Books Like...

'Book of the Dead' in the series 'Book of the Dead' by author John Skipp is an anthology that delves into the zombie universe established by George A. Romero. The stories within the book range from classic zombie canon to outright bizarre, exploring themes such as religious cults conditioning the undead, zombies falling in love, sentience in zombies, and graphic zombie orgies. The anthology is noted for its originality and social commentary, offering a unique take on the zombie apocalypse with a mix of graphic gore and sexual content.

The anthology is a collection of stories that handle zombies in a non-traditional way, focusing on various aspects of the undead beyond just survival against overpowering hordes. Authors in the anthology bring a fresh perspective by exploring different scenarios involving zombies, creating a diverse and engaging read for fans of the undead genre.

'Allison Hewitt Is Trapped' is a zombie novel that follows the protagonist, Allison, as she blogs about her experiences during a zombie apocalypse. The book is written in the form of blog entries, providing a quick and easy read while still allowing for character and plot development. Readers witness Allison's growth as she navigates through a changing world, dealing with guilt, survival, and the complexities of human relationships amidst the zombie outbreak.

'The Living Dead' by Daniel Kraus and George A. Romero is a posthumous collaboration that brings together various characters dealing with the zombie apocalypse over a span of 15 years. The plot revolves around the outbreak of a zombie plague and follows characters like Greer, Muse, Karl, and Etta as they navigate through a world filled with ghouls and societal breakdown. The writing style captures the essence of Romero's work, with themes of social criticism and commentary intertwined with blood-soaked tales.

Autumn by David Moody is a unique take on the zombie genre, focusing on the psychological aspects of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It presents a chilling narrative where a virus decimates the population, leaving only a few survivors who must navigate their existence amidst the rising threat of the undead. The novel captures the fragility of hope and humanity, revealing how characters react under extreme stress and moral dilemmas.

The writing style is both atmospheric and incisive, creating a sense of dread throughout the story. Moody skillfully develops his characters, making them relatable and realistic, each with their flaws and struggles. The story unfolds slowly, building tension rather than relying on constant action, which may not appeal to every reader but adds depth to the characters' experiences. Overall, Autumn combines horror with a profound exploration of human nature, offering an engrossing and thought-provoking read.

'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.

'The Living Dead' by John Joseph Adams is an anthology that explores various perspectives on zombies, ranging from traditional Romero-style zombies to voodoo zombies, supernatural zombies, and brainwashed zombies. The stories delve into different angles of the living dead phenomenon, including zombie apocalypses, zombies as a workforce, and dead individuals seeking justice. The book features a mix of stories that offer unique takes on the zombie genre, with some narratives weaving in political commentary and societal critiques.

The anthology presents a diverse collection of zombie tales, showcasing different writing styles and plot approaches. Readers will encounter stories that evoke emotions, provoke thoughts on human nature, and challenge traditional zombie tropes. From heartwarming tales like 'This Year's Class Picture' to thought-provoking narratives such as 'Death and Suffrage,' the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the living dead theme through engaging storytelling and creative interpretations.

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.

'Dead City' by Joe McKinney is a fast-paced zombie thriller that follows the story of Eddie Hudson, a San Antonio patrolman, as he navigates through a night of horror and chaos caused by a zombie outbreak. The book is filled with relentless action, gore, and tension as Eddie fights to survive, find his family, and make difficult decisions in a world overrun by the undead. The plot is described as breakneck, with non-stop action and a focus on Eddie's journey through a night of terror in San Antonio.

The writing style of 'Dead City' is noted for its vivid descriptions of gore, fast-paced action sequences, and the author's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book is praised for its portrayal of a cop's perspective during a zombie apocalypse, the realistic loss of companions, and the intense battle scenes that create a thrilling and engaging read for fans of the genre.

'Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End' by Manel Loureiro is a zombie apocalypse story set in mainland Europe, particularly Spain. The narrative is presented in a day-by-day format, chronicling the outbreak of the virus and the struggles of an unnamed lawyer as he tries to survive in a collapsing civilization. The story is described as realistic, with a focus on the protagonist's experiences and emotions as he navigates through the chaos and dangers brought on by the apocalypse. is praised for its tension-building, ominous atmosphere, and the sense of governments trying to control the crisis while society crumbles.

The novel is noted for its unique setting in Spain, as opposed to the usual American backdrop found in most zombie fiction. The protagonist's lack of special skills adds to the realism of the story, offering a refreshing change from the typical zombie killer archetype. The blog journal format of the narrative is highlighted as a strong point, providing a first-person perspective that enhances the authenticity and relatability of the protagonist's experiences during the apocalypse.

'Dead of Night' by Jonathan Maberry is a horror novel set in a small town in Pennsylvania where a zombie outbreak occurs after a doctor injects a lethal virus into a serial killer, only for the killer to come back to life as a zombie. The story follows the chaos that ensues as the virus spreads, the characters' struggles to survive, and the government's involvement in containing the outbreak. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gripping, and immersive, with a mix of horror, mystery, and elements of political and societal commentary.