Last week of Zomtober already?

More Zombies on the Brain The Bell Witch in Mississippi

Last week of Zomtober already?

This month has flown by, but I feel confident I’ve been intentional with it. And that’s a good feeling.

It’s been a fun time: the SBC Zombie Walk (my youngest won third place in the costume contest!), a book signing at my hometown library, interviews with authors, a trip to the Washington Parish Free Fair and the local annual barn sale, and time well spent with family.

SBC Zombiewalk setup

SBC Zombiewalk Kids’ Costume Contest

Book signing!

Washington Parish Free Fair

Barn Sale (looks like some decent zombie-whacking tools there in the background

)

I had a different plan for this post, but it didn’t work out. Hopefully, it will in the future. If it doesn’t, that’s ok, too. But enough about me, this is Zomtober, so let’s talk about some Zombies!

I recently read Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry.

It’s set in a world where zombies have been around for 14 years, driving what’s left of the living into a small, walled community, safe from the rot and ruin of the outside world. When children reach the age of 15, they must choose a profession to keep their current rations. Benny Imura reluctantly chooses to learn the family business of Zombie hunting from his brother, Tom. He soon discovers that zombie hunting isn’t what he expected and that some of the most terrible monsters out there are human.

What I liked:

The characters felt real. I’m currently reading a book (that shall not be named) where the main characters seem a bit off. Not only do I have zero in common with them, but I can’t even find a teeny connection to make me really care for them. But that wasn’t the case with Rot & Ruin. Even aspects I couldn’t necessarily relate to, I could commiserate. If that makes sense.

My favorite character was Tom Imura, the older brother. I think you’ll see why once you read the book yourself.

It has a great character arc. Benny starts out not very likeable for me (he’s a bit on the whiny side) but progresses to be a good protagonist. It was nice to watch him mature.

I like that it has strong female characters.

The villains are abhorrent, as they should be. Villianous villains are a necessity.

I like his portrayal of zombies or rather the Imuras’ take on them.

The world in which the characters live is well-built. It’s a fascinating town and the rot and ruin is intriguing. I can’t wait to explore more of it in the next book. The moods are nicely done as well.

It kept me turning pages. It was suspenseful, insightful, humorous, sad on occasion, and the perfect October read.

What I didn’t like:

There was something, but it was minor and I’ve since forgotten it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it. If you like The Walking Dead, you will love this. I think you’ll love this even if you aren’t a zombie fan. You should give it a try.

This may be my last post until December. I plan to take November to focus on my WIP. Wish me luck.