Review: Mortality by Kellie Sheridan

Author:Kellie Sheridan Genre: Post Apocalyptic,Zombies Series: The Hitchhiker Strain #1 Publication: March 19,2013 Publisher: Snarky Books Copy Provided By: Netgalley After surviving a deadly plague outbreak, sixteen-year-old Savannah thought she had lived through the very worst of human history. There was no way to know that the miracle vaccine would put everyone at risk for a fate worse than un-death. Now, two very different kinds of infected walk the Earth, intent on nothing but feeding and destroying what little remains of civilization. When the inoculated are bitten, infection means watching on in silent horror as self-control disappears and the idea of feasting on loved ones becomes increasingly hard to ignore. Starving and forced to live inside of the abandoned high school, all Savannah wants is the chance to fight back. When a strange boy arrives with a plan to set everything right, she gets her chance. Meeting Cole changes everything. Mere survival will never be enough.

Review

Mortality follows teenagers Zarah and Savannah as they try and survive the Zombie apocalypse. With alternating viewpoints were given brief glimpses into each girls world as they struggle to survive. 

While I certainly like Mortality it did not live up to expectations. End Dayz which is this series prequel was great and really made me excited for this book. However,  upon completion I don't think Mortality pulled off the story nearly as well. Sure Zombies were a threat but they never felt scary. In fact the majority of the time they came off more as nuisances more than anything else.

Secondly, I definitely had issues with the character Savannah. She is just not a likable character. Half the time Savannah flip flops between being this highly courageous girl to one whom behaves more like a spoiled brat who didn't get her way. I also felt she was way to trusting and more than a bit reckless. 

Lastly, one of my biggest issues with Mortality was the pacing. I felt like I was on a roller coaster rather than a gentle rocking boat. The story never just seemed to find its flow. Thankfully the book was fairly quick so I managed to power through despite its obvious pacing problem. 

Now while I did have some issues with Mortality. I did find some things highly enjoyable.  

I loved Zaharah! She was everything Savannah should have been and then some. I also really loved the twist her character takes. It was great seeing the inner monologue of someone trapped in her own body and also quite heartbreaking as well. Although that ending.....why?? So much potential wasted. 

I also really liked Liam. He truly had Zarah's best interest at heart unlike Cole who never seemed genuine. I Although after that ending I'm really, really hoping the Author doesn't make him, Cole and Savannah into some sort of love triangle. 

One of the best parts about Mortality is the differences between the Zombies and Infected. While Zombies are your typical George Romero type, Infected act and behave more like those in the film series 28 Days Later. It's unique having both types in the same book but it definitely adds dimension to the story.

Overall, I did enjoy Mortality but I'm definitely left disappointed after the awesome set up from the prequel End Dayz. Would I recommend Mortality? Yes, In fact I'll still no doubt continue on with the series despite the first books flaws. With that being said, I'll be rating Mortality by Kellie Sheridan ★★★. 

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Want to check out my review of the prequel End Dayz? Click Here!