Review: The Second Book Can't be Published Soon Enough!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 7, 2014
I was gifted a copy of this book when I won a contest the author held. This review is taken from my blog at www.nicolestoreyauthor.com I did not receive any compensation for this review and all opinions are my own.Most everyone knows I am a huge #ZombieLit fan. Maybe it's because I love the grit and brutal honesty that is revealed in a dystopian-type world. Maybe it's because I watched too many classic horror movies as a kid (and still do). Whatever the reason, I am always on the lookout for a good #dystopian novel with down-to-earth characters and a great plot. I found it in author Rhonda Hopkins' latest release, Survival.I was drawn in from the first three sentences:Sarah Jamison's gaze met her twin's fear-filled blue eyes."I-""It's no use. The cuff is too tight. You're going to have to leave me."I mean, who starts a zombie book like that???I have to say that I was skeptical. These days, ZombieLit is all starting to read the same for me. Same plot, same characters, same settings. I've read a handful of dystopian stories in the past year that have caught my attention. The rest went into my "Did Not Finish Because It Bored Me to Tears" file – to be burned. Rhonda Hopkins has renewed my faith!What I liked:1. The characters aren't your typical neighbor-next-door types who suddenly find this phenomenal strength they never knew they had and, after three chapters, have become proficient with guns, bombs, martial arts, trapping, and first aid. She has a mixed bag of characters – sick, flawed, young, and yes, strong. In the short time it took me to read this book, I came to love them all. You see, I was pulled in by their flaws. Isn't that how we mostly relate to others? It's Hopkins' characters' flaws that make them real.2. Setting: I swear, if I read one more story that takes place in a burned out, dead, no life for at least one hundred miles, can't find a bite to eat anywhere, no clothes, no medicine, and the world is now filled with savages- land, I may just gouge my own eyes out. WHY is it that authors automatically assume that THIS is where dystopian books must be set? I am sure the world would eventually come to that but many readers (myself included) like to start at the beginning of things. We like to know what led up to the empty small town with the decrepit gas station and a sign hanging by one chain and blowing in the hot breezes. Don't tell us that it wasn't always that way. Don't tell us that people used to come from three towns over just to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade jams from Fanny's Roadside Market and now all that's left is an abandoned building with her apron still lying across the counter – show us!Hopkin's does just that. She starts her story at the beginning, letting us get a feel for this Texas town and the people who live there. We get to know them before they become Linda Hamilton in the Terminator and start to kick arse.3. Plot: In her first book, the author doesn't give too much away. Yes, we know there are zombies but we don't know much else. This is smart! She doesn't try to give her readers five years of back-story in the first three paragraphs. She gives some hints, some action, and lets the readers look around for a while. It was created with finesse. Hopkins didn't shove her story down my throat. She gave me just a taste and it was so good that I can't help but want more. Like I said - SMART!4. Kids: This sort of goes back to characters but I wanted to make a point. Kids are young, not dumb. I detest books where kids are treated like babies who can't think for themselves, can't answer questions, can't contribute to what is going on. They are window dressing – someone to be told what to do, to be protected by the adults, and even killed off to pluck at the readers' heartstrings. I love that the author of Survival gives the kids a VOICE. She doesn't look over them. She doesn't treat them like extras to be killed off at her leisure or to be talked to like they have suddenly lost all means of comprehension.What I Didn't Like:Honestly, this is a personal preference and has nothing to do with the writing in the book, but it is a pet peeve of mine. I think the author could have chosen better cover art. I love the background but the girl on the front looks cartoonish and fake. Like I said, it is my opinion and doesn't take away from Hopkin's brilliant story. I just wished she had chosen something else. I believe a book this good deserves a cover that reflects that.So, all in all, I give this book 5 stars and would give more if I could. I can't wait until the second in the series is available. Right now, Survival is only 0.99! Trust me, this is a steal so grab it quick!