Review: A Terrifying and Compelling Western with Zombies
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 9, 2013
As a rule of thumb, I don't read sequels before reading the first book in a series. I also avoid Zombie books like the plague. To date, I've read only two series based on Zombies, both Westerns, by the way, that entertained me enough to make me stick around. The Red Dust Series by Ben Dixon and Sam Campbell is one of them.The Lost Party, being the first book in the series, compliments the sequel which I read first. It takes a subject matter that I wouldn't ordinarily be interested in (Zombies) and blends it with one I do admire (Western), and creates a hybrid genre that is as entertaining as it is compelling.This book has elements of a Western and a Historical Novel, anchoring the story in realism. Cleverly interjecting elements of Horror into the mix makes the storyline even more interesting. But what impresses me most is how literary it feels. The authors avoid the pitfall of the stereotypical campiness of this genre by focusing on the human element rather than blood and gore. The Lost Party elevates your typical Zombie novel by having the reader make an emotional invest in characters that you can relate to. Using a Diary entry-style narrative to bring the reader up to date on the events that lead to the present is a brilliant way to draw the reader in.Although The Lost Party is a short story, I think the brevity of the narrative allows the build up to have more of an emotional punch. It's all at once terrifying and gratifying to read a Zombie book that actually has substance.My appreciation for this series grows with each new entry. I recommend The Lost Party (and its sequel "Feud") to anyone who enjoys a well-written story that takes the best elements of the Western and Horror without dumbing down the emotional content.4 Stars.Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.