What do you think?
Rate this book
Rise Again #2
Rise Again: Below Zero
It began with isolated reports of mass hysteria. Screaming mobs. Sudden death. The plague spread around the world, slaughtering billions. For the survivors knee-deep in corpses, it didn’t seem things could get worse. Until the dead stumbled to their feet. Mindless, shambling, they were repulsive—but harmless. And then a warning came, too late...
Sheriff Danielle Adelman, a troubled war veteran, has pursued her runaway kid sister across the end of the world, and now Danny realizes her problems have only just begun. Danny thought she had seen humanity at its worst in war-torn Iraq, but nothing could prepare her for the remorseless struggle to survive in a dying world being overrun by the reanimated dead. Now, Danny’s epic and dangerous journey challenges her spirit—and brings her to the precipice of sanity itself.
Filled with adventurous human drama, and shocking inhuman horror, this sequel to the acclaimed novel Rise Again continues a vivid and powerful fiction debut.
Sheriff Danielle Adelman, a troubled war veteran, has pursued her runaway kid sister across the end of the world, and now Danny realizes her problems have only just begun. Danny thought she had seen humanity at its worst in war-torn Iraq, but nothing could prepare her for the remorseless struggle to survive in a dying world being overrun by the reanimated dead. Now, Danny’s epic and dangerous journey challenges her spirit—and brings her to the precipice of sanity itself.
Filled with adventurous human drama, and shocking inhuman horror, this sequel to the acclaimed novel Rise Again continues a vivid and powerful fiction debut.
337 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2013
19 people are currently reading
910 people want to read
About the author
Ben Tripp
15 books286 followersBEN TRIPP is the author of Fifth House of the Heart; Rise Again and Rise Again: Below Zero, a two-part apocalyptic zombie saga for Gallery; he has also completed the first volume of the Accidental Trilogy, The Accidental Highwayman, which is a young adult fantasy. The Accidental Giant will be the next book in the series.
Tripp is an artist, writer, and designer who has worked with major entertainment companies and motion picture studios for more than two decades. He was for many years one of the world's leading conceptualists of public experiences, with a global portfolio of projects ranging from urban masterplanning to theme parks. Now he writes novels full-time.
He lives with his wife (Academy Award-winning writer/ producer Corinne Marrinan) in Los Angeles and Europe.
Tripp is an artist, writer, and designer who has worked with major entertainment companies and motion picture studios for more than two decades. He was for many years one of the world's leading conceptualists of public experiences, with a global portfolio of projects ranging from urban masterplanning to theme parks. Now he writes novels full-time.
He lives with his wife (Academy Award-winning writer/ producer Corinne Marrinan) in Los Angeles and Europe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 25, 2016
There was only death in the world now. Living death that could walk and hunt and feast, and barbaric death from outlaws and madmen.
It's been two years since the dead began to rise again. Survivors' options are to hole up somewhere, or keep moving. Sheriff Danny Adelman's "tribe" keeps on the move, though they are barely managing. Food is scarce, "zeroes" are everywhere, and biker gangs have managed to turn the end of civilization into their finest hour. And, strangely enough, the group's children keep disappearing. It's rumored there is a Magical Safe Place. The price of admission?
One child.
In this second of Tripp's zombie thrillers, the moaning shamblers still roam the landscape, but they have been joined by organized "hunting parties," faster, cleverer, and led by the most dangerous undead of all - "thinkers." These sinister zombies can almost pass for living; they are capable of speech, reasoning, and . . . plotting.
Danny's sister, Kelley,
Through Kelley, we also learn of a disturbing plan:
"Thinkers are teaming up. They're setting traps and making plans that would scare the fuck out of you. Taking over. That's what they want. The ones I've talked to? They have a scheme.. And now I get why.
Only feeding matters now. Nothing else will ever matter."
As to be expected from a zombie novel, this book is packed with action, violence, and gore. But, there are also moments of introspection, and some wonderful conversation between the characters. And, as in the first book, STRONG, smart, kick-ass females. (Some of them are even "nasty" women.)
And, there are profoundly sad moments like this:
The zero turned its shrunken gray eyes toward her, then stumbled in her direction. Danny raised the weapon. Her hands shook terribly but it was an easy shot.
"Kiiiimuh," the zero moaned through its swollen face.
Danny hesitated. It was a thinker. Or almost a thinker.
"Kiii---muh," it said again, and fell to its knees. It was facing her, eyes fixed on hers. Then it lowered its head, offering its skull to her.
"Can you understand me?" Danny said.
The thing did not respond. Danny stood there a long time, squinting past her gun at the bowed head of the zero. The thing raised one blistered finger and pressed it to its own temple.
"Kiiii--muh."
I've heard it mentioned that Colson Whitehead's Zone One is a "thinking person's zombie novel." Tripp's two books should be added to that short list, and should be read by every fan of the roving dead.
It's been two years since the dead began to rise again. Survivors' options are to hole up somewhere, or keep moving. Sheriff Danny Adelman's "tribe" keeps on the move, though they are barely managing. Food is scarce, "zeroes" are everywhere, and biker gangs have managed to turn the end of civilization into their finest hour. And, strangely enough, the group's children keep disappearing. It's rumored there is a Magical Safe Place. The price of admission?
One child.
In this second of Tripp's zombie thrillers, the moaning shamblers still roam the landscape, but they have been joined by organized "hunting parties," faster, cleverer, and led by the most dangerous undead of all - "thinkers." These sinister zombies can almost pass for living; they are capable of speech, reasoning, and . . . plotting.
Danny's sister, Kelley,
Through Kelley, we also learn of a disturbing plan:
"Thinkers are teaming up. They're setting traps and making plans that would scare the fuck out of you. Taking over. That's what they want. The ones I've talked to? They have a scheme.. And now I get why.
Only feeding matters now. Nothing else will ever matter."
As to be expected from a zombie novel, this book is packed with action, violence, and gore. But, there are also moments of introspection, and some wonderful conversation between the characters. And, as in the first book, STRONG, smart, kick-ass females. (Some of them are even "nasty" women.)
And, there are profoundly sad moments like this:
The zero turned its shrunken gray eyes toward her, then stumbled in her direction. Danny raised the weapon. Her hands shook terribly but it was an easy shot.
"Kiiiimuh," the zero moaned through its swollen face.
Danny hesitated. It was a thinker. Or almost a thinker.
"Kiii---muh," it said again, and fell to its knees. It was facing her, eyes fixed on hers. Then it lowered its head, offering its skull to her.
"Can you understand me?" Danny said.
The thing did not respond. Danny stood there a long time, squinting past her gun at the bowed head of the zero. The thing raised one blistered finger and pressed it to its own temple.
"Kiiii--muh."
I've heard it mentioned that Colson Whitehead's Zone One is a "thinking person's zombie novel." Tripp's two books should be added to that short list, and should be read by every fan of the roving dead.
Want to read
September 16, 2014This book is available, folks. Plenty zombie mayhem.
December 31, 2013
This book cannot come out soon enough.... Oh Ben Tripp the ending of Rise Again made me want this book instantly, and I was willing to rip a head off a zero to get one;)
February 19, 2014
Before 2013, zombies were my anathema since before I could remember. I couldn't stand them at all. It wasn't just a casual dislike - I actually vehemently hated these undead abominations. Like, what's the point of brain eating monsters when there are interesting monsters? Please note that at that time, my idea of an interesting monster was, sadly, Twilight vampires and that speaks for itself.
However, in early 2013, I got into zombies for the first time - mostly due to copious amounts of The Walking Dead and Jonathan Maberry books. While I'm still not incredibly into the monsters themselves, I've figured out that, for the most part, zombie books make for interesting soap operas and
Now that I've finished boring you with my story, I'll get to the review and hopefully, it'll make sense as to why I started with a stupid story.
Rise Again Below Zero is my first encounter with Ben Tripp and I'm hungry for more. I haven't read the first book of the Rise Again duology but it's really not necessary for one main reason.
Ben Tripp doesn't fall for the same mistake that many authors do in sequels. The relationships between the characters aren't taken for granted, but instead are reinforced and reintroduced in the second novel. Even the characters experience growth throughout the book. This is a fairly rare occurrence in most books and I enjoyed seeing the characters grow.
The relationships were incredibly strong and they played a large part in the book. If you remember the awkward story in the beginning (how could you forget?), I said that I liked the soap opera-ness of zombie books.
I'm less interested in the zombies and more interested in the human interactions. Rise Again Below Zero showcases this aspect of the subgenre incredibly well. Built on relationships, Rise Again Below Zero keeps the reader going because of the fantastically conceived and executed relationships.
In a strange turn of events, I actually really liked Tripp's zombies. From what I can tell, the zombie types were not present in the first book (correct me if I'm wrong) but in this one, they were used very well. While not too strong, the zombie 'classes' were very well done. It was never really overpowering and the focus was still the human characters not the undead ones.
Tripp's main strength is in his character building. Danny is a beautifully flawed character who's actions are not always commendable but understandable and relatable. She's not a delicate flower nor as hard as she'd like other's to believe. I found her incredibly likable.
While the book has a large focus on Danny and her reflections, the secondary characters are incredible in their depth. Rise Again Below Zero is full of genuinely good people, despite their flaws. Tripp was able to create the depth needed for this book and he did it perfectly. He was able to create multi-dimensional characters, instead of making black and white; good and bad archetypes. Good was not completely and utterly pure. Bad was not overly bad or entirely despicable. The 'good' characters had strong flaws but did not let them overcome their inherent goodness.
As heavily character driven book, the plot was not lacking. It could be pretty slow at times, especially during the heavily retrospective sections, but the tension and excitement was perfectly utilized. The circumstances which Danny found herself in were engaging and at times genuinely frightening. The plot twists were brilliant and kept me at the edge of my seat.
Rise Again Below Zero was a fantastic, entertaining read with characters that I felt connected with and genuinely cared for. I recommend it to anyone looking for something other than the average zombie/dystopian book.
However, in early 2013, I got into zombies for the first time - mostly due to copious amounts of The Walking Dead and Jonathan Maberry books. While I'm still not incredibly into the monsters themselves, I've figured out that, for the most part, zombie books make for interesting soap operas and
Now that I've finished boring you with my story, I'll get to the review and hopefully, it'll make sense as to why I started with a stupid story.
Rise Again Below Zero is my first encounter with Ben Tripp and I'm hungry for more. I haven't read the first book of the Rise Again duology but it's really not necessary for one main reason.
Ben Tripp doesn't fall for the same mistake that many authors do in sequels. The relationships between the characters aren't taken for granted, but instead are reinforced and reintroduced in the second novel. Even the characters experience growth throughout the book. This is a fairly rare occurrence in most books and I enjoyed seeing the characters grow.
The relationships were incredibly strong and they played a large part in the book. If you remember the awkward story in the beginning (how could you forget?), I said that I liked the soap opera-ness of zombie books.
I'm less interested in the zombies and more interested in the human interactions. Rise Again Below Zero showcases this aspect of the subgenre incredibly well. Built on relationships, Rise Again Below Zero keeps the reader going because of the fantastically conceived and executed relationships.
In a strange turn of events, I actually really liked Tripp's zombies. From what I can tell, the zombie types were not present in the first book (correct me if I'm wrong) but in this one, they were used very well. While not too strong, the zombie 'classes' were very well done. It was never really overpowering and the focus was still the human characters not the undead ones.
Tripp's main strength is in his character building. Danny is a beautifully flawed character who's actions are not always commendable but understandable and relatable. She's not a delicate flower nor as hard as she'd like other's to believe. I found her incredibly likable.
While the book has a large focus on Danny and her reflections, the secondary characters are incredible in their depth. Rise Again Below Zero is full of genuinely good people, despite their flaws. Tripp was able to create the depth needed for this book and he did it perfectly. He was able to create multi-dimensional characters, instead of making black and white; good and bad archetypes. Good was not completely and utterly pure. Bad was not overly bad or entirely despicable. The 'good' characters had strong flaws but did not let them overcome their inherent goodness.
As heavily character driven book, the plot was not lacking. It could be pretty slow at times, especially during the heavily retrospective sections, but the tension and excitement was perfectly utilized. The circumstances which Danny found herself in were engaging and at times genuinely frightening. The plot twists were brilliant and kept me at the edge of my seat.
Rise Again Below Zero was a fantastic, entertaining read with characters that I felt connected with and genuinely cared for. I recommend it to anyone looking for something other than the average zombie/dystopian book.
March 15, 2020
review to come
December 21, 2013
REVIEW SUMMARY: Wraps up an innovative zombie-apocalypse duology.
MY RATING: 3.5 stars
BRIEF SYNOPSIS: The zombie apocalypse has turned into a wild west where children are used for bait and happy outcomes are few and far between.
MY REVIEW:
PROS: moments of excellent prose and horror; one-of-a-kind zombie mythos; interesting heroine; solid ending.
CONS: weaker middle; weak empathy for secondary characters; disappointed after really enjoying first book.
BOTTOM LINE: The action from an interesting concept of Happy Town’s dark secret, along with the heroine’s emotional journey made this a good read, but the lack of supporting characters you really care about made most of the events only marginally exciting.
For those who haven’t read Rise Again, the precursor to Below Zero, know that Ben Tripp is a very talented author and quality zombie fiction is hard to find. He has two strongly empathetic characters in this series: Danny Adelman, a war vet turned alcoholic sheriff of a small town, and the little sister that loves her in spite of her addiction. Both books display an emotional ride through her alcoholism and the realization of her failure as an older sister and leader. That aspect alone puts his two book series onto my short list recommendations for zombie books. But Tripp also writes some of the best action and horror scenes while additionally serving up excellent world building. That means there’s a solid chance you’ll enjoy these books. Both books had sections in the middle that lost momentum, but both books also ended with a strong finish.
For those who have read the first book, but not Below Zero, my non-spoiler review for you is that Tripp unravels more of the mystery behind the zombie virus evolution in a way that I haven’t seen before and which creates exquisite zombie-horror scenarios. Even though I mention being disappointed above, it’s worth the time to wrap up the series. Maybe it won’t be a disappointment for you. I’m glad I finished this story and will recommend it to others.
The Happy Town idea about people creating a safe haven for children surprised me with its dark secret, but made this more of an event-driven story than a character-driven one. As a result, it left me flipping pages without much emotional interest. Danny walks a tough road (and gets a bit of a surprise at the end) but the combination of a lacking supporting cast and a character arc that felt thin and repetitive left me with a good, but not great, reading experience.
*** WARNING: Spoilers Ahead! ***
The last sentence of Rise Again propelled it to excellence, which has never happened for me before. You know what happened. Finding out what would happen to Danny and her sister after that revelation made the sequel a highly anticipated read. To then have Danny’s sister die so early in the sequel made me wonder how the author was going to maintain the same level of interest. There seemed to be untapped potential in her dying, as well as in the secret in the bag, which revealed and ended in a ho-hum reaction.
The second two-thirds was interesting, but the author essentially replaced the empathy we’d have for Danny’s relationship with her sister with empathy for Danny’s woe-is-me, you-guys-can-go-to-Hell attitude and her quest to save Silent Kid, some child that is supposed to be cute because he has a dog, is abandoned and doesn’t talk. There is empathy to see that kid survive, but not nearly as much as we had in the first book when Danny sacrificed everything to find and save her little sister.
If the first book was Danny learning about herself and the search for her sister, this second book is about how to cope when she’s lost everything. That’s a tough story to tell, but I wish Tripp would have included more sympathetic characters to engage the reader in an otherwise very dark story. Danny’s alcoholic bender with Wulf was a low point, but it happened more like an event checked off a list than an emotional experience. It was sad that the guy died, but I wasn’t very close to that character. The woman in the wheelchair started off as a potentially strong sidekick, but lost screen time and, looking back, didn’t amount to much by way of the finale. The booty call scene with Topper was sudden and because of that, didn’t make me care if they got back together, something that would have created more emotional tension to a horrific scene later on—one of the best in the book, but which could have been better.
MY RATING: 3.5 stars
BRIEF SYNOPSIS: The zombie apocalypse has turned into a wild west where children are used for bait and happy outcomes are few and far between.
MY REVIEW:
PROS: moments of excellent prose and horror; one-of-a-kind zombie mythos; interesting heroine; solid ending.
CONS: weaker middle; weak empathy for secondary characters; disappointed after really enjoying first book.
BOTTOM LINE: The action from an interesting concept of Happy Town’s dark secret, along with the heroine’s emotional journey made this a good read, but the lack of supporting characters you really care about made most of the events only marginally exciting.
For those who haven’t read Rise Again, the precursor to Below Zero, know that Ben Tripp is a very talented author and quality zombie fiction is hard to find. He has two strongly empathetic characters in this series: Danny Adelman, a war vet turned alcoholic sheriff of a small town, and the little sister that loves her in spite of her addiction. Both books display an emotional ride through her alcoholism and the realization of her failure as an older sister and leader. That aspect alone puts his two book series onto my short list recommendations for zombie books. But Tripp also writes some of the best action and horror scenes while additionally serving up excellent world building. That means there’s a solid chance you’ll enjoy these books. Both books had sections in the middle that lost momentum, but both books also ended with a strong finish.
For those who have read the first book, but not Below Zero, my non-spoiler review for you is that Tripp unravels more of the mystery behind the zombie virus evolution in a way that I haven’t seen before and which creates exquisite zombie-horror scenarios. Even though I mention being disappointed above, it’s worth the time to wrap up the series. Maybe it won’t be a disappointment for you. I’m glad I finished this story and will recommend it to others.
The Happy Town idea about people creating a safe haven for children surprised me with its dark secret, but made this more of an event-driven story than a character-driven one. As a result, it left me flipping pages without much emotional interest. Danny walks a tough road (and gets a bit of a surprise at the end) but the combination of a lacking supporting cast and a character arc that felt thin and repetitive left me with a good, but not great, reading experience.
*** WARNING: Spoilers Ahead! ***
The last sentence of Rise Again propelled it to excellence, which has never happened for me before. You know what happened. Finding out what would happen to Danny and her sister after that revelation made the sequel a highly anticipated read. To then have Danny’s sister die so early in the sequel made me wonder how the author was going to maintain the same level of interest. There seemed to be untapped potential in her dying, as well as in the secret in the bag, which revealed and ended in a ho-hum reaction.
The second two-thirds was interesting, but the author essentially replaced the empathy we’d have for Danny’s relationship with her sister with empathy for Danny’s woe-is-me, you-guys-can-go-to-Hell attitude and her quest to save Silent Kid, some child that is supposed to be cute because he has a dog, is abandoned and doesn’t talk. There is empathy to see that kid survive, but not nearly as much as we had in the first book when Danny sacrificed everything to find and save her little sister.
If the first book was Danny learning about herself and the search for her sister, this second book is about how to cope when she’s lost everything. That’s a tough story to tell, but I wish Tripp would have included more sympathetic characters to engage the reader in an otherwise very dark story. Danny’s alcoholic bender with Wulf was a low point, but it happened more like an event checked off a list than an emotional experience. It was sad that the guy died, but I wasn’t very close to that character. The woman in the wheelchair started off as a potentially strong sidekick, but lost screen time and, looking back, didn’t amount to much by way of the finale. The booty call scene with Topper was sudden and because of that, didn’t make me care if they got back together, something that would have created more emotional tension to a horrific scene later on—one of the best in the book, but which could have been better.
January 31, 2014
The zombie apocalypse has happened and Danny and her tribe are trying to survive. There's a rumor of a place where children are safe and you can be too if you bring one in. Children are being kidnapped to get accepted into this zero-less place.
Danny doesn't believe for one moment that the kids are being collected for their own safety. She sets out to find the truth while battling her own ailments.
The story starts out with Danny and her turned "thinker" sister. This new breed of zombies who can think and rationalize are all but human except they still need meat and blood to survive. Danny is running things as usual, but she wasn't as interesting as she was in the first book. Her heart didn't seem to be in it. She's still tough-as-nails, but something is missing. There has been no progression for her. If anything, she is more cantankerous than she was before, anger always at a boil.
This read was not as action-packed as the first book although there were multiple fight scenes. I never got to connect with the other characters. They were there one minute and gone the next.
The plot was pretty straight-forward with no deviations that mattered or that broke up the monotony of finding the "Happy" place.
The pacing was sluggish at times with Danny being introspective and other players telling stories of their lives.
I wasn't thrilled by Below Zero, but it did have its moments. A good read that lacked intensity, but made up for it with creativity.
Danny doesn't believe for one moment that the kids are being collected for their own safety. She sets out to find the truth while battling her own ailments.
The story starts out with Danny and her turned "thinker" sister. This new breed of zombies who can think and rationalize are all but human except they still need meat and blood to survive. Danny is running things as usual, but she wasn't as interesting as she was in the first book. Her heart didn't seem to be in it. She's still tough-as-nails, but something is missing. There has been no progression for her. If anything, she is more cantankerous than she was before, anger always at a boil.
This read was not as action-packed as the first book although there were multiple fight scenes. I never got to connect with the other characters. They were there one minute and gone the next.
The plot was pretty straight-forward with no deviations that mattered or that broke up the monotony of finding the "Happy" place.
The pacing was sluggish at times with Danny being introspective and other players telling stories of their lives.
I wasn't thrilled by Below Zero, but it did have its moments. A good read that lacked intensity, but made up for it with creativity.
May 5, 2014
What happened?!
I was so excited for this sequel after reading Rise Again but I was left pretty disappointed after finishing this book.
The characters were less multifaceted and more unrealistic and some of the reason I enjoyed the first book so much was because the characters seemed to have layers. This time around, the main character, Danny, was largely just an angry loose cannon who had vowed to protect a silent child whom she barely knew. That itself is kind of a tired storyline. You know, the tough guy (or in this case, girl) who will smash your face in to protect the innocent child, yadda, yadda, yadda.
We barely saw the characters from the last book, being Topper, Ernie, Amy and Patrick and new characters, such as Vaxxine and the Japanese doctor, didn't get the development they deserved.
I thought the story had potential, but it feels like it abruptly veered in the wrong direction around the half-way mark. I think Ben Tripp is a pretty good writer and I would give him another chance, but this book left something to be desired.
I was so excited for this sequel after reading Rise Again but I was left pretty disappointed after finishing this book.
The characters were less multifaceted and more unrealistic and some of the reason I enjoyed the first book so much was because the characters seemed to have layers. This time around, the main character, Danny, was largely just an angry loose cannon who had vowed to protect a silent child whom she barely knew. That itself is kind of a tired storyline. You know, the tough guy (or in this case, girl) who will smash your face in to protect the innocent child, yadda, yadda, yadda.
We barely saw the characters from the last book, being Topper, Ernie, Amy and Patrick and new characters, such as Vaxxine and the Japanese doctor, didn't get the development they deserved.
I thought the story had potential, but it feels like it abruptly veered in the wrong direction around the half-way mark. I think Ben Tripp is a pretty good writer and I would give him another chance, but this book left something to be desired.
June 8, 2016
Today seems to be a day of reading non stop and writing amateur reviews.
Had to take a break from fantasy and what other way than to dive into a zombie apocalypse? Zombies are fun. You meet them, you shoot them in the head. End of story. Unless... Yes there's an unless. Unless it happens to be your kid sister and she can actually talk. You my friend, are fucked.
If you've read book 1 then you do know that Danny is our hard ass sheriff. And when you're a sheriff of a city or state that has no government, killing zombies are pretty much the job description. The trouble is, the undead apart from being in plenty, are also becoming smart. Exceedingly smart.
But where do you draw the line? Whose lives do you save when your own isn't in the right place? This book follows the exploits of Sheriff Danny and her followers, nicknamed "The Tribe". Wait. That was what it was supposed to do. This boom actually follows Danny. All the other major characters in this finale take a huge backseat.
And since it's a zombie fest, somebody has to get eaten or shot dead or turned or all of the above. I try so hard not to get attached to these characters and I fail every single time.
Ben Tripp doesn't disappoint much. He has done exactly what he expected himself to do. Give us a likeable character, gives us more zombies and guns and a plot to keep the story moving or in the case, Danny moving. What I absolutely didn't like was the lack of knowledge. I started the first book not knowing how this started and ended it still not knowing how it started. And I hate not knowing stuff. And if I was Danny, I'd have wanted to know. Combating it is secondary, knowledge is what would drive me each day. Apparently, Ben didn't want our character to be curious.
If this was made into a movie, can we have Shailene Woodley please?
Had to take a break from fantasy and what other way than to dive into a zombie apocalypse? Zombies are fun. You meet them, you shoot them in the head. End of story. Unless... Yes there's an unless. Unless it happens to be your kid sister and she can actually talk. You my friend, are fucked.
If you've read book 1 then you do know that Danny is our hard ass sheriff. And when you're a sheriff of a city or state that has no government, killing zombies are pretty much the job description. The trouble is, the undead apart from being in plenty, are also becoming smart. Exceedingly smart.
But where do you draw the line? Whose lives do you save when your own isn't in the right place? This book follows the exploits of Sheriff Danny and her followers, nicknamed "The Tribe". Wait. That was what it was supposed to do. This boom actually follows Danny. All the other major characters in this finale take a huge backseat.
And since it's a zombie fest, somebody has to get eaten or shot dead or turned or all of the above. I try so hard not to get attached to these characters and I fail every single time.
Ben Tripp doesn't disappoint much. He has done exactly what he expected himself to do. Give us a likeable character, gives us more zombies and guns and a plot to keep the story moving or in the case, Danny moving. What I absolutely didn't like was the lack of knowledge. I started the first book not knowing how this started and ended it still not knowing how it started. And I hate not knowing stuff. And if I was Danny, I'd have wanted to know. Combating it is secondary, knowledge is what would drive me each day. Apparently, Ben didn't want our character to be curious.
If this was made into a movie, can we have Shailene Woodley please?
March 28, 2014
This book really hard to review..To begin let me say i really really enjoy the first one. I was looking to read below zero since Mr Ben Tripp reveal the sequel.
I Gave it 3/5 cause cant gave .5 but my real score it is a (3.5/5).
The story follow where we left off in ''RISE AGAIN'' so still a strong character driven story in a zombie apocalypse world. The character and scenes are set very well.
Where this book loose is value its only with 1 flaw that in my opinion its a big flaw. i know zombie don't exist so you can write them like yo want but in my view of zombies should still have some limits let me explain the zombie style i can read with no concern....
1-slow dumb zombie like your classic zombies (walking dead style)
2-fast human infected with a virus of hunger that can run but not more intelligence then that. (28 days later style)
In this book we see some of the 2 styles and that great... but we also seen a 3rd kind.. that's not so great. zombies that can talk..and not eat can control them self to a limit can think make strategy, etc. For me that remove a lot of how a zombie should be written.
That how that book for me when from a 4.5/5 to a 3.5/5 If you are more open minded then me and don't mind that drastic zombie change you will find this book amazing and you will not want put the book down.
still a very good read. :D
I Gave it 3/5 cause cant gave .5 but my real score it is a (3.5/5).
The story follow where we left off in ''RISE AGAIN'' so still a strong character driven story in a zombie apocalypse world. The character and scenes are set very well.
Where this book loose is value its only with 1 flaw that in my opinion its a big flaw. i know zombie don't exist so you can write them like yo want but in my view of zombies should still have some limits let me explain the zombie style i can read with no concern....
1-slow dumb zombie like your classic zombies (walking dead style)
2-fast human infected with a virus of hunger that can run but not more intelligence then that. (28 days later style)
In this book we see some of the 2 styles and that great... but we also seen a 3rd kind.. that's not so great. zombies that can talk..and not eat can control them self to a limit can think make strategy, etc. For me that remove a lot of how a zombie should be written.
That how that book for me when from a 4.5/5 to a 3.5/5 If you are more open minded then me and don't mind that drastic zombie change you will find this book amazing and you will not want put the book down.
still a very good read. :D
June 25, 2015
I really liked Rise Again, so much that I rated it 4 stars, which is very rare for a zombie novel for me.
However, the first five pages of this one dropped the rating. When reading gives you a headache, there's something wrong. I almost wallbanged it, but remembered how much I liked Rise Again, so I persevered.
Then we got into the meat of the story. Already having one strike, it earned the second with the . Just don't like it. Don't think it makes sense (if zombies themselves could make sense). Got the third strike with the trip to Happy Town. Finally ended up just skimming the rest of the book before I just gave up on it.
It gets two stars because Tripp can really put the words together. His descriptions and characterizations (for the most part) are damn good.
However, the first five pages of this one dropped the rating. When reading gives you a headache, there's something wrong. I almost wallbanged it, but remembered how much I liked Rise Again, so I persevered.
Then we got into the meat of the story. Already having one strike, it earned the second with the . Just don't like it. Don't think it makes sense (if zombies themselves could make sense). Got the third strike with the trip to Happy Town. Finally ended up just skimming the rest of the book before I just gave up on it.
It gets two stars because Tripp can really put the words together. His descriptions and characterizations (for the most part) are damn good.
January 12, 2016
Not as good as the first one, but definitely an interesting new take on the genre and it's satisfying to follow such a great protagonist for another few hundred pages.
There's definitely plenty I'd take issue with, but it's really probably just meant to be a zombie romp anyway, not exactly high literature, so I'll cut it some slack. It was fun enough - I only wish the action were more sustained if that's the intent. What we get for action is always pretty good with Sheriff Danny, but this one sure does get bogged down with just the absolute oddest cases of The Feels that never really touch home for the reader.
There's definitely plenty I'd take issue with, but it's really probably just meant to be a zombie romp anyway, not exactly high literature, so I'll cut it some slack. It was fun enough - I only wish the action were more sustained if that's the intent. What we get for action is always pretty good with Sheriff Danny, but this one sure does get bogged down with just the absolute oddest cases of The Feels that never really touch home for the reader.
May 10, 2016
not a fan of talking zombies...
February 23, 2021
Well then!
Can we get a book with Vaxxine?
Can we get a book with Vaxxine?
June 25, 2021
Let me say right now, I LOVED the first book that Ben Tripp wrote about Danny and her search to find her sister, Kelly. That was literally one of the best zombie books I have ever read in the 20 years I've been reading zombie books.
But this? Oh god, what happened? Danny went from being someone who is strong, intelligent, motivated, capable and able to handle herself, to just being... nothing like her original character. Sure she has her sister with her and she's like a smart zombie who can talk. But then after all the work that was put into the first novel of finding Kelly... she gets killed by the end of act one of this book.
Then Danny goes on and finds a town that is called Happy Town that is essentially collecting children so the "Architect," a smart, talking zombie can feed on them, because, I guess he likes how children taste. I don't know, maybe he's like Pennywise and just thinks they taste better or something. I really stopped paying attention before they got to the town.
Seriously, I gave this book 190 pages to get my attention and make me want to keep reading. But after page 190, I just started skimming. And to be honest, I don't think I missed much.
Overall, if you are reading this review because you are on the fence of whether to read the second book in this series. Take my advice, don't do it. Just pretend this book doesn't exist.
But this? Oh god, what happened? Danny went from being someone who is strong, intelligent, motivated, capable and able to handle herself, to just being... nothing like her original character. Sure she has her sister with her and she's like a smart zombie who can talk. But then after all the work that was put into the first novel of finding Kelly... she gets killed by the end of act one of this book.
Then Danny goes on and finds a town that is called Happy Town that is essentially collecting children so the "Architect," a smart, talking zombie can feed on them, because, I guess he likes how children taste. I don't know, maybe he's like Pennywise and just thinks they taste better or something. I really stopped paying attention before they got to the town.
Seriously, I gave this book 190 pages to get my attention and make me want to keep reading. But after page 190, I just started skimming. And to be honest, I don't think I missed much.
Overall, if you are reading this review because you are on the fence of whether to read the second book in this series. Take my advice, don't do it. Just pretend this book doesn't exist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2020
Certainly a step up for the zombie apocalypse genre (though not as good as the previous Rise Again), due to a mishandling of the better elements from that early effort and an unfocused selection of new elements, creating a distinct narrative of two halves. It's well written, hardly lacks for pace or tension, and the protagonist's personality is well explored and presented.
But... having the previous book end on the final line cliffhanger , this book only begins to explore that dynamic before ditching it (unceremoniously and - even worse - off-screen), resetting our protagonist to the angry, surly and antisocial mess she was at the beginning of the first book. Secondary characters are sidelined, new characters introduced and then forgotten, and the zombie cliché of the Shangri-la rears its head, and the specific politics and workability of this place stretches credulity and tests the patience. There's some excellent carnage, gross bits, and a crucified zombie Jesus, but these are jewels scattered in offal.
But... having the previous book end on the final line cliffhanger , this book only begins to explore that dynamic before ditching it (unceremoniously and - even worse - off-screen), resetting our protagonist to the angry, surly and antisocial mess she was at the beginning of the first book. Secondary characters are sidelined, new characters introduced and then forgotten, and the zombie cliché of the Shangri-la rears its head, and the specific politics and workability of this place stretches credulity and tests the patience. There's some excellent carnage, gross bits, and a crucified zombie Jesus, but these are jewels scattered in offal.
July 14, 2018
Over all I enjoyed Rise Again Below Zero by Been Tripp. I love a female lead that is not defined by just her sexuality. I found myself several times comparing Danny to Joe Ledger and thinking what fun a cross over collaboration would be.
The journey had some fresh elements that kept me from feeling too much of the "formula" of zombie books. However, one of these elements, the difference of Kelly and "other thinkers" left me unfulfilled. We're told she is different, and barely scratched the surface of what that meant or why it mattered.
What I appreciated the most is I felt that Danny's journey was worth telling. In a post apocalyptic zombie world, there are endless tales to be had, and Danny's was worth hearing.
The journey had some fresh elements that kept me from feeling too much of the "formula" of zombie books. However, one of these elements, the difference of Kelly and "other thinkers" left me unfulfilled. We're told she is different, and barely scratched the surface of what that meant or why it mattered.
What I appreciated the most is I felt that Danny's journey was worth telling. In a post apocalyptic zombie world, there are endless tales to be had, and Danny's was worth hearing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2023
Two years after the zombie apocalypse, Sheriff Danny looks into a supposed 'safe place' that involves children being kidnapped.
While I didn't love this quite as much as "Rise Again", I still very much enjoyed this story. It's loaded with action and great gross-out descriptions, but it also has characters that you really care about. You might want to shake Danny, but you also want her to succeed.
There are surprising deaths in this one and I appreciated the author's willingness to not hold anyone safe. There is a new religion, comrades who grow closer, and a kid who Danny comes to care for. All while breathlessly scrambling along with gunfights and hand-to-hand scenes with zeroes. Excellent! I wish this author would write more zombie books - I'd be there for them.
While I didn't love this quite as much as "Rise Again", I still very much enjoyed this story. It's loaded with action and great gross-out descriptions, but it also has characters that you really care about. You might want to shake Danny, but you also want her to succeed.
There are surprising deaths in this one and I appreciated the author's willingness to not hold anyone safe. There is a new religion, comrades who grow closer, and a kid who Danny comes to care for. All while breathlessly scrambling along with gunfights and hand-to-hand scenes with zeroes. Excellent! I wish this author would write more zombie books - I'd be there for them.
April 9, 2021
I can’t talk about this without spoilers so don’t read this if you haven’t read the book.
I think the way Dani left relationships sucks. (Not sure how he spells it for her since I listened to an audio book.) I feel like the extra ness to the zombies (thinkers who can talk and function) was an unnecessary twist. Rather than add anything to the story, I felt like it made it less interesting. I’m glad the series ends with two because I don’t think I would read another.
I think the way Dani left relationships sucks. (Not sure how he spells it for her since I listened to an audio book.) I feel like the extra ness to the zombies (thinkers who can talk and function) was an unnecessary twist. Rather than add anything to the story, I felt like it made it less interesting. I’m glad the series ends with two because I don’t think I would read another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2021
This was one wild ride of a zombie duology. I will reiterate the fact that both books are extremely well written, the characters are believable (and thankfully a bit less rage-inducing this time around), and the ongoing evolvement of the zombie virus is fascinating. This has definitely earned a place in one of the top slots for favourite zombie fiction, and now has a permanent spot on my shelves. Don’t get your hopes up if happy endings for the main characters are your thing though…..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2022
I have conflicting feelings about this book. I quite enjoyed the first half… but the second half left a lot to be desired, in my opinion. It reminded me of that feeling I got when watching the walking dead and everyone you liked was dying and nothing and no one was redeemable anymore. Not a completely fitting comparison… but something about it just turned me off. I was thinking this book was a solid 4 before wrapping up, but i’m settling on 3.
January 22, 2018
If I could review the first half of this story I would have said I liked it. However, it took such a bizarre and gruesome turn, I wondered if someone else wrote the second half. There were sections I could hardly read due to the disgusting and revolting passages.
March 25, 2019
The story was alright but the main character was annoying and fairly unbelievable and unrelatable. I wasn't horribly upset she died in the end.
The gore was too much for me. I actually skipped over a lot of it for fear of vomiting in my mouth. But that's me.
Think I'm done with zombie books.
The gore was too much for me. I actually skipped over a lot of it for fear of vomiting in my mouth. But that's me.
Think I'm done with zombie books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2019
Wow. This is the most disturbing zombie book I have ever read. This is The Walking Dead disturbing. Intense. Graphic. There are some really truly original things here. And they are all disturbing. If you want to have your mind blown and your stomach churned this one may be for you.
November 15, 2017
An exhausting read, and not a bright and cheery one. The character development with Danny is phenomenal and the narrative just sucks you right in.
August 25, 2019
Entertaining, but more than a bit graphic
February 29, 2020
3.5 stars
February 6, 2021
Great read! Highly recommend both of the books in this series..
September 7, 2022
I could never link with the main character. I think she was even confused.
Read
October 18, 2022Want to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews