reanne's review
2.0
I got a copy of this though goodreads first reads.
Overall, I was kind of disappointed. I didn't really dislike the book, but I didn't like it either. I didn't like any of the characters, and just when I thought there might be an inkling of caring about a character developing, that character was killed off. If you like cynical detective stories--or are really, really into zombies--you'll probably like this book. I just found it too stark for my taste. Primarily, it didn't make me care about anything that was going on.
Also (spoilers below here)...
What was up with the ending? There's no logical reason the killer wouldn't have chopped his head off as soon as he had him, and saying he 'promised' is a weak excuse. Then Mann's human assistant not only breathes in a super-strong nerve toxin which supposedly kills in minutes, but also inhales all kinds of poisons from just being in the building, and apparently after some mouth to mouth and a defib is just fine and dandy. Not buying it. Also, the adulterous cop's refusal to act like a cop and actually look at the evidence, relying instead on his mindless hatred and prejudice, really got on my nerves. The author kept saying how characters were basically decent, but I just didn't ever see it. When even the good guys are unrepentant adulterers and spouse-abusers, the author has failed to engage my sympathies.
Overall, I was kind of disappointed. I didn't really dislike the book, but I didn't like it either. I didn't like any of the characters, and just when I thought there might be an inkling of caring about a character developing, that character was killed off. If you like cynical detective stories--or are really, really into zombies--you'll probably like this book. I just found it too stark for my taste. Primarily, it didn't make me care about anything that was going on.
Also (spoilers below here)...
What was up with the ending? There's no logical reason the killer wouldn't have chopped his head off as soon as he had him, and saying he 'promised' is a weak excuse. Then Mann's human assistant not only breathes in a super-strong nerve toxin which supposedly kills in minutes, but also inhales all kinds of poisons from just being in the building, and apparently after some mouth to mouth and a defib is just fine and dandy. Not buying it. Also, the adulterous cop's refusal to act like a cop and actually look at the evidence, relying instead on his mindless hatred and prejudice, really got on my nerves. The author kept saying how characters were basically decent, but I just didn't ever see it. When even the good guys are unrepentant adulterers and spouse-abusers, the author has failed to engage my sympathies.
spazenport's review
3.0
The story of this book was captivating. I was held onto like only a good book can hold onto me, but I was not a fan of the characters. There was very little redeeming about Hessius Mann himself, and maybe that's the way that it was supposed to be, but I couldn't get behind his depressed mindset. And hooboy that inner reveal on the last page didn't help.
I love this story. I'll most likely read the second book. The characters weren't lovable, but I'm sure they weren't supposed to be.
I love this story. I'll most likely read the second book. The characters weren't lovable, but I'm sure they weren't supposed to be.
nilchance's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book, which is written in the spirit of the early Dresden books with 'zombie detective' in place of 'wizard detective'. The book establishes Mann as a character and sold me on him before revealing some critical information that would normally make me loathe him. In doing so, in combination with the worldbuilding (zombies have memory gaps, live in constant threat and oppression, and operate removed from the emotions that drive living humans), the book raises questions: can a zombie be held responsible for what they did in life? Should they? What is the point of a life without emotions like joy or love?
This makes it sound like the book is serious and philosophical. This isn't the case. It's hilarious, horrifying, compulsively readable, and unlike any zombie book I've ever read.
This makes it sound like the book is serious and philosophical. This isn't the case. It's hilarious, horrifying, compulsively readable, and unlike any zombie book I've ever read.
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