A review by briannarengland
First Days (as the World Dies, Book One) by Rhiannon Frater
3.0
2.5
I went into this novel with high expectations. A good friend of mine recommended it to me because she adored it. I honestly cannot see why.
Sure, it was intriguing. I didn't want to put it down. But I can't put my finger on what made me want to continue reading.
The plot was kind of slow and more unexciting than boring. The fight scenes were great and. There was a lot of repetition in the way that the characters were sent from place to place on rescue and supply missions. Though, I'm assuming that's how it would be in an actual zombie apocalypse. I feel like there should have been more character development for Jenni and Katie, though Jenni went from forced female housewife to a kind of badass, instead of constant descriptions of journeys.
The zombies were gross and lovely. Their descriptions and characteristics were one of the best parts of the book.
The female protagonists, Jenni and Katie, were supposed to be strong and badass. And they were half the time. But the other half was spent reading about their weaknesses (WHY COULDN'T THEY BE LIKE NERIT??). I get that people have weaknesses - that's what makes humans who they are - but it didn't fit with the strength they were supposed to have. I don't understand how they went from being fearless warriors one second, and then the next they're breaking down into tears. It was constant. Smiles, laughter, badassery, and then tears. I wanted them to be more like a hero. Instead of breaking down ALL THE TIME, I feel like it should have been saved for times when they were alone. The routine of their characters felt forced and unnatural.
Katie started the book stating she was a lesbian. Then around half way she tells someone (I honestly can't remember who) that, nope, she's actually bi. WHAT THE HELL. I loved the idea of this fearless lesbian. It meant that there would be no romantic interests forced upon her. I admit that I ship Katie with Jenni, but that's mostly due to the fact that they CONSTANTLY HELD HANDS AND KISSED EACH OTHER ON THE CHEEK. I have female friends that I'm close to, and we never, EVER, do that. Not as a comfort thing, not as silly thing. It's just not what we do. I take that as a romantic sign. So, yes, I would have been okay with Katie/Jenni, but then all of a sudden Katie likes men too?? That was a lot to take in. AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, Travis wanted some of that? And Katie gave in?
My feelings are just dsOIHDSOUHFDSOHFDSODGOUHFD and keyboard smashing is entirely relevant.
I like Juan. I'll continue reading the series for Juan and because I promised my friend I would.
And I have hope that a few characters I don't like will be offed.
Just please, please let it be better and more exciting and scary than this one.
I went into this novel with high expectations. A good friend of mine recommended it to me because she adored it. I honestly cannot see why.
Sure, it was intriguing. I didn't want to put it down. But I can't put my finger on what made me want to continue reading.
The plot was kind of slow and more unexciting than boring. The fight scenes were great and
Spoiler
when Nerit came with her truck and ran over all the ones at the front gate, I was in aweThe zombies were gross and lovely. Their descriptions and characteristics were one of the best parts of the book.
The female protagonists, Jenni and Katie, were supposed to be strong and badass. And they were half the time. But the other half was spent reading about their weaknesses (WHY COULDN'T THEY BE LIKE NERIT??). I get that people have weaknesses - that's what makes humans who they are - but it didn't fit with the strength they were supposed to have. I don't understand how they went from being fearless warriors one second, and then the next they're breaking down into tears. It was constant. Smiles, laughter, badassery, and then tears. I wanted them to be more like a hero. Instead of breaking down ALL THE TIME, I feel like it should have been saved for times when they were alone. The routine of their characters felt forced and unnatural.
Katie started the book stating she was a lesbian. Then around half way she tells someone (I honestly can't remember who) that, nope, she's actually bi. WHAT THE HELL. I loved the idea of this fearless lesbian. It meant that there would be no romantic interests forced upon her. I admit that I ship Katie with Jenni, but that's mostly due to the fact that they CONSTANTLY HELD HANDS AND KISSED EACH OTHER ON THE CHEEK. I have female friends that I'm close to, and we never, EVER, do that. Not as a comfort thing, not as silly thing. It's just not what we do. I take that as a romantic sign. So, yes, I would have been okay with Katie/Jenni, but then all of a sudden Katie likes men too?? That was a lot to take in. AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, Travis wanted some of that? And Katie gave in?
My feelings are just dsOIHDSOUHFDSOHFDSODGOUHFD and keyboard smashing is entirely relevant.
I like Juan. I'll continue reading the series for Juan and because I promised my friend I would.
And I have hope that a few characters I don't like will be offed.
Just please, please let it be better and more exciting and scary than this one.