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Dead Sea

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'Dead Sea' by Brian Keene is a zombie survival novel that follows a group of survivors living on the sea to escape the land infested with the dead. The story is action-packed, easily visualized, and features believable characters. The main character, Lamar, is praised for being realistic, flawed, and relatable. The plot involves the survivors dealing with isolation, dwindling supplies, and the constant threat of zombies.

Characters:

The characters are well-rounded and relatable, particularly the protagonist Lamar, which adds emotional weight to the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and straightforward, with a focus on action and realistic dialogue that pulls readers into the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features zombie survival in a unique setting, with continuous tension and crises, led by the character Lamar Reed.

Setting:

The setting is primarily aboard a ship, creating a unique atmosphere of isolation amidst the zombie apocalypse.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast-paced and relentless, though there are moments that slow down for character development.
I didn’t shoot the bitch until she started eating Alan’s face. Before this whole thing began, I’d never shot anyone in my life. Not once. I never held a gun until a few weeks before Hamelin’s Revenge ...

Notes:

Brian Keene is recognized as one of the best writers in the zombie sub-genre.
The story in 'Dead Sea' begins with a unique twist, referencing the Pied Piper with zombified rats.
Lamar Reed, the main character, is a black gay man navigating a zombie apocalypse, adding depth and diversity to the narrative.
The novel explores complex themes of survival, guilt, and responsibility through its characters, especially Lamar’s relationship with two children he protects.
Keene’s portrayal of zombies includes the interesting twist that the virus can jump to other species, including animals.
Readers are drawn to the book due to its fast-paced action and well-developed characters, which make the stakes feel real.
The writing style is noted for being engaging and easy to visualize, often making readers feel like they're part of the action.
Lamar's character is praised for his realism, as he isn't depicted as overly brave but rather as human with flaws.
The novel includes social commentary on prejudices and stereotypes through conversations between characters, albeit in a sometimes awkward manner.
Some readers are left feeling emotionally impacted by the tragic fate of characters, highlighting Keene's ability to evoke empathy.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, gore, and themes of loss, grief, and the existential dread found in a zombie apocalypse.

From The Publisher:

In 2003, Brian Keene's The Rising revived horror literature's dormant obsession with zombies. In 2007, Brian Keene's Dead Sea knocked that obsession on its ass... The city streets are no longer safe. They are filled instead with the living dead, rotting predators driven only by a need to kill and eat. Some of the living still struggle to survive, but with each passing day, their odds grow worse. Some survivors have fled, frantically searching for a place to escape, even briefly, the slaughter around them. For Lamar Reed and a handful of others, that safe haven is an old Coast Guard ship out at sea, with plenty of water between them and the zombies. These desperate survivors are completely isolated from the dangers of the mainland. But their haven will soon become a deathtrap, and they'll learn that isolation can also mean no escape Deadite Press is proud to present this Author's Preferred version of Keene's over-the-top cult classic, which includes never-before-published material.

Ratings (5)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (2)
 
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