Books Like...
If you liked Zombie Rules, here are the top 38 books to read next:
- #1
A fast-paced, page-turning zombie survival tale packed with detail and action. If you dig post-apocalyptic adventures and don't mind some rough edges, you'll have a blast with this series.
"No Easy Hope" by James N. Cook is a gripping zombie apocalypse novel that follows the journey of Eric and Gabriel as they navigate a world overrun by the undead. The book intricately weaves a complex story about the apocalypse, providing a realistic and detailed explanation for the zombie creation. Readers are taken on a thrilling adventure filled with action-packed moments, gruesome encounters, and a refreshing beacon of hope within the mill community, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.
I was a wealthy man before the Outbreak. Well, wealthy in monetary terms. I had almost no family by the time the world ended. I was an only child, and when my parents were killed, I had only my Grandm...2011•349 pages - #2
A fresh and enjoyable zombie adventure with realistic character growth, a relatable female lead, and plenty of suspense - perfect for fans of character-driven apocalypse stories.
'This Would Be Paradise' is a gripping zombie apocalypse story that follows the main character, Bailey, as she navigates a world overrun by the undead. The plot is filled with action, suspense, and moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as realistic and engaging, with a strong focus on character development and the psychological struggles faced by the protagonist in a post-apocalyptic world.
The story explores themes of survival, humanity, and growth as Bailey transitions from a carefree young woman to a determined survivor. The author, N.D. Iverson, skillfully captures the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of the characters, making the narrative relatable and immersive for readers. With a mix of humor, horror, and emotional depth, 'This Would Be Paradise' offers a fresh take on the zombie genre that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
I groaned and rolled over on the well-used, sagging hotel bed. Thoughts about all the people who slept right where I was laying made my skin crawl like imaginary bedbugs running amok. The sun had mana...2014•309 pages - #3
Unleashed (V Plague) is a wild, addictive zombie thriller with great pacing and memorable characters - but the lengthy series loses steam and coherence in the later books. Perfect for adrenaline-junkie readers who can forgive a few plot holes for a good time.
'Unleashed' in the series 'V Plague' by Dirk Patton follows the story of John Chase, a former military man, and Rachel, a med student and exotic dancer, as they navigate through a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, focusing on the survival of the characters amidst constant danger and challenges. The writing style is engaging, with minimal dialogue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and immersed in the thrilling narrative.
December 2013•357 pages - #4
A fast-paced, engaging read for zombie and survival fans, packed with heart and grit - just be ready for some rough patches in the writing. Worth a try if you're looking for something new in the undead apocalypse genre!
'White Flag of The Dead' follows the story of John Talon as he navigates the initial outbreak of a zombie virus, desperately trying to protect his infant son and make tough decisions to ensure their survival. Set in a suburb of Chicago, the plot unfolds as John fortifies his home to ride out the pandemic, but soon realizes the growing threat of undead moving into the suburbs, prompting him to seek out other survivors and a safer place to defend. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and gripping, focusing on the slow creep of the apocalypse and the mundane yet challenging aspects of surviving in a world overrun by the undead.
“Come on caveman, your son is calling you.” My wife of six years poked me in the ribs and pushed my feet off the bed. In the background, soft music played through the monitor, indicating that Jake, ou...2009•279 pages - #5
A pulse-pounding, science-fueled apocalypse ride - perfect for action junkies and anyone craving a fresh spin on mutant mayhem. Don’t expect a tidy resolution, but expect to be hooked.
Captain Dominic Holland leads a covert operations team investigating bioterrorism. After discovering suspicious activity on an abandoned oil rig, bone-armored mutant men start washing up on shores worldwide, causing chaos as citizens turn violent. As civilization collapses, Dom's team races against time to find a cure to the bioweapon, all while facing unpredictable perils and intense battles. The fast-paced, high-action narrative is complemented by detailed scientific explanations, keeping readers engaged in the thrilling biotech apocalypse setting.
A breeze swept over the tarmac behind the Harbin Bioweapon Facility of Unit 731. The cool air provided a momentary reprieve from the suffocating, muggy summer heat, but it did nothing to assuage Shige...2015•454 pages - #6
An absolute must for fans of post-apocalyptic and zombie fiction who value heart-pounding action mixed with military realism and flawed, relatable heroes. Fair warning: as the series goes on, you’ll get more character depth and emotional moments alongside the chaos. Overall, a top-tier survival thriller series that will stay with you long after the last page.
The Remaining by D.J. Molles is the sixth installment in a gripping post-apocalyptic series that explores survival amid a zombie-like pandemic caused by a brutal bacterium known as FURY. The plot centers on Captain Lee Harden, a military man tasked with rebuilding society after a catastrophic event. As he navigates the treacherous landscape filled with infected hordes and hostile factions, the story presents a blend of intense action, character development, and moral complexities that challenge the characters' humanity. Though some readers feel there is too much focus on dialogue and character introspection, many find the pacing dynamic and the emotional stakes high, making it hard to put the book down.
Lee Harden stood in the center of a knockoff Persian rug. The soft polyester fibers felt like sandpaper on his bare feet. The seventy-two-degree temperature of the room felt hot one moment and too col...2012•468 pages - #7
A gripping, addictive zombie diary - with a flawed but memorable hero. If you like the genre, and can forgive a few missteps, you’ll likely tear through the series. Not for everyone, but a must-try for zombie and survival fiction fans.
'Dark Recollections' in the series 'Adrian's Undead Diary' by Chris Philbrook is a first-person account of Adrian's struggles to survive alone in a zombie apocalypse. The narrative delves deep into Adrian's thoughts and emotions as he navigates through a post-apocalyptic world, facing challenges, making tough decisions, and interacting with other survivors. The writing style captures the essence of Adrian's diary, providing a unique perspective on the zombie genre with a mix of humor, wit, and detailed descriptions of survival tactics.
It’s pretty fucking cold out tonight. The big ass plastic thermometer on the tree outside says its 35F out tonight. I’m glad I figured out where the emergency generator is here, otherwise I would be f...2013•286 pages - #8
A wild, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt ride through the zombie apocalypse - perfect for readers who like their horror with a hefty side of humor and don’t mind things getting weird. Open-minded zombie fans, dig in!
Zombie Fallout by Mark Tufo is a humorous and action-packed series focusing on Mike Talbot, a rugged ex-Marine and survivalist, as he navigates a zombie apocalypse triggered by a tainted swine flu vaccine. Told in a diary format, the story captures Mike's comedic, yet heartfelt observations, allowing readers to experience his contradictions—a germaphobic tough guy who is devotedly protective of his family and often finds himself in absurd situations like confronting a zombie at his door while wrapped in a towel. Throughout the series, Mike and his quirky companions, including his flatulent bulldog Henry and his enigmatic friend Tommy, engage in non-stop action as they evade zombies and develop deeper bonds amidst the chaos.
Tufo's writing style mixes sarcasm and dark humor, creating a unique narrative that resonates with readers. It often leaves them feeling as if they are part of the adventure, experiencing both the thrills and heartfelt moments alongside the characters. The vivid characterizations, especially of Mike and his family, add depth to the story, even as some characters come off as less developed due to the diary format. While the humor can be crude, it enhances the authenticity of Mike's perspective, making the tale relatable and engaging, even for those who may not usually gravitate towards zombie fiction.
“Hey man, how the hell was I supposed to know they had more than one enormous tree and skating rink? I figured it had to be it. Seemed strange though; the tree did always look bigger on television. Fi...2010•326 pages - #9
A must-read for dedicated Newsflesh fans hungry for more - especially Georgia and Shaun’s next chapter. For newcomers, read the original trilogy first; for veterans, this collection will scratch your zombie apocalypse itch, even if it leaves you wanting more.
'Rise: A Newsflesh Collection' by Mira Grant is a compilation of short stories set in the Newsflesh universe, offering readers a deeper exploration of the post-apocalyptic world following a zombie outbreak. The stories delve into various scenarios and perspectives, from the aftermath of the apocalypse in different settings like elementary schools and conventions, to the lives of side characters such as the Masons and the protagonists Shaun and Georgia.
Grant's writing style in 'Rise' is praised for its ability to evoke emotional responses from readers, with stories that are described as moving, tear-inducing, and anxiety-inducing. The collection is commended for its attention to detail in depicting the harsh realities of a zombie-infested world, forcing readers to confront the darker aspects of a disaster rather than focusing solely on heroic narratives.
Dr. Daniel Wells of the Colorado Cancer Research Center admitted in an interview this week that he was “guardedly optimistic” about having a universal cure for cancer by the end of the decade. His pro...June 2016•693 pages - #10
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











