."
This was very tedious to read and for a fight scene, it dragged the action to an almost complete stop.
The book is definitely more suited to mature readers due to the graphic nature of the events within. I found the scenes dealing with Michonne's torture at the hands of the Governor to be extremely difficult to read and had to stop and take a break from reading quite often.
The series concludes in part two of The Fall of the Governor. Having already read the graphic novel and seen this event on the tv series, I'm guessing there wont be any major surprises. It will, however, be interesting to see the eventual outcome from a different POV and to see what becomes of Lilly and Austin.
Midway through part one of The Fall of the Governor, Rick, Glenn, and Michonne are taken prisoner as they arrive in town. Events from this point on are straight out of the comic version of the story and there is very little in the way of new material.
A few things troubled me with this story and one is the quick turn around Lilly and her boyfriend Austin make by the end of the book. Once terrified of the Governor, they now see him and the town as a safe haven and a place to plant their roots.
Also, with regards to the writing, there were several times where the author quite literally breaks everything down to seconds in annoying detail:
"The battle that ensues in the Governor's foul-smelling, dimly lit living room that night encompass all three styles, and spans a grand total of eighty-seven seconds --the first five of which involve very little fighting at all."
"....non-verbal information is exchanged during those first five seconds."
"Then, right around second number three, the Governor..."
"In the space of that single second - the third in a series of eighty-seven..."
"Second number four finds the Governor snapping his gaze..."
And the most annoying of all:
"Over the duration of the next one and a half seconds - number four and a portion of number five - the two enemies read each other's look."
This was very tedious to read and for a fight scene, it dragged the action to an almost complete stop.
The book is definitely more suited to mature readers due to the graphic nature of the events within. I found the scenes dealing with Michonne's torture at the hands of the Governor to be extremely difficult to read and had to stop and take a break from reading quite often.
The series concludes in part two of The Fall of the Governor. Having already read the graphic novel and seen this event on the tv series, I'm guessing there wont be any major surprises. It will, however, be interesting to see the eventual outcome from a different POV and to see what becomes of Lilly and Austin.
October 14, 2019
Trigger warnings: Rape, sodomy, castration, kidnapping
It was hard to rate this book as it seems wrong to say that I really liked a book that was so horrible, so brutal in so many ways.
We meet Rick, Glenn, and Michonne vaguely in this edition. While I was thankful that they didn't go back into detail of Blake amputating Rick's hand, I was dismayed that they went into detail of his raping Michonne. Not detail for detail, but enough to make me wish that I had fast forwarded the audiobook quicker than those scenes. I'm so thankful that the TV show didn't include the Governor raping Michonne, .
Lily annoyed me several times throughout this book. She flip-flopped too many times for my liking, and I didn't blame Martinez for washing his hands of her after she was the one to talk him into the kidnapping and subsequent aborted murder attempt.
I'm glad that I have just one more audiobook to go before I can wash my hands of TG once again. While Morrissey made him charming and even somewhat likable at times, the real Governor had no redeeming qualities, not even when his subconscious started forcing its way into the forefront, trying to reason with the madman that it wasn't too late to turn around, to stop the murders, and act like a real freakin' human.
Bob, I both felt sorry and was disgusted by him. No one did him any favors by always supplying him with alcohol, so that he passed out in doorways like a homeless man.
The narrator is perfect. I wish he read more audiobooks lol
It was hard to rate this book as it seems wrong to say that I really liked a book that was so horrible, so brutal in so many ways.
We meet Rick, Glenn, and Michonne vaguely in this edition. While I was thankful that they didn't go back into detail of Blake amputating Rick's hand, I was dismayed that they went into detail of his raping Michonne. Not detail for detail, but enough to make me wish that I had fast forwarded the audiobook quicker than those scenes. I'm so thankful that the TV show didn't include the Governor raping Michonne, .
Lily annoyed me several times throughout this book. She flip-flopped too many times for my liking, and I didn't blame Martinez for washing his hands of her after she was the one to talk him into the kidnapping and subsequent aborted murder attempt.
I'm glad that I have just one more audiobook to go before I can wash my hands of TG once again. While Morrissey made him charming and even somewhat likable at times, the real Governor had no redeeming qualities, not even when his subconscious started forcing its way into the forefront, trying to reason with the madman that it wasn't too late to turn around, to stop the murders, and act like a real freakin' human.
Bob, I both felt sorry and was disgusted by him. No one did him any favors by always supplying him with alcohol, so that he passed out in doorways like a homeless man.
The narrator is perfect. I wish he read more audiobooks lol
October 17, 2013
I was very disappointed with this book as I have become a huge fan of The Walking Dead and it was really just the comics in a different format, meaning that this ground had already been covered.
The previous two books in this so-called trilogy (this last book was split into 2 parts at the last minute; either a money grab or the ending was not completed in time/was even more of a disappointment than part 1) were very good and provided a lot of history/insight into The Governor, which furthered the overall mythos of TWD. Aside from a rather meaningless side story concerning Lily (introduced in the previous book), this book did nothing to enhance TWD. The showdown between Mischone and The Governor was more in-depth (and brutally fun if you are a believer in "an eye for an eye...") but that was about it.
A shame that the creativity that makes TWD such an epic and enthralling story was completely lacking in this book. Hopefully the delay in publishing the finish will allow for a return in quality that we have come to expect from these talented authors.
The previous two books in this so-called trilogy (this last book was split into 2 parts at the last minute; either a money grab or the ending was not completed in time/was even more of a disappointment than part 1) were very good and provided a lot of history/insight into The Governor, which furthered the overall mythos of TWD. Aside from a rather meaningless side story concerning Lily (introduced in the previous book), this book did nothing to enhance TWD. The showdown between Mischone and The Governor was more in-depth (and brutally fun if you are a believer in "an eye for an eye...") but that was about it.
A shame that the creativity that makes TWD such an epic and enthralling story was completely lacking in this book. Hopefully the delay in publishing the finish will allow for a return in quality that we have come to expect from these talented authors.
December 27, 2015
"The Walking Dead - The Fall of the Governor - Part One"
By: Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga
*** Before I begin this book review I must admit that I am an AVID "Walking Dead" fan. I have watched every television episode multiple times and have purchased and read all the books as well as all of the graphic novels.***
From the back cover:
"...the Governor's descent into madness finally erupts in a tour de force of action and horror."
In the previous book, "Rise of the Governor" the characters from the television show were not part of the storyline. It is in this novel that Rick, Michonne and Glenn are finally brought into the plot.
This novel gives fans of THE WALKING DEAD insights into, and more details of the characters that are most beloved to fans.
The gore factor is high in this book and Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga have proven once again that they are the undisputed masters of the zombie fiction genre.
I enthusiastically rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to sink my teeth into the next book. (Yes, that is a zombie pun.)
By: Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga
*** Before I begin this book review I must admit that I am an AVID "Walking Dead" fan. I have watched every television episode multiple times and have purchased and read all the books as well as all of the graphic novels.***
From the back cover:
"...the Governor's descent into madness finally erupts in a tour de force of action and horror."
In the previous book, "Rise of the Governor" the characters from the television show were not part of the storyline. It is in this novel that Rick, Michonne and Glenn are finally brought into the plot.
This novel gives fans of THE WALKING DEAD insights into, and more details of the characters that are most beloved to fans.
The gore factor is high in this book and Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga have proven once again that they are the undisputed masters of the zombie fiction genre.
I enthusiastically rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to sink my teeth into the next book. (Yes, that is a zombie pun.)
October 18, 2013
This was the very worst book I ever paid for. The writing was awful. There is no new story just a rehash of what readers know already happened. If you read the graphic novels, you're up to date. Revisit the torture of Michonne.
I wish I could get my money back. What a huge awful waste! Don't bother thinking it can't be that bad... It is!
If it wasn't an e book I'd take a red pen to it and cross out all of the unnecessary words, made up words, typos and adjectives. There is no such thing as a NASCAR scout! I think they meant spotter, spotter don't sit in the box..after corrections this book would then only be about 100 pages.
The first two books weren't excellent, but they weren't awful like this one. Boooooooooo!
Worst! I feel like this book was specifically designed to relieve me of my money and nothing else.
One other thing, Lilly went through so many changes of heart and character..
One look at a not quite man and she's all to pieces.. Just stupid!
I wish I could get my money back. What a huge awful waste! Don't bother thinking it can't be that bad... It is!
If it wasn't an e book I'd take a red pen to it and cross out all of the unnecessary words, made up words, typos and adjectives. There is no such thing as a NASCAR scout! I think they meant spotter, spotter don't sit in the box..after corrections this book would then only be about 100 pages.
The first two books weren't excellent, but they weren't awful like this one. Boooooooooo!
Worst! I feel like this book was specifically designed to relieve me of my money and nothing else.
One other thing, Lilly went through so many changes of heart and character..
One look at a not quite man and she's all to pieces.. Just stupid!
May 3, 2017
I'm torn about this book. Characterization of the Governor (comic-version mostly) was pretty spot-on from what I could tell, and therefore interesting to read. However, in the end of the civilized world, there are very few morals and the Walking Dead makes that clear.
This book is bordering on the R side, but it is definitely a HIGH PG-13 for: Language, (LOTS OF LANGUAGE) a rape scene (thankfully we don't have to read it, but the moments right before and right afterwards), a sex scene (I'm unsure how long or how detailed. I jumped to the end of the chapter due to all the other problems and was not in the mood to throw a book), a moment of frustrated cannibalism (I wish I was joking), and a moderately explicit torture scene of the rapist at the end. And did I mention language? Because there's a LOT of it...
Bottom line- please, please don't let anyone under 17 get their hands on this one, let alone read it...
This book is bordering on the R side, but it is definitely a HIGH PG-13 for: Language, (LOTS OF LANGUAGE) a rape scene (thankfully we don't have to read it, but the moments right before and right afterwards), a sex scene (I'm unsure how long or how detailed. I jumped to the end of the chapter due to all the other problems and was not in the mood to throw a book), a moment of frustrated cannibalism (I wish I was joking), and a moderately explicit torture scene of the rapist at the end. And did I mention language? Because there's a LOT of it...
Bottom line- please, please don't let anyone under 17 get their hands on this one, let alone read it...
October 28, 2013
I'm disappointed with this book. Majority of the story is from the comics, with nothing new added. The last minute surprise of book three in the trilogy actually being part one is annoying. Especially when this book didn't contain much original content at all. A trilogy is three books last time I checked, not 4/5. Not to mention the unnecessary addition of the WalMart logo. WTF was with that? It was of no relevance to the story and screams sell out. To think I went out and bought this in hard cover hoping for a good TWD read. Instead I got half of a sell out novel that has been stolen from the original comics.
November 9, 2013
These books went downhill fast. The first one was really good, but the rest are the same old story in a different book. I don't think I will bother with reading any more of the series. This also has a brutal rape scene in it, so beware.
December 1, 2013
I am looking forward to the next book, but I honestly can't give it five stars. It was a tad lack-luster. It seems like the series is being chopped up so that more money can be garnered from the books.
June 9, 2023
2.5 stars
Cancel me but I would read an entire book of just Michonne torturing the Governor. Also, I am under the firm belief that if you say the Governor is your favorite twd character I think you should be put on a watchlist because that man is just the physical embodiment of white supremacy.
Cancel me but I would read an entire book of just Michonne torturing the Governor. Also, I am under the firm belief that if you say the Governor is your favorite twd character I think you should be put on a watchlist because that man is just the physical embodiment of white supremacy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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