Review: Taking On The Dead by Annie Walls


Author: Annie Walls
Series: The Famished Trilogy #1
Genre: Zombies, Horror, Post Apocalyptic
Format: E-Book
Published: September 20, 2012
Copy Provided By: Author
Life for Kansas was perfect until the day the world changed.

She has been hiding out for four years in solitude. It's the only way to survive. The only way not to draw the living dead. Helping a small group of people, she learns the new world might not be what she assumes. Venturing out of her refuge and comfort zone, she meets Rudy, who helps her find a greater purpose. She realizes that the world has moved on without her. Only it's not what she expects. Her knowledge of the living dead grows and only makes her more curious as humanity continues to hang on by a thread. While on her search for answers she finds comfort in new friendships and love, but her past seems as if it will haunt her forever.

Kansas takes it upon herself to help other survivors, which would be easy if the famished were the only obstacles.



Review
Taking On The Dead was a book I had wanted to read for quite sometime. When I was asked to review it I felt I hit the jackpot and their might of even been a happy dance of joy involved as well. Unfortunately expectations and reality sometimes can be so cruel.

Here's the thing, I liked Taking On The Dead but... I wasn't in love as I hoped I'd be upon finishing. That being said here's The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Taking On The Dead.

The Good
I loved the fact that Kansas was a strong character. It's so refreshing to see a female who not only can kick ass but also is a true survivalist. I love how smart Kansas is and the fact she created a Zombie proof bunker complete with traps, ventilation and all the comforts of home by herself. Plus she uses a pistol crossbow and that is just awesome as it's one of my favorite weapons as well.

The Action was also a plus. When it was on, I loved it. I just wish we saw a teensy bit more of them surviving in the wild before heading to "Town". Some really awesome scenes happened during those pages and I loved the Zombie carnage as well.

Now one thing Taking On The Dead had that I really loved was the Clap Trap. A. awesome name B. I think the Zombie go-go dancers were a nice touch even if it made me uncomfortable knowing the poor girls couldn't give consent. 

Lastly, I really liked Glinda. Sure she was a prostitute but you could tell she was also a really kind soul as well. I also appreciated what she did for Kansas. I look forward to seeing more of her in the next book.

The Bad
OK I know above I mentioned liking Kansas and I did but..... she was also so infuriating at times. She was so stubborn!!! I just don't get it. She reminded me of a toddler who was angry her favorite toy was taken away by the end. Also the dreads? If your damn hair is such an inconvenience why not chop it into a pixie cut? I'm glad Glinda helped tame her hair but sadly I don't think we've seen the last of her bad hygiene habits.

The Love triangle was charming at first but then quickly ended up in daytime television territory. These are the undead days of our lives cue theme music. Then when it finally seems she's decided who she wants to be with oh no she can't. Martyr complex alert. Heaven forbid the characters act like adults and admit how they feel. Can't have that.

Finally, I hate saying this but everything was sort of to predictable. While I was surprised by a few things (the voodoo aspect, Mac's identity and the Zombie club) most major plot points were obvious either pages or chapters before they happened. It makes it hard staying engaged when your mind is already working out plot points pages ahead.

The Ugly
However, with all that being said  my biggest issue with Taking On The Dead was the length. It was way too long. The book would of been so much better if it was shorter. While Taking On The Dead was interesting the pacing definitely suffered in large chunks from way too much drama, too little Zombie action. I found it hard staying glued to the story due to this. Also events seemed to happen out of order. Kansas getting kidnapped by the crazy cult would of been better in the beginning when she was alone and then having her escape be found by Rudy and then the story continued on. 

Final Verdict
Am I disappointed? Yes. Does this ruin the book for me? No. While Taking On The Dead wasn't as perfect as I'd hoped, in the end it will still be a nice edition to my Zombie shelf. I'm definitely engaged enough with the characters to want to see what happens in the next book. After all, I need my HEA for Rudy and Kansas. Whether they know it yet or not those two belong together! Plus I want my pulse pounding, headboard breaking, steamy sex scene!!  You cannot have that much sexual tension without ever acting on it even just out of sheer curiosity or late night drunken post zombie slayage romp. That being said, I'll be rating Taking On The Dead ★★★.

Comments

  1. Ahh, I'm sorry you didn't love it as much as I did. Honestly, I can see your points on Kan. She is a bad ass and I choose to believe her stubbornness and social moronics come from spending so much time alone. At least, that's what I'm sticking with, as I did pick up on those too. And, yes Annie ~ please hot steamy sex scene for Kan & Rudy!!

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    Replies
    1. Yeah I'm sure some of it is due to being alone but I also believe it's a plot device to up the angst as well. While some readers might enjoy that I personally find it annoying. Still a good book though.

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  2. Oh bummer... sounds like you had several pretty major issues with this one. And I can't blame you because I'm pretty sure I would feel the exact same as you with all of the problems you brought up. Still, it's cool that you liked it overall despite being disappointed.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah I'll definitely still be reading the next in the series. I just couldn't ignore some of the things I found annoying.

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  3. Awesome review. i have read this one myself, and I understand your issues. I really did enjoy it though. Glinda is a crack pot and I love her! And Rudy and Mac I am conflicted about!

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

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