Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
You don’t have to be a horror fan to love a good zombie tale. Zombie books take two different paths these days: the serious, horror type or light-hearted which are also typically humorous. Personally, I love both so without further ado, here are my recommendations for each.
For the “Serious” zombie fan
The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey [Review]
Everybody raved about this one and I’m happy to say that it’s hype that is more than well deserved. Far from what I would expect from your typical zombie tale but nonetheless fantastic.
‘…the Breakdown, when the world filled with monsters who looked like people you knew and loved, and every living soul went scrambling and skittering for cover like mice when the cat wakes up…’
Newsflesh Trilogy by Mira Grant [Reviews: Book 1 – Book 2 – Book 3]
I’ve probably demanded people read this series more than any others. Zombies + Politics would never have been a combination I thought would work but oh man does it ever.
“My mother once told me that no woman is naked when she comes equipped with a bad mood and a steady glare.”
Pet Sematary by Stephen King [Review]
So maybe this isn’t zombies eating brains per say, but dead things are still coming back to life and that’s close enough for me. This is my favorite King.
“And the most terrifying question of all may be just how much horror the human mind can stand and still maintain a wakeful, staring, unrelenting sanity.”
The Reapers Are the Angels (Reapers #1) by Alden Bell [Review]
This was not only a superb story with a character that I LOVED (Temple) but the writing ability of Alden Bell (also known as Joshua Gaylord) was even more so. I’ve gone on to read another story of his and loved it almost as much. He’s definitely one to watch for.
“You somehow make it outta here and track me down, you best come with a furious rage–because I got no use for your sympathy.”
As the World Dies Trilogy by Rhiannon Frater
This collection was one of the first zombie stories I ever picked up so they hold a special place in my heart. They are also incredibly exciting.
‘She’d been questioning Jenni’s sanity for a while now, but then again, they were all slightly insane now, weren’t they?’
For the “Light-Hearted” zombie fan
Married with Zombies (Living With the Dead #1) by Jesse Petersen [Review]
This was one from my pre-blogging days that I adored. Hilarious story about a married couple attending counseling + zombies.
“So you killed him with what now?”
“I tried that Dr. Phil book at first”…”And I finished it off with the toilet seat. Just so you know, you left it up again. That drives me crazy.”
My Life As a White Trash Zombie (White Trash Zombie #1) by Diana Rowland [Review]
Yes, this is really about a white trash girl named Angel who dies in a car accident only to wake and find she has a serious craving for brains. It’s hilarious and corny and all sorts of fun.
“Zombie Super Powers, Activate!”
Bad Taste in Boys (Kate Grable #1) by Carrie Harris [Review]
I had seen this one but was immediately turned off by the cover. I don’t know about you but that cover does not scream zombies to me. This one was so hilarious though… jock zombies on steroids. Looking for a laugh? Look no further.
‘Being gnawed on had pushed me over the edge. Mike had always been a tool, but not the kind of tool who bit people when he had the munchies.’
Warm Bodies (Warm Bodies #1) by Isaac Marion [Review]
This one is goofy and definitely flawed, however, I couldn’t help but love this one. The movie is pretty fantastic too.
“In my mind I am eloquent; I can climb intricate scaffolds of words to reach the highest cathedral ceilings and paint my thoughts. But when I open my mouth, everything collapses.”
Can You Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? (Zombie Apocalypse #1) by Max Brallier
Even though this one is a bit more serious, the choose your own adventure aspect of this one makes it incredibly fun. Zombie eat you? That’s okay! Flip back to the beginning and give surviving another shot.
Not really a zombie fan, but I love(lovelove) the film “Warm Bodies.” Also, I’m eager to read P+P+Z before the DVD release so hopefully I’ll enjoy that. Fun list!
Rissi recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday | In Which I Ask For YA Historical Recommendations
Yes, I love your list! The Girl With All the Gifts is great and I’ve been meaning to pick up Feed for some time. Have you read Jonathan Maberry’s Benny Imura series? Courtney Summer’s has a really good YA zombie book as well called This Is Not a Test. Thanks for the suggestions!
Alicia @ A Kernel of Nonsense recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books Every Reader Who’s a Kid at Heart Should Read
I have to admit, I don’t really read zombie books. I don’t know why as I’m sure I’d enjoy them! I should check out some of these books!
Chrissi Reads recently posted…Ten Books That Every Teacher Should Read Or Have In Their Classroom
I confess that I avoid zombie books if I can so I was shocked to see so many selections on your list that I didn’t even know were zombie books. Ha!
My TTT Award Books
Anne@Headfullofbooks recently posted…TTT: For people who like to read award books, my recommendations
I’m a big scaredy-cat so I tend to avoid the serious zombie books, though I do have Feed on my TBR list… I think it’s still there b/c I’m scared I’m going to get scarred from reading it.
The only zombies I’ve really read are a serial novella series called Love & Decay by Rachel Higginson. It’s an indie series (so I know not everyone is a fan of indie authors), but it’s got some sweet battles, lots of snark, and some love angst in it.
My TTT.
I’ve read only a few zombie books – World War Z is amazing. (The movie adaptation is not really faithful.) I also read one called The Forest of Hands and Teeth, which is a great title, but was not very good. I’ve heard good things about Mira Grant’s series as well as The Girl with All the Gifts. Some of these others I had not heard of before – there seems to be a really broad variety of zombie books now since I last paid attention.
Christy (A Good Stopping Point) recently posted…Spoonhandle by Ruth Moore (Reading New England: Maine)
I loved “Married with Zombies” and its sequel, but still need to read the last one. Some of your choices look great and I will definitely be checking them out. Wonderful topic.
Barb(boxermommyreads) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday