Title: Fighting to Survive (As the World Dies Trilogy #2)
Author: Rhiannon Frater
Publisher: Tor Books US
Publication Date: Nov 2011
ARC: 361 pages
Genre: Horror, Zombies
Source: Review copy from publisher
Reviewed by Carolyn
RATING: 9/10 – Excellent, this will remain on my bookshelf forever!
SUMMARY:
In the fort of Ashley Oaks, the survivors of the zombie rising are funning out of food and safe living space. The newly renovated historical hotel seems a perfect sanctuary – if it can be emptied of zombies. A pitched battle in the banquet room begins a harrowing, room-by-room struggle from reception to roof.
As search and rescue teams bring food, supplies, and more survivors back to town, they draw unwanted attention. Bandits see the fort’s citizen’s as competition for provisions – and a ready source of women. The first attacks are minor skirmishes, but everyone knows this is worse to come.
The mayor’s failing health spurs a battle for power in the fort. Travis’s vow never to kill faces its greatest test. Jenni’s tenuous hold on sanity begins to slip. Juan is accused of murder. And a vicious assault on Katie leads to vigilante action that shatters the rule of law.
And everywhere the zombies shamble, moaning, eyes fasted hungrily upon the living…
REVIEW:
“Fighting To Survive” is absolutely brilliant! It’s the second instalment of the ‘As the World Dies‘ trilogy by horror writer, Rhiannon Frater. I loved the first book, ‘The First Days‘ but this was even better. It was just so good I couldn’t bear to put it down. I read it in two sittings and the story remained with me long after I finished the last page. The action came thick and fast and didn’t let go, but was so wonderfully paced I didn’t feel as though I was constantly trying to keep up.
The characterisation is just amazing, I love Katie and Jenni; they are such great protagonists and all the secondary characters are just as well rounded and all have a part to play in this zombie horror. It’s these characters that make this particular horror novel touching, moving, as well as it being gruesome, suspenseful and horrifying.
There are multiple plots in “Fighting to Survive” but Frater manages to keep everything straight and not allow it all to become a jumbled mess. If fact, I really felt as though I was following Jenni and Katie’s lives in almost real time and as each obstacle was presented to them I found myself trying to work out how to fix it with them. It gave the book authenticity, which I loved.
The relationships between some of the characters are deepened. There’s also lots of drama, emotional turmoil, for me as well as the characters, and lots of fantastic action. The scenes where the characters enter the hotel to clear it of zombies is honestly one of the most tense scenes I’ve read. My stomach was in knots for the entire time I was reading it. I was so worried about the characters and Frater does a superb job at keeping the suspense nice and tight and not let it drift, which made the whole thing nerve-racking.
Jenni slips from reality a little further and sees the ghost of her husband, who was actually zombified in the first book. She’s losing it but tries to keep it together. Jenni and Katie’s friendship is stronger than ever. They are still the main characters, but we do get to know a little more about the other characters especially Travis and Juan.
Katie’s sexual attack was pretty horrific, my heart went out to her, but it was warming to see her friends rally around and support her. It was interesting to see how the residents of the fort reacted to this, most were supportive of Katie, but a few sided with the attacker. This frustrated me no end, but I suppose it’s the same as in real life. Luckily, the horrid little man got his comeuppance!
With hordes of zombies moaning and shuffling outside the fort’s perimeters, there’s a lot more to think about than romance. However, there is an element of romance throughout the novel for Katie and Jenni, which was a continuation from ‘The First Days‘.
VERDICT:
“Fighting To Survive” is a horror novel with heart. It’s funny and endearing in places and sickening and gory in others, but always perfectly balanced between the two. This series is a fantastic addition to the zombie genre and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of ‘Siege’ the final book in this phenomenal trilogy.
You can find out more about Rhiannon Frater here:
This book counts towards the following BCC reading challenges:
11 Comments
Oooh perfect review!! I loved this one too!!! Jenni is totally at the breaking point isn't she? I just LOVE her so hardcore!
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Bookish Brunette – I SO cannot wait for Siege!! I love this series so much, I will be so sad with it's finished. I've bought Frater's other adult books too !:D
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This review made my day! Thank you so much!
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Hi Rhiannon – thanks for stopping by! You're welcome for the review, I was just being honest, it is an amazing book and I love the characters. I can't wait to read Siege and now all your other books too
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Oh I so need to get this one. Ashley (Bookish Brunette) has me drooling for it and now I see this brilly review. I will be getting this one soon. I need a good zombie book!
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I'm going to buy it now. I loved the first one…awesome. This sounds like it would make a great video game too. LOL
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Oops I didn't even realize it wasn't out yet, I thought I was waiting for the third book. My hopes have been dashed and crushed…I got all excited by this review. LMAO
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I love that you always list the series in order at the end. I now NEED to get my mitts on the first book in this series. Another I hadn't heard of but is going firmly on my wishlist (not allowed to buy any books till after Cristmas! Aaargh!)
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Added The First Days to my Goodreads wish list. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Melissa (Book & Things) – I would definitely recommend this series, it's fantastic!
Parajunkee – Ahh, I know how that feels LOL Having to wait for SIEGE is going to be agonising!
Carmen – Thanks! Definitely add this series to your wishlist as it's brill. But read it sooner rather than later – if you love zombies then you won't be sorry
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I do love zombies… wonder if I can sneak this one in the house without anyone realising!
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