Review: Outstanding Horror Sequel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 26, 2013
I made it through two Zombie novels last year.  One of them was Belinda Frisch's CURE.  As soon as I opened it, the quality of the writing became apparent and the author's vision hooked me.  This was no half-baked, first time/first draft homage to the subgenre (not that I discourage such efforts--everyone has to begin somewhere and there is no indication that the Zombie revival is letting up yet), but CURE was exceptional.  It was clear right away that Belinda Frisch was a gifted novelist.  Her style was straightforward, unobtrusive; her handling of the multifaceted plot, sure; her characters distinct and believable; her way with mayhem shockingly effective.I finished the book eager to read more and was not disappointed when it came.  AFTERBIRTH, the sequel to CURE, is marvelous.Something happened between the writing of the two books.  I can't say what, exactly.  That would be for the author to discuss.  What I can say is this: as solid an offering as CURE was, AFTERBIRTH is even better.  And better on all counts.  Frisch's style is now so sharp and clean and precise that I stopped to re-read passages, in order to see how she had pulled them off.  She gives you just what you need to follow the tale and stay locked in the moment.  Every detail matters.  There are no distractions, no calling of attention to herself.  The focus throughout is remarkable.  Though the scenes are arresting visually, they aren't presented in widescreen cinematic fashion, but evoke an immediate, claustrophobic, handheld camera feel.  You are a participant-observer.  You are there, in the thick of it, as things are going down.  There is plenty of action and gore, as there was in the first novel, yet there are also situations that are emotionally stunning, in some cases heart-wrenching.  There are surprises and cliff-hanging incidents.  There is drama and suspense.  There are personal transformations among the protagonists.  What more could you ask for?I'd like to add that I love the artwork by Sarah Hansen (which would be equally suited to a graphic novel version) and thought A.J. Brown did a terrific job editing.From cover to cover, this book rocks.  I recommend both to those who are curious.  If you read and enjoy the first, you'll definitely want the second.Once again, I finish a novel by Belinda Frisch with anticipation for the next.