Books Like...
If you liked 100 Days in Deadland, here are the top 69 books to read next:
- #1
Soulless is a bloody, fast-paced, and original take on the zombie genre - great for horror fans seeking something different, even if the ending may not work for everyone.
'Soulless' by Christopher Golden follows the story of Phoenix Cormier, who accompanies her father, a medium, to a TV appearance that goes awry, leading to a zombie apocalypse where the dead rise and hunger for their loved ones. As the epidemic spreads rapidly in New York City, a group of diverse characters including college students, a teen pop star, and a gangbanger must come together to survive and stop the undead. The novel presents a unique twist on the zombie genre by introducing intelligent zombies who evolve mentally and use memories to lure their prey, creating a terrifying and gory narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Curtains of punishing rain fell upon the sea of dark umbrellas populating the Manhattan sidewalks, commuters hurrying to get to work on time. From the tenth-floor studio, Times Square looked like a ma...October 2008•328 pages - #2
Fast-paced, heartfelt, and tense - World of Ash is a great pick for dystopian and post-apocalyptic fans, especially if you’re in the mood for relatable characters and an emotional journey, but be prepared to crave the next book when you’re done!
World of Ash is a post-apocalyptic tale following Katarina (Kat) and Dylan as they navigate a world ravaged by a disease spread by paranormal creatures. The duo must travel through California, facing dangers, loneliness, and the constant threat of infection while forming a deep bond of trust and friendship. The book captures the essence of survival in a devastated world, with vivid imagery that immerses readers in the characters' fears, pains, and desperation.
Kat's journey to find safety with her uncle in Washington takes readers on a gripping adventure, filled with close calls, heart-racing moments, and a budding romance between her and Dylan. The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of trust, companionship, and resilience, offering a compelling story of survival and hope amidst chaos and destruction.
October 2013•340 pages - #3
A gripping, teen-centered zombie road trip with just enough originality and heart to stand out in a crowded genre. Great for YA fans and zombie enthusiasts - just be ready to dive into book two!
Devil's Wake is a young adult novel that follows a group of teens on a journey from Oregon to California in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The story revolves around their adventures and struggles as they fight off the undead and navigate through dangerous situations, all while seeking sanctuary at a safe haven called Devil's Wake. The book is described as a fast-paced read with engaging characters, natural dialogue, and a good rhythm in the writing style. Despite the gore and bullets, the tone is older YA, making it an entertaining and light read that ends somewhat abruptly, leaving room for potential sequels.
—ongoingconcerns over scattered reports of violent, perhaps drug-induced behavior in the Seattle area,” the newscaster’s voice boomed from the BMW’s Sony speakers, filling the car as trees and farmlan...July 2012•304 pages - #4
A fast-paced, emotionally rich zombie adventure that stands out from the horde - especially for fans of character-driven apocalyptic fiction.
'Until the End' by Tracey Ward is a gripping Zombie Apocalypse story that follows Alissa, a college student with a traumatic past and mental health issues. When a virus outbreak turns people into zombies, Alissa teams up with Jordan, another survivor, to navigate the dangers of the infected city and find safety. The story is filled with intense survival scenes, a touch of romance, and explores themes of mental health and resilience in the face of a deadly apocalypse.
The city is in ruins. Smoke billows up into the sky in lazy tendrils, reaching into the clear blue and marring its perfection. Fire alarms blare through the silence as flames lick and devour anything...2013•309 pages - #5
Classic zombie action with badass women at the wheel - a wild, emotional ride for genre fans, but beware uneven writing and a few character missteps. Worth picking up if you need your horror gory and your heroines fierce!
'The First Days' in the series 'As The World Dies' by author Rhiannon Frater is a gripping zombie novel that follows the story of two strong female characters, Jenni and Katie, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of survival in a broken world, the character-driven storyline, and the intense sense of urgency and terror throughout the narrative. The author's descriptive writing style vividly brings the setting of Texas to life, creating a compelling backdrop for the characters' struggles and challenges.
The plot revolves around Jenni and Katie's journey to find safety amidst chaos and danger, as they encounter complex characters, face internal and external conflicts, and form unlikely alliances to stay alive. The book delves into themes of loss, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horrors, while also exploring the dynamics of relationships, jealousy, and the lengths people will go to in order to adapt to a new world order.
The fingers pressed under the front door of her home were so very small. She could not stop staring at those baby fingers straining frantically to reach her as she stood shivering on the porch. The co...2008•343 pages - #6
Unexpectedly moving, often funny, and wholly original - Warm Bodies proves that even a zombie story can have brains and heart. Worth a shot, even if you don’t usually go for zombie fiction!
In 'Warm Bodies' by Isaac Marion, readers are introduced to a unique twist on the typical zombie apocalypse narrative. The story follows R, a zombie who unexpectedly develops feelings and a sense of protectiveness towards a living girl named Julie after consuming her boyfriend's brain. This unconventional romance sets off a chain of events that challenge the boundaries between the Dead and the Living, exploring themes of humanity, love, and self-discovery. Through R's introspective narration and the engaging plot filled with humor and depth, the novel offers a fresh take on the zombie genre, blending elements of romance, comedy, and social commentary in a post-apocalyptic setting.
The writing style of 'Warm Bodies' is praised for its ability to humanize the zombies and delve into their inner thoughts and struggles. The narrative is described as engaging, light-hearted, and thought-provoking, offering a balance of humor, introspection, and action. With nods to classic stories like Romeo and Juliet, the book weaves a compelling tale of transformation, exploring what it means to be alive and the power of love to transcend boundaries even in the most unexpected circumstances.
We are not bound by our bodies. Flesh is an experience we choose to have. From the bright cloud of our vastness we grow fingers to dip in cool water, to run through soft grass, to touch our skin and f...2010•290 pages - #7
A must-read for zombie lovers who crave character-driven chaos and aren’t afraid of a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Just be sure to have book two on hand before you start!
'Omega Days' by John L. Campbell is a zombie novel set in San Francisco, following the stories of various characters from different walks of life as they come together to survive the zombie apocalypse. The book features good character development, multiple character perspectives, and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is straightforward, with smooth prose and minimal grammatical errors, making it an enjoyable read for fans of the zombie fiction genre.
A winter breeze swept across the high Nevada desert and through the openings between the steel, making thirty-three feel ten degrees cooler. The fence was ten feet high and made of black metal bars se...June 2013•367 pages - #8
A dark, haunting YA novel that stands out with its unique take on zombies and survival, but be ready for a heavy dose of angst and ambiguity. Fiercely atmospheric - definitely memorable!
Generations after a zombie outbreak, the survivors of the human race live in a small village surrounded by fences to keep out the undead. The protagonist, Mary, dreams of leaving the village and finding the mythical ocean. However, when the fences are breached by the zombies, Mary and a few others escape into the forest of hands and teeth, facing adventures and challenges along the way. The book explores themes of survival, love, and the desire for freedom, set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth delves into the life of Mary, a young girl living within the confines of a fenced village, protected from the Unconsecrated zombies that roam the forest beyond. The story follows Mary's journey as she navigates the secrets of the village, her own desires for a life outside the fences, and the challenges of survival in a world overrun by the undead. The book combines elements of dystopia, romance, and adventure, offering readers a unique take on the zombie genre with a focus on characters and their decisions.
My mother used to tell me about the ocean. She said there was a place where there was nothing but water as far as you could see and that it was always moving, rushing toward you and then away. She onc...2009•326 pages - #9
A gripping, journal-style zombie saga that nails military realism and survival horror - especially at the start. Expect addictive reading, but be prepared for tonal shifts and some rough narrative patches in the sequels. Worth it for zombie fans and survival enthusiasts!
Day By Day Armageddon by J.L. Bourne follows a U.S. Naval officer navigating a world devastated by a zombie apocalypse, told through his first-person journal entries. The story starts with the officer documenting the early days of the outbreak and evolves into a gripping tale of survival as he encounters other survivors and faces the realities of a collapsing society. The writing style is engaging and creates a sense of intimacy, drawing readers into the protagonist's thoughts and experiences.
As the series progresses into sequels, the storytelling shifts, blending journal entries with a more traditional narrative approach, allowing for broader character development and simultaneous plotlines involving various groups of survivors. However, while the first book retains a compelling urgency, subsequent entries have been critiqued for losing that initial drive as the scope expands and additional characters are introduced. Despite some narrative shifts and pacing issues, Bourne's detailed military background infuses the writing with authenticity, making it a rich read for fans of zombie fiction.
My mother called today on my cell worried asking me if I knew anything about what’s going on overseas. I had to once again explain to my mother that just because I’m an officer in the Navy does not me...2004•319 pages - #10
A delightfully funny, fast-paced romp that turns marriage counseling into zombie mayhem - perfect for fans of humorous horror or anyone in need of a light, entertaining read.
'Married with Zombies' by Jesse Petersen is a humorous take on the zombie apocalypse where a couple on the verge of divorce, Sarah and David, find themselves fighting for survival against the undead. The story follows their journey from Seattle to Longview, encountering various challenges, zombies, and quirky characters along the way. Through the chaos, the couple's relationship evolves as they navigate the new world filled with zombies, injecting humor and witty banter into their interactions.
Petersen's writing style blends humor, action, and emotional moments seamlessly, creating a fast-paced and engaging narrative. The book cleverly intertwines the themes of marriage counseling and zombie survival, offering a unique twist to the typical zombie genre. The characters, especially Sarah and David, are relatable and likable, adding depth to the story as they face the challenges of the apocalypse while trying to mend their troubled relationship.
David and I became warriors in the zombie plague on the first day, but don’t think that means we were front line soldiers or something. In truth we stumbled into the zombie battle because it was a mea...2010•266 pages











