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Rot & Ruin #3
Flesh & Bone
Reeling from the devastation of Dust & Decay, Benny Imura and his friends plunge deep into the zombie-infested wastelands of the great Rot & Ruin. Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong journey through a fierce wilderness that was once America, searching for the jet they saw in the skies months ago. If that jet exists, then humanity itself must have survived somewhere.
Finding it is their best hope for having a future and a life worth living. But the Ruin is far more dangerous than any of them can imagine. Fierce animals hunt them. They come face to face with a death cult. And then there' s the zombies - swarms of them coming from the east, devouring everything in their paths. And these zoms are different.
Faster, smarter, and infinitely more dangerous. Has the zombie plague mutated, or is there something far more sinister behind this new invasion of the living dead? One thing Benny and his companions can' t afford to In the great Rot & Ruin, everything wants to kill you.
Finding it is their best hope for having a future and a life worth living. But the Ruin is far more dangerous than any of them can imagine. Fierce animals hunt them. They come face to face with a death cult. And then there' s the zombies - swarms of them coming from the east, devouring everything in their paths. And these zoms are different.
Faster, smarter, and infinitely more dangerous. Has the zombie plague mutated, or is there something far more sinister behind this new invasion of the living dead? One thing Benny and his companions can' t afford to In the great Rot & Ruin, everything wants to kill you.
469 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2012
355 people are currently reading
8410 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Maberry
515 books7,740 followersJONATHAN MABERRY is a NYTimes bestselling author, #1 Audible bestseller, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, comic book writer, and producer. He is the author of more than 50 novels, 190 short stories, 16 short story collections, 30 graphic novels, 14 nonfiction books, and has edited 26 anthologies. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was a Netflix original series starring Ian Somerhalder. His 2009-10 run as writer on the Black Panther comic formed a large chunk of the recent blockbuster film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His bestselling YA zombie series, Rot & Ruin is in development for film at Alcon Entertainment; and John Wick director, Chad Stahelski, is developing Jonathan’s Joe Ledger Thrillers for TV. Jonathan writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and action; and he writes for adults, teens and middle grade. His works include The Pine Deep Trilogy, The Kagen the Damned Trilogy, NecroTek, Ink, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, The Sleepers War (with Weston Ochse), Mars One, and many others. He is the editor of high-profile anthologies including Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird, The X-Files, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Out of Tune, Don’t Turn out the Lights: A Tribute to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Baker Street Irregulars, Nights of the Living Dead, Shadows & Verse, and others. His comics include Marvel Zombies Return, The Punisher: Naked Kills, Wolverine: Ghosts, Godzilla vs Cthulhu: Death May Die, Bad Blood and many others. Jonathan has written in many popular licensed worlds, including Hellboy, True Blood, The Wolfman, John Carter of Mars, Sherlock Holmes, C.H.U.D., Diablo IV, Deadlands, World of Warcraft, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Karl Kolchak, and many others. He the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the editor of Weird Tales Magazine. He lives in San Diego, California. Find him online at www.jonathanmaberry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 965 reviews
May 18, 2018
Very much like the previous books in this series. So if you liked those you'll probably like this one too.
I very much enjoyed the first two books but found this one to be a little too of the same thing. About fifty or sixty percent of the way through it I just felt stalled. I felt like, "Okay I've been here before can't you offer me anything new?" Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of action and I still really enjoy the characters. It was just a bit too much of the same thing.
Now once I pushed through that sixty percent mark things did get a bit better. A couple of new characters brought in some new aspects to the action and plot that I enjoyed. I hope the author carries these new characters forward into the next books in the series. I think it would be a really big improvement.
Here at the end of book three, we're at an interesting turning point in the series plot. Right now, there are seven main books in the series and I'm very interested to see where things are going to go. Book three was my least favorite of the series so far but it really had a big effect on the overall plot of the series!
Somewhat disappointed in book three but still looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 19, 2014
This was more of a 4.5 star book.
This series is fast becoming my favorite zombie series ever. Benny Imura in the first book Rot and Ruin was beyond childish. He has started growing on me in the last books and now I'm actually a fan of his.
This book is very fast moving. With zoms/gray people/walkers every where. The virus is starting to mutate and I'm fascinated to see where Maberry goes with it.
In this book the four teenagers are still trying to find the jet that they saw fly over in book one. They end up coming across a religious cult that turned my blood cold. Mama Rose and Father John are some major sickos. Some people have downed this book saying they couldn't see this happening. Hello? Similar things have happened and we aren't even in a zombie apocolypse.
There was quite a bit of the zombie collector cards in the first book. The kids were younger and more naive then. They aren't mentioned as much in the other books but in this one there was mention of a Sheriff Rick card. I can't say how much I loved that.
This series is fast becoming my favorite zombie series ever. Benny Imura in the first book Rot and Ruin was beyond childish. He has started growing on me in the last books and now I'm actually a fan of his.
This book is very fast moving. With zoms/gray people/walkers every where. The virus is starting to mutate and I'm fascinated to see where Maberry goes with it.
In this book the four teenagers are still trying to find the jet that they saw fly over in book one. They end up coming across a religious cult that turned my blood cold. Mama Rose and Father John are some major sickos. Some people have downed this book saying they couldn't see this happening. Hello? Similar things have happened and we aren't even in a zombie apocolypse.
There was quite a bit of the zombie collector cards in the first book. The kids were younger and more naive then. They aren't mentioned as much in the other books but in this one there was mention of a Sheriff Rick card. I can't say how much I loved that.
June 21, 2017
Arrrrggghhhh, this book is so frustrating! I likedit, don't get me wrong, but it is my least favorite in all the books. Why, why, why, why did there have to be another group of wrong doers introduced into this series? Hasn't Chong had it hard enough as it is? Why the heck do they keep getting separated? Why are they always finding themselves deeper into trouble? I'm not sure frustrating even covers what I feel after reading this book. I did not like how it covered only one stinking day throughout the whole book, I don't like how they always are getting separated, I don't like how Chong almost always gets killed, and I loathed the whole darkness cult thing. Where the heck did that come from?
I still liked this book, because it didn't lose the feel of the other two books, but it was just so exasperating and frustrating. I think I would have liked it better if they would have at least gotten through more than one day. It had been a month since Tom died and that was covered in less than a page, but a full out war against some nut job cult that lasted one day throughout a whole novel. Arrrgghhhhh.
January 9, 2013
An in-between series book, with several major developments paving the way for a future ultimate conflict. It is worth reading if you are at all invested in a decent young-adult zombie series (yes, I realize that phrase may seem a contradiction in terms--however, they exist).
Benny continues to waiver in that in-between land of almost-grown-up, warring with feelings of inadequacy, emotional loss and growing self-reliance. The group is in badlands-like area, and Benny gets caught in a ravine, and tries to save a little girl. Her rescue brings them to the attention of several opposing groups in the area, paving the way for a classic confrontation scenario. One of the groups seems to have a divine/religious focus, lending it a more stereotypical feel. Tension increased through the use of alternate viewpoints, including those of the antagonists, a technique that always sends my inner critic cringing. One of these days, someone will write the viewpoint of a flesh-eating zombie... (and yes, I know there are a couple books where the main characters are actually zombies. They are on my to-read, but it still isn't the same thing as the antagonistic zombie).
I wanted to re-read, but the local librarians were sending me hate mail (okay, an overdue notice), so I didn't get the chance.
Overall, not quite as impressive as the earlier books in the series. There are a couple U-turns in the plot that could negatively impact the direction of the book , but I'm hoping Maberry can surprise me.
Benny continues to waiver in that in-between land of almost-grown-up, warring with feelings of inadequacy, emotional loss and growing self-reliance. The group is in badlands-like area, and Benny gets caught in a ravine, and tries to save a little girl. Her rescue brings them to the attention of several opposing groups in the area, paving the way for a classic confrontation scenario. One of the groups seems to have a divine/religious focus, lending it a more stereotypical feel. Tension increased through the use of alternate viewpoints, including those of the antagonists, a technique that always sends my inner critic cringing. One of these days, someone will write the viewpoint of a flesh-eating zombie... (and yes, I know there are a couple books where the main characters are actually zombies. They are on my to-read, but it still isn't the same thing as the antagonistic zombie).
I wanted to re-read, but the local librarians were sending me hate mail (okay, an overdue notice), so I didn't get the chance.
Overall, not quite as impressive as the earlier books in the series. There are a couple U-turns in the plot that could negatively impact the direction of the book , but I'm hoping Maberry can surprise me.
October 7, 2012
This book flirted with three stars a few times along the way. I found myself getting frustrated at certain points and harrumphing or sighing in exasperation.
This is a book about grieving and loss. I get that. Benny's group have lost so much and experienced unspeakable tragedies. In a very real way, this is the story of them coming to terms with that loss, facing up to it, learning to let their loved ones go and make the conscious choice to move forward. Benny, Nix, Lilah and Chong all express their grief and the lingering effects of trauma in different ways, but Nix is perhaps having the hardest time finding herself again, or put another way, discovering who she has become. Benny must learn this along with her, and it is a painful and confusing lesson for them both.
There is a new threat introduced in the guise of a menacing cult known as 'reapers', founded and controlled by bona-fide psychopath Saint John of the Knife. John has a power-hungry and ruthless rival in Mother Rose. It took most of the book for me to warm up to the idea of this group and get on board with the threat they represent and where their ambitions are taking the story. For a good long while I resented their presence and how much time and dialogue Maberry gives them. I did arrive at begrudging acceptance by the end however, and their existence does add an interesting layer to life post-apocalypse.
I resisted warming up to the introduction of Joe Ledger as well. . But by the end I had come to grudgingly like him and turned the last page hoping to see more of him in Book 4.
We learn much more about life in the Rot & Ruin in this installment and just how insulated Mountainside residents are from any knowledge, and as Tom suspected all along, how determined the townspeople are to hold on to their ignorance at any cost. So while this book flirted several times with three stars, I am giving it four because I love the characters Maberry has created and this series has really found its way into my heart. I'm also chomping at the bit to see where this story goes in Fire and Ash, always a good sign. Finally, Maberry dedicates this book to "librarians everywhere" which pleased me muchly. What can I say? Flattery will get you everywhere :)
September 26, 2012
I need this! After the tragic ending in book 2 that left me in tears, I am sooooooooooo despersate to read this! These books just keep getting better and better! And I bet you, when this series ends, I am going to cry!
Thanks Jonathon for adding such a good series in the media!
P.S. The cover looks really creepy! But that is the theme right? Love it! =)
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OMG! THAT WAS THE BEST THIRD BOOK OF A SERIES I HAVE EVER READ! A MUST-READ! XD
Thanks Jonathon for adding such a good series in the media!
P.S. The cover looks really creepy! But that is the theme right? Love it! =)
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OMG! THAT WAS THE BEST THIRD BOOK OF A SERIES I HAVE EVER READ! A MUST-READ! XD
September 11, 2020
Wow. This was the best in the series by far. It takes place over a day... a single day and what a crazy day it is. The ending wasn't hopeful at all but in an apocalypse it's hard to find roses in a field of thorns. I really enjoyed this one and the character development that takes place from book one to this one is fantastic. The kids grow up, they change, they harden into something that is sterile to something wild. They still have some innocence but it's harder and harder for them to cling to it. It's a very well done internal struggle. The terms of the world have morphed to become something more dangerous they aren't the rules these kids and you followed from the beginning it has changed with it's prey. And I'm really excited to see what happens in the next book because I just know that there's some nasty surprises in store after how this ended. And... you get some answers I won't say what kind because I read three books to get here and you should too. This series gets better with every book. Highly recommended... now onto the next one.
There it is and there you have it.
There it is and there you have it.
July 15, 2019
4.5 stars. Religious maniacs rule the day; what was lost is found; a little girl is rescued; sanctuary exists; zoms are mutating; in which we lose one of our own.
Lots of action right from the start. Thumping good read.
Lots of action right from the start. Thumping good read.
January 15, 2013
Actual rating: 3.5 Stars
*Note: I can't really avoid spoilers for the first two books in this review, so if you're planning on reading them, then you probably shouldn't read this! (Unless you don't care about spoilers––in which case, go right ahead.)
So, don't get me wrong ... I'm a big fan of this series. Especially as someone who doesn't delve much into the whole zombie/horror genre, I find this series to be impressing over all. They're well-written, they're exciting, there are some terrific characters and a lot of thought-provoking themes that I wouldn't typically expect from a zombie book.
That said, I found this one to be a little disappointing. It wasn't bad, and I enjoyed reading it, but it just didn't blow me away in the same way the first two books did.
Basically, the third book starts on a pretty grim note: Tom Imura is dead, leaving Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong to survive in the zombie-infested Rot & Ruin on their own. They're still searching for a plane like the one they once saw in the sky––because a plane is a sign of civilization, and maybe even a safe place from the zoms. The only problem is, the zombies seem to be getting increasingly more intelligent. And the kids have other problems to face, like crazy cults and escaped zoo animals. Without Tom to guide them, they must all use what they've learned in order to survive.
Well, I'll just get this out of the way first: I MISSED TOM.
I mean, I know that was kind of the point. It was supposed to be painful. And honestly, throughout the first two books I just had a feeling all along that Tom would have to die. I mean, mentors always have to die in books don't they? Otherwise the main characters can never mature and learn to do things on their own, etc. BUT STILL. The thing is, Tom was my favorite character. He was just so badass and awesome, and ... guh, I just loved him so much, okay? I understand why Jonathan Maberry made the decision to kill him off, and the whole thing about Benny essentially wanting to replace Tom was intriguing ... but it still tore me to pieces and I really missed Tom just being there in the story. It didn't feel the same without him.
But okay, okay. I tried to get over my love of Tom and still enjoy the plot without him. And for the most part, I did. There was some more interesting world-building: I like how, as the protagonists move into different areas, they see how people have different references/slang when it comes to talking about zombies, which makes sense. I also thought the addition of the cults was interesting (not to mention disturbing). The zoo animals felt a little far-fetched to me (I mean, they're in the U.S. and in an uncontrolled environment ... soooo wouldn't they die in the winter?), but at least their presence was ... entertaining, I guess.
I just didn't feel quite as invested in the story in this book. It felt a little too ... focused to me. I can't think of a better way to describe it. It's like, I feel like the previous books were a bit more crazy. They had more of a "wild adventure" feel, where the characters were running all over the place, and there were bounty hunters, and there was Gameland, and it was all insane and awesome. This one was mostly just ... cults and scary zoo animals. And look, that stuff is crazy too and all, I just felt like it got a bit repetitive. While it was fun for the most part, there were chunks of it when I was just kinda like .... "Mehhh."
I know, I know. I'm so eloquent.
Anyway. My other major problem is that ... I just don't like Benny and Nix, I realized. In my reviews for the previous books, I think I just said that I didn't really like them as a couple. But in this book, I started to also dislike them ... in general. As individuals. I think it had something to do with the fact that they were cut off from Chong and Lilah. And while Chong and Lilah's separate adventures were much more interesting, Benny and Nix were mostly kind of wandering around and being sad and discussing their relationship and whatnot. And the more frustrated I got with their storyline, the more I came to realize that I just don't find them to be particularly compelling characters. Previously I'd been like, "I don't like Benny and Nix as a couple and I just can't figure out why ..." But now I think the problem is that I just don't particularly care for either of them. On top of that, Nix was just really annoying sometimes. Like, Benny made some comment about Riot (who was awesome by the way) being kind of attractive, and Nix was like "EEW I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU THINK THAT UGLY GIRL IS PRETTY, ARGH I BET YOU LIKE HER BENNY YOU TURD." And I'm like ... geez girl, what's wrong with you? It just got to the point where I could barely stand her anymore.
So yeah ... basically it occurred to me that I really just care about Lilah and Chong. And I cared about Tom, but he's dead now ... so, DAMN IT. Oh, but I did really like the parts about Lilah and Chong. They were exciting. YAAAAAY.
But anyway, just a few more miscellaneous things that bothered me (THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!!!):
- The whole thing with Benny's "inner voice" (and I don't mean Tom's ghost, although I'll get to that in a second). It's almost as bad as the "inner goddess" in Fifty Shades of Grey. And by that I mean, it's way too repetitive. I mean, I think these books are quite well-written for the most part, but the references to Benny's "inner voice" are just way too frequent. So yeah, that bugs me. I noticed this in the previous two books too, but I don't think I ever mentioned it in my reviews. So, yeah.
- The chapters felt way too short sometimes. And I guess I noticed this in the other books, but it came to my attention more often in this one. Like, literally some of the chapters would be a paragraph long. And ... I just don't like that. Maybe it's a personal taste thing, but it just seems unnecessary to me. If a chapter is that short, just combine it with another chapter. Otherwise, I start having Maximum Ride flashbacks. *Shudders*
- Oh yeah, Tom's ghost. Or, well, his ghostly voice apparently "speaking" in the characters' heads. I know it happened frequently to Benny and to Lilah also ... I can't remember if there was anyone else. But, I found it a bit confusing. I mean, I assumed that it was just in their imaginations or whatever, but then it was referred to so often that I was like, "Wait ... What? Is Tom actually a ghost?" And just ... I don't know. I understand that Tom was important to them, and that it was symbolic or something, but it felt a little silly at times to me. "Silly" seems like the wrong word, though. But ... that's the best I've got.
- Lilah revealing that she'd been in love with Tom. ...... WHAT???!!! Was this addressed in previous books and I totally missed it ... ? Because if I recall correctly, she'd never really seemed to be interested in Tom that way. Or maybe I'm just really stupid and didn't pick up on it. But anyway, it seemed to come totally out of the blue. And ... I just found it kind of creepy. I mean, with the age difference ... just ... ugh. Also, it seemed uncharacteristic of her to me. So, that weirded me out.
- The whole climatic scene at the end felt pretty anti-climatic, because basically Benny just got knocked out near the beginning and missed the whole thing. So then we as readers also had to miss out on it and didn't really get to "see" anything happen. And I was like "NOOOOooo I want to see all the madness and mayhem!" D:
- And then, of course ... CHONG. WHAT. CHONG IS A ZOMBIE? WHAT THE EVERLOVING HELLLLL.
Man, you should see all the notes I took on my Kindle while I read this. They're all like "wut ... NOoo ... chooong ... DAFUQ .... FUCKKKK NOOOooo." So yeah. I was very upset. Seeing as he's one of the only two remaining characters that I actually like, I find this very sad. So ... I really hope somehow he doesn't like ... permanently die. I don't know. I JUST LOVE HIMMMMM AND ... NOOOOOoooo.
... Well, I suppose that's all I have to say. Yes, as you can see, there were some things that bothered me in this book. However, I did still find it exciting and thought-provoking as the previous two books had been. And of course, I shall eagerly await the next book in the series.
*Note: I can't really avoid spoilers for the first two books in this review, so if you're planning on reading them, then you probably shouldn't read this! (Unless you don't care about spoilers––in which case, go right ahead.)
So, don't get me wrong ... I'm a big fan of this series. Especially as someone who doesn't delve much into the whole zombie/horror genre, I find this series to be impressing over all. They're well-written, they're exciting, there are some terrific characters and a lot of thought-provoking themes that I wouldn't typically expect from a zombie book.
That said, I found this one to be a little disappointing. It wasn't bad, and I enjoyed reading it, but it just didn't blow me away in the same way the first two books did.
Basically, the third book starts on a pretty grim note: Tom Imura is dead, leaving Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong to survive in the zombie-infested Rot & Ruin on their own. They're still searching for a plane like the one they once saw in the sky––because a plane is a sign of civilization, and maybe even a safe place from the zoms. The only problem is, the zombies seem to be getting increasingly more intelligent. And the kids have other problems to face, like crazy cults and escaped zoo animals. Without Tom to guide them, they must all use what they've learned in order to survive.
Well, I'll just get this out of the way first: I MISSED TOM.
I mean, I know that was kind of the point. It was supposed to be painful. And honestly, throughout the first two books I just had a feeling all along that Tom would have to die. I mean, mentors always have to die in books don't they? Otherwise the main characters can never mature and learn to do things on their own, etc. BUT STILL. The thing is, Tom was my favorite character. He was just so badass and awesome, and ... guh, I just loved him so much, okay? I understand why Jonathan Maberry made the decision to kill him off, and the whole thing about Benny essentially wanting to replace Tom was intriguing ... but it still tore me to pieces and I really missed Tom just being there in the story. It didn't feel the same without him.
But okay, okay. I tried to get over my love of Tom and still enjoy the plot without him. And for the most part, I did. There was some more interesting world-building: I like how, as the protagonists move into different areas, they see how people have different references/slang when it comes to talking about zombies, which makes sense. I also thought the addition of the cults was interesting (not to mention disturbing). The zoo animals felt a little far-fetched to me (I mean, they're in the U.S. and in an uncontrolled environment ... soooo wouldn't they die in the winter?), but at least their presence was ... entertaining, I guess.
I just didn't feel quite as invested in the story in this book. It felt a little too ... focused to me. I can't think of a better way to describe it. It's like, I feel like the previous books were a bit more crazy. They had more of a "wild adventure" feel, where the characters were running all over the place, and there were bounty hunters, and there was Gameland, and it was all insane and awesome. This one was mostly just ... cults and scary zoo animals. And look, that stuff is crazy too and all, I just felt like it got a bit repetitive. While it was fun for the most part, there were chunks of it when I was just kinda like .... "Mehhh."
I know, I know. I'm so eloquent.
Anyway. My other major problem is that ... I just don't like Benny and Nix, I realized. In my reviews for the previous books, I think I just said that I didn't really like them as a couple. But in this book, I started to also dislike them ... in general. As individuals. I think it had something to do with the fact that they were cut off from Chong and Lilah. And while Chong and Lilah's separate adventures were much more interesting, Benny and Nix were mostly kind of wandering around and being sad and discussing their relationship and whatnot. And the more frustrated I got with their storyline, the more I came to realize that I just don't find them to be particularly compelling characters. Previously I'd been like, "I don't like Benny and Nix as a couple and I just can't figure out why ..." But now I think the problem is that I just don't particularly care for either of them. On top of that, Nix was just really annoying sometimes. Like, Benny made some comment about Riot (who was awesome by the way) being kind of attractive, and Nix was like "EEW I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU THINK THAT UGLY GIRL IS PRETTY, ARGH I BET YOU LIKE HER BENNY YOU TURD." And I'm like ... geez girl, what's wrong with you? It just got to the point where I could barely stand her anymore.
So yeah ... basically it occurred to me that I really just care about Lilah and Chong. And I cared about Tom, but he's dead now ... so, DAMN IT. Oh, but I did really like the parts about Lilah and Chong. They were exciting. YAAAAAY.
But anyway, just a few more miscellaneous things that bothered me (THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!!!):
- The whole thing with Benny's "inner voice" (and I don't mean Tom's ghost, although I'll get to that in a second). It's almost as bad as the "inner goddess" in Fifty Shades of Grey. And by that I mean, it's way too repetitive. I mean, I think these books are quite well-written for the most part, but the references to Benny's "inner voice" are just way too frequent. So yeah, that bugs me. I noticed this in the previous two books too, but I don't think I ever mentioned it in my reviews. So, yeah.
- The chapters felt way too short sometimes. And I guess I noticed this in the other books, but it came to my attention more often in this one. Like, literally some of the chapters would be a paragraph long. And ... I just don't like that. Maybe it's a personal taste thing, but it just seems unnecessary to me. If a chapter is that short, just combine it with another chapter. Otherwise, I start having Maximum Ride flashbacks. *Shudders*
- Oh yeah, Tom's ghost. Or, well, his ghostly voice apparently "speaking" in the characters' heads. I know it happened frequently to Benny and to Lilah also ... I can't remember if there was anyone else. But, I found it a bit confusing. I mean, I assumed that it was just in their imaginations or whatever, but then it was referred to so often that I was like, "Wait ... What? Is Tom actually a ghost?" And just ... I don't know. I understand that Tom was important to them, and that it was symbolic or something, but it felt a little silly at times to me. "Silly" seems like the wrong word, though. But ... that's the best I've got.
- Lilah revealing that she'd been in love with Tom. ...... WHAT???!!! Was this addressed in previous books and I totally missed it ... ? Because if I recall correctly, she'd never really seemed to be interested in Tom that way. Or maybe I'm just really stupid and didn't pick up on it. But anyway, it seemed to come totally out of the blue. And ... I just found it kind of creepy. I mean, with the age difference ... just ... ugh. Also, it seemed uncharacteristic of her to me. So, that weirded me out.
- The whole climatic scene at the end felt pretty anti-climatic, because basically Benny just got knocked out near the beginning and missed the whole thing. So then we as readers also had to miss out on it and didn't really get to "see" anything happen. And I was like "NOOOOooo I want to see all the madness and mayhem!" D:
- And then, of course ... CHONG. WHAT. CHONG IS A ZOMBIE? WHAT THE EVERLOVING HELLLLL.
Man, you should see all the notes I took on my Kindle while I read this. They're all like "wut ... NOoo ... chooong ... DAFUQ .... FUCKKKK NOOOooo." So yeah. I was very upset. Seeing as he's one of the only two remaining characters that I actually like, I find this very sad. So ... I really hope somehow he doesn't like ... permanently die. I don't know. I JUST LOVE HIMMMMM AND ... NOOOOOoooo.
... Well, I suppose that's all I have to say. Yes, as you can see, there were some things that bothered me in this book. However, I did still find it exciting and thought-provoking as the previous two books had been. And of course, I shall eagerly await the next book in the series.
September 23, 2012
4.5 Stars
“”‘He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster,’””
Flesh and Bone, book 3 of the Benny Imura series was one of my most anticipated reads for 2012 by one of my favorite authors. I am not really that big into young adult fiction, but when an amazing horror author like Maberry puts a zombie series to life, it is sure one not to be missed. The story of the two brothers Benny and Tom through the first two books found many of the main plot lines closed up by book two’s end, and a few more brought to life. This book picks up right after the end of the last. Without any series spoilers I will review the rest.
I loved the action and the relationships that have been built up through books one and two, but in this one, we gain very little additional insight into our young heroes. A major plot point from book two paints much of the understory of this one, to the point where many other things are overshadowed. This was the worst thing for me to deal with as I really felt that it lessened the overall feel of the series. That being said, Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong all continue to grow up as young adults as the horrors around them mold them into the heroes that they are. Flesh and Bone has a few additional interesting characters added to the cast too. Saint John of the knife, Mother Rose, Joe, and my favorite, the zombie killing dog named Grimm.
The foreword by Maberry is both poignant and pertinent to our story and I often thought back to his words that started this book. Loss, pain, and the way one deals with it are the major themes of this book, and each of our heroes has their own way.
“It was why Lilah did not fear death. So many of the people she loved were waiting for her there.
Lilah kept walking along the muddy bank of the stream, but she slowed and then stopped completely. The path ahead of her was invisible now. It was not hidden by shadows, and it had not petered out as loose soil gave way to hard rock. No, it was simply that Lilah couldn’t see a thing through the hot tears that boiled from her eyes and burned their way down her cheeks.”
Possible spoiler ahead:
““Was it like this for you, Tom? he wondered. Was this what you felt when you carried me out of Sunset Hollow on First Night? If you were really the coward I used to think you were, you would have run off and left me. Wouldn’t you? You would have saved yourself. Alone, without having to carry me, it would have been easier for you to slip away. But you didn’t. You carried me all the way.
Was it a memory? Or now that Benny stood at death’s fragile door, was it easier for Tom’s ghost to whisper to him from the darkness on the other side?
Benny, whispered Tom, I didn’t die to save you.
“I know that, Einstein,” Benny growled back as he ran.
No—listen! I didn’t die to save you.
A zom fell into the ravine directly in front of them, and the little girl screamed even louder. But Benny leaped over the awkward form before the zom could struggle to its feet.
I lived to save you, said Tom. I lived.””
The pain and emotion and the emotionally touching scenes are all the best in this third book. There is less action and a smaller scope in this one, but that is ok too. Many of the Benny and Nix scenes are standouts, as well as the scenes involving the new character Joe and his kick ass dog Grimm. Chong however stole the show for me. The least warrior like of the bunch makes many incredibly difficult and brave decisions that show just what it means to be heroic. His interactions with Riot were fabulous.
I have really enjoyed the adventures in this series so far, even though I was taken aback at the end of book two. Hopefully when the final book comes out I will not be feeling that things should have gone differently. This is a fantastic heartfelt young adult series that takes place in a post-apocalyptic land of the undead. It will be loved and enjoyed by readers of all ages. Jonathan Maberry is one of my very favorite authors of today, and one that should not be missed…My highest recommendations!!!
““‘And when you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.’””
“”‘He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster,’””
Flesh and Bone, book 3 of the Benny Imura series was one of my most anticipated reads for 2012 by one of my favorite authors. I am not really that big into young adult fiction, but when an amazing horror author like Maberry puts a zombie series to life, it is sure one not to be missed. The story of the two brothers Benny and Tom through the first two books found many of the main plot lines closed up by book two’s end, and a few more brought to life. This book picks up right after the end of the last. Without any series spoilers I will review the rest.
I loved the action and the relationships that have been built up through books one and two, but in this one, we gain very little additional insight into our young heroes. A major plot point from book two paints much of the understory of this one, to the point where many other things are overshadowed. This was the worst thing for me to deal with as I really felt that it lessened the overall feel of the series. That being said, Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong all continue to grow up as young adults as the horrors around them mold them into the heroes that they are. Flesh and Bone has a few additional interesting characters added to the cast too. Saint John of the knife, Mother Rose, Joe, and my favorite, the zombie killing dog named Grimm.
The foreword by Maberry is both poignant and pertinent to our story and I often thought back to his words that started this book. Loss, pain, and the way one deals with it are the major themes of this book, and each of our heroes has their own way.
“It was why Lilah did not fear death. So many of the people she loved were waiting for her there.
Lilah kept walking along the muddy bank of the stream, but she slowed and then stopped completely. The path ahead of her was invisible now. It was not hidden by shadows, and it had not petered out as loose soil gave way to hard rock. No, it was simply that Lilah couldn’t see a thing through the hot tears that boiled from her eyes and burned their way down her cheeks.”
Possible spoiler ahead:
““Was it like this for you, Tom? he wondered. Was this what you felt when you carried me out of Sunset Hollow on First Night? If you were really the coward I used to think you were, you would have run off and left me. Wouldn’t you? You would have saved yourself. Alone, without having to carry me, it would have been easier for you to slip away. But you didn’t. You carried me all the way.
Was it a memory? Or now that Benny stood at death’s fragile door, was it easier for Tom’s ghost to whisper to him from the darkness on the other side?
Benny, whispered Tom, I didn’t die to save you.
“I know that, Einstein,” Benny growled back as he ran.
No—listen! I didn’t die to save you.
A zom fell into the ravine directly in front of them, and the little girl screamed even louder. But Benny leaped over the awkward form before the zom could struggle to its feet.
I lived to save you, said Tom. I lived.””
The pain and emotion and the emotionally touching scenes are all the best in this third book. There is less action and a smaller scope in this one, but that is ok too. Many of the Benny and Nix scenes are standouts, as well as the scenes involving the new character Joe and his kick ass dog Grimm. Chong however stole the show for me. The least warrior like of the bunch makes many incredibly difficult and brave decisions that show just what it means to be heroic. His interactions with Riot were fabulous.
I have really enjoyed the adventures in this series so far, even though I was taken aback at the end of book two. Hopefully when the final book comes out I will not be feeling that things should have gone differently. This is a fantastic heartfelt young adult series that takes place in a post-apocalyptic land of the undead. It will be loved and enjoyed by readers of all ages. Jonathan Maberry is one of my very favorite authors of today, and one that should not be missed…My highest recommendations!!!
““‘And when you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.’””
November 7, 2018
Rot & Ruin - ★★★★★
Dust & Decay - ★★★
Flesh & Bone - ★★★★
Fire & Ash - ★★★★★
With a series this long, some would say, it’s just the same as the first two books in the series. And I am telling you it definitely is completely different from the earlier books.
Flesh and Bone began on a very emotional high. With the loss that had happened throughout Rot & Ruin and Dust & Decay. It finally caves in, it dealt with the grieving of the characters. And a full richer plot that builds up for the final installment.
Characterization:
With the emotional grief that they are all suffering in, they all are wavering in the first part, but as they know it. It is not something their loved ones would want for them. Not that grieving is a brush off emotion. And miraculously better than ever. I would condemn this book if there was. I love how it was taken seriously. Their journey as a whole had been tight-knit then loose ends. But just because there are loose ends doesn’t mean there is no longer hope. I love that.
They are all fighters.
World Building:
It was unwavering, and it gets more vivid with each page and book one gets to read. It is better than the last, And as always the action not necessarily bigger and better each time, the touch of realism is there. They are teenagers who were left with no choice but fight. The realism of they may have had training but they are not invincible. Moments on clumsiness and hasty decisions.
Writing:
It was better than the last. There had been a leap of growth, in both morality and maturity, compared from the last. The mixture of the multiple point-of-views was effective and capturing. Not at all confusing and troublesome.
Plot:
From Dust and Decay, I thought it will yet another recycled plot. But, no there is a solid direction going on here. We get to pieces of evidence, a fresh set of light, and that epilogue and ending made it more sweating for anticipation.
Overall, the plot thickens I hope the last one delivers…
Want to see more? Click here.
Dust & Decay - ★★★
Flesh & Bone - ★★★★
Fire & Ash - ★★★★★
“No matter how long the night is, the sun always comes up.”
With a series this long, some would say, it’s just the same as the first two books in the series. And I am telling you it definitely is completely different from the earlier books.
Flesh and Bone began on a very emotional high. With the loss that had happened throughout Rot & Ruin and Dust & Decay. It finally caves in, it dealt with the grieving of the characters. And a full richer plot that builds up for the final installment.
Characterization:
With the emotional grief that they are all suffering in, they all are wavering in the first part, but as they know it. It is not something their loved ones would want for them. Not that grieving is a brush off emotion. And miraculously better than ever. I would condemn this book if there was. I love how it was taken seriously. Their journey as a whole had been tight-knit then loose ends. But just because there are loose ends doesn’t mean there is no longer hope. I love that.
They are all fighters.
World Building:
It was unwavering, and it gets more vivid with each page and book one gets to read. It is better than the last, And as always the action not necessarily bigger and better each time, the touch of realism is there. They are teenagers who were left with no choice but fight. The realism of they may have had training but they are not invincible. Moments on clumsiness and hasty decisions.
Writing:
It was better than the last. There had been a leap of growth, in both morality and maturity, compared from the last. The mixture of the multiple point-of-views was effective and capturing. Not at all confusing and troublesome.
Plot:
From Dust and Decay, I thought it will yet another recycled plot. But, no there is a solid direction going on here. We get to pieces of evidence, a fresh set of light, and that epilogue and ending made it more sweating for anticipation.
Overall, the plot thickens I hope the last one delivers…
Want to see more? Click here.
Read
May 6, 2012NOT AVAIL UNTIL SEPTEMBER!!! DAMN YOU JONATHAN MABERRY!!!!!
September 8, 2016
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
My Opinion Of This Book: Liked it.
_________________________________
The first book in this 4-book series, Rot & Ruin, blew my mind away and introduced me to a whole new world of zombies. The second book, Dust & Decay, was amazing, but the ending left me heartbroken and I was left unsure if that ending was good for the story. Now Flesh & Bone, the third book in the series, is my least favorite, but I still overall enjoyed it.
THE GOOD.
~Chong: There is some major character development on Chong's part. I feel like we actually get to know him in this book and watch him grow. Don't get me wrong, in the first two books he was an awesome hilarious character, but in this one, he gets even more amazing. We actually get to know the real him. I think he's now my favorite character in this books. Loved his intelligence, humor, and seeing the things he would do for people he cares for.
~Lilah: Ah, I've loved her from the start, but now we actually get to know the real her as well. She's badass, and independent. One of the best female characters in the YA genre.
~The Writing: I love the writing! Its full of rich descriptions and I love the multiple POVs, that way we get into the main characters' heads. It's absolutely fantastic!
~The Plot/Storyline: This one had a lottt going on with the plot once you got past the slow beginning , and usually books with a lot going on are hard to understand, but Jonathan Maberry pulled it off well! Once I got past the slow beginning, this book was like BAM!! I was totally hooked!
~The Ending/Epilogue: DAMN! So crazy!! So excited for the next book!! And damn, that epilogue brought back memories from the first two books! Gah, LOVED it!!
THE BAD.
~Benny: I don't know...he's just so annoying and I can't relate to his character. He's just bland, I suppose.
~Nix: She's so freaking annoying!! She thinks that no one has been through want she has, and she whines all the time. Like, seriously, shut up, Nix!
~The Romance: I never liked Benny and Nix as a couple, but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't deal with it...Now it is. They have stupid problems/arguements. And they're both annoying. So its just like, gosh, stop! I cannot deal with them together.
OVERALL.
Despite the fact that I had some big problems with the main character and his girlfriend, I still overall liked this book and do recommend it if you're a fan of the first two books. And if you haven't read the first book, Rot & Ruin, then read it soon! It'll completely change your view on zombies (in a good way). It's definitely an emotional, funny, and exciting book with twists you'll never see coming!
My Opinion Of This Book: Liked it.
_________________________________
The first book in this 4-book series, Rot & Ruin, blew my mind away and introduced me to a whole new world of zombies. The second book, Dust & Decay, was amazing, but the ending left me heartbroken and I was left unsure if that ending was good for the story. Now Flesh & Bone, the third book in the series, is my least favorite, but I still overall enjoyed it.
THE GOOD.
~Chong: There is some major character development on Chong's part. I feel like we actually get to know him in this book and watch him grow. Don't get me wrong, in the first two books he was an awesome hilarious character, but in this one, he gets even more amazing. We actually get to know the real him. I think he's now my favorite character in this books. Loved his intelligence, humor, and seeing the things he would do for people he cares for.
~Lilah: Ah, I've loved her from the start, but now we actually get to know the real her as well. She's badass, and independent. One of the best female characters in the YA genre.
~The Writing: I love the writing! Its full of rich descriptions and I love the multiple POVs, that way we get into the main characters' heads. It's absolutely fantastic!
~The Plot/Storyline: This one had a lottt going on with the plot once you got past the slow beginning , and usually books with a lot going on are hard to understand, but Jonathan Maberry pulled it off well! Once I got past the slow beginning, this book was like BAM!! I was totally hooked!
~The Ending/Epilogue: DAMN! So crazy!! So excited for the next book!! And damn, that epilogue brought back memories from the first two books! Gah, LOVED it!!
THE BAD.
~Benny: I don't know...he's just so annoying and I can't relate to his character. He's just bland, I suppose.
~Nix: She's so freaking annoying!! She thinks that no one has been through want she has, and she whines all the time. Like, seriously, shut up, Nix!
~The Romance: I never liked Benny and Nix as a couple, but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't deal with it...Now it is. They have stupid problems/arguements. And they're both annoying. So its just like, gosh, stop! I cannot deal with them together.
OVERALL.
Despite the fact that I had some big problems with the main character and his girlfriend, I still overall liked this book and do recommend it if you're a fan of the first two books. And if you haven't read the first book, Rot & Ruin, then read it soon! It'll completely change your view on zombies (in a good way). It's definitely an emotional, funny, and exciting book with twists you'll never see coming!
Tom gave an elaborate shrug. "How would I know, little brother? You're the hero with the magic sword. I'm just a ghost - who is considerably better-looking than you."
"Hey!"
"I'm just saying."
They stood there, grinning at each other.
September 21, 2012
PROTIP: Read the novella "Dead & Gone" for a better understanding of the background of Riot and The Church of the Darkness, which are major facets of this book.
Hooray for another Maberry book! They really can't come fast enough. Flesh & Bone continues the story of Benny and his friends while they navigate the rot and the ruin, encountering everything from a dangerous death cult to a mysterious haven known only as "Sanctuary." Will it be everything they hope for?
Maberry delivers on the thrills as well, with his typical "impossible to escape" scenarios as well as introducing evolutions (i.e. speed, better coordination) to the zoms that terrify both the characters and the reader.
My main critisism of the book is that I felt like the book ended before the story did. Just as the overarching narrative begins to move forward..bam - end of book. This of course could just be my eagerness to find out what happens next, but this book did not seem quite as complete as the previous two. Ah well, it just means I'll be awaiting the fate of our heroes even more enthusiastically.
SPOILER: Also, fans of other Maberry works will be delighted to meet Captain Joe Ledger in this book. It was a pleasant surprise to see one of my favorite characters cross over.
Hooray for another Maberry book! They really can't come fast enough. Flesh & Bone continues the story of Benny and his friends while they navigate the rot and the ruin, encountering everything from a dangerous death cult to a mysterious haven known only as "Sanctuary." Will it be everything they hope for?
Maberry delivers on the thrills as well, with his typical "impossible to escape" scenarios as well as introducing evolutions (i.e. speed, better coordination) to the zoms that terrify both the characters and the reader.
My main critisism of the book is that I felt like the book ended before the story did. Just as the overarching narrative begins to move forward..bam - end of book. This of course could just be my eagerness to find out what happens next, but this book did not seem quite as complete as the previous two. Ah well, it just means I'll be awaiting the fate of our heroes even more enthusiastically.
SPOILER: Also, fans of other Maberry works will be delighted to meet Captain Joe Ledger in this book. It was a pleasant surprise to see one of my favorite characters cross over.
March 19, 2017
Can not finish. Loved the first one, the second was Ok, but this one is unbearable. If I had to read the phrase "Warrior Smart" one more time....
Chapter after chapter is dedicated to reminding us how short our memories are by telling us again and again what had happened in the first two books. Not just a sentence or two but page after page after page. The book has very little to do with zombies but everything to do with awkward teenage love. But being I hate not finishing a book, I will TRY to read a chapter a day and update this review in the far future............... this is me in the future and I have yet to read another word of this book.
Chapter after chapter is dedicated to reminding us how short our memories are by telling us again and again what had happened in the first two books. Not just a sentence or two but page after page after page. The book has very little to do with zombies but everything to do with awkward teenage love. But being I hate not finishing a book, I will TRY to read a chapter a day and update this review in the far future............... this is me in the future and I have yet to read another word of this book.
May 20, 2025
Book 3 of the Rot & Ruin Series!
Another great Audible the narration in the storytelling is absolutely amazing. I enjoy audiobooks they are easy to listen to and follow which can be a challenge for me.
This book finds our favorite heroes passing through on their journey to discover something that appears to be impossible. While passing through, they find themselves in the middle of a war, and although they don’t want to pick a side but the
opponents in the war want them too. It’s gonna be really hard to not give the story away without reading it and I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say the action is nonstop. I do like how there is an error of mystery in this book while each person navigate to their own conclusion of the truth. Of course there is more zombies. I did enjoy the backstory referencing Nix‘s journal, which is good and very informative, which helps the story overall.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a nice twist of the classic zombie story and with likable characters.
Another great Audible the narration in the storytelling is absolutely amazing. I enjoy audiobooks they are easy to listen to and follow which can be a challenge for me.
This book finds our favorite heroes passing through on their journey to discover something that appears to be impossible. While passing through, they find themselves in the middle of a war, and although they don’t want to pick a side but the
opponents in the war want them too. It’s gonna be really hard to not give the story away without reading it and I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say the action is nonstop. I do like how there is an error of mystery in this book while each person navigate to their own conclusion of the truth. Of course there is more zombies. I did enjoy the backstory referencing Nix‘s journal, which is good and very informative, which helps the story overall.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a nice twist of the classic zombie story and with likable characters.
February 26, 2014
"It was why Lilah did not fear death. So many of the people she loved were waiting for her there" - Flesh and Bone
I liked this book BUT Kind of annoyed at how many times Benny says sorry to the zombies he kills. I'm Canadian and even I think this is getting to be too much. He is becoming way too deferential to these zombies and my eyes are getting exhausted from all the rolling.
And another thing, while I'm on a tangent and all, what the hell is up with Chong? He is the Lorrie of this book ( if you watch the walking dead you will understand), all he does is endanger people, the world is dangerous enough without him adding to it! I understand that not everybody is cut out for the rot and ruin but he is just plain reckless and that is not so easily forgivable. I think in a town setting he would be great and useful and make a big difference but out in the wild I just hate him. Then I feel bad for hating him because I certainly wouldn't last a day in the rot and ruin, but still why does he have to be so annoying?
Also,
Nix has turned into a massive bitch, buuuut I feel like I can't really blame anyone for being a bitch in the zombie apocalypse. Her harshness towards Benny is pretty cringe worthy though.
Now after all that griping you might think I hate this book. I don't. In fact I quite liked it, I think my issue is more with the pace/direction of some of the characters than with the quality of writing which is still just as high as the previous two. I was quite impressed with how the author winds in new characters in a natural yet interesting way.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and if you can get past some overly clumsy/bitchy characters I think that you will really enjoy this. 3.5/5
March 3, 2015
Another great book in this awesome series!! A felt it was a little action less then the previous ones but still good none the less. On ward to book #4.
September 9, 2012
Having spent the month since the devastating ending of Dust & Decay healing their bodies and, attempting, to heal their spirits, Benny, Nix, Lilah and Chong continue on in search of the jet they have seen flying overhead. Benny and Nix are having relationship troubles as a result of everything that has happened in the last year and the lack of communication between the two. Lilah and Chong are still working out the details of their relationship with her being The Lost Girl and him a mere Town Boy. As always, there are zoms to contend with as they travel and the unfortunate discovery that some of the zoms are faster and a bit smarter than what they have been used to. However, there is, also, a new evil afoot who call themselves Reapers. They are a form of religious cult who bring the darkness to those who were not 'blessed' with the zombie virus.
Much of Flesh & Bone finds our young group separated from each other in one form or another. Benny and Nix have an interesting encounter with Saint John of the Knife and come across an interesting find. Lilah, having gone off in search of a young girl's family gets caught fighting for her life and being saved by a very cool new addition to the world of Rot & Ruin. Our "town boy" Chong, having been separated from the group while fleeing the Reapers finds himself caring for a child, Eve, whose family has been lost to the Reapers and being cared for himself, by Riot, the daughter of Mother Rose, the leader of the cult from which they are running.
New friends are met, battles are fought and lives are lost. The action is practically nonstop and the attention to detail is spot on, as is the norm for Mr Maberry. The journey our friends take in Flesh & Bone is not just one of reaching a destination, but in allowing each of our characters to find their true self and determining what they are looking for as they seek out this new possibility of life in the rot & ruin.
Flesh & Bone is a definite MUST READ for all fans of the Rot & Ruin series. If you haven't read books 1 and 2 yet, well....what are you waiting for go get them NOW!
Much of Flesh & Bone finds our young group separated from each other in one form or another. Benny and Nix have an interesting encounter with Saint John of the Knife and come across an interesting find. Lilah, having gone off in search of a young girl's family gets caught fighting for her life and being saved by a very cool new addition to the world of Rot & Ruin. Our "town boy" Chong, having been separated from the group while fleeing the Reapers finds himself caring for a child, Eve, whose family has been lost to the Reapers and being cared for himself, by Riot, the daughter of Mother Rose, the leader of the cult from which they are running.
New friends are met, battles are fought and lives are lost. The action is practically nonstop and the attention to detail is spot on, as is the norm for Mr Maberry. The journey our friends take in Flesh & Bone is not just one of reaching a destination, but in allowing each of our characters to find their true self and determining what they are looking for as they seek out this new possibility of life in the rot & ruin.
Flesh & Bone is a definite MUST READ for all fans of the Rot & Ruin series. If you haven't read books 1 and 2 yet, well....what are you waiting for go get them NOW!
June 19, 2014
5 Stars
This was another twist on the fates of Benny Imura and his friends. After the death of one of their own; they are forced to fend for themselves in the great Rot and Ruin. With the continuation of their journey from their hometown, Mountainside; we meet a new set of foes... The Reapers. These are a collection of religious zealots following a known serial killer... great. Not only are they trying to survive zombies, but people who lust for the kill, too.?? And if that doesn't get you angry, then faster zombies with a tendency to "think" will...
Hold on to your seats, ladies and gents; the ride is just beginning... just when you think things can't get worse... they do. The book ends... abruptly. No warning. No thrill kill. Just an ending that says... "take a breath... wait for it.. wait for it.."
I'm still waiting.
Edit x2
This was another twist on the fates of Benny Imura and his friends. After the death of one of their own; they are forced to fend for themselves in the great Rot and Ruin. With the continuation of their journey from their hometown, Mountainside; we meet a new set of foes... The Reapers. These are a collection of religious zealots following a known serial killer... great. Not only are they trying to survive zombies, but people who lust for the kill, too.?? And if that doesn't get you angry, then faster zombies with a tendency to "think" will...
Hold on to your seats, ladies and gents; the ride is just beginning... just when you think things can't get worse... they do. The book ends... abruptly. No warning. No thrill kill. Just an ending that says... "take a breath... wait for it.. wait for it.."
I'm still waiting.
Edit x2
March 29, 2015
This was so good. I am glad I waited for the audio version to be produced. with Flesh and Bone Mayberry adds so much to the Rot & Ruin world. I was not sure he could do it given the characters that were killed off in the previous book. But wow, he did. This is a great book and I can't way to read #4.
August 26, 2013
Holy cow. Just...holy cow.
When I get my thoughts a little better together, I'll come back for a more coherent review.
When I get my thoughts a little better together, I'll come back for a more coherent review.
November 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️s. This series is so good! 😍
January 11, 2013
*Genre* Dystopian
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Review*
“Don’t forget the first rule about the RUIN; out here everything wants to kill you.”
Flesh and Bone is the third novel in the Benny Imura series. The story picks up a month after the devastating events of Rot & Ruin. Benny Imura, Nix Riley, Lilah the Lost Girl and Lou Chong are still searching for the mysterious plane they saw while trying to come to terms with Tom’s shocking loss.
They have left California behind, and are now in Nevada where Nix and Benny are having issues with their relationship and Lilah is coming to terms with her feelings for Chong. Things in the Ruin are also quickly changing. It appears that the zombies are getting faster and have a general understanding of what is happening around them while animals are now appearing as infected and causing problems for the group.
I have not read the novella Dead & Gone before picking up Flesh Bone. I probably should have and may do so sometime in the near future since many new characters appear and make an immediate impact on Benny & Crew. Maberry introduces readers to Riot, Eve and her family, as well an organization called the Night Church and its psychotic leader Saint John of the knives who is just plain evil in every way imaginable.
There’s also Mother Rose who leads a group known as Reapers who follow the doctrine of the Night Church and the god Thanatos by crossing the country killing everyone who refuses to join their crusade. Mother Rose also has a few choice secrets of her own that slowly unravel as the story reaches its pinnacle.
Not everything is dark and dreary or foreboding this time out. We have the arrival of Captain Joe Ledger of the Rangers and his zombie killing dog Grimm to the story. Fans of “Patient Zero” will immediately recognize who Captain Ledger is. I must say that Joe’s arrival was a pleasant surprise and one that I hope continues over the course of the next installment. There is a definite past between Joe and Saint John that I would love to see played out in this series.
We’re also discovering that the world didn’t exactly end on FIRST NIGHT as most believed when Benny and Nix discover all sorts of interesting things. They also learn that there is a place called Sanctuary run by the Children of God Monks and it appears that a new American nation is attempting to rise up out of the ashes left by the destruction of FIRST NIGHT.
Flesh & Bone is action packed and emotional right from the onset as Benny and crew are forced to fight against not only zombies, but the Reapers and infected animals as well. I’m happy to say that Maberry has once again written an outstanding novel that has everything I expect from a horror/dystopian novel. I’m definitely looking forward to reading Fire and Ash when it releases September 26th 2013.
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Review*
“Don’t forget the first rule about the RUIN; out here everything wants to kill you.”
Flesh and Bone is the third novel in the Benny Imura series. The story picks up a month after the devastating events of Rot & Ruin. Benny Imura, Nix Riley, Lilah the Lost Girl and Lou Chong are still searching for the mysterious plane they saw while trying to come to terms with Tom’s shocking loss.
They have left California behind, and are now in Nevada where Nix and Benny are having issues with their relationship and Lilah is coming to terms with her feelings for Chong. Things in the Ruin are also quickly changing. It appears that the zombies are getting faster and have a general understanding of what is happening around them while animals are now appearing as infected and causing problems for the group.
I have not read the novella Dead & Gone before picking up Flesh Bone. I probably should have and may do so sometime in the near future since many new characters appear and make an immediate impact on Benny & Crew. Maberry introduces readers to Riot, Eve and her family, as well an organization called the Night Church and its psychotic leader Saint John of the knives who is just plain evil in every way imaginable.
There’s also Mother Rose who leads a group known as Reapers who follow the doctrine of the Night Church and the god Thanatos by crossing the country killing everyone who refuses to join their crusade. Mother Rose also has a few choice secrets of her own that slowly unravel as the story reaches its pinnacle.
Not everything is dark and dreary or foreboding this time out. We have the arrival of Captain Joe Ledger of the Rangers and his zombie killing dog Grimm to the story. Fans of “Patient Zero” will immediately recognize who Captain Ledger is. I must say that Joe’s arrival was a pleasant surprise and one that I hope continues over the course of the next installment. There is a definite past between Joe and Saint John that I would love to see played out in this series.
We’re also discovering that the world didn’t exactly end on FIRST NIGHT as most believed when Benny and Nix discover all sorts of interesting things. They also learn that there is a place called Sanctuary run by the Children of God Monks and it appears that a new American nation is attempting to rise up out of the ashes left by the destruction of FIRST NIGHT.
Flesh & Bone is action packed and emotional right from the onset as Benny and crew are forced to fight against not only zombies, but the Reapers and infected animals as well. I’m happy to say that Maberry has once again written an outstanding novel that has everything I expect from a horror/dystopian novel. I’m definitely looking forward to reading Fire and Ash when it releases September 26th 2013.
October 17, 2012
This book is not an easy book to review. Why?, you ask. Well, I'll tell you ... but forgive me if I meander like a zombie after a bite to eat .... I want to give the story justice!
Firstly, let me assure you that it's a great book. I do love how Jonathan Maberry makes the existence of zombies a frighteningly realistic thing, with a human element that just adds to the horror of it. And this particular chapter into the 'adventure' of a group of young friends really brings that to light even more so. I don't think I'd like to see this happen to the world. It truly would be a scary place to be, especially because the craziness and extremisms would be such an easy thing to visualize happening. Peace and keeping it are always on a fine balancing wire together.
What makes this book so much different from the first two of the series is that it loses the ‘youth’ factor in it. It’s a sadder book and the a lot more heavy. The comedic sarcasm that was so prominent in the lead character(s) is still there, only you really feel how flat it falls in the denseness of the tragedy of the life –or what’s left of it – that they find themselves a part of. In truth, these kids grow up fast because they have to but not because it’s easy to do, or wanted. They all long for something they can no longer have and they all have to continue on with life, and those don’t always mix as easily as it did before. It’s that old adage that you don’t really know what you got until you don’t have it anymore.
And this new heaviness that the previous two books had in short supply, nearly dropped my rating to three stars. I missed the levity to offshoot the tragedy I suppose. It’s hard to give it full marks when it’s so different feeling from the first two, but I don’t think it lacked merit.
Oh – did I mention that there are zombies in this book? Sheesh … do I really have to?! Of course there are zombies in this book!! Only there’s an added element to the horror of a zombie plague that makes them beyond horrible. (Where Jonathan Maberry gets his ideas is beyond me). Let’s just say that it’s a mutation of a zombie genetic mutation that would really put a strain on the remaining live people that are left to face them and survive without succumbing to it.
Lordy I’m glad we don’t really have to deal with zombies.
Great book! Can’t wait for the finale.
Firstly, let me assure you that it's a great book. I do love how Jonathan Maberry makes the existence of zombies a frighteningly realistic thing, with a human element that just adds to the horror of it. And this particular chapter into the 'adventure' of a group of young friends really brings that to light even more so. I don't think I'd like to see this happen to the world. It truly would be a scary place to be, especially because the craziness and extremisms would be such an easy thing to visualize happening. Peace and keeping it are always on a fine balancing wire together.
What makes this book so much different from the first two of the series is that it loses the ‘youth’ factor in it. It’s a sadder book and the a lot more heavy. The comedic sarcasm that was so prominent in the lead character(s) is still there, only you really feel how flat it falls in the denseness of the tragedy of the life –or what’s left of it – that they find themselves a part of. In truth, these kids grow up fast because they have to but not because it’s easy to do, or wanted. They all long for something they can no longer have and they all have to continue on with life, and those don’t always mix as easily as it did before. It’s that old adage that you don’t really know what you got until you don’t have it anymore.
And this new heaviness that the previous two books had in short supply, nearly dropped my rating to three stars. I missed the levity to offshoot the tragedy I suppose. It’s hard to give it full marks when it’s so different feeling from the first two, but I don’t think it lacked merit.
Oh – did I mention that there are zombies in this book? Sheesh … do I really have to?! Of course there are zombies in this book!! Only there’s an added element to the horror of a zombie plague that makes them beyond horrible. (Where Jonathan Maberry gets his ideas is beyond me). Let’s just say that it’s a mutation of a zombie genetic mutation that would really put a strain on the remaining live people that are left to face them and survive without succumbing to it.
Lordy I’m glad we don’t really have to deal with zombies.
Great book! Can’t wait for the finale.
August 25, 2024
2024
2022
2019
Benny and Nix are in quite a struggle. She can't deal with the loss of her mother and Benny is struggling to cope with the loss of his brother. They have quite a few communication issues which has only lead to more and more misunderstandings. And the more Nix closes herself off, the more strain is put onto Benny and the rest of the crew.
Lilah has appointed herself leader of the gang (understandably, since she did manage to keep herself alive when she was all alone in the forest for several years). However, Benny also wants to be leader, of sorts (mostly he just wants to be his brother, Tom).
Chong is still a stupid town boy, a fact that Lilah constantly reminds him of. He has his own issues in this book, though, and ones that I don't feel like I should spoil for you. Let's just say that the next book should be really interesting.
We also have a new addition to the group (sort of), Riot. She was actually connected to the bad guys, the Reapers, but managed to get away. She's pretty bad ass, honestly. Might even be more bad ass than Lilah, which is saying a lot. She's also fairly compassionate, even helping Chong after his situation occurs.
The Reapers are the villains of this book. They are a cult that believes that everyone on earth needs to die and they are here to kill everyone. Like, literally. They are "sending people into the darkness." They be crazy, yo. Basically they are like the previous villains (Charlie Pink-Eye) because they are murderous, evil bastards, but they are slightly worse because it's not just Gameland for them. No, they are out to kill every man, woman, and child, so that the zombies inherit the earth and the earth is cleansed and some such nonsense.
So, of course, the Reapers are seeking out a place called "Sanctuary" because this place has reportedly been healing people. And they can't have that because everyone needs to die. Naturally, Benny and company are also seeking out Sanctuary because in the previous book they saw a big jet in the sky, which means that not all of the world is dead. I'm sure those two story lines won't have much play in the next book (haha).
2017
2022
2019
Benny and Nix are in quite a struggle. She can't deal with the loss of her mother and Benny is struggling to cope with the loss of his brother. They have quite a few communication issues which has only lead to more and more misunderstandings. And the more Nix closes herself off, the more strain is put onto Benny and the rest of the crew.
Lilah has appointed herself leader of the gang (understandably, since she did manage to keep herself alive when she was all alone in the forest for several years). However, Benny also wants to be leader, of sorts (mostly he just wants to be his brother, Tom).
Chong is still a stupid town boy, a fact that Lilah constantly reminds him of. He has his own issues in this book, though, and ones that I don't feel like I should spoil for you. Let's just say that the next book should be really interesting.
We also have a new addition to the group (sort of), Riot. She was actually connected to the bad guys, the Reapers, but managed to get away. She's pretty bad ass, honestly. Might even be more bad ass than Lilah, which is saying a lot. She's also fairly compassionate, even helping Chong after his situation occurs.
The Reapers are the villains of this book. They are a cult that believes that everyone on earth needs to die and they are here to kill everyone. Like, literally. They are "sending people into the darkness." They be crazy, yo. Basically they are like the previous villains (Charlie Pink-Eye) because they are murderous, evil bastards, but they are slightly worse because it's not just Gameland for them. No, they are out to kill every man, woman, and child, so that the zombies inherit the earth and the earth is cleansed and some such nonsense.
So, of course, the Reapers are seeking out a place called "Sanctuary" because this place has reportedly been healing people. And they can't have that because everyone needs to die. Naturally, Benny and company are also seeking out Sanctuary because in the previous book they saw a big jet in the sky, which means that not all of the world is dead. I'm sure those two story lines won't have much play in the next book (haha).
2017
June 10, 2015
I just finished rereading this remarkable book but this time on audio, which I highly recommend! Just as good the second time around!
Here is my original review:
Another fantastic non-stop action book in the The Rot & Ruin Collection: Rot & Ruin; Dust & Decay; Dead & Gone; Flesh & Bone series! For the first time ever, I actually tried to slow down my reading because I knew that once I finished, the book would be over. I never want this series to end.
The new evil doers were everything I hate and more. There were many times where I was cringing and absolutely stunned by what Benny, Nix, Chong and Lilah were dealing with this time around. And why oh why do I continue to read this series while out at the local coffee shops? Again, I had to hide my face behind my Nook while the tears were rolling down my cheeks. I should know better by now. I feel so vested in these characters and their world.
Once again, WELL DONE, Mr. Maberry! Well done! And congratulations on the movie rights!!
Here is my original review:
Another fantastic non-stop action book in the The Rot & Ruin Collection: Rot & Ruin; Dust & Decay; Dead & Gone; Flesh & Bone series! For the first time ever, I actually tried to slow down my reading because I knew that once I finished, the book would be over. I never want this series to end.
The new evil doers were everything I hate and more. There were many times where I was cringing and absolutely stunned by what Benny, Nix, Chong and Lilah were dealing with this time around. And why oh why do I continue to read this series while out at the local coffee shops? Again, I had to hide my face behind my Nook while the tears were rolling down my cheeks. I should know better by now. I feel so vested in these characters and their world.
Once again, WELL DONE, Mr. Maberry! Well done! And congratulations on the movie rights!!
February 26, 2022
Overall Rating : B+
"'Sometimes it's easy to forget what the word samurai means.'
'To serve.' said Benny.
'To serve. To do the honorable thing. The right thing, even when it's hard. Even when it hurts. '"
God how much more emotional trauma can I take from this series?
"'Sometimes it's easy to forget what the word samurai means.'
'To serve.' said Benny.
'To serve. To do the honorable thing. The right thing, even when it's hard. Even when it hurts. '"
God how much more emotional trauma can I take from this series?
November 24, 2015
I really hate it when main characters get killed off.
May 13, 2016
The only series that has been able to fill The Walking Dead void in my life between seasons. Dropping everything else to binge and finish off this series. Love. It.
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