Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of
Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation 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.
I haven’t listened to many audiobooks, but when I had a long drive ahead of me traveling to a writer’s retreat, I downloaded Dread Nation, a book that has been in my TBR for a while. Now I get why people have favorite narrators, because this one is excellent, in my opinion. I’d listened to another audiobook not too long before this one, and was unable to finish it due to one of the narrators, who honestly ruined the book for me.
I haven’t read much YA historical fiction (more like alternate historical fiction, because, well, zombies), but I really enjoyed this novel. The second I heard Jane’s snark, I knew we’d get along just fine. Watching her enemies-to-friends relationship with Katherine was especially enjoyable, as was the way Jane deals with those who doubt her strength, intelligence, and worth. Having read several zombie books, the world-building is done well, with its own unique spin.
When the setting changes from Baltimore to the west, I felt the pacing slowed a bit, but picked up again around 75%.
If you’re a zombie/shambler fan, or just enjoy books with strong, sarcastic female heroines and an intense plot, I’d highly recommend Dread Nation. It’s a series I plan on continuing.
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I am so over zombies…. They oversaturated the market with them, in my opinion. But, this is such a unique take on a zombie outbreak that I may have to check it out!!! I love the historical aspect of it! 💖
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Agreed, Nicole – a lot of zombie books are out there, but this one has a different spin to it. And putting it in a historical setting creates some unique possibilities. This one is so well done – you should give it a chance.
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I read my first zombie book last year and loved it. Why did I wait so long? I dunno, maybe I thought zombie books were only for high school boys or something. ANYWAY, this sounds great. Thanks for reviewing it.
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I’m a zombie fan, Priscilla. You should check out the Rot and Ruin Series by Jonathan Mayberry. My son read all of them – think I’ve got one book left.
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I haven’t listened to an audio book in years, but I can see where one would be the perfect companion on a long drive!
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Whenever I have a long drive and it’s just me, that’s the first thing I do, Mae. Also cuts down on the road rage, lol!
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I have never read a book about zombies, Teri, although I hear about the Zombie Apocalypse all the time from you younger son. I like the historical aspect of this book.
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I’ve read several other zombie books, but the historical aspect added a cool twist to this one.
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I enjoyed your review, Teri. I’m not much of a zombie fan (although I love iZombie on Netflix). However, I really like this concept and alternate history setting.
You are so right. Audio books need the right voice for the right story.
I loved the narrator in Charlaine Harris’ Midnight Texas audio book.
Have a terrific Tuesday. Hugs.
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I’ve heard good things about iZombie – probably something I should look into. And yes, the narrator makes a big difference. With the exception of the one mentioned above, I’ve had good luck with narrators on other audiobooks.
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I’ve overdosed a bit on zombies, but I love snark. Snark is like chocolate, I just can’t get enough. Thanks for review. And interesting comment on the narrator. I’ll have to keep that in mind as I head down that path myself. Thanks!
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Agree with you on both snark and chocolate (unfortunately), Diana, lol. Some friends in my book club listen to audiobooks regularly, and have their favorite narrators. Sometimes they’ll listen to a book they otherwise probably wouldn’t have picked up just because of the narrator.
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Well, that’s an interesting twist. Talk about alternative histories!
Interesting that you mentioned the narrator making or breaking an audiobook. I never really thought about it, but that makes sense.
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I know, right? A mega alternative history.
The audiobook I listened to is something I should have loved – had my name written all over it. The male narrator was fine, but the female narrator’s voice made me cringe – piercing, sharp, and just annoying. I’d probably enjoy it if I read the book myself.
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That’s why I shy away from doing podcasts. My voice is Pittsburgh-nasal, and I don’t want to scare people away!
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I have no problem with Pittsburgh – a good portion of hubby’s childhood was spent just outside Pburgh. Never sounded nasal to me. Would take you any day over the other narrator!
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I don’t mind hearing it, either. Until it comes from me, of course. I assure you, I’d never be hired for radio or TV.
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