Book Review – Wanted Dead
or Undead by Angela Scott
Perhaps one of the highest compliments I can pay this book
is that I did not realize it was a young adult novel until I saw mention of the
fact on the author’s Facebook page. The
story was excellent and engaging and the writing was very impressive. Nowhere to be seen was the typical
over-the-top romance that permeates young adult fiction. The relationships that develop through the
book happen over time and seem to occur in a much more realistic manner. Best of all, nothing sparkles, except maybe
the bullets if the sun happens to reflect off of them on the way to a zombie’s
brain.
“Trace Monroe doesn't
believe in luck. He never has. But when a fiery-headed cowgirl saunters through
the saloon doors, wielding shotguns and a know-how for killing the living dead,
he believes he just may be the luckiest man alive.
Trace wants to join Red's posse, but she prefers to work alone--less messy that way. In order to become her traveling companion, Trace has to agree to her terms: no names, no questions, and if he gets bit, he can't beg for mercy when she severs his brain stem.
He agrees, knowing only that Red is the sharpest shooter he's ever encountered. The fact she's stunning hasn't escaped his attention either.
What he doesn't know, is that Red has a very good reason to be on top of her game. She not only has the answer for how they can all outlive the plague taking over the wild, wild west, she IS the answer.” (Amazon.com)
Trace wants to join Red's posse, but she prefers to work alone--less messy that way. In order to become her traveling companion, Trace has to agree to her terms: no names, no questions, and if he gets bit, he can't beg for mercy when she severs his brain stem.
He agrees, knowing only that Red is the sharpest shooter he's ever encountered. The fact she's stunning hasn't escaped his attention either.
What he doesn't know, is that Red has a very good reason to be on top of her game. She not only has the answer for how they can all outlive the plague taking over the wild, wild west, she IS the answer.” (Amazon.com)
The novel focuses on a sub-genre that really could use more
material, that of a zombie western. That’s
right, this book is not only full of zombie goodness, but also takes place in
the Wild West. The action seems very
realistic for the period and is never lacking.
Angela Scott does not hold back from giving us a very descriptive
picture of zombie carnage in a world lacking the modern day weaponry that works
most efficiently against the undead.
Action is not the only thing that Scott provides for her readers.
The character development in this book is excellent. Scott uses the action to drive the story
while providing us with great insight into the characters and their motivations
beyond just staying alive. These
characters seem flesh and blood by the middle of the book and you find yourself
on the edge of your seat hoping that the flesh is not chewed and the blood not
spilled. It is very easy to lose
yourself in this story and really start caring about the characters. This aspect of a story is a must in terms of
any book, young adult or adult, and Scott is dead on with her aim of
accomplishing this goal. This is not a
story or characters that can be contained in a single volume.
Thankfully, Angela Scott does not leave us wanting. Wanted
Dead or Undead is the first in the Zombie
West Trilogy. After closing this
book, you will be relieved to know that because you will be left wanting more.
Overall, I find almost nothing to say in a negative light
about this book. The only small issue I
had was the occasional mistaken pronoun (he for she or vice-versa). My experience was with the audio book format,
however, so it may not have even been the book itself, but the reading of the
book. If you have not already done so, I
would highly recommend picking this book up right away and be prepared to pick
up the sequels when you are done, because you will not want to wait to find out
what happens next.
So, let’s take a look at the Rage Circus
breakdown:
Story Concept -4.5/5
Story Execution – 4.5/5
Story Flow – 4.5/5
Character Development (give-a-damn factor) - 5/5
Gripping visuals/details - 5/5
Entertainment Value/Story Engagement - 5/5
Editing (including grammar and spelling) – 4.5/5
Overall – 4.7/5 – Pick up your copy today and be prepared to not put it down!
Story Execution – 4.5/5
Story Flow – 4.5/5
Character Development (give-a-damn factor) - 5/5
Gripping visuals/details - 5/5
Entertainment Value/Story Engagement - 5/5
Editing (including grammar and spelling) – 4.5/5
Overall – 4.7/5 – Pick up your copy today and be prepared to not put it down!
You can purchase Wanted Dead or Undead by Angela Scott at Amazon in hardcover
trilogy version, paperback, or Kindle e-book at the following links:
Kindle Edition - http://www.amazon.com/Wanted-Dead-Undead-Zombie-West-ebook/dp/B007MCHXEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396390644&sr=8-1&keywords=wanted+dead+or+undead
Kindle Zombie West Trilogy - http://www.amazon.com/Zombie-West-Trilogy-Angela-Scott-ebook/dp/B00GO9SXJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396391468&sr=8-1&keywords=zombie+west
Hardcover
Zombie West Trilogy - http://www.amazon.com/Zombie-West-Trilogy-Angela-Scott/dp/1622538617/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_har?ie=UTF8&qid=1396391499&sr=8-1&keywords=zombie+west
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