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Dread Nation

Book 1 in the series:Dread Nation

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In 'Dread Nation' by Justina Ireland, the Civil War is interrupted by a zombie uprising, leading to the conscription of black and Native American youths to combat the undead. The story follows Jane McKeene, a fierce and rule-breaking combat school student, as she navigates a world filled with historical complexities such as the horrors of slavery, racial passing, and the struggles faced by non-white characters. As Jane uncovers secrets and conspiracies, she becomes entangled in a thrilling survival story set in a post-Civil War America divided by factions and plagued by zombies.

The book is praised for its engaging narrative, strong character development, and thought-provoking exploration of race, gender, and historical issues within a zombie apocalypse setting. Readers appreciate the diverse representation of characters, the focus on friendships over romance, and the compelling world-building that incorporates elements of alternate history and social commentary.

Characters:

The characters are complex and relatable, with Jane serving as a strong lead amidst a diverse cast grappling with societal expectations and personal challenges.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style blends humor, strong dialogue, and a distinct narrative voice, effectively immersing readers in the protagonist's journey.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot presents an alternate history where a zombie apocalypse alters the course of the Civil War, enforcing the societal oppression of African Americans and Native Americans through forced training to combat the undead.

Setting:

Set in a creatively constructed alternate 19th-century America, the setting reflects a society altered by the presence of zombies and entrenched in racial oppression.

Pacing:

While the pacing begins slowly, it picks up significantly as the story unfolds, balancing action with character development.
I hope this letter finds you well. It is coming up on my third anniversary here at Miss Preston’s, and although I have not received a letter from you in quite some time, I felt that I would be remiss ...

Notes:

Set in an alternate history where the Civil War did not end due to the emergence of zombies, known as 'shamblers'.
The protagonist, Jane McKeene, is a biracial girl training to be an Attendant to protect wealthy white women from zombies.
The book explores heavy themes including racism, slavery, and gender roles within a historical context.
It draws parallels between the treatment of African Americans and Native Americans during the era, particularly focusing on the Indian boarding schools.
Jane's training reflects real-life historical injustices, portraying a society that continues to oppress marginalized groups even post-Civil War.
The story includes a conspiracy involving missing families and the corrupt dealings of powerful men in the new society.
The novel has been praised for its complex characters, particularly Jane and her evolving friendship with Katherine, who is from a privileged background.
Jane is portrayed as a strong and capable fighter, showcasing her skills with weapons like sickles and guns.
The narrative is interspersed with letters between Jane and her mother, adding emotional depth to the story.
The book's coverage of institutional racism is highlighted through Jane's experiences and the societal norms surrounding her.
Dread Nation combines elements of horror, adventure, and social commentary, making it a unique read in the YA genre.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include racism, misogyny, and themes of sexual violence, all integral to the book's exploration of its historical context.

From The Publisher:

New York Times bestseller; 6 starred reviews!

At once provocative, terrifying, and darkly subversive, Dread Nation is Justina Ireland's stunning vision of an America both foreign and familiar-a country on the brink, at the explosive crossroads where race, humanity, and survival meet.

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania-derailing the War Between the States and changing the nation forever.

In this new America, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Education Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead.

But there are also opportunities-and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It's a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society's expectations.

But that's not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston's School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn't pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose.

But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies.

And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

"Abundant action, thoughtful worldbuilding, and a brave, smart, and skillfully drawn cast entertain as Ireland illustrates the ignorance and immorality of racial discrimination and examines the relationship between equality and freedom." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List")

Ratings (9)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (3)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (30):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (17)
Not Interested (3)
 
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