Books Like...
'City of the Dead' in the series 'The Rising' by Brian Keene is a thrilling and intense sequel that continues the story of survivors on the run from zombies. The plot is filled with non-stop action, brutal battles, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as graphic, violent, and not suitable for children, with a focus on creating a dark and immersive atmosphere. The characters are well-developed, with some readers forming strong attachments to them, while others find the gore and lack of emotional connection a downside.
If you liked City of the Dead, here are the top 100 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: The Rising)
- #1
Save:'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.
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 ... - #2
Save:Darkness on the Edge of Town by Brian Keene is a novel that follows the story of a small town, Walden, Virginia, enveloped by a mysterious, evil darkness that traps its residents within. The plot focuses on the struggle for survival as the inhabitants face anarchy, deprivation of essentials, and the worst of human nature emerging in a fight for existence. The writing style is engaging, with a first-person perspective that keeps readers intrigued, even though the story is not particularly scary but rather mildly creepy at times.
In the beginning was the word. I know this because the Bible tells me so. The Bible tells me a lot of things. It says that Jesus loves me, and that you shouldn’t suffer a witch to live, and in the beg... - #3
Save:'Dead City' by Joe McKinney is a fast-paced zombie thriller that follows the story of Eddie Hudson, a San Antonio patrolman, as he navigates through a night of horror and chaos caused by a zombie outbreak. The book is filled with relentless action, gore, and tension as Eddie fights to survive, find his family, and make difficult decisions in a world overrun by the undead. The plot is described as breakneck, with non-stop action and a focus on Eddie's journey through a night of terror in San Antonio.
The writing style of 'Dead City' is noted for its vivid descriptions of gore, fast-paced action sequences, and the author's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book is praised for its portrayal of a cop's perspective during a zombie apocalypse, the realistic loss of companions, and the intense battle scenes that create a thrilling and engaging read for fans of the genre.
There’s an empty parking lot near the corner of Seafarer and Rood where I used to go to fight with my wife. Most district cops have some hidden little spot where they go to escape all the crap that co... - #4
Save:'Dead of Night' by Jonathan Maberry is a horror novel set in a small town in Pennsylvania where a zombie outbreak occurs after a doctor injects a lethal virus into a serial killer, only for the killer to come back to life as a zombie. The story follows the chaos that ensues as the virus spreads, the characters' struggles to survive, and the government's involvement in containing the outbreak. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gripping, and immersive, with a mix of horror, mystery, and elements of political and societal commentary.
There had been that one flash of pain, but even that was beautiful in its way. So intensely painful that it possessed purity. It was beyond anything in his personal experience, though Hartnup had imag... - #5
Save:In 'Urban Gothic' by Brian Keene, a group of suburban teenagers find themselves stranded in a dangerous part of town after their car breaks down. Seeking refuge in an old abandoned house, they soon realize they have stumbled into a nightmare inhabited by mutant cannibals. The fast-paced and relentless plot keeps readers on edge as the teenagers fight for survival against gruesome horrors lurking within the house. Keene's vivid descriptions and realistic decision-making of the characters immerse readers into the terrifying world he has created, making it a gripping and disturbing read.
A car rolled slowly past, its underside so low to the ground that it almost scraped against the road. The windows were tinted, and they couldn’t see the driver, but the vehicle’s stereo was turned up ... - #6
Save:The Conqueror Worms by Brian Keene is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where rain has been falling continuously for over forty days, leading to a global flood and the appearance of ancient mythical creatures. The story follows multiple groups of survivors, including an eighty-something WWII veteran named Teddy, who must navigate the new dangers brought on by the deadly Behemoth and Leviathan. The novel combines elements of horror, survival, and fantasy, keeping readers engaged with well-drawn characters and a suspenseful plot that culminates in a climactic battle for survival against monstrous creatures and sinister forces.
The book is praised for its engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The pacing is well-maintained, and the ending leaves room for interpretation, offering a blend of hope and horror depending on the reader's perspective. Brian Keene's writing style is commended for its ability to create a vivid and immersive world filled with memorable characters, intense action sequences, and a sense of impending doom that drives the story forward, making it a must-read for fans of apocalyptic fiction.
It was raining on the morning that the earthworms invaded my carport. The rain was something that I’d expected. The worms were a surprise, and what came after them was pure hell, plain and simple. But... - #7
Save:'Zombie Fallout' by Mark Tufo is a zombie novel that follows the protagonist, Mike Talbot, a witty and sarcastic former marine who leads his family and other survivors in defending a gated community against a zombie outbreak caused by a government cure for H1N1. The story is filled with thrills, chills, and comedic moments as Mike navigates through dangerous situations, faces consequences for his decisions, and discovers a new realization about the zombies' abilities to think and hold grudges. The book's writing style is easy-going, with elements of supernatural and humor intertwined in the plot, creating an engaging and fast-paced narrative.
“Hey man, how the hell was I supposed to know they had more than one enormous tree and skating rink? I figured it had to be it. Seemed strange though; the tree did always look bigger on television. Fi... - #8
Save:'The Living Dead' by Daniel Kraus and George A. Romero is a posthumous collaboration that brings together various characters dealing with the zombie apocalypse over a span of 15 years. The plot revolves around the outbreak of a zombie plague and follows characters like Greer, Muse, Karl, and Etta as they navigate through a world filled with ghouls and societal breakdown. The writing style captures the essence of Romero's work, with themes of social criticism and commentary intertwined with blood-soaked tales.
Within the early months of the twenty-first century, before the terrorist attacks of 9/11, hospitals, nursing homes, and police departments in the United States, except for rural outposts too remedial... - #9
Save:Autumn by David Moody is a bleak zombie tale set in England, depicting the aftermath of a virus that wipes out a significant portion of the human population, with a third of the dead returning as reanimated corpses. The story follows a group of survivors, including Michael, Emma, and Carl, as they struggle to cope with loss, band together, and face the relentless threat of the living dead. The narrative unfolds slowly, showcasing the evolution of the reanimated corpses and the survivors' fight for survival amidst the apocalyptic landscape, characterized by darkness, fear, and a sense of impending doom.
In the sequel, The City, a different group of survivors navigates the horrors of the post-apocalyptic world within an urban setting. As they encounter the reanimated dead and band together for survival, the story delves into themes of isolation, fear, and the complexities of human relationships in the face of a catastrophic event. Moody's writing style creates a chilling atmosphere, drawing readers into a nightmarish world where the living must confront the undead and their own inner demons.
Stuart Jeffries had been on his way home from a conference when it had begun. He’d left the hotel on the Scottish borders at first light with the intention of being home by mid-afternoon. He had the n... - #10
Save:'Suburban Gothic' is a highly anticipated sequel that continues the story of a deformed family led by Scug who escaped an onslaught and is now in charge, living in an abandoned mall with a mad doctor. The authors, Keene and Smith, masterfully blend elements from their previous works, 'Urban Gothic' and 'The Freakshow', creating a seamless clash of horror that immerses the readers into a world filled with blood, gore, and unexpected deaths. The plot is fast-paced, filled with brutal kill scenes, and keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for horror enthusiasts.
Readers have appreciated the intriguing storyline, the fun and entertaining nature of the book, and the seamless collaboration between Bryan Smith and Brian Keene. is described as a fun, gooey, and gory sequel that delivers on the expectations of fans of both authors, with an epic ending that leaves readers hoping for a third installment to continue the story.
