Zombies

Book Review: ‘Caliban Cove (Resident Evil, #2)’ by S.D. Perry

15th Dec 2024Leave a comment

For the final book of my 2024 reading challenge, I picked up S.D. Perry’s ‘Caliban Cove (Resident Evil, #2)’.

Having enjoyed Perry’s first ‘Resident Evil’ novelization, I wanted something lighthearted and easy. With its evil corporations, secret labs, and hordes of zombies, this book was a no-brainer. Pun intended.

Unlike most of Perry’s Resident Evil books, ‘Caliban Cove’ is not tied to a specific video game. There is no ‘Caliban Cove’ game – this story is Perry’s creation. Free to craft her own story, she takes us on a new romp with Rebecca Chambers, the rookie medic from the first story. The story follows the events of ‘The Umbrella Conspiracy’. Perry dives straight into the action.

Like its predecessor, ‘Caliban Cove’ is fast-paced and easy to read, making it a breeze to fly through the pages. I appreciated Perry’s creativity with new monsters and villains, bringing some freshness. That said, the ending felt rushed, and I wanted more details about some of the creatures. While keeping your big bads in the shadows can build suspense, having some payoff at the end is nice.

Although weaker than book one, ‘Caliban Cove’ is still fun – it’s good cheesy action to turn your brain off.

Book Review: ‘The Umbrella Conspiracy (Resident Evil, #1)’ by S.D. Perry

15th Dec 2024Leave a comment

I picked up ‘The Umbrella Conspiracy (Resident Evil, #1)’ by S.D. Perry, for my next read of the year.

I’ve loved the ‘Resident Evil’ games since my older brother got ‘Resident Evil 3: Nemesis’ in the early 2000s. I’ve since devoured every game. With ‘Resident Evil 3’ day at the end of last month, I wanted to delve back into Raccoon City. But I didn’t have the time to replay the games. So I thought, ‘Why not try the novels?’ I’ve heard other fans talking about them in horror circles, and I’m a big fan of trashy books and B-movie horror.

The book follows – surprise, surprise – the S.T.A.R.S. members as they investigate trouble in Raccoon Forest. People have been disappearing, sometimes turning up eaten. Perry opens the novel with the S.T.A.R.S.’s Bravo team going missing, leaving the Alpha team to investigate. It doesn’t take long until a zombie shambles onto the page, and from there, the book follows the game’s beats. We even get P.O.V.s from Jill and Chris – the first game’s two playable characters – along with the rest of the cast.

The book follows the game’s story much more than its silver-screen counterparts. It might do too well, describing the maze-like corridors and endless puzzles. But I understand that Capcom must’ve insisted Perry do this. This adherence might also be a plus for those who felt the movies should have stuck to the source material.

I went in expecting it to be enjoyable but flawed – after all, I have a soft spot for the movies – but it turned out decent. It’s not ‘The Shining’ or anything, but who would expect that from a video game novelisation? The characters are as we remember them, with some embellishment. The settings are all there, and the atmosphere is suitable. The puzzles fit into the story, and all the monsters appear – even if killed “off-screen”.

Perry’s book scratches the itch (itchy, tasty) well if you want to return to the Spencer Mansion.

Book Review: ‘The Walking Dead, Vol 2: Miles Behind Us’ by Robert Kirkman

8th Aug 2024Leave a comment

For my next read in 2024, I read Robert Kirkman’s ‘The Walking Dead, Vol 2: Miles Behind Us’.

I purchased ‘Compendium One’ at the start of the year and breezed through the first volume. As you could have predicted, I adored it because I love all things zombie. My obsession with the undead will never die (pun intended). But, with the usual relentlessness of life, I didn’t get around to continuing.

After finding some time on my hands, I recently blasted through the second volume. And it’s brilliant. The story continues with Rick and Co’s struggle to survive in a zombie-infested world. The volumes don’t quite line up with the season breaks of the show, but they match, more or less.

The story deviates from the TV show, but these changes are pleasant surprises. Some of the big moments I remember from the show are there, and some aren’t. And there are a few new ones. I can say the same for the characters, too. It’s fun seeing where the showrunners stuck to the script and where they made their tweaks.

But I have to praise the artwork. It’s sublime and gory. You can’t tear your eyes away from some of the gruesome images on the page. The use of black and white for scenes involving blood and viscera was a clever one. It reminds me of one of my favourite movies, George A. Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’.

I aim to dive into the third volume soon, as I’m having a blast.

Book Review: ‘The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye’ by Robert Kirkman

4th Feb 2024Leave a comment

Robert Kirkman’s ‘The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye’ is book three of 2024.

Ever since I watched the show – which, for all its flaws, I love – I’ve been curious about the comic. Yet, I never got around to it because I was too busy reading non-graphic books. I craved something visual after finishing Junji Ito’s ‘Tomie’ last year. A perfect chance to check out ‘The Walking Dead’.

The writing is faster-paced than the TV show. This pace was jarring because I expected a slow introduction and build-up. But it makes sense – this is a comic, after all. It’s a different medium. Once I got used to that, I got into the rhythm of each issue. I miss including some of the show’s characters – Daryl – but if I want the show, I can go and watch the show. The comic is its own thing, and it’s bloody good!

The art style is gorgeous and gruesome in equal measure. I often paused at some nastier scenes and found myself whispering, ‘Wow!’ I love the black and white choice; it reminds me of ‘Night of the Living Dead’, one of my favourites. If you love the aesthetics of zombie apocalypse media, there is a lot to love in these comics.

On to ‘The Walking Dead, Vol. 2: Miles Behind Us’!

Book Review: ‘The Zombie Survival Guide’ by Max Brooks

21st Jun 2023Leave a comment

So, I better review the books I read on my honeymoon! (Regina and I loved Santorini and had the best time ever.)

For book one of the honeymoon—and book twenty-one of the year—I read ‘The Zombie Survival Guide’ by Max Brooks. I’d read ‘World War Z’ many moons ago and loved it. I’d always meant to get around to ‘The Zombie Survival Guide’ but never found the time. But when waiting around at airports or sunning yourself on a beach, you have time!

I enjoyed ‘The Zombie Survival Guide’ quite a bit, although I prefer ‘World War Z’ if memory serves. This reason isn’t due to any fault on Brooks’s behalf. The book guides the reader through surviving the zombie apocalypse, as advertised. Thus, the book lacks any real story until you reach the end. If you need a narrative to propel you through a book, there might be a better book for you. You’ll have a blast if you like humourous and well-thought-out world-ending scenarios. And, at the end of the book, Brooks regales us with ‘historical’ zombie tales of survival (and death, of course). This part reminded me of ‘World War Z’ and might be the best part of the book for some.

I’m a zombie nut, always have been, and always will be, so even pages on vehicles in the apocalypse interest me. That said, this approach to a book will only please some. If you need a story but like the zombie genre, try Brooks’ ‘World War Z’.

But if—like me—you don’t care how you get your undead meals, ‘The Zombie Survival Guide’ will give you more than a few laughs.

Book Review: “Grave Predictions”

20th Feb 2023Leave a comment

Grave Predictions was my seventh read of 2023.

I picked up Grave Predictions because it contained Harlan Ellison’s “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream.” I’d always wanted to check out this short story but could never find it anywhere—and I didn’t want to pirate it. Then, after a chat with friends about disturbing ideas—such as Roko’s basilisk—Ellison came up. Thus, I decided I needed to read it and find a copy.

The collection as a whole stands as a bit hit-and-miss. “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream”—the reason I got it in the first place—was excellent, as expected. As were several other stories, such as King’s “The End of the Whole Mess”. I also enjoyed the early pieces from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The progression through the decades was a nice touch. But a few parts did not work for me.

It’s worth the price of admission for some of the more standout stories. Of course, some are weaker than others. But the high moments make it all worthwhile. And that closing story is breathtaking.

Please give it a go, but don’t be afraid to pass on the stories that aren’t working for you.

Book Review: “The Drift” by C.J. Tudor

13th Feb 2023Leave a comment

I picked up C.J. Tudor’s The Drift for my sixth read of the year.

I’d heard of Tudor before and had seen The Chalk Man getting positive reviews. So when I saw The Drift’s stunning cover in my local Tyrolia, I had to pick it up. Whoever said don’t judge a book by its cover?

Three thriller stories twist around each other, happening at the same time. Oh, and there’s a zombie-ish apocalypse going on, as well. A coachload of students crashes, leaving the survivors trapped inside. A cable car breaks down, stranding the strangers onboard with a dead body. Friends, locked in a snowed-in chalet, are soon at each other’s throats.

The Drift is a mix of murder mystery, suspense thriller, and apocalyptic horror. So it’s hard to pinpoint what genre The Drift is, but there’s one thing for sure: it’s bloody brilliant.

If any—or all—those listed genres appeal to you, then I urge you to pick up a copy of The Drift. It had so many twists I could not predict where it headed.

I’d say it’s damn near flawless, and I look forward to delving into Tudor’s back catalogue.

‘In the Dark of the Zombie City’: A story of an intense discussion

2nd Sep 2020Leave a comment

Hey, everyone! How’s everyone doing this fine *checks notes* September afternoon? This next one was written for the contest, In On a Little Secret. I chose the prompt, “Write a story about a meeting of a secret society.” The title of my short story is In the Dark of the Zombie City, and you can read it here on WordPress or over on my Reedsy profile.

“So, the first item on our agenda is killing Ethan.” Lilly looked up from the sheet of paper on her judge’s desk. “Are we all in agreement?”
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Well, that’s all for now! Until next time, guys. 🙂

‘In Circles’: My 50th Reedsy story!

25th Jul 2020Leave a comment

Here we are! All caught up — on the Reedsy stories, at least! Whew! Took me long enough, didn’t it? Thanks for sticking around. 🙂

This next one was written for the fairly recent contest, Two Hundred. This one was special because not only did it mark Reedsy’s 200th writing prompt, but it was also my 50th story with them, since they started publishing stories on their site! (I had a few stories with them before the site, but I still feel that this is a rather momentous occasion!)

I chose the prompt, “Write a story that involves a mystery — it doesn’t need to be crime-related, it should just include something that remains unexplained until the end.” Such a great prompt, as it can be taken in so many different directions! The title of my short story is In Circles, and — you know how this goes by now! — you can read it here on WordPress, or over on my Reedsy profile.

I just woke up in this place, and I don’t know how I got here. I’m not alone, but I don’t know any of the people that are with me.
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Well, that’s that! You’ll have to wait until I’ve written the next one to read it, as we’re all caught up, now! Hope you enjoyed the ride, guys! Oh, and here’s to 50 more stories! 😀

‘Where the Children Used to Play’: A story about what happens after the horror

21st Jul 2020Leave a comment

Hey guys! How we all doing? Sick of this constant barrage of stories yet? Well, I’m afraid we’re not quite done yet — but we’re almost there! This next one I’m really rather fond of. It was written for the contest A Moment Like This, and for a while I was thinking about using the prompt, “Write a story told entirely through one chase scene,” but in the end, I went for, “Write a story about a summer afternoon spent in a treehouse.” I don’t want to become predictable, after all! Anyway, the title of my story is Where the Children Used to Play, and you can read it here on WordPress or over on my Reedsy profile.