Books Like...
In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, a group of superheroes in Southern California protect human survivors within the fortified walls of Paramount Studios. The story revolves around the superheroes' efforts to defend the survivors from both the undead and a street gang, showcasing a unique blend of superhero and zombie genres. The author, Peter Clines, introduces various superheroes with diverse powers and backgrounds, creating an intriguing narrative that explores the consequences of a world where super-powered beings face a zombie outbreak.
If you liked Ex-Heroes, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Zone One' by Colson Whitehead is a literary zombie novel set in post-apocalyptic New York City. The book follows the protagonist, Mark Spitz, as he navigates the aftermath of a zombie pandemic and struggles with Post Apocalypse Stress Disorder (PASD). The narrative weaves in and out of flashbacks, exploring themes of isolation, family dynamics, and the rebuilding of society in a world overrun by zombies. The writing style is described as cerebral, with a focus on character development and introspection, rather than typical horror elements.
He always wanted to live in New York. His Uncle Lloyd lived downtown on Lafayette, and in the long stretches between visits he daydreamed about living in his apartment. When his mother and father drag... - #2
Save:In 'Warm Bodies' by Isaac Marion, readers are introduced to a unique twist on the typical zombie apocalypse narrative. The story follows R, a zombie who unexpectedly develops feelings and a sense of protectiveness towards a living girl named Julie after consuming her boyfriend's brain. This unconventional romance sets off a chain of events that challenge the boundaries between the Dead and the Living, exploring themes of humanity, love, and self-discovery. Through R's introspective narration and the engaging plot filled with humor and depth, the novel offers a fresh take on the zombie genre, blending elements of romance, comedy, and social commentary in a post-apocalyptic setting.
The writing style of 'Warm Bodies' is praised for its ability to humanize the zombies and delve into their inner thoughts and struggles. The narrative is described as engaging, light-hearted, and thought-provoking, offering a balance of humor, introspection, and action. With nods to classic stories like Romeo and Juliet, the book weaves a compelling tale of transformation, exploring what it means to be alive and the power of love to transcend boundaries even in the most unexpected circumstances.
We are not bound by our bodies. Flesh is an experience we choose to have. From the bright cloud of our vastness we grow fingers to dip in cool water, to run through soft grass, to touch our skin and f... - #3
Save:Set 25 years after a zombie uprising, 'The Reapers are the Angels' follows Temple, a 15-year-old girl who navigates a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies and dangers. Born into a world overrun by the dead, Temple is portrayed as tough and dangerous yet still harboring a sense of wonder. The plot revolves around Temple's journey through the deep South as she tries to survive, help others, and stay ahead of a man seeking vengeance. The writing style is described as literary, intelligent, contemplative, and characterized by old-fashioned zombie ass-kicking.
The book is praised for its well-rendered main character, Temple, who is depicted as a strong, pragmatic, and ultimately hopeful young woman in a dark and desperate world. The narrative is lauded for its character-driven approach, intriguing premise, and intricate plots that keep readers engaged. The novel is commended for its ability to blend elements of a zombie apocalypse story with literary fiction, offering a fresh take on the genre.
Like those fish all disco-lit in the shallows. That was something, a marvel with no compare that she’s been witness to. It was deep night when she saw it, but the moon was so bright it cast hard shado... - #4
Save:In a post-apocalyptic world where zombies roam the 'Rot and Ruin', 15-year-old Benny Imura embarks on a journey of self-discovery and survival under the mentorship of his older brother, Tom, a seasoned bounty hunter. As Benny navigates the dangers of the rot and ruin, he learns that the living can be just as treacherous as the undead. The narrative explores themes of family, trust, and ethical dilemmas in a society where survival often means making difficult choices. The book offers a fresh take on the zombie genre by focusing on character development and relationships amidst a backdrop of action and adventure.
It was the family business. He barely liked his family—and by family he meant his older brother, Tom—and he definitely didn’t like the idea of “business.” Or work. The only part of the deal that sound... - #5
Save:'The Undead Day One' by R.R. Haywood is a fast-paced and relatable story about a normal guy, Howie, a Tesco nightshift manager, who finds himself in the midst of a worldwide zombie outbreak. The plot follows Howie's journey from work to the start of the end of the world, focusing on his struggle to survive day one of the outbreak. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of humor, gore, and emotional depth that draws readers into the story and keeps them hooked.
- #6
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... - #7
Save:In the year 2039, twenty-five years after a virus caused humans and animals to become flesh-craving zombies, a team of bloggers is recruited to cover the campaign of a U.S. Presidential candidate. The story follows a set of siblings and their friend who happen to be bloggers set in the future where blogging has replaced the traditional media of today. The book is not about zombies but a political thriller where zombies happen to be in the world. The world this story is set in is so well written and vivid that readers stayed up late reading to finish it.
Our story opens where countless stories have ended in the last twenty-six years: with an idiot—in this case, my brother Shaun—deciding it would be a good idea to go out and poke a zombie with a stick ... - #8
Save:'Soon I Will Be Invincible' by Austin Grossman is a unique take on the superhero genre, exploring the lives of superheroes and supervillains in a realistic and literary style. The story alternates between the perspectives of Doctor Impossible, an evil genius with grand plans of world domination, and Fatale, a female cyborg struggling to uncover her past while navigating the world of superheroes. The narrative is structured like a comic book, with chaotic jumps in time, flashbacks, and gradually revealed origins, providing a fun and engaging read for fans of the genre.
Six hundred and seventy-eight use their powers to fight crime, while four hundred and forty-one use their powers to commit them. Forty-four are currently confined in Special Containment Facilities for... - #9
Save:Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry is a thrilling military techno thriller that introduces a fictional black ops agency combating a terrorist plot involving zombies. The book combines elements of terrorism, covert ops, and zombie horror, creating a fast-paced and action-packed narrative. The main character, Joe Ledger, leads the newly formed Department of Military Science in a race against time to stop terrorists from unleashing a zombie apocalypse on the world.
The writing style of Patient Zero is described as smart, feisty, and well researched, offering likeable characters, well-choreographed action scenes, and an invigorating approach to the zombie genre. The book seamlessly blends elements of hardboiled cop stories, zombie tales, and thrillers, appealing to fans of horror, supernatural, crime, and thriller genres. Jonathan Maberry's storytelling keeps readers engaged with continuous action, suspenseful plot twists, and a compelling protagonist, making it an enjoyable and gripping read for fans of fast-paced tales of terror.
Toys’s face was stone as he removed the clip and replaced the round. He didn’t want to come up a bullet short at some crucial moment. He looked at his watch. “Zeller’s team is still twenty minutes out... - #10
Save:In "Day By Day Armageddon" by J.L. Bourne, the story unfolds through journal entries of a military man navigating a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The protagonist's survival skills are put to the test as he faces the challenges of a world in chaos, chronicling his encounters with other survivors and the constant threat of the undead. Written in a diary format, the book captures the protagonist's struggles, close calls with death, and the relentless pursuit of safety and survival amidst the horrors of a zombie outbreak.
My mother called today on my cell worried asking me if I knew anything about what’s going on overseas. I had to once again explain to my mother that just because I’m an officer in the Navy does not me...
