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Z-Burbia #1
Z-Burbia
Whispering Pines is a classic, quiet, private American subdivision on the edge of Asheville, NC, set in the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains. Which is good since the zombie apocalypse has come to Western North Carolina and really put suburban living to the test!
Surrounded by a sea of the undead, the residents of Whispering Pines have adapted their bucolic life of block parties to scavenging parties, common area groundskeeping to immediate area warfare, neighborhood beautification to neighborhood fortification.
But, even in the best of times, suburban living has its ups and downs what with nosy neighbors, a strict Home Owners’ Association, and a property management company that believes the words “strict interpretation” are holy words when applied to the HOA covenants. Now with the zombie apocalypse upon them even those innocuous, daily irritations quickly become dramatic struggles for personal identity, family security, and straight up survival.
Welcome to normal life in Z-Burbia!
Surrounded by a sea of the undead, the residents of Whispering Pines have adapted their bucolic life of block parties to scavenging parties, common area groundskeeping to immediate area warfare, neighborhood beautification to neighborhood fortification.
But, even in the best of times, suburban living has its ups and downs what with nosy neighbors, a strict Home Owners’ Association, and a property management company that believes the words “strict interpretation” are holy words when applied to the HOA covenants. Now with the zombie apocalypse upon them even those innocuous, daily irritations quickly become dramatic struggles for personal identity, family security, and straight up survival.
Welcome to normal life in Z-Burbia!
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2013
186 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Jake Bible
157 books366 followersJake Bible, Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, has entertained thousands with his horror, sci/fi, thriller, and adventure tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters and genres.
Jake is the author of the bestselling Z-Burbia series set in Asheville, NC, the bestselling Salvage Merc One, the Apex Trilogy (DEAD MECH, The Americans, Metal and Ash) and the Mega series for Severed Press, as well as the YA zombie novel, Little Dead Man, the Bram Stoker Award nominated Teen horror novel, Intentional Haunting, the ScareScapes series, and the Reign of Four series for Permuted Press.
Find Jake at jakebible.com. Join him on Twitter @jakebible and find him on Facebook.
Jake is the author of the bestselling Z-Burbia series set in Asheville, NC, the bestselling Salvage Merc One, the Apex Trilogy (DEAD MECH, The Americans, Metal and Ash) and the Mega series for Severed Press, as well as the YA zombie novel, Little Dead Man, the Bram Stoker Award nominated Teen horror novel, Intentional Haunting, the ScareScapes series, and the Reign of Four series for Permuted Press.
Find Jake at jakebible.com. Join him on Twitter @jakebible and find him on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
March 1, 2017
Zombies, humor, cannibals, and lots of F-bombs. Sounds like a great time right? It is.
October 4, 2014
I found this to be an entertaining gem in the Z genre. While it is not a truly realistic portrait of what the zombie apocalypse should look like it is a highly entertaining one. (Actually who really knows what a realistic portrait would be? Who has survived one?) I found this book to have realistic settings and plots that were presented with the dark humor I would expect may be found in an event like this. I know most people wouldn't expect that but I do. I think people are people and after the shock wears off the dark humor and sarcasm would set in. What wasn't realistic is the super human survival and/or skills of some characters. I, fortunately, am a reader who understands the concept of fantasy so this does not bother me. I mention it only because I know some people want only reality in this genre. I enjoy the mix and love humor so this book works well for me. There were some minor flaws in editing but those did not greatly affect me. I had fun with the book and am reading book 2 now. The cannibal family was absolutely brilliant. I just love Elsbeth! She is my female Darryl (from the Walking Dead TV Series). No this book isn't the Walking dead or World War Z. But it is an enjoyable read. If you are looking at a fun, fast, action packed, irreverent Zbook try this one.
Two favorite moments from the book, (to give you an idea of the writing):
“I hate clowns,” I say. “Why’d you have to bring up clowns? Zs aren’t enough? Gotta talk about the smiley creepy guys too?”
(Kindle Location 1414)
Holy shit, I think I brought home some cannibal savant or something. Rain Man with a taste for people.
(Kindle Locations 2158-2159)
I would recommend this book to the older crowd for language, sexual references and violence. I would think most adults would investigate a little if they are looking in the z genre for a book for their child but you never know. I think clowns should read it too. Yeah they should read them all. Holy cow I just had a thought...there will be clowns who become zombies!! I just know that will the zombie chasing me!
Two favorite moments from the book, (to give you an idea of the writing):
“I hate clowns,” I say. “Why’d you have to bring up clowns? Zs aren’t enough? Gotta talk about the smiley creepy guys too?”
(Kindle Location 1414)
Holy shit, I think I brought home some cannibal savant or something. Rain Man with a taste for people.
(Kindle Locations 2158-2159)
I would recommend this book to the older crowd for language, sexual references and violence. I would think most adults would investigate a little if they are looking in the z genre for a book for their child but you never know. I think clowns should read it too. Yeah they should read them all. Holy cow I just had a thought...there will be clowns who become zombies!! I just know that will the zombie chasing me!
May 26, 2019
This was a quick read, interesting and fun. The protagonist is funny, his view of the postapocalyptic world captured well in the stories first person point of view. I'm glad there's more to the series because I definitely want to read more!
December 18, 2015
Not a bad book--strangely lighthearted entry in the zombie genre, which sets it apart. Like how most zombie books/films (the good ones at least) try to look at lens of a particular genre driven to extreme by undead apocalypse, this one sets it in a Home Owners Association.
You know, I'm not sure what entity is more loathed than HOAs--the IRS maybe? NAMBLA? So I don't think I'm spoiling anything by revealing that the HOA Is not a good thing. And that I think is one of the issues I had with the book, that kept this a solid 3 star entry versus something more. It's hard to think of the hero as entirely good (or redeemed in the instance of Stuart) when they're killing little children on order of the HOA ("we had a vote last night" etc) when they have plenty of space, playing PS4 with full electricity and water because they don't want to be bothered.
Kind of makes you sympathize with the feral children more (and I found that section disturbing in a way I think the author didn't intend). That's another odd reader interaction with these zombie books--parts that are added I think for the "cool" factor that while FLASHY, inadvertently make the hero a bigger monster than the creatures--which is what makes these books dubiously interesting, but it's not a deliberate effect.
You know, I'm not sure what entity is more loathed than HOAs--the IRS maybe? NAMBLA? So I don't think I'm spoiling anything by revealing that the HOA Is not a good thing. And that I think is one of the issues I had with the book, that kept this a solid 3 star entry versus something more. It's hard to think of the hero as entirely good (or redeemed in the instance of Stuart) when they're killing little children on order of the HOA ("we had a vote last night" etc) when they have plenty of space, playing PS4 with full electricity and water because they don't want to be bothered.
Kind of makes you sympathize with the feral children more (and I found that section disturbing in a way I think the author didn't intend). That's another odd reader interaction with these zombie books--parts that are added I think for the "cool" factor that while FLASHY, inadvertently make the hero a bigger monster than the creatures--which is what makes these books dubiously interesting, but it's not a deliberate effect.
June 13, 2014
ANOTHER ZOMBIE BOOK I REALLY LOVED. I CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE OF THE SERIES WHEN THEY COME OUT. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ELSBETH! SHE IS BAD TO THE BONE, ALTHOUGH THAT MIGHT NOT BE THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY. YOU WILL KNOW WHAT I MEAN IF YOU READ THE BOOK! RECOMMEND TO ALL ZOMBIE FANS.
February 24, 2016
4.5 stars. Wow, just wow, I have no other words for this book.
The book starts off and all seems normal, but then we quickly find out about the zombies, and how life totally changed for these people. Though, not that much, these people from Whispering Pines just live a relatively normal and calm life. They have power, water, they can drink tea whenever they want, play console games (yes, even that) and all in all I was at times wondering how these people will/would survive. Because it is still the apocalypse, and one day the zombies will come into their little neighbourhood and then what? These people are so pampered, I just don't see it ending well.
Luckily the community has some people who are pretty kick-ass and who can defend the place. Add to that the location (which is pretty epic and I can imagine that they survived for as long as they did).
But pretty quickly the story turns quite grim, with suicide missions to the outside world, with people threatening their little world, with zombies being herded, with a lot of stuff going on. Life for Jace (our main character) turns to something more than just being the brain. He is pretty hopeless, that is something that I have to say about him. Seriously, throughout the book he needs help all the time, gets hurt every time, and well, I do wonder how he survived for so long.
I also really liked Jace, he kept going, even when stuff got tough, OK, OK he wanted to give up quite a few times, but still he kept going (or face the wrath of a very pissed-off, but pretty, wife). Jace really was a smarty pants and he thought of great solutions that no one else thought of.
I liked that the book was through his eyes. I am sure I would also be interested in Elsbeth or in Stuart's story, but Jace is so normal, unlike Stuart who is ex-mariner and Elsbeth, well who is just Elsbeth.
Elsbeth was my favourite character out of the whole book. Sure, when we met her I didn't like her, though I think it was mostly feeling sorry for her. Later when we saw what she could do, wow. I was just amazed. She isn't really good with the talking, but she can kick so much butt. Zombie, or otherwise.
As we learn more about her, I just wanted to reach out and hold her. Tell her everything was fine. Poor girl.
The book is really crude (lots of cursing), so if that isn't your thing then I would say stay away from this one. The word Fuck is really well represented throughout the book. Also there is quite some gore (especially after Elsbeth came into the picture), with graphic details of what happens to people who mess with our characters. Even my stomach was turning at times and I just had to skip through it for fear of puking all over the book.
Brenda, urgh, I so dislike her. She is such a dictator, and I just wanted to shake the people who vote for her, who give her power.
The story itself is really great and you are in for a rollercoaster of awesomeness. Don't get too attached to characters though, this is the zombie apocalypse, and the author isn't afraid to kill off people.
There is a lot of comedy and great quotes/jokes to be found, at times I was just laughing my butt off. I do have to say, that I am sure pink Yoga pants and purple glittery tops are fitting for Jace. ;)
All in all, if you are looking for a great zombie read/great Halloween read, this is the book to go to.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The book starts off and all seems normal, but then we quickly find out about the zombies, and how life totally changed for these people. Though, not that much, these people from Whispering Pines just live a relatively normal and calm life. They have power, water, they can drink tea whenever they want, play console games (yes, even that) and all in all I was at times wondering how these people will/would survive. Because it is still the apocalypse, and one day the zombies will come into their little neighbourhood and then what? These people are so pampered, I just don't see it ending well.
Luckily the community has some people who are pretty kick-ass and who can defend the place. Add to that the location (which is pretty epic and I can imagine that they survived for as long as they did).
But pretty quickly the story turns quite grim, with suicide missions to the outside world, with people threatening their little world, with zombies being herded, with a lot of stuff going on. Life for Jace (our main character) turns to something more than just being the brain. He is pretty hopeless, that is something that I have to say about him. Seriously, throughout the book he needs help all the time, gets hurt every time, and well, I do wonder how he survived for so long.
I also really liked Jace, he kept going, even when stuff got tough, OK, OK he wanted to give up quite a few times, but still he kept going (or face the wrath of a very pissed-off, but pretty, wife). Jace really was a smarty pants and he thought of great solutions that no one else thought of.
I liked that the book was through his eyes. I am sure I would also be interested in Elsbeth or in Stuart's story, but Jace is so normal, unlike Stuart who is ex-mariner and Elsbeth, well who is just Elsbeth.
Elsbeth was my favourite character out of the whole book. Sure, when we met her I didn't like her, though I think it was mostly feeling sorry for her. Later when we saw what she could do, wow. I was just amazed. She isn't really good with the talking, but she can kick so much butt. Zombie, or otherwise.
As we learn more about her, I just wanted to reach out and hold her. Tell her everything was fine. Poor girl.
The book is really crude (lots of cursing), so if that isn't your thing then I would say stay away from this one. The word Fuck is really well represented throughout the book. Also there is quite some gore (especially after Elsbeth came into the picture), with graphic details of what happens to people who mess with our characters. Even my stomach was turning at times and I just had to skip through it for fear of puking all over the book.
Brenda, urgh, I so dislike her. She is such a dictator, and I just wanted to shake the people who vote for her, who give her power.
The story itself is really great and you are in for a rollercoaster of awesomeness. Don't get too attached to characters though, this is the zombie apocalypse, and the author isn't afraid to kill off people.
There is a lot of comedy and great quotes/jokes to be found, at times I was just laughing my butt off. I do have to say, that I am sure pink Yoga pants and purple glittery tops are fitting for Jace. ;)
All in all, if you are looking for a great zombie read/great Halloween read, this is the book to go to.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 30, 2017
Having read a previous book by the author and pretty much hating it, I nearly deleted this one without reading it. Now I wish I had and saved myself twenty minutes where I could have been doing something else.
There was another bunch of foull mouthed idiots living in a gated community with rules to protect people from the zombies outside. Even the priest or whatever he was couldn't stop swearing while having a supposed normal conversation. I think that having swearing for the sake of it with no specific reason, adds zero to the book. I find it lazy writing and indicates to me that the author can't be bothered thinking up good dialogue to develop their characters.
This bunch were really bad. Female bitch administrators, macho sexist pigs, religious nutters, ranting zealots, obnoxious idiots...yeah just what I like to avoid in books. I actually wanted to climb into the book and force open the gate so the zombies could eat everyone.
I certainly won't be reading anything else by the author.
There was another bunch of foull mouthed idiots living in a gated community with rules to protect people from the zombies outside. Even the priest or whatever he was couldn't stop swearing while having a supposed normal conversation. I think that having swearing for the sake of it with no specific reason, adds zero to the book. I find it lazy writing and indicates to me that the author can't be bothered thinking up good dialogue to develop their characters.
This bunch were really bad. Female bitch administrators, macho sexist pigs, religious nutters, ranting zealots, obnoxious idiots...yeah just what I like to avoid in books. I actually wanted to climb into the book and force open the gate so the zombies could eat everyone.
I certainly won't be reading anything else by the author.
April 24, 2016
Children killing
I love zombie novels, and I realize that tough choices must sometimes be made. But in the first scene of the novel, the good guys (and I use that term sarcastically) shoot 3 children dead for the crime of wanting to come into their compound to get away from the zombies. Because there's not enough resources. Really? To get to the gate, our a$$hat protagonist has to bike through considerable real estate, but apparently, no one's smart enough to use their front lawns for food production. I quit reading. Never reading this author again.
I love zombie novels, and I realize that tough choices must sometimes be made. But in the first scene of the novel, the good guys (and I use that term sarcastically) shoot 3 children dead for the crime of wanting to come into their compound to get away from the zombies. Because there's not enough resources. Really? To get to the gate, our a$$hat protagonist has to bike through considerable real estate, but apparently, no one's smart enough to use their front lawns for food production. I quit reading. Never reading this author again.
September 29, 2015
Better than the average Zombie book and genuinely hilarious in parts. Non-stop action, just enough blood n' guts. Four stars.
February 17, 2017
Loved it. Supremely witty/funny, with plenty of zombie action. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
June 30, 2023
At first I thought this was going to be a light-hearted zombie book full of corny jokes. It turns out to be a somewhat heavy-handed zombie book full of corny jokes. If you like Ryan Reynolds demeanor you would love our lead character. The rest of the characters in this book are well written, some likable some annoying. A few laugh out loud sections in the story that is very compelling and moves very quickly.
December 11, 2024
Interesante
January 31, 2017
I love my zombies and this series is by far my favorite. The main character is just amazingly done, cause I agree that we all need a laugh in the zombie apocalypse (something that is lost in most of todays TV show's about such cratures).
The entire family is really the shining point of it all, but everyone else is also so well written that you only hate the ones you should and love the ones you know you should.
It is rare that I laugh aloud during a book (I did the audiobook versions, which are AMAZINGLY well done) but I was cracking up with the writing and predicaments. It also has it's fair share of gore, horror, and scare.
As someone that has read every single zombie thing they can get their hands on..Jake Bible outdoes them all with this series. If you have ever laughed or enjoyed a zombie flick..this is for you and then some.
The entire family is really the shining point of it all, but everyone else is also so well written that you only hate the ones you should and love the ones you know you should.
It is rare that I laugh aloud during a book (I did the audiobook versions, which are AMAZINGLY well done) but I was cracking up with the writing and predicaments. It also has it's fair share of gore, horror, and scare.
As someone that has read every single zombie thing they can get their hands on..Jake Bible outdoes them all with this series. If you have ever laughed or enjoyed a zombie flick..this is for you and then some.
April 24, 2017
Well of course you can tell how recently a chain was cut by touching it. And if you're an expert tracker, the best way to find out what happened at a zombie slaughter is by "tasting." And of course "Sometimes you don't get to choose," even when you just spent the preceding paragraph explaining why you do. And yes, the right by which a government can take land from citizens is called "Imminent Domain." (Love that one.) You've got to love a book by an author who's misspelled the title of one of his other books. The Ghoul Archipeligo. I'll be getting that, because sometimes you don't get to choose... and I'll know who's been reading it before me, by touching my Kindle. And maybe licking it. Which will be far more enjoyable than reading it anyway.
February 18, 2014
My interest in the whole Zombie craze has pretty much begun and ended with the best there is, The Walking Dead. Z-Burbia doesn't quite reach those lofty heights, but it does a decent job of borrowing on TWD's secret-sauce; namely, humanizing the characters. Credit should be given for a fair dose of humor, some of it quite twisted.
Early on I was distracted by an obvious need for some editorial work, but it wasn't long until the pace picked up and both author and reader hit their stride, getting wrapped up in a story that, if anything, ends to soon.
Early on I was distracted by an obvious need for some editorial work, but it wasn't long until the pace picked up and both author and reader hit their stride, getting wrapped up in a story that, if anything, ends to soon.
July 23, 2017
Entertaining
I liked it. Well paced. Entertained without being too heavy on their battlefield/military jargon. Main character is a regular dude just trying to keep himself and his family alive. He's no hero.
I liked it. Well paced. Entertained without being too heavy on their battlefield/military jargon. Main character is a regular dude just trying to keep himself and his family alive. He's no hero.
July 9, 2014
Funny and zombielicious.
August 21, 2021
I liked it.
This was my first book in the Zombie genre and it did not disappoint. The characters were likeable , their relationships believable and the story was more light hearted than I thought it would be.
Elsbeth was chef's kiss. She was fast , badass and everything I hope I'd be if a zombie apocalypse does occur. I loved Jace too. He always got up and kept on going no matter what happens, which , if I'm being honest is admirable, especially in a Zombie Apocalypse.
This book made me laugh, which I honestly didn't expect to do , especially in a book after Zombie Apocalypse concerning Zombies.
This was my first book in the Zombie genre and it did not disappoint. The characters were likeable , their relationships believable and the story was more light hearted than I thought it would be.
Elsbeth was chef's kiss. She was fast , badass and everything I hope I'd be if a zombie apocalypse does occur. I loved Jace too. He always got up and kept on going no matter what happens, which , if I'm being honest is admirable, especially in a Zombie Apocalypse.
This book made me laugh, which I honestly didn't expect to do , especially in a book after Zombie Apocalypse concerning Zombies.
January 25, 2018
Actual rating - 3.5
April 1, 2016
Meine Rezension:
„Z Burbia“ ist eines der geilsten Bücher, die ich gelesen habe. Nicht, dass ich die anderen gelesenen Bücher nicht mag. Doch „Z Burbia“ stammt aus einem ganz anderen Genre. Eine Genre, mit der ich eigentlich angefangen habe und auch nie ablegen werde, weil es halt einfach mein Favorit unter all den Genres ist.
Was mir in diesem Buch so sehr gefallen hat ist: die komplette Handlung, der Schreibstil, die Redensart der Charaktere und die Charaktere selber. Doch das, was mir am allermeisten gefällt ist: das Buch Cover. Ein wahrer Hingucker! Wenn ich mich nicht irre, soll das junge Mädchen auf dem Cover Elsbeth darstellen. Wahnsinn! Abgesehen davon, ist es einfach nur schön dieses Buch in der Hand zu halten. Besorgt euch lieber das Taschenbuch und ihr werdet verstehen, was ich meine. Das hat sich definitiv ein Platz in der Vitrine verdient!!!!
Ich konnte mich von diesem Buch nicht losreißen, denn ich wollte unbedingt wissen wie es weiter geht. Also habe ich es auf einem Schlag durchgelesen. Es kam mir eher so vor, als hätte ich mir einen Film ansehen. Durch diesen Schreibstil, hatte man wirklich alles bildlich vor Augen gehabt. Alles wird perfekt beschrieben und ganz geschweige von der Geschichte selber. Genial & Perfekt!!!
Ich hatte eine Mischung an Filmen als Flashback vor Augen gehabt. Es war eine Mischung aus: Walking Dead, Z Nation und sogar eine Folge von Supernatural „Menschenjäger“, etc.
Genau aus diesem Grund, fand ich es ja auch so super, weil mir diese Bilder aus den verschiedensten Filmen und Serien vor Augen erschienen sind.
Ich finde die Charaktere sehr interessant und total cool. Die Art wie sie reden ist total lässig und meistens auch vulgär. Doch genau das, ist ja das witzige daran. Vor allem mag ich es, wie Jace, Stuart und Jon miteinander reden. Hätte jedenfalls nicht gedacht, dass Jon und Jaces Frau dieselbe Redensart haben wie ihre Männer. Ganz geschweige von Jaces Kindern. Greta ist echt ein knallhartes Mädel. Man, musste ich viel lachen.
Meine Lieblings Szene ist die, in der Jace Anfangs von den Kannibalen Elsbeth und ihr Vater gefangen gehalten wird. Genau diese ganze Szene hat mich irgendwie an diese Supernatural Folge „Menschenjäger“ und an diese Kannibalen Szene in Z Nation erinnert. Doch die Stelle, in der Jace nach seiner Rettung gezwungen war eine rosa Yoga Hose und ein lila T-Shirt mit Schmetterling zu tragen, da habe ich mich nicht mehr einkriegen können vor Lachen. Beste Szene überhaupt!
Schade fand ich, was dem guten Jon widerfahren ist. Das habe ich nicht erwartet und hatte mir eigentlich erhofft, dass er noch weiter Teil dieser Geschichte sein würde.
Dann kommt aber plötzlich eine neue Wendung. Jon verschwindet aus der Bildfläche und Elsbeth ist im Vordergrund der ganzen Geschichte. Trotz all dem, was Jace dank Elsbeth und ihrem Vater durchmachen musste, wird Elsbeth sozusagen ein Teil von Jaces Familie. Bester Part ist, als Jace erwähnt, dass Elsbeth ihm irgendwie ans Herz gewachsen ist.
Es gibt viele lustige Elsbeth Parts und Sprüche, wo ich unendlich viel lachen musste. Die kann ich aber jetzt nicht hier erwähnen, ansonsten würde ich zu viel Spoilern und vor allem die Besten Stellen schon verraten. Muss man auf alle Fälle selber gelesen haben.
Es sind so viele lustige Szenen dabei und das ganze Buch im Allgemein, ist ein wahres Stück Gold.
Ich kann und will es einfach nur weiterempfehlen und wünsche euch viel Spaß dabei. Ich hatte 1000% Spaß dabei gehabt.
Ich freue mich schon wahnsinnig auf „Z Burbia 2“.
Ob ich Jake Bible Bücher weiterhin lesen werde?! Aber sowas von!!!!!
Und da ich von diesem Werk so fasziniert war, kann ich nur eins sagen: dass ich dem Luzifer Verlag treu bleiben werde. Wahnsinns Verlag und Wahnsinns Bücher.
Ich bedanke mich beim Luzifer Verlag, für dieses Hammer mäßige Rezensionsexemplar. Ihr seid die Besten!!!!
Eure
Rockmaniac
Bewertung:
★★★★★ von ★★★★★
* All Material Written on and from the Rockmaniacs Bücher Welt site and posted on different Sites like: Amazon.de, Youtube, Goodreads, Whatchareadin.de, Vorablesen.de, Facebook, Twitter, Lovelybooks, etc., is Copyright © by the Owner "Lee-T81" (Rockmaniac)*
„Z Burbia“ ist eines der geilsten Bücher, die ich gelesen habe. Nicht, dass ich die anderen gelesenen Bücher nicht mag. Doch „Z Burbia“ stammt aus einem ganz anderen Genre. Eine Genre, mit der ich eigentlich angefangen habe und auch nie ablegen werde, weil es halt einfach mein Favorit unter all den Genres ist.
Was mir in diesem Buch so sehr gefallen hat ist: die komplette Handlung, der Schreibstil, die Redensart der Charaktere und die Charaktere selber. Doch das, was mir am allermeisten gefällt ist: das Buch Cover. Ein wahrer Hingucker! Wenn ich mich nicht irre, soll das junge Mädchen auf dem Cover Elsbeth darstellen. Wahnsinn! Abgesehen davon, ist es einfach nur schön dieses Buch in der Hand zu halten. Besorgt euch lieber das Taschenbuch und ihr werdet verstehen, was ich meine. Das hat sich definitiv ein Platz in der Vitrine verdient!!!!
Ich konnte mich von diesem Buch nicht losreißen, denn ich wollte unbedingt wissen wie es weiter geht. Also habe ich es auf einem Schlag durchgelesen. Es kam mir eher so vor, als hätte ich mir einen Film ansehen. Durch diesen Schreibstil, hatte man wirklich alles bildlich vor Augen gehabt. Alles wird perfekt beschrieben und ganz geschweige von der Geschichte selber. Genial & Perfekt!!!
Ich hatte eine Mischung an Filmen als Flashback vor Augen gehabt. Es war eine Mischung aus: Walking Dead, Z Nation und sogar eine Folge von Supernatural „Menschenjäger“, etc.
Genau aus diesem Grund, fand ich es ja auch so super, weil mir diese Bilder aus den verschiedensten Filmen und Serien vor Augen erschienen sind.
Ich finde die Charaktere sehr interessant und total cool. Die Art wie sie reden ist total lässig und meistens auch vulgär. Doch genau das, ist ja das witzige daran. Vor allem mag ich es, wie Jace, Stuart und Jon miteinander reden. Hätte jedenfalls nicht gedacht, dass Jon und Jaces Frau dieselbe Redensart haben wie ihre Männer. Ganz geschweige von Jaces Kindern. Greta ist echt ein knallhartes Mädel. Man, musste ich viel lachen.
Meine Lieblings Szene ist die, in der Jace Anfangs von den Kannibalen Elsbeth und ihr Vater gefangen gehalten wird. Genau diese ganze Szene hat mich irgendwie an diese Supernatural Folge „Menschenjäger“ und an diese Kannibalen Szene in Z Nation erinnert. Doch die Stelle, in der Jace nach seiner Rettung gezwungen war eine rosa Yoga Hose und ein lila T-Shirt mit Schmetterling zu tragen, da habe ich mich nicht mehr einkriegen können vor Lachen. Beste Szene überhaupt!
Schade fand ich, was dem guten Jon widerfahren ist. Das habe ich nicht erwartet und hatte mir eigentlich erhofft, dass er noch weiter Teil dieser Geschichte sein würde.
Dann kommt aber plötzlich eine neue Wendung. Jon verschwindet aus der Bildfläche und Elsbeth ist im Vordergrund der ganzen Geschichte. Trotz all dem, was Jace dank Elsbeth und ihrem Vater durchmachen musste, wird Elsbeth sozusagen ein Teil von Jaces Familie. Bester Part ist, als Jace erwähnt, dass Elsbeth ihm irgendwie ans Herz gewachsen ist.
Es gibt viele lustige Elsbeth Parts und Sprüche, wo ich unendlich viel lachen musste. Die kann ich aber jetzt nicht hier erwähnen, ansonsten würde ich zu viel Spoilern und vor allem die Besten Stellen schon verraten. Muss man auf alle Fälle selber gelesen haben.
Es sind so viele lustige Szenen dabei und das ganze Buch im Allgemein, ist ein wahres Stück Gold.
Ich kann und will es einfach nur weiterempfehlen und wünsche euch viel Spaß dabei. Ich hatte 1000% Spaß dabei gehabt.
Ich freue mich schon wahnsinnig auf „Z Burbia 2“.
Ob ich Jake Bible Bücher weiterhin lesen werde?! Aber sowas von!!!!!
Und da ich von diesem Werk so fasziniert war, kann ich nur eins sagen: dass ich dem Luzifer Verlag treu bleiben werde. Wahnsinns Verlag und Wahnsinns Bücher.
Ich bedanke mich beim Luzifer Verlag, für dieses Hammer mäßige Rezensionsexemplar. Ihr seid die Besten!!!!
Eure
Rockmaniac
Bewertung:
★★★★★ von ★★★★★
* All Material Written on and from the Rockmaniacs Bücher Welt site and posted on different Sites like: Amazon.de, Youtube, Goodreads, Whatchareadin.de, Vorablesen.de, Facebook, Twitter, Lovelybooks, etc., is Copyright © by the Owner "Lee-T81" (Rockmaniac)*
February 26, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed Z-Burbia by Jack Bible. The story is much different from many of the other zombie books out there and focuses more on survival - years after the Z-Day of the apocalypse. Jace and his family live in a gated community managed by an association group - the leader, seemingly a dictator type woman. There is running water, electricity, fresh vegetables and meat, Wifi and other benefits available in this suburban community. Everyone contributes to the success of this community by participating in different capacities - either individually or within groups that work to sustain the whole. Neighbors help in scavenging, killing zombies, battleground clean-up crews, traders who travel outside the gate, guard duty, teaching, preaching, carpenters, electricians, medical, et al. Rules were voted upon, implemented, and strictly enforced to keep this group safe.
Jace and his best friend, John are asked to accompany another resident and former Army Ranger on a recon mission into the city of Ashville. What they witness is so different from anything they've ever seen. A group of bikers is holding thousands of zombies captive within the walls surrounding a dried lake bed. Discovered by guards, a chase begins. Reluctant to lead them back to the gated community, the three of them split up to lead the enemy in different directions before circling back. Only John doesn't make it back.
Little does the community know that the enemy group has been aware of the gated community all along and is just waiting for the right time to take it over and kill all of the inhabitants. The leader of the enemy group leads his followers to the community and gives them 48 hours to vacate the subdivision, or the captured zombies will be loosed upon them. For emphasis that they mean business, the group had earlier captured John and now summarily execute him in front of his neighbors and friends at the main gate. The war is on!
There are many surprises in the story as well as witty comments and conversations that take off the edge and allow readers a moment to catch their breath. There is some similarity to the "Walking Dead" TV series, however, Z-Burbia stands on its own two feet. I do recommend this series to anyone wanting to read a different kind of zombie book. There is still an abundance of blood and gore, cannibalism, and something for everyone. I will begin the next book in the six-book series once I finish here. Well done, Mr. Bible!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
Jace and his best friend, John are asked to accompany another resident and former Army Ranger on a recon mission into the city of Ashville. What they witness is so different from anything they've ever seen. A group of bikers is holding thousands of zombies captive within the walls surrounding a dried lake bed. Discovered by guards, a chase begins. Reluctant to lead them back to the gated community, the three of them split up to lead the enemy in different directions before circling back. Only John doesn't make it back.
Little does the community know that the enemy group has been aware of the gated community all along and is just waiting for the right time to take it over and kill all of the inhabitants. The leader of the enemy group leads his followers to the community and gives them 48 hours to vacate the subdivision, or the captured zombies will be loosed upon them. For emphasis that they mean business, the group had earlier captured John and now summarily execute him in front of his neighbors and friends at the main gate. The war is on!
There are many surprises in the story as well as witty comments and conversations that take off the edge and allow readers a moment to catch their breath. There is some similarity to the "Walking Dead" TV series, however, Z-Burbia stands on its own two feet. I do recommend this series to anyone wanting to read a different kind of zombie book. There is still an abundance of blood and gore, cannibalism, and something for everyone. I will begin the next book in the six-book series once I finish here. Well done, Mr. Bible!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
September 28, 2014
The Walking Burbs
I was surprised by just how much I ended up enjoying this book. While I am a big fan of the zombie gene of movies, shows, and books, I didn't expect much from this freebie; I was pleasantly surprised. The characterization was decent (though at times pretty trite, none of the peripheral characters and even some of the main ones were never fully fleshed out) and it's clear that Bible is familiar with the terrain. The story was entertaining and I was eager to see how he would resolve the conflict. of course as I got closer and closer to the end I realized that he probably wouldn't resolve much of anything, since, as I suspected it it's part of a longer series.
As entertaining as it is, I would likely only recommend this novel to fellow zombie aficionados who are fans of Walking Dead Season Three, as the story is very similar. Bible dissent break really any new ground; this is virtually the same zombie story I have read/watched many times before. I like how he has focused on the human element in lieu of just the gross out factor (their is plenty of Gore for those of you who prefer that side of things) but there just isn't anything new.I also found myself wondering if Bible is a Firefly fan, as one character is essentially River Tram.
Good quick read, but I'm not sure I want to spend money investigating the rest of the story if it's all the same stuff I've seen already in The Walking Dead.
I was surprised by just how much I ended up enjoying this book. While I am a big fan of the zombie gene of movies, shows, and books, I didn't expect much from this freebie; I was pleasantly surprised. The characterization was decent (though at times pretty trite, none of the peripheral characters and even some of the main ones were never fully fleshed out) and it's clear that Bible is familiar with the terrain. The story was entertaining and I was eager to see how he would resolve the conflict. of course as I got closer and closer to the end I realized that he probably wouldn't resolve much of anything, since, as I suspected it it's part of a longer series.
As entertaining as it is, I would likely only recommend this novel to fellow zombie aficionados who are fans of Walking Dead Season Three, as the story is very similar. Bible dissent break really any new ground; this is virtually the same zombie story I have read/watched many times before. I like how he has focused on the human element in lieu of just the gross out factor (their is plenty of Gore for those of you who prefer that side of things) but there just isn't anything new.I also found myself wondering if Bible is a Firefly fan, as one character is essentially River Tram.
Good quick read, but I'm not sure I want to spend money investigating the rest of the story if it's all the same stuff I've seen already in The Walking Dead.
December 17, 2013
Only my second ever zombie novel and I’m still not immune to the black blood, severed sinews, and surreptitious shuffling, but if they’re all as good as this then I can see a trend coming. High action, high tempers and high stakes, I’m noticing the zombie novel is an excellent vehicle for a examining what it is that makes us human, for looking at our humanity. Sure, zombies present a problem because typically there are a lot of them, and they’re hungry, but obviously, they’re not the real threat. And for those still not convinced about the zombie genre, Z-Burbia is worth a read if only for its female characters: Jake Bible doesn’t have time for vapid whimpering damsels in distress. Oh no. Bible’s characters are thinking, acting, feisty sorts. As well as scheming cold-hearted Brenda, head of the most dysfunctional Home Owners' Association ever, there’s Elsbeth, the zombie-killing Amazon, Jon’s wife Melissa, who heads up the resistance, and Jace’s own wife, Stella the school teacher, her bite is as lethal as any undead opportunist. And the teenagers are keenly drawn too; with dialogue as sharp as razor wire, I can almost smell their bored contempt. The good news is that there has to be a sequel to Z-Burbia and its battle of Whispering Pines, since the war for the suburbs is just beginning. You don’t set up characters like this without bringing the survivors out a few times.
May 22, 2016
Z-Burbia by Jake Bible: I’m so in love with this book! I will be picking up the other books in the series- and if you know me at all, you know I don’t like to spend money ever. After the zombie apocalypse, the small HOA subdivision of Whispering Pines is still holding but barely. (I don’t like to give spoilers but I will tell you just enough to entice you) They are not slow zombie or fast ones, but terrifying. One day Jace, Jon and Stuart are sent out on a mission for the HOA and then all hell breaks loose. They run into not only hordes of zombies, but nut-job bikers and cannibals too. (That has to be my favorite part- the cannibals)
The character of Jace and the Elsbeth are my favorite. Jace (Jason) is strong minded, funny, and inappropriate, he’s the modern MacGyver of the Z-Burbia. You got an issue, you go to him for ideas. Esbeth- wow.. she is bad ass and odd. So very odd, but funny and loyal. When those two are together so many things are possible. I like that this book takes a different approach to the death and destruction of life after a major event like the living dead. It’s strangely lighthearted and it’s funny, there’s tons of violence and action… you never really get bored with it.
Great book! And I got it for free (thank you Amazon) but after reading it, I would have gladly paid for it. :)
The character of Jace and the Elsbeth are my favorite. Jace (Jason) is strong minded, funny, and inappropriate, he’s the modern MacGyver of the Z-Burbia. You got an issue, you go to him for ideas. Esbeth- wow.. she is bad ass and odd. So very odd, but funny and loyal. When those two are together so many things are possible. I like that this book takes a different approach to the death and destruction of life after a major event like the living dead. It’s strangely lighthearted and it’s funny, there’s tons of violence and action… you never really get bored with it.
Great book! And I got it for free (thank you Amazon) but after reading it, I would have gladly paid for it. :)
May 9, 2023
I like horror with action and comedy. This book has it all. Some say the comedy in this series is childish, I say so what! Sometimes all doom and gloom gets old, it needs something to set it apart from all the other books.
May 31, 2014
I read the intro for the book at the end of, “The Road to Hell is Paved with Zombies.” The blurb was enough to hook me. And then I read the book.
I’ll give credit where credit is due. Overall, this is well written work. Mr. Bible will have you feeling you are in the throes of the Zombie apocalypse. His descriptions of “Whispering Pines,” Ashville, NC., and the “Farm” are realistic and believable. The action is non-stop and is sure to please the younger crowd. For those of us who are little older, not so much.
I did like the part of the cannibal family. It was interesting and entertaining.
My real drawback was when the Hero of the story, Jace Stanford is severely wounded in a classic clash with the un-dead, he takes on a James Bond quality. Half his face is ripped opened. His leg is a bloody mess and he’s losing a ton of blood. And his injuries only manifest as the story continues. No human, even Rambo or Conan could endure the pain or blood loss and keep fighting as Jace does. That was the big turn-off for me. Granted it’s fiction, but a little believability goes a long way.
There is a sprinkling a errors through the story, but nothing to completely interrupt the flow. Wouldn’t hurt to clean them up.
Overall, not a bad work.
3.5 stars.
I’ll give credit where credit is due. Overall, this is well written work. Mr. Bible will have you feeling you are in the throes of the Zombie apocalypse. His descriptions of “Whispering Pines,” Ashville, NC., and the “Farm” are realistic and believable. The action is non-stop and is sure to please the younger crowd. For those of us who are little older, not so much.
I did like the part of the cannibal family. It was interesting and entertaining.
My real drawback was when the Hero of the story, Jace Stanford is severely wounded in a classic clash with the un-dead, he takes on a James Bond quality. Half his face is ripped opened. His leg is a bloody mess and he’s losing a ton of blood. And his injuries only manifest as the story continues. No human, even Rambo or Conan could endure the pain or blood loss and keep fighting as Jace does. That was the big turn-off for me. Granted it’s fiction, but a little believability goes a long way.
There is a sprinkling a errors through the story, but nothing to completely interrupt the flow. Wouldn’t hurt to clean them up.
Overall, not a bad work.
3.5 stars.
February 20, 2016
Whispering Pines was a small gated community before the zombie apocalypse. Now it's gated, barred and surrounded by razor wire. The residents are trying to keep it business as usual so the Home Owners Association is alive and well. Unfortunately, the president is a tyrant who keeps most of the residents cowed and uses her authority to further her own ends which ultimately results in chaos.
So far Whispering Pines has managed to keep its residents safe and well fed. They even have working Playstations. Of course, like any good zombie story, it's all about to come crashing down around them.
While I liked the book in general. I found some things unbelievable. The main characters (and town saviors) run around with crippling wounds. Elsbeth is a teenage cannibal, ninja-assassin able to take on fifty zombies with only a spiked club, and she can sneak up on and "take out" trained Special Forces soldiers. While this makes the story more amusing, (and the author was definitely going for a comedic aspect) it takes away from the realism. Although, it's a zombie apocalypse do we really need realism?
Thanks to Kindle Unlimited I'm able to get the whole series so I'm absolutely going to pick up book number two and see where the author is planning to take us next.
So far Whispering Pines has managed to keep its residents safe and well fed. They even have working Playstations. Of course, like any good zombie story, it's all about to come crashing down around them.
While I liked the book in general. I found some things unbelievable. The main characters (and town saviors) run around with crippling wounds. Elsbeth is a teenage cannibal, ninja-assassin able to take on fifty zombies with only a spiked club, and she can sneak up on and "take out" trained Special Forces soldiers. While this makes the story more amusing, (and the author was definitely going for a comedic aspect) it takes away from the realism. Although, it's a zombie apocalypse do we really need realism?
Thanks to Kindle Unlimited I'm able to get the whole series so I'm absolutely going to pick up book number two and see where the author is planning to take us next.
January 31, 2014
Well, the answer to the first question it "Yes!". Why should you? What makes this different than the other stories out there?
First, what this isn't. It's not World War Z. I love that book. It's a heart string rending look at what the world, Post-Z, would probably look like. While this book definitely gives us a look at what the world might be like, it's less about tugging the heart strings and more about disturbing you while at the same time making you laugh.
This book is also not Dawn of the Day Before the Night of the Damned Undead. By that I mean it's not some kind of rehash of the Romero movies or even a rip-off of one of the remakes. Jake does do a bit of the kind of social commentary that Romero strove for. It's not front and center, but as the title suggests he does have fun with the notion of HOAs and gated communities.
So what is it? It's something fresh while at the same time staying true to the tropes we all love about the Zed Heads. It's got the dark humor I loved about Shaun of the Dead, while retaining Jake's no holds barred, violent, thought provoking, and have I mentioned sickly funny signature style.
First, what this isn't. It's not World War Z. I love that book. It's a heart string rending look at what the world, Post-Z, would probably look like. While this book definitely gives us a look at what the world might be like, it's less about tugging the heart strings and more about disturbing you while at the same time making you laugh.
This book is also not Dawn of the Day Before the Night of the Damned Undead. By that I mean it's not some kind of rehash of the Romero movies or even a rip-off of one of the remakes. Jake does do a bit of the kind of social commentary that Romero strove for. It's not front and center, but as the title suggests he does have fun with the notion of HOAs and gated communities.
So what is it? It's something fresh while at the same time staying true to the tropes we all love about the Zed Heads. It's got the dark humor I loved about Shaun of the Dead, while retaining Jake's no holds barred, violent, thought provoking, and have I mentioned sickly funny signature style.
September 12, 2016
Performance
Story
"Not sure whats worse, the zombies or the HOA."
Jake Bible, author of horror/sci fi books such as Blood Cruise and Mega takes on another horror staple, the zombie apocalypse, with frightening and hillarious results. He creates a group of characters you can get behind and loathe, depending on how they act. It is well plotted, with the setting, a housing development outside Asheville, North Carolina, well thought out and imagined. The fact the HOA became the defacto government I found hilarious. The zombies are terrifying in turn, and the humans on the outside the walls are what you would expect. Any fans of zombocalypse books should give this a listen. As far as narration, Andrew Wehrlen does an outstanding job bringing the characters to life.
I was given a copy of this book free of charge by the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an honest review through Audiobook Boom.
August 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this first book in the Z-Burbia series. It is somewhat different from many other zombie books as it is centred on life and survival in a suburban compound many years after the zombie apocalypse occurred. I loved the unique ideas in this story and the political structure of the post-apocalyptic HOA was fascinating and brutal. I loved the believable and sometimes bizarre characters, the secrets, intrigue, losses, challenges and battles in this book. The narrator did a great job of bringing out the emotions, humour and tensions in the story. There is lots of gripping action, some surprises and a fair bit of gore (as is expected in a zombie novel). I enjoyed the wry humour mixed in with the desperation and struggle to survive. I will definitely look forward to seeing what happens next.
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