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Ashley Parker #2
Plague Nation
Ashley Parker was a ordinary woman who was also a “wild card,” immune to the emerging zombie plague, drawn unwillingly into a shadowy paramilitary organization. Having been ambushed in San Francisco, which is now fully engulfed in the zombie plague, Ashley and the wild cards must pursue the enemy to San Diego. There they will discover adark organization which seeks to weaponize the plague. But that isn't the worst news. The plague itself has gone airborne, making it transferable without physical contact. It cannot be controlled by anyone, so reports of the zombie swarm are coming in from across the United States - and across the world.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 9, 2013
30 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Dana Fredsti
36 books284 followersDana Fredsti is ex B-movie actress with a background in theatrical sword-fighting. Through seven plus years of volunteering at EFBC/FCC (Exotic Feline Breeding Facility/Feline Conservation Center), Dana's had a full-grown leopard sit on her feet, kissed by tigers, held baby jaguars and had her thumb sucked by an ocelot with nursing issues. She's addicted to bad movies and any book or film, good or bad, which include zombies. Her other hobbies include surfing (badly), collecting beach glass (obsessively), and wine tasting (happily).
Along with her best friend Maureen, Dana was co-producer/writer/director for a mystery-oriented theatrical troupe based in San Diego. While no actual murders occurred during their performances, there were times when the actors and clients made the idea very tempting. Somewhere in the mists of time she lost a grip on what happened in real life and what she made up for her book.
She's written numerous published articles, essays and shorts, including stories in Cat Fantastic IV, an anthology series edited by Andre Norton (Daw, 1997), Danger City (Contemporary Press, 2005), and Mondo Zombie (Cemetery Dance, 2006). Her essays can be seen in Morbid Curiosity, Issues 2-7. Additionally she's written several produced low-budget screenplays and currently has another script under option. Dana was also co-writer/associate producer on Urban Rescuers, a documentary on feral cats and TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return), which won Best Documentary at the 2003 Valley Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Dana is currently working on the second book in the Murder for Hire series, The Big Snooze and writing erotic romance under the pen name Inara LaVey for Ravenous Romance.
Along with her best friend Maureen, Dana was co-producer/writer/director for a mystery-oriented theatrical troupe based in San Diego. While no actual murders occurred during their performances, there were times when the actors and clients made the idea very tempting. Somewhere in the mists of time she lost a grip on what happened in real life and what she made up for her book.
She's written numerous published articles, essays and shorts, including stories in Cat Fantastic IV, an anthology series edited by Andre Norton (Daw, 1997), Danger City (Contemporary Press, 2005), and Mondo Zombie (Cemetery Dance, 2006). Her essays can be seen in Morbid Curiosity, Issues 2-7. Additionally she's written several produced low-budget screenplays and currently has another script under option. Dana was also co-writer/associate producer on Urban Rescuers, a documentary on feral cats and TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return), which won Best Documentary at the 2003 Valley Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Dana is currently working on the second book in the Murder for Hire series, The Big Snooze and writing erotic romance under the pen name Inara LaVey for Ravenous Romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 29, 2013
Uber-engrossed in this story and finished Plague Nation in under 12 hours! WHEW!! Good good GOOD!!!! Bring on more plague!! I'm so nervous/excited for Plague World. There HAS to be a movie script in the works, too...Dana's research, story line and characters are too good to not infest our theaters.
April 16, 2013
You may also read my review here:http://www.mybookishways.com/2013/04/...
Now that things in Redwood Grove have died down to a dull roar, Ashley Parker and the other wild cards are taking care of the stragglers, hoping to stop the terrifying virus that’s been turning people into flesh eating shamblers. Ashley’s also a bit confused about the treatment she’s getting from Gabriel, who’s giving her some pretty serious attitude. She thought they had something between them, and is determined to confront him as soon as she can get some downtime from zombie killin’. Unfortunately, reports are coming in from all over the country: the virus is spreading, and after a disaster nearly destroys the wild card’s headquarters, it also compromises the research for the cure. The team must get to San Francisco if they have any hope of finding a cure, and this time, they have more than zombies to worry about. Sometimes,actually, the zombies are the least of your worries. Someone is determined to keep the team from getting to San Francisco, and they’ll do anything to stop them.
Plague Town, the first Ashley Parker novel, was a delightful surprise, and I couldn’t wait for Plague Nation. In it, we have a more sobered, matured Ashley, but she hasn’t lost her sense of humor, or her fondness for movie quotes. Along with the other wild cards, Ashley is immune to the virus, and as a happy side effect, she has heightened senses that make her a pretty fierce fighter. Put a katana in her hand, and she’s a fireball. While I love zombie novels, what makes these stand out is Fredsti delivers all the thrills that zombie aficionados look for, without ever resorting to cliché. In the wild cards, she’s built a smart, cohesive team, and although the story is told from Ashley’s view, each member of the team is given a history, and their own story. I also find her world, one in which the virus is just beginning to take hold and spread, fascinating. Ashley’s world isn’t post-apocalyptic…yet, and there’s still a chance to stop it. Interwoven with Ashley’s narrative are short vignettes that give us a glimpse into events in other parts of the country. They also give us a peek at a very human evil that doesn’t think zombie apocalypse is a bad thing at all, and that’s pretty terrifying.
Ashley Parker is sympathetic, smart, tough, and wickedly witty, and Plague Nation didn’t suffer any of the sophomore slump that you sometimes see in a 2nd book. It really does focus on the emotional reality that comes along with events such as this. As they make their way to San Francisco (part of the way on foot), Ashley is very conflicted by the fact that she can’t save everyone, and must watch as people, including families, are cut down in front of her. You’ll also want to brace yourself for a few shocks in this one that I didn’t see coming. One of them even had me exclaiming out loud. I like it when authors take risks, though, and frequently, they open doors to other, equally interesting storylines, so never fear, you won’t be steered wrong, although you will be steered right into the action, so saddle up, because Ashley’s zombie-infested, rapidly unraveling world is one you’ll want to revisit, and if you think you know where this one is going, think again. If you love horror, zombies, a wise-cracking heroine, a hint of romance, and plenty of chills and thrills, topped off with assured writing, this series is for you! Good thing Plague World is in the works, huh?
Now that things in Redwood Grove have died down to a dull roar, Ashley Parker and the other wild cards are taking care of the stragglers, hoping to stop the terrifying virus that’s been turning people into flesh eating shamblers. Ashley’s also a bit confused about the treatment she’s getting from Gabriel, who’s giving her some pretty serious attitude. She thought they had something between them, and is determined to confront him as soon as she can get some downtime from zombie killin’. Unfortunately, reports are coming in from all over the country: the virus is spreading, and after a disaster nearly destroys the wild card’s headquarters, it also compromises the research for the cure. The team must get to San Francisco if they have any hope of finding a cure, and this time, they have more than zombies to worry about. Sometimes,actually, the zombies are the least of your worries. Someone is determined to keep the team from getting to San Francisco, and they’ll do anything to stop them.
Plague Town, the first Ashley Parker novel, was a delightful surprise, and I couldn’t wait for Plague Nation. In it, we have a more sobered, matured Ashley, but she hasn’t lost her sense of humor, or her fondness for movie quotes. Along with the other wild cards, Ashley is immune to the virus, and as a happy side effect, she has heightened senses that make her a pretty fierce fighter. Put a katana in her hand, and she’s a fireball. While I love zombie novels, what makes these stand out is Fredsti delivers all the thrills that zombie aficionados look for, without ever resorting to cliché. In the wild cards, she’s built a smart, cohesive team, and although the story is told from Ashley’s view, each member of the team is given a history, and their own story. I also find her world, one in which the virus is just beginning to take hold and spread, fascinating. Ashley’s world isn’t post-apocalyptic…yet, and there’s still a chance to stop it. Interwoven with Ashley’s narrative are short vignettes that give us a glimpse into events in other parts of the country. They also give us a peek at a very human evil that doesn’t think zombie apocalypse is a bad thing at all, and that’s pretty terrifying.
Ashley Parker is sympathetic, smart, tough, and wickedly witty, and Plague Nation didn’t suffer any of the sophomore slump that you sometimes see in a 2nd book. It really does focus on the emotional reality that comes along with events such as this. As they make their way to San Francisco (part of the way on foot), Ashley is very conflicted by the fact that she can’t save everyone, and must watch as people, including families, are cut down in front of her. You’ll also want to brace yourself for a few shocks in this one that I didn’t see coming. One of them even had me exclaiming out loud. I like it when authors take risks, though, and frequently, they open doors to other, equally interesting storylines, so never fear, you won’t be steered wrong, although you will be steered right into the action, so saddle up, because Ashley’s zombie-infested, rapidly unraveling world is one you’ll want to revisit, and if you think you know where this one is going, think again. If you love horror, zombies, a wise-cracking heroine, a hint of romance, and plenty of chills and thrills, topped off with assured writing, this series is for you! Good thing Plague World is in the works, huh?
November 18, 2014
This series just gives getting better and better! This instalment is about the plague spreading across the USA.
One thing I like about this book is that the chapters are short and makes it easier to read the book. The writing style and the description makes it easier to imagine the scenes playing out in your head.
In the first book I did not like the main character but she grew on me in this book. She knew how to crack jokes at the right time and she took no shit from no one! She also cared a lot about the people around her which made her quite loveable.
I nearly cried in this book because my favourite character died in this book but never fear I have a new favourite character! JT! He is just so loveable but annoying loveable! Swoon!
One thing I like about this book is that there is a lot of characters so you get to find out a lot about different characters in this book and since they are wild cards I am always cheering them on! There is so much action in these books that you just need to turn the page to find some more.
I can't wait to read the last book but also sad it is the last book.
One thing I like about this book is that the chapters are short and makes it easier to read the book. The writing style and the description makes it easier to imagine the scenes playing out in your head.
In the first book I did not like the main character but she grew on me in this book. She knew how to crack jokes at the right time and she took no shit from no one! She also cared a lot about the people around her which made her quite loveable.
I nearly cried in this book because my favourite character died in this book but never fear I have a new favourite character! JT! He is just so loveable but annoying loveable! Swoon!
One thing I like about this book is that there is a lot of characters so you get to find out a lot about different characters in this book and since they are wild cards I am always cheering them on! There is so much action in these books that you just need to turn the page to find some more.
I can't wait to read the last book but also sad it is the last book.
March 8, 2013
What?! It's done?! But... What about...?!
The second book in the Ashley Parker series could be read as a stand-alone, but the first book is too good to miss!
As a zombie outbreak worsens and threatens the entire country, Ashley and a band of misfit “Wild Cards” must face more zombie mayhem in this gory, action-packed and entertaining thrill-ride. As the situation becomes dire, the mood becomes darker and bleaker. Even Ash’s constant, witty pop-culture references have a dark tinge. As we become more attached to the characters, their mortality is brought to the forefront, and we must watch sadly as their strength and bravado deteriorates, along with the civilized world.
Questions are answered but more are raised and a dramatic cliffhanger left me desperate for more of this clever and addicting horror series.
*I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The second book in the Ashley Parker series could be read as a stand-alone, but the first book is too good to miss!
As a zombie outbreak worsens and threatens the entire country, Ashley and a band of misfit “Wild Cards” must face more zombie mayhem in this gory, action-packed and entertaining thrill-ride. As the situation becomes dire, the mood becomes darker and bleaker. Even Ash’s constant, witty pop-culture references have a dark tinge. As we become more attached to the characters, their mortality is brought to the forefront, and we must watch sadly as their strength and bravado deteriorates, along with the civilized world.
Questions are answered but more are raised and a dramatic cliffhanger left me desperate for more of this clever and addicting horror series.
*I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 7, 2013
Now I sort of wish I hadn't given Plague Town 5 stars because I didn't leave myself anywhere to go with this one, which is even better than the first!
Plague Town was an enjoyable page-turner, entirely fun and fast-paced. Plague Nation adds emotional depth to those attributes, which elevates it above almost every other zombie book I've ever read. Ashley is a normal person thrown into a highly abnormal circumstance -- and while her immunity to the zombie virus might have enhanced her ass-kicking skills, she is still a young woman who desperately wants to help everyone who crosses her path. There are moments in this book where she is forced to realized she *can't* save everyone. I've never cried over a zombie book before, which says loads about the normal lack of compassion or genuine emotion in the vast majority.
If you like realistic strong heroines, fast-paced adventure, public health conspiracies, and/or the San Francisco Bay Area, you have to check this book out.
Plague Town was an enjoyable page-turner, entirely fun and fast-paced. Plague Nation adds emotional depth to those attributes, which elevates it above almost every other zombie book I've ever read. Ashley is a normal person thrown into a highly abnormal circumstance -- and while her immunity to the zombie virus might have enhanced her ass-kicking skills, she is still a young woman who desperately wants to help everyone who crosses her path. There are moments in this book where she is forced to realized she *can't* save everyone. I've never cried over a zombie book before, which says loads about the normal lack of compassion or genuine emotion in the vast majority.
If you like realistic strong heroines, fast-paced adventure, public health conspiracies, and/or the San Francisco Bay Area, you have to check this book out.
April 9, 2013
I am really looking forward to this book :-)
Just got an email saying it's out today in paperback, five minutes later had it reserved at Barnes and Noble to pick up later today :-)
Just got an email saying it's out today in paperback, five minutes later had it reserved at Barnes and Noble to pick up later today :-)
April 1, 2013
Plague Town trod a thin line between humour and horror, chock full of pop culture references and glorious mayhem. Fredsti’s heroine Ashley Parker finds herself in an unexpected war with the undead — and sometimes her fellow teammates, the “wild cards” who are just as randomly selected by surviving the virus. It would seem hard to top the huge zombie swarm that they fight off at the end of the first book, but Plague Nation manages to be even more tautly intense than the first book, while continuing its development of normal people in extraordinary situations.
Ashley’s humanity and stubbornness to let go of any of what makes her human forces her to make difficult choices and leaves her — and sometimes her friends — in dangerous situations. Not everyone makes it through book two (sob!) and the team reels from the blows. We get a little more back story on Simone and Nathan that sheds light on current events, find Gabriel’s predicament is even more precarious, while new characters get introduced deftly and with such vividness that the quick pace never slows. Not only has the plague spread (fun and sort of eerie to see it near my hometown! Oh, Boarshead Theatre at the Ledges, you are missed) but it hasn’t been entirely through ‘natural’ means — if you can use that term in a zompocalypse. Conspiracy theorists will be unsurprised, but reasonable humans will find it all too plausible, too.
Great fun at breakneck speed with plenty of wincing grue: and seriously, we need geeks building a wiki of all the pop culture references or a prize for the person who can get the most subtle of them. I’ve seen reviews that sniff at the use of zombie, horror and SF riffs, but seriously — this is how we geeks talk.
Hail to the Queen, baby.
Ashley’s humanity and stubbornness to let go of any of what makes her human forces her to make difficult choices and leaves her — and sometimes her friends — in dangerous situations. Not everyone makes it through book two (sob!) and the team reels from the blows. We get a little more back story on Simone and Nathan that sheds light on current events, find Gabriel’s predicament is even more precarious, while new characters get introduced deftly and with such vividness that the quick pace never slows. Not only has the plague spread (fun and sort of eerie to see it near my hometown! Oh, Boarshead Theatre at the Ledges, you are missed) but it hasn’t been entirely through ‘natural’ means — if you can use that term in a zompocalypse. Conspiracy theorists will be unsurprised, but reasonable humans will find it all too plausible, too.
Great fun at breakneck speed with plenty of wincing grue: and seriously, we need geeks building a wiki of all the pop culture references or a prize for the person who can get the most subtle of them. I’ve seen reviews that sniff at the use of zombie, horror and SF riffs, but seriously — this is how we geeks talk.
Hail to the Queen, baby.
May 11, 2013
Ohhh Ashley! She is not only a sword carrying badass zombie hunter, she is intelligent and funny. Kudos for a great female character!
Zombies are turning up all over and more and more are getting the virus. Ashley is immune so of course that means she has to fight. There is also angst in the form of her (former) love, Gabriel, who has some serious problems of his own and I could sympathize with how hard it all was to deal with. Even if sometimes it did seem like it was taking it out on Ashley. To which she carefully asks what put the “very large stick that is currently up your ass”. She’s nobody’s “slave girl”, that’s for sure. I do love, however, that she was bitten by a zombie and stayed human, she regularly kills zombies (and usually dreadfully), she can handle herself with Gabriel, soldiers, everyone and yet what makes her sick? The Tea Cup ride at Disney. Awesome.
Let’s mention there are some gross descriptions of zombie killing so if you are weak stomached, be ready. The best thing for me with this, however, is that despite the dark theme the author manages to put enough humor in to make it less of a downward plunge.
This is the second in the series, so there are some questions that remain unanswered and it does end sort of open but it was enough to make me think, where is the next one?? Without making me feel I was leaving everything up in the air. I myself am curious how the world can possibly be saved by book three.
Zombies are turning up all over and more and more are getting the virus. Ashley is immune so of course that means she has to fight. There is also angst in the form of her (former) love, Gabriel, who has some serious problems of his own and I could sympathize with how hard it all was to deal with. Even if sometimes it did seem like it was taking it out on Ashley. To which she carefully asks what put the “very large stick that is currently up your ass”. She’s nobody’s “slave girl”, that’s for sure. I do love, however, that she was bitten by a zombie and stayed human, she regularly kills zombies (and usually dreadfully), she can handle herself with Gabriel, soldiers, everyone and yet what makes her sick? The Tea Cup ride at Disney. Awesome.
Let’s mention there are some gross descriptions of zombie killing so if you are weak stomached, be ready. The best thing for me with this, however, is that despite the dark theme the author manages to put enough humor in to make it less of a downward plunge.
This is the second in the series, so there are some questions that remain unanswered and it does end sort of open but it was enough to make me think, where is the next one?? Without making me feel I was leaving everything up in the air. I myself am curious how the world can possibly be saved by book three.
January 6, 2020
Not a review, just thinking out loud here...
It's scary to think how the spread of the virus could have been prevented if the people who knew about it educated people. Now they're shit out of luck 'cause some dickhead cheating on his wife who's sick with the virus flew from Boston to London for a conference. How are Ashley and team gonna conquer this now?
It's scary to think how the spread of the virus could have been prevented if the people who knew about it educated people. Now they're shit out of luck 'cause some dickhead cheating on his wife who's sick with the virus flew from Boston to London for a conference. How are Ashley and team gonna conquer this now?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2013
2.5 stars
Ashley became a ‘Wild Card’ when she was bitten by a zombie. Wild Cards react differently to the virus. Instead of becoming the next walking dead, they become stronger. Ashley is a part of a team that is looking for a cure, and killing a lot of zombies in the process. The sickness spreads into larger and uncontrollable numbers, and it’s up to Ashley and her companions to get the doctor—who happens to be partly responsible for the crap hitting the fan—to the secret lab.
Plague Nation is the second book in Fredsti’s Ashley Parker series. The story is told through Ashley’s first person perspective with cuts to other characters around the USA turning into zombies. While these cuts were interesting in the previous novel Plague Town, they grow too repetitive in Nation. There is also another character in these cuts that becomes important later on in the story.
The novel starts out with the Wild Card group clearing out what’s left of the town from Plague Town. Things between Ashley and her love interest Gabriel have cooled down. In fact he doesn’t seem into her as much anymore. His dark secret from the last novel is making things even more difficult for him in this one. The characters start to fool around while dispatching zombies. This leads to someone getting hurt. It takes up a nice chunk of the first part of the book. While it serves as character development, and a wakeup call to some of the characters, it does little else as a whole.
The story doesn’t amp up until someone or a group of people sabotage the team. Someone sets their lab (the lab that is working on a cure) on fire. They are forced to move into another lab in the center of a large zombie outbreak. Getting to the lab becomes the goal, but they have to fight through a ton of zombies to do it. It introduces a couple new characters to the group in the midst of chaos.
Plague Nation wasn’t as engaging for me as Plague Town. Ashley and other team members constantly crack pop culture jokes, but these tended to take me out of the story. There is a lot of hacking and slashing going on, and very little character bonding between Ashley and the reader. There are those moments of internal monologue, but I felt as if they were hitting the basic points and moving on. While it’s good Ashley isn’t dense or a downer, she has a bad habit of seeing something terrible, saying it’s awful, and then cracking a joke. These things make it so when Ashley does partly break down emotionally, I am already at a distance.
There is some character development between two other characters, but because this is going on outside of Ashley’s POV it lacks tension. She constantly comments on the other characters. This isn’t really fair to them as a whole. She doesn’t know what is going on inside of her companion’s heads, she isn’t telepathic, but she seems to think so on occasion, which is a pet peeve of mine.
Despite heavy moments of blood and gore, the story lacked tension. I felt like it was hitting the zombie stereotypes and moving on, which slowed the book to a crawl. I still feel at a distance with the characters, despite the great gore of some scenes. This wasn’t the strongest book in the series, and I hope they develop more as time goes on.
- Beth
Ashley became a ‘Wild Card’ when she was bitten by a zombie. Wild Cards react differently to the virus. Instead of becoming the next walking dead, they become stronger. Ashley is a part of a team that is looking for a cure, and killing a lot of zombies in the process. The sickness spreads into larger and uncontrollable numbers, and it’s up to Ashley and her companions to get the doctor—who happens to be partly responsible for the crap hitting the fan—to the secret lab.
Plague Nation is the second book in Fredsti’s Ashley Parker series. The story is told through Ashley’s first person perspective with cuts to other characters around the USA turning into zombies. While these cuts were interesting in the previous novel Plague Town, they grow too repetitive in Nation. There is also another character in these cuts that becomes important later on in the story.
The novel starts out with the Wild Card group clearing out what’s left of the town from Plague Town. Things between Ashley and her love interest Gabriel have cooled down. In fact he doesn’t seem into her as much anymore. His dark secret from the last novel is making things even more difficult for him in this one. The characters start to fool around while dispatching zombies. This leads to someone getting hurt. It takes up a nice chunk of the first part of the book. While it serves as character development, and a wakeup call to some of the characters, it does little else as a whole.
The story doesn’t amp up until someone or a group of people sabotage the team. Someone sets their lab (the lab that is working on a cure) on fire. They are forced to move into another lab in the center of a large zombie outbreak. Getting to the lab becomes the goal, but they have to fight through a ton of zombies to do it. It introduces a couple new characters to the group in the midst of chaos.
Plague Nation wasn’t as engaging for me as Plague Town. Ashley and other team members constantly crack pop culture jokes, but these tended to take me out of the story. There is a lot of hacking and slashing going on, and very little character bonding between Ashley and the reader. There are those moments of internal monologue, but I felt as if they were hitting the basic points and moving on. While it’s good Ashley isn’t dense or a downer, she has a bad habit of seeing something terrible, saying it’s awful, and then cracking a joke. These things make it so when Ashley does partly break down emotionally, I am already at a distance.
There is some character development between two other characters, but because this is going on outside of Ashley’s POV it lacks tension. She constantly comments on the other characters. This isn’t really fair to them as a whole. She doesn’t know what is going on inside of her companion’s heads, she isn’t telepathic, but she seems to think so on occasion, which is a pet peeve of mine.
Despite heavy moments of blood and gore, the story lacked tension. I felt like it was hitting the zombie stereotypes and moving on, which slowed the book to a crawl. I still feel at a distance with the characters, despite the great gore of some scenes. This wasn’t the strongest book in the series, and I hope they develop more as time goes on.
- Beth
April 12, 2013
The zombie plague, brought about by a mutated flu vaccine, is spreading. The DZN, an old, worldwide organization that has been tracking zombie outbreaks for millenia is on the case but they've never seen an outbreak of this magnitude. Working with them are Ashley Parker and her fellow Wildcards, people that are immune to the zombie virus. But there is another faction out there that is working it's own agenda and finding a cure doesn't seem to be on it.
Plague Nation is another sometimes humorous, sometimes gory and disturbing outing into life after a zombie apocalypse. As with the first book, the main story - as told through Ashley's POV - is intercut with third person accounts of how and where the zombie virus is spreading, which helps to add a sense of dark inevitability. Needless to say, not everyone makes it to the end alive.
As with the first book, Plague Town, there is a small romantic element but it's not a mainstay of the book. Then again, you don't read a book about the zombie apocalypse for the romance, now do you? I don't, at least. I did think that the amount of pop cultural references this time around were a bit much. That aspect could've been toned down but it's a small nitpick. I believe this a planned trilogy so with one more book to go, I'm interested in seeing if there might be salvation at the end of the line for anyone.
Plague Nation is another sometimes humorous, sometimes gory and disturbing outing into life after a zombie apocalypse. As with the first book, the main story - as told through Ashley's POV - is intercut with third person accounts of how and where the zombie virus is spreading, which helps to add a sense of dark inevitability. Needless to say, not everyone makes it to the end alive.
As with the first book, Plague Town, there is a small romantic element but it's not a mainstay of the book. Then again, you don't read a book about the zombie apocalypse for the romance, now do you? I don't, at least. I did think that the amount of pop cultural references this time around were a bit much. That aspect could've been toned down but it's a small nitpick. I believe this a planned trilogy so with one more book to go, I'm interested in seeing if there might be salvation at the end of the line for anyone.
June 25, 2013
A virus. A mutation. A conspiracy.
I received Plague Nation, the sequel to Plague Town, from the publisher Monday afternoon. Bleary eyed and jittery, I finished it at midnight. And that night, I had zombie-fueled nightmares. Which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about Plague Nation: non-stop action, engaging characters, and zombies, zombies, zombies.
Ashley and her crew are doing zombie cleanup in the small northern California town of Redwood Grove, seeking out stray zombies before they can infect others. But outbreaks are popping up around the country, and it becomes apparent that there is a sinister hand at work, one which may have reached inside the zombie-hunting organization Ashley is a part of. Complicating matters, Ashley’s teammate and on-again/off-again lover, is acting bizarrely.
The action eventually shifts to San Francisco and the scenes in Golden Gate Park are… amazing. The author lives in San Francisco, so she’s nailed the feel of the place.
If you like action and thrillers, you’ll like Plague Nation, though I would recommend reading Plague Town first because a) it’s also a great read, and b) sometimes it’s nice to read things in order.
Note: the reviewer received this book as a gift from the publisher.
I received Plague Nation, the sequel to Plague Town, from the publisher Monday afternoon. Bleary eyed and jittery, I finished it at midnight. And that night, I had zombie-fueled nightmares. Which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about Plague Nation: non-stop action, engaging characters, and zombies, zombies, zombies.
Ashley and her crew are doing zombie cleanup in the small northern California town of Redwood Grove, seeking out stray zombies before they can infect others. But outbreaks are popping up around the country, and it becomes apparent that there is a sinister hand at work, one which may have reached inside the zombie-hunting organization Ashley is a part of. Complicating matters, Ashley’s teammate and on-again/off-again lover, is acting bizarrely.
The action eventually shifts to San Francisco and the scenes in Golden Gate Park are… amazing. The author lives in San Francisco, so she’s nailed the feel of the place.
If you like action and thrillers, you’ll like Plague Nation, though I would recommend reading Plague Town first because a) it’s also a great read, and b) sometimes it’s nice to read things in order.
Note: the reviewer received this book as a gift from the publisher.
May 16, 2013
The Good: Love. Love. Love. So much love for both Ashley Parker and Dana Fredsti. I love the way Ashley talks and thinks. Just love being in her head. I love how she interacts with the other characters and that the romantic aspects of the book are realistic to the situation instead of mushy. There were laughs and there was heartache, and everything was littered with zombie mayhem. This series is definitely a favorite of mine.
The Bad: Nothing. It was absolutely perfect. I wanted to lose myself in this novel forever.
The Bad: Nothing. It was absolutely perfect. I wanted to lose myself in this novel forever.
January 17, 2014
4.5
Wow this was action packed! A nice follow up to the first book and it's set up nicely for the 3rd. Can't wait to see what happens to the gang! Ashley was super kick a$$ in this one and we met a new guy that I'm quite intrigued with. The whole conspiracy thing going is super interesting and I hope the third book is out soon!
Wow this was action packed! A nice follow up to the first book and it's set up nicely for the 3rd. Can't wait to see what happens to the gang! Ashley was super kick a$$ in this one and we met a new guy that I'm quite intrigued with. The whole conspiracy thing going is super interesting and I hope the third book is out soon!
May 9, 2013
I'm not really a fan of Zombies and I have no idea what drew me to read Plague Town, but I did and I HAD to follow up the series with Plague Nation. It turned out to be a really fun book to read with super admirable characters.
April 14, 2013
When the zombies strike, I'll be ready.
May 9, 2018
Review time:
“Plague Nation” is book two of the Ashley Parker Novels by Dana Fredsti.
A sneaky sub-set of the American government has spread the Walkers Flu vaccine nationwide, after seeing the results of their isolated “test towns.” The retrovirus that causes corpses to reanimate has mutated and become airborne. The zombie outbreak is now, officially, global. Ashley has already lost one of her fellow wild cards, but that doesn’t stop the military, or the civilians and survivors, from moving from their semi-safe haven of Redwood Grove when a fire destroys their lab. It’s a long, dangerous hike to San Francisco, and the wild cards lose two more of their select group. Ashely’s foundation is shattered and now, her rock, her sorta-boyfriend, lover, and past TA, is stolen away along with their only hope for a cure.
This book certainly kept the action moving. It was also realistic in describing what happens to people who are forced to kill for so long, just to survive. Less in depth descriptions of the blood and gore, more of Ashley’s internal monologue and feelings as she cuts down zombies. It also goes into the different grieving processes as the group loses two key members. I cried, and laughed (because Ashley is a sarcastic smart ass) and kept reading.
Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Plague Nation” is book two of the Ashley Parker Novels by Dana Fredsti.
A sneaky sub-set of the American government has spread the Walkers Flu vaccine nationwide, after seeing the results of their isolated “test towns.” The retrovirus that causes corpses to reanimate has mutated and become airborne. The zombie outbreak is now, officially, global. Ashley has already lost one of her fellow wild cards, but that doesn’t stop the military, or the civilians and survivors, from moving from their semi-safe haven of Redwood Grove when a fire destroys their lab. It’s a long, dangerous hike to San Francisco, and the wild cards lose two more of their select group. Ashely’s foundation is shattered and now, her rock, her sorta-boyfriend, lover, and past TA, is stolen away along with their only hope for a cure.
This book certainly kept the action moving. It was also realistic in describing what happens to people who are forced to kill for so long, just to survive. Less in depth descriptions of the blood and gore, more of Ashley’s internal monologue and feelings as she cuts down zombies. It also goes into the different grieving processes as the group loses two key members. I cried, and laughed (because Ashley is a sarcastic smart ass) and kept reading.
Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2013
From http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
At A Glance
Plague Nation is another great zombie book from Dana Fredsti, though I do feel like it left a little to be desired.
The Good
It's no secret that I loved Plague Town. I love zombie books with a sense of humor, and that's what Dana Fredsti delivers. Her characters are entertaining as hell and her zombies are grosser than maggots roasting on a hot, sunny day. (EWWW, I just grossed myself out.) Now I'm sad that I have to wait for book three to come out.
Ashley Parker. She is the kind of best friend everyone wants. Her sense of humor is right up my alley. I love her pop culture references and her ability to make me laugh at the most inappropriate of times. Ashley can have zombie viscera dripping down her face while she sticks her katana into a teen zombie's gut and with just one sentence I'm rolling on the floor with laughter. Ashley also has the biggest heart. She takes care of a lot of people, not matter how stressed or scared she is. And her braveness is endless. She is always risking her life for others. Ashley is a very well-rounded character that anybody can love.
Despite Ashley's snarky personality, Plague Nation becomes very somber and serious in some places. As the zombie outbreak worsens, Ashley and her band of Wild Cards (peeps who are immune to the zombie virus) are finding it harder to control the upcoming pandemic. And now an unseen enemy is trying to stop the creation of a cure. With humans and zombies coming down on the gang, not everyone makes it out alive. I was so sad about who we lose in this book. And the ending What!!?? But...but...you can't do this to us, Dana. Cliffhanger extravaganza!
I also really loved the side stories and glimpses of happenings in the world as the zombie apocalypse spreads. I wasn't as into them in Plague Town but this time around, they were awesome. We get a lot of information through these different perspectives. Oh, the sweet foreboding. Loves It!
OMG. JT. He. Is. Amazing. I won't say much about him because I don't want to spoil anything, but his addition to this story is perfect. I loved every second he was on the page.
As always, Dana writes a gruesome and scary story with detailed descriptions and intense suspense. She really sets the mood and gives each of her characters life with her words. I cried, I laughed, I screamed. And loved every minute of it.
The Bad
This is another book in which it's hard to pinpoint what I didn't like about it. I think it lacked a little direction. There was really no main goal until two-thirds into the book. All the zombie fighting was fun, but their was no point to this story until about half way through when we realize someone is out to stop Ashley and the gang from doing their jobs.
The Snuggly
The romance was lacking in Plague Nation (which isn't really a bad thing since it's focus is zombies). Gabriel was a jerk most of the time (which was reasonably explained later) and Ashley just gives him space. But there are a few cuddly moments and a non-descriptive sex scene.
Final Thoughts
With a little more solid structure, this book could have been 5 stars. But even with that annoyance, I loved reading Plague Nation. Ashley is the same hilarious and brave heroine I loved from Plague Town. I can't wait for book three. Highly recommended.
Quotes
There was a crash, and three zombies stumbled out from behind the shelves stacked high with cases of hard liquor, beer, and wine--two of them in store uniforms, and a young woman in bloodstained jeans and a T-shirt proclaiming "I'm a Princess," the words outlined in rhinestones.
No, you're a zombie, I thought, giving her a permanent frontal lobotomy. Does it make me a bad person to admit I kind of enjoyed it? I mean, unless you're Honey Boo-Boo, who the hell would wear something like that?
At A Glance
Plague Nation is another great zombie book from Dana Fredsti, though I do feel like it left a little to be desired.
The Good
It's no secret that I loved Plague Town. I love zombie books with a sense of humor, and that's what Dana Fredsti delivers. Her characters are entertaining as hell and her zombies are grosser than maggots roasting on a hot, sunny day. (EWWW, I just grossed myself out.) Now I'm sad that I have to wait for book three to come out.
Ashley Parker. She is the kind of best friend everyone wants. Her sense of humor is right up my alley. I love her pop culture references and her ability to make me laugh at the most inappropriate of times. Ashley can have zombie viscera dripping down her face while she sticks her katana into a teen zombie's gut and with just one sentence I'm rolling on the floor with laughter. Ashley also has the biggest heart. She takes care of a lot of people, not matter how stressed or scared she is. And her braveness is endless. She is always risking her life for others. Ashley is a very well-rounded character that anybody can love.
Despite Ashley's snarky personality, Plague Nation becomes very somber and serious in some places. As the zombie outbreak worsens, Ashley and her band of Wild Cards (peeps who are immune to the zombie virus) are finding it harder to control the upcoming pandemic. And now an unseen enemy is trying to stop the creation of a cure. With humans and zombies coming down on the gang, not everyone makes it out alive. I was so sad about who we lose in this book. And the ending What!!?? But...but...you can't do this to us, Dana. Cliffhanger extravaganza!
I also really loved the side stories and glimpses of happenings in the world as the zombie apocalypse spreads. I wasn't as into them in Plague Town but this time around, they were awesome. We get a lot of information through these different perspectives. Oh, the sweet foreboding. Loves It!
OMG. JT. He. Is. Amazing. I won't say much about him because I don't want to spoil anything, but his addition to this story is perfect. I loved every second he was on the page.
As always, Dana writes a gruesome and scary story with detailed descriptions and intense suspense. She really sets the mood and gives each of her characters life with her words. I cried, I laughed, I screamed. And loved every minute of it.
The Bad
This is another book in which it's hard to pinpoint what I didn't like about it. I think it lacked a little direction. There was really no main goal until two-thirds into the book. All the zombie fighting was fun, but their was no point to this story until about half way through when we realize someone is out to stop Ashley and the gang from doing their jobs.
The Snuggly
The romance was lacking in Plague Nation (which isn't really a bad thing since it's focus is zombies). Gabriel was a jerk most of the time (which was reasonably explained later) and Ashley just gives him space. But there are a few cuddly moments and a non-descriptive sex scene.
Final Thoughts
With a little more solid structure, this book could have been 5 stars. But even with that annoyance, I loved reading Plague Nation. Ashley is the same hilarious and brave heroine I loved from Plague Town. I can't wait for book three. Highly recommended.
Quotes
There was a crash, and three zombies stumbled out from behind the shelves stacked high with cases of hard liquor, beer, and wine--two of them in store uniforms, and a young woman in bloodstained jeans and a T-shirt proclaiming "I'm a Princess," the words outlined in rhinestones.
No, you're a zombie, I thought, giving her a permanent frontal lobotomy. Does it make me a bad person to admit I kind of enjoyed it? I mean, unless you're Honey Boo-Boo, who the hell would wear something like that?
Read
May 11, 2014I am nearing the end of this book and I am SO disappointed! The story and the characters are as great as ever, but my respect and admiration for the author are basically gone or at least greatly diminished. The story gets to the point where the plague spreads to Salt Lake City Utah, most people know that Utah is a place where many people belong to the "Mormon" church. I myself am a member of the church, so things that are said in this book are personally hurtful and offensive and very narrow minded. The author describes Mormon families as being A man in a frumpy suit, a woman with huge hair and a shapeless dress, and too many kids who look too much alike. She also goes on to insult the practice of wearing garments. Active adult church members can choose to wear garments, special sacred underwear underneath their clothes. The author calls the garments "magic underwear". I just couldn't believe that! Would you insult a catholic person wearing a cross and tell them it is stupid to believe in a 'magic necklace? or would you scoff at a Jewish man wearing a yamaka and call it a "magic hat? NO of coarse not, no decent person would because all of these are sacred and special to the people who believe in them! And even if you don't believe in any of those things I hope you believe in the right for other people to believe without being made to feel stupid or naive. Let me be clear Mormons do not believe that garments are "magic underwear", we believe they are a sacred reminder of the covenants we have made with the Lord and a protection from temptation. If you can't write a book without being insulting and unfeeling maybe you shouldn't write anything at all! I am not only upset because it is my religion that is being insulted, I hope, and I think I am the kind of person that would be offended if someone was being publicly ignorant and unkind about something someone else believed, even if I didn't personally believe it! It is not ok to be unkind about others beliefs, even if you think what they believe is crazy. Also the things said about the Mormon religion were in no way important to the story line, plot or characters. Saying things like "even their "magic underwear" couldn't save them" is hurtful and unnecessary. As I mentioned I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (more commonly known as Mormons)and thankfully I am nothing like we are described in the books. I only have one sister, I have family members with tattoos and who ride motorcycles and have purple hair. Also not everyone in Utah is Mormon, there are many religions and cultures! there are punks and goths and bikers and conservatives and liberals and clowns and circus people and homeless people and drug dealers and preachers and every other kind of person and or group you would find anywhere else. I love the diversity and the kindness of the people who live in this great state. I do not want to come across as unkind to the author! I hope she didn't mean to be hurtful and hopefully someone will bring this to her attention so that maybe it won't happen again. You can write without being cruel and mocking things that are very important to people.
April 25, 2013
http://openbooksociety.com/article/pl...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
This installment of the Ashley Parker series is a tear-jerk-er. Get ready! I jumped right back into the story easily as if I’d come back to visit a friend. The virus is spreading like wild-fire. The team needs to travel which opens up all new threats. They divide and go in two groups. Divide and conquer so to speak – I was worried for them because they were separated.
Plague Nation is heavy. Some team members are lost along the way. It’s a huge blow because at this point I care about the characters. It feels like a personal loss. The remaining team members feels quite a bit of guilt. The threat of death makes them appreciate one another all the more.
Gabriele’s struggle is difficult to witness. Ashely is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him from getting sick. A couple of times I thought all was lost on that front.
We get to see a small glimpse of the forces behind the spreading of the virus. The motives are pretty darn shocking. I did not realize their goal until near the end.
Fredsti does it again! She adds such colorful characters. They may only be around for a short while, but they’re all interesting.
G. Funk is my favorite character they met along the way. I would like to live in the house he left behind.
My other favorite is J.T. I am dying to know his back-story.
I enjoy Ashley’s humor; she is a pistol. I think this series does well because although they’re having to kill those who are ill, they find a way to inject humor. Otherwise the story would be too dark. As usual, Fredsti takes shots at Twilight. This time around she also cracks a Snookie joke. LMAO! I loved how the whole team picks on Dr. Albert; he deserves it!!!
The book is peppered with personal horror stories of how people become zombies. It is disgustingly gross but helps further the plot in that I see it from a different angle.
Ashley makes fighting with weapons sexy. She is my favorite zombie ass-kicker! She impressed me when she kicked a soldier’s ass because he was disrespectful to her. Go Ashley!!!!!
I hope the next installment comes out soon because it ended on a cliff-hanger. Ugh, I have no patience.
The book has it all – action, suspense, mystery, romance. I recommend Plague Nation; it has something for everyone. Guys will like the action and weapons. Women will love the strong lead character and the romance. Plague Nation appeals across the board.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
This installment of the Ashley Parker series is a tear-jerk-er. Get ready! I jumped right back into the story easily as if I’d come back to visit a friend. The virus is spreading like wild-fire. The team needs to travel which opens up all new threats. They divide and go in two groups. Divide and conquer so to speak – I was worried for them because they were separated.
Plague Nation is heavy. Some team members are lost along the way. It’s a huge blow because at this point I care about the characters. It feels like a personal loss. The remaining team members feels quite a bit of guilt. The threat of death makes them appreciate one another all the more.
Gabriele’s struggle is difficult to witness. Ashely is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him from getting sick. A couple of times I thought all was lost on that front.
We get to see a small glimpse of the forces behind the spreading of the virus. The motives are pretty darn shocking. I did not realize their goal until near the end.
Fredsti does it again! She adds such colorful characters. They may only be around for a short while, but they’re all interesting.
G. Funk is my favorite character they met along the way. I would like to live in the house he left behind.
My other favorite is J.T. I am dying to know his back-story.
I enjoy Ashley’s humor; she is a pistol. I think this series does well because although they’re having to kill those who are ill, they find a way to inject humor. Otherwise the story would be too dark. As usual, Fredsti takes shots at Twilight. This time around she also cracks a Snookie joke. LMAO! I loved how the whole team picks on Dr. Albert; he deserves it!!!
The book is peppered with personal horror stories of how people become zombies. It is disgustingly gross but helps further the plot in that I see it from a different angle.
Ashley makes fighting with weapons sexy. She is my favorite zombie ass-kicker! She impressed me when she kicked a soldier’s ass because he was disrespectful to her. Go Ashley!!!!!
I hope the next installment comes out soon because it ended on a cliff-hanger. Ugh, I have no patience.
The book has it all – action, suspense, mystery, romance. I recommend Plague Nation; it has something for everyone. Guys will like the action and weapons. Women will love the strong lead character and the romance. Plague Nation appeals across the board.
July 27, 2015
3.5 Stars
Plague Nation is the second book in the Ashley Parker zombie series and I enjoyed it a lot. It isn't as good as book one, Plague Town, but it is still a really fun read.
Ashley is a great heroine. I love her snark and attitude, but she's also genuine and caring. This continues to show through her actions towards her friends. Gabriel on the other hand is a strange one. In the first book I thought he was soooo sexy, but here he is a little generic. I got tired of his hard-arse attitude and wanted him to grow the hell up.
I'm also disappointed that there isn't much of a fall out from the revelation regarding Gabriel's secret. It is sort of washed over and Ashley has apparently forgiven him for lying and accepts everything, and yet Gabriel is the one with the stony-face? I really didn't like the way he treated Ashley. I know he has a lot going on with his particular condition, but he acts like a douchebag at times.
They do get back together in this instalment but it felt all wrong. Their relationship is barely touched upon and when they are together I was hoping for fireworks, but they just act as though they have been with each other for years rather than just having their first amazing sexual encounter a few days previously.
I wanted more heat, more angst... just more.
Having said that, I do love these two characters and I suppose that's why I am slightly disappointed that their relationship isn't really dealt with, considering what they went through in the previous book. I like the fact they give each other such a hard time though as it makes for a fun relationship.
To make up for the lack of relationship growth between Ashley and Gabriel, there is a lot of action and a lot of zombies, and I mean a lot. So much happens, and even one of the team dies *sniffles* But I'm not telling you who. The fall out from this is handled really well. The emotions that emulate from each of the team comes off as so real it nearly made me cry.
The ending is good, and as predicted, has me gagging for book three.
Verdict
A really good addition to the series, just not as good as book one. However, there's plenty of zombie action even if there isn't any bedroom action, if you know what I mean *wink, wink*. This is definitely a series that should be on your bookshelf if you're an urban fantasy / zombie fan. Roll on 2014 and Plague World.
Plague Nation is the second book in the Ashley Parker zombie series and I enjoyed it a lot. It isn't as good as book one, Plague Town, but it is still a really fun read.
Ashley is a great heroine. I love her snark and attitude, but she's also genuine and caring. This continues to show through her actions towards her friends. Gabriel on the other hand is a strange one. In the first book I thought he was soooo sexy, but here he is a little generic. I got tired of his hard-arse attitude and wanted him to grow the hell up.
I'm also disappointed that there isn't much of a fall out from the revelation regarding Gabriel's secret. It is sort of washed over and Ashley has apparently forgiven him for lying and accepts everything, and yet Gabriel is the one with the stony-face? I really didn't like the way he treated Ashley. I know he has a lot going on with his particular condition, but he acts like a douchebag at times.
They do get back together in this instalment but it felt all wrong. Their relationship is barely touched upon and when they are together I was hoping for fireworks, but they just act as though they have been with each other for years rather than just having their first amazing sexual encounter a few days previously.
I wanted more heat, more angst... just more.
Having said that, I do love these two characters and I suppose that's why I am slightly disappointed that their relationship isn't really dealt with, considering what they went through in the previous book. I like the fact they give each other such a hard time though as it makes for a fun relationship.
To make up for the lack of relationship growth between Ashley and Gabriel, there is a lot of action and a lot of zombies, and I mean a lot. So much happens, and even one of the team dies *sniffles* But I'm not telling you who. The fall out from this is handled really well. The emotions that emulate from each of the team comes off as so real it nearly made me cry.
The ending is good, and as predicted, has me gagging for book three.
Verdict
A really good addition to the series, just not as good as book one. However, there's plenty of zombie action even if there isn't any bedroom action, if you know what I mean *wink, wink*. This is definitely a series that should be on your bookshelf if you're an urban fantasy / zombie fan. Roll on 2014 and Plague World.
June 1, 2013
Plague Nation is an even better read than Plague Town.
I received review copies of both Plague Town and Plague Nation by Dana Fredsti. If I had to choose between the two books, Plague Nation would easily be my favorite. It has a lot of great drama, good character development and a more intriguing story than its predecessor.
Plague Nation begins where Plague Town left off: The Redwood Grove zombie problem might have been dealt with, but the zombie virus is spreading through the United States. Main protagonist Ashley, along with the zombie-fighting team (those who have survived the virus), must make their way to San Francisco to go to a super-secret government lab where Dr. Albert can work on a cure. But will they make it? And what will San Francisco be like when they arrive? All of these questions and more will be answered.
One of my main gripes about Plague Town was the main character, Ashley Parker. In that book, she seemed very Mary Sue, at times, and completely untouchable. However, Fredsti seems to have found more development for Ashley in Plague Nation. In this book, she feels like a much more fully-realized character that the reader will find sympathy for. In fact, Fredsti's writing, in general, feels much more confident and adept in the second book of the series and it seems she's finally finding her storytelling style.
In fact, all of the characters of Plague Nation feel more developed, but be careful not to get close. Fredsti pulls a George R.R. Martin throughout the novel. Don't expect some of your favorites to live until the end of the book. But these deaths are memorable and make an impact on both the novel's other characters and their growth. The deaths blindside you for a moment, but the action of the story continues over that. I liked that, because in times of war, a soldier never has time to mourn the fallen before having to keep moving on in order to survive.
The pop culture references also continue into this book. Fredsti is obviously a major geek. Of course, I was hooked at the mention of a TARDIS, but there are also references to Star Wars, Star Trek, Batman, Spiderman, etc.
Plague Nation ends on a cliffhanger, so I expect we'll be reading more about Ashley and her adventures in Zombieland (that's referenced a few times in the new book, too). I, personally, look forward to seeing what happens next.
I received review copies of both Plague Town and Plague Nation by Dana Fredsti. If I had to choose between the two books, Plague Nation would easily be my favorite. It has a lot of great drama, good character development and a more intriguing story than its predecessor.
Plague Nation begins where Plague Town left off: The Redwood Grove zombie problem might have been dealt with, but the zombie virus is spreading through the United States. Main protagonist Ashley, along with the zombie-fighting team (those who have survived the virus), must make their way to San Francisco to go to a super-secret government lab where Dr. Albert can work on a cure. But will they make it? And what will San Francisco be like when they arrive? All of these questions and more will be answered.
One of my main gripes about Plague Town was the main character, Ashley Parker. In that book, she seemed very Mary Sue, at times, and completely untouchable. However, Fredsti seems to have found more development for Ashley in Plague Nation. In this book, she feels like a much more fully-realized character that the reader will find sympathy for. In fact, Fredsti's writing, in general, feels much more confident and adept in the second book of the series and it seems she's finally finding her storytelling style.
In fact, all of the characters of Plague Nation feel more developed, but be careful not to get close. Fredsti pulls a George R.R. Martin throughout the novel. Don't expect some of your favorites to live until the end of the book. But these deaths are memorable and make an impact on both the novel's other characters and their growth. The deaths blindside you for a moment, but the action of the story continues over that. I liked that, because in times of war, a soldier never has time to mourn the fallen before having to keep moving on in order to survive.
The pop culture references also continue into this book. Fredsti is obviously a major geek. Of course, I was hooked at the mention of a TARDIS, but there are also references to Star Wars, Star Trek, Batman, Spiderman, etc.
Plague Nation ends on a cliffhanger, so I expect we'll be reading more about Ashley and her adventures in Zombieland (that's referenced a few times in the new book, too). I, personally, look forward to seeing what happens next.
May 18, 2013
Plague Nation by Dana Fredsti
Ashley Parker, Zombie Hunter, finds herself once again knee deep in the walking dead, literally. The zombie outbreak in the small Northern California coastal town of Redwood Grove where she was a post-grad student has spread across the country.
This sequel to Plague Town picks up shortly after the conclusion of the first novel. Ashley has found that she is a ‘wild card’ – someone who acquired preternatural strength and fighting skills after being bitten by a zombie. She is now part of a paramilitary team of fellow wild cards. Their next assignment – escort a fussy and cantankerous expert on vaccines to San Francisco where he may or may not be able to derive a way to halt the zombification of world.
Much of this novel recounts their block-by-block trek across the city. Readers familiar with Golden Gate Park, The Haight, and Pacific Heights will particularly enjoy mapping the team’s progress as the hack, shoot, and stab their way through an unending horde of moaning zombies.
There is mystery as well in this story. Who is behind the deadly acts of sabotage that bedevil Ashley’s team and why? And what of the various newcomers to the team – can Ashley trust them? Can they trust her?
Most of these questions wait to be answered in the upcoming final volume of this trilogy, Plague World. The title alone let’s us know there’s plenty more zombie killing in Ashley’s future. That’s tough luck for her, but good news for Fredsti’s fans.
Ashley Parker, Zombie Hunter, finds herself once again knee deep in the walking dead, literally. The zombie outbreak in the small Northern California coastal town of Redwood Grove where she was a post-grad student has spread across the country.
This sequel to Plague Town picks up shortly after the conclusion of the first novel. Ashley has found that she is a ‘wild card’ – someone who acquired preternatural strength and fighting skills after being bitten by a zombie. She is now part of a paramilitary team of fellow wild cards. Their next assignment – escort a fussy and cantankerous expert on vaccines to San Francisco where he may or may not be able to derive a way to halt the zombification of world.
Much of this novel recounts their block-by-block trek across the city. Readers familiar with Golden Gate Park, The Haight, and Pacific Heights will particularly enjoy mapping the team’s progress as the hack, shoot, and stab their way through an unending horde of moaning zombies.
There is mystery as well in this story. Who is behind the deadly acts of sabotage that bedevil Ashley’s team and why? And what of the various newcomers to the team – can Ashley trust them? Can they trust her?
Most of these questions wait to be answered in the upcoming final volume of this trilogy, Plague World. The title alone let’s us know there’s plenty more zombie killing in Ashley’s future. That’s tough luck for her, but good news for Fredsti’s fans.
June 8, 2013
This series is so freaking awesome. It is everything that I want in a zombie book. There’s action, a little romance, snarky characters that kick butt, gross zombie guts and pop culture references that make me laugh. I cannot get enough of these books and I can’t wait to add them to my book collection. I do have to say I’m a little irritated that I’m now in wait mode for the third book in the series. I hate waiting especially when I have no idea how long I’m going to have to wait. There is no current news on book 3, although I read somewhere the name is Plague World, but there is currently no release date anywhere. In fact the book isn’t even listed on the author’s website or on Goodreads.
The way this book ends makes the waiting even harder. I won’t give anything away, except to say that things are far more precarious now than they were at the end of Plague Town. There were a lot of emotional ups and downs in this book and of course some great laugh out loud moments. I love the characters that Dana Fredsti has created, especially Ashley. She is perfect for a Zombocalypse, even if sometimes she fails to take things as seriously as Gabriel and the other powers that be would like her to be. The rest of the cast is perfect as well and again is exactly what I want in a zombie book.
I am more than eagerly awaiting the rest of this series. In the meantime, I’ll have to add the first two books to my collection and then reread them before Plague World comes out.
The way this book ends makes the waiting even harder. I won’t give anything away, except to say that things are far more precarious now than they were at the end of Plague Town. There were a lot of emotional ups and downs in this book and of course some great laugh out loud moments. I love the characters that Dana Fredsti has created, especially Ashley. She is perfect for a Zombocalypse, even if sometimes she fails to take things as seriously as Gabriel and the other powers that be would like her to be. The rest of the cast is perfect as well and again is exactly what I want in a zombie book.
I am more than eagerly awaiting the rest of this series. In the meantime, I’ll have to add the first two books to my collection and then reread them before Plague World comes out.
February 24, 2013
Plague Nation is the second of a trilogy involving the Zombie-killing exploits of Ashley Parker and her cast of "wild cards," a secret paramilitary team tasked with combatting the walking dead.
After surviving a zombie onslaught on the small California town that secretly houses her special team, Ashley and her friends must now deal with an outbreak in San Francisco. The team must also find its backup facility, after their former HQ was destroyed.
Fredsti's novels are smart, funny and very well-written. A former movie personality, Fredsti peppers Plague Nation with pop culture and movie references.
It's like having Dennis Miller in the pocket of your hands, and all of the references are relevant to the plot. if you're a movie fan, see how many references and in-jokes you can pick out.
The story so far foreshadows a conspiracy that may have launched the Walker Virus that created the zombies. I like that the cabal consists of right-wing politicians, military and at least one broadcaster who might be Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck.
And taking a page from George R.R. Martin, beloved characters will be killed. In doing that, I believe Fredsti has ramped up the drama.
Fans of Plague Town won't want to miss the debut of Plague Nation this Spring.
Publishers Weekly agrees, having named it one of the top 10 books to look for this spring.
After surviving a zombie onslaught on the small California town that secretly houses her special team, Ashley and her friends must now deal with an outbreak in San Francisco. The team must also find its backup facility, after their former HQ was destroyed.
Fredsti's novels are smart, funny and very well-written. A former movie personality, Fredsti peppers Plague Nation with pop culture and movie references.
It's like having Dennis Miller in the pocket of your hands, and all of the references are relevant to the plot. if you're a movie fan, see how many references and in-jokes you can pick out.
The story so far foreshadows a conspiracy that may have launched the Walker Virus that created the zombies. I like that the cabal consists of right-wing politicians, military and at least one broadcaster who might be Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck.
And taking a page from George R.R. Martin, beloved characters will be killed. In doing that, I believe Fredsti has ramped up the drama.
Fans of Plague Town won't want to miss the debut of Plague Nation this Spring.
Publishers Weekly agrees, having named it one of the top 10 books to look for this spring.
June 3, 2013
I love this series. Zombie books are one of my favorites to read and Dana Fredsti's books are on my list of favorites. Just like Plague Town I could not put this book down and it ended much too soon.
As you can guess from the titles of the books the zombie virus has spread but now there are much bigger problems to deal with than just killing zombies. The Wild cards have a new enemy and if they can't stop them the virus might take over the world.
I can not say how much I love all of the characters in this series. Dana does a great job with all of them, every character has a very distinct personality that you will learn to love. Ashley is of course my favorite she is a smartass, funny, loving, caring, badass zombie hunter. She is my favorite kind of female character and she doesn't take crap from anyone.
I don't like to giveaway too much of the book, especially when the authors blurb doesn't give much away. So if you love a great zombie book that is descriptive in its zombie killing with realistic relationships (both friendship and love) that will having you laughing out loud and maybe even cry a little in this book this series is the one to start reading right now, you will not be disappointed. I cant wait to find out when the next book comes out because I want to read it now.
As you can guess from the titles of the books the zombie virus has spread but now there are much bigger problems to deal with than just killing zombies. The Wild cards have a new enemy and if they can't stop them the virus might take over the world.
I can not say how much I love all of the characters in this series. Dana does a great job with all of them, every character has a very distinct personality that you will learn to love. Ashley is of course my favorite she is a smartass, funny, loving, caring, badass zombie hunter. She is my favorite kind of female character and she doesn't take crap from anyone.
I don't like to giveaway too much of the book, especially when the authors blurb doesn't give much away. So if you love a great zombie book that is descriptive in its zombie killing with realistic relationships (both friendship and love) that will having you laughing out loud and maybe even cry a little in this book this series is the one to start reading right now, you will not be disappointed. I cant wait to find out when the next book comes out because I want to read it now.
April 16, 2015
Now, I'm reviewing this a bit late after I finishing it and read a few books between this. I'm in zombie mode, and I kinda have this book to blame for it. This is one of the best zombie series that I've read. I think the thing that some people are misinterpreting is that this IS NOT romance, but they are reading it as romance. Anything can happen, and this series has already proved that ANYONE can die. The characters are at war. But they are at war with a walking virus of sorts with a puppet master working the strings we come to find out. In book one we assumed the virus was contained to Northern California. But quickly it goes global and our little team of misfit bada**es are on the move to try and clean up the mess as best they can.
In this book we get more of Nathan. See, I like Nathan. He's my favorite. I'm not the biggest fan of Gabriel mostly because I think I'm protecting myself from what I see as his end game. As a whole the book takes off right from the beginning and doesn't stop until the end. I'm worried about what is going to play out in the last book. I feel like its an open field for anyone to bite it and I want to cry. This book made me ugly cry quite a few times.
*I read a copy of this book via the Los Angeles Public Library*
In this book we get more of Nathan. See, I like Nathan. He's my favorite. I'm not the biggest fan of Gabriel mostly because I think I'm protecting myself from what I see as his end game. As a whole the book takes off right from the beginning and doesn't stop until the end. I'm worried about what is going to play out in the last book. I feel like its an open field for anyone to bite it and I want to cry. This book made me ugly cry quite a few times.
*I read a copy of this book via the Los Angeles Public Library*
October 15, 2013
In truth, there is nothing wrong with Plague Nation, it is a well-written zombie novel. The problem, is the first book Plague Town. Plague Town was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat, sneaking into the bathroom to read it at work. There was action, there was fighting, there was slight intrigue and great characters. I was dying for the second book.
And then it came, and it was good. But not amazing. In my opinion, it lost some of the charm of the first one. Instead of introducing new action scenes or even new characters (there were a couple, but they only came at the end of the book), there was too much political espionage and plotting that I am sure will make more sense in the third book, but left me kind of wanting more. Also, one of my favorite parts from the first book were the scenes told from the zombie perspective, it was unique! This time, those don't exist, they go to telling some political plotting or evil doer or regular person.
Still definitely a great book, and probably closer to a 4.5, but just doesn't meet the same excitement level as Plague Town. Here's hoping for Plague World!
And then it came, and it was good. But not amazing. In my opinion, it lost some of the charm of the first one. Instead of introducing new action scenes or even new characters (there were a couple, but they only came at the end of the book), there was too much political espionage and plotting that I am sure will make more sense in the third book, but left me kind of wanting more. Also, one of my favorite parts from the first book were the scenes told from the zombie perspective, it was unique! This time, those don't exist, they go to telling some political plotting or evil doer or regular person.
Still definitely a great book, and probably closer to a 4.5, but just doesn't meet the same excitement level as Plague Town. Here's hoping for Plague World!
April 13, 2015
So, I'm really loving Dana Fredsti's Ashley Parker series. I like that the main character is realistic (superpowers aside) and that she has her own things to deal with but also doesn't let it distract her from getting the job done. And, yet, she still allows her emotions and personal preferences exist. Parker is a well-rounded character that acts like a real person, instead of a character or trope.
That said, I think my favorite thing about this series is how realistic it is. Granted, there are plenty of things that happen that are unbelievable out of context, but as the books progress, they are completely acceptable. So far, there hasn't been anything that has disrupted my suspension of disbelief. And I love it.
But honestly, what I mean when I talk about how realistic the plot is is how stupid things happen. If someone makes a mistake, it's acted upon later. Little things that happen early on in the book are referenced later, even if it's just in passing (see: couple on the bridge). It isn't all just happy endings and satisfying acts. It's intense and the horror is real. No one is safe and anything can happen–and does.
4.5 stars
That said, I think my favorite thing about this series is how realistic it is. Granted, there are plenty of things that happen that are unbelievable out of context, but as the books progress, they are completely acceptable. So far, there hasn't been anything that has disrupted my suspension of disbelief. And I love it.
But honestly, what I mean when I talk about how realistic the plot is is how stupid things happen. If someone makes a mistake, it's acted upon later. Little things that happen early on in the book are referenced later, even if it's just in passing (see: couple on the bridge). It isn't all just happy endings and satisfying acts. It's intense and the horror is real. No one is safe and anything can happen–and does.
4.5 stars
August 8, 2015
This gets barely 2 stars and that's being mighty generous...
Ashley acting like Gabriel is her soul mate and they have been dating for years instead days. and only one day (which they boinked like rabbits the first chance they got) was he actual nice other wise he was a complete asshole in the beginning of book one and even in this book. Couples that have been together for years barley make it when someone becomes ill yet she's ready and willing to do anything for the Jerk that walks all over her emotionally though they barley know each other. It doesn't follow the built up of the character who apparently had a crappy marriage and referred to her ex boy friend as "boy toy" so clinging desperately to a relationship isn't like her at all. I like that she is bad ass but apparently only fighting. The romance Fails. Even her relationship with lily is extremely weird, another person she lets walk all over her then after words hugs and comforts her like she is in wrong!
Ashley acting like Gabriel is her soul mate and they have been dating for years instead days. and only one day (which they boinked like rabbits the first chance they got) was he actual nice other wise he was a complete asshole in the beginning of book one and even in this book. Couples that have been together for years barley make it when someone becomes ill yet she's ready and willing to do anything for the Jerk that walks all over her emotionally though they barley know each other. It doesn't follow the built up of the character who apparently had a crappy marriage and referred to her ex boy friend as "boy toy" so clinging desperately to a relationship isn't like her at all. I like that she is bad ass but apparently only fighting. The romance Fails. Even her relationship with lily is extremely weird, another person she lets walk all over her then after words hugs and comforts her like she is in wrong!
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