What do you think?
Rate this book
Warm Bodies #0.5
The New Hunger
The end of the world didn’t happen overnight.
After years of societal breakdowns, wars and quakes and rising tides, humanity was already near the edge. Then came a final blow no one could have expected: all the world’s corpses rising up to make more.
Born into this bleak and bloody landscape, twelve-year-old Julie struggles to hold on to hope as she and her parents drive across the wastelands of America, a nightmarish road trip in search of a new home.
Hungry, lost, and scared, sixteen-year-old Nora finds herself her brother’s sole guardian after her parents abandon them in the not-quite-empty ruins of Seattle.
And in the darkness of a forest, a dead man opens his eyes. Who is he? What is he? With no clues beyond a red tie and the letter “R,” he must unravel the grim mystery of his existence—right after he learns how to think, how to walk, and how to satisfy the monster howling in his belly. The New Hunger is a glimpse of the past and a path to an astonishing future…
After years of societal breakdowns, wars and quakes and rising tides, humanity was already near the edge. Then came a final blow no one could have expected: all the world’s corpses rising up to make more.
Born into this bleak and bloody landscape, twelve-year-old Julie struggles to hold on to hope as she and her parents drive across the wastelands of America, a nightmarish road trip in search of a new home.
Hungry, lost, and scared, sixteen-year-old Nora finds herself her brother’s sole guardian after her parents abandon them in the not-quite-empty ruins of Seattle.
And in the darkness of a forest, a dead man opens his eyes. Who is he? What is he? With no clues beyond a red tie and the letter “R,” he must unravel the grim mystery of his existence—right after he learns how to think, how to walk, and how to satisfy the monster howling in his belly. The New Hunger is a glimpse of the past and a path to an astonishing future…
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2013
188 people are currently reading
13794 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Marion
31 books4,371 followersAfter 9 years, 4 books, and 1 pretty good movie, R and Julie's story is about to reach its conclusion.
THE LIVING, book 4 of the Warm Bodies Series, is available now.
isaacmarion.com
THE LIVING, book 4 of the Warm Bodies Series, is available now.
isaacmarion.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 816 reviews
October 3, 2015
Can beauty be found in death & destruction?
Isaac Marion describes the end of society, or perhaps it's the end of humanity, with such wondrous descriptive ... it's practically poetic.
On it's own this novella is a worthwhile read, even if for nothing more than it's gorgeous prose. It's in no way a full story, but could easily be read before or after the first book, Warm Bodies and still provide the same effect.
I found the characters easy to connect with. In fact, I was completely enchanted by their progress. If I hadn't previously read Warm Bodies, I'd be dying to know what comes next ... actually, it's been a while & I feel like a re-read might be in order.
One thing for sure, I'm really looking forward to the next book,The Living! As for this novella, it's a great big recommend.
Isaac Marion describes the end of society, or perhaps it's the end of humanity, with such wondrous descriptive ... it's practically poetic.
On it's own this novella is a worthwhile read, even if for nothing more than it's gorgeous prose. It's in no way a full story, but could easily be read before or after the first book, Warm Bodies and still provide the same effect.
I found the characters easy to connect with. In fact, I was completely enchanted by their progress. If I hadn't previously read Warm Bodies, I'd be dying to know what comes next ... actually, it's been a while & I feel like a re-read might be in order.
One thing for sure, I'm really looking forward to the next book,The Living! As for this novella, it's a great big recommend.
January 5, 2016
So I picked up this book because I saw it was by the author who wrote “Warm Bodies”. I never actually read the book but I loved the movie, and after reading “ The New Hunger” I am eager to read everything that this author has published.
This story has multiple narratives and follows a family of three, a group of zombies and a brother sister pairing. Each voice is is fresh and fascinating. The writing is extremely immersive and the feels...oh man the feels! Amazing story with a unique take on zombies that a wide range of people would enjoy.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2013
A dead man lies near a river, and the forest watches him. Gold clouds drift across a warming pink sky. Crows dart through the trees - dark pines and cedars that hover over the dead man like morbid onlookers. In the deep, wild grass, small living things creep around the dead man's face, eager to eat it and return it to the soil. Their faint clicks mingle with the rush of the wind and the screams of the birds and the roar of the river that will wash away his bones. Nature is hungry. it is ready to take back what the man stole from it by living.
But the dead man opens his eyes.
Let’s face it, vampires areslayed played out. Sparkles and sexiness vanquished their frightfulness in a way garlic and holy water never could. But the world needs a monster, particularly in tough times, so zombies have spent the last few years shambling in to fill the pop culture void.
I've heard so much about the release of Warm Bodies reanimating the hearts of moviegoers across the globe this year, and readers of the book having been captivated by this Zom-Rom-Com for even longer, that I decided I needed to get with the program on all of this zombie hype; to check it out and see what all the furore is about. Are they really worth their weight ingold rotting flesh?
But before I could start on my zombie quest, I had to understand a little bit more about them. After reading various articles on the net, a zombie can best be defined as a deceased human being who has partially returned to life due to undeterminable causes. The brain retains base facilities, namely gross motor function. In its near-mindless state, it grasps no remains of emotion, personality, or sensation of pain. The rotting bodies of the undead operate on a fraction of the level at which our bodies normally function. Circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems are unaffected by reanimation. Labored breathing, choking, and moaning are reflexive but no oxygen is carried through the blood. The nervous system functions primarily within the brain and brain stem. The only way to prevent reanimation in the recently departed is to decapitate the corpse and burn the body.
Zombies are typically depicted as mindless, reanimated corpses with a hunger for human flesh, and particularly for human brains in some depictions.
Some people are addicted to everything zombie. They crave the sound of tearing flesh, the screams that accompany it, the image of blood pouring out of a corpse, and the feeling of their heart pumping from fear…
Jeez...what have I got myself into!
I decided to start my zombie romp with a novella, by Isaac Marion. The New Hunger is the prequel to Warm Bodies , giving its readers a glimpse into the back story. It takes place seven years prior and we catch a glimpse into the downfall of society in this disaster-torn world. It's the early days of the collapse. The streets are littered with corpses, buildings have been looted and cleaned out, and the dead are slowly taking to their feet.
The characters include 12-year-old Julie traveling the country with her parents in search of a safer place to settle down, 16-year-old Nora looking after her younger brother as they flee from zombies and try to survive after their own parents abandon them, and the newly awakened zombie R who wanders as he tries to figure out who he is and what he is. The New Hunger is a more conventional tale of the zombie apocalypse, where humans are a minority and the emphasis is on finding food, weapons and shelter.
Issac Marion's writing is poetic.
Even if you don't consider yourself a horror buff, you might be surprised to find something here you'll love. After all, most good zombie novels are more about the humans than the monsters....
So go on...GET YOUR ZOMBIE ON!
Grrrgh!
But the dead man opens his eyes.
Let’s face it, vampires are
I've heard so much about the release of Warm Bodies reanimating the hearts of moviegoers across the globe this year, and readers of the book having been captivated by this Zom-Rom-Com for even longer, that I decided I needed to get with the program on all of this zombie hype; to check it out and see what all the furore is about. Are they really worth their weight in
But before I could start on my zombie quest, I had to understand a little bit more about them. After reading various articles on the net, a zombie can best be defined as a deceased human being who has partially returned to life due to undeterminable causes. The brain retains base facilities, namely gross motor function. In its near-mindless state, it grasps no remains of emotion, personality, or sensation of pain. The rotting bodies of the undead operate on a fraction of the level at which our bodies normally function. Circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems are unaffected by reanimation. Labored breathing, choking, and moaning are reflexive but no oxygen is carried through the blood. The nervous system functions primarily within the brain and brain stem. The only way to prevent reanimation in the recently departed is to decapitate the corpse and burn the body.
Zombies are typically depicted as mindless, reanimated corpses with a hunger for human flesh, and particularly for human brains in some depictions.
Some people are addicted to everything zombie. They crave the sound of tearing flesh, the screams that accompany it, the image of blood pouring out of a corpse, and the feeling of their heart pumping from fear…
Jeez...what have I got myself into!
I decided to start my zombie romp with a novella, by Isaac Marion. The New Hunger is the prequel to Warm Bodies , giving its readers a glimpse into the back story. It takes place seven years prior and we catch a glimpse into the downfall of society in this disaster-torn world. It's the early days of the collapse. The streets are littered with corpses, buildings have been looted and cleaned out, and the dead are slowly taking to their feet.
The characters include 12-year-old Julie traveling the country with her parents in search of a safer place to settle down, 16-year-old Nora looking after her younger brother as they flee from zombies and try to survive after their own parents abandon them, and the newly awakened zombie R who wanders as he tries to figure out who he is and what he is. The New Hunger is a more conventional tale of the zombie apocalypse, where humans are a minority and the emphasis is on finding food, weapons and shelter.
Issac Marion's writing is poetic.
Whoever made this mess was careless. Everyone living in these times knows the most important rule of conversation: if you have to kill someone, make sure they stay dead. It may be a losing battle, the math may be against the Living, but diligence in this one area will at least slow down the spread of the plague. Responsible murder is the new recycling.Marion demonstrates his remarkable gift as a storyteller. Grounding his characters in real emotion, Marion makes you root for them to save the world even as they simply try to stay alive.
the bad neighbourhoods of yesterday are the new survival buffets of todayI don't know if I chose the right book to read to enter this genre, but I do know that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So much so that I am now reading Warm Bodies (and...I have to admit...have downloaded the movie to watch afterwards)!
Even if you don't consider yourself a horror buff, you might be surprised to find something here you'll love. After all, most good zombie novels are more about the humans than the monsters....
So go on...GET YOUR ZOMBIE ON!
Grrrgh!
October 27, 2018
Review later
April 3, 2018
I’m glad I read Warm Bodies first, because even though it made The New Hunger predictable, it’s not nearly as sad. (I’d always rather be prepared for deaths.)
The Good:
It was nice to meet a young Julie and Nora. I loved Nora’s little brother Addy! M, R’s Zombie friend also makes an appearance. R’s parts were still my favorite! The things he talks to in his head were very strange, but I liked how he traded emotions for information.
I wish it had started just a bit earlier! I wanted to see R as a human and find out how he Died. Hopefully the sequel will answer some of the questions this book left me with.
We do get some answers about the progression of the messed up world, if not what caused it. And there’s a flashback of when they announced the zombie pandemic. It was also nice to see some other cities. (Or rather their ruins)
The Bad:
The tone was darker than Warm Bodies and it was missing the humor.
I was excited to read The New Hunger again when I heard they added more stuff in preparation for the sequel! But I was surprised at how little was added.
So, what’s different?
There’s an all new prologue and epilogue! (Though they were just weird and didn’t serve any purpose.) And a sneak peek at Warm Bodies 2! (Which shows Julie, R, Nora, and Marcus on a plane.)
The most interesting change to me was instead of R remembering the dead blond woman, he sees an old man in a tall building grinning and sipping a drink as his soldiers fill the streets. Which could be significant.
Aside from that, the only really noticeable changes were Julie’s letter to her pen pal being removed and a paragraph about the militias added.
Though it obviously went through another edit, for word use and such, and possibly continuity. Most of the changes were small, like R being called him instead of the tall man.
Also, mentions of beer and rapists were removed and her penpal sent her Whiskey instead of Vicoden. (I don’t understand why since its still an older YA due to violence and the F word.) I do like that the brand names were removed, like ziplock and Redbox. (And some I hadn’t heard of before) because now it’s not so dated.
Were the additions worth it? I’m sure for big fans of the series they were, but I was disappointed. According to Amazon it’s about ninety pages longer, but it’ss really more like five! So while I still recommend it, if you’ve already read it there’s no reason to read it again.
Pages:105 192
Point of View: Third (Julie, Nora, R)
Source: NetGalley
My Rating: 7/10 Stars
The Good:
It was nice to meet a young Julie and Nora. I loved Nora’s little brother Addy! M, R’s Zombie friend also makes an appearance. R’s parts were still my favorite! The things he talks to in his head were very strange, but I liked how he traded emotions for information.
I wish it had started just a bit earlier! I wanted to see R as a human and find out how he Died. Hopefully the sequel will answer some of the questions this book left me with.
We do get some answers about the progression of the messed up world, if not what caused it. And there’s a flashback of when they announced the zombie pandemic. It was also nice to see some other cities. (Or rather their ruins)
The Bad:
The tone was darker than Warm Bodies and it was missing the humor.
I was excited to read The New Hunger again when I heard they added more stuff in preparation for the sequel! But I was surprised at how little was added.
So, what’s different?
There’s an all new prologue and epilogue! (Though they were just weird and didn’t serve any purpose.) And a sneak peek at Warm Bodies 2! (Which shows Julie, R, Nora, and Marcus on a plane.)
The most interesting change to me was instead of R remembering the dead blond woman, he sees an old man in a tall building grinning and sipping a drink as his soldiers fill the streets. Which could be significant.
Aside from that, the only really noticeable changes were Julie’s letter to her pen pal being removed and a paragraph about the militias added.
Though it obviously went through another edit, for word use and such, and possibly continuity. Most of the changes were small, like R being called him instead of the tall man.
Also, mentions of beer and rapists were removed and her penpal sent her Whiskey instead of Vicoden. (I don’t understand why since its still an older YA due to violence and the F word.) I do like that the brand names were removed, like ziplock and Redbox. (And some I hadn’t heard of before) because now it’s not so dated.
Were the additions worth it? I’m sure for big fans of the series they were, but I was disappointed. According to Amazon it’s about ninety pages longer, but it’ss really more like five! So while I still recommend it, if you’ve already read it there’s no reason to read it again.
Pages:
Point of View: Third (Julie, Nora, R)
Source: NetGalley
My Rating: 7/10 Stars
February 23, 2013
I'd give this a solid 4.5. Warm Bodies wasn't my favorite, maybe because I read it too late (just a couple of months before the movie release) and I struggled to get though it. While I loved R, I didn't connect with Julie or Nora at all.
But now? After this finely crafted gem? I'm impressed. The backstory of how Julie, Nora, R, and M come together is fantastic. And heart wrenching, and underlined my already existing fears regarding the way this works we live in is going. Marion's writing in this novella is excellent, descriptive but not overly wordy. It left my heart breaking for Nora & Addis (what a great kid), aching for Julie & her mother, and holding faint hope as well as despair for R (plus a lot of curiosity about the opening scene). Most of all, I felt a newfound connection to & respect for Julie & Nora. Overall, The New Hunger adds so much to the characters we come to know in WB, and left me with a few new & burning questions that I hope will be answered in the WB sequel.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this, but after tearing through it in a day, I can say it isn't just the author trying to make an extra buck. Marion clearly has a sense of where these characters (& world) came from, where they are going, and I'm firmly on the bandwagon to see where that is.
He does an excellent job of setting the stage for what we read in Warm Bodies, however, I would still read WB first before visiting The New Hunger.
But now? After this finely crafted gem? I'm impressed. The backstory of how Julie, Nora, R, and M come together is fantastic. And heart wrenching, and underlined my already existing fears regarding the way this works we live in is going. Marion's writing in this novella is excellent, descriptive but not overly wordy. It left my heart breaking for Nora & Addis (what a great kid), aching for Julie & her mother, and holding faint hope as well as despair for R (plus a lot of curiosity about the opening scene). Most of all, I felt a newfound connection to & respect for Julie & Nora. Overall, The New Hunger adds so much to the characters we come to know in WB, and left me with a few new & burning questions that I hope will be answered in the WB sequel.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this, but after tearing through it in a day, I can say it isn't just the author trying to make an extra buck. Marion clearly has a sense of where these characters (& world) came from, where they are going, and I'm firmly on the bandwagon to see where that is.
He does an excellent job of setting the stage for what we read in Warm Bodies, however, I would still read WB first before visiting The New Hunger.
January 9, 2018
While this was quite short and nowhere near as good as Warm Bodies, I still did thoroughly enjoy it. It’s a quick and entertaining read and a great add on to the original story.
I really enjoyed that it featured characters from Warm Bodies, it made it more interesting and it was great to see the “before” they. R is still my favourite by far though, there’s just something about him that I love!
The only thing that detracted from my enjoyment of this short story was that the tone was much darker than Warm Bodies. It lacked a lot of the humour that made me fall in love with the story and the characters.
I really enjoyed that it featured characters from Warm Bodies, it made it more interesting and it was great to see the “before” they. R is still my favourite by far though, there’s just something about him that I love!
The only thing that detracted from my enjoyment of this short story was that the tone was much darker than Warm Bodies. It lacked a lot of the humour that made me fall in love with the story and the characters.
November 29, 2018
A dead man lies near a river, and the forest watches him. Gold clouds drift across a warming pink sky. Crows dart through dark pines that hover over him like morbid onlookers. In the deep, wild grass, small living things creep around the dead man's face, eager to eat it and return it to the soul. Their faint clicks mingle with the rush of the wind and the screams of the birds and the roar of the river that will wash away his bones. Nature is hungry. It is ready to take back what the man stole from it by living.
But the dead man opens his eyes.
Every time I read those lines, chills go down my spine and my hairs stand on end.
This is truly something spectacular.
The New Hunger expands upon the ideas of Warm Bodies, giving insight into the lore and the origins of this world and its inhabitants, but it can be read as a standalone just as well; it is powerfully meaningful and substantial. Its lyrical prose spins a tale of survival and curious new life in death, showcasing apocalyptic scenes of beautiful human destruction taken back by nature.
Honestly, it is the best book in the series, and proves just how talented Marion is. His characters are raw and real and his landscapes are hauntingly beautiful. I love it so much.
November 1, 2024
Initially listed as the second book in the series but now recognized as a prequel, this novella serves as a captivating introduction to the world of Warm Bodies. It presents a concise yet engaging narrative that can be devoured in a single lazy afternoon. The story weaves together the perspectives of three characters, effectively illustrating their interconnectedness amidst the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic landscape.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the perspective of R, a zombie who awakens to his new existence. The author excels in capturing his internal struggle and the visceral experience of grappling with the hunger that accompanies his condition. This unique viewpoint provides a refreshing take on the zombie genre, allowing readers to empathize with R’s journey as he navigates his dual identity.
While R’s narrative is compelling, the parallel storyline involving Julie and her parents searching for safety feels somewhat less engaging. However, Julie’s character development shines through in the final chapter, portraying her as a compassionate and resilient individual.
The subplot involving Nora and her brother is perhaps the most emotionally resonant. Their dynamic creates a strong connection with readers, drawing them into their struggles and triumphs as they face various dangers.
Notably, there are continuity issues worth mentioning, particularly regarding R’s condition. In this novella, R is depicted as newly dead, yet in Warm Bodies, which occurs several years later, he is also portrayed as newly dead, suggesting that he did not deteriorate during the time between the two stories. This raises questions about the plausibility of his physical development across the series.
Additionally, there’s a discrepancy in Julie’s capabilities; she exhibits impressive skills at age 12 that seem inconsistent with her character in the sequel, where she is around 17. In Warm Bodies, Julie seems less adept at handling herself in dangerous situations, raising questions about her character growth and the development of her survival skills in a few short years.
Despite these minor setbacks, the novella offers an enjoyable and engaging read, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick literary escape or a palate cleanser between longer novels. It remains a solid introduction to the Warm Bodies universe, setting the stage for further exploration in the subsequent book.
Rating: 4/5 stars. This assessment reflects my immediate impressions after completing the book and is not a comparison with other works.
2020 Re-read:
Upon revisiting the novella, I still found it to be a delightful experience, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. R’s portrayal remains compelling, showcasing a unique narrative approach that distinguishes it from typical zombie stories. While I still feel that Julie’s sections are the least exciting, Nora’s journey captivates me, reinforcing my emotional investment in her and her brother’s plight. The continuity issues concerning R’s condition stood out again, prompting me to consider how character development aligns across the series. Overall, this re-read confirmed my appreciation for the novella and its role in enriching the world of Warm Bodies.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the perspective of R, a zombie who awakens to his new existence. The author excels in capturing his internal struggle and the visceral experience of grappling with the hunger that accompanies his condition. This unique viewpoint provides a refreshing take on the zombie genre, allowing readers to empathize with R’s journey as he navigates his dual identity.
While R’s narrative is compelling, the parallel storyline involving Julie and her parents searching for safety feels somewhat less engaging. However, Julie’s character development shines through in the final chapter, portraying her as a compassionate and resilient individual.
The subplot involving Nora and her brother is perhaps the most emotionally resonant. Their dynamic creates a strong connection with readers, drawing them into their struggles and triumphs as they face various dangers.
Notably, there are continuity issues worth mentioning, particularly regarding R’s condition. In this novella, R is depicted as newly dead, yet in Warm Bodies, which occurs several years later, he is also portrayed as newly dead, suggesting that he did not deteriorate during the time between the two stories. This raises questions about the plausibility of his physical development across the series.
Additionally, there’s a discrepancy in Julie’s capabilities; she exhibits impressive skills at age 12 that seem inconsistent with her character in the sequel, where she is around 17. In Warm Bodies, Julie seems less adept at handling herself in dangerous situations, raising questions about her character growth and the development of her survival skills in a few short years.
Despite these minor setbacks, the novella offers an enjoyable and engaging read, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick literary escape or a palate cleanser between longer novels. It remains a solid introduction to the Warm Bodies universe, setting the stage for further exploration in the subsequent book.
Rating: 4/5 stars. This assessment reflects my immediate impressions after completing the book and is not a comparison with other works.
2020 Re-read:
Upon revisiting the novella, I still found it to be a delightful experience, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. R’s portrayal remains compelling, showcasing a unique narrative approach that distinguishes it from typical zombie stories. While I still feel that Julie’s sections are the least exciting, Nora’s journey captivates me, reinforcing my emotional investment in her and her brother’s plight. The continuity issues concerning R’s condition stood out again, prompting me to consider how character development aligns across the series. Overall, this re-read confirmed my appreciation for the novella and its role in enriching the world of Warm Bodies.
March 2, 2013
Nothing lasts forever. Life doesn't, love doesn't, hope doesn't, so why would death, hate, or despair? Nothing is permanent. Not even the end of the world.
....
Well, this novella-length prequel of Warm Bodies just made me slightly feeling blue
The fact was, this being a sequel, I noticed that there was a character here that didn't appear in the novel. Which meant only one thing. This character would not survive at the end of the story. And with that knowledge in mind, it felt like there was a black cloud hanging over my head when I was reading this. It was hard not to care for the character (because Isaac Marion wrote this character well), even if I knew what would happen later on. So yeah, sad feeling ...
Having said that, the story was lovely. Uhm, well, that was not the right word. Hearbreakingly lovely, maybe. This was the story about the characters before their life (or in case of "R", his un-life?) came into the same path in Warm Bodies. "R" was just 'coming' to his senses, being a zombie. Julie was coming into Seattle with her parents. Nora was surviving the life without parents with only her seven-year-old brother, Addis. Nora's stories was my favorite.
(PS: Though I had to add that it was a bit, uhm, too 'dramatic' to make them actually have been in the near vicinity of each other like this, that somehow they meeting 'again' in Warm Bodies felt like fate or something)
So it was a good prequel. ALTHOUGH, I still recommend those who are interested to read Warm Bodies first before checking The New Hunger (despite it being a prequel).
February 7, 2017
4.5 stars
This was great! I even liked it more than Warm Bodies.. Now I'm really looking forward to the actual sequel.
This was great! I even liked it more than Warm Bodies.. Now I'm really looking forward to the actual sequel.
February 11, 2024
ೃ༄ ➳ 3.5 stars
A good start to a series. I'm excited to read the rest :)
❝Why should reality hold together with no minds left to force it?❞
❝Bullets before burgers.❞ slay
‧₊˚ buddy read with Potato🥔
A good start to a series. I'm excited to read the rest :)
❝Why should reality hold together with no minds left to force it?❞
❝Bullets before burgers.❞ slay
‧₊˚ buddy read with Potato🥔
October 3, 2021
This one was sadder than Warm Bodies, but it was a great prologue to the series. Get to see more of the beginning of Julie, Nora, R, and M.
How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
February 8, 2013
OMFG Isaac Marion you really know how to create a world that nobody has ever think of. And OMFG Isaac Marion your characters are so lovable, I just have like a zillion questions I want to ask you but OMFG 'The New Hunger' should be made into a movie too.
January 11, 2021
The backstories of several of the characters from Warm Bodies, specifically R, Julie and Nora. Very interesting.
February 2, 2013
3.5 stars - Spoilers
I enjoyed this quite a bit more than I did Warm Bodies. R's perspective in Warm Bodies was really boring at times — there was too much of him monologuing about life, zombies and the world… and it got pretty tiresome after a while. What made this a more engrossing read was the addition of Julie's and Nora's perspective.
I thought Nora was decent enough in Warm Bodies but I didn't really care about her as a character all that much — there was nothing memorable about her, she was just Julie's sidekick. I wasn't all that eager to read her POV, especially since she'd be a teenager and have a younger brother (Addis) to look after - I thought she'd be very angsty and emo but thankfully she wasn't. She didn't moan a lot or feel sorry for herself even though she had a depressing backstory. I thought Julie had a crap childhood but Nora had it worse - Nora's parents abandoned her and Addis because they were more interested in drugs than looking after them… it was sad that their own parents fucked them over.
Nora was left on her own to take care of her seven year old brother whilst avoiding/fighting zombies and looking for shelter/food/help. I liked that Nora wasn't overly bitter about her situation, she just got on with things and focused on surviving and keeping Addis safe. What made her really relatable was how unsure she was — she didn't have a plan or any idea of where she was going — she was living each day as it came, without knowing where to go and what to do.
The majority of teenage protagonists usually have some sort of an ultimate plan, goal or destination, and I find it unrealistic how sure they are of themselves and how cool and capable they are in difficult situations. I don't want to read about protagonists that breakdown and panic but I also don't want to read about teenagers that know exactly what to do no matter what their circumstances are. It was nice reading about a normal teenager with no over the top obscure skills in survival, fighting and post apocalyptic worlds — most teenagers would be clueless if their whole world was turned upside down… they wouldn't turn in to some badarse zombie killer who can easily get by in a world without parents, adults, technology, food and help. I really liked that Nora came across as realistic teen.
I did get a bit annoyed with Nora when she refused to kill the zombies that were following her — it was dumb that she would let them go knowing they would eventually attack. There's naive and then there's just plain old stupid. I didn't like Addis much, he was pretty annoying but I guess most 7yr old boys are.
Julie's story line was okay - I wasn't bothered about her parents, their arguments or their journey to find somewhere safe. I found Julie's parents really irritating, especially her selfish mum. Even though I wasn't overly impressed with Julie's arc with her parents, I still thought Julie was a good character — it was sweet how she helped Nora at the end - I think that was the highlight of the novella for me.
R's POV was my least favourite. However, I did somewhat enjoy reading about his first few days as a zombie and how he stared to realise things about himself and the world he was in. It was also quite cool reading about him meeting M for the first time.
I was wondering who that blonde woman was at the beginning. Was it R's girlfriend or a relation?
I thought it was quite cheesy and contrived how Julie, R, M and Nora had all actually met each other years before Warm Bodies. I could understand R and M crossing paths but R seeing Julie and Nora coming across M was a bit much for me.
In Warm Bodies Nora was flirting with M, how could she forget that he was the zombie that bit her brother? Also, where was her zombie brother at the end of Warm Bodies?
All in all, an entertaining read. I'm looking forward to the sequel to Warm Bodies even more now after reading this - I want to see Addis and Nora reunite, more info on R's human past, Nora's parents and if R/M remember seeing Julie and Nora when they first turned in to zombies.
I enjoyed this quite a bit more than I did Warm Bodies. R's perspective in Warm Bodies was really boring at times — there was too much of him monologuing about life, zombies and the world… and it got pretty tiresome after a while. What made this a more engrossing read was the addition of Julie's and Nora's perspective.
I thought Nora was decent enough in Warm Bodies but I didn't really care about her as a character all that much — there was nothing memorable about her, she was just Julie's sidekick. I wasn't all that eager to read her POV, especially since she'd be a teenager and have a younger brother (Addis) to look after - I thought she'd be very angsty and emo but thankfully she wasn't. She didn't moan a lot or feel sorry for herself even though she had a depressing backstory. I thought Julie had a crap childhood but Nora had it worse - Nora's parents abandoned her and Addis because they were more interested in drugs than looking after them… it was sad that their own parents fucked them over.
Nora was left on her own to take care of her seven year old brother whilst avoiding/fighting zombies and looking for shelter/food/help. I liked that Nora wasn't overly bitter about her situation, she just got on with things and focused on surviving and keeping Addis safe. What made her really relatable was how unsure she was — she didn't have a plan or any idea of where she was going — she was living each day as it came, without knowing where to go and what to do.
The majority of teenage protagonists usually have some sort of an ultimate plan, goal or destination, and I find it unrealistic how sure they are of themselves and how cool and capable they are in difficult situations. I don't want to read about protagonists that breakdown and panic but I also don't want to read about teenagers that know exactly what to do no matter what their circumstances are. It was nice reading about a normal teenager with no over the top obscure skills in survival, fighting and post apocalyptic worlds — most teenagers would be clueless if their whole world was turned upside down… they wouldn't turn in to some badarse zombie killer who can easily get by in a world without parents, adults, technology, food and help. I really liked that Nora came across as realistic teen.
I did get a bit annoyed with Nora when she refused to kill the zombies that were following her — it was dumb that she would let them go knowing they would eventually attack. There's naive and then there's just plain old stupid. I didn't like Addis much, he was pretty annoying but I guess most 7yr old boys are.
Julie's story line was okay - I wasn't bothered about her parents, their arguments or their journey to find somewhere safe. I found Julie's parents really irritating, especially her selfish mum. Even though I wasn't overly impressed with Julie's arc with her parents, I still thought Julie was a good character — it was sweet how she helped Nora at the end - I think that was the highlight of the novella for me.
R's POV was my least favourite. However, I did somewhat enjoy reading about his first few days as a zombie and how he stared to realise things about himself and the world he was in. It was also quite cool reading about him meeting M for the first time.
I was wondering who that blonde woman was at the beginning. Was it R's girlfriend or a relation?
I thought it was quite cheesy and contrived how Julie, R, M and Nora had all actually met each other years before Warm Bodies. I could understand R and M crossing paths but R seeing Julie and Nora coming across M was a bit much for me.
In Warm Bodies Nora was flirting with M, how could she forget that he was the zombie that bit her brother? Also, where was her zombie brother at the end of Warm Bodies?
All in all, an entertaining read. I'm looking forward to the sequel to Warm Bodies even more now after reading this - I want to see Addis and Nora reunite, more info on R's human past, Nora's parents and if R/M remember seeing Julie and Nora when they first turned in to zombies.
November 27, 2022
Reading again. This time I read it after The Burning World and I was even more impressed with the little details and connections.
__________
This was a great addition to Warm Bodies. In The New Hunger we see how Julie, Nora, R and even M cross paths years before Warm Bodies takes place. Seeing how their lives intertwine and where they all came from gives more depth and weight to how they interact in the main story.
Also, much like Warm Bodies, there are some great ideas to explore here. The importance of family, human fallibility, what it means to be “good,” the difference between surviving and living.
This particular line stood out as very important to me:
His logic is sound. He’s not incorrect. But he’s wrong.
There is a distinction there that is sometimes hard to understand or explain. It comes from the mind of a twelve year old in the story. I think it’s something that children understand instinctively and that gets muddied as we get older.
The other child we encounter in The New Hunger is Addis, Nora’s seven year old little brother. I’m about to move on to The Burning World and I hope we learn more about him there.
Overall, a quick read and a great prequel to Warm Bodies that makes me more interested in continuing with the story.
__________
This was a great addition to Warm Bodies. In The New Hunger we see how Julie, Nora, R and even M cross paths years before Warm Bodies takes place. Seeing how their lives intertwine and where they all came from gives more depth and weight to how they interact in the main story.
Also, much like Warm Bodies, there are some great ideas to explore here. The importance of family, human fallibility, what it means to be “good,” the difference between surviving and living.
This particular line stood out as very important to me:
His logic is sound. He’s not incorrect. But he’s wrong.
There is a distinction there that is sometimes hard to understand or explain. It comes from the mind of a twelve year old in the story. I think it’s something that children understand instinctively and that gets muddied as we get older.
The other child we encounter in The New Hunger is Addis, Nora’s seven year old little brother. I’m about to move on to The Burning World and I hope we learn more about him there.
Overall, a quick read and a great prequel to Warm Bodies that makes me more interested in continuing with the story.
October 1, 2015
I think this was a great look into the devastating world that Marion created. I liked seeing Nora and Julie and how even though their circumstances were different they were both after the same thing, to survive and to keep their families safe as well.
It will be interesting to see where book two takes them.
*An updated copy of this was provided by the Publisher.*
It will be interesting to see where book two takes them.
*An updated copy of this was provided by the Publisher.*
February 26, 2015
So good! So sad!
Lots of little hidden tidbits, things that we had no idea about in the first book that will definitely make the second even better.
Must read.
Lots of little hidden tidbits, things that we had no idea about in the first book that will definitely make the second even better.
Must read.
October 9, 2015
A special thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Issac Marion delivers his prequel THE NEW HUNGER (Warm Bodies 0.5) to the “zombie loving” Warm Bodies, the inspiration for the hit film of zombie apocalypse—with its popular ‘Zombie Romance’.
The New Hunger takes place eight years before Warm Bodies. A glimpse of R’s first days as a zombie, Julie and Nora’s journeys through the wastelands, and a key moment that set all three on a path toward each other.
It’s not just a prequel; it’s a bridge to the upcoming sequel, introducing people and things that will have big roles to play in THE LIVING. offers a backstory of Julie, Nora, and R, as he begins to come back to life.
In Warm Bodies the world is facing dark days, and the human race is largely living as a rather unpleasant zombie hoard. There is one exception to the rule however in the form of R; Julie sees that R is different from the other zombies, and the pair embark on an unusual relationship. Is it really possible for R and Julie to maintain a relationship while fighting for survival--hoping to build a better world for everyone?
The world has ended and the corpses are rising up. When did the city die? Was it something quick, earthquakes, or rising tides. Radiation. Viruses. People. Death will introduce itself in its own time. It is about survival, finding food, weapons, and shelter.
Nora and her 7 year old little brother Addis are in a city. Hungry, lost, and scared, 16-year-old Nora without their parents. She is taking care of her brother and herself. They sleep in doorways or alleyways. Addis’ last meal was two days ago; and Nora can’t recall hers. Turns out they are in Seattle.
Julie, 12-yr. old, with a woman’s weathered poise. She was born into this dark world, holding on as she and her parents drive across America to their new home in Canada. She has fired a gun into a human head. She has watched a pile of bodies set alight. She has starved and thirsted, stolen food and given it away, and glimpsed the meaning of life by watching it end over and over. She likes horses and never kissed a boy.
She has more nightmares than dreams come true. Graveyards rising out of the ocean. Her friends’ corpses in the light of their burning school. Skeletons ripping open men’s chests and crawling inside. She endures it waiting for the horror film to end and the theatre to go dark.
Then there is R, a dead man in the forest near the river– now awake. Is he in the world? He is trying to find his way back.
Marion is quite the storyteller, setting the stage with a haunting and emotional account of devastation, horror, fear, and survival. From zombies, monsters, and humans, Warm Bodies' fans will love it! We find out how these characters came together, and get a peak into Book 2, THE LIVING, in a post-apocalyptic world.
When nothing is permanent. Not even the end of the world.
“A hard climb toward humanity. A past life that won’t stay buried. And a new threat so insidious, even the dead are on its payroll. R’s journey continues into the beautiful terrible world of THE LIVING.”
JDCMustReadBooks
Issac Marion delivers his prequel THE NEW HUNGER (Warm Bodies 0.5) to the “zombie loving” Warm Bodies, the inspiration for the hit film of zombie apocalypse—with its popular ‘Zombie Romance’.
The New Hunger takes place eight years before Warm Bodies. A glimpse of R’s first days as a zombie, Julie and Nora’s journeys through the wastelands, and a key moment that set all three on a path toward each other.
It’s not just a prequel; it’s a bridge to the upcoming sequel, introducing people and things that will have big roles to play in THE LIVING. offers a backstory of Julie, Nora, and R, as he begins to come back to life.
In Warm Bodies the world is facing dark days, and the human race is largely living as a rather unpleasant zombie hoard. There is one exception to the rule however in the form of R; Julie sees that R is different from the other zombies, and the pair embark on an unusual relationship. Is it really possible for R and Julie to maintain a relationship while fighting for survival--hoping to build a better world for everyone?
The world has ended and the corpses are rising up. When did the city die? Was it something quick, earthquakes, or rising tides. Radiation. Viruses. People. Death will introduce itself in its own time. It is about survival, finding food, weapons, and shelter.
Nora and her 7 year old little brother Addis are in a city. Hungry, lost, and scared, 16-year-old Nora without their parents. She is taking care of her brother and herself. They sleep in doorways or alleyways. Addis’ last meal was two days ago; and Nora can’t recall hers. Turns out they are in Seattle.
Julie, 12-yr. old, with a woman’s weathered poise. She was born into this dark world, holding on as she and her parents drive across America to their new home in Canada. She has fired a gun into a human head. She has watched a pile of bodies set alight. She has starved and thirsted, stolen food and given it away, and glimpsed the meaning of life by watching it end over and over. She likes horses and never kissed a boy.
She has more nightmares than dreams come true. Graveyards rising out of the ocean. Her friends’ corpses in the light of their burning school. Skeletons ripping open men’s chests and crawling inside. She endures it waiting for the horror film to end and the theatre to go dark.
Then there is R, a dead man in the forest near the river– now awake. Is he in the world? He is trying to find his way back.
Marion is quite the storyteller, setting the stage with a haunting and emotional account of devastation, horror, fear, and survival. From zombies, monsters, and humans, Warm Bodies' fans will love it! We find out how these characters came together, and get a peak into Book 2, THE LIVING, in a post-apocalyptic world.
When nothing is permanent. Not even the end of the world.
“A hard climb toward humanity. A past life that won’t stay buried. And a new threat so insidious, even the dead are on its payroll. R’s journey continues into the beautiful terrible world of THE LIVING.”
JDCMustReadBooks
January 29, 2020
Really interesting to get more background from the characters, but this novella was very jumpy and underwhelming.
November 30, 2019
MY RATING⇢ 4 STARS | GRADE B+
FEATURING⇢
⬥Zombie Apocalypse
⬥The End of the World As We Know It
⬥Prequel to Warm Bodies
⬥A Glimpse of the Past and a Path to an Astonishing Future
⬥With Audio Performed by Candace Thaxton (one of my least favorite narrators...)
MY THOUGHTS⇢
If you felt you were cheated by Warm Bodies because of the lack of zombie murdery type scenes...then this prequel should help fulfill that need. While still taking a deeper, more literary look into the zombie apocalypse scenario, it shows Julie at the age of 12 and first made her way to Seattle with her parents. It has a second POV from R when he first becomes a zombie and lastly a third POV, which is pivotal to R's story. The world, overall, that the author has created is a thought-provoking take on zombies.
At around 190 pages this is all story and no filler with previews of other books. Also, did you know that there are two more books after Warm Bodies? I knew about The Burning World, but there is also a third full novel-sized book...titled The Living, but so far it's only available on Kindle, I'm hoping they make an Audio Version as well since it's over 400 pages.
THE BREAKDOWN⇢
Plot⇢ 4/5
Narration Performance⇢ 3/5
Characters⇢ 4/5
The Feels⇢ 4.2/5
Pacing⇢ 4.3/5
Addictiveness⇢ 4/5
Theme or Tone⇢ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇢ 3.5/5
Backdrop (World Building)⇢ 4/5
Originality⇢ 4/5
Ending⇢ 4/5 Cliffhanger⇢ Not really...but sort of.
_____
Book Cover⇢ Very cool...I quite like it.
Setting⇢ Seattle mostly
Source⇢ Libby Audiobook (Library)
Length⇢ 3 hours, 24 minutes
FEATURING⇢
⬥Zombie Apocalypse
⬥The End of the World As We Know It
⬥Prequel to Warm Bodies
⬥A Glimpse of the Past and a Path to an Astonishing Future
⬥With Audio Performed by Candace Thaxton (one of my least favorite narrators...)
MY THOUGHTS⇢
If you felt you were cheated by Warm Bodies because of the lack of zombie murdery type scenes...then this prequel should help fulfill that need. While still taking a deeper, more literary look into the zombie apocalypse scenario, it shows Julie at the age of 12 and first made her way to Seattle with her parents. It has a second POV from R when he first becomes a zombie and lastly a third POV, which is pivotal to R's story. The world, overall, that the author has created is a thought-provoking take on zombies.
At around 190 pages this is all story and no filler with previews of other books. Also, did you know that there are two more books after Warm Bodies? I knew about The Burning World, but there is also a third full novel-sized book...titled The Living, but so far it's only available on Kindle, I'm hoping they make an Audio Version as well since it's over 400 pages.
THE BREAKDOWN⇢
Plot⇢ 4/5
Narration Performance⇢ 3/5
Characters⇢ 4/5
The Feels⇢ 4.2/5
Pacing⇢ 4.3/5
Addictiveness⇢ 4/5
Theme or Tone⇢ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇢ 3.5/5
Backdrop (World Building)⇢ 4/5
Originality⇢ 4/5
Ending⇢ 4/5 Cliffhanger⇢ Not really...but sort of.
_____
Book Cover⇢ Very cool...I quite like it.
Setting⇢ Seattle mostly
Source⇢ Libby Audiobook (Library)
Length⇢ 3 hours, 24 minutes
February 12, 2013
All six are moving toward each other, some by accident, some by intent, and though their goals differ considerably, on this particular summer night, under this particular set of cold stars, all of them are sharing the same thought: Find people.
If you loved Warm Bodies then you have to read The New Hunger. Many of the questions you had while reading Warm Bodies is answered or at least explained. This novella is not long but it's packed with beautifully written moments of pure horror. It's really the only way to describe what happens to R when he wakes up to this new world with no knowledge of a past life. He just know's he is different and there is something inside of him that is not satisfied.
We also get to see Julie, her father and mother traveling to Seattle to find some good people. Then there is Nora and her brother Addis. He's 7 and nieve but this strange world is making him grow up before his time. All these characters converge and you get a clear picture of what Isaac Marion meant for each to experience.
Julie Bastet Grigio has reasons to sleep darkly. Her life has seen little light. She is twelve years old but has a woman’s weathered poise. Her abyss-blue eyes have a piercing focus that some adults find unsettling. Her mother ties her hair in a ponytail but Julie pulls it out, letting it fall into a loose mess of yellow and gold. She has fired a gun into a human head. She has watched a pile of bodies set alight. She has starved and thirsted, stolen food and given it away, and glimpsed the meaning of life by watching it end over and over. But she has just turned twelve. She likes horses. She has never kissed a boy.
What I found so interesting with Isaac Marion's writing is how fast you connect with these characters he has writen. You cannot help but feel for R, Julie and Nora. Both is differernt ways and you never thought you'd ever be inside the mind of a newly forming zombie and feel empathy for him. No, I never thought i'd ever have those emotions. In a way Marion makes you feel these emotions and you can almost see the transformation or maybe just the difference between R and the other zombies.
All he can smell or taste or even feel is the scent. The perfume. Life.
In closing: Amazing prequel to one of my favorite Zombie books, Warm Bodies. Fast paced, beautifully writen and just enough detail to keep me looking for the next morsel that Marion will write. I'm beyond excited for Untitled, can you tell?
So Nora Aynalem Greene is walking. She is sixteen years old, but now she is seventeen. Now she is twenty. She is seeking a cure for the plague, the curse, the judgment— people may never agree on what to call it. She will search for years until she forgets this city, until she forgets that she ever had a family and begins to think of herself as something that sprouted unbidden and unwanted through the concrete of an empty parking lot. But even then, alone in the driest desert, she knows that a rain will fall. It may be a long time, but not forever. Nora knows better than most that nothing lasts forever. Life doesn’t, love doesn’t, hope doesn’t, so why would death, hate, or despair? Nothing is permanent. Not even the end of the world.
February 9, 2017
3.75 stars!!! Really enjoyed this, it was deep and chilling. Very glad I read it, it built Nora's character up a heap! Not to mention the zombies, it was just so good.
January 30, 2017
"Everyone is equally young and foolish in the wide lens of history, and the arrogant denial of this is what unraveled the world. So much easier to think of people as children when you want to lie to them. Especially if you're a businessman, a congressman, a journalist, a doctor, a preacher, a teacher, or the head of a superpower. Enough white lies can scorch the earth black."
Who knew the zombie stories can be so deep and profound? I think Mr. Marion is one of the best undervalued authors of our time. He can practically write grocery list and it will sound lyrical.
This book got me more excited for the sequel of Warm Bodies <3
Who knew the zombie stories can be so deep and profound? I think Mr. Marion is one of the best undervalued authors of our time. He can practically write grocery list and it will sound lyrical.
This book got me more excited for the sequel of Warm Bodies <3
January 18, 2018
Finished reading: January 17th 2018
"Nothing is permanent. Not even the end of the world."
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
March 27, 2016
The New Hunger was a quick insight to how R, Nora and Julie's journey began leading up to Warm Bodies. I don't think it was necessary to read Warm Bodies before this prequel but it did help that I have seen the film.
Julie is twelve years old and trying to find civilisation with her parents. We see her travel to Canada but they are turned away and travel to Seattle where she crosses paths with Nora who has been abandoned by her parents along with her seven year old brother. R has just become undead and we read his inner battle with the killer inside him.
Nora's story was the most engaging, her brother was cute yet tough and I was shocked by what happened to them in the end. The house with the walking skeleton's was super creepy and I'm surprised she made it out alive. Julie's relationship with her parents was outlined nicely in this but not in very good detail. They tried to protect her in this horrible world but it didn't really help matters similarly to how Nora tried to protect Addis.
The writing was really good, I loved how Marion portrayed R and showed his feelings without revealing who it was, personally I only realised it was him at the very end. This was a good introduction, I'm looking forward to reading Warm Bodies soon.
Julie is twelve years old and trying to find civilisation with her parents. We see her travel to Canada but they are turned away and travel to Seattle where she crosses paths with Nora who has been abandoned by her parents along with her seven year old brother. R has just become undead and we read his inner battle with the killer inside him.
Nora's story was the most engaging, her brother was cute yet tough and I was shocked by what happened to them in the end. The house with the walking skeleton's was super creepy and I'm surprised she made it out alive. Julie's relationship with her parents was outlined nicely in this but not in very good detail. They tried to protect her in this horrible world but it didn't really help matters similarly to how Nora tried to protect Addis.
The writing was really good, I loved how Marion portrayed R and showed his feelings without revealing who it was, personally I only realised it was him at the very end. This was a good introduction, I'm looking forward to reading Warm Bodies soon.
January 5, 2017
Loved it! I liked it a lot better than Warm Bodies. Warm Bodies was mostly great, somehow it didn't feel naturally resolved, and had just a tad too much verbal teenage angst, but when fantastic books are uncommon, I would still classify both as fantastic books. For me, The New Hunger was pretty-much perfect. I'm so glad to have found this author and I can't wait to see what he does in future.
February 4, 2013
The new prequel novella to Isaac Marion's NYT bestselling novel WARM BODIES, THE NEW HUNGER is an excellent, if gruesomely poetic, rendering of what happened to the main characters before they met.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 816 reviews