Official Review: Z-Radio A Zombie Apocalypse Novelette Bo...

[TLGabelman]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Z-Radio A Zombie Apocalypse Novelette Book 1" by Candy ODonnell.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Z-Radio by Candy O’Donnell is a novella about the zombie apocalypse. We meet Cherise, a High School Principal. She is headed home after a long day of work. After a brief introduction into Cherises domestic life, chaos ensues. Cherise is surprisingly prepared. Her first night is spent on her roof and she wakes, in the morning, to utter bloody carnage below her on the street. During her escape she meets a few other survivors including: three students from her high school, her boyfriend, and an Iraq war veteran. The goal is obvious, find a safe place to stay, find food and water. A series of twists and turns permits the reader to walk among the dead.

Let me admit, I love all things zombie. I love Z movies, shows and books. Being a zombie lover I can be hard to please when it comes to new material on the subject. O’Donnell has delighted me with a few interesting new twists. Without revealing spoilers, I can assure you it’s not to be missed and I yearn to pick up the next installment to see what is going to happen next to Cherise and her motley crew.

Unfortunately, being such a zombie fanatic, I must admit to some areas of disappointment. While the story-line was easy to follow, it was not entirely believable. I know what you are thinking. “What Z story-line is believable?” I can appreciate your apprehension, but trust me there was just something missing that would allow me to really immerse myself with Cherise. She was a little too prepared at the start with no explanation as to why. For me, the story moved too abruptly from meeting Cherise to the apocalypse. Perhaps explanation will be provided in the next book, but this was part of what left the scenario unbelievable; there was no build up.

The story also read a bit too PG for my tastes. I wanted more detail and more gore. While reading I didn’t find all my senses captivated. I wanted to be able to picture the zombies, hear their moans, and smell their decay. I know, gross. While there were zombie close encounters it didn't raise any concern in me. I wanted to feel afraid for the survivors but I wasn't connected enough to the characters to care one way or the other.

I give Z-Radio 2 out of 4 stars. Any reader with an affinity for zombies will enjoy this quick read. I appreciate O’Donnells variations on the typical zombie story and look forward to seeing how this story progresses.

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Z-Radio A Zombie Apocalypse Novelette Book 1
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[Kappy]

Good review. This sounds like a promising story that needs some rewriting to make the tale more suspenseful.

[Gravy]

This sounds very interesting.
I read a short story that sounds similar to this.

And on another note...have you read the Newsflesh trilogy by Mira Grant?

[CataclysmicKnight]

I saw "zombie" and had to read this review! I agree with Kappy - I prefer my stories to not be too gory, but non-gory can still be tense, and you're absolutely right - a zombie story needs that tense, rarely-safe feeling. Hopefully as you pointed out, a sequel can go more in-depth and give it more substance. I'll keep my eyes open!

[Lisalovecraft]

Great review! I agree, I need a little explanation to be able to hold my disbelief. I would not believe a high school principal would be prepared for a zombie apocalypse without some good explanations.

[TLGabelman]

Thanks for the feedback for the author! O'Donnell has a real love for the Zs as do I and i hope future installments are even more pleasing!

@Graverobber I will put that on my list!!

[Gravy]

Awesome

Zombies rock

[zeldas_lullaby]

Great review!

No, I can see how a high school principal would be prepared for this sort of thing. If you've ever worked in the public school system, battling zombies to the death actually becomes preferable.

[Gravy]

[zeldas_lullaby]

HA HA HA. Thanks, you made my day.

[TLGabelman]

Too funny! Read the book and you will see exactly what i mean. No spoilers here...but good point!

[CataclysmicKnight]

Great review!

No, I can see how a high school principal would be prepared for this sort of thing. If you've ever worked in the public school system, battling zombies to the death actually becomes preferable.

LOLOL!!! For what it's worth, this goes for customer service as well

[TLGabelman]

Yes i used to be a manager at customer service. ...its brutal.