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Feb222011
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Married with Zombies’ by Jesse Petersen
by Carolyn • Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Authors M-P, Book Reviews, Jesse Petersen, Reviews by Carolyn, Urban Fantasy, Zombies
Title: Married with Zombies (Living with the Dead #1)
Author: Jesse Petersen
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (UK) | Orbit (US)
Publication Date: Feb 2011 (UK) | Sept 2010 (US)
Paperback: 241 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Review Copy
Reviewed by: Carolyn
RATING: 8/10 – brilliant, couldn’t put it down
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Meet Sarah and David.
Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they’re on the verge of divorce and going to couples’ counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things – the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her previous client’s throat.
Meet the Zombies.
Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn’t mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don’t eat their brains, they might just kill each other.
REVIEW:
‘Married with Zombies‘ is such a fun book! The main characters, Sarah and David, are married, and while there is a zombie apocalypse unfolding around them, they still argue about the issues that had them in therapy to begin with, and because of these two characters, ‘Married with Zombies‘ gives a slightly original slant on the usual characters offered in zombie fiction.
However, that’s where the originality ends, this book is full of zombie fiction cliches, but you know what, I didn’t care. This is such a great read because it is pure entertainment. I giggled at their quibbles and yet there is still enough substance and depth to make me care about both these characters. There’s also enough disgusting viscera and brain munching to keep me happy with regards to action and it’s a fast-paced read.
It begins when Dave and Sarah are on their way to see their marriage therapist and notice that the roads aren’t as busy as usual. But they don’t think much about it and continue bickering. When they arrive at their therapy session they wait outside the room. After waiting for what seems like ages, Sarah opens the door to find Dr Kelly munching on her previous clients.
The first thing I noticed was that Dr. Kelly’s eyes were no longer blue. Now they were red with huge pupils that didn’t seem to focus on anything in particular, even when she looked right at us.Her skin was a greyish tone, sickly and pale and…dead-looking, honestly. Except for her mouth, which was covered with a black substance that clung to her lips and teeth. Her chin was bright red with blood and sticky with flesh from the fresh meal she had just devoured.“Um, Dr. Kelly,” I said, hardly able to breathe. “Dr. Kelly, are you okay?”
From there chaos ensues and Dave and Sarah find themselves in a zombie infested world where they have to fight, kill and steal to stay alive. It’s the same old story I’ve read many times within this genre, but it’s wrapped in snappy dialogue and contains two very interesting, fun characters.
There are a few other characters throughout the book but they are fleeting acquaintances. Mostly, Dave and Sarah have to pull together to survive, and they begin to surprise themselves at what they’re actually capable of.
I shook off my surprise and started booking it across the parking lot again. One of the zombies broke toward us and caught up to us pretty easily since we were slowed down by Dave’s injury. I pushed my husband behind me and did the thing you always see at some point in zombie movies.I went all kung fu on his zombie ass.
They soon begin to work as a team and although this is a story about a married couple with zombies, there’s still enough action to keep the story moving along at a perfect pace. It’s also narrated by Sarah, who’s funny and brave – I like her a lot. Dave’s great too but for me Sarah is the star.
VERDICT:
‘Married with Zombies‘ is a wonderfully entertaining read. The writing is witty, the characters are warm and funny and the story is suspenseful and exciting. The slight twist on the typical hero and heroine of zombie fiction makes this is a refreshing read and I highly recommend it to any zombie fan.
You can find out more about the author here:
Books in Series Order:
1. Married with Zombies
2. Flip this Zombie
3. Eat Slay Love
This book counts towards the following BCC reading challenges:
17 Comments
Oh good! I just recently added this one to my TBR, can't wait to get to it!
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This sounds interesting, but the thing that always holds me back is the fear that the book is going to be constant bickering and sniping. Was there a ton of it, or was it balanced with humor, or hopefully, them being nice to each other on occasion?
Jennifer (An Abundance of Books)
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Mimi – It's a really great read, I'm sure you'll enjoy it
Jennifer – I wouldn't have liked it as much as I did (8/10) if it was full of bickering. Although they do snipe it's balanced with tender moments, action and zombie munching. It's a great read
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Glad you enjoyed it! I bought for my Kindle a while ago because it was really inexpensive and sounded good. I will have to get to it sooner now!
Thanks for the review!
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Oh I really need to get a hold of this one! Sounds so good… am in a real zombie obsession at the mo.
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Sounds interesting. I might have to add it to my TBR list.
Oh, and I have an award for you: http://proudbooknerd.com/2011/.....rdue-post/
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I've been curious about this since I saw the cover…I love the title and the cool approach to the cover. Good to know the story matches up!
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Brill – I can't wait to read this one, it looks fab. May have to bump it up my TBR list a bit
. Thanks for the review!x
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This sounds hilariously great. *scampers off to add to TBR list* :3
Great review!
~Kelsa
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This was a fun book! heads up though the sequel was really disappointing
Im hopeful for book 3
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I picked this up on special this month and loved it even though I don't usually read zombie books. It's true, there was nothing original about it, but it was just so well done.
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Good to hear, I'll be keeping this one on the list.
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I really enjoyed this book as well and am looking forward to reading the next book. It was just a fun read!
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I really enjoyed this book as well, the clichés made it predictable in a fun way. And it was fun not to have the traditional romance, but to have a couple working together, however dysfunctional they were at times!
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Two Reader Reviews – It is really good – a quick enjoyable read – lots of fun.
Carmen – I love zombies too, can never get enough. I hope you enjoy this when you get it as much as I did
Ham1299 – I would definitely add it to your TBR, and thanks for the award
Mel – It does match up, a lot of fun and great characters. I can't wait to read book 2
Carly B – I would encourage you to bump it up your TBR list, it's a really great read
Amateur Voice – It is funny, but with heart and substance. Hope you enjoy it when you get round to reading it!
JenM – Yeah, not a lot of original material, but then it must be hard to find an angel regarding zombies that hasn't been done to death, but even with all that it's still a really great read, fun and exciting. I'm glad you enjoyed it too
Jennifer – Oh definitely keep it on your list – in fact if you haven't bought it yet, no do so soon you won't be disappointed
Kay – I'm glad you liked it too, and I agree there were cliches but it was still a fun read. I really liked the characters and that's the aspect that made the book a little original compared to other zombie books.
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Just had to come back and let you know I've just read this. You were spot on with your review – I even had a little tear at a certain point. Loved it!
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Carmen – I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!
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