Review: A Likable and Reluctant Hero
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 14, 2013
Black Redneck vs. Space Zombies by Steven Roy is a sci-fi/fantasy featuring a modern day cowboy-turned-writer who battles an alien invasion in his backwoods.Jefferson Balladeer returns home to Picayune, Mississippi to attend the funeral of his adopted brother, Big Beau. He is anxious to wrap up his white brother's affairs, sell the family's farmhouse, and return to his city life. Jefferson had left behind his harsh childhood as a black rodeo star, infamous for his stage name of "Black Redneck."Several million miles out from Earth, a bad bet turns horrible for aliens transporting a multi-tentacle monster that has a habit of infesting planets, turning the intelligent life forms into slaves, and eating all other living creatures in sight. This unstoppable beast escapes, crashes in Jefferson's woods, and converts a group of partying locals into zombies.Jefferson collects a gang of unlikely helpers that save the day. Author Steven Roy mixes shoot `em up, lassoing, and fancy horse riding with a clever squid alien. The story also has a "good guy" alien that resembles a robot, plus a clever little girl named Mary. She was my favorite character, and I smiled at how she won the day and dodged a lifetime of attending school, all at once.A way to make this good story even better would be to give the characters more depth with their feelings, especially during fights or romantic scenes. Engaging additional senses like smell and sound would also make the tale more immersive.Black Redneck vs. Space Zombies is an enjoyable romp with a likable and reluctant hero. For fans of classic pulp fiction,  this book is a recommended read.