Books Like...
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.
If you liked Dread Nation, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
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... - #2
Generations after a zombie outbreak, the survivors of the human race live in a small village surrounded by fences to keep out the undead. The protagonist, Mary, dreams of leaving the village and finding the mythical ocean. However, when the fences are breached by the zombies, Mary and a few others escape into the forest of hands and teeth, facing adventures and challenges along the way. The book explores themes of survival, love, and the desire for freedom, set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth delves into the life of Mary, a young girl living within the confines of a fenced village, protected from the Unconsecrated zombies that roam the forest beyond. The story follows Mary's journey as she navigates the secrets of the village, her own desires for a life outside the fences, and the challenges of survival in a world overrun by the undead. The book combines elements of dystopia, romance, and adventure, offering readers a unique take on the zombie genre with a focus on characters and their decisions.
My mother used to tell me about the ocean. She said there was a place where there was nothing but water as far as you could see and that it was always moving, rushing toward you and then away. She onc... - #3
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
'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... - #5
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 ... - #6
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... - #7
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... - #8
'The Enemy' by Charlie Higson is set in a post-apocalyptic London where a deadly disease has turned all adults into zombie-like creatures, leaving only children under the age of 16 as survivors. The story follows various groups of kids who band together to navigate through the dangerous city in search of safety, facing treachery, battles, and unexpected challenges along the way. The plot is filled with suspense and action, capturing the reader's attention with every chapter and turn in the story, making it a thrilling and engaging read.
The writing style of 'The Enemy' is described as well-written, captivating, and intense. The author skillfully creates a terrifying and realistic world where children must fight for survival against the infected adults. The characters are portrayed realistically, adding depth to the story and making the action more intense, which appeals to readers who enjoy a gripping and intense thrill in the horror genre.
Small Sam was playing in the parking lot behind the Waitrose supermarket when the grown-ups took him. He'd been with some of the little kids, having a battle with an odd assortment of action figures, ... - #9
In the alternate history novel "Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest, set in nineteenth-century Seattle, a catastrophic event leads to the release of a poisonous gas that turns people into zombies. Briar Wilkes, a widow with a complicated past, ventures into the walled-off city filled with the living dead to find her son Zeke, who has gone in search of answers about his father's involvement in the disaster. The story unfolds with elements of steampunk, air pirates, survival horror, and a touch of family drama, creating a unique and thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
The book is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly Briar and Zeke, and their compelling mother-son dynamic. The intricate world-building, blending steampunk technology with a zombie-infested setting, adds depth to the story. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of action, suspense, and moments of reflection that keep the pacing dynamic and the plot intriguing, making "Boneshaker" a standout entry in the steampunk genre.
Her shoulders lost their stiff, defensive right angles, and she shook her head. “That figures. I swear to God, all the men in my life, they…” She stopped herself. And then she said, “My father was a t... - #10
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.
It’d been about three months since the Incident at the lab. “Incident” was how they kept referring to it in the news and in the therapy sessions, and the word had been beaten into my head by constant ...