Review: Good YA Zombie novella
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 11, 2013
3.5 Stars for the first book in a YA zombie seriesThis book caught my attention a while back when I posted a spotlight for the start of this new young adult series about an eighteen-year-old girl whose life is irrevocably changed by a zombie outbreak. The beautifully illustrated cover, storyline of a zombie apocalypse, and excerpt I read enticed me to give this series a try, and by the time I finished I knew this was a series I would continue.Phase One: Identify is a novella of approximately 86 pages that introduces us to a strong-willed, kick-butt protagonist, Tabitha or Tabs, and the rest of her small group that bands together to figure out how they are going to survive when the world as they know it comes crashing down all around them.The story is narrated from Tabitha's point-of-view only, so her character is the most well-rounded compared to the others who have yet to be fully developed.  I'm sure as the series develops, we will get to know the other characters better, and already I have begun to care about them and am eager to see what happens to them.As an adult reading the book, it was clear to me that Wynters kept her targeted young adult audience in mind as she developed the plot. The writing style and casual voice are geared for juvenile readers. Furthermore, she does a good job of depicting the horrors of zombie attacks without the gory details that may be too frightening for younger readers.The story starts off a bit slow but helps us get to know Tabitha and her outlook on life. She's just graduated from high school, still lives at home with her parents, and has no definite future plans.  Just like most young adults starting their lives, she yearns for adventure, and definitely wants more than the monotony of working as a cashier in a small town grocery story. Little does she know, change is literally right outside the door.Unlike some books that begin in the aftermath of a zombie outbreak, Wynters immerses readers into the beginning of the apocalypse and, besides the action in the book, I was engaged in following the characters' gradual changes in mindset as they begin to grasp that the laws, rules, values that once helped stabilize society no longer apply, and by refusing to adapt, they continue to put their lives at risk.  Tabitha's Dad, Dan, is a prime example of this. When the outbreak first occurs, he is a pillar of strength who keeps hope alive when the others are tempted to fall into an abyss of despair.  However, as the plot unfolds, the young adults begin to see that his reluctance to act may get them killed. Dan still clings to the notion that the police and military will keep its citizens safe, and he is against the idea of Tabitha carrying a gun for protection.Although the adults are in charge of making decisions at the start of the story, they begin to take a backseat as Tabitha and Jayden, the twenty-year-old next door neighbor, gather weapons and lead the fight to keep their group safe. They understand that violence is necessary because there is no reasoning with the hoards of blood thirsty creatures slowly surrounding them, ready to attack.As with every good story, the danger escalates and the suspense builds as the group's situation becomes bleaker.  The second half of the story is action-packed, intense, and the appearance of the mysterious, bad-ass Kellen toward the end gives Tabitha hope for their survival.Although Tabitha has been crushing on Jayden for years, she is mesmerized by Kellen from the time she first lays eyes on him. And she's not the only one.  I'm already anticipating the romance possibilities and conflicts that are sure to ensue as the dynamics of the characters' relationships with each other evolve.Overall, I found the reading experience enjoyable, but there were some aspects that I found troublesome.  When the outbreak begins, Tabitha seems much too calm in telling readers what is happening.  I don't feel the range of emotions or shock that I would expect anyone to have in witnessing humans attacking and killing one another.  For me, the first part of the book lacked the vivid description I wanted as the drama unfolded.Throughout the entire story I am amazed at how calm, rational, and logical Tabitha is no matter how dire the situation or how much pressure she's under.  She doesn't show the fear, confusion, and panic like the others around her, but perhaps her unusual attitude is what will make her a strong heroine as the series continues.There were a few grammatical flaws, mostly with use of to versus too that over time did begin to bother me, but not enough to interfere with my enjoyment of the story. I knew this was a novella when I started the book, but I was frustrated that just as the story gained momentum and I began to get invested in the plot, I was met with an epilogue.  What disappointed me the most is that the book ended sooner than I would have liked.  I'm not a fan of novellas and rarely read them, so I wish that the start of the series had been a full length novel.  Others, especially younger readers may not mind this; it's just my personal preference. So, I guess I will just have to patiently wait for the next installment.  Please don't keep me waiting too long, Ms. Wynters!I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.